"Of course," he said, looking up for a moment. Callie stood, taking his bag for him. "I'm sure there will be another meeting eventually."
Arlo turned to her with furrowed brows. "He has your number?" Val glanced up at him with a raised brow. "Of course. He's my photographer." He frowned but said nothing more, and she grinned. "Aw. Arlo, are you jealous?" "No," he replied stubbornly. She laughed lightly and kissed his cheek. "You're the only one for me, boy. You know that." He relaxed and looked down at her. "I love you." "I love you too."
Callie frowned as the cold hit her, habitually tugging on her necklace. "Landon, part of me feels like you're thinking too deeply into this, " she said quietly, looking up at him. "What if something happens?" He pursed his lips, rubbing the back of his neck. "It will be fine. I think you need to stop worrying so much." "But I know you," she relied sternly. "I know you get too invested and bad things happen. I mean, you've been pepper sprayed multiple times because you got too close to riots. What if this is worse?" "Quit, Callie," he replied, his tone understanding but stern. "It will be fine."
Val was waiting outside the house quietly, her arms folded as she waited for Landon. * * * The cool wind chilled Arlo's cheeks as he walked the trail. He pushed his glasses up his nose, frowning in thought.
Landon caught up minutes later, stepping out of a cab with a slight wave, camera in hand. "Hey! Is this the place?" *** A little further up the trail, Callie sat against a tree. She was writing in a small notebook, sticking her tongue out slightly as she concentrated. She was wearing her glasses today, but only because she decided to write a bit.
"Yes," Val said, standing up straight. "Their daughter died three months ago. She was one of the timerless." *** Arlo cocked his head as he approached her. "Hello again."
He frowned. "I see.. Shall we?" *** Callie slammed the notebook shut out of surprise, and looked up, hastily pulling off her glasses and putting them her bag. "Uh.. hey."
He put the camera around his neck, placing the cap on the lenses. "Alright." *** She chuckled self-consciously. "You startled me."
Val headed up to the house, knocking on the door three times. There was a pause, and the door creaked open. A man stood in front of them, with curly brown hair and bright blue eyes. "Can I help you?" *** "Sorry," he said, giving her a half smile. "It wasn't on purpose."
Landon stood behind Val, his gaze meeting the floor as he seemed too nervous to say anything. *** "It's alright," she replied cheerfully, standing up. "I can be jumpy."
"We're the reporters from the Cailen Times," Val said gently. "I believe we spoke on the phone about an interview?" "Oh. Yeah. Come on in." *** "Care to walk with me?" he asked. "I have a mission in mind today."
Landon entered behind Val, only tilting his head to speak quietly to her. "What's their names?" *** She nodded. "Sure. What kind of mission?"
