Ponderings... on Cascade Hall

Chris Dupree

May 06, 2007 11:51 PM

Ponderings... by Chris Dupree

A half eaten piece of cake laid near Chris, who sat with a book propped open on the table. His eyes were staring at the pages. To the naked eye, it may have appeared that he was to busy reading to eat, but the truth was his thoughts were elsewhere. Today was his fifteenth birthday, but what did it matter? What did he have to show for it? All he had was a set future, a future he wasn't even sure he wanted. A week, or so, prior, he had broken up with his girlfriend of a year, Kaylie Brockert, in order to be the good son that he felt he had to be. All this was in favor of a preset engagement to a girl he didn't even KNOW, except via the letter stating what a fine wife she would make one day. Despite his own misgivings about the situation, he had to wonder what Marie's were on the matter. If she was like his sister, she was probably thrilled over the whole matter.

Chris fought a sigh. He ran a hand over his face in frustration over the entire matter. He was undoubtedly in a pickle. He didn't want to disappoint his parents, but he was only fifteen years old. He didn't know if he even wanted to get married, let alone to someone drenched in the elitist pureblood ways. He wasn't sure he wanted to be a part of that life, to have to make decisions based on keeping up appearances, to not really get to experience life. It seemed like it was just all a huge disappointment.

The only good news this entire debacle brought was that he was questioning this now rather than later when he was stuck with a wife he didn't want and ungrateful children. It also made him realize that he really wanted to get out there, see what was out there. He felt like his entire life before now was a hazy dream and he was just in automatic pilot in it. His eyes were finally open to the world around him. There were so many people around him, so many possibilities to experience. What would life be like if he turned his back on the old ways and chose his own life?

Entranced in his new way of thinking, he didn't notice the other person that sat down until they spoke. Shaking his head slightly, his eyes focusing, he asked, "Sorry?"

0 Chris Dupree Ponderings... 0 Chris Dupree 1 5

Lexi Stafford

May 10, 2007 11:19 AM

Sorry to interrupt, then by Lexi Stafford

Brothers, Lexi Stafford had decided long ago, were completely useless the majority of the time. However, every so often they had their uses, as Ben had been demonstrating almost consistently since the new semester had started. Naturally, she hadn't expected anything else (despite everything, she was still his baby sister, a fact that she was not above using to get her way,) but it was still nice to feel loved. And she wasn't sure what was more helpful, being able to use his broom while hers was confiscated, or being able to pick his brain (and his notes), when she didn't get something.

Unfortunately, now was not one of those 'love thy sibling' times. In fact, it was almost certainly the opposite. After the previous week's care of magical creatures class, she had brother-grilling to do. And, of course, help with astronomy would be appreciated, should she ever manage to find him.

Apparently, she never was. It was in part her fault, she only remembered about needing to interrogate Ben when she didn't have anything better to do, and thus hadn't been putting in a lot of effort, but it wast still annoying that he never seemed to be around when she was looking. So now she was stuck at Cascade with no one around whom she usually talked to. She could have gone back up to the common room, or to the library, or something, but she really was hungry.

Lexi was saved from the problem of looking like an anti-social loser and eating alone when she noticed her brother's roommate, and Kaylie's boyfriend. Or, at least she thought he was Kaylie's boyfriend. Yes, she couldn't remember ever talking to him, but they had common ground of sorts.

Still, it felt awkward, just sitting down next to him with no preamble. He didn't seem to notice her at first, which made it a little less strange (although slightly insulting), so she decided she might was well start off the conversation. Unfortunately, he still didn't seem to be paying attention.

"I asked if you'd seen Ben recently," she repeated, spearing some food onto her plate. "If you haven't, it's not all that important, I just need to see him sometime." There. Mostly un-lame conversation starter, as it was true. "Are you alright? You look a little down, although I can't blame you, if you spend your meals studying." \r\n\r\n

0 Lexi Stafford Sorry to interrupt, then 0 Lexi Stafford 0 5

Chris

May 10, 2007 11:04 PM

Who said you were interrupting? by Chris

Placing the book down, Chris focused his attention on a pretty red head that had taken a seat across from him. Lexi Stafford. Otherwise, known as the lethal beater for Teppenpaw and his roommate's sister. Had he seen Ben?

"Uh, no, sorry," he apologized. He maybe saw his roommate for five waking minutes of the day and most of their conversations consisted of 'hi' and 'bye.' Now, that he thought about it, he wondered why that was. It wasn't as though there were any other guys in their dorm room to be friends with, to talk to, but yet, they just never had. Maybe it came from him? He just wasn't a very vocal type of guy. He liked to deem himself the strong, silent type, whether or not it was true.

As such, his normal routine, generally involved him with his nose in a book. Today being no exception, other than he hadn't been reading or studying, so when Lexi mentioned it, he glanced down at the book in confusion. "Oh, uh, my mind wasn't really on this," gesturing to the book. "Just on other life frustrations, I guess." He gave her a wane smile. "Nothing to worry about. Since Ben isn't around, is it anything I can help with?"

0 Chris Who said you were interrupting? 0 Chris 0 5

Lexi

May 11, 2007 12:17 AM

Well, it's hard for two people to ponder, isn't it? by Lexi

Lexi replied with a shrug. “Like I said, it’s not all that important.” She wasn’t really surprised. Ben and his roommate had never sounded very close, after all. In that department, she felt she was truly better off. At least Dalila and her were similar in some things, and actually did talk to each other, even if, she remembered with a twinge of guilt, that resulted in her making her roommate cry. “I’ll see him eventually. It’s pretty much impossible not to see someone sometime, in a school this small,” trying not to think about the previous memory.

Her gaze followed his down to the book, and then traveled back up to look him in the eye. Perhaps it could be seen as her being forward, but Lexi honestly didn’t intend it that way. She’d never been any good at being subtle or coy, and highly doubted she ever would be. It just seemed like a complete waste of time, particularly as she was talking to someone who, to her knowledge, was in a perfectly happy relationship.

“Life frustrations, eh? Well, happens to the best of us, I suppose.” She returned the smile, although hers was decidedly more cheerful than his. She was curious as to just what those frustrations were, even if she’d probably not understand any of them due to lack of exposure, but that couldn’t quell her curiosity. Still, she didn’t push at all, an impressive feat for her. After all, it wasn’t her business.

When Chris made his offer, Lexi wavered for a few moments. Forward she may be, but she also hated asking people for help. Pausing in her meal, she unconsciously bit her lip nervously as she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Despite her dislike of soliciting aid, he actually might prove helpful. After all, he was an Aladren. They were supposed to know things.

“You wouldn’t happen to be any good at astronomy, would you? Completely mortifying, I know, since it should be really easy, but I have no idea what’s going on in that subject, or why it matters.” She chuckled, more at herself than anything else, and, leaning on her elbows, looked over at him. “Any wisdom you could impart would be greatly appreciated.” Maybe he hadn’t meant his offer sincerely, but he’d made it anyway. Besides, if he was regretting it now, all he had to do was say he was no good. No harm done.

0 Lexi Well, it's hard for two people to ponder, isn't it? 0 Lexi 0 5

Chris

May 12, 2007 11:56 AM

Probably, but not impossible by Chris

Chris gave a small shrug, after hers. If it wasn't important to her, then there was no need for him to worry about it either. If she were anything like his sister, if Lexi really needed Ben at this moment, they would find each other. It was the whole freaky twin bond, even being fraternal.

Rather than worrying, he found himself surprised, because when his gaze came back up, she was staring him straight in the eye. A slight raise of an eyebrow and a small smirk that played at his lips was returned. He liked that she didn't seem to be the strange creature that most girls became when around the opposite gender. The mere thought of the way they batted their eyelashes at him and put themselves down was enough to nearly make him shudder. He couldn't understand why some guys seem to go for those type of games.

After a smile, Lexi seemed to go quite for several minutes, during which time, he had the chance to check her out. Maybe he shouldn't have, but he was just a fifteen year old male, and as such, the things she did were enough to make any guy's senses go a little crazy - the lip biting, which made her seem a little vulnerable, and the hair tucking, which drew one's eye to the thin neckline, another vulnerability. And what really got him about all of it, was how obvious it was that she didn't even realize that she was doing it, there was no trickery involved.

Realizing that he had been staring and she was talking to him again, he attempted to put together the bits he had caught...something about astronomy and what was going on? His brain processing...Oh! She wanted help with Astronomy. And he certainly didn't miss it when she stressed the word, greatly. That just brought up a whole slew of thoughts that didn't bare repeating, especially in present company.

Grinning, he mimicked leaning forward, "I'm doing well in the class, and I wouldn't mind helping you, as long as it was greatly appreciated." The tones were light and playful. A bit daring for him, but she was a bit daring.

0 Chris Probably, but not impossible 0 Chris 0 5

Lexi

May 12, 2007 2:35 PM

Thinking such radically different things? by Lexi

It was a testament to Lexi’s complete lack of experience with members of the opposite gender that she didn’t realize what Chris had been doing while she was trying to phrase her request. Well, actually, that part about lack of experience wasn’t entirely true. She’d spent plenty of time with various teenage boys through the years, mostly her brother’s friends who she’d played quidditch with. But despite everything she’d said to try and freak Ben out, she’d never had anything but platonic interest in any of them, or they in her.

So, if she’d had any idea what was going through her companion’s mind, she would have undoubtedly been more than a little shocked, and quite uncomfortable. Which would likely do horrible things to her reputation if it got out. After all, Lexi Stafford did not get intimidated by hormone-crazed nerds.

Still, when Chris finally answered, it would have been impossible to miss at least some of his blatant suggestiveness. However, thinking him attached as she did, Lexi took it all in stride. “I don’t know if just doing ‘well’ would make you qualified enough,” she replied with another grin of her own. “I probably should warn you- I’m a complete failure at that class. Like, when I said I honestly have no idea why we take it, or what’s going on, I was being completely honest. Although if you think you’re up to the challenge…”

Alright, so maybe she wasn’t quite as innocent as she’d like to think. Still, he’d started it, and there wasn’t anything wrong with a little friendly banter. “I’m hurt that you seem to be questioning my sincerity, though,” she continued after a minute, looking him in the eye again and ‘borrowing’ the eyebrow-raise and smirk he’d done earlier. “Believe me, I would do almost anything if you could manage to make the subject have sense without being condescending about how it’s really not that difficult, like Ben would probably do.” She paused. “Well, almost anything within reason, of course,” she amended with another grin.

It hadn’t escaped her that, with them both leaning forward, they had gotten rather close. However, Lexi dismissed it with a mental shrug, and didn’t listen to the small part of her mind that suggested she move back. This was all completely legitimate, and Chris didn’t seem to be having a problem with her being slightly brazen.

With that thought, though, another, more serious one, struck her. “Kaylie wouldn’t mind you helping me, would she?” she asked, still meeting his gaze. “I mean, I can’t really see her getting annoyed about something as innocent as this, but you know her better than I do.” Another pause. “It is you she’s dating, right, and I haven’t completely gone mad?”

Perhaps she’d ruined the friendly moment now, or completely stuck her foot in her mouth, but it was a fairly important question. She’d already potentially caused friction between two members of the Teppenpaw team already (she doubted that Dalila would actually be angry with Jake about him having a girlfriend, but it still might be weird for a while, even if she and her roommate were the only ones who’d notice). Lexi didn’t want to be the actual root of any conflict, particularly when the other person was older, had been on the team longer, and was in a position that was so closely connected to Lexi’s at times.

0 Lexi Thinking such radically different things? 0 Lexi 0 5

Chris

May 13, 2007 4:52 PM

I suppose by Chris

"I was trying to be modest when I said 'well,'" he joked back with a half grin. Continuing, he added, "I'm up for the challenge. Don't worry, you'll be a star pupil yet." He already had some thoughts on how to explain Astronomy to her. The key would be in making it fun.

Unfortunately, fun was not in the cards at the moment when Lexi brought up Kaylie. Leaning back, he gave a slightly frustrated sigh. The mere idea of Kaylie still struck a guilty cord. He furrowed his brow. He couldn't believe that Lexi hadn't heard about it, especially since they were both Teppenpaws and on their House team.

Giving a slight shrug and shifting uncomfortably, he confessed, "Kaylie and I...uh...parted ways." He ran a hand through his dark hair before changing the subject, "So...Astronomy...when do you want to start?"

0 Chris I suppose 0 Chris 0 5

Lexi

May 13, 2007 9:52 PM

Told ya by Lexi

Oh, yeah. Definitely a foot in mouth moment. Leaning back, Lexi couldn’t think of any response beyond an all-purpose “Oh,” which was said a bit sheepishly. She wasn’t sure what the proper response was. Offer condolences? Congratulations? She unconsciously bit her lip again, wracking her brain to try and figure out what to say, if anything. She felt horrible for bringing Kaylie up, since she and Chris weren’t dating anymore, and he looked at least a little uncomfortable about it, but she didn’t want to make it worse. Besides, how was she to know any better? She didn’t talk to Kaylie much, even at practices, which was the only place that Lexi saw her on a regular basis, and she’d been too busy studying to pay attention to whatever gossip was going around.

Finally giving up on finding something to say (all for the best, really, as she was sure to only stick her foot in her mouth again), Lexi latched on to Chris’s change of subject gratefully, even if it were back onto the dreaded astronomy. “Honestly, whenever works for you,” she offered, with a half-shrug. “Almost anytime is good for me. I have no life outside of quidditch practices, and I already feel like I’m imposing enough on you without dictating any part of your schedule.

“Seriously though, thanks,” she added, feeling a bit shyer, even if she didn’t show it. Somehow, it was easier to deal with her brother’s admittedly attractive roommate when she didn’t know he was safely single. An interesting thought, and she made a mental note to ask Dalila what she thought about it during any future bouts of girl-talk. After all, her roommate seemed slightly less clueless about the boy/girl thing, even if she wasn’t that much better than Lexi herself.

Realizing she’d gone silent, she cleared her throat, and tried again. “I mean, you don’t have to do this. Not that I don’t want you to, of course, quite the opposite, but you just don’t need to feel obligated just because you’re Ben’s roommate, or anything.” Damn it, she was rambling. “So, you know, if I can do anything to make it up to you, feel free to ask, although I’m not all that good at anything, apart from wounding Pecari chasers, I suppose,” she concluded with a chuckle, desperately hoping she was still acting normal, despite…whatever the hell this was.

0 Lexi Told ya 0 Lexi 0 5

Chris

May 17, 2007 11:30 PM

So, you did by Chris

Chris was thankful that Lexi hadn't pressed the subject. He really didn't want to talk about the whole breakup. It had been enough spilling everything to poor Bella, who barely knew him. It had also been very uncharacteristic of him. He wasn't normally very talkative nor very disclosing of information, but yet there he was unable to help himself. Now that he thought about it, he kinda felt bad about it. If it had been the reverse, he would have felt very uncomfortable. He wondered briefly if he should apologize to her, but thought it might be better to just never bring it up again.

Decision made, he focused back on Lexi, who appeared to be...rambling? Chris had to give a small smile. It was cute. He loved talkative girls. They tended to be more open with what they were thinking rather than making someone guess, which made for less of getting in trouble with them for guessing wrong.

Deciding to finally rescue her, he answered, "I don't mind helping, and it isn't because of Ben." Giving a grin and leaning forward again, he continued, "How's tonight? On the pitch? You'll need your broom."

0 Chris So, you did 0 Chris 0 5

Lexi

May 18, 2007 10:48 PM

If you can't tell, I like being right by Lexi

Chris speaking gave Lexi time to recollect herself. She was being ridiculous. She acknowledged it, so she was able to overcome it, as long as she didn’t push the limit. While she may have been new to this particular arena, she’d been an athlete for long enough to have a fairly accurate view of her own limitations. And responding to her companion’s first statement was definitely going to end up going beyond them, so she very neatly moved on to the second part.

“I think that should work,” she replied, trying to think of anything else she’d needed to do. When nothing came to mind, she nodded. “Yeah, tonight’s good.” She supposed it made sense, going outdoors to do it. It wasn’t quite what she’d been expecting, but anything was better than more time in the library than she’d already been spending.

Then the implications of the final statement hit her. Her broom. Naturally, Chris wouldn’t know that she didn’t have hers anymore, that it had been confiscated by her father, and, while he seemed nice enough, it wasn’t something that she really wanted to talk about. And the school brooms were, for the most part, complete trash. Therefore, she needed to go find Ben before tonight, and borrow his. Which meant she now had to go search for him again.

“Well, since that’s sorted out, I really do need to get going,” she said, still thankfully her normal self. “Thanks again, and I suppose I’ll see you tonight.” With one last grin, she pushed her chair back and walked out of the hall, fighting the urge to go analyze the entire conversation with Dalila instead of finding her twin.

0 Lexi If you can't tell, I like being right 0 Lexi 0 5