"Sure, sure!" the willowy girl waved to Ebony, "We'll catch ya' on the flip! Get somethin' to fill your tum! See ya 'round!"

Poetry wiggled her shoulders this way and that, as if trying hard to keep from dancing. She shook out her wild wavy blonde hair with a grin. So it did seem that this new fluttering butterfly was new to town. Awesome 'possum. New blood was always good for the town. She did a little spin and wiggled her head a bit to let that pale blonde hair fall over her shoulders. It was so pretty in the light, she just couldn't help herself.

The girl actually looked sort of like her, now that she was getting a good look. But then again Poetry's nose was a bit more upturned and the Butterfly's face was delicately slender. Not to mention the difference in both of their coloring. Must just be in her mind's eye. All humans were practically cousins anyway, just very faintly. Well, it was groovy anyway.

"I think so, thanks. Conan and Tadhg just abandoned me, can you believe that!?"

"No lyin'?!" she empathetically shook her head, irritated on Meave's behalf, "What cheese-weasels... That's totally bouge of them to blow you off like that! Too rude!" The groovy gal stood still finally with her hands on her slender hips. Her billowing off white blouse fluttered like wings and she shook her head, like an irritated angel disappointed in her mortal charge. "I'd get somethin' super yummy and then refuse to share~" she giggled deviously and threaded finger through her hair, delicate fingers playing with tendrils of silver-gold in the sunlight.

"Well, late greetings and welcome ta' town, Meave, My Mellow~" she grinned up at the red haired girl, humming a bit as she talked, "I'm Poetry Sundance~ Home schooled from the get go~ Riding this new wave to catch the high school cool flow~" She laughed, probably catching on that the other girl might get confused by her strange way of talking, like most she met did.

"Meaning, meaning~" she tapped her finger with her nose, "I'm new to schoolin' with others too. So you can hang with me anytime, Sunshine~" The girl winked and did a light and graceful spin, with a playful pose at the end. She laughed brightly and did the wave with her arms.

"Yo, munchin' sounds good to me!" Poetry beamed, "We could all share an elephant ear or somethin' good like that! Nothin' makes this girl happier than a full belly, don't cha' know~" She clapped her hands once and then held them up, as if to stop that thought.

"Rewrite!" she shouted, "Scratch that! You guys wanna' ride the wheel first?" She wiggled her eyebrows with a grin, jabbing her thumb at the ferris wheel.




Oberon was lazily walking about, the sun bearing down on him. A figure in almost all black for this crowd wasn't as unique as it usually was in town. A lot of kids his age wore black, to be fashionable, to hide or to just appear intimidating. Black jeans, black sweats, flannel shirts to look edgy... It was kind of tiring to look at. Who bought high-end flannel? It was merely flannel. To pay more than twenty dollars for it was completely ludicrous.

Ambling about food stalls, he didn't see much of anything he wanted. Which was good for his pockets. Not so good for his health. Eating breakfast was important... Good thing public school had plans for 'kids without means' like him. Running his finger through his thick dark hair, he tilted his head to the side.

"Absurd," the single word slipped from his lips like a ribbon of darkness stolen from a night in the city. He didn't have nothing. He had close to nothing, but not just a flat out rate of 'nothing'. He tutored other kids, both his age and younger, and did odd jobs to eat well enough. And Oberon bought all his own books (Amazon, second hand stores, and thrift-searching), clothes (Goodwill, Salvation Army, and thrift bought) and could cough up enough money to go on school trips. His pride, though bruised and little, refused to be looked down upon.

They were selling some sort of meat on a stick. Teriyaki chicken. Good enough. He wasn't that hungry anyway. Paying the vendor, he bit into it and was assaulted with flavor. It was strange and savory yet sweet and it was so tasty he almost cried. Almost. Hungrily he feasted on it, eating rather out of view of others. It just tasted so good. Who knew such a good thing could exist!

Ronin looked down and to the right like he always did when he was nervous, He pulled his hand away from Sadie's and rubbed the back of his head. "No no no, not dating..." He said with a nervous chuckle while his heart skyrocketed and his stomach felt like it was about to explode from butterfly overload when Lily hugged him. He looked at Sadie while she talked and heard the killjoy in her voice when she replied. Ro quickly ruffled Sadie's hair and gave her a caring friendly smile but he noticed it didn't do anything but annoy her, like it always did. Ronin blatantly stared at Lily, not on purpose, just simply out of awe. He cherished every feature on her face like he was going to have to draw it for an upcoming test. He almost didn't hear the introduction between Wynona and himself. Ronin snapped out of his trance and smoothly flipped the Lacrosse pole from his right hand to his left, Then extended his right as a greeting to Wynona, "Nice to meet you... Wynona. He stumbled before spitting out a mispronunciation of her name. He got a grim look from sadie and a confused look from Wynona. His face when red hot and he started trying to ask if they could hang out with them for the carnival before Sadie spoke up with a much more confident voice and asked the question herself. He looked down and he felt like he was burning up, His heart racing and his mind whirling about how much he was making himself look like a fool right in front of Lily, He had to change the topic. "Hey guys, Let's go to the bakery booth, I'm kinda hungry and I looooove their sweets. I'm buying. For everyone." He glanced up a few times at Wynona and Lily to see their reactions and locked eyes with Lily for only half a second which could have cause a heart attack if he wasn't in such good shape. He finally rested his eyes on Sadie which calmed him down because of the soothing calm she brought him in situations like these. He swung the Lacrosse pole back to his right hand and looked around the little group one more time.

---

---

Derek had been lying on the couch in his apartment. Sure he was suppose to be at school, but he didn't care. It was just a carnival today and nothing good could come from it for him. Anyways, he had slept in and was already very late. So, he just laid there. Nothing for him to do. Everyone he usually hung out with decided they wanted to go to the carnival to play some sports or hit on some of the chicks there. Derek didn't see the point. He knew he was a shoe in to be apart of whatever team he wanted and only one girl was on his mind. Guaranteed she probably would never reciprocate his feelings for her. Still almost every time he saw the girl he told her how he felt.

He could have laid on that sorry excuse for a couch all day like the lazy turd he was if it wasn't for the phone on the wall(yes they have an old dinosaur of a phone) ringing. He slowly and begrudgingly rolled off the couch and picked up the old thing and put it to his ear. "Derek Alestar O'Leary. I told you that you were to show up at school on time today. What do you have to say for yourself!"

"Creme stank peritrout." Whenever Derek didn't feel like speaking to his grandfather he tended to just speak in random words. "Copper wopper small dollar. Or do you want me to tell you how I don't give a crap about some trashy carnival. Your not my dad or my mom. I don't consider you my grandfather because frankly you don't deserve it. And it's just a pure waste of my time."

"Then what about your mother. The only reason I told you to be here is because she wanted you here. She wasn't going to say anything to you because she didn't want to hurt your pitiful feelings."

"Oh, I think that seals the deal. I'll get you the grandfather of the year mug for Christmas. Oh wait. I don't have money to do that. Neither does ma. Yet, you sit your soft rump in your plush little bed with your junky tempurpedic pillows after a day of driving in your laffy taffy of a mustang. Also, NEVER pull the guilt trip of my mom again. You forced her to live in this swamp. You don't deserve to say anything."

"Who was it that paid for your knee surgery? Who was it that took care of you while you were merely an infant so she could earn money to raise you, her little baby? It's time you grew up. Stop acting like the world is against you and accept your circumstances. Your mother has. What will she think when she finds out you didn't go to the carnival. Your mother wants you to have a childhood. So, have it." With that Derek slammed the phone into its place. The old fart was right as usual and it ticked Derek off. He quickly got ready and headed out the door with a few sandwiches in a brown paper bag. But only because it's what his mom wanted.

After walking for awhile he finally arrived at the cesspool of teenage hopes and dreams. He knew he was gonna hate this place. Full of snobby rich kids and little brats who looked down on anyone lower than them on the economical foodchain. He wasn't gonna let the turds get to him. He'd show them how it's done on and off the field. In and out of the classrooms. By the end of this first year he already planned on owning this dump.

When he got to where some of the people were he saw a face he recognized. It was Clydesdale, long for Clyde. Usually the 'little' guy was with Abbie. Yet, right now he was off by himself, and it seemed he was having some sort of issue. Derek walked up to the guy and said, "Yo, Clydesdale. How's it hanging? Want a sammich?" As he pulled a bologna sandwich out of his bag and held it out to the guy he'd like to consider a friend of sorts.

---

Maeve listened to what Blake and Poetry had to say, before commenting on Poetry's nickname for her. "Sunshine! I like that," she told them, "finally, somebody appreciates my hair for what it truly is, bright and beautiful!" After seeing that Poetry wanted to go on the ferris wheel, she responded "Yeah, that sounds good. And really Blake, you don't have to pay for me."

---

"I, uh... I don't care. I'll, uh, just follow you guys."

"How about we go on the bumper cars?" Conan suggested.

"Yeah, is that all right with you?" Tadhg asked Nathan, beginning to walk to down the steps. He couldn't wait to do all of the carnival stuff with Nathan.

"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid," Clyde thought. He berated himself over and over again for leaving Abbie all by herself so suddenly at the bakery stand. He felt genuinely awful for running away from his friend, likely leaving her in an awkward position with Lilac at the stand. Clyde depended so much on Abbie it felt strange being without her presence near him. Hell, at this point, not having Abbie next to him was like having an unfinished puzzle. He would have to make it up to her later.



It was a tall red headed boy holding out a sandwich. Clyde felt rather awful that he new Clyde's name and not the other way around. However, it would not be surprising if his undeserved delinquent reputation followed him to high school. If this boy believed those rumors, why would be be talking to Clyde? Unless there was a more sinister motive behind it. Many times, tougher and much more scarier boys have tried to fight Clyde to gain fame. But judging by his sincerity, there was probably nothing ominous behind the gesture.

"Thank you kindly for the offer, but I'd feel terrible takin' your lunch," said Clyde. His face returned to that intimidating stoic expression he was incapable of discarding. It did Clyde an injustice as he means well, but the face behind the words could never convey what he meant. Sometimes it comes off as patronizing, other times it made his sentences intimidating and forceful.

"Not to say that I, uh, am callin' you poor. That's not what I meant. I mean, unless you are, then I totally understand 'cause I don't got much either. You know, comin' from less than favorable circumstances. Uh, but all's I'm sayin' is that I am thankful for the gesture...."

Clyde placed his hands on his hips and kicked rocks for a few seconds completely embarrassed about the babble that came out of his mouth. He should really work on his people skills. The boy reached out with his hand and placed a crooked smile on his face to show friendliness. After all, smiles are the friendliest of expressions!

"Name's Clyde Lee... unless you already knew that... I think you do. Right, uh, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh hey, he calls me 'Clydesdale' 'cause I'm so big. Pretty funny," chuckled Clyde internally.

"How about we go to the bumper cars?" Conan suggested, to which his brother asked if it was alright with Nathan. Personally, Nathaniel didn't care as he was more so worried about future interactions and simply wanted the conversation to stop, thus giving a small nod as he followed them both. His eyes were firmly planted to the ground, fixated downward with the only the thing leading him were the shoes that he had taken note of earlier.

He watched as his earbuds clattered against themselves as they hung from the neck opening for his hoodie, the very minuscule noise causing him to feel awkward and that he was intruding on the other's hearing until he simply reached and placed them both in his ears once more, no music playing. He wasn't sure why it had bothered him, but he gave a sigh of relief that it was finally gone. Maybe he felt it was rude, or he was simply overreacting... But regardless, it let him get lost in this thoughts once more.

I... I'm so confused... Why are they taking any interest? Why has anyone I've met here taken interest in me... It just doesn't feel natural. I could never talk about sports with the other guys at school, yet the community center was where I met Conan, Tadhg, and even Selene... Though, she's honestly much easier to talk to. I'm not really sure why either, but she just seems approachable, which is somewhat funny as I don't exactly look like a freshman. Sure, I'm not the tallest guy... these guys are even taller than me... and Conan's more muscular... But, I mean, I think I look more like a sophomore. Though, I guess compared to a lot of freshman, I must have been hit with the short end of the stick... Maybe I'll just go swimming after this carnival, it'll help me get my mind off of things.

To the others, he probably just seemed like he was zoned out, and to a further extent he wasn't really paying attention except for where Conan and Tadhg were. Even then, his conversation in his head distracted him on the off chance that they would speak.




Blake couldn't help but feel happy when in the presence of Poetry. While she did her thing, Blake watched with his general toned down grin, rather fond of Poetry's choice of lingo. It was so... so full of life. That was the wording he was looking for. It was as carefree as she seemed, and it reflected her personality as well. He'd known Poetry for awhile now, and yet hearing her speak was almost like a different kind of sensation to the ear. It was like she had written a heartfelt poem and simply spoke in it, leaving the rest of the world to either struggle to understand or accept that it was a part of her.

Though, his interested in the conversation peaked when Poetry began suggesting that they go off and eat something. Or... to put it in her words, go off and find some munching, something like an elephant ear... was it a real elephant ear? He'd never heard of such a treat, and he simply kept a smile to hide his confusion at wanting to eat elephant meat. Though, it made him doubt the fact that it was a real elephant, but he couldn't really think of what it could be. It actually made him feel silly just trying to contemplate what an elephant ear was other than it was some sort of carnival food.

Which is why he felt lucky that she pushed that thought away, asking if they wanted to go on the ferris wheel first. He turned to Maeve, waiting for her opinion, which wasn't that long of a wait. She said how that was fine, but she added how he didn't have to pay for her. He gave a lighthearted laugh, looking at her with a warm smile.

"I insist. When it comes to friends, money is no object to me. So if there's something you want, I'll be happy to oblige in buying it," He paused, this time turning towards the ferris wheel and pointing with his left hand at it,"Anyway, now that that's settled, come on you two. We have a wheel to ride. Maybe we can eat afterward, my treat."

---

---

---

---

Jake smirked and took the stuffed animal, before looking up at Cass. "I'll be sure to let her know that you send your love," he said, punctuating the sentence with a wink. His cronies chuckled behind him, most of them probably chuckling at the idea of the last time Lily and Cass had run into each other. To say it had gone poorly was an understatement.

He turned to look at the newcomer to he and Cass' flirtation and looked him up and down. He was familiar, of that he was sure. He couldn't quite place him. Shrugging, he turned back to Cass and with a flirtatious grin, bid his farewell. "See ya around Cass, I've got hell to raise. Have fun with your friend here," he said before walking off, his posse stalking behind him.

It wasn't long before he spotted his target. Clyde Lee, under his brother's protection and weird as all hell. He swaggered up to the much larger boy who was in the middle of a conversation with a ginger kid that Jake hadn't met yet, and smirked as he clapped Clyde on the shoulder. "How's it going Clydey? Glad you could take time away from all that boxing and animal skinning to come visit the carnival, freak" he said, grinning as his crew surrounded them, giving Clyde little to no escape.

---

---

Caleb's mouth was agape as he looked on at the redhead's impressive display on the ladder. He'd gotten a few good shots from it as well, which was always a plus. He looked over at Indie, smirking slightly. "I think we're the amateurs here," he said with a chuckle, before turning to face the others at the stall.

"Yeah we're freshman. I'm Caleb McKinnon, this is Indiana," he said, offering up a shy smile to the others, before looking over to Indie. "Think you can beat that performance Indie?" he asked. A small part of him wanted her to suddenly bust out some insane moves on the ladder, mainly just to see the looks on everyone's faces. Jake must be rubbing off on me he thought.

Speaking of the devil, he saw Jake and his friends walk by, causing the older twin to wrinkle his nose slightly, an unconscious response to Jake and his friends. He loved his brother. He hated his friends. It was simple, because his friends were all assholes, and Jake was only pretending to be an asshole, and that made all the difference. He was a Ron Weasley masquerading as a Draco Malfoy, while his friends were all Crabbes and Goyles. Which meant, his brother was probably off to get into trouble. While part of him nagged at him to go make sure Jake wasn't tormenting anyone too bad, his desire to stay with Indie won out, and he stood still.

“The ferries wheel with him? I'm sorry, but I like to disappoint people one at a time.” His eyes shined with life as he joked and his often present smile took on a tone of sincerity. “Unless you want to...” Maz's words died in his throat as he was brushed off and Jacob removed himself from the conversation without ever really acknowledging him. It wasn't a surprise, not really. Maz was always more of that friend of a friend guy, but it annoyed him to not even get the chance to finish what he was saying. He audibly sighed and crossed his arms in a petulant fashion that belonged on a two year old more than it did a teenager... Or maybe it was the other way around? Teens could be odd that way. Either way that didn't matter at the moment.

“Look at that, Cassandra. I bet I could be carrying a flamethrower and a golden chicken, but without a pair of tits some guys just won't even bother pretending you exist even when you're right next to them.” He was smiling again, the expression appearing as quickly as it had vanished. “Well, since the important guy is gone do you want to clue me in on how you became such a teenager since middle school? Did you get a visit from Aunt Flow and decide everything sucks now? 'Cause that isn't exactly wrong,” he said with that confident look in his eyes. That one that said 'even if I get hit for this it's worth it' and he didn't exactly ever change his mind when it came to cracking shitty jokes.

“Or is that a secret you save for important people?” Maz asked. The fact of the matter was that Maz was never the most well liked guy and he had been honestly surprised that a girl as boring and nice as Cassandra even ever bothered to remember him. Even though she had been a naive thing just a few months ago from his perspective.

---

---

"Guess it's partially my fault for ya not recognizing me. I've only spoke to ya twice. Hopefully, you've heard of me from Abbie. I'm the guy whose always saying I like her. Usually I don't speak to her when she's with others so as to not irritate her. Anyway name's Derek. Derek O'Leary." Derek shook the boys hand. He should have expected not being remembered. Derek had an above average memory so recognizing people was easy to him even if he'd only seen someone once. If only he put his mind to studying. He never payed attention in class.

"Also no offense taken from the poor thing. I'm dirt poor, but my ma made to many sandwiches for me to eat on my own. She probably did that on purpose." Despite their living conditions Derek's mother always tried to get him to share with others. She believed he should learn that lesson despite circumstances.

"Anyway, where's Abb-" But before he could finish his question a little pack of douches and tools surrounded the two and the one who appeared to be the leader of the hive of dinguses walked to Clyde and spoke to him. Derek walked over to the boy and put his hand on his shoulder and said, "Hold it. Who gave ya permission to speak to Clydesdale? I don't recall anyone giving ya permission to speak. Let me guess. Yer some schmuck who thinks this school belongs to 'em. Ya have got everything going for ya. You got some sweet threads so you got money. You have 'friends' that seem like a circus troupe. I'm gonna assume they don't have enough of a personality to be known unless they stand behind your little rich rump. So, saying all that to get to this. You and yer little clones are gonna leave Clyde and all of my friends alone or your life as a high schooler will suck worse than it was already going to. Because this little teenage prison isn't gonna be owned by ya. This landfill of dreams will be my domain and you will follow my rules. So, step back ya rich little muppet."

Wynona watched as the shock and embarrassment filled Sadie's face. Wynona pursed her lips slightly in form of apology. She felt slightly bad for bring up the subject that was obviously sore. However, she didn't feel too bad enough to apologize out loud. Being introduced to the boy quickly after, she would learn that his name was Ro. She remembered him slightly, but not enough to where any classes came to mind. Wynona was like that some times- not paying attention to her surroundings as much as she should.

Then he mispronounced her name.

A face of confusion was met with his with a tinge of distate on top of it, "It's not too hard to say, is it? It's nice to meet you too, but don't think, I'll ever forget that you fucked up my name." she teased, as she watched him put his hand out. That was a very formal thing to do. She let out a small giggle as removed herself from Lily and placed her hand into his and gave it a firm shake. His hands felt unbelievably sweaty. As she released from the shake, she wiped her hand on the outside of her leggings as inconspicuously as possible. She quickly rejoined linking with Lily's arm. This was now her safe place.

"I don't mind at all." she answered to Sadie's question and Ronin's comment alike. The more the merrier in her eyes, when it came to things like carnivals and parties alike. Plus she never would turn down a free food, especially if it was a baked good. "You do owe me anyways." the girl stated, as the group began walking towards the bakery stand owned by Mr. Samson of Mr. Samson's bakery that had recently opened up in town.

Oh, how his words stung. Clyde wanted nothing more than to disappear from the world entirely, but friends of McKinnon surrounded him on all sides. It reminded him when he went to the zoo as a child. A little monkey trapped in a cage surrounded by unfamiliar faces. They threw peanuts at the monkey when it refused to acknowledge their existence, and it sat alone in its enclosure. Could the monkey understand what they were trying to say to it? It was a foreigner in a land where its language was not understood. And that's how Clyde felt. He was a prisoner in this caged circus, impossible to escape from, forever performing for those he could never understand. And their words were thrown at him without mercy for their entertainment. Is this what I am to you? Am I but a slave to your torment? Am I to beg for your mercy? Pantheon of Gods, I stand as man, a little plaything for powers superior to I.

"I... I don't skin animals," mumbled Clyde. Even then he could not look Jacob in his eyes. He hated how he could not defend himself. Abbie has so much energy within her, so much personal courage, and when she defended him there was fire. That's what Clyde wanted to be. He wanted to be strong for himself. But could a man, with only a pick in hand, break down a mountain by himself? With all your useless muscles and all your useless strength. Hide away, you meek child, like a hermit to the world. Peasant among kings and queens, your presence is not wanted nor will it ever be needed.



Did he hear that right? Clyde had retreated in his mind for a brief moment, but when he returned to see if the storm had passed, Derek O'Leary let out this whirlwind of verbal punches to Jacob and his friends. Clyde stood wide-eyed with his jaw dropped. The wind caught his face and he could finally see the valley beyond the mountains, for a giant had picked him up and raised him from the muck.

@Thane

Francisco chuckled "I'm From California...LA to be precise." he said as he watched one of the two leave. " your boy cuss's alot..." he said in a monotone voice. Francisco didn't really care about the swearing, but it seemed like a conversation topic. Francisco was used to people swearing around him. Francisco was unsure of how to go about carrying on a conversation with Thomas "You two both like it here so far? must kinda suck compared to where you all are from." he said as he looked at his phone.
"What do you think of this festival?" Personally Francisco felt it was a waste of time and money, He could have just gone to class and gotten out early. All he really wanted to do today was sleep in, but since he was here he would get himself some nice Festival food."
Slowly as the two talked the line began to move quickly Hello cheese burger! he thought with a smile as he got to the front of the line.

@caliban22

“Huh, I thought your accent sounded kind of familiar. A lot of the people in movies I watched back home had Californian accents. L.A as well I imagine, Hollywood being there and all.” Thomas spoke, looking towards the front of the line, glad to see it finally moving efficiently.

“That he does mate. Same here I suppose, though not nearly as much… It’s pretty cool. Nothing like London, especially the part we’re from. I think moving here will be good for my family. Or at the very least better than back home. That’s if Kas can handle the adjustment.” Thomas frowned slightly, already worrying about Kas being away from him. “It’s all right. I’ve never been all that big on school, this is as good an introduction to my future peers as any I suppose.”

Finally they reached the front of the line, Thomas buying a cheeseburger and a can of coke, saying his please and thank you’s before turning back to his new acquaintance. “I’m sorry to cut this short man, but I’ve got to go and find my cousin before he kicks the hell out of someone for misunderstanding him or some such stupid shit. It was cool meeting you, I’ll see ya at school tomorrow.”

With that Thomas was off, dodging in between pupils and stalls and such trying to find Kas. Fortunately his cousin was relatively tall and had a unique style for this town so it didn’t take too long to spot him. He was chatting to some girl in the queue for pizza, thankfully nearing the front. Thomas waited until he’d bought a slice and seen the girl off with a grin and his phone number before approaching.

“Glad to see you’re having fun chatting to your peers Kas… Maybe you should try talking to a dude or two as well though? Constantly hitting on everyone doesn’t exactly inspire friendship, you’re going to need more than booty calls if you don’t want school to constantly bore you to tears.”

“I’m going to need more than booty calls? I don’t think I’m ever going to hear a sentence I disagree with as much as I do that one.” Kas smiled, taking a large bite of his pizza. “Anyway, I want to see what this tiny town looks like from the air. Let’s go ride the Ferris wheel.”

Thomas rubbed his right shoulder uncomfortably and shifted his feet slightly. A grin spreading across Kas’ face. “Don’t tell me you’re still scared of rides. What the fuck Thomas, you were fine on the plane. A bus flying through the air at breakneck speeds is fine but a fucking fairground ride scares you? You’re one weird dude. Come on it anyway, it’s been years since you even saw one. You might have outgrown that shit.”

“Fine, but if not I’mma beat your ass.” Thomas warned, his lips forming an uneasy smile.

“I’d like to see you try... Let’s go.”

[quote=@LovelyAnastasia]


"It's all slamtastic, my sunshiney butterfly," Poetry laughed lightly at the other girl's amusement in her fancy for nicknames. It was something she usually did for everyone. However it did take time to find the right kind of little name-tack nickname to give to someone. It was either bang at the get-go, or it was nice and slow. Sort of like the difference in juice and wine.

Watching Blake's face change into something that looked like curiosity over the food titled elephant ear, Poetry grinned. "It's a pastry the size of an elephant's ear covered in powdered sugar and all things sweet~" she hummed, as if to herself, "A cousin to the funnel cake, it's downright one delectable treat~ But let's try the biggest wheel of them all~ Why ridin' on it will make you feel a hundred feet tall~" The pale girl motioned for them to follow her and she led the way to the ferris wheel. She playfully measured both Blake and Meave and grinned. "Though I think you both are just the perfect size~ If being groovy were a carnival game, you'd both would win a prize~!"

Blakey Boy insisted on paying and Poetry waved such a thing off with a bright smile. "You're just too generous, Ace~" she practically sang, "It'll make the butterfly blush~ But if you insist, why lead the way Oh Prince, Oh Crush~!" She snapped her fingers and pointed them at the other two with a wink. Getting in line for the wheel, she beamed when it stopped and got to them.

"Let's fly high, dovies~" she cheered, pumping a fist and plopping right onto the seat.



Hungrily feasting until he was sure there wasn't an ounce of the meal left, he licked his lips and looked up. A familiar person was walking his way. Well, more familiar than most. Almost everyone would become familiar to him, it was just the small detail of whether he had talked to them or not that set them all apart from one group or the other.

Abbie was in the group of people he had conversed with at one point in time or the other. Not often. And not socially. Just as her tutor in math, though she didn't respond to the teaching as much as he would have liked. Either way, she was a kind person and generous with her loyalty to a fault. And Oberon could respect something like that. Loyalty was a hard thing to find in people, especially people their age.

But his features remained unreadable and calm, like always. The cut on his forehead was hidden by long dark hair and the bruises were hidden with shadows from the stands. Not to mention his long dark clothes helped hide any flaw that the curious teen eye might find. And Abbie was one of the people their age who was surprisingly observant. Which made it rather dangerous for him to interact with her too much. He wouldn't want to drag her into anything unsavory. She was too kind and generous to get into all of his mess.

"Hello," his deep smooth voice said words with a luxuriously slow speed, pronouncing everything quiet carefully, as if afraid to mess up, "Abbie..." He looked down at his clothes when she mentioned them, then his dark deep eyes looked up to capture her own. "Thank you very much," he let a ghost of a smile tug on the corners of his full lips, looking down at her with something almost akin to gentleness, "You look lively and sparkling with energy as usual..." High praise from someone who was the complete opposite and usually got worn out with high energy people.

"There is nothing much that is up," his smile faded back into that calm and expressionless look of his, "How are you enjoy the carnival?"

Conan and Tadhg walked along, with Nathan behind them, making idle chit chat in Irish to each other. After doing this for a minute, Conan turned around to Nathan, "Sorry, Nathan," he apologised, "we didn't even notice we weren't speaking English."

Tadhg turned around too, noticing that he wasn't really paying attention to the world around him, "Are you all right, Nathan?"

Conan noticed this too, "Yeah, you look a bit... sad," he added.

---

Maeve followed her two friends to the ferris wheel, allowing Blake to pay, "Really, you shouldn't do this," she said, sitting on the ferris wheel, and looking down as they began to move.

Nathaniel wasn't sure where the brothers were taking him, lost in his music and thoughts as he trudged along behind them. Each occasional glance would show that they were conversing with each other. Though, during the transition of music, he noticed that they weren't exactly speaking English. In fact, at first he wasn't really sure what they were speaking until he paused his music and listened more carefully. While he didn't understand what language they were speaking, he made an assumption that it was Irish due to their accents. And seeing how they were paying him no mind, he simply shrugged and resumed listening to his music.

Though, his thoughts would be interrupted once more, snapping him back into reality when he noticed they were both staring at him. He had missed what what they initially said, but a hasty pause in music provided him with Tadhg saying "Are you all right, Nathan?"
to which Conan added "Yeah, you look a bit... sad."

It had caught Nathan off guard, his eyes slightly widening at them before he looked off to his left again, embarrassed to even look at them as he started to piece what he'd say together. His face had a slight hue of red, reflecting his embarrassment at their worrying.
"I'm fine, it's nothing. Just... thinking."





Blake attentively watched Poetry as they walked, nodding to signify he was listening as she gave an explanation of an elephant ear.
"A pasty the size of an elephant ear, covered in powdered sugar? Huh, sounds like it would taste amazing." He replied as he followed the free poet. He wished he could record the way Poetry spoke, feeling it would help him understand characters who were more free spirited. He watched her movement meticulously, she was like a butterfly dancing in the sunlight, with a hint of grace in each movement. She would probably make for a fun dance partner at the studio too. Though, he figured she wouldn't really follow a set way to dance, but he supposed that would be fine.

However, upon arrival to the ferris wheel, he made sure to pay for the trio, handing the one in charge of running the wheel payment, and in turn leading the group into the line. He couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed by Poetry and how she said he'd make a butterfly blush, along with Maeve's opinion on how he shouldn't have. But it just made him more happy to do so. When he himself took a seat, he made sure to say "Don't worry about it, it's just money."

---

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---

Jake ignored the meek response from his victim in order to focus on the asswipe who seemed to think he had some say in what was about to go down. He listened as the ginger berated him, and smirked as a hush went over his friends. They weren't used to seeing someone call Jake out on his bullshit.

In fact, even Jake wasn't that used to it. Really only Caleb or that McGummfrey girl would ever have the balls to tell him to piss off, and even those moments were few and far between. So this was an anomaly to Jake. Luckily, talking shit wasn't.

"First off, I don't need permission to speak, Gingey. Maybe you don't know who I am, or maybe you're just stupid, but my names Jacob McKinnon. Besides the fact that I'm smarter than you, better looking than you, and a hell of a lot cooler than you, that lady right over there is the vice principal. And she's my mom." A smirk grew across Jake's face as he pointed to where his mom was standing, talking to some students, none the wiser to the trouble her son was causing.

"Having said that, I think it's safe to say, that I make the rules, and you can feel free to follow 'em. Now kindly, find somewhere else to be, Gingey. Me and Clydey are having a chat." In truth, a small part of Jake's brain wanted a fight, he wanted to go at it with this kid, prove himself in front of the school, and so he kept his friends back with a calm hand. If there were going to be fists thrown, he'd be the one throwing them.

"Oh, yer ma is vice-principal. That is so wonderful. Not really. It's not that different then me saying my pa is a deadbeat, which I'm just assuming he is since he disapeared before I was born. Because neither of them are 'ere right now. Also Gingey really. That's the best you can come up with? Why not Soul Sucker or Fire Crotch? Come on if yer gunna insult me do it right ya gombeen.

Derek started thinking. The boy said his name, but Derek didn't recognize it which was odd. Must mean the boy wasn't as big as he thought he was. Then the last name rang a slight bell. "Wait, McKinnon? That name seems familiar. Don't recognize nothing of a Jacob. Only McKinnon I know of is a Caleb. Never met the dude though. Wait a minute- He says snapping his fingers, Yer Caleb's brother. The pox who was pestering Cylde and Caleb stopped ya. We'd pass that story around my team before every game to get us laughin'. Now back to buisness, maybe you don't know who I am, but just because yer ma has a foothold in this school doesn't mean you do. There are a lot of rich pricks runnin' around Arrowsmith, but I can guarantee you there are tons more who despise those same rich pricks. Money can't get you everything, and it can't protect you either. Now, leave Clyde alone before yer designer clothes get dirty from hangin' out with us ye bleedin' tick."

Jake scowled at his newfound adversary, before forcing a smile. "Hey now, we'll go. We don't want any trouble," Jake said, ruffling Clydes hair as he and his posse began to slowly back away from the duo. "Aint that right Clydey?"

Before he and his group fully abandoned their victim though, Jake turned to Clyde's protector. "Best watch your back, ass wipe. I'm untouchable, and you, fortunately for me, are not." As if to prove his point, Jake leaned forward and flicked Derek's shoulder, before walking off into the bustle of the festival, laughing, not even sparing the dynamic duo with another glance in their direction.

When Jake leaned over to flick Derek spread his arms as if to prove his own point, "Keep telling yerself that buddy-boy." As the punks turned and walked away Derek said more to himself than anyone, "This just got exciting. Can't wait to see his high horse seat crash to the ground." Then turning to Clyde, So, Clydesdale. Seems you have a pest problem. Don't worry though. It won't last long. Just, in the meantime learn to shrug it off. Do what I do and casually talk about the crap that doesn't bother you that others would use against you in a natural way and it may throw them off their game. Or just pretend you don't hear them. If they try anything physical me and my gang'll back you up in an instant. Don't worry. We have got your back.

The welcome back carnival had been a hit. Many great first impressions and some not so great. Either way, the students all got a feel for their fellow classmates. Yesterday school schedules were sent to all freshman at their home. For future years, they will be receiving their schedules from their assigned home room teacher. This home room teacher will be with you for the rest of your time at Arrowsmith so make sure to not make an enemy of them. School starts promptly at 7:00 am and will end at 3:00. Our unexcused tardy and absence policy is very strict. One incident will result in after school detention with teacher that the tardy was for, two incidents will result in school suspension for the week and lost privilege to whatever events and activities are planned for the week. By incident three, we will be contacting your parents as well as a truancy officer. We do not take slackers lightly at Arrowsmith, we are shaping the future of the community after all. All other policies can be found in the booklet given to you with your class schedule that was mailed to you. Welcome to your freshman year of Arrowsmith High School.

Go Bengals!



Mrs. Wayne was nervous about her first year teaching at the High school, she was originally an elementary school teacher at the county next door, and recently moved in to town to teach at a higher level. She is an English teacher at a higher level, and your homeroom teacher for the rest of the years at Arrowsmith. Overly nice and often treating students like they are a lot younger than they are, she is one of the favorite teachers at Arrowsmith, but very easily walked over and sensitive. She is a good listener and is more likely than not to go to bat for you if you are in a situation at school; whether it a dress code violation or getting out of a after school detention.

As the class began flocking in, Mrs. Wayne stood at the door greeting everyone as they came in. A big smile across her slender face. "Good morning." she announced as the students sat down and settled in a little bit. "I'm Mrs. Wayne and I'm so excited to have you all as my homeroom class. We're going to have a great time together!" she exclaimed as she began passing out two peices of sturdy white construction paper to each and every student. "I'd first like you all to take one of the paper's and fold it in half. Then i'd like you to write your name and decorate the paper as you see fit. I have markers if you need them." she instructed, as she put a box of markers of varied style, brand, and durability out at a table in the front of the classroom. "I'm going to take attendance while you guys finish that." she said, as she began calling off names and marking in new students that hadn't yet been put in the roster.

After a few minutes, Mrs. Wayne came back in front of the classroom and began speaking once more, "With the other paper I have given you, I want you to crumple it up, rip it, stomp on it if you want!" Most students looked at her like she was insane, but she insisted- taken her own piece of paper and crumpling it up, ripping it up, throwing it on to the ground and even stomping on it. She then picked it up. "Now I want you to make it back to how it was when I first gave it to you." more blank stares were given as she nodded, "This is how I want us to be in my classroom. Do you see that if we treat one another like we did this piece of paper, that no matter how we try to flatten and fix the messed up things we did to one another, or ourselves, that it can't ever be really fixed?" she let the ideas sit on the minds of her class before putting the crumpled paper on her desk. A reminder of the lesson for everyone to see at the front of the classroom.

"Let's do something more fun now." she exclaimed, "I'm going to have each one of you come up and tell us three things about you, but the catch is one of them is a lie. Raise your hand to guess that person's lie, and if you're right- you'll get your turn next. That's what we will do until the bell rings and you will be dismissed to your next class." Glancing over to the class list, that was alphabetized by last name, she called out the first name on the list, "Nathaniel Anderson. You're up first, let's go!"