Adventure Academy {IC}

Jessie stood under the old oak tree by the dorms, looking around at all the kids unpacking their belongings. A few of them were unpacking from a minivan or SUV, but the returning students were getting their stuff off one of the school buses. Jessie slapped his thighs and nodded his head to the beat of some obscure song no one his age bothered to listen to. He looked around, Keeping an eye out for kids that might need help (It was his job, after all.)

Jessie always enjoyed fall. The weather was starting to improve from the muggy, oppressive heat of summer, now a calm, brisk fall afternoon. Which was somewhat unusual for August, but he didn't care. Jessie peeled himself off the tree, scratched an itch on the back of his neck, and walked over towards the parking lot. The dorms were all situated around a pond, with girls on the north side of the pond, and boys on the south side. There was only a dirt path connecting them, so students had to carry their own belongings. Jessie was confident about this new year. Maybe he'd meet some new friends (And some of them might stay and work summer camp with him).

Zack smiled. He made the smart decision of leaving most of his stuff here over the summer, since he was only a few miles away. He only had his acoustic guitar and a few belongings and clothes in a Holdall. He calmly tread back to his dorm, looking around for other people. As he walked, he whistled to himself, a sharp minor tune. He saw new people, old people, yet no one he wished to speak to. He continued on his way, not paying attention of anyone.

Soon he was back at his dorm, and let himself into his own room. It was all still as he left it, posters on his wall, Guitar in the corner. All the way down to the candy and soda leftovers from before they went to the campground. He grinned and set down his holdall, taking his guitar out of it's case. Maybe he'd get a decent neighbour this year. The last one left, for no apparent reason. Who cares anyway? He was a dick. Zack laid back and strummed lazily at his guitar, not paying attention to anything in particular. He continued as the light poured through the open window and caused the dust kicked up by his arrival to appear brightly.

Aaron came back by bus, he did not want to attract any unnecessary attention. There was a lot of younger students this year, they were all laughing in excitement. It was fun place to be at, he regretted going back home just to waste time in his room. He was mostly playing computer games and drawing, not having any idea what to do outside. Next year he will definitely stay here. He did not mind work, it was fun actually. Everything can be fun when you can do it with someone. He took his bag and went in direction of dorms. While walking, his gaze went to a guy by the tree. He saw him last year, couldn't remember the name unfortunately. He thought of waving but decided not to. He couldn't even remember the name, it would be rude if the guy ran to him and wanted to talk, so Aaron just continued down the path towards dorms.

He threw his bag onto the bed and then himself. Looking up the ceiling, spotting a bit of a crack in the spot where he threw tennis ball a lot last year. He smiled and shifted his gaze to the bed on other side of the room. His last roommate slept there. Unfortunately he left due to graduating and moving on in life. He was a cool guy. They talked a lot during the night or their free time. He was the one who showed Aaron the place when he just came here. Too bad he didn't ask for phone number or something, they should have stayed in touch. Meh, Aaron got up and left the room. No point in being there, he just hoped that his roommate won't be mad 'cause he left without saying his greetings. He decided to walk around the school's grounds before going back.

Eve sighed after getting her last bag from the truck. She looked around lazily, 'The Balled of Mona Lisa' by Panic at the Disco beating from her headphones. This place is probably a bore, she thought. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to see her twin Eric behind her. She placed her headphones around her neck and he pulled her into a hug. He hugged her back and no words needed to be spoken. She felt stares and ignored them, if she needed to she'd give them the finger and move on. ''I'll miss you.'' He said in Spanish into her ear. She smiled a rare smile saved only for those she trusted. ''I'll miss you to knuckle-head.'' She said also in Spanish rubbing her fist to his head, messing his hair up. She wasn't one for chick-flick moments. He groaned fixing his hair. ''Watch the hair.'' He said in English. She raised an eyebrow but, nodded.

Eric then sighed. ''I'll miss you alright, no making out with boys.'' He said with a fake stern expression, he knew she wouldn't do it. ''Sure.'' She said with a fake nod. ''Well-'' He started but, the truck honking cut him off. He sighed in union with Eve. ''Dad.'' They said to each other in union. Eric sighed. ''I'll miss you alright. Let me know if any dude mess with you. I'll come up here with the guys and we'll have a little talk.'' He said glaring at a boy who walked by and was starting at Eve. She sighed but, smiled. ''Alright, I got it.'' She said. He nodded, giving her one last hug before getting in the truck and driving away. Eve sighed taking her shades off and placing them in her jean pocket and fixed her leather jacket before grabbing her bags and guitar case, walking inside.

The brisk air caused her to shiver, it always did. Her dulled out, light blue jacket barely did anything to comfort her, it was so thin, and she couldn't afford a better one. Her blue jeans had a rip on the left knee, from when she fell down from weakness one day last year. She hadn't told anyone, because her financial situation always embarrassed her, but she had been unable to eat for two days, causing her knees to give out. Her pale complexion, a result of her malnutrition. No one ever seemed to notice, which she was grateful for. Somehow, she managed to maintain a dignified appearance, keeping herself looking like a normal person, for the most part. Only a keen eye could make out the weariness in her eyes and her face.

When the bus stopped, she was almost disappointed. She enjoyed long rides, because they were almost an excuse for her to not do anything. They were relaxing, and allowed her to contemplate life, and ponder over herself. She never had anything good to think about herself, but when she looked outside to see the beautiful place she could go to school at, she knew she was one of the few to truly appreciate the gift of life. She turned her head to the right, to look at some of the other students, all rushing to get off of the bus. A few of them she recognized, but she didn't see any of her friends from last year. Had they all moved away? Were they just not here yet? She couldn't be sure, but she knew she would likely be pointed out as the 'shy girl' this year. She didn't care much; because she wasn't shy. Not in the least. She just didn't take the time out of her day, or the energy out of her body to actively talk to anyone. When she turned her head back to the window on her left, she spotted a tree shedding its leaves for Fall. One in particular shone out from the rest; a beautiful, golden leaf. It was torn in many places, and only had half of a stem. It had holes in it from when caterpillars feasted upon it in the long summer. She smiled, noting that it was still alive, even after all of the terrible things it's been through. Finally though, its life would come to an end, as it hit the ground, and was trampled on by an uncaring student.

When every other person on the bus had got off, she took a moment to appreciate the silence, and smiled. She rose from her seat, and noted everyone else's backpacks and clothing. Most of the kids sported new, pristine backpacks, some had glitter on them, some had funny little designs, and all of them were colorful. Their clothes were in style, and bright, and their jackets were thick to keep them warm in the bitter Fall air. She looked down at her worn out grey shoes, which she wore to everywhere to everything. The knots she tied in them were very tight, just like she liked them. It gave her a sense of security, like her shoes would never fall off or wiggle around if she tied them tight enough. She then looked at her backpack, which resembled her shoes. It was plain and grey, worn out with holes and rips in some of the pockets. The left strap had been ripped so badly that it had come off, leaving the top and bottom parts dangling separately, so she had to carry it on her right shoulder alone. She picked it up, and immediately noticed its weight, from all the books and folders. Every single thing she took with her and need from the other school was in this one backpack, and she was struggling to carry it with her, especially with her meek arm muscles. When she finally managed to lift it onto her shoulder, she heard the bus driver call out to her,
"Everything alright, Miss Sky?" He asked her, curious as to why she was still on board.
"Everything's fine, sir..." She began. Her voice was raspy and weak, so she coughed to try to make it sound more regular. When she continued, she found herself successful, "Thank you for driving us, have a good day." She finished with a socially constructed smile, and walked off of the bus, stumbling at the final step, but catching herself. When she looked up, she smiled again, but genuinely. It truly was a beautiful place to go to school. The pond was crystal clear, and calm. She could hear birds chirping in the tall trees all around her, which threw away their leaves to the cool breeze that left goosebumps on her barely protected skin. The air brushed her hair around, causing it to sway in the wind, and a few loose strands of the beautifully bright blonde hair got in her face, which she removed with her left hand. She decided to drop the heavy backpack and just enjoy the scenery for a moment, while catching her breath. It would be a difficult journey to her dorm, which seemed so far away. She noticed a boy, obviously older than herself, strolling towards her general direction. She swore she recognized him, but couldn't quite put her finger on it. When she realized he was coming to her, she decided to wait for him, and see what happens.

Noticing...who was it, Sky? No, that was her last name. Very well then, Noticing the way Miss Sky's backpack crashed to the ground, Jessie decided the time had come to make himself useful. "G'd afternoon, Miss Sky. Need me to get that for you?"

She was a pretty girl, Jessie had thought. He never payed her much attention the previous year, but she looked different. Almost melancholy. She was wearing ratty, torn-up clothing, as usual, but Jessie did have to admit it was much better than the trash most kids wore nowadays. Jessie didn't pause long enough for an answer. He scooped up her backpack, smiled at her and said, "Which room are we heading to?" He readjusted his button-up shirt as he said this, and put his right hand halfway in his jeans pocket.

His smile faltered a bit as an unbidden thought ran through his head. No, not now. I'm over that. Everything's fine now, no reason to be nervous. Jessie couldn't help it, though. He mentally sighed. Here I am, three months later, and still acting like a child...

"G'd afternoon, Miss Sky. Need me to get that for you?" The boy asked. Charlotte was prepared to say no, she wasn't comfortable accepting help from people, but when he picked up her bags without giving her a chance to answer, a feeling of relief swept over her. Carrying that heavy pack all the way to her room didn't appeal to her very much, and he looked like he had no trouble with it at all. She took a short pause, and looked to her right, taking in the scenery one last time before settling herself in, and then she looked back at him. She immediately noticed him readjusting his bottom-up shirt, that hung on him almost a little too well. She had to look up at him, being a good bit shorter than he was, but she admired his demeanor. Most males at that age were quite a bit more obnoxious than he was making himself out to be.
"Thanks," she stated plainly, but gratefully. When the word slipped out of her mouth, she averted her eyes, just for a moment, before moving them back onto him. He put his right hand in his pocket, and Charlotte realized her mind was racing a hundred miles an hour, making a simple second seem like hours. Her 'thanks' had come out as he began to talk again,
"Which room are we heading to?" He said over her. She figured he probably didn't hear her when she thanked him, but her throat was dry, and her voice was coarse. She wanted to wait until she at least got a drink before she started talking too much.
"Follow me." She said as nicely as she could, hoping to make a good impression. When she began walking on the dirt road, with the boy following close behind her, she gazed at the cabins.

Well, if you would call them cabins. When she thought of a Summer camp, she thought of a few log cabins in the woods, with no electricity or anything like that. But when she looked at these dorms, she couldn't hold back her bright smile. He dazzlingly bright eyes shone even more as they fell upon the comfortable, quaint looking buildings. She could hear some quiet electrical humming that she guessed were muffled generators, and admired the constructs. Looks like she would get to have some heating after all, and some light for her night-bidden artwork. She turned to the boy,
"I'm one of the smaller, one-person rooms." She managed to get out, her smile unfaltering until she heard her voice. When it came out, it was as hoarse as she feared it would be, and she knew that this guy had noticed. Her hand covered her mouth with a barely audible gasp, and her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. What would this guy think of her now? And on that note, why couldn't she remember her name? This just served to embarrass her even more. Now this helpful, nice guy probably thought she was some ungrateful, rude, poor little girl who couldn't even afford to feed herself, and was too weak to carry her own bags. What a great first impression.

Zack was just leaving his room, Guitar in hand, to do some jamming out in the sun. He walked down the dirt path, going to the North side which always had a better view of campus than the rest of the pond area. He noticed a girl, laden down with bags and the kicker, a Guitar case. He broke into a jog to catch up with her as she walked into the Cabin. He grinned "Hey there miss. Another guitarist eh? Want a hand with those bags?" He asked, gesturing at her bags. However, he was caught in her eyes. They were beautiful. He snapped out of it momentarily "Perhaps we could jam as well sometime after that? I love to have a good sesh with others!" He said, laughing a little off key, trying not to look strange. He innocently stretched out his arm and tried to take one of the bags from her, trying to project kind emotions on her.

Jessie checked his back pockets. One time. The ONE TIME he didn't have one with him. "I'd offer you what sounds like a much needed drink, but my water bottle...(He pauses as he looks behind him at Zach, who had apparently made a new acquaintance)..Seems to have deserted me."

Jessie noticed her shy mannerisms, but didn't comment on them. He wasn't exactly the pinnacle of social perfection himself. "So, a One man room? Lone wolfing it?" He looked across the lake and said, "I remember having my own room during the last week of spring semester, after I got back. I enjoyed it."
As soon as he said it, he wished he hadn't. He didn't want to talk about that right now. He hastily tried to change the subject. "So, I think I remember having an art class with you last year?"

Jessie kind of liked this girl. She wasn't loud and obnoxious like a lot of other girls that went to the school. He liked that. He could definitely see himself hanging out with her during his free time. He started to remember more and more about her from the previous year. She acted much the same as she acted now, although Jessie had never spoken to her. He had considered asking her out, but things happened, and he had to leave the school for a couple weeks. He was glad that she had turned her head, and hadn't seen his faltering smile...

"I'd offer you what sounds like a much needed drink, but my water bottle... seems to have deserted me." She removed her hand from her mouth, and her eyes relaxed a little. Her cheeks were still red, but only slightly. When she began to speak, her voice was still coarse, so she instinctively put her hand over her mouth again, even knowing he was okay with it. She just watched him and listened as he talked, enjoying the polite company. As he spoke, she noticed the sweet smell in the air, that somehow had avoided her until now. It was that of wet leaves and greenery, one of her favorite smells. Similar to the smell of dust after rain, but with a hint of grass. When she turned around and started walking again, she coughed, and tried speaking normally.
"I... think I do remember you, actually." She was surprised, because she really did remember him, even if she couldn't remember his name. "Are you the one who made that piece with the man sitting on a stone, speaking a thousand words?" She remembered it because it inspired her to make one of her pieces that sold for the most money she had made yet. It was a rather simple looking piece, but the idea behind it was genius. A man, speaking a thousand words, as if in a picture. It had been based off of the saying, 'a picture is worth a thousand words.' She made her own version of it and gave it to her brother as a present.

As she asked the question, her hand wrapped around a doorknob. The door creaked when she opened it, and the room was very plain. A small bed lay on the right side of the room, beside the white painted wall, with a window to its left, facing out into the wilderness. The window was stained, and not very well taken care of, with smudges all over it. She would have to clean that up when she got the chance. On the window sill sat a brown, oldstyle alarm clock. On the left of the room she found a sliding closet door that blended into the wall. Inside she would find a small place that she could hang her clothes, which were all inside of her backpack. At the far end of the room against another smudgy window, she found her desk, fit with a lamp and a few pens and pencils. A wooden chair that looked pretty uncomfortable was sat in the desk. Beside the closet was her very own bathroom, with a sink, toilet, shower, and mirror. This room was perfect.

She turned around to see the boy, pensive about something. Pondering some past event, maybe, or scanning over old memories. She wondered if he even heard her question.