« Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next » Reply Share Thread Facebook Twitter Tumblr LinkedIn MySpace Email Go to Previous Thread Next Thread Please make a selection first Author Topic: On Edge (Open) (Read 772 times) Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 15:12:41 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Sarah held up one finger with a smile, then quoted Rebecca verbatim. "So I guess I do it to prove them wrong as much as I do to keep things from falling apart. Because there are good people out in this world, and leaving them to natural selection will only make both sides more miserable." She chucked, giving a shake of her head. "I didn't know what to do with that statement, but when I looked at you, managing to grow and become and be beautiful despite the shit you've been handed... I believed you. I still believe that." Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 15:16:48 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "You do?" Her expression softens with the explanation, recalling the conversation when Piper had been struggling. Rebecca hadn't known what was going on at the time and still didn't, but this was supposed to be a friend of hers. Not only that, but Piper was outside the situation. She wasn't a friend that Rebecca had made from day one, nor was she tied to any other opinions others might have. "I think I'm missing the growth, but I guess that's easy to do when I'm looking at myself." She nods. Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 15:23:11 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "You let me hold your hand," she pointed out with a wink, before turning back towards the cabinets. This time, she fetched two bowls. "Do you do ice cream?" It was true that they hadn't known each other long, but Sarah had read the file on her and remembered seeing her out and about when she first came to Paradigm. She saw the changes. Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 15:30:08 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "I did." It's almost a question until she remembers, then chuckles. "I usually make shakes if I'm going to have ice cream. It's a little easier to stand if things don't go well." Not that she wouldn't try, though. Dairy was just one of those things that was terrible if it was rotten. She would never have bubblegum ice cream again. "It's easier some days than others. Thanks for believing in me." She looks at Piper thoughtfully. "What's your reason for being here, then? Your reason to stay when things feel like they're falling apart?" Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 15:42:07 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top She glanced at the freezer, but decided against it. Ice cream could wait for another night. Leaving that behind, she grabbed her mug of coffee and led Rebecca to her room. "Family," she said as she started walking. "I've never had one before. That isn't something I was allowed... but here, I've found it. I found Aaron, Angel, Mat, Fi, Eric... and you." She turned to offer the girl a genuine smile, her eyes showing affection and true honesty. "I found people to love. To inspire me. To pick me up when I fall down. I found home." Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 15:53:21 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top How could she not be allowed a family? Holding back on the question, Rebecca smiles back and grows more relaxed as Piper talks. It's something similar to her own experience at Paradigm, finding a niche of people that make up what you want to be your family. The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb, right? And she could just as easily have wound up hating all of them. A different life for a different person. "I know what you mean." She nods. "Whatever happens, this place is home." Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 16:03:30 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "If you could say that with a little more enthusiasm, I might believe you," she teased, opening the door to her room. It was pristine. You could take a white glove to any surface and it would come back clean. Her bed was made, military style, and the only thing that seemed out of place was a small calico cat statuette sitting on her bedside table. Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 16:19:50 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "What goth goes around without the ability to suck the joy right out of the room?" Okay, she's gone from trying to reaching in one breath, but still. She looks around the room as they enter, noting the way the pristine room has a sharp edge to it, softened by a little figure on a table. A little piece of Piper in an otherwise sterile dorm. "Home sweet home," she says as she lifts her arm to gesture to the room. She drops it to her side a moment later. "I did mean it, though. This place is the closest thing some of us have to home. Whatever our pasts or the people we know, we're here and we're accepted. Even if we're not sure why." Or if not everyone took that opprotunity when it came their way. Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 16:51:14 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top That was better. Smiling, she led the way into her room and sat on her bed, smoothing out the wrinkles instinctively. Her eyes were bright, and with her free hand, motioned for her friend to join her. "So why did you look so bummed if you were coming home?" The Aussie asked, looking genuinely concerned. Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 17:07:20 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top She takes a seat beside Piper after a moment, looking down at the coffee her friend had made. Something so simple meant such a big deal to her, even if she didn't say it. Maybe she should have; Piper had pointed out a few occasions now where Rebecca had somehow managed to be inspiring. "Because sometimes we leave baggage back where we used to be, and it catches up with us anyway." Her lips twist at the thought of her father, but she bites back her initial bitterness. There was still plenty there to be heard, even then. Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 17:16:17 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top She snorted in an effort not to laugh. It wasn't as if what she said was funny, or she felt as if it weren't serious. "Sorry," she said, holding up her hand that wasn't holding her coffee. She wasn't trying to be condescending. "Sorry, really... It's just..." She tried to wipe the smile off her face. "I know exactly how you feel. Exactly. Well, okay. Maybe not exactly. It's probably different people, but the baggage? I get that." Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 17:29:05 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Rebecca looks up at the snort, frowning at Piper's reaction while the other girl tries to pull herself together. She didn't think she was being melodramatic, but maybe she was and just didn't realize it? She relaxes again when she's told she's making sense, shaking her head. "Alright then." She shifts on the bed, brushing imaginary dust from her pants. After a moment, she looks at her friend again with a weary smile. "I wish you didn't, but I guess we all have our own stuff to deal with." She takes a sip of coffee, biting back the urge to throw up. Sh still isn't in control enough of her power to tip the odds in her favor. She takes a deep breath, thankful the hot liquid will have destroyed some of her ability to taste as she focuses on something else that leaves a bad taste in her mouth. "I got a call from one of the local hospitals. Turns out my dad was in the rally last weekend. He got injured by the bomber lady." Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 17:43:14 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top The last rally? Oh. The one she couldn't go on. Of course not. She was just about to ask how he was when... "He was at the anti meta rally?" She asked, her voice softening. "Warrens' speech?" That meant he was, well... anti meta. "Is he okay?" Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 17:56:15 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top She gives Piper a grateful look, glad she doesn't have to spell it out any further than that. "That's the one." She takes another sip. She'd felt like scum when she finally listened to the message. It was nice to think that Paradigm was the place for her, but there were others waiting for her outside its gates. "He'll be alright. He was well enough to chastise me and threaten my place here. This just gave him more fuel for his fire." Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 17:59:32 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "Of course it does," she said with a shake of her head. "Most people will use anything to their advantage, no matter what that advantage may be." She offered her hand for the girl to take, a comforting gesture. If she did, Sarah would just hold it gently, carefully, their hands resting on the bed. If not, she'd retract her hand gracefully: no hard feelings. "I also probably don't have to tell you how scary being on a field like that is. We're trained for it. They make sure we know what we're going into when we do get out there. He doesn't have that training, so he's probably scared. And the only emotion stronger than fear is anger." Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 18:20:50 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "Mhmm." At first, there's no response to Piper's gesture, but before she can change her mind and pull back, Rebecca reaches out to give her hand a squeeze. She doesn't want the other girl to think she's not ungrateful. "I know. The problem is that he wants me here to learn so I can go home and act like I've never been here. Like I'm something to pity, but hey, it's okay! I'm all better now. My deformity can be hidden. No one else has to know." She scowls, but the expression fades as she shakes her head. "He wants a dream he can't have anymore." Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 19:00:36 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "You wouldn't be going home," Piper quietly reminded the girl, giving her hand a gentle squeeze back. She retracted herself, not forcing Rebecca to touch her, and ran a hand through her hair. "You would be leaving home." Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 19:07:02 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "Exactly." She draws her hand back into her lap. "No ties, no contact, no nothing that wasn't approved. To a hick town so small it's ass-deep in the middle of nowhere and full of people who don't want my kind to exist." Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 19:08:55 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "So why would you go back at all?" She asked, sounding genuinely confused. She had left Australia, a neglectful mother, an absent father, and all of her memories... and she had no interest in going back. So why was this a dilemma? Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 19:18:59 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "Because he's my dad." She scowls at the emphasis, fingers curling in on themselves as she drums her fingers against her thigh. "He's still my legal guardian. He raised me after he and my mom weren't together anymore. He kept raising me after my power showed up." Her voice catches at the admission. Raising was one way to put it. "It's complicated." She lets out a frustrated sigh. It wasn't like she hadn't wondered the same thing herself. Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 21:01:59 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "How old are you?" She asked softly, as if she didn't know. She knew that Rebecca was younger... young enough, in fact, that she still had rules to listen to. But there were ways. Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 21:36:40 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "Sixteen." She'd never bothered to hide the fact, so no point starting now. Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 21:38:24 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "So get emancipated. Or just hang in there for another two years." She didn't really know if either of those were actual options, but it was something she could at least suggest. Back to Top   Rebecca Jefferson Legend Defense Will it be you this time? [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 4,354 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 21:51:27 GMT -6 » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "That's pretty much what I'm doing, isn't it?" She frowns and shrugs. "I've thought about emancipation, but it's messy. There are a lot of questions I still need answered. Does my status as an agent here count as a job, for one. And then there's consent. The only ways to be emancipated without consent are to go into the military or get married." She's so glad she can't taste anything at this point as she takes another drink. "So yes, hang in there. I've done it for ten years already; I have less than two until I'm free. Bide my time and be a good little girl like I have every other day until I came here. "The problem is making sure I don't make waves. Even if I don't, my face is already on the television. People at home will know. He'll have to do damage control - which also means he'll take personal interest in making sure I do what he wants. "He's going to revoke his permission for me to be here if I don't." She sighs and leans her head back, eyes closed. "I don't even know if he won't do it anyway just to teach me a lesson, or if he decides that some metas on television are enough to make sure he pulls me out." She draws a shaky breath and opens her eyes, staring at the ceiling. "Maybe he was just angry, I don't know. But if he does that, I will be on my own." Her lips press into a tight line, eyes flashing. "Either way, I'm not going back to that life. I don't care what it takes." Back to Top   Sarah White Mentor Defense When Autumn Came... [send pm] Joined: October 2015 Gender: Posts: 2,037 On Edge (Open) « Dec 2, 2015 22:01:49 GMT -6 via mobile » Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top "You won't be alone," Sarah promised, suddenly rather serious. Her eyes even darkened as she crossed her arms over her chest. "You won't ever be alone. Not again." She sighed softly, then looked up at Rebecca. She didn't really know how to talk to people, especially friends, when they were having a hard time. "You know, humans are the most damn selfish creatures on this planet. Subconsciously, or greatest goal in life is to make the most people possible miserable when we die. I know, I know," she said, before Becca could try and defend it, "there's more to it than that. But at a base level, that's exactly what is happening. "You, however, don't do that. It has nothing to do with being a meta or whatever. It has to do with you being YOU. A steel rose." She smiled, trying to reference the picture she had drawn for her. "Your father? He can go suck his own. I don't give a flying pig in outer space about him." Woah there, Aussie. "And if he tries to take you out of Paradigm, I'm sure that Director Gavyns would be able to give you a reason to stay. You don't have to go, if you want. And, worst case, there's always Mexico." She winked at her friend, thinking about the joke she had made before: they could always elope. Back to Top   Reply Share Thread Facebook Twitter Tumblr LinkedIn MySpace Email Go to Previous Thread Next Thread Please make a selection first