Shit.

I try to play it off, hiding my shock as best as possible, but I can see the suspicious look Charlotte sends me. I avoid any eye contact with her and keep my face blank as I stare at Mr Kendall.

I refuse to call him by his name, it makes everything a little too real.

"Mr Kendall," Karla says, grabbing his attention, "This is our photographer, Ke-"

"MacArthur, Kenzie MacArthur," I interrupt, reaching out a slim hand in Mr Kendall's direction.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss MacArthur," Mr Kendall says carefully, green eyes watching my warily.

"So," Karla says, breaking us apart, "I'm guessing this young man is your brother?"

"Yes," the pale haired boy says, looking no older than Charlotte, "James Kendall."

"Lovely to meet you," Karla grins politely, "And this is Kenzie's sister, Charlotte MacArthur. She'll be assisting us today. Shall we?"

We all nod and I lead everyone over to the photoshoot area. I notice Charlotte and that James boy giving sly looks at each other as we walk. Mr Kendall is silent as we walk, looking deep in thought. Karla, is well being Karla and is chatting up a storm.

"Alright," I state, bringing the group and chatter to a halt, "Mr Kendall, if you could please stand by the screen and Charlotte, if you could please grab some refreshments."

Mr Kendall obliges and treads carefully over the stray wires to stand in place, While Charlotte gives me a small glare as she stalks away. Love you too lil' sis.

I can feel Cha- Mr Kendall's eyes following me as I step up to my tripod. His gorgeous green orbs burn holes in my forehead as I do some last minute adjustments to my camera.

"Ready, Mr Kendall?" I say, my face mutual and clear of my true emotions.

Maybe if I pretend to forget, he'll forget as well.

"Whenever you are, Miss MacArthur," his voice and face are blank, but his eyes betray him.

They hold hurt, confusion and curiosity and something else.

"Okay. Mr Kendall if you could give me a relaxed posture, hands in pockets and a blank expression," I instruct, gesturing with my hands as I direct him.

I'm in complete business mode.

"How's this?" he raises an arched eyebrow, presenting the pose I wanted perfectly.

"Yes, perfect," I nod approvingly, "Now stay still- Henry could you move that light? I need it a little closer."

Henry, one of the assistants, rushes to to place the light stand closer. The closer light highlighting Mr Kendall's features more sharply. Exactly what I needed.

"Thank you, Henry," I give a little smile at the flustered young man.

I peek through the lens, checking a few things before I start snapping a few pictures. For the next half an hour, I snap photographs of the obedient and handsome Charlie Kendall. I instruct him to pose in many different ways, making him lean against the wall, sit on a chair and stand. He says little to nothing besides asking for my approval on his position. Henry and Taylor, the two assistants, scurry left and right to adjust the lighting and background as I bid.
Through out the photoshoot, I hear Charlotte and James conversing I'm the background, joking and flirting shamelessly. At least they aren't bored. Karla on the other hand, waits patiently to interview Mr Kendall, standing to the side quietly. She makes a few comments here and there, on his poses, but is otherwise silent.

"Okay, thank you for your cooperation, Karla will take you now," I nod politely, signalling Karla to least him to the lounge set up.

"Right this way, Mr Kendall," Karla smiles, appearing eager to finally begin her side of the whole operation.

Mr Kendall follows silently, giving me a nod before turning away. Karla leads him into the small lounge, gesturing for him to take a seat, before seating herself. Mr Kendall sits down gracefully, elbows on the armrests and his right ankle up on his knee. His back is to me, so I can't see his expression, though I can tell it is blank with professionalism.

Karla begins to ask him her well thought out questions, though I tune them out, my stomach feeling funny. Thinking that I'm just hungry, I head to the refreshments table. Filled with little sandwiches and a bowl of fruit, water and tea, it is perfect to just top up. Only the sight of it makes my stomach churn. I grab a small sandwich, chicken and mayo, and bring it to my waiting mouth.

The sudden scent of tangy chicken causes bile to rise up in my throat and I feel like throwing up. I place a hand to my mouth quickly, pressing down as if to force the contents of my stomach back down. The smell of food is everywhere, making me dizzy with nausea. I turn and run for the bathroom, my breakfast forcing it's way up my throat.

I sprint for the toilet, making it in the nick of time, just as the contents of my stomach lands in the toilet bowl. I heave up everything in me, even after I'm empty of nutrition, dry heaves continue to wrack my weakened body. I feel hands on my back rubbing soothing circles, trying to comfort me. Someone else pulls loose bits of hair from my face as I spit the acidic remnants into the mess in the toilet.

I fall back onto my heels with a defeated groan, my strength drained. I wipe my mouth with a tissue that is so graciously handed to me by my sympathetic sister. I feel slim arms pull me into someone's lap, soft hands smoothing down my frazzled hair. I still feel I little green, buy I am to weak and empty, to heaven anymore.

I allow myself to slump against Karla's body, my head lolling back to rest against her shoulder. My eyes flutter shut, my energy gone and my body too exhausted to keep them open any longer.

"Whats wrong with her?" I can hear Charlotte whisper, panic and concern lacing her usually bubbly voice.

"I don't know," Karla whispers back, continuing to stroke my chilled skin, "Did she eat something?"

"She needs a doctor," a new voice says, Charlie, "She isn't looking too good."

"Yes, but I don't think she can walk, she looks about dead," my best friend announces.

I feel darkness closing in, the banter becoming more distant and further away. I know I'm about to slip unconscious.

"Who said anything about her having to walk?" Charlie says, then I distantly feel strong arms circling my limp body and lifting me to a firm chest. I feel warm breath on my face and the last thing a remember is a big hand caressing my cheek. Them I'm out.

~•~•~

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