Greer snorted, shaking their head. ”Oh, Jesus. Whatever you’ve heard of America from pop culture, I can assure you, the reality is so much worse. Hold on, because you’re in for the ride of your life. I loose brain cells every day from the people around me. Common sense definitely isn’t common here, and I’m one of those cases. I consider myself relatively smart, though. At least I have enough sense not to eat a Tide pod or straight cinnamon. Look that up, because I’m not explaining.” Greer nodded, taking their phone back. ”I use Facebook, but why don’t we just exchange numbers? That’ll be way easier.” They said, rattling off their phone number for Cal. When asked if they should know anything else for Greer’s panic attacks, Greer shook their head. ”Not that I can remember. If I think of anything, I’ll let you know.” They shrugged. ”I really don’t mind listening to your problems, but if you don’t want to burden me, I definitely won’t force you.”
@viiel.x - Cal
2 Likes
“Your humility is commendable, Shiloh,” Victoria replied with a gentle smile, acknowledging Shiloh’s modesty. She recognized Shiloh’s tendency to downplay compliments, sensing a hint of discomfort in the face of praise. “Yet, I assure you, your grasp of social decorum is quite evident.”
As Shiloh expressed her feelings of confidence, or lack thereof, in comparison to Victoria’s experience, Victoria listened carefully. “Oh, Shiloh, there’s no need to feel less confident,” Victoria replied, her tone gentle and understanding. She recognized Shiloh’s vulnerability in admitting her insecurities, and she aimed to offer reassurance. “It’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive when starting something new, especially with the knowledge that others have more experience. However, please know that your journey is unique, and we all have to start somewhere.”
Victoria’s words carried a sense of empathy and encouragement, aimed at lifting Shiloh’s spirits and bolstering her confidence. She understood the importance of support and guidance, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territory.
“I would be delighted to help you with the basics of volleyball,” Victoria continued, her voice warm and supportive. “Together, we can work through the fundamentals and build your skills at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Remember, every step forward is a victory in itself, and I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.”
As they approached Shiloh’s dorm, Victoria nodded in understanding. “Certainly, let’s be mindful of your roommate,” she agreed, respecting Shiloh’s consideration for her living arrangements. Her demeanor remained composed yet accommodating, ready to assist Shiloh in whatever way she needed. She then followed Shiloh into the room, which turned out to be empty. After putting the stuff in the room, Victoria said, “Ah, I must say, that wasn’t so bad doing it together, was it?” Victoria remarked with a light chuckle, gesturing towards the now arranged items. “But I believe we’ve still earned ourselves that coffee after all, ready to go” She gave Shiloh a warm smile as she talked.
@LunaticLeviTheSecond - Shiloh
1 Like
Izzy seemed to play along with his joke, responding in a light manner. As she called herself the real style icon, Adrian pulled his sunglasses down to his nose bridge. A pause followed as he looked up and down her outfit in disbelief. The paint stains stood out against her outfit, almost making his eyes burn. Just the imperfection and carelessness in her image, he couldn’t stand it. But he knew he had to keep the conversation friendly. Adrian raised a brow playfully, looking into her eyes with doubt. “Oh, really?” he asked, a smile forming at the corner of his lips. And shortly after he burst out laughing. “Please, you have to teach me your ways, great master! How can I ever reach your level of skill?” he teased back.
Yet despite the small deflection from the topic, Izzy’s concern wouldn’t fade. Adrian looked away while she reassured him. His laughing began to die down as he strained to keep his smile. Though he’d always wanted someone to show concern, just the thought of opening up about his feelings was unbearable. He felt backed into a corner, her eyes on him and anticipating a response.
“Yes, yes. I appreciate it, really,” he sighed. Maybe a lie would pass. “Well, there is something on my mind, I guess. But it’s not as serious as you think. I’ll tell you, though, since we’re… Friends.” Friends was an odd way to put things, considering how one sided it seemed. He looked up at her, his hands firmly holding onto the edge of the bench. “I guess I miss the summer. I didn’t feel like going back to class so soon, know what I mean? There were so many places I wanted to visit and things I wanted to do. But before I knew it, it was all over,” he shrugged, letting out a hollow laugh. “Back to endless academic suffering…” he added, trailing off into awkward silence.
When the topic changed to Izzy’s painting, Adrian sighed quietly in relief. “Yeah, go ahead!” He lifted his sunglasses to the top of his head and leaned forward in anticipation. “Landscapes are a good choice. But you must be really creative to be able to blend two different elements together,” he commented as she talked about her painting. He tapped his fingers on the edge of the bench, smiling slightly. It was almost unbelievable how curious he was.
As Izzy unveiled her artwork, Adrian’s eyes widened. A part of it was due to his surprise, that someone as insignificant as Izzy could hold such a hidden talent. The wildflowers were the first thing that caught his attention, mesmerized by the vibrancy of their colors. While she continued her explanation, he nodded along and let his gaze trail across the painting. She moved on to speaking about the background, and Adrian glanced at the scattered buildings, trees and water which remained unfinished. He was lost in a daze, studying the artwork from its brushwork to the smallest of details.
After a short pause, he spoke up. “…It looks… Amazing.” His wide eyes were almost shining in awe, unable to look away. “I’m personally a fan of realism more, but you make everything look so coherent. All the elements blend so seamlessly together. I especially like how you painted the flowers—” Adrian cut himself off, his cheeks going slightly red. He’d realized he went a little too in-depth for his liking. He cleared his throat, looking back up at her. “I mean, uh, you’re a very talented artist. You surprised me,” he laughed, trying to distract from his growing embarrassment.
He looked back at the painting as he considered her comment about adding a final touch. “I see what you mean, though. I think it lacks a little definition, to make it look more real and add depth to the scene,” he explained, as his gaze trailed up to the sky on the canvas. Oddly enough, he’d always found himself drawn to it, not only in paintings but in reality as well. “Hmm, and, you could add more to the sky, I think. It’s always the main element to set the mood and lighting of the piece. Just a suggestion,” he added casually and shrugged, acting as if he hadn’t put much thought to it.
1 Like
Shiloh wanted to squeal with joy when Victoria offered to help. “Would you? That would really help me out!”. After warning Victoria about the roomate, Shiloh opened the door to find her not there, and sighing with relief.
“It’s not that I’m that mindful of my roomate, but I already filled the room with so much stuff yesterday, and I brougth even more in, and then I might be disturbing her peace by carrying heavy stuff in and talking with a frie … colleague … I’m embarrased to be so annoying to her. Thankfully she’s absent.”
They walked in and Shiloh put the box down in the middle of the room. She put her hand out towards Victoria hinting for her to hand her the things in her hand. As she was being handed items, she responded to Victoria “Yeah, it was fun and the weight didn’t feel heavy at all.” Shiloh then put the things she was handed into the box and pushed the box under her bed. “Yeah let’s get that coffe.” She took a small bag and put in her phone, her wallet and a map of the school. Before they left she said “Let’s not actually get coffee, because it’s late and I won’t be able to sleep. Unless it’s decaf.”
@Jass - Victoria
NEW DAY STARTS NOW
@LunaticLeviTheSecond @Ouijaloveletters @Jass @Bluecookies @bpalmer @eunoia @viiel.x
6 Likes
Jasper had his first 3 classes of the year. It was quite a boring morning, every minute of the class he felt like such an outsider. Mostly because these classes were severely under his level, he had gone through them already his previous year. Only class he was looking forward to was the acting one, even his previous year he had adored that class over any of his others. His morning classes however, they weren’t quite enjoyable, so he felt a sense of relief when it was lunchtime.
As Jasper noticed Kayden standing alone during lunch, he decided it was a good opportunity to approach him and strike up a conversation. He felt they would be crossing paths often this year, so he wanted to get to know Kayden for himself. With a friendly smile, Jasper made his way over to where Kayden was standing.
Jasper approached Kayden with an easygoing grin, his backpack slung casually over one shoulder. “Hey mate! Room for one more? I was getting tired of my own company, thought I’d upgrade to some quality conversation.” He leaned against an adjacent table, a nonchalant posture that suggested he was completely at ease in social interactions.
“How’s your day going?” Jasper inquired with genuine interest. His eyes sparkled with a friendly glint, and there was an openness to his body language that invited Kayden to share. “Any exciting plans on the horizon? Or are you just navigating the thrilling journey of surviving classes and hoping to make it through the days unscathed?” His tone was light-hearted, aiming to make Kayden feel at ease and perhaps even draw out a chuckle.
@Kate - Kayden
Victoria awoke early on the first day of school, a surge of excitement propelling her into action. Eager for the day ahead and with volleyball tryouts looming, she laced up her running shoes. The campus, still wrapped in the quiet embrace of dawn, beckoned for a brisk morning run.
As her feet pounded against the pavement, a sense of anticipation filled her. The crisp morning breeze enlivened her, and each step seemed to amplify the thrum of excitement within. She wasn’t a slave to a running schedule, but today had felt perfect for a run - a mix of the joy of classes beginning and the physical preparation for the tryouts.
Returning to her room, Victoria prepared for classes, relishing the freedom to choose her attire. Gone were the days of school uniforms from her London life. She selected pleated trousers and a crisp white cardigan. Meticulous attention was paid to every detail of her outfit. It wasn’t about impressing others, but rather about finding comfort and confidence in herself.
As she made her way to classes, Katrina weighed on her mind. Katrina had cancelled on their language session the day before, understandably so with what went down, but Victoria had been excited about their session for both intellectual reasons, learning a new language, but also to spend more time with Katrina and get to know her on a deeper level.
In Chemistry, Victoria embraced the challenge of the honors class, while it was a difficult class, Victoria enjoyed the intellectual stimulation it offered. The English class that followed, however, felt incomplete without Katrina’s presence. Her thoughts drifted to Katrina and the challenges she faced in the recent days. It pained Victoria to imagine anyone enduring such hardships, especially someone as kind and friendly as Katrina appeared to be. Thoughts of her swirled, distracting Victoria from the lesson on athlete movements.
During the lunch break, Victoria’s concern for Katrina compelled her to action. With a sense of purpose, she gathered lunch for both of them and made her way to Katrina’s dormitory. Knocking gently on the door, she called out, “Hi Katrina, it’s Victoria. I heard about what happened, and I just wanted to check in on you. Can we talk? I brought us lunch.”
Pausing for a moment, Victoria remembered the Scottish Gaelic phrase she had learned. “Could you open up for me, mas e do thoil e? please” she added, hoping the familiar language would offer comfort and familiarity to Katrina. She waited patiently for a response, her concern palpable in the air.
@Bluecookies - Katrina
1 Like
Kayden woke up and got ready for the first day of classes. He was super excited since he likes to learn and is pretty good at grasping the information. Plus it was a new school, new start and he is not in the same town. He finished his first 3 classes of the day and he had lunch next which he went to the cafeteria and got his food. He ended up looking around the room to see if there was any tables open for him.
As Kayden was looking around the room he heard a voice and someone stand right next to him and it sounded familiar so he turned his head and saw none other than Jasper which he remembers seeing briefly yesterday and how Brex has mentioned him a little yesterday as well. “Hey Jasper yeah we can sit together that sounds nice to be honest, plus I don’t really know anyone here and do not see Brex or Finn.” He smiles at him and they find a table and sit down.
As we sat down Jasper asked me how my day was “So far my day is going well, like my classes so far. How about yourself?” He could tell Jasper was nice and trying to be nice as well which he did not care about. Plus he knew if something happened between Brex and Jasper then Kayden will be seeing him a lot more so might as well talk and get to know each other better.
@Jass - Jasper
@bpalmer - Brex mentioned
@ChayChay05 - Finn mentioned
2 Likes
Jasper responded warmly to Kayden’s invitation to sit together, appreciating the opportunity to connect with someone new. He smiled in return and followed Kayden to the table, taking a seat opposite him.
When Kayden shared about his day and classes, Jasper listened attentively, nodding in understanding. He offered a genuine response like, “Glad to hear your day went well this far. Classes can be hit or miss, but it’s always a relief when they turn out alright.” He said as he leaned back a bit in his chair, “I survived my classes, but I must admit, they’re a bit of a snooze fest. Already went through them last year, so not much of a challenge.” He had decided to be open with Kayden a little bit how he was really feeling about the classes. While he didn’t know Kayden too well yet, he trusted him enough to do so by association and his first impression.
He wanted to get to know him better though, so he followed up with a question, “Hey Kayden, spill the beans, mate. You’re fresh to this academy, yeah? What’s the story? Are you from 'round these parts or did you come from afar to be here, like me?” Based on how Kayden spoke Jasper assumed he was from the States, but he wasn’t quite sure.
@Kate - Kayden
1 Like
The night of the party Katrina had cried herself to sleep, the following day she had stayed in bed, the night she had cried herself to sleep. This morning was no different, she got up went to the dorm kitchen without a word to her roommate grabbed the of the ice cream out of the fridge that someone had left at her dorm room to cheer her up after…what happened. She had also got one of those Hallmark condolence cards expressing sympathy. She glanced at it on the coffee table before trudging back to her room and climbing under the covers.
At lunch time, she begrudgedly got out of bed to find something to eat, despite not wanting to leave her bed. She was about to find something to eat when a soft knock on the door caught her attention, however before she could tell whoever was there to ‘go away’, a voice called out, "Hi Katrina, it’s Victoria. I heard about what happened, and I just wanted to check in on you. Can we talk? I brought us lunch.” Katrina hesitated for a moment, it was hard not to think that all Americans would act like…him. However, tugging in the back of her mind was the first interaction she had with Victoria, she was nice and kind. As she bit her lip, figuring out what to do, Victoria had spoke again, " Could you open up for me, mas e do thoil e?" Katrina’s ears perked up at the sound of her native language. She slowly opened the door and there in the hallway stood Victoria wearing pleated pants and a crisp white shirt holding two bags, presumably their lunches. She smelled good, whatever the scent was, it complimented her attire. Katrina’s half smile faltered a bit, still deeply wounded. She opened the door wider and gestured to let her come in.
@Jass ~ Victoria
1 Like
The morning of Robin woke up with some excitement, it is a new place after all and it was enough to keep him up with the good type of anxiety. He was anxious to meet new people, to eat lunch now that his situation is known and to learn something new. It also helped the morning’s bliss promised him a great day. He put on a basic outfit, becuase although he’s excited for the first day and he’d probably want to show it in his outfit, he’s too anxious to do so.
After a pretty uneventful morning, the bell rang for lunch. Although the first part of his day turned out a dissapointment, he was excited for lunch, since not only is he getting help but that’s also where he met Camilla, and he liked her as much as he can like a girl. When he sat down to eat his lunch, and the cafeteria ladies sighed with relief when they realized he wouldn’t be asking so many questions anymore, he looked into the line of queueing people and noticed somebody familliar. To his great luck it was Camilla. Her brother isn’t the only thing he likes about her, but something about her strikes him as creative or artsy or both. He waved to her and with a hand gesture called her over, hoping she wasn’t planning to join somebody else.
2 Likes
Ezra had woken up and gotten ready for classes. He was rather nervous. He wasnt great at school and had been suspected to have had a learning disability for years but he had been bounced around enough thanks to his parents that he was never tested for anything. He was glad it was a new school and that he would have someone he at least knew there to ask for help if he needed. He was also excited to make new friends though. He had gone to his first three classes and they hadnt been too bad since it had been a lot of welcome back and get to know you work. He saw Braxton on his way to lunch and smiled as he rushed over to him.
Ezra had seen him in only a few of his classes and honestly was hoping he was all good he looked kind of exhausted. Ezra threw his arm over Braxton’s shoulders and smiled as he came up beside him. “You all good?” he asked softly shooting him a smile. “Mind eating lunch together? I feel like I havent seen you today as much as I thought I would.”
@ChayChay05
1 Like
They both sat down and Jasper said to Kayden that it was good that his classes were good so far and added commentary about how classes can be a hit or miss. Kayden started to eat a little as Jasper was talking and he was taken aback by Jasper saying that he already went through them last year so not much of a challenge. “Yeah classes are a hit and miss but usually I like all my classes. I’ve always like school but since I made this promise to very important people to me I take it even more seriously now you know. But I am honestly very surprised that you took these classes last year, i’m assuming you are repeating them or a grade?”
Kayden did not mind or judge Jasper if he did get held back a year, school can be tough in general. Jasper also wanted me to spill the beans about myself like more about me and where I am from. “Yeah I am new here which I am excited about to be honest. In regards to wear I am from, i was born and lived in South Carolina all my life in a little town called Simpsonville. As for you I am assuming you are from Australia right? I can tell by your accent”
Kayden figured since he was trying to get to know him more maybe he should ask Jasper a few questions. He took a sip if his drink first and swallowed it before talking again. “So besides where you live, tell me more about you as well such as do you have any siblings? What do you like to do for fun? How did you hear about this school?”
@Jass - Jasper
2 Likes
Ken walked briskly towards his dorm, his mind swirling with thoughts of Sigrún and Rodney. Sigrún, with her toned muscles and captivating smile, had caught his eye during their workout session at the gym. He couldn’t help but be drawn to her confidence and strength.
And then there was Rodney, the kind-hearted boy who had confessed his feelings for Ken. The thought of rejecting Rodney’s kiss made Ken feel a pang of guilt and embarrassment. He knew he liked Rodney back, but perhaps he wasn’t ready to fully open up yet.
Lost in his thoughts, Ken didn’t even notice the missed calls from his dad on his phone. He was too preoccupied with his own internal struggles to pay attention to anything else. Finally reaching his dorm, he noticed his roommate Mateo sitting at his desk.
Realizing he had been standing there awkwardly for a moment, Ken cleared his throat, “hey, Mateo. Oh gosh, that’s even worse. I mean—I’m Kenneth. Ken, call me Ken… or Birdie. Ahh, sorry, I should have let you introduce yourself. But I do know your name,” he awkwardly shrugged. “Would it be too much to start that over? It’s been quite eventful the last few days,” Ken winced despite his best efforts and his weird burst of confidence.
@bpalmer • Teo • hope this is alright, Ken is slightly out of character but I’ll get him back on track!! 
@Bluecookies • Siggy mentioned
@ChayChay05 • Rodney mentioned
2 Likes
Mateo had gotten super overwhelmed and had gone back to his room to work on school work. He needed some quiet. There was too much new going on and he still really didnt know enough people to feel comfortable here. He could only fake being ok here for so long and the classes he had already today had drained him.
He didnt want to tell Cam about this he had enough problems that he had burdened her with over the years. His anxiety was something she knew about but he had always managed to downplay it to her and make it sound a lot less serious than it was for him. He just got so easily overwhelmed with everything lately and that got him so much more nervous on top of it. He was hoping that when he had lacrosse practice everything went ok because if it went bad he wasnt sure he wouldnt completely spiral.
Mateo wished his mom would call. He thought that maybe talking to her would help but he knew that she would be worried about him if she spilled everything. He just had to focus and make it through here. Things would get better eventually right?
He was lost in his own thoughts when he heard the door and nearly jumped out of his own skin. He quickly turned and saw who he was guessing was his roomate Kenneth. They hadnt really met yet so he wasnt certain but considering the guy had walked in like he belonged there it was a good assumption. Teo waved a bit awkwardly. Teo giggled a little as Ken… or Birdie stumbled all over their words. Honestly thats how Teo had been feeling. It lightened the mood a lot and Teo nodded at him. “Its all good man. You can call me Mateo or Teo whatever you want but Birdie sounds like a cool nickname.” Teo smiled a little and put his work off to the side of his desk. “No man we can start from the beginning if you want its been a lot for me too but probably not in the same way.” Teo smiled at him. “Im Mateo Garcia you can call me Teo though if you want. Where are you from? Im from Texas.”
@eunoia
@ChayChay05 ~Cam mentioned
1 Like
Victoria let out a small sigh of relief when she heard the door open, it made her happy that Katrina had decided to let her in at this time she must really feel vulnerable. “Tapadh leat”, Victoria greeted warmly, a genuine smile brightening her features as she entered the room. Katrina had worried about how she looked yesterday, but Victoria thought Katrina was one of those girls who could pull anything off, even a pyjama.
She decided that maybe words weren’t enough for this moment, so, she put the lunches down and pulled Katrina into a hug. She hoped it wasn’t too much, but she knew that if she had been in Katrina’s shoes, she would have appreciated the gesture. When she let go, she decided to keep what she said simple, letting Katrina decide herself how much she wanted to talk about what happened. “How are you holding up, Katrina?”
@Bluecookies - Katrina
2 Likes
“Ah, gotcha,” Jasper nodded, his tone easygoing. “Yeah, I’m repeating freshman year, so you know, I did these classes last year. So kinda breezed through 'em this morning. But hey, good on ya for taking your studies seriously. Respect.” Jasper meant those words, he could appreciate people who took their studies seriously.
As Kayden shared about his hometown and guessed Jasper’s origin, Jasper chuckled lightly. “Spot on with the accent, mate. You’ve got a keen ear. G’day from the land down under.” When Kayden turned the conversation back to Jasper, asking about his own life, Jasper’s expression softened. He appreciated the chance to share a bit about himself.
“As for me, I’m an only child back home,” Jasper explained, offering a small grin. He then continued talking, “Just me and the folks. How about you, any siblings?” he returned the question. He then went on to answer what he liked to do for fun, “For fun, you’ll often catch me drumming away or rehearsing lines for the next big theatre show. And if I’m not at the drums or on stage, I’m probably out exploring the great outdoors. As for how I found this place, well, let’s just say fate brought me here, and I’m grateful for it.” He couldn’t help but smile, this year he had already felt so happy here.
@kate - Kayden (sorry kinda rushed as I’m nearly at my station)
2 Likes
Kayden listened again as Jasper was talking and how he was repeating his freshman year. Since Jasper said that it was good on him for taking his studies seriously Kayden was assuming last year Jasper didn’t really try, but he was not jut going to assume anything. He nodded when Jasper said he was an only child as Kayden is to or I guess was and he remembered Brex mentioning Jasper played the drums when they talked yesterday.
“Oh yeah I remember Brex mentioning that you played drums. I also play the drums so we have something in common but I haven’t played in nearly a year so may be a little rusty. In regards to your statement and question I am also an only child well until last year I guess.” He smiles at Jasper and stays quiet for a moment. “Yeah I like History and Geography I guess so I pick up on things when I learn at times and you do theatre? I would have never guessed to be honest.”
@Jass -Jasper
Koda
Koda already hated today and it hasn’t even been half the day yet. He got his lunch and started to walk to a table table since he did not see his besties yet, but hopes they have this lunch as well and can sit together unless of course they met other people they wanted to sit with. As he was walking he bumped into a girl that was just standing there, guessing some friends just left or something. “Damn girl have you ever thought about walking away and not just standing in the middle of the place, or are you just dumb?”
@viiel.x - Hope
1 Like
Braxton hadn’t slept well last night. He hd a tough time getting up after all the fun him and Ezra had yesterday. Plus they stayed up late talking with one another. Braxton got dressed and went to his first three classes. He was at lunch walking towards a table when he heard Ezra. “Yeah we can eat lunch together.” He said with a smile. As the walked to go get food first. He was so exhausted he almost forgot to get food. They waited in line.
2 Likes
Camilla had went to her classes and paid attention. They weren’t that fun but then again school wasn’t really fun either. The bell rang dismissing her to lunch. She walked into the cafeteria. She got in line and got her food. As she came out the other side and looked around the cafeteria she noticed Robin waving her over. Since she didn’t have anywhere else to sit she walked over to him. She walked up and took a sit. “how are you today Robin?” She said with a warm smile.
1 Like