cartercastle

[cartercastle]

"I'm going to apply to six schools, though three are in New York" Carter begins to explain. Each school is a little different but follow a similar formula. Ballet and then something modern, you get to pick later on. That's why you've got to be so versatile and willing to try different things."

And the competition is steep. So maybe people try and try again, but most only give you two chances then that's it. Carter supposes her fear is not getting one acceptance... then what? Does she just stay here and continue to teach four year olds still routines?

Carter rolls her eyes at Oliver, "You've meet Julian. He's come to the summer barbecues at the house," she pats his shoulder and takes her coffee cake out of the bag and tears off a piece to eat. She hums, content, so good as she happily sips her drink as well.

"I'll have to ask him tomorrow or something," she tells Ellie and hopefully he'd be okay with it. Maybe she can give him some money or something.

[cartercastle]

Carter rolls her eyes at Oliver, "You've meet Julian. He's come to the summer barbecues at the house," she pats his shoulder and takes her coffee cake out of the bag and tears off a piece to eat. She hums, content, so good as she happily sips her drink as well.

"I'll have to ask him tomorrow or something," she tells Ellie and hopefully he'd be okay with it. Maybe she can give him some money or something.

Carter glances at Ellie for a moment and nods. That's true, Julian would probably be good at something like that. "I need to tape my auditions in the next two weeks to add to my application, so maybe he could help." Carter thinks.

It doesn't need to be anything fancy at all. The schools aren't looking for fancy, they're looking for technique and talent, passion.

[cartercastle]

Carter glances at Ellie for a moment and nods. That's true, Julian would probably be good at something like that. "I need to tape my auditions in the next two weeks to add to my application, so maybe he could help." Carter thinks.

It doesn't need to be anything fancy at all. The schools aren't looking for fancy, they're looking for technique and talent, passion.

Ollie lets Ellie pick the seat she wants first, plopping down in the middle of the girls afterwards. He sets his coffee on the table so he can get at his scone, taking a look around at the crowd of people that are in the shop with them. He always thought this place was so chill...literally makes him want to skip the entire afternoon just to hang out and drink lattes for half the day. He tries not to let the fact that he has to go to swim practice ruin his mood.

Ellie turns to Carter, remembering totally forgetting about telling her something about the question she had asked about if she knew about anyone who could take pictures,

"Oh I totally forgot! Julian," She smiles, "He's pretty good with a camera. I could ask him about it, if you want?"

[cartercastle]

"Right," Carter laughs as she brushes some lint off his shirt. "I hope he was okay at least, benefit of the doubt or maybe he just was a creep." She shrugs and turns back to the counter to grab her coffee and snack, going back to the couch with Oliver and Ellie, sitting down into the couches.

She brings her feet up to sit comfortable and takes a sip, good coffee.

Carter orders an iced coffee with a couple of pumps of brown sugar syrup. She grabs a coffee cake as well, paying and moves towards the couches so she can claim them for their small group. Carter sets her bag on the well loved leather couch and moves back over to the waiting area of cafe.

"Remember that guy that was in here once," Carter says, snaking her way around Oliver to look up at him with a grin. "And he just sat in the corner with his book staring at us once time. I thought we in were in a horror movie."

[cartercastle]

Carter orders an iced coffee with a couple of pumps of brown sugar syrup. She grabs a coffee cake as well, paying and moves towards the couches so she can claim them for their small group. Carter sets her bag on the well loved leather couch and moves back over to the waiting area of cafe.

"Remember that guy that was in here once," Carter says, snaking her way around Oliver to look up at him with a grin. "And he just sat in the corner with his book staring at us once time. I thought we in were in a horror movie."

Ellie watches Oliver order and purses her lips because a hazelnut latte sounds so good--and then maybe a piece of the lemon raspberry bundt cake. Although she wonders if something chocolate would be even better. She steps forward and smiles at the cashier, complimenting her hair because the soft pink color is so pretty. She tries not to dive into a full-fledged conversation, but she's very much her mother.

"Thank you!" She says after she orders, moving down the line to wait, looking in the glass case to see what kind of other sweets are being offered.

Ollie smiles a little, sticking his hands into his pockets, "This is really like some sort of field trip for you, isn't it."

Ellie just smiles.

[cartercastle]

Carter looks at her phone, looking at an email that came through about application deadlines. It feels like they're the bane of her existences. Two due on November 1, the other December 1 and she really can't grasp it. Then after? Waiting to see if she gets to audition and a couple of them are luckily in LA. She blinks and looks back at Ellie for a moment.

"Depends. Sometimes a mocha, sometimes a latte," she says, letting Oliver go first as she looks to see what she wants to have. "You've got any friends in theatre that are really good with a camera?"

Ellie scrunches her nose but she does end up laughing at Carter’s comment about getting out more. And maybe she does. But it’s not like her to really skip class, she’s usually ready to tackle everything that’s put in front of her. But the future is kinda sitting heavy on her shoulders lately, despite the encouraging words from her parents. 

She looks up at the cafe as they park and it’s definitely got an interesting aesthetic. Up her alley in terms of books and coffee. She slips out and makes sure she has her backpack and purse, smiling as she walks in with both of them. 

The place is bustling but not overwhelmingly busy. The couches are free and there’s only a tiny line to get coffee. 

“What do you usually get here?” She asks her cousin. 

[cartercastle]

Carter kind of laughs, "You need to get out more, El," she says thoughtfully as she drives out of the parking lot. The cafe down the street is cool. It has that dark academia vibe and there's books in there room, kind of feels like a library. It's a nice place to chill. Carter pulls into a parking spot and gets out with them, grabbing her backpack.

"I hope the couches aren't taken," Carter says, catching the door as a few people leave and they head inside. There's a small line for coffee, food as they approach and Carter looks up at the menu.

Ollie has to admit, he's a bit shocked that Ellie is here. He's not sure whether Carter did her own maneuvering or whether she came on her own. Regardless? He doesn't mind. While him and Ellie don't really talk much, she's nice. Quiet sometimes, in her own world, but incredibly smart. Not to mention she's Carter's cousin, so, that within itself is more than enough for him.

He makes his way downstairs with the two girls, working through the parking lot in the easiest way that he can without it totally looking like they're making a break for it. He lets Ellie take the passenger seat, settling in the back.

"Think we made it." He smirks, letting out a breath.

Ellie hums a little as Carter begins driving out of the parking lot, "Kinda thrilling."

[cartercastle]

Carter makes a pitstop to the girls bathroom, washing her hands and treks her way out and down the hall as the warning bell goes off. People scurry off to class and she goes down the science wing to the stairwell, pushing the door open. "Good, everyone is here," Carter half smiles and gets the car keys out of her pocket. "Let's go," she says and walks down the stairs and out the side door.

There's still kids over by the smoker's pit and people rushing inside. They blend in decently enough until they get to the student parking lot and Carter unlocks the car, slipping inside and waits until everyone is buckled and good to go before leaving the parking lot.

Ellie feels a slight thrill at totally doing something unexpected. But why not, right? She feels like she needs something fresh to brighten up her senior year. Besides, it's one time...no one is going to miss her, exactly, right? It's not like she's going to let this become a habit. She takes in a soft breath and turns to go to her locker, moving to grab her things and move to the spooky staircase.

Once she gets there, she pushes the door open and--

Oliver raises his eyebrows, "You're not Carter."

Ellie lets the door close, "Uh, no, I'm not." She smiles, curling her hair around her ear, "Figured I'd come with this time."

Ollie smiles a little, "Interesting."

[cartercastle]

In a very normal world, Ellie would probably be telling her not to skip. Carter's not saying her cousin is a goody two shoes or anything but Carter thinks her cousin is a be more pristine academic wise than she is. Nothing wrong with that, and she's fully expecting her cousin to say hell no. But when she doesn't, Carter is pleasantly impressed.

"Alright, go grab your stuff and meet us in the creepy stairwell," Carter nods with a light smile. She turns and heads in that direction, hopefully Oliver doesn't mind too much. He's not a mean spirted person.

Ellie raises her eyebrows because no, but honestly she's kinda concern if Rhys won't leave Carter alone. Should she...tell someone at school? Or her parents? She's not about to do anything if her cousin doesn't want that but...can't the guy get a clue? She clearly wants nothing to do with him.

She adjusts her backpack, sliding a few books into it before raising her eyebrows. Skipping class? Really?

And while there's that kneejerk reaction to say 'no, of course not', there's...a few moments where she actually thinks 'what's the harm?' instead. Besides, she's got an elective, she could...totally miss some of that, right? It's ceramics.

She's been wanting her senior year to be different somehow.

So with a deep breath, she nods. "Okay." She smiles.

[cartercastle]

Carter blinks, softly startled as she sees Ellie appear. "Thought you were Rhys for a second," she shakes her head, grabbing some clothes from the top shelf and puts it into her bag. She tucks some hair behind her ear and shakes her head for a moment, making sure she's got everything she needs so she doesn't have to come back into the school later.

"Uhh, Oliver and I are skipping. Gonna go hang out at the cafe," Carter says, slinging her bag over her shoulder and closes up her locker. "Wanna come?"

Ellie turns the corner in the hallway, wanting to catch up with Julian but she doesn't see him after math. Can't seem to find him, either. Frowning a little, she goes to tug out her phone and just check in, see what he thought about math when she sees her cousin at her locker. Text forgotten, she smiles and she wanders over, leaning her shoulder against the lockers.

"Hi," She brushes her hair over her shoulder, "What class do you have eighth?"

[cartercastle]

The afternoon is slow which is treacherous for a Wednesday. Luckily by the time eighth period comes along, Carter is relieved. She makes a b-line for her locker, weaving in and out of bodies as she texts Oliver that she's going to grab her things and meet him in the stairwell that everyone says is haunted.

Carter reaches her locker and takes off the lock, grabbing the books she needs for some homework and papers from the guidance counsellor as well.

It's kind of strange or maybe...maybe Chris has actually noticed her? Not to date her, or anything, they're...friends? Maybe. She hates that she's thinking about this during her math test. So she concentrates, taking in a deep breath and focusing on the numbers and her notes. This makes sense. The whole concept of Chris beginning to approach her on purpose?

Makes not one lick of sense.

She glances up as she sees Julian take his paper to the desk and realizes that he's done and she offers him a smile, but she's not sure he sees her.

Either way, she looks back down at her test and attempts to concentrate. Especially when she's only got ten minutes left.

[cartercastle]

The math quiz sucks, even using their notes. Julian thinks he did fine but he's annoyed as he stares across the classroom at the back of Chris' head the entire time. Since when was Ellie actually friends with him? Is it just some association matter because Chris runs in Carter's circle? Is Carter even friends with him? Julian huff softly and makes sure he puts the date because their math teacher likes giving extra points.

So he finishes, stands up and hands in the quiz to the front desk and grabs himself to head out as there's only ten minutes left of class anyway.

–

Carter can't remember what the title of the movie is called that's playing in her American History class but it's depressing as hell. She's glad she sits by the window, able to look outside to see a gym class out there and they're just... running in circles. Not that great out there either. She turns her head back to look at the TV, resting her chin on her arms and closes her eyes.

Ollie hums back a soft noise before waving to her--at least he can look towards something during eighth...especially since he has dreaded swim practice next. He walks past Ellie's table and gives her a small wave too, of course knows who she is and she smiles at him before standing up from the table.

"Yeah math," She smiles at Julian, even though she is...nintey percent sure Chris is walking towards her. "See you."

She clears her throat, focusing on moving and gathering her things, beginning to walk. He catches up with her,

"Ready for that math quiz?" He asks.

Ellie blinks and nods, "Yeah, I think." She smiles. "Good luck?"

Chris smirks, nodding as he heads down the hall. "Yeah, you too."

[cartercastle]

Carter laughs softly and picks up her trash, throwing it away as the warning bell goes. At least she doesn't dread her next class. She grabs her smoothie, turning back to look at Oliver as she sips and nods. "See you then," she waves to him as she goes on her way back to her locker to drop off the car keys and wallet, then grabs her books for her next class.

Julian sighs to himself because it's like a flip switches whenever Chris is around. He's not that great, can't be. He's a popular high school guy and he's probably not that nice or something is flawed about him. Maybe.

"Yeah, maybe not," he says, getting up from the table. "I guess I'll see you in math then."

The tell-tale warning bell rings, signaling they have five minutes before lunch ends. Carter’s right , even though he doesn’t want her to be. But…

“I mean, cafe sounds good,” He grins, “Who needs 8th?” He tosses away the rest of his trash and regrets not getting some sort of iced coffee for the afternoon. He really feels like he’s dragging ass this week. 

“Yeah let’s do it, I’ll meet you at our usual escape spot?”

—

She hums knowingly because she agrees that it doesn’t seem like they really have enough notes to have a test on stuff. But then again; that doesn’t seem to matter to their teacher. At least she knows her notes are decent…she should be okay?

She takes a sip of her iced tea and glances up when she hears the commotion of people coming into the cafeteria and her eyes follow Chris, in his letterman jacket, looking just as handsome as he always does. 

She swallows, looks down at her food and picks at a few things before looking over at Julian with a soft question in her eyes. 

“Yeah I mean uhm—maybe it won’t be as bad as we think, you know?” 

[cartercastle]

"We shouldn't skip class this afternoon," Carter says robotically as she looks at her phone, replying to a text before she looks over at Oliver. "I said it, but it depends on what's happening. My last period isn't make or break for me. This semester is easy going." She tells him, setting her phone down on the table and tucks her hands underneath her chin.

"But if you have swim practice, you should stay. At least only get in trouble for one thing today. Or we just go to the cafe down the street and hang out there so you're not far."

–

"My notes aren't the best but I probably won't fail at least." He laughs softly and takes out another container from his lunch to eat some of his snacks. "We haven't even learned anything," Julian mumbles through his food and looks out at the cafeteria, blinking as he see Chris walk in with a few other football guys and he knows in that moment he's lost Ellie's attention.

Ollie groans softly, even though he doesn't actually mind. Concept of a sign wouldn't be too bad.

Here’s the thing, he doesn’t mind the sign. It’s actually a nice gesture, if she would choose to do one, glitter or not. He’ll get her the time slots of when he’s swimming so that when she’s there she can actually watch him compete, not just sitting on the sidelines waiting. He lets out a short breath and shakes his head, glancing towards the table he’s seen Danielle at. 

She really does seem to seek him out at the most random times. Sweet girl but kinda…off putting. 

He lets out a breath and looks over at his best friend. “Please tell me we shouldn’t skip class this afternoon.” He mumbles. 

--

Ellie thinks it'll all work out, she's gotta stop worrying ahead of time. She's the worst with that. The point is, her and Julian have ideas to bring to the club--that's what's most important. She gently bumps shoulders with her friend, grateful for his opinion. It means a lot. She then lets out a soft laugh,

"God, I know. I think we can use our notes though? Hopefully...otherwise I might tank it too."

[cartercastle]

Carter laughs a little and shrugs, "Maybe if I have the extra time I'll add glitter to the sign too." She teases but she'll go, not for the whole day maybe but she'll go to support Oliver because she likes when he supports her back too. That's what friendship is, right? But along with that, she really doesn't mind going to watch it too.

"I think Danielle Jennings is still your number one fan, wouldn't want to get in her way," Carter snickers as she finishes her wrap, more focused on her smoothie now.

–

Julian grins and shrugs, "Yeah well, it's the truth and I wouldn't lie to you. You are really good, Ellie." He takes his drink and twists the cap off for a sip, setting it to the side. "Anyway, I'm going to fail our math quiz. How do we already have a quiz? We've been back for three minutes."

Ollie chuckles a little because yeah, he gets what she’s saying. Usually his swim meets are, like, three hours away and six hours long. It’s really an all day event. He’s already tired of thinking about heading to one of those, not only that but his two hour practice today that comes with it. Don’t get him wrong, he actually loves swimming…just not so much the competing part. 

“Next Saturday,” He smiles, “And you’ll be happy to know the first one is home. Still fucking all day but,” He shrugs. “Least I don’t have to travel to go. Hate the team bus.” He gathers up his trash to toss out. “You bringing a sign? Number one fan?” 

—

Ellie listens to Julian for a moment, a soft smile tugging the corners of her mouth. That’s really sweet of him. And honestly? Maybe he’s right. She tends to sink under the radar, would rather blend in. Kind of ironic for a theater nerd but, sometimes she just would rather not be the center of attention. She’s a great mix of her parents like that. 

“I guess we’ll see. Depending on the performance, we’ll see where I’m needed.” She reaches out and squeezes his arm. “But I appreciate you saying all that. Really.” 

[cartercastle]

Carter laughs softly and she's not sure what the drama department is putting on this year. Chances are that it's too early maybe? Bring spring production and all of that so they can figure out what production, hold auditions and all of that. In a way, Carter wishes she had more time because she likes going to see the shows, likes seeing her cousin in them. Their similar interest only veered by technicalities.

"When's your first swim meet?" She asks Oliver instead, finishing the first half of her wrap as she turns to look at him. "And don't tell me it's like three hours away because I can't do that."

–

"I think sometimes you sell yourself short and you shouldn't," Julian says, matter of face. "Because you're really great on stage and behind the scenes as well. Stage production feels like your thing." And he means it wholeheartedly, not just because he's trying to snag one of her chips.

Carter hums and takes another bite of her wrap, nodding. Yeah, that'd suck and sometimes parents just don't understand that something they want and something you want can be different things. "So I guess that means you're going," she smiles a little at him and gently pats his shoulder. "It's probably better than your dad asking what you're doing with your life, even through you're a certified nerd."

And she means it with the utmost infection as well.

"I, on the other hand, will have to hear about the life and times of Giroux in the Monte Carlo ballet while I warm up and how she bled for her roles."

–

"I have great ideas, El," Julian quips as he begins to eat his lunch. "And while they're great, someone is going to want to do something junior like Peter Pan." He rolls his eyes because have they not had enough of all of those types? It's be like doing Cinderella for the eight hundredth time as well.

"I think we'll have a good selection of players this year, actors for the stage!" He grins at her. "You should audition for a big part."

[cartercastle]

Carter hums and takes another bite of her wrap, nodding. Yeah, that'd suck and sometimes parents just don't understand that something they want and something you want can be different things. "So I guess that means you're going," she smiles a little at him and gently pats his shoulder. "It's probably better than your dad asking what you're doing with your life, even through you're a certified nerd."

And she means it with the utmost infection as well.

"I, on the other hand, will have to hear about the life and times of Giroux in the Monte Carlo ballet while I warm up and how she bled for her roles."

–

"I have great ideas, El," Julian quips as he begins to eat his lunch. "And while they're great, someone is going to want to do something junior like Peter Pan." He rolls his eyes because have they not had enough of all of those types? It's be like doing Cinderella for the eight hundredth time as well.

"I think we'll have a good selection of players this year, actors for the stage!" He grins at her. "You should audition for a big part."

Oliie hums a little, stretching against the chair back as he sits. He eyes people at their table, some friends, some not, some from other groups just trying to sit that much closer to where the action is. He knows his friend is right, there's nothing that says he can't skip practice.

"Coach will call my dad, really can't deal with that right now." His parents want him to get a scholarship so college is an easier feat. He's just not sure swimming is the right answer.

"Madame Giroux clearly needs to find a better way to spend her time." He smiles a little, amused.

---

Ellie shakes her head, opening up a small bag of chips to munch on. That's the only thing--if they go this NOES route, there's no script--at least one that she's come across. That would mean a team within the theater club putting one together. Things like Addam's Family already has scripts. Maybe she should just fold for that.

"Oh Clue," She grins at Julian, "I love that game...and movie." She purses her lips, "Both of those are great ideas, we can bring them up this afternoon."