Chupacabra
New Mutants
Alejandro Rivera
And from my tortured shape No comfort, no escape
Posts: 104
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Post by Chupacabra on Jun 16, 2009 15:31:23 GMT -5
After Alex finally got himself together he waited outside of the classroom. He was exhausted. He tried his best to go back to normal but no matter what he did he couldn't, finally he got back to normal not knowing how he did it but just grateful that he did. Alex returned to the hallway but didn't have the courage to go into the classroom so he decided to wait and get what was coming to him.
He received his punishment with a lowered head and acceptance. He knew that there was no one to blame but himself and he acknowledged that. Even though he had to work all weekend Ms. Frost said that she was going to get him help on controlling his powers. He was feeling somewhat bittersweet.
Upon leaving the room Alex saw a sight for his sore eyes. It was Leah waiting. She was someone who he could confide in without worry. He could never understand why everyone hated her so much. To Alex she was a genuine friend.
"So who you waiting for?" He asked trying not to think of the weekend ahead of him.
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Katana
Acolytes
Leah Okami
Posts: 258
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Post by Katana on Jun 16, 2009 16:11:38 GMT -5
"The tooth fairy," Leah said flippantly. "No, really who do you think?" she asked jokingly. Katana had cut English class enough times to know that Ms. Frost had an endless supply of creative and nasty punishments for skipping and tardiness. Although Alex was doing a good job of looking like nothing happened Katana doubted the headmistress had gone soft and kept him after for milk and a cookie. "So what's the damage, and how can I help?" she asked more softly. Alex was a good friend and Katana both wanted to help him and owed him for getting her out of a bunch of scrapes.
One time in a fit of frustration Katana had written "f*ck you" all over a math test before literally throwing the paper onto Beast's desk and storming out. In addition to giving a formal apology speech in front of the whole student body, she'd had to clean the school bathrooms for a month. For the first week she totally blew off her punishment until the night before Ms. Frost was going to inspect the toilets. Alex had sneaked out of his room and stayed up all night cleaning toilets with her. She'd never forget that. Nobody had ever cared about her that much. They had kind of been friends before that but really just because neither had anybody else to hang with so they wound up hanging out by default. Afterward Katana started hanging out with Alex more and they quickly became best friends.
The fact that they weren't immediately caught helped break down Katana's suspicions of Ms. Frost and the school. If the headmistress was just reading their minds at will and manipulating them she should have known immediately that Katana had not done all the work alone. As it is, she found out pretty soon afterward. Katana was a terrible liar. When lying she would get a nervous twitch in her left eye that gave the whole thing away. So when a couple days later Ms. Frost asked her how she had finished on time after putting things off to the last minute, Katana's goose was cooked.
Waiting for Alex's response Katana was also a little worried for reasons not directly related to punishments. If she had heard the headmistress's admonishment to Alex in class correctly, he had missed because of transforming. Something awful must be happening. I hope he didn't have another flash back. She frowned momentarily at the thought, then regained her composure. Or the wolf bitch has been f*cking with him again.
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Chupacabra
New Mutants
Alejandro Rivera
And from my tortured shape No comfort, no escape
Posts: 104
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Post by Chupacabra on Jun 16, 2009 16:32:10 GMT -5
"Oh really the tooth fairy. Last time it was big foot right?" Alex allowed himself to laugh for a bit untill she had caught on that there was a punishment attached to Alex not going to class. Alex really didn't get in to trouble much but he always took on his consequences willingly.
"Well for starters it's a group assignment. We're gonna be doing work in the stables all weekend and we have to eat outside because Ms. Frost doesn't want the smell inside. So its gonna be a stinky one," talking about stinky brought him back to the toilet work he helped Leah with when she got in trouble. That was one stinky night, "And no worries about helping out. I don't want to risk you getting caught and having to help because you got in trouble."
Alex gave a warm smile. He was glad that she quickly offered her services. It made him felt cared for. Even though he had a lot on his mind it seemed she made him feel at ease even though he felt like he was losing control lately.
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Katana
Acolytes
Leah Okami
Posts: 258
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Post by Katana on Jun 16, 2009 16:45:19 GMT -5
"Commandant Frost really out did herself this time. Well I can at least wash your clothes for you afterward and maybe we can do lunch" she said gently before laughingly adding, "if I can stand the smell." Putting a hand on his shoulder she continued, "Yeah, it sucks but gotta keep things light. Maybe I can find something better in the kitchen then our usual lunches to make for you."
Putting her hands on her hips and puffing out her chest she put on a funny fake French accent and said "Allo, for I'm the famous French television chef, Chef Fromage!" referring back to a running gag from French class when Karma had been teaching them foods and had everybody demonstrate and explain a recipe in French. The apple pie Katana and Alex had made was truly horrible but their Stooge like performance had gotten a lot of laughs. "I make you French delicacies. Maybe boiled escargots in lark sauce...You like?" The two of them hated French class but had to take it anyway so they tried to make the best of it.
"No seriously, I'll make you something nice and do your laundry." she said to him after she stopped giggling.
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Chupacabra
New Mutants
Alejandro Rivera
And from my tortured shape No comfort, no escape
Posts: 104
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Post by Chupacabra on Jun 16, 2009 17:10:11 GMT -5
Alex raised an eyebrow because of her stinky humor. He tried not to laugh but it was infectious. The she talked about lunch and Alex remembered that he hadn't eaten that day at all. His stomach was gnawing at him with hunger. He clenched his stomach and began to think about what to have for lunch. He really didn't want to show his face in the cafeteria so that would mean going to the kitchen. Alex wasn't the best cook but he was sure he could come up with something good and filling. Then Leah's Frenchmen impersonation through his train of thought off track.
"Oui oui my French counterpart," Alex tried his best at his French accent. He remembered that class as one of the fun ones. He hated French with every Spanish cell of his body. He didn't remember how Leah had talked him in to that class. He guessed it was one of those things he would have to live with.
"Oh heavens no. No French food. I had enough of that when it came to that culinary failure of a pie. But I'm up for something new. Just not snails. So for Sunday it's laundry and lunch," with the last word came a huge roar that came from Alex's abdomen. Alex held his stomach as he gave a nervous laugh.
"So are we heading to the kitchen yet I'm starving."
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Katana
Acolytes
Leah Okami
Posts: 258
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Post by Katana on Jun 16, 2009 17:40:15 GMT -5
"Zoot alor!" Leah said laughingly. "I forgot all about lunch or maybe I just wanted to forget about it." Meals were Leah's least favorite part of the day because there were never enough teachers around to keep the kids in check. It was not fun picking spaghetti out of her hair or french fries or whatever else would be oh so accidentally spilled down her back, dumped down her front, or otherwise wind up all over her. Then there were the usual snide comments and dyke jokes. The worst part was trying to keep from kicking Sky or Chase's asses and getting herself expelled.
Given all these problems, the kitchen sounded really good to Katana. But she wasn't really supposed to go off and eat alone. She'd already gotten a couple lectures about skulking away during meals instead of joining the "social life of the school" and other bull crap. Maybe nobody will notice. Or maybe I won't get in that much trouble. I am doing homework and all. They should cut me a little bloody slack. Still she wasn't sure if that argument was sound. Right, you've been responsible so now you'll go screw up and prove to them you can't continue to be. Brilliant idea, pea brain. A slight sigh left her lips as she thought, But surely they'll understand. I'm trying to avoid trouble, not cause it. To which the second voice in her head retorted sharply, If you're so sure then ask if you can do it. But you won't. "I gotta play good and at least make an appearance in the cafeteria for my adoring public" she said sarcastically, "but we can maybe put off that performance for a bit and dawdle here. I think I still got some stuff in my bag if you need something to munch on right now." she said laughingly.
Actually Leah knew she had food in her bag. She practically had an army cantina in there. To avoid lengthy stays in the cafeteria Leah ate very little at meals, instead stuffing her back pack with cereal bars, apples, chips, bread, cans of tuna (not all still good), and anything else she could grab from the kitchen quickly. She and Alex often would chow down somewhere in a hall way between meals off of the loot in her bag. Leah valued the time with Alex as much as the ability to escape the cafeteria.
Truth be told she was horribly lonely. As much as she tried to play Ms. Tough Loner, Mato was right on target, as always, when he saw in her spirit that she was a very social person who longed for the love and acceptance of others. She'd only turned away because the only thing worse than being alone by choice was being rejected. Lunch period was pretty much an hour of unadulterated ugly, cruel rejection, mostly at the hands of her former teammates on the Paragons.
Also she figured the more she avoided people the less likely she was to make new enemies out of them. At this point Haven seemed to stick up for her and the rest of the Acolytes while not really friendly towards her weren't picking on her. I start hanging out and I'll do the wrong thing again and they'll hate me. Just like with Walker. I try to be cool and joke around with everybody and Diesel goes ape shit on me. She figured the only way she would win them over was to act responsibly in class and work her ass off at team practices, while staying out of the way the rest of the time.
"So what will it be. I got all kinds of food to sooth the soul of the savage beast." She smiled again sweetly and said, "You liked the pizza the other night. I got some of that in here...it's kinda cold but was wrapped in foil so its still good."
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Chupacabra
New Mutants
Alejandro Rivera
And from my tortured shape No comfort, no escape
Posts: 104
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Post by Chupacabra on Jun 16, 2009 18:09:12 GMT -5
Alex saw Leah's pained expression as she talked about lunch. Then she seemed to go into deep thought. Alex wondered what went on in that brain of hers. She let out a sigh as she talked about making an appearance to her "adoring public". Alex Frowned. He knew how hard meal time was for her. Sitting next to her was almost as bad cause not everyone had good aiming. Or maybe their aim was spot on. Alex had a bad temper and tried to avoid places where things where chaotic.
Leah mentioned her vending machine of a bag and Alex got excited. She always had goodies and today he was kind of counting on it. Between what happened the day before and that day Alex knew that he was going to play Houdini and disappear after English. But being that now he had stable duty that wasn't going to be possible. He dreaded the weekend coming up but he tried not to let it bother him.
Alex began to wonder what she had today in her bag. He remembered that she had sushi once. The food was good but that didn't end well. The food seemed to be too old and sent Alex to the bathroom that whole night. Then there was another time where she had some ground beef in the bag. He got some crackers along with that beef and it was delicious. Her bag was kind of like playing Russian roulette. Alex knew that there was one round in the chamber. There always was. But Alex enjoyed the risk.
"Oh! Pizza, my favorite. What else you got cause I am hungry!"
Alex sat on the floor with his back against the wall when Leah said that they were going to chill in the hall for a while and hopefully go to lunch late. Or in the best case have a great conversation and forget about it in entirety.
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Katana
Acolytes
Leah Okami
Posts: 258
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Post by Katana on Jun 16, 2009 18:33:53 GMT -5
"For your dining pleasure, we have of course the pizza," Leah said fishing into her bag and pulling out a three foil wrapped pieces of pepperoni pizza from the night before. "Which comes with" she paused as she fished around more in the bag and then continued "half a lovely bread stick, some chips and..." she paused again as she reached to the very bottom of the bag "a soda of some kind" announced. Once she got it out she spun it around and read the label "Mountain Dew...the blue kind." She then handed him the can before fishing around some more and coming up with an apple for him. She then pulled out a peanut butter jar and half a loaf of bread for herself.
Sitting down on the floor, she unwrapped the bread, opened the peanut butter jar and then pulled a large Swiss army knife out of her bra, and flipped it open. Licking remnants of past meals off the knife first, she then jabbed into the peanut butter and got a huge glob to smear on her bread. Folding the slice over to make a sandwich she held it in her left while she still had the knife in her right hand which lay down at her side, at the ready in case of some unlikely mishap or, more likely, a desire for another sandwich.
He isn't saying anything but if he transformed that's some heavy stuff. That's not something to go through alone, Katana thought. If he transformed, that's what Ms. Frost said, right, then something bad must have happened. But what could happen in a hallway? Must have been earlier and I didn't notice. Poor Alex.
Looking at her friend with concern she decided to risk saying something. After all he knew her well enough to know she wasn't prying or trying to stir up stuff, just trying to be there for him. "Hey, you want to talk about this morning. If not it's cool, man, but I'm hear for ya." she said as she jabbed the knife into the peanut butter jar for safe keeping.
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Chupacabra
New Mutants
Alejandro Rivera
And from my tortured shape No comfort, no escape
Posts: 104
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Post by Chupacabra on Jun 16, 2009 19:06:34 GMT -5
Whoa, thats a lot of food. Thank God she has good stuff today. Alex thought as she nurtured him. Pepperoni Pizza was Alex's favorite. He chowed down on the pizza and it was delicious even though it was not that warm. He opened up the Soda and washed it down. He looked at Leah reaching in her bra. Alex stopped chewing his bread stick as his mind was in the gutter. Then he remembered the knife and his suspicions were laid to rest.
She made herself a peanut butter sandwich and joined in the hearty feast. His roaring stomach was subdued and he felt much better. He put his head up against the wall and chewed the remains of the extremely chewy and garlic flavored bread stick. That's when Leah asked him about that morning. He took a deep breath as he swallowed the bread stick. He took a chip and held it between his fingers.
"Well since you're asking I guess I have a story to tell. Yesterday was a rough day to begin with. With all the working out and with the injuries. The alarm went off this morning but I was out of it. I couldn't even get out of bed. When I had finally woken up I had a few minutes to get to class. When I heard the door close I was emotionally unstable. That's when I transformed. But this time it was different. I was like an Eagle. That's when Ms. Frost heard me trying to make my getaway.
"She told me to collect myself and return to class. So I went to the bathroom with my stuff in my talons and I tried to go back. I don't know how I did it but I'm glad I did. By the time I got back the class was at the end and that's when I decided to sit here and get what was coming. I had my work ready to present today but I guess it wasn't meant to be.
"But besides that I feel like I'm losing control bit by bit. Like I'm one step closer to the edge. But when I'm around you for some reason I'm calm and I don't feel all crazy as much. So thanks for being my friend."
For Alex it felt good to get those things off his chest. He hugged Leah and ruffled her hair a bit. But when he thought about his life he felt empty because he couldn't remember his past. And that added on to the chaos of his life.
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Katana
Acolytes
Leah Okami
Posts: 258
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Post by Katana on Jun 16, 2009 19:24:27 GMT -5
"No problem. Being your friend is easy...I mean I like being your friend and hanging out." she said hugging him back. "But that's weird being late getting you to transform. I know you had a tough day yesterday but it normally takes a lot more than that. You sure nothing else is going on here?" Generally Leah wouldn't prod like this but she was genuinely worried about Alex after his flash backs and the whole incident with Puppy-Love she had been scared, although she'd never admit it. Now here he was transforming over being late. Usually they just laughed off being late and bitched a bit about Ms. Frost being a hard ass for punishing them. Well, not that Alex was chronically late like Leah was, but it had happened enough times for her to know this reaction was not at all normal.
He usually tells me everything even if I don't wanna hear it. she thought somberly. What in the world could be going on that he wouldn't tell me about it? Biting her lip a bit she thought some more. I mean he isn't exactly Mr. Emotion in terms of saying how he feels about stuff...it's usually 'just the facts ma'am' like Sgt. Friday but if this is all the facts then color me confused. Trying not to let on how worried she was, Katana stopped biting her lip and tried a weak smile. Ms. Frost has gotta know what's happening right? But what if she doesn't. Maybe we oughta talk to her. But he won't like that suggestion at all. Mulling that possibility over she thought to herself, No, better to see if I can get some more out of him before assuming the worst and all.
"You know you can trust me. Besides, I'll trade you whatever your embarrassing secret is for one of mine. It'll be a good one."
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Chupacabra
New Mutants
Alejandro Rivera
And from my tortured shape No comfort, no escape
Posts: 104
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Post by Chupacabra on Jun 16, 2009 20:18:59 GMT -5
Leah wore her emotion on her face. Alex could tell that she was worried and with good reason. He was going to tell her the other thing that was on his mind. His teammates were bearing down on him because of what happened yesterday. He really didn't mean it. It wasn't his fault but it seemed like everyone was looking for a place to put the blame.
He was contemplating in his head how to put the words and thats when she tried to lighten the mood with the embarrassing story trade. He sighed. He knew that she meant well and decided that playing along couldn't possible hurt. Alex tried to think of something and had a good one.
"Well my embarrassing moment is an on going one. Believe it or not I have one of those ancient CD players and thats how I listen to music."
It was the most embarrassing thing that he could think of on the spot. And it was a true story. Everyone else had MP3 players and iPods. Even though he had looked a bit excited he was still being chewed up on the inside.
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Chupacabra
New Mutants
Alejandro Rivera
And from my tortured shape No comfort, no escape
Posts: 104
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Post by Chupacabra on Jun 16, 2009 20:24:11 GMT -5
Leah wore her emotion on her face. Alex could tell that she was worried and with good reason. He was going to tell her the other thing that was on his mind. His teammates were bearing down on him because of what happened yesterday. He really didn't mean it. It wasn't his fault but it seemed like everyone was looking for a place to put the blame.
He was contemplating in his head how to put the words and thats when she tried to lighten the mood with the embarrassing story trade. He sighed. He knew that she meant well and decided that playing along couldn't possible hurt. Alex tried to think of something and had a good one.
"Well my embarrassing moment is an on going one. Believe it or not I have one of those ancient CD players and thats how I listen to music."
It was the most embarrassing thing that he could think of on the spot. And it was a true story. Everyone else had MP3 players and iPods. Even though he had looked a bit excited he was still being chewed up on the inside.
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Katana
Acolytes
Leah Okami
Posts: 258
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Post by Katana on Jun 16, 2009 20:40:56 GMT -5
"You think that's embarrassing, I still have a Walkman." Leah said half jokingly. Oh, God, he's clamming up on me. F*ck. You tried time to walk away girl. Change the subject. Still something didn't seem right about walking away since she knew Alex and she was pretty sure if he didn't tell her what was happening he wouldn't tell anybody. And if nobody knew how could he get help. Comeon, think. You have to know the right thing to say. What was it TruSpirit said, something about looking inside and knowing yourself and that'll show you the way. Maybe tell Alex that. "You know a wise guy - I mean a wise man - once told me something useful..." she started. Sh*tthis isn't working. Oh hell I'll just say what I mean and forget this artful crap.
And so she did. Katana looked Alex straight in the eye and said. "You're shutting me out man and I can understand having something so painful you don't want to let anybody in but it's only gonna get worse if you bottle it up. Come on. What's eating you?" She paused a second and added. "OK, I'm a hypocrite I've been bottling my own crap. I think I might be a lesbian and I hate myself for it. There. Mine's out. So now without hypocrisy I'll ask again. What's eating you?"
Jesus, why the hell did you just do that, Katana's brain screamed at her. Great, now if he doesn't get all pissed because your prying into his private stuff that he obviously doesn't want to talk about, he might reject you for being a big ol' dyke. As the fear raced in her, she awaited Alex's response, and thought to herself, He's my only friend in the world. I can't lose him too. Then a more assertive part of her brain chimed in. Hey, you're being paranoid and besides if he can't accept you for you than screw him.
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Chupacabra
New Mutants
Alejandro Rivera
And from my tortured shape No comfort, no escape
Posts: 104
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Post by Chupacabra on Jun 16, 2009 21:13:30 GMT -5
Alex eyes opened wide. what she just said is true then she just let me in on the biggest secret of her life. Just because she's worried about me. His mind began to race. Alex looked into Leah's eyes and she looked like she was in an internal battle. It seemed to Alex that she was becoming more than his friend. She was his best friend.
"Don't hate yourself Leah. If that's who you are then accept it. Atleast you have an idea of who you are. I...I...have no idea who I am. Or even if my name is Alex. Before yesterday I bottled away the ignorance for my past. But I never adressed it before yesterday. And it hit me like a frieght. The question that has been killing me is "who am I?" Do I have a family? Are the memories I see of my past really mine? I just don't know.
"But I do know that you shouldn't hate yourself. You are a very sweet person and you deserve the best. And know that I accept you for who you are. Not where your from, what you believe, or who you love."
At this point Alex had tears in his eyes. It was the most emotional he had felt since he could remember. He said everything that was on his mind and heart. He wanted to let her know that he was here for her and he wasn't going anywhere. He held his arms open. His words have been drained and his energy wasted.
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Post by Emma Frost on Jun 16, 2009 21:25:54 GMT -5
(((so sorry to interrupt, but now that you two have both displayed a level of dedication to posting....as illustrated in this thread....I will be expecting it from you both from now on. I think the rest of the contributers to the site who have been reading this thread will no doubt expect it of you as well, so having said that I return you to your fun....do not let the rest of us down again, and thanks for your re-dedication to the game!!!)))
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