Chloe
As we were standing outside of the auditorium I noticed that she was kinda small. I mean I was of average height or so, so Camila was not much smaller than me but I could tell she was short. She also had a nice smile on her. “Really you are? Why?” I ask her. “I’m happy i’m here I don’t need to deal with my parents and the pressure they put on me and my sisters”.
2 Likes
“You think I liked it?” She makes a disgusted face “Oh I see, girls fake it with you. What makes them want you, promising to do their homework? Becuase it can’t be your looks. Trust me if you were at all handsome or charming enough to do my job, you wouldn’t be behind the camera, hiding your face.” She turned to him. “You can be in my next few photos with me and check how unsuitable you are, when you see your face next to mine.” This was a way of teasing him, but honestly she always thought it was a shame how he captures so many things with his camera, but never made an autoportrait, becuase his smile should be captured on camera. She has a plan on how she should attempt to make him smile right as the camera captures it, but she doesn’t know how to convince him to step into the camera lighting with her withouth him thinking she’s mellowed out, so she did it this way, teasing him to do it. But right now that wasn’t as important. Knowing they can’t be late to assembly becuase they were too busy teasing each other outside of the doors, she said "Shall we? letting him know that it’s late and they should be in assembly by now. She oppens the door and walks in, but holds the door open for him after she enters.
3 Likes
“Sure. I might even get you more fans, especially girls,” Adrian joked. He’s heard Lorenzo mention wanting a girlfriend before, even enrolling in the academy for the same reason. It baffled Adrian. “Kidding. But seriously, I’m in.”
When Lorenzo described California, Adrian vividly pictured the scene. It was a bittersweet feeling, the smell of the ocean and warm summer rays on his skin - something he hasn’t experienced in a long time. The wildfires is something he’d rather not imagine. "I’d go now if I could, Adrian spoke as they reached the auditorium door. “We have to be stuck in school, though.”
2 Likes
Mateo
Teo nodded and smiled when Phoenix replied with they them pronouns were what they used. That was good to know and he filed it away so he alway knew that about Phoenix. “I use he him.” He replied nodding and smiling wide. “Identify as? I mean if you dont mind sharing? You non binary?” Teo fiddled with with his pencil as they talked and laughed a when Phoenix asked them to draw. “I ask pronounds because im trans masculine and didnt always pass.” He says shrugging. “Nope artist is my sister Cam she is here on an art scholarship im here for sports.” He admitted as he handed Phoenix a pencil and moved the paper between them. “Show me your best llama because im mine is going to look like a blob witn eyes.” he giggles as he draws a really bad kind of stick figureish drawing of what maybe could if you squinted and left a lot of room for creative liberty could sort of be a llama.
@Tina.G
2 Likes
Aria listened to Liv thoughtfully, taking in her everything her friend said. “Oh, wow, that sounds like quite the summer back home. Congratulations to your sister on the engagement, that’s wonderful news!” Aria offered a warm smile. “And as for your brother… well, that’s certainly a twist. Family dynamics can be quite interesting, can’t they?” Aria chuckled softly, recognizing the complexities that can arise within families. She continued speaking in a calm and more serious way, “I hope everything settles down for them. It must be quite a mix of emotions for your sister, given the surprise. Family, right? Always keeps us on our toes.” she shook her head and then let out a little giggle as she said that.
Aria then raised an eyebrow, her thoughtful curiosity shining through as Liv said she was glad not having to worry about that type of stuff. However, she did not feel like prying too much in her business, yet, wanted to give Liv a way to continue discussing if she desired so. Aria expresses with a level of curiosity and openness, “I totally get that everyone has their own path and priorities when it comes to relationships. It’s interesting how different people navigate these things, isn’t it?”
@ChayChay05 - Liv
“Yeah, living up to expectations can be a challenge. I get it. Sometimes it’s not easy connecting with everyone, especially when you have your focus on something you’re passionate about, like field hockey. But you never know, St. Andrew’s has a way of bringing people together in unexpected ways. Maybe you’ll find some cool connections along the way, on or off the field.” Owen gave her a friendly nod, acknowledging Lila’s perspective while also offering a positive outlook on potential connections at the school.
“And hey, hitting people does sound like a unique perk of the sport!” he offered a subtle chuckle. He appreciated how Lila had showed such a honesty about her interest with him.
As Owen noticed her reaction to him saying he was there for her if she needed it, it confirmed his suspicion about something being wrong. He decided however, that being lowkey about it, not putting to much pressure on it just keeping things casual would be the best.
“Absolutely, Lila.” his voice soft and kind as he spoke, “I’d like that. Whenever you’re ready or whenever there’s a quieter moment, feel free to find me. I’m always up for a chat about anything, whether it’s about school, hobbies, things that are bothering you, or just life in general. Looking forward to getting to know you better!” Owen offered a friendly smile, expressing his openness to future conversations and building a connection with Lila.
@ChayChay05 - Lila
2 Likes
Brex hadn’t exactly meant to come off as worked up he was more shocked but he knew his voice often carried an annoyed or even angry tone. He just went with it though there was no fixing it and the other kid honestly didnt seem too phased. Brex pushed his hair out of his eyes a little so he could get a better look at the guy. “No feathers ruffled man just didnt know where you came from and that you were even there.” he admitted with a shrug and tugged his sleeves further down again.
Brex could tell this kid was on edge but not trying to show it. But little did he know Brex was nervous and trying to hide a lot even beyond his nerves right now. He reached to his neck and ran his fingers over the st Jude pendant around his neck. It was his mom’s he didnt have much for memories of her but his necklace she gave him always calmed him.
“Yeah my dads a rock musician and he raised me pretty much always with the band. I mean i can play more instruments but base is my favorite and electric guitar is close behind.” he said with a shrug as he closed his fist digging his nails into his palms. He tried to make sure he looked bored and let his hair fall back in his face. “I play often so im sure you will hear me but if you want a bloody concert we could talk about some songs. You play anything?” Brex asked getting his nerve back and leaning into the other guy’s space a bit more.
1 Like
I smiled at her. “yes I am. I mean I’ve never been…” I pause for a minute as I think of the right words. “I’ve never been out of Texas before now, and being in a new place where you don’t know anyone and don’t really like talking to people first is kinda hard.” I admit to her a little self conscious. “are your parents hard on you?” I ask actually curious. I mean my mom didn’t really care too much for my brother and I since she had Diego. I mean like she was happy we got these scholarships and shipped off to school.
I listened as she talked. My mind started racing. What is she talking about I “can step into the photo and see how unsuitable I am” That is so rude. Why would you even say that to someone. I just decide to keep a smile on my face and not let her know how that hurt my feelings. I didn’t even get a chance to respond before she said “shall we.” I followed her into the doors. “Thanks.” I said as we walked through the doors. “care to sit with me? I mean we can talk still then till she speaks.” I look at her for her response. Truth be told… I’ve always thought she was beautiful. However I always felt out of her league. “You do know I stay behind the camera for a reason right? Like I take the pictures because I don’t like to be in them.” I said as I wait for her to talk.
I smiled at him as we reached the doors. “Yeah dude, but at least we are stuck here together, and hey we will get to Cali together.” I chuckle as I think about the first thing he said. “and of course you’ll get me some hot girl followers. They will just love your face dude.”
I listened as she talked. I smiled and nodded at her. I waited for her to finish before responding. “Well, to be honest, it was a crazy twist for sure. However my sister knew they were kinda dating so I wasn’t sure why she was so upset.” I let out a giggle. I mean her friend was hot. If I wasn’t so much younger I would try to get with her. “yes family can be trying, and difficult. However in the end family is all you got right?” I look over and smile at her. Now the last part was gonna be a little tougher for me but I thought for a moment before touching that part. “it is interesting and crazy how everyone navigates their relationships. I mean there are reasoning behind me being a lesbian. I just never talk about them to be honest. I mean I’m an out and proud lesbian, but I honestly don’t think that anyone knows what caused me to be that way or why I am. Some say it’s just the way you’re born, but honestly… for some it is that, and for others things happen that push them into a sexuality. Or at least that’s what happened to me.” I say as I shrug and try not to think about what happened. I hadn’t found anyone I could trust to tell them the story yet. However maybe. Just maybe I could trust Aria.
@Jass -Aria
As I listened to him talk I started to feel a little relaxed. I actually even think that I cracked a little smile for him. I never felt that way around a guy to be honest. I’ve always been scared and frightened to talk to or even be around a guy. Owen was definitely different though. I wasn’t sure what it was about him, but I almost felt safe when I was with him. I’ve never felt that before a day in my life. Especially not back home in Michigan. I zoned out thinking about Michigan and the things that happened. I didn’t even have friends there. I wasn’t allowed to talk to anyone unless my dad said I could. I wasn’t even allowed out the house except to go places he wanted me to go. That house. That place. It felt like… it felt like a death sentence. As I stood in front of Owen thinking all of this; I just hoped the fear wasn’t showing in my eyes. Usually when I think about it all people could see the fear in my eyes. My dad would get so mad at me about that. That he would hit me. I then got very cautious of where I was and stuff and snapped out of it. I shook my head to get the thoughts out. I then began to speak “it is a unique part of the sport. I mean you tackle people in football though.” I let out a little giggle. Then quickly stopped myself. I wasn’t allowed to laugh back home. “the talking later thing. It sounds wonderful to be honest. It’s just that…” I sigh… Why did I feel the need to tell him. Like how could I possible be safe enough to tell anyone about my life back home. How could I even consider telling someone. Why did I feel safe with him. Could he really protect me? Could he help me in anyway? “Well do you have to go now? I mean… She isn’t starting her speech just yet is she?” I asked as I didn’t want this conversation to end yet. I honestly wanted to sneak off and have some alone, one on one time with Owen. It’s the same speech we hear every year. It’s not like she was gonna say anything different. I couldn’t ask him to ditch it. Could I? I mean would he? No, he wouldn’t want to be alone with someone like me. I thought as I said what I said. Then I decided to just say it. “can’t we just ditch it? I mean it’s the same speech every year.” I looked down at the ground but smiled slightly.
@Jass -Owen
3 Likes
Killian
I smiled i liked to listen to him talk about football he was always so passionate about it. I always came when i could because i liked to watch how happy he got at every point scored and honestly at tbis point i knew enough about the game to at least enjoy it a little just in general. “No way good job I know when we were talking at the end of the year last year you didnt know if you would be starting quarterback this year or not.” I was really excited for him he was such a good player and he wanted this so bad. “Yeah im coming to all the home games i would go to your away games but i cant drive so i dont know how i would get there.” I say as i gently bump my elbow into his. “I try to be the best cheerleader you have and you know that.” I liked to support him and honestly it was a good time to get to hang out with him after a big win. He was always on cloud nine after a big win.
@ChayChay05
2 Likes
I smile big as I hear him say he will come to all the home games. “really dude you will?” I say with excitement. That made me so happy to hear. I wasn’t sure why it made me so happy. “who knows maybe since I’m a senior coach will let me drive myself to the games, then you can come to the away games too.” I smile. Honestly he was the best friend I never thought I would be able to have. Back in England I didn’t really have friends. I had gang members from the gang I was in, but no friends. It was nice to have him and be able to count on him. He really did mean a lot to me. “So are you excited for our Senior year? And to be roommates again?” I smile at him as I nudge his elbow back.
2 Likes
Killian
I smile when i see how excited he was. Honestly seeing him this happy was so sweet and cute. “I only missed one last year and its because i was sick so yes i plan to come to all of them Leo.” I say as i giggle a little. I really liked that it was easy to make him this happy especially because i like to make him happy. “I mean arent you like the captain of the team though. If i can find a way to get to the away games ill come but we will have to see. Maybe i could keep your stats or something?” I say as i think out loud about how i could manage to get to the away games. I really was happy to have him as a friend. I wasnt the most social before the accident and honestly it hadnt helped my confidence at all. I had honestly kind of expected when i showed up freshman year that i would still be kind of a loner here but i had wound up with Leo as my roommate and i dont know what it was about him but he knew how to pull me out of my shell right from the start and we had gotten super close. He was truly my bestfriend. “Im ready for senior year a little nervous but just beecause i need to get my applications into universities and tjat means i need to get my portfolio together since i want to go for art.” I smile at him. “Im super excited for another year of you as my roommate though because i dont know what i would do if you werent.”
@ChayChay05
2 Likes
I smile as he talks. His smile made me smile more to be honest. He didn’t seem to smile often but when he did it was the cutest one I’ve seen. “I know you will. And yes I am the captain. How about this?” I say as I come up with an idea for him to be able to come to the away games. I’m sure the coach wouldn’t mind either. “what if you are the water boy? Or like the equipment manager?” I couldn’t think of any other way he could ride with us on the bus. Or that I could drive us.
2 Likes
Killian
I was really excited to hear all about his plan honestly I had been trying to find a way to get to more games than I had the past few years. His smile was so genuine and it just always made me happy when he got excited and came up with big ideas. “Ill talk to coach tomorrow. I mean its not like coach has no idea who I am and honestly that would be kind of fun. At this point I know your game as well as you do.” I say as I nod at him smiling. I was really happy he wanted me included this much.
@ChayChay05
2 Likes
Chloe
I listen to her and see people keep going into the auditorium. I was wondering if we should go in yet or not but I don’t really want to listen to some dumb speech about welcoming us or the rules of the place that we have to follow. “I guess that makes sense but i’m sure you will open up more and it will be easier to meet people soon. The more that you talk to people the easier it will be. In regards to your question, oh yeah they are hard on me and my sisters and expect us to be perfect. My sisters listen and do as they are told I think because they are scared to get them upset, but me I am not scared of them or if they are mad at me. Anyways should we go in?”
2 Likes
I smiled as I thought about what to talk about. I wanted to just not be in here. I wanted to be chilling with him away from here, and of course hanging with Katrina too. However she didn’t seem to care much about meeting up with me. “So what do you wanna talk about till she starts talking?”
I nod and listen. “yeah I guess we should.” I say as I look at the door and turn to go inside.
3 Likes
Killian
I honestly didnt want to hear the same thing I did every at these welcome things and I looked at the time. “You want to go back to our room we are pretty early and honestly if we miss this its not like we havent already heard it three times.” I say as I shrug. “Want to ditch this?”
@ChayChay05
3 Likes
I smile big when he said that. It was like he was reading my mind. “how you reading my mind? Oh and yeah sounds good. Then we can get you unpacked and plan this party better.” I smile and we get ready to go. Honestly I wondered if he liked my accent.
3 Likes
I smile at him and start to head back towards the door. “Lets go Leo.” I say as I nod at him “Great minds think alike and this is not worth sitting around waiting for.” I say as i get ready to head to our room. “I would like to get all unpacked and then we can get things figured out and set up for both our room and the party.” I say as I smile at him. I really thought his accent was cute even it it was something i had gotten so used to. I wondered what he though about mine. I knew that in our first year he had a hard time understanding me sometimes.
@ChayChay05
2 Likes
I smile as he talks. “yes, let’s go.” I say as we get up and head for the door. I was so excited to do all this. We get to the door and head to our room.
2 Likes
“Ok cool.” I say as I excitedly head to our room. “You going to help me hang stuff on the walls and just generally decorate again?” I asked as I pulled out my keys for our room when we got to the door and unlocked it and headed in. I looked at my boxes and sighed. “Cant believe this is the last year we will do this. Just seems wild.”
3 Likes
Katrina looked in the mirror and sighed, quite flustered as she tried to pull down a small white blouse to cover her tummy, “Mama! Chan urrainn dhomh dad eile a lorg airson a chaitheamh! An urrainn dhut mo chuideachadh le do thoil?” She shouted over her shoulder. Her mother swiftly entered the room, “Tha eagal orm nach eil ùine ann, a ghràidh. Feumaidh sinn cabhag a dhèanamh!” Katrina hurriedly ran down the steps and gave her grandmother a swift hug before grabbing her packed lunch and dashing outside to the car. Once in the car, she exhaled a worried sigh and buckled up before pulling out her phone and pressing play on her most listened to Youtube playlist. When she saw the song her eyes lit up and she smiled, unplugging her earbuds and turning up the volume so her and her mother could hear and sing along, “Latha bha 'n Ridire ag òl…” Despite the somewhat macabre meaning of the song, Katrina loved the soothing melody she had heard since she was a little girl. As she sung she got a text from her boyfriend, Leo:
Hey baby, where are you?
Katrina eagerly replied as her mother shook her head. Both her mother and grandmother both didn’t approve of Leo, saying he was not the right guy for her and that she should find someone better. Katrina, on the other hand, was completely in love with him. He was big, handsome, strong, and popular. Not that she really cared about popularity but it must have meant he really liked her to ask her out. Her, instead of any other girl who followed him around like a puppies.
Dhùisg mi fadalach, leanaban ach tha mi air an t-slighe. Tha gaol agam ort!
They just barely made it as her mother parked the car and with a soft smile spoke to her daughter, “Deagh latha, a nighean. Tha gaol agam ort.” Katrina smiled softly and replied, “Tha gaol agam ort cuideachd, Mama!” Katrina grabbed her lunch and entered the building. From the main hall, she was directed to the auditorium and went inside to find a seat. When she finally found one, she sat down and patiently waited for the assembly to start. Just then a rather pretty girl asked if the seat next to her was taken. Katrina timidly tucked a strand of her vibrant red hair behind her ear and shook her head, “Chan e, chan eil mi a’ smaoineachadh sin.”
@Jass ~ Victoria
@ChayChay05 ~ Leo (mentioned) | text
4 Likes