Heh, and so's this. on Crotalus Commons

Alexis Ashwood

April 06, 2008 10:13 PM

Concerned? That's new TAG: Laurie by Alexis Ashwood

This was very unlike Alexis. If she didn't like someone, she couldn't care less if they were upset. Right now, though, she was...worried wouldn't be the right word. Concered. That was it. She was concered about Laurie. She had ran out of the Opening Feast crying, probably for some stupid reason, but Alexis had the feeling that it was her fault.

It's not that she cared about Laurie's feelings. What she really cared about was Laurie's relations with the Warren twins. No matter how barbaric those two were, they were purebloods. And Alexis had a feeling that she could only get on their good side through Laurie, which was what she intended to do. She had had enough practice with these kinds of 'apologies' to make them entirely convincing by now.

So as soon as she could, Alexis had excused herself from the Cascade Hall and went up to the commons. She hoped Laurie would be there. Unfortunately, that might mean Josh was near by. Well, the more the merrier for this unlikely apology, right? After a while of searching, Alexis finally found the little crybaby she was looking for. A worried expression fixed on her face, Alexis carefully approached the girl.

"H-hey..." she stuttered awkwardly, making sure to look at her feet. "I was just wondering if...if you were okay..." She bit her lip as she brought her gaze up to Laurie. "You seemed really upset when you left."

Subthreads:

Heh, and so's this. by Laurie Cider with Josh Warren, Alexis, Laurie, Josh and (entrance) Renaye, Renaye and Josh, Cecily Smythe, Chrissy Mathers

It wasn't meant as a compliment. by Chrissy with Alexis, Josh

0 Alexis Ashwood Concerned? That's new TAG: Laurie 117 Alexis Ashwood 1 5

Laurie Cider

April 07, 2008 7:58 AM

Heh, and so's this. by Laurie Cider

OCC- I'm going to presume that regardless of whether or not Josh decided to join Laurie in returning to the dorms, she would bring down her dad's basket of goodies, if only to offer them around the room, etc.

IC-

Laurie edged past the crowd of first years that were engaged in listening to Professor Powell's welcoming speech. Once out of view, she took the stairs to her dorm room two at a time, not really intending on making direct eye contact with anyone. She had a purpose: retrieve the basket of food and return to the common room for its consumption. She did pass along a few short greetings during the trip, more than a little pleasantly surprised by the sentiments. It was really so nice to not have to deal with that apprehension from last year's arrival. The homesickness. . .it had been cured somewhere down the line.

She threw herself gracelessly down into the first sofa she came upon, and then with a completely different sort of manner, began to meticulously open and separate the basket's contents. A shadow fell over her work, and without glancing up, she called out a greeting. "Josh, excellent, so it's pretty much all finger food-"

"H-hey. . ."

Laurie lifted her gaze, her hands stopping with their motions. Not Josh. "Alexis? Uh. . .hi."

Immediately, some of that quashed wretchedness from earlier began to poke its way back into her stomach. She really had over-reacted before; she bit her lip, her brown eyes turning askance. But Alexis looked just as uncomfortable as Laurie felt, the girl's expression surprising her. This was not expected, not at-

"I was just wondering if...if you were okay...You seemed really upset when you left."

Definitely not expected. Laurie felt herself begin to get flustered and looked away. "I experienced a brief. . .that is, how to say it?" She lifted her head, expression sheepish. "I had a moment of inner conflict. But," and with this, she offered a somewhat crooked smile, "I feel better now. Good friends are the best remedy, I think, when you're feeling sorry for yourself."

She pushed herself up from the couch, brushing a few crumbs from her jeans, and brought herself eye level to Alexis. She always felt silly when having to peer up at someone during a conversation. There was only one way to get to it, she decided after a brief pause; she needed to apologize. "I'm sorry for snapping at you back then. I interrupted you and Cecily and said things too quickly. And," she rushed to finish the apology, her shoulders suddenly feeling loads lighter, "what I said about you and your cousin was mean and totally not fair."

"Oh, to make up for it, you have to take this!" Laurie rummaged in the basket briefly before coming up a cup-sized container and a plastic spoon. "My dad makes cookbooks, and he just finished a new one, so this is a brand new recipe. You'll be one of the first people to taste it. It's called Tinderblast Trifle." Two moments later, and she hastily added, "Don't worry, the recipe has been completely tested. It's really good, I promise."

She stepped back, oddly pleased with the encounter so far. It wasn't to say that she was heads over heels prepared to become buddy-buddy with Alexis, but it did make her want to reconsider her current opinion of the girl. Perhaps Alexis, too, like Laurie, had sometimes said things too quickly. If it wasn't for the fact that Alexis just came off. . . insincere half the time, Laurie might have already decided to change her mind. But as it was, some small amount of good sense in her insisted she remain skeptical.

0 Laurie Cider Heh, and so's this. 0 Laurie Cider 0 5

Josh Warren

April 07, 2008 7:19 PM

And this. by Josh Warren

OOC: Reply from Cascade

IC:
"Of course you will. You and Renaye both. Zane, too. I have no doubt. It'll be the beginning of a legacy- the Crotali Three. ... The name will need some work." Josh laughed and nodded in agreement. But her words put a picture in his mind. How amazing would that be? All three of them on the team? Of course, they would be up against the very experienced and already team-ready group from last year. He and Renaye had one thing though. They had manuevers that they had been practicing for a while now. They were going to be ready when try-outs came and show them how the Warren twins played the game.

"Dad packed an entire basket full of all the stuff he had us testing over the summer- and they're all finished products, so nothing hokey. That work for a bribe?" Josh grinned and pushed himself off the floor.

"Sounds great," he said. He followed her back up the Common Room. Once there, Laurie headed for her dorm. "Hey, I'll meet you down here. Gonna toss my bag upstairs." They went their seperate ways for a moment and Josh entered the now Second Years dorm. Cool. He was glad to be rid of the 'Firstie' title and glad to have the privaledge to distribute it. Josh tossed his bag on his bed and sent a glance at his broom, leaning up against the mattress. Another perk to second year. He had the ability to fly whenever he wanted! Josh grinned to himself for a moment and turned back down to the Commons. As he approached, he spotted Alexis, standing near Laurie by the couch. Weird? Josh made his way over to the couch, taking a seat beside his friend.

"I'm sorry for snapping at you back then. I interrupted you and Cecily and said things too quickly. And what I said about you and your cousin was mean and totally not fair." Okay, so something had happened. Josh didn't want to ask though. He prefered to sit in happiness now, rather than watch as tears fell from his best friend's eyes. He gave a small wave to Alexis, feeling he should acknowledge her. Laurie was offering her some Trifle. He remembered taste-testing that at Laurie's. He could never pick a favorite of his cooking, but he remembered the great flavor of that! Josh peered over the basket.

"Have anymore of that?" he said. Something clicked in Josh's mind and looked over at Alexis. "Um... Is Renaye or Cecily mad that I sort of left them together?"

0 Josh Warren And this. 0 Josh Warren 0 5

Alexis

April 07, 2008 7:54 PM

Well, there's always a first time for everything by Alexis

Alexis returned the crooked smile Laurie had given her. An inner conflict, huh? Well, this apology was kind of pointless. If she hadn't done anything, then there was no point in being there. Still, Alexis stayed. She wasn't ready to face Cecily's wrath for leaving her alone with Renaye. She wouldn't be too happy either.

The red headed pureblood wasn't too sure what Laurie's statement of: Good friends are the best remedy, seeing that she didn't have any of those. Well, she had Chrysi, but they weren't as close as they could be. Still, she nodded in agreement. There had to be some truth in that.

Suddenly, Alexis' turn for an apology suddenly turned into Laurie's. That's when she understood what she might've said. It was the rude thing. Oh no, Laurie thought she had called her rude. Alexis considered walking away at the apology, but then Josh Warren appeared. The only reason she was apologizing to Laurie was to get on their good side, and it seemed like Josh would be the easiest one to get to. He could persuade his twin later. She automatically raised her hands in front of her.

"No, you shouldn't be sorry! You had every right to butt in. I was mean. I meant it as a joke, but sometimes I'm a little too convincing." She did agree with her comment about her and her cousin being out of line, but instead she said, "And hey, it's no big deal. I've learned to deal with that. My family wouldn't let me live it down all summer. My little sister was a complete nightmare."

She took the trufle from Laurie, a worried look on her face. First to taste? Was she trying to poison her? Then Laurie gave her some reassurance, and to Alexis' surprise, and if Laurie could recognize it, a true smile crossed her features as she sat down in a chair across from her and Josh.

"Thanks." she said. When Josh spoke to her next, Alexis had to cover her mouth with her hand, due to the food she had put in her mouth. Taking a moment to swallow, she responded, "I don't think they'd be upset with you. Probably more upset with me for leaving. The last topic they were on before I went looking for Laurie was something about how you and Renaye are...how did Renaye put it?" Alexis paused, chewing her bottom lip. "A two in one deal sounds right, I think."

"It is good." she commented to Laurie as a side topic. They definitely wouldn't be friends, but Alexis could handle this communication right now. She wasn't as bad as Hyana. "So what did you guys do over the summer?" she asked before taking another bite of trufle. Muggle or not, she wasn't sure, she couldn't deny that it was delicious. Maybe, if she could hide its true origin, she could get some for the next ball the Silverleafs or Ashwoods hosted. Yes, that sounded good.

0 Alexis Well, there's always a first time for everything 0 Alexis 0 5

Laurie

April 08, 2008 6:40 AM

And if it works out, then a second time! Teehee! by Laurie

OOC- Feel free to invent whatever Quidditch inspired names you like for Mr. Cider's creations. It's all good.

IC-

"Yup, let me just. . ." Her hand pushed aside a few wrapped parcels and pulled out another of the cups and a spoon, both of which she held out, present like, to Josh. "And there you go! Enjoy."

For herself, Laurie was in the mood for something a little more substantial. She picked out a tall container and pried off the lid. Inside were piled thumb-sized, multi-colored snitches. They weren't charmed to fly or anything, but, if she pulled the wings- her fingers moved nimbly- just so, then the snitch would split open and- she grinned. This time around it was a roast beef sandwich, the mustard applied to just the right amount.

"Perfect." She nodded in between bites in response to Alexis's information. "Hmm. . .yeah, those two haven't really got along too well in the past. I think, though," she turned to Josh for confirmation, "that they're starting to know each other a bit better now. Who knows? Maybe they'll even become friends. . ." Or, at the very least, have something a little less fierce than hatred for each other, she added silently.

She gave Alexis a cheerful grin. "Thanks. It's what my dad does- he makes these cookbooks that combine Muggle cooking methods with Magic themes. This latest one is all about Quidditch; it should be published before Christmas. If you like my dad's food this much, I'll be sure to give you a copy once it's out."

It was nice, she realized, to be talking like this. Alexis had been a bit of a non-entity in Laurie's world her first year. After that first disasterous introduction, Laurie had pretty much only hung out with Renaye, and, as it had turned out, on the rare occasion, with Cecily. Having struck up a friendship with Cecily had been unpredictable enough; if she wasn't careful, she might end up with another friend. The thought brought a grin to her lips, and she fell into an easy description of her summer after Alexis's inquiry.

"Well, Josh and Renaye came down, spent a couple weeks with me. We hit a couple amusement parks, the beach, some camping, the beach some more-" She laughed. "Did I mention the beach? It was pretty sweet. But it's Josh here who had the real excitement." She fell into the seat next to Josh and gave him a slight nudge. "Go on, share your glories."

0 Laurie And if it works out, then a second time! Teehee! 0 Laurie 0 5

Josh

April 08, 2008 10:18 PM

It's a nice process by Josh

Josh muttered a thanks as Laurie passed him the trifle. She had responded to Alexis's comment on Raye and Cecily. Josh was glad to hear that Renaye was enforcing their twin-ship. No way were they going seperate ways this year. Two-for-one sounded like a good deal. Josh trusted Renaye to speak for him because she knew what she was talking about. Josh turned his attention to Laurie as she gave her opinion on the whole Battle.

"...that they're starting to know each other a bit better now. Who knows? Maybe they'll even become friends..." Josh made an uncertain face.

"Doubt it," he said, "They might tolerate each other, but Renaye just doesn't get along with high-society people."

When the topic of summer came up once more, the light smile returned to his face. It was going to be tough to find a way to top this one... "Well, Josh and Renaye came down, spent a couple weeks with me. We hit a couple amusement parks, the beach, some camping, the beach some more- Did I mention the beach? It was pretty sweet." Josh nodded in agreement, trying to keep his grin from overcoming his face. Summer at Laurie's held the greatest mix of company and fun.

"Florida was great. Laurie knows how to throw a party," he said, playfully nudging her with his elbow. "Renaye didn't stop talking about it until Irene told her to."

But it's Josh here who had the real excitement. Go on, share your glories." Josh gave a small laugh as she nudged him, taking the seat beside him. And now they were at The Game. This conversation was turning out to be pretty good!

"Renaye tells it better, but I'll try," he said. "Raye and I join a Tournement Team over the summer for the Traverse City Tigers. We play different teams in elimination rounds just trying to get as far as we can. We had a great team this year. Renaye and I were both starting beaters, which is really cool since there is about twenty people on the team. Our team went all the way to State playoffs. That's as far as you can go in this league. Renaye was doing fantastic. We had all these manuevers that really helped the team out. We ended up winning the State Championship and our couch gave Renaye and I MVP for the game. It was amazing, like nothing else." Josh could go on forever about that game. It was the second time telling the story and he wasn't tired of it at all. It had just clicked a second ago. Getting MVP on the State's team... That meant they were the best in all of Michigan, junior leage that is. Dude... Wow.

"But anyway," he said, taking one of those Snitch Sandwich things he loved. "What about your summer?"

0 Josh It's a nice process 0 Josh 0 5

Alexis

April 10, 2008 10:04 PM

Hopefully it'll stay that way! by Alexis

Alexis was beginning to get it. She had really only seen Josh with Renaye, so if she saw them seperate, she would never speak to them. Without them as a pair, Josh was actually a very decent person to speak to. She wouldn't say this out loud though. She, unfortunately, had to befriend Renaye as well, due to them being purebloods.

She giggled a little at Josh's face when he replied to Laurie's comment on Cecily and Renaye becoming friends. Alexis didn't even know them that well and she knew that was a tall order!

"I agree with Josh." she said sadly. "I don't know them very well, but I can not imagine them becoming friends. They just have clashing personalities." she shrugged. "Annabelle Silverleaf, my cousin, and I are the exact same way." In truth, Alexis hated blood traitors like Annabelle. She much preferred Chrysi: proper and a real pureblood.

"Thanks for the offer Laurie." she replied to the comment about the cookbook, taking the liberty to stare at her feet. "But I couldn't. My parents are in the WAIL mindset, unfortunately. Girls and anything quidditch don't mix for them. I'd be dead if they found me with a Quidditch Cookbook!" she laughed. "It's okay though. I really do like the idea."

Their summer sounded...muggle. Alexis ate more of the truffle to keep her mouth shut. Sure, she walked around in muggle malls and stuff, but that was to catch Josiah associating with their halfbreed cousins, and she'd do anything to get him in trouble. But beaches...that sounded fun.

Alexis raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Glories?" she asked in an interested voice, focusing her attention on him. Oh...Quidditch. She tried to stay focused, but she was having trouble following. Alexis knew about as much about Quidditch as a muggle would!

"That sounds awesome!" she said happily. "I bet you guys deserved it. With all that success, I'd guarantee that the two of you will get a spot on the team this year!" Then he asked about her summer. She grinned for real at this, not sure how to answer. She couldn't really say, 'I got revenge on a mudblood and my blood traitor cousin at the same time!' to them, now could she?

"It was a summer." she said with a shrug. "I had to go to a bunch of balls and stuff." She wrinkled her nose. Only one of those was really fun. "Then, by accident, I got Josiah in trouble." she grinned sheepishly. "I didn't mean to, it just sort of happened. I expect he'll try and get me back this year." Yes, that was a good enough explanation. Hopefully they wouldn't dig in furthur.

0 Alexis Hopefully it'll stay that way! 0 Alexis 0 5

Laurie

April 11, 2008 12:52 PM

It could happen; definitely. by Laurie

Laurie couldn’t help but grow pensive the more Alexis spoke. She felt sorry for the girl, and then immediately felt like a jerk. It was rather smug of her, wasn’t it, to immediately think Alexis’s lifestyle something to feel pity for? Just because it was different from her own home life didn’t mean that it was something wrong or disappointing. At least. . .that was what Laurie reasoned with herself.

It had been something that often happened last year as well. A classmate or roommate or whoever would mention WAIL or Pureblood, or even this strange term of mudblood and Laurie immediately felt like an outsider. These were things and ideas that hadn’t been welcome in her home. Granted, she was the only child out of her parents who had magic, so maybe it was just a case of coincidence, but Laurie, in all honesty, knew better. Her family- her dad’s family- was different from most magic families. They preferred muggle ways to wizard ways.

It was something Laurie simply had to adapt to, this other world that included things like arranged marriages and blood purism and locking girls away from anything that wasn’t dainty or refined. Things like WAIL. “It’s okay,” she reassured Alexis, her words meant to be encouraging. “Anytime you want to try anything, just let me know. My dad loves to send care packages.”

She picked apart her sandwich, starting with the crust first, as Josh began describing his late summer’s exploits. She smiled as she dug into the corn beef, rather girlishly tearing the meat into tiny pieces before eating them. She seconded Alexis’s words. “Definitely- and now you guys already have a fan base.” She leaned in toward Alexis and added, sotto voce, “Zane Cooper will probably join them as well.”

Laurie perked up, more than a little curious, at Alexis’s description of her summer. Again, there was more of that still alien culture. Going to a ball? And multiple ones at that? It was something her rather vibrant imagination had a difficulty contemplating. Sure, she had gone to the school ball at the end of term, but that was different. It was a school thing. The way Alexis said it, going to balls all summer was something normal. It made her wonder what her summer’s description sounded like in Alexis’s ears.

More than a little curious, and feeling much better now that she had food in her stomach and the tears out of her system, Laurie gave in easily to the bait Alexis had seemingly dangled. “May I ask? What exactly did you accidentally do?”

0 Laurie It could happen; definitely. 0 Laurie 0 5

Josh and (entrance) Renaye

April 11, 2008 11:01 PM

Future looks promising then! by Josh and (entrance) Renaye

Confused. Josh heard the 'unfortunately' in Alexis's statement about her parents' WAIL activism, and couldn't help but wonder... Wasn't she one of the girls in on the whole "Boo, Renaye. You play Quidditch" thing? ... Maybe that was a different girl. He was pretty sure there were three girls whose names started with A, but he didn't remember hearing about any of them being on his sister's side... Just Laurie. That was one reason why she was the best. He knew that Laurie and Renaye got on great. If someone didn't like his sister... Yeah, not likely. That was one thing: Josh really didn't like that Cecily didn't like Renaye. If she and his sister were okay with each other, he would have no problem being her somewhat-friend. The way she was to his sister, his best friend, wasn't cool. Josh planned on getting to know her more before he made a final decision on anything.

Alexis and Laurie commented on the upcoming Crotalus team and Josh couldn't help but smile lightly at the though. He and Renaye on the same team during the year would be The Ultimate. And speaking on Renaye... The portrait of Gunter opened up to reveal the blonde haired girl. He waved her over. Renaye's eyes shifted to Alexis, and froze, looking uneasy. Josh rolled his pale blue eyes over at her and patted the seat on his other side. Renaye oblidged, giving a slight nod to Alexis, looking strong on the outside, but Josh saw the emotions she could easily hide from anyone but him. During this time, Laurie had asked Alexis what had happened over the summer. Josh made sure half of his attention was on the converstaion, the other was searching his twin's face. Her eyes looked mad, worried, angry, mad, and slightly hurt, all at the same time, though her expression revealed that she was unphased by whatever it was. What the heck? Two upset girls in one day? Trying to be discrete, Josh patted her on the shoulder, hoping to get across the point that he was going to talk to her later.

"Hey," she said quietly to Josh after Alexis had finished her statement, "I think I'm going to go put my stuff away, alright?" She made to stand, but Josh held onto her sleeve. He wanted to know what had happened. He wasn't letting her get away with that excuse. Josh knew she wouldn't be back after the trip up those stairs. She gave him a pleading look and Josh got the message that he was clearly missing something.

"Okay..." he said with a sigh, running a hand through his black hair, "What happened? You're not walking away without telling me." Renaye shook her head. Josh looked over to Alexis. She had been in the Hall, which was the last place he had left her.

"Do you know what happened that she's not telling me?"

0 Josh and (entrance) Renaye Future looks promising then! 0 Josh and (entrance) Renaye 0 5

Alexis

April 12, 2008 2:56 PM

As it naturally should by Alexis

Alexis almost shook her head at Laurie's sympathy. For one, it was pointless and stupid. Alexis did not need anyone's sympathy, because her life was perfect enough as it was. And two, Laurie just wouldn't get it. She was positive her parents knew about Laurie's family, and unless she was careful, wouldn't be approving the interaction these two girls were having right now.

Instead of arguing or something, she smiled at the girl and nodded. "That would be cool." she replied. "I'll definitely think about it." Laurie was too nice for her own good, Alexis knew that now. She had a feeling that she could insult the girl to her face, stuff like blood traitor, and she would end up forgiving her. Alexis made note of this in the back of her head.

Laurie told her about Zane Cooper, and her eyes brightened a little. "Is that so? Then I say second year is going to dominate the team." she said, also in a soto voice. “May I ask? What exactly did you accidentally do?” was the next question, and Alexis guiltily looked at her knees. Yeah, saying something had been stupid. She needed to think about things like that! Laurie was too comfortable to talk to!

"I shouldn't have said anything." she said in a small voice. "But I guess it's my fault you asked, I kinda left some mystery behind my words." Without looking up, playing the perfect part of the guilty girl, she said, "Well, we were at this party thing celebrating Josiah and Chrysi Silverleaf's, she doesn't go here, so you wouldn't know her, betrothal when he disappeared. Everyone got worried after a while, so me, his mom and dad, and my mom went looking for him. And we found him." She nodded at that. "Getting caught with another girl who your parents don't exactly approve of wasn't the best way to start off a betrothal. She used to go here, so I tried to warn them, because Hyana's nice enough, but the parents followed me and...well, Josiah's not too happy with me."

She looked up from her story to see Renaye, who looked a little shocked to see her. Well, that was good. Alexis would never tell about the shortcuts she had discovered. Josh began to question his sister, and for the girl who had just vouched their closeness, was refusing to tell him. Well well well, it seemed that Renaye didn't trust her brother as much as she said she did.

"Do you know what happened that she's not telling me?" Josh then asked Alexis, who began to think quickly. She knew exactly what happened, but she had to get on Renaye's good side. "Well, I'd tell you, but if Renaye doesn't want to, it's not very fair for me to tell. If she wants to keep it a secret, then it's just not time for you to find out." She then gave Laurie a look that plainly said, 'I'll try to tell you two later', hoping Renaye didn't catch it.

0 Alexis As it naturally should 0 Alexis 0 5

Laurie

April 12, 2008 7:43 PM

Except when the future ends badly. by Laurie

Laurie immediately reached back into her basket and whipped out the last container of trifle once Renaye arrived. She tossed it over to her friend and flashed a quick smile before turning her attention back to Alexis. She couldn't help but overhear some of the twins' conversation however; she was still bothered by the fact that her friends didn't get along. She knew it was unreasonable of her to expect different types of personalities to become all buddy-buddy, but there was still a large part of her that simply wanted the people she liked to get along.

Even if it was selfish.

Although Renaye wasn't saying anything, Laurie could guess it had to do with Cecily. It was like water and oil, the two simply didn't mix- and this was something she knew. It bothered her that Renaye looked so. . .not her usual self. And she was sure that Cecily was hardly perturbed by this fact, which made Laurie in turn annoyed at the girl- but how could she blame Cecily for just being herself? She closed her eyes briefly and tried to focus back on Alexis. Almost immediately, Laurie wished she hadn't.

"Betrothed! But isn't your cousin a third year? He's only thirteen or fourteen, right?" She couldn't disguise her shock. The idea was unfathomable, unbelievable, that someone just a little older than herself was already being locked into a marriage, that such a huge plateau in someone's life could already have been decided- and to have no real say in it! Again, there was that alienation- that feeling of foreignness, of difference. It was like an itch that she couldn't reach.

It was just irritating.

"Do you know what happened that she's not telling me?"

Laurie straightened at the tone in Josh's voice. Plainly, Renaye wasn't being very forth coming in why she seemed so bothered. Laurie bit her tongue, even though she felt that forcing the topic from a third party, namely Alexis who, while currently friendly, hadn't had much of a track record previously of being overly chummy with Renaye- she didn't think turning to Alexis for an explanation was the right course. It didn't do to force something; granted, Laurie didn't have a twin, and while she loved her brothers, there was enough of a difference in age and personalities that there was always a degree of separation- so, yes, she couldn't speak for the twins' relationship, so it was perhaps arrogant of her to judge Josh's reaction- but, still.

Still, though, doing it this way just didn't seem right.

"Well, I'd tell you, but if Renaye doesn't want to, it's not very fair for me to tell. If she wants to keep it a secret, then it's just not time for you to find out."

She turned to Alexis, grateful, but then reeled back mentally from the rather underhanded look that followed it. Annoyed, she finally spoke, making a not so obvious change in conversation. "I think I should probably head upstairs and start unpacking. I have some photos from this summer that I wanted to put together in an album- Renaye, you want to see?"

She knew it was rude to just leave and desert Josh with Alexis, but she couldn't help her annoyance. She knew that she had no real authority on the Warren twin dynamic, but she didn't think it right to put Renaye on the spot like that. She also couldn't help but feel a little guilty. If she hadn't dashed off originally, and hidden away like a cry baby, then Josh wouldn't have left Renaye at that table without an ally. "Josh, if you want, feel free to offer any of the food in the basket to Zane when you see him. I brought enough for everyone to try it."

0 Laurie Except when the future ends badly. 0 Laurie 0 5

Renaye and Josh

April 14, 2008 3:26 PM

That's always disappointing... by Renaye and Josh

Renaye caught the container of trifle and returned Laurie's smile. Her converstaion with Josh ended in a question towards Alexis as to what happened. Hey... What the heck? Renaye looked at her brother, eyebrows raised in a 'What are you doing?' sort of way. Josh looked over at her, and she could tell he immediately regreted speaking. Renaye was going to tell him, but she would rather not speak in front of Alexis, whom, for all she knew, was great friends with Cecily. Josh seemed to realize this as he exchanged a glance with his sister and turned his gaze to the sandwich in his lap.

"Well, I'd tell you, but if Renaye doesn't want to, it's not very fair for me to tell. If she wants to keep it a secret, then it's just not time for you to find out."

Renaye was glad that Alexis didn't tell what had happened. She wanted to be the one to tell her brother, not a girl who she really didn't know much about.

"I think I should probably head upstairs and start unpacking. I have some photos from this summer that I wanted to put together in an album- Renaye, you want to see?" Laurie came in with. Renaye stood up at the offer, ruffling Josh's hair affectionately.

"I want to talk to you later, mmkay little brother?" She said. Josh nodded as he smoothed his black hair. Renaye set off towards the dorm with Laurie, waving back at Josh and Alexis.

"I'm older than you!" He called after her. What had happened with her? She did want to tell him, but why hadn't she... Oh. Josh looked over towards Alexis, his mind working to try and start a conversation, but he had nothing. She was probably why Raye hadn't told him right away... Wow. He needed to think more. Josh reached into the basket for one of the chocolate Quaffles. He held it up to Alexis.

"Want one? Laurie's dad is one heck of a cook."

OOC: Laurie, I'll have Renaye post a new tread when I get the chance. That way we don't have to split the thread. If you can post it though, I won't object! Whoever gets a moment first =)

0 Renaye and Josh That's always disappointing... 0 Renaye and Josh 0 5

Alexis

April 17, 2008 8:34 PM

So are awkward situations...wotw by Alexis

OOC: Sorry this reply took so long! My school thinks it's fun to dump homework on their students ^_^ For some odd reason, the students are never amused.

BIC:

"Betrothed! But isn't your cousin a third year? He's only thirteen or fourteen, right?" Laurie's reply to her story was. Well, Alexis didn't mind this ignorance too much if it stopped her from inquiring more.

"Yeah, he is. I do not agree with the custom." she gave a canny response. "But a twelve year old girl's opinion isn't very important, I've noticed." Soon after, Laurie declared that she had to unpack, and invited Renaye along, which was probably not the best idea. If they were going to talk about what happened in the Cascade Hall, Cecily could pop in anytime. Alexis almost wished she could be there for that, but it was obvious she wasn't wanted around.

She waved goodbye to Renaye as well, laughing at their little arguement. "She calls you little brother a lot then?" she asked as he reached into the basket. He offered her a chocolate something or other, and accepted it gratefully. Hey, she was a girl. Even a stuck up girl couldn't resist chocolate.

"Her dad really is an awesome cook." she replied. "What's this one? I'm going to guess something Quidditch related." Examing it for a few moments, she smiled. "A quaffle, perhaps?" Yeah, she wasn't that clueless. She took a bite of it, struggling herself for conversation. The easy pureblood topics she could come up with were definitely not welcomed.

"So what are you looking forward to this year?" she asked. "Anything besides Quidditch?" It was probably too personal, but hey, she had to start somewhere.

0 Alexis So are awkward situations...wotw 0 Alexis 0 5

Cecily Smythe

April 18, 2008 1:13 PM

I revel in them by Cecily Smythe

Cecily was relieved beyond words when the Warren witch left. Just listening to that girl talk drivel gave Cecily a headache. She couldn’t even create a satisfactory reply – she just repeated back the things Cecily had said to her. What sort of an argument was that?

Alexis’ comments made Cecily feel so much better. She knew she hadn’t done anything wrong, but hearing someone else say so was nice. And Alexis was right – Josh was perfectly capable of making his own friends. Cecily knew she would be infuriated if her younger sister dictated to her who she was and wasn’t allowed to be friends with. That was just ridiculous.

Cecily waved Alexis off and stared down and her part-eaten dinner. All the others had left before they’d barely started, and now Cecily wasn’t very hungry any more, either. To add insult to injury, she was sure that Milly had jut glanced over and seen her sitting all on her own. Great – that was not the impression of popularity that Cecily had been aiming for. Trust Miss I-can-do-no-wrong to screw things up for her. Honestly, that Renaye was starting to get on Cecily's last nerve. If she was going to be hanging around the whole time then Cecily wasn’t going to bother trying to be friends with Joshua anyway – he wasn’t worth the hassle.

After another couple of minutes, Cecily decided to head up to the commons, too. If Miss Warren was in the common room, then Cecily would just head straight for the dormitory. Glancing around as she came through the entrance hidden by that disgusting zombie portrait, Cecily saw, to her immense delight, that Alexis and Josh were in the commons – Renaye and Laurie were not with them. She couldn’t have planned it better herself.

Scuffing her feet on her way over, Cecily kept her head down with a sulky expression firmly in place. “Hey,” she said in a melancholy voice. “Lost my appetite.” Sitting down by Alexis, Cecily raised her eyes to Josh, and looked away again. “Your sister said some really horrid stuff just now,” she said, her voice still quiet. It wasn’t a masquerade as such; Renaye had said some horrid stuff, and Cecily was just emphasising her hurt (which in reality was negligible, but Josh didn’t need to know that). “She’s just determined to be mean to me.”

0 Cecily Smythe I revel in them 122 Cecily Smythe 0 5

Josh

April 18, 2008 6:13 PM

Whatever works by Josh

Josh wasn't sure what he was suppose to be talking about with Alexis. They hadn't talked before, really. Well, Josh didn't really talk to anyone, save Renaye, Laurie, and Irene. He left the talking up to Renaye. She was usually thinking the same thing anyway and seemed to voice his opinion much better than he would. Josh was thinking of something to start a conversation... The only things he really liked to talk about were Quidditch and... Quidditch. He only talked when the others were around. Thankfully, Alexis provided a solution when she asked what he was looking forward to. Josh swallowed the bit of chocolate in his mouth and replied,

"I hope I might get a spot on the Crotalus team, and I want to just chill with Renaye and Laurie. Renaye and I didn't hang around as much last year, but we're going to fix that..." Josh trailed off as Cecily joined them, looking upset. That's the third girl today! What the heck? Josh wondered what could have happened to her to make her upset now too. He wasn't going to ask because he wasn't sure what terms he was on with Cecily, or what terms he wanted to be on with her...

“Your sister said some really horrid stuff just now. She’s just determined to be mean to me.”

She sounded very sad when she said it and, for some reason, rather feeling sympathetic, Josh was suddenly very annoyed. Why was she bringing this up to him? She didn't really expect him to get mad at Renaye, did she? Josh knew how his sister worked with this stuff. If she's going to say something mean, which she no doubt would, she was going to have a reason. He knew the story with those two and he was honestly on his sister's side. He was giving Cecily a chance to prove him wrong, but this whole talk-about-how-cruel-Raye-is thing wasn't exactly working in her favor. Josh's expression hardened.

"She probably had a reason," he said, looking over at her, "I know how Raye works."

0 Josh Whatever works 0 Josh 0 5

Alexis

April 19, 2008 2:49 PM

Not for me (WotW) by Alexis

Alexis just knew Quidditch would be in there somewhere. It didn't surprise her in the least. She made a mental note to take a crash course on Quidditch in the near future to make talking to Josh easier. He trailed off, something about Renaye and him hanging out more than last year, and Alexis turned around to see an upset Cecily. The first day back was an emotional thing, wasn't it?

“Your sister said some really horrid stuff just now. She’s just determined to be mean to me.” Alexis held in a sigh at these words. If Cecily was trying to turn the twins each other, this obviously wasn't going to work. And now she had to please both Cecily and Josh. In a conversation about Renaye.

Great.

"She probably had a reason. I know how Raye works." Apathetically, Alexis turned a gaze to Cecily. She was probably going to get snapped at for this, but Cecily knew she was on her side. Josh had no idea. Honestly, Alexis didn't know Renaye very well, but it really wasn't fair for her fellow, no matter how improper, pureblood to be targeted twenty four seven the first day back.

"If I may interject..." she said timidly, turning her gaze back to her feet. "Sure, Renaye said some mean things, but so did you. I don't think it's fair to complain about her. You weren't exactly a saint to her either."

0 Alexis Not for me (WotW) 0 Alexis 0 5

Cecily

April 20, 2008 5:22 AM

But this is fun, right? by Cecily

Josh’s statement that Renaye probably had a reason for being mean took initially Cecily by surprise. After a moment’s consideration she realised she should have expected it – the sibling bond seemed far stronger between these two than between Cecily and her own sister, so they were bound to stick up for each other. Still, she tended to disagree with his opinion; in her experience, Renaye didn’t need any sort of reason to be mean, or to ignore people – it was just something that she did.

Cecily was about to relay this to him, when Alexis interrupted, and made Cecily’s eyes widen in their sockets. Alexis was her friend, Cecily was almost sure of it. Then why… What sort of game was this girl playing? Deciding to quiz her on it later, rather than expose her right now, Cecily’s mind whirred into gear, trying to find a sensible way out of this. With only a moment’s hesitation for thought, she decided it might be best right now to just play things straight.

Sighing, Cecily said, “Okay, you’re right. I was mean too. Sorry Joshua, I know she’s your sister, but it’s just…” After another tiny frustrated sigh, Cecily tried again. “See, it was easy when we just ignored each other. But since, you know, now we feel like we have to talk to each other. And let me tell you, that’s just not working.”

“I have tried to sort things out with her,” Cecily said, looking to Alexis for clarification. There had been the potions lesson last year, but Renaye hadn’t listened to her then, and even just now Cecily had been perfectly honest, and Renaye had just left, rather than discussing things. “She doesn’t want to know.” Feeling some satisfaction in the knowledge that she had at least put some effort in, Cecily settled back onto the sofa. “And to be perfectly honest, I’m not even sure why I’m bothering. Neither of you seem to give a damn whether we’re friends or not. I have plenty other friends, you know. Tell me, should I just give up now?”

0 Cecily But this is fun, right? 0 Cecily 0 5

Josh

April 20, 2008 8:55 AM

Do you want an honest answer? by Josh

Alexis's reply made Josh suddenly grateful to her. She was one of the last people he would expect to stick up for Renaye, but here she was. What was going on? Josh had thought he knew where the other girls stood with the issue of his sister. First Alexis had said she was against W.A.I.L., which was a surprise to him, and now she was sticking up for Renaye? This girl was confusing. Cecily, on the other hand, he knew didn't like Renaye, so he knew she was being honest in her opinion. That didn't mean he wanted to hear it though.

“Okay, you’re right. I was mean too. Sorry Joshua, I know she’s your sister, but it’s just… See, it was easy when we just ignored each other. But since, you know, now we feel like we have to talk to each other. And let me tell you, that’s just not working. I have tried to sort things out with her. She doesn’t want to know.” Josh, ignoring the drawn out version of his name, was really trying to keep his retorts to himself. He didn't have Renaye's courage to say what he was feeling. Why was she talking to him about this? He didn't care what she said, he knew Renaye had reasons for replying in a... less-than-nice way. Cecily was trying to convince him that his sister was a mean, shallow, ignorant girl who deserved his rath, trying to show him a different side her. She didn't understand that Josh had seen her react to people she didn't like, and he knew the reasons were always justified. Didn't she get that he was not turning against Raye?

"Are you kidding?" he said, her pale blue eyes turning at her in disbelief. "Sorry to diappoint you, Cecily, but I don't care what you say about her. She's my sister. My twin sister, and I support her. No matter what you tell me about her, I'm still sticking on her side. Renaye always has a reason. If I were you, I would trust my judgement and maybe reconsider yours." Josh retrieved a sample of the Bludger Nut Fudge from the basket, silently thanking Laurie for leaving her basket down here. He hoped they could drop the subject, but Cecily wasn't done:

“And to be perfectly honest, I’m not even sure why I’m bothering. Neither of you seem to give a damn whether we’re friends or not. I have plenty other friends, you know. Tell me, should I just give up now?”

"Why," Josh began, "would Raye want to be friends after all this? Why do you want to be friends with her if you don't like her? Wouldn't it be easier to just ignore each other again? By the way, talking to me about this isn't helping you much either. Like I said, I'm always on her side, not because she's family, but because she's my best friend. I don't want to hear about how horrible my sister is from someone who hasn't tried to have a conversation about something normal, like maybe the summer? Have you tried talking to her about something that doesn't involve the sentence "I don't like you,"?" Cecily was talking like she was making some great sacrafice for Renaye's friendship when he knew that she didn't want anything to do with her. No, he didn't give a damn whether or not he was her friend. At this moment, honestly, he'd rather not. She was talking about giving up when she hadn't even started actually trying.

0 Josh Do you want an honest answer? 0 Josh 0 5

Alexis

April 20, 2008 11:27 AM

This is going to turn ugly, isn't it? by Alexis

A guilty feeling appeared in her gut when Cecily's eyes widened at her comment. She was friends with Cecily, but when she was also trying to befriend Josh, she couldn't really side completely with her. Alexis was stuck in the middle right now, and she wasn't enjoying it that much.

She nodded, though, when Cecily said she had been trying. Yes, that was true, but she was just going about it the wrong way. Cecily was just too straight forward. Alexis didn't think Renaye liked hearing what she had to say. She just needed to find a different way to approach the girl if she was really going to try. Plus, she kept trying to turn Josh against his twin sister, which wasn't going to work.

Alexis reached for a Bludger Nut Fudge as well, wanting to do something to keep her out of this arguement. She didn't know them that well, and one wrong statement could turn either of them against her. Josh did give a very good counterargument, and Alexis couldn't help but find herself nodding along with him at the end. Then she blushed, standing up for something to do.

"Look, uh..." she bit her bottom lip. She couldn't go up to the commons, Renaye and Laurie most likely didn't want her there, but she couldn't leave. It was almost curfew and she'd have to come right back. Well, she might as well give her two knuts.

"You're both right." she sighed. "Cecily has honestly been trying Josh. But, Cecily, Josh is right too. Sometimes I think you might be a little harsh about it. Maybe if you tried talking to her about Quidditch...or something...you'd get along better." Okay, now that was over with. She took a bit of the fudge, waiting for one or both of the parties to blow up on her. She could always repair the damage later.

0 Alexis This is going to turn ugly, isn't it? 0 Alexis 0 5

Cecily

April 20, 2008 1:00 PM

Oh yes. by Cecily

Cecily almost choked at Josh’s reply. He said it, right there – he didn’t care what Cecily said, because he was siding with Renaye no matter what. Swallowing hard, as if trying to digest this realisation physically as well as mentally, Cecily couldn’t help but wonder at the two of them. So Renaye really did make Josh’s decisions for him. That was… that was just selfish! Cecily couldn’t believe it – all this time she’d thought the Warrens were siblings, and friends. Now she realised that their friendship was purely one-sided. Joshua was just a puppet, and Renaye his puppeteer. Well, she didn’t care either way. She was done with both of them.

“You’re an idiot,” she told Joshua, standing up. “You just do exactly what your sister says. You’re like her pet. Do whatever the Hell you like, but don’t blame me for this!” Cecily’s normally cool and composed demeanour had all but faded away, leaving her with nothing but raw emotion and a fierce expression. “I have tried! Your sister”(she spat the word) “has been hateful to me right from the start. I’ve done nothing to deserve this!”

Cecily’s chest was heaving now. She hated that she was letting these idiots work her up, but there wasn’t anything she could do about it – she’d been pushed too far. “And you!” she rounded on Alexis with a scowl. “You know she’s been awful, and you’re just sitting there like nothing’s happened!” Why in Merlin's name should Cecily try and talk to Renaye about Quidditch? That was their worst clashing zone! Renaye should make the effort to try and finish a conversation without just walking off.

Pausing only momentarily to take breath, Cecily realised she couldn’t stay there any longer. Neither could she go up to her room, for fear of suffering the same mistreatment. “Merlin save me!” she all but screamed, and, turning swiftly on her heels, marched back out of the commons.

0 Cecily Oh yes. 0 Cecily 0 5

Josh

April 20, 2008 4:34 PM

blinks by Josh

“You’re an idiot. You just do exactly what your sister says. You’re like her pet. Do whatever the Hell you like, but don’t blame me for this!” Oh yeah, he definitely understood Renaye now.

"How would you get that from what I said?" he said actually laughing at the statement. "I've just told you, I think Renaye is right! I see why she gets so mad at you now! You jump to all sort of conclusions about what everyone is saying! You think everyone is being so cruel to you and that you've done nothing to deserve it, but it's because you make everyone out to be against you! You don't hear yourself when you say the mean things you say. Then when someone retaliates, you pretend to be the victim!" Josh picked up his stuff and the basket from the table so he was standing, his slightly above-average height causing him to look down at Cecily, who looked about ready to burst. She turned on Alexis and continued her rant on her. Josh looked for Alexis's eyes with his own pale blue ones. It sounded like Cecily was under the impression that Alexis was on her side. And maybe she was. Josh wasn't sure about the girl, but he figured he should keep to Renaye and Laurie for... ever.

In the moment took to pause, Josh turned toward her. He normally just sat there and took whatever someone said, but this girl was being absolutely insane. She can't insult his sister to her face, then insult her to his face, and then insult him to his face, and expect him to take it! Cecily thought she was so victimized, but she really thought she wasn't being hurtful when she said this stuff to people. Once someone said something back, of course, they were being rash, rude, and hurtful towards her, and she had done nothing to deserve it. Josh comletely understood Renaye's frustration.

"Get over yourself, princess," he said, still looking down at her, "Then maybe someone will take you seriously."

Cecily turned away and screamed for the mansion to hear, before walking out in her own personal storm. Josh turned to Alexis, not knowing what to say.

"Holy mother of God," Josh murmured, "After that, does she really expect me to believe that she does "nothing" to deserve whatever Renaye dishes out?" Josh sighed and collapsed back on the couch, running both hands through his black hair. What a ridiculous girl...

0 Josh *blinks* 0 Josh 0 5

Alexis

April 20, 2008 9:18 PM

I can't say that wasn't expected by Alexis

Okay, Alexis had been on Cecily's side. She had liked the girl. But now...ugh!!! She was acting like a toddler. She was throwing a freaking tantrum! What twelve or thirteen year old respectable girl did that? Even Laurie's little outburst earlier was more mature than this, and Cecily insisted on acting like the mature one. No. Alexis was fired up too, and she was starting to see why Renaye and Cecily had problems.

After she yelled at Josh, Alexis' hand closed over her wand. If she so much as threatened him, she'd give away her calm appearance, and she'd practice her hexes that she saved only for Josiah on this spoiled child. She was going to add on to what Josh said when Cecily turned on her.

“And you!” Oh, she was you now? Alexis frowned. Wasn't Cecily looking for Alexis' support just a little while ago in the Cascade Hall? “You know she’s been awful, and you’re just sitting there like nothing’s happened!” Alexis was about ready to flip when her golden brown eyes met Josh's, and she took a calming breath.

"Cecily, I'm going to be completely honest with you." she said without any emotion. "How do you expect me to be on your side and agree with you if this is how you act towards me? Sometimes you were the more awful one. I was siding with Renaye and Josh timidly before, but now I know what it's like to be on the recieving end of your tantrums, and I won't hesitate to support Renaye and Josh any longer."

Then, with the ending to a toddler's tempertantrum, a nice scream, Cecily walked out. Josh turned to her, and Alexis couldn't help but stare at her feet. She had some major damage control to take care of later.

"Holy mother of God. After that, does she really expect me to believe that she does "nothing" to deserve whatever Renaye dishes out?" Josh said before he collapsed onto the couch. She sat down rather shakily herself, wondering when she stood up. It might have been when she grabbed her wand...

"She had no right." Alexis shook her head. "I'm sorry. I should've taken her aside and calmed her down or...or something. Then maybe that would've gone better." Smiling up at Josh, she said, "I meant what I said to her, though. I don't like people like that. I have to deal with too many in my life already. I seriously don't need another one. If you or Renaye or Laurie need anything, or if Cecily bothers you about this stuff again, let me know. I'll be there like that." and she snapped her fingers.

Cecily just had to worry about whether or not Alexis would get over what was just said. If not, she might find something dangerous in her bed someday...really, it just wasn't smart to anger most, if not all, the girls she would be sharing a room with for the rest of her years at Sonora.

0 Alexis I can't say that wasn't expected 0 Alexis 0 5

Josh

April 21, 2008 5:53 PM

My thoughts precisely by Josh

This whole day was turning into a huge fest of upset girls. Josh was sure that Alexis would be upset once Cecily rounded on her. At least Cecily hadn't said anything too personal towards her. It would sting a lot more to have insults thrown at you from a friend than from someone who you had no real opinion about (like himself and Cecily). Josh wasn't phased by her rantings because he knew that Renaye didn't "control him." She just did most of the talking. That may give the appearance that she is making up his sentences for him, but he knew she was expressing what she knew he felt. She wouldn't say something if she wasn't sure that it was true. She knew better. But Josh trusted her with that sort of thing. He agreed with most everything she said (except her support of the Harpies. Really, they're not that good...). He would rather that she speak for him anyway, that way he didn't have to. Josh knew how she was, too. If Renaye hated Cecily, she obviously had a reason (which he understood now). It wasn't that she controled him, he just trusted her judgement.

Josh was surprised, however, when Alexis told Cecily that she would be siding with the twins. Maybe he had underestimated her. He doubted Alexis would sacrifice whatever her relationship with Cecily was for his or Renaye's sake. He was grateful for it. Once they had both returned their spots, both looking about ready for the day to be over, Alexis replied,

"She had no right. I'm sorry. I should've taken her aside and calmed her down or...or something. Then maybe that would've gone better. I meant what I said to her, though. I don't like people like that. I have to deal with too many in my life already. I seriously don't need another one. If you or Renaye or Laurie need anything, or if Cecily bothers you about this stuff again, let me know. I'll be there like that." Josh was very close to believing her, and in the back of his mind, he probably did. Somehow she seemed very sincere when she said it. Josh nodded and lightly returned the smile.

"Thanks," he said, giving a little nod. Josh paused, thinking about all the stuff he had said just moments ago. Maybe he had been too harsh? Yeah, he had his reasons, but that was why he didn't like to speak. He felt a little guilty, but overall, he thought she deserved it.

"Merlin," he began, the conversation playing through his mind, "I hate it when people talk about Raye to me like that, as if they're telling me something that would make me mad at her. People really underestimate us." Josh diverted his eyes, wishing that he was allowed in the girls' dorm. He could use the company of his sister and Laurie at the moment.

0 Josh My thoughts precisely 0 Josh 0 5

Chrissy Mathers

April 21, 2008 10:26 PM

Thanks for reminding me of how 12 years old really act. by Chrissy Mathers

Chrissy had had to do her Prefect duties in helping to escort the first years back to the dorms after the feast. It was a job she had grown used to doing and was grateful that there wasn't anything beyond that (thank Merlin she hadn't been made Head Girl). But, after dropping off the first years, Chrissy had gone up to her dorm to begin unpacking. She shared a room with one of the largest group of Crotalus girls (she believed that only the 5th years really compared) and finding time to do anything alone was rare. But, after the summer she had had, even being in the crowded room with a group of seventeen year old girls was better than anything.

Half way through packing, Chrissy had to leave to do her rounds. There were groups of younger students chitchatting. Chrissy could only guess that they were discussing their summers. To be young and naive again. Chrissy shook her head and left the commonroom for her evening duties. Her walk around the school wasn't as long as some people seemed to believe it was, but it could also be the fact that Chrissy could make her way around the building with her eyes closed. She was going to miss this school when she finally graduated this spring. This had been her home for so long. It has hard to believe that she would be leaving it soon.

She twisted her engagement ring around her finger while she walked, still not used to the weight of it on her hand. She hated the blasted thing. Would have been more than willing to throw it in the garbage, but her mother was expecting her to enjoy the idea of marriage with an O'Neil. Her soon to be husband was alright for the most part...he would have been better if his nose wasn't so high in the air though. Chrissy sighed as she passed through the portrait and entered the commons only to be blasted by raised voices.

Her hazel eyes widened as she looked to a small group (she was relatively sure they were within the group she had taken notice of before she left) of first... no, not first, they looked somewhat familiar...maybe second or even third years, angrily talking at one another. Chrissy frowned. From where she stood, it was the boy and one of the girls ganging up on the second girl. That was not okay. Chrissy moved towards them, only to have the one girl rush off passed her. And who would blame her? From the information Chrissy had picked up (which really hadn't been too difficult), these two had verbally attacked her.

With the one girl gone, the two continued to talk, though more quietly. Chrissy walked up to the two of them, her face showing a visible frown of disapproval. "What is the matter with the two of you?" She asked them bluntly, looking between the two of them. "Do you honestly think it's alright to gang up on a girl like that? Someone, who from what I was able to witness, was trying to reach out on some level to you and you so heartlessly assaulted her tries? Or the fact that you raised your voices in the commonroom where there are people trying to get an early start on their studies or others in their dorms trying to sleep?" She asked them, taking them in with a quick flick of her eyes. By now, Chrissy was well used to younger students having big heads, she had no doubt these two were no different. "Well? Are you going to explain to me or do I have to get Professor Powell involved?" Her voice never raised above the appropriate level, but it was firm and clearly indicated her disappointment in the two of them. Perhaps Chrissy was actually taking her job as Prefect seriously after all?

0 Chrissy Mathers Thanks for reminding me of how 12 years old really act. 0 Chrissy Mathers 0 5

Alexis

April 22, 2008 6:52 PM

You're welcome...I guess by Alexis

Alexis smiled as Josh's thanks. And it wasn't just one of her I'm-smiling-to-get-you-to-like-me smiles. It was a real Alexis Ashwood smile. At least someone that day appreciated what she had to say. Well, she thought Laurie did, too. But seeing it with her very eyes right now made her feel a lot better.

"I hate it when people talk about Raye to me like that, as if they're telling me something that would make me mad at her. People really underestimate us." he said. Alexis stayed silent for a while. How in the world did he and Renaye get so close? It had to be the twin thing, it really did, because she and her sister weren't close at all. She hated Josiah with every fiber of her being.

"People just can't understand how close the two of you are." she finally said, looking Josh in the eyes. "Especially people with siblings of their own. I find it hard to understand a lot. My sister and I aren't close at all, and Josiah and I are farther apart than...well...everything! Usually, when people want to make you mad, they use something that they think will anger you, and a lot of people probably think your soft spot is Renaye." She shrugged. "I mean, if I wanted to make you mad, that's probably what I'd do."

Her eyes tore away from Josh's quickly when an older girl walked up. Wasn't she a prefect? She started scolding them for yelling at Cecily. It wasn't like she had even seen the whole thing, if she thought Cecily was the victim here! She softened her expression, a little worried herself when their Head of House was brought up. Mother and father wouldn't approve of that, would they?

"We're sorry." Alexis said immediately, her face a mix of guilt and fear. "We didn't mean to disrupt anyone...I didn't realize it had gotten so loud. Umm..." she wasn't sure how to explain this time and keep out of trouble. Cecily did start the fight, but from what it sounded like Miss Prefect saw, Cecily was the innocent little victim.

"She...uh..." she looked to Josh. Alexis didn't want to say, 'Well, she came in here and started bashing his sister.' Plus, she had a feeling that with her temper reaching its boiling point, anything else she had to say would land them both in the HoH office, if not with Headmaster Bulla himself.

0 Alexis You're welcome...I guess 0 Alexis 0 5

Josh

April 25, 2008 12:56 PM

shuffles feet by Josh

OOC: A quick note, Josh never raised his voice (which I neglected to add in my post, sorry). Exlamation points for Josh just means emphasis. He's not a very loud kid.

And sorry for the delay.

BIC:
"People just can't understand how close the two of you are. Especially people with siblings of their own. I find it hard to understand a lot. My sister and I aren't close at all, and Josiah and I are farther apart than... well... everything! Usually, when people want to make you mad, they use something that they think will anger you, and a lot of people probably think your soft spot is Renaye. I mean, if I wanted to make you mad, that's probably what I'd do." That was strangely, awkwardly honest... Josh wanted to laugh, but he figured that wouldn't be a good idea to laugh at something so honest from Alexis. He had the feeling she was being very sincere with him. Whenever his eyes met hers, he felt like she was telling him the truth. If she was lying, he might have been able to tell. But he didn't think she was. He understood what she was saying too. The thing was, she was right. If anyone ever wanted to make him mad, all they had to do was insult his sister. He could take whatever someone had to dish out on him, but don't ever take a stab at Raye.

An older girl walked up, one of the girls that had been chosen as a prefect. He hadn't talked to her before, so why was she over... Oh. Crap. Josh tried not to look at her in disbelief, though he might not have managed it. He knew he had said some mean stuff, but only in reply to the mean stuff Cecily had said to him. He hadn't yelled, had he? Josh exchanged a glance with Alexis, who seemed to be struggling for words.

"I don't know how much you saw," Josh said slowly, his voice somewhat quiet, his eyes looking up to her face, "All due respect, there are some details to the conversation that you may not have seen. It won't happen again, but I hope you don't think that we had no reasoning."

All the girl had seen was Cecily acting the victim. But hadn't Cecily been the one to begin yelling? Yes. Definitely. She had been the one to raise the volume. Alexis hadn't yelled either. Wait... What? Why was she telling them off for being loud? Cecily can't go around insulting them and not expect a retaliation. Could the prefect expect them not to retaliate after that? She must have only seen their reactions because if she had seen Cecily this convesation wouldn't be happening. ...

Right?

0 Josh *shuffles feet* 0 Josh 0 5

Chrissy

May 01, 2008 10:33 PM

It wasn't meant as a compliment. by Chrissy

The girl started first and Chrissy turned her immediate attention onto her. Well, it was an apology, which was saying something, but it wasn't an explanation. Chrissy gave her a look over, really taking her in. She had been in this school for seven years now and knew all the ways one tried to make themselves out to be like they were the right ones. She was a Crotalus after all. Chrissy certainly wasn't naive enough to believe them completely or think that they were totally innocent in whatever this tiff between the two of them and that girl had.

The boy took the lead and continued the flow of conversation. Chrissy turned in his direction, but eyed the girl from time to time. He was trying to be a smooth talker. Chrissy's displeasure deepened. She had a short temper, but it rarely flared while she was at school. But, it was one of the reasons she didn't feel she was suitable to where the Prefect badge. She didn't have the temperament to deal with little kids. Especially little kids that thought they knew everything or behaved as though they were created directly from Merlin for the sole purpose of putting people down.

Or, as this boy just said, kids that think that any reason given to gang up on a person was good enough for them. Chrissy took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I probably didn't see the whole conversation, but what I did see was very disrespectful and not a trait I ever thought I should see in a Crotalus let alone two." Chrissy's voice was low as she spoke to them, not wanting to create any sort of scene as the three of them had. "I'm sure the other girl is just as much to blame for the scene as the two of you are, however, I saw her storming out of the commons upset and I find the both of you saying things to her as she left. To me, that is evident enough to reflect that the two of you rounded on her."

Chrissy caught herself before she rambled on. "Look, I understand that you all aren't going to be friends and that's fine but please keep your quarrels in private. If you feel the need to lash out at someone to the point where they storm off nearly in tears and feel that you’re entitled to that, please go see the school counselor, she’s here for a reason.”

0 Chrissy It wasn't meant as a compliment. 0 Chrissy 0 5

Chrissy

May 01, 2008 10:33 PM

OOC: Posted above (nm) by Chrissy

0 Chrissy OOC: Posted above (nm) 0 Chrissy 0 5

Alexis

May 03, 2008 9:13 PM

I can see that WotW by Alexis

Alexis gave Josh a thankful look when he took over the conversation. Honestly, her temper was fit to bursting. Alexis wasn't sure how much longer she could stand it. She had been forced to be with Josiah on the ride to Sonora, dealt with Cecily and Renaye's problems, apologized to Laurie, and took Cecily's crap. She wasn't sure how much more she could handle. But she was about to find out.

She nodded sincerly when Josh said it won't happen again, because Alexis would be sure that it wouldn't happen again. Not in the commons anyway. She was about calm again when Miss Perfect Prefect continued. Hadn't she understood that they were sorry? And since when had they said things to Cecily as she left? Cecily obviously hadn't given them a chance, hence her shouting!

"If you feel the need to lash out at someone to the point where they storm off nearly in tears and feel that you’re entitled to that, please go see the school counselor, she’s here for a reason.” Her jaw dropped. This...witch was not saying what she just heard. Her breathing quickened angrily, and her eyes brimmed with tears. She only cried when she was furious, and it seemed to be one of those times.

"I can't believe you'd have the audacity to barge into a conversation and accuse me and Josh of being the bullies here, then suggest that we need mental help when you did not even see the whole conversation." she said calmly, not raising her voice once. However, she stood. "I do not need to see the guidance counselor, and Josh and I have already agreed that it wouldn't happen again. We have apologized. This means that the subject should probably be dropped." No attitude behind her words, Alexis seemed like she was reciting something in front of a class. It was all facts in her case. It might sound like to a passerby that she was speaking about the weather, if they didn't notice the angry tears spilling from her eyes.

"I don't know why you chose to round on us, for Josh and I didn't raise our voices. Cecily did. Maybe it is because we're here, and you didn't feel like chasing after her. I don't know, and I honestly don't really care at the moment." Sighing, she looked Miss Perfect Prefect in the eyes. "I am sorry, Josh is sorry, I am sure that I will be able to apologize to Cecily when she calms down, and I will definitely do so. But right now, I am tired, and I am going to try and get some sleep." Turning away, she sent a small smile to Josh. "I'll talk to you later, I guess."

Feeling incredibly guilty for leaving him behind, she walked up to the second year dorms. Alexis didn't want to leave him, but he would be better off without her. If she had stayed any longer, her temper would've broke and they both would probably be close to expulsion.

0 Alexis I can see that *WotW* 0 Alexis 0 5

Chrissy

May 03, 2008 10:08 PM

I wish you'd have learned (WotW) by Chrissy

Chrissy looked at the girl, who was close to tears now. Chrissy frowned and thought back to what she had said that would elicit any sort of reaction as tears. From what she could recall, Chrissy hadn't raised her voice and hadn't used any words that was rude or directly insulting to the two of them. Merely that she didn't believe it was showing the best house representation by ganging up on another student. How that would call upon tears, Chrissy didn't know.

But then the girl started talking and Chrissy was once again reminded of how short her temper really could be. Audacity? There was nothing audacious about what she had done. She had seen an upset student run off and the two responsible for it were talking together with smiles on their faces. Chrissy acted as a Prefect should have. She wanted answers as to why they felt that what they were doing was appropriate. All she got were excuses and now this girl talking down to her as though she could. Dismissing Chrissy and leaving the conversation after completely misconstruing what Chrissy had said.

It was completely inappropriate and contemptuous behavior to do infront of anyone, let alone in a room full of first years.

Chrissy sighed loudly and rubbed her temple to keep a headache at bay. This was the last thing she needed right now. She turned her attention to the boy and spoke before giving him a chance to retaliate as well. "Let your friend know she just lost Crotalus five points." Chrissy said bluntly. Chrissy had wanted to tell the girl to get back here as she was not done with the conversation and would not be dismissed so easily by a first year (or whatever year she was), but thought better of it. "And since you're the only one left, I'm going to explain myself better in hopes that you'll heed my words and think of them only as advice. I'm not trying to be the bad guy as your friend claims. Take it from my point of view. I walk into the room to a girl screaming and storming off only to find the two of you talking and smiling to each other. It's not the best light for the two of you to be in. All I asked for was an explanation as to what had happened so that I could figure out how to keep it from happening again. That's my job." Chrissy informed him. "But I didn't get an explanation, just an excuse and an apology, one that I am glad that I received, but wasn't really looking for.

"I had already admitted to the both of you that I'm aware that I probably didn't hear the whole conversation and that the girl who left was just as much to blame for the situation as the two of you were. I wasn't calling either of you a bully, though, with the way your friend just acted and treated me, I'm beginning to realize why the other girl screamed and ran off." Chrissy frowned at him. She wished she was taller so that she could be looking down at him to feel as though she looked more authoritative than she currently did at her height. How Jennifer could be Head Girl and Quidditch Captain with dignity, Chrissy didn't know but was tempted to ask.

"For the record, I suggested the Counselor, not because I think the two of you are mental-" Chrissy kept her personal opinions on that subject to herself, "but because the Counselor is here to listen to everyone and try to help work out solutions to whatever issues are brought to her attention. It's perfectly healthy to talk to a professional about things and in no way reflects poorly on a person's mental stability. Working out problems before they cause situations like this one is a better solution for everyone. Especially when you have to live in the same house." Chrissy took a few steps away from the boy to let him know that she was ending this conversation, "It's the best advice I could give anyone when they aren't willing to explain themselves to me. Take it or don't, that's up to you, but more than just points will be lost if I catch a situation like this one happen again with any of you." She wasn't really sure if that was what one would constitute as a threat or merely a warning. She was aiming for warning. "It's late, have a good night."\r\n\r\n

0 Chrissy I wish you'd have learned (WotW) 0 Chrissy 0 5

Josh

May 04, 2008 2:17 AM

blank jaw-dropped stare {WotW} by Josh

Josh felt like he was the only male on the planet at the moment. Girls overcome with emotion were everywhere today, and frankly, he felt lost. Josh was irritated from the situation with Cecily, but he didn't think that his emotions should carry-on any further than the situation. It wasn't a life-altering conversation, but it was one that wouldn't be exactly forgettable. But now, here he was speaking with the Prefect about the situation. Josh was so exausted from the day that all he wanted to do was talk with Renaye and fall asleep... This didn't seem to be happened all-too-soon however. Alexis didn't seem to take the retaliation as well as he may have. Her eyes were brimming with tears, which he could understand. For her sake, he prayed she would hold her temper--

"I can't believe you'd have the audacity to barge into a conversation and accuse me and Josh of being the bullies here, then suggest that we need mental help when you did not even see the whole conversation." Josh's mouth opened to say something to calm her, but no words came to him. He held up a finger in the air, suggesting that he had something to say, but still, his voice was lost. She continued the subject, quite literally standing up to the Prefect. Once she had finished, she left for the dorm, leaving Josh downstairs, looking ridiculous with his kaw dropped, staring after her as she left. This had just spiraled out of control and he was left with disaster clean-up duty. He started with closing his mouth, his pale blue eyes still staring off into the distance.

"I--" he began, "I- Um..." Josh gave up and ran a frustrated hand through his black hair. Alexis was right in many points, but there were way better ways to handle it... Having the audacity to stand up to the prefect threatening to send them to Bulla and call her audacious... That took, well, audacity. Josh listened as she explained herself to him. Josh understood it was her job. He definitely got that. He was trying to say that she had missed the important part of the conversation and was maybe jumping to conclusions. Maybe he should attempt to fix this?

"But I didn't get an explanation, just an excuse and an apology, one that I am glad that I received, but wasn't really looking for."

"I know it's your job," he said sincerely, "And, if you're still willing to hear it, I'll give you the explanation. I just figured it would sound like an excuse at the time..." Josh hesistated, feeling a little more confortable now that he was alone in the room, as stange as that seemed.

"I have a twin sister, Renaye. She and both of those girls are roommates and none of them have really got along, until... Well, I don't know about Alexis- that's the girl who just... The one who just went upstairs. I think she's okay with my sister, I'm fairly certain. We haven't really talked before tonight. But Cecily hates my sister. Something happened at the feast that Raye yet has to tell me. She told me she was going to tell me tonight. She went upstairs to pack and I stayed here talking to Alexis. Then Cecily showed up. My twin and I are really close. As in, best friends by blood. First thing Cecily tells me is that my sister was being horrible and that she's a determinedly mean person. I know Renaye better than myself sometimes. She doesn't lash out unless she has a good reason, you have to understand that," he looked up at her, trying to get this across, "Renaye always has a reason. Cecily admitted that she had said mean things too. And then she started talking about how ignorant Raye is and how she just ignores any attempt to be friends. I told her I didn't want to hear her talk about my sister that I was going to stick by Renaye's side. Alexis seemed like she was stuck in the middle. She said we were both right, that Cecily had been trying, but was harsh about it. This is where the yelling came in.

"She stood up, looking peeved. She said, "You're an idiot! You do exactly what your sister says! You're like her pet." That's where I got a little wound-up and said that I understood why Renaye had such a problem with her because she jumps to conclusions and then acts like the victim when people retaliate to her insults. Then she rounded on Alexis and yelled about how she was just acting like she had seen nothing about... I don't know. I have to talk to Renaye about that. Then Cecily screamed "Merlin Save me!" and stormed out." Josh bit his lip, glad that it was over with, but still weary of her reaction. He had been truthful, he knew he had reacted in the heat of the moment. He hoped she would understand that he was sticking up for his sister and that Alexis understood that Cecily was overreacting.

"I hate hearing people talk about my sister like that. That is one thing I can't stand. I know she says stuff behind Raye's back and to Renaye all the time. Renaye can handle that. But then she starts talking to me about it, like she expects me to agree with her. I don't, obviously. Then she throws me in there too, calling me my sister's pet. It was all reaction to personal insults, and insults to my sister. Alexis stood up for herself and I stood up for Renaye and myself. So..." he faltered, "There's the explanation... I always have reason too. But I know it was... you know. I'm not like this normally. It's been a heck of a first day. I'm sorry, it won't happen again." Josh's gaze never left hers. He was being sincere and he didn't want her to have any reason to doubt that.

"It's late, have a good night."

Josh nodded. "You too. Good night."

Knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep, Josh collapsed back on the couch, letting his mind drift to the upcoming Quidditch try-out. There was something to look forward to this year...

0 Josh *blank jaw-dropped stare* {WotW} 0 Josh 0 5

Alexis Ashwood

Concerned? That's new TAG: Laurie by Alexis Ashwood

Laurie Cider

Heh, and so's this. by Laurie Cider

Josh Warren

And this. by Josh Warren

Alexis

Well, there's always a first time for everything by Alexis

Laurie

And if it works out, then a second time! Teehee! by Laurie

Josh

It's a nice process by Josh

Alexis

Hopefully it'll stay that way! by Alexis

Laurie

It could happen; definitely. by Laurie

Josh and (entrance) Renaye

Future looks promising then! by Josh and (entrance) Renaye

Alexis

As it naturally should by Alexis

Laurie

Except when the future ends badly. by Laurie

Renaye and Josh

That's always disappointing... by Renaye and Josh

Alexis

So are awkward situations...wotw by Alexis

Cecily Smythe

I revel in them by Cecily Smythe

Josh

Whatever works by Josh

Alexis

Not for me (WotW) by Alexis

Cecily

But this is fun, right? by Cecily

Josh

Do you want an honest answer? by Josh

Alexis

This is going to turn ugly, isn't it? by Alexis

Cecily

Oh yes. by Cecily

Josh

*blinks* by Josh

Alexis

I can't say that wasn't expected by Alexis

Josh

My thoughts precisely by Josh

Chrissy Mathers

Thanks for reminding me of how 12 years old really act. by Chrissy Mathers

Alexis

You're welcome...I guess by Alexis

Josh

*shuffles feet* by Josh

Chrissy

It wasn't meant as a compliment. by Chrissy

Chrissy

OOC: Posted above (nm) by Chrissy

Alexis

I can see that *WotW* by Alexis

Chrissy

I wish you'd have learned (WotW) by Chrissy

Josh

*blank jaw-dropped stare* {WotW} by Josh

blinks by Josh

shuffles feet by Josh

I can see that WotW by Alexis

blank jaw-dropped stare {WotW} by Josh