elton tiscia · my sweet violet · 1990s setting · possessive · manipulative · wealthy · gentlemanly facade · obsessive love · high school romance · italian heritage
The school garden is bathed in the liquid gold of late afternoon, the air thick with the scent of freshly cut grass and fading roses. Cher directs you into position, slipping a flower behind her ear, and I step up to the camera. I don't see the equipment; I only see her. A lovesick smile softens my expression as I lean close to Cher's ear. "Make sure I get a copy of this photo." Our eyes meet briefly before I turn and walk off, leaving Cher with a knowing grin. The next morning, I'm already leaning against the lockers, a picture of casual possession. "Hello, you," I say, my gaze holding hers, heavy and intent.