To a certain degree Victoria could relate to the girl talking about education, Victoria herself had wondered quite a bit why they had to move to the States, and why she was signed up for a boarding school not being able to stay with her parents. “Oh, I completely understand the feeling. It is a bit surreal, isn’t it? Moving to a foreign country for school, especially when you’re used to the comforts of home and the schools in the United Kingdom. I’ve had similar thoughts myself when I first arrived a few days ago. The experience is undoubtedly different, but perhaps there’s a unique opportunity for growth and new experiences here. And if you ever feel homesick or need someone to talk to who understands, I’m here for you. It’s an adjustment, but we’ll get through it together.” she gave the girl a kind and reassuring smile.
“Thank you so much! I’d absolutely love to learn your language. It sounds like a wonderful exchange, and I’m sure it will make this experience even more enriching.” She giggled softly as she said, “See, there are certain perks to being in this intercultural learning environment. Looking forward to our language exchange!”
She felt some guilt once again, as she said, “Oh, no need to apologize at all, Katrina. Your name has a beautiful Gaelic touch, and I appreciate you sharing its pronunciation. ‘Ceannaideach’,” she pronounced it as Kennedy as Katrina had told her, “is quite fascinating.” This somehow got her more intrigued to learn even more of the Scottish language.
Victoria listened attentively as Katrina spoke about her experience in the Highlands, she couldn’t help but question as to how Katrina ended up at this quite exclusive academy, her family did not seem too wealthy based upon what Katrina had told her. “It sounds like you have a strong connection with your family, and that’s truly admirable. It’s natural for your mother to worry; mothers have a way of caring deeply.” She didn’t speak from own experience really, more so generally speaking, “Family bonds are precious,” this was younger Victoria coming out, the one who had been told time after time again she should be grateful and her parents provide her with the best bonds, even if they emotionally weren’t there for her. How blessed she should be to be of noble heritage and have her family provide everything financially for her, “and it’s wonderful that you reassure your mother.” a genuine smile now was visible on Victoria’s lips
“You…” As Katrina told her how some of the elements of the outfit made her uncomfortable, Victoria first wanted to make a joke about school uniforms in Britain, but based on Katrina talking about being schooled by her mother, Victoria felt that joke wouldn’t be received well, so instead she corrected herself, “I think you genuinely do wear it absolutely marvelous. However, ultimately, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident, and exposing more skin can indeed feel unusual, especially if it’s a departure from what you’re used to.” Victoria had actually enjoyed being able to expose some more skin, not be so caught up in wearing an uniform, but she understood how it was quite something to wear something as revealing as Katrina was wearing on your first day, yet, Victoria’s eyes took a brief moment longer to take the outfit in than she probably should have.
“You’re very welcome. Do you perhaps have some time tomorrow for a language learning session?” she inquired. Victoria was actually quite excited to get them started, get to know Katrina better and just plan a follow up meeting already.
@Bluecookies - During the writing I felt it is more natural for them to maybe end their convo now soon, like maybe just one more reply after each for now if you’re okay with that? Soon enough we can have them meet again!
Owen responded warmly to her asking if she did, “Yeah, you really do. Your smile brightens my day, and just being around you makes everything better for me.” It was true, while Owen had gotten so caught up in his day to day same rhythm of classes, basketball, studying, sleep and repeat, he hadn’t really had anything that brought him way he felt around Lila, it was like he could really live in the moment when he was spending time with her. However, it scared him too, it was clear a lot was going on with Lila, and he wasn’t even sure if she could handle talking to him about it. Yet, his mind was no longer occupied with just thinking about the situation she was in, sure he still wanted to be there for her and support her and help in any way he could, but his mind also went to a place of, what if this turns into something more than romantic?
“I love the idea of doing those things together, Lila. Playing sports, going on walks, and just spending time together sounds perfect.” he was already imagining how he would teach her to play basketball, and get absolutely beaten in hockey by her, he was quite competitive usually, but from her he would like that, “We can explore new places and make the most of our time here.” He knew Lila was quite sheltered in a way, that a lot of places he would want to take her to explore together, she might have never been, if she hadn’t even been in this nearby park during their time at the school, but he wanted to take her on that journey. Do those things, together with her.
@ChayChay05 - Lila