When I was done, Xander turned the lights back on, and I headed back to my seat. He stared at me for several long moments, and I shifted under his scrutiny.

When he spoke, his voice was quiet. “Can anybody tell me what Abbie’s images made you feel?”

Immediately, people around me called out emotions like joy, energy, enthusiasm. Someone else just said, ‘wow.’ I flushed. I'd never had this kind of response to my work. Hell, I’d never even shown many people my work aside from doing what it took to get offered a program like this. Xander gave me a little bow. “Miss Nartey, your work is exemplary. Even I'm impressed, and I’m not impressed by anything.”

Holy cow. Had I actually pulled this off? Was I a real-life photographer? Stunned into silence, all I could do was nod and try desperately not to cry.

As soon as the attention turned from me, I breathed a sigh of relief. The first person I thought of to call was Alexi. Of course, that would have to wait until I got home.

For the rest of class, I tried desperately to pay attention to the work of my classmates, but my mind kept wandering. The only person who’s work I did make it a point to focus on was Ilani’s. She’d become a friend, and I would at least give her that much respect. Though Ilani’s critique wasn’t nearly as positive as mine, neither had it been scathing.

When she returned to her seat, she slouched and threw her head back. “Was that as awful as it felt?”

I aimed for something that would make her feel better. “You’re exaggerating. You did fine.”

“I eeked out of that one by the skin of my teeth. The next assignment has to go better. I wonder what it will be.”

Xander turned the light on after the last critique. “As Miss Bruce is asking in the back…”

Ilani slunk down further in her seat.

“Your next assignment is to photograph love in any form or all of its forms. I want to see it. And while nudes are an important part of photography and art, for this particular assignment, please leave the nudie shots out. I want to make sure you can capture the raw emotion properly before we start going into risqué territory.”

Ilani leaned in and whispered, “I’d like to get into his risqué territory, if you catch my meaning.” She winked.

I couldn’t help a giggle. “You’re terrible. Besides, you heard him. He’s not looking to be seduced by any of his students.”

Ilani shook her head. “I think he doth protest too much. I heard the rule was set by the administration.”

I eyed her. “You’re trouble.”