#pillar of the PTA

[parachutingkitten]

Happy Mother's Day to the BEST Mom in all Ninjago:

[christinesficrecs]

long time follower, first time caller! but I am finally requesting your assistance in finding a fic, please and thank u so much!

so, stiles & derek’s daughter is bringing someone home from college to meet the family. I think it’s either from this guy’s pov? and she warns him that the scary looking dad is not the one anyone should be scared of lol. and he’s skeptical at first at why everyone is respectful of stiles and the fact that he’s really commanding this household and (not that he knows this word yet, but) their pack.

Anyway, they’re attacked in the end and the humans are kind of vulnerable. I can’t remember the details around the fight but I know folks were captured? by an entity? unsure. but I adored stiles and derek with their salt and pepper beards and their lovely kids. Just great characterization and plot development all the way around.

anyway, thanks if you get to this, and also thanks if you don’t! You���ve been such a pillar in this fandom for so long, and your tags chart thingy has become so familiar to me over the years. I appreciate you whether you get to this ask for not :). Truly!

-d :)

Hey!

It does sound vaguely familiar. 🤔 I am also here for those salt and pepper beards. ❤️ Also reminds me of the ones with the PTA meetings 😂 Derek is a brave soul taking Stiles to a parent teacher conference. 😋

Does anyone remember reading this one?

Thank you everyone!

Unlucky Ace by MissAnnThropic | 41.1K

Laura Hale brings her boyfriend home to meet the family, and there is something absolutely terrifying about the Hales. 

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 2.17

Holidays

Aegle Asteroid Day

Analog to Digital TV Day

Baird Color TV Day

Celandine Day (French Republic)

Commemoration of all the Defunct Member of the Royal Family (Belgium)

Daisy Gatson Bates Day (Arkansas)

Day of Cancelled Expectations

Electra Asteroid Day

Global Tourism Resilience Day

International Day of Responsible Gaming

International Juggalo Day

Inventor’s Day (Mexico)

League of United Latin American Citizens Day

LULAC Founder’s Day

Minimum Wage Day

Missouri Compromise Day

My Way Day

National GvHD Awareness Day

National PTA Founders’ Day

National Public Science Day

National Tennis Pro Day

National Women’s Emancipation Day (Lithuania)

Perfume Day

Practice Your Free Throws Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Skate Shop Day

When You Grow Up Day

Who Shall I Be Day

World Community Arts Day

World Human Spirit Day

World Orofacial Myofuncional Sciences Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Cafe au Lait Day

Canned Sardines Day

Indian Pudding Day

International Crumpet Day

National Cabbage Day

Snow Ice Cream Day

Nature Celebrations

Dia Internacional do Gato (International Cat Day; Portugal)

National Cat Day (Poland)

National Champion Crab Races Day

Saffron Crocus Day (Crocus sativus)

Wild Flower (Familiar Nature; Korean Birth Flowers)

World Cat Day (Italy)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Great Lawl Reich (Declared; 2014) [unrecognized]

Greenia (Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]

Kosovo (from Serbia, 2008)

Libyan Revolution Day (Libya)

New Orleans (Louisiana City incorporated; 1805)

Sildavia (Declared; 2020) [unrecognized]

3rd Monday in February

Canadian Heritage Day [3rd Monday] (a.k.a. ... 

Family Day (Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan; Canada)

Heritage Day (Nova Scotia, Canada)

Islander Day (PEI, Canada) [3rd Monday]

Louis Riel Day (Manitoba, Canada) [3rd Monday]

Sanity Day (Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan; Canada)

Daisy Gatson Bates Day (Arkansas) [3rd Monday]

Manic Monday [3rd Monday of Each Month]

Meatball Monday [3rd Monday of Each Month]

Meditation Monday [Every Monday]

Monday Musings [Every Monday]

Motivation Monday [Every Monday]

Presidents’ Day [3rd Monday]

Puerto Rican Illustrious Persons Day (Puerto Rico) [3rd Monday]

Washington’s Birthday (observed) [3rd Monday]

Women in Blue Jeans Day [3rd Monday]

Weekly Holidays beginning February 17 (3rd Week of February)

International Friendship Week (thru 2.23) [3rd Week]

National FFA Week (thru 2.23) [Week with Presidents’ Day]

National Pancake Week (thru 2.23)

National Pay Your Bills Week (thru 2.23) [3rd Week]

National Random Acts of Kindness Week (thru 2.23) [3rd Week]

Pasco County Fair (Dade City, Florida) [thru 2.23]

Take Your Family to School Week (thru 2.21)

Festivals On or Beginning February 17, 2025

George Washington Birthday Parade (Alexandria, Virginia) [3rd Monday]

Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) [thru 2.23]

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 20 (Ding-Si)

Day Pillar: Fire Snake

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Balance Day (平 Ping) [Inauspicious]

Holidays: Hakka’s Day

Secular Saints Days

Billie Joe Armstrong (Music)

Jim Brown (Sports)

Arcangelo Corelli (Music)

Pierre-Auguste Cot (Art)

Buster Crabbe (Sports; Entertainment)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Entertainment)

Hal Holbrooks (Entertainment)

Barry Humphries (Entertainment)

Michael Jordan (Sports)

René Laennec (Medicine)

Thomas Malthus (Science)

Jozef Murgaš (Polymath)

Andre Norton (Literature)

Banjo Paterson (Literature)

Raphaelle Peale (Art)

Lou Diamond Phillips (Entertainment)

Gene Pitney (Music)

Ruth Rendell (Literature)

Denise Richards (Entertainment)

Rene Russo (Entertainment)

Ed Sheeran (Music)

Otto Stern (Science)

Curt Swan (Art)

Mo Yan (Literature)

Weekly Holidays beginning February 17

National Engineers Week [thru 2.24]

National FFA Week [thru 2.24]

Take Your Family to School Week [thru 2.23]

Feast Days

Alexis Falconieri (Christian; Saint)

Cantre’r Gwaelod (Celtic Book of Days)

Commemoration of the Flight into Egypt (Christian)

Constabilis (Christian; Saint)

Donatus, Romulus, Secundian, and Companions (Christian; Martyrs)

Evermod (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Shezmu (Egyptian God of the Wine Press)

Festival of Quirinus (God of War, Storms & Thunder; Ancient Rome)

Finan of Lindisfarne (Christian; Saint)

Fintan of Clonenagh (Christian; Saint)

Flavian, Archbishop of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

The Flutebird (Muppetism)

Fornacalia: Day of the Ovens (Old Roman Bread Festival)

Fornax’s Day (Pagan)

Fortchern of Trim (Christian; Saint)

Hachinohe Enburi Matsuri (Festival for a Good Harvest; Japan)

Hadaka Matsuri (Loincloth Festival; Japan)

Hopping Day (Pastafarian)

Isaac Asimov Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Janani Luwum (Anglican Communion)

Kali Yuga (The Evil Age; Everyday Wicca)

Lommán of Trim (a.k.a. Leman or Luman; Christian; Saint)

Lucian (Positivist; Saint)

The Quirinalia (Feast of Fools; Ancient Rome)

Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival; Japan)

Seven Founders of the Servite Order (Christian; Saint)

Sheep Shearing and Blessings Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Silvia of Auchy (Christian; Saint)

Sepandārmazgān (Day of Women; Ancient Persia; Zoroastrian)

Tanis Diena (Pig Celebration; Latvia)

Theodulus and Julian, in Palestine (Christian; Martyrs)

Toshigoi (For a Bountiful Rice Harvest; Shinto)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lucky Day (Philippines) [10 of 71]

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [9 of 37]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [12 of 57]

Unglückstage (Unlucky Day; Pennsylvania Dutch) [9 of 30]

Very Unlucky Day (Grafton’s Manual of 1565) [11 of 60]

Premieres

All My Lovin’, by The Beatles (Song; 1964)

Amoozin’ But Confoozin’ (Lil’ Abner Cartoon; 1944)

Anti-Fat (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1927)

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (Film; 2023)

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Film; 1989)

The Boomerang (Pathe News Cartoon; 1915)

The Brady Bunch Movie (Film; 1995)

The Brementown Musicians (Ub Iwerks ComiColor Cartoon; 1935)

Camping Out (Mickey Mouse Disney Cartoon; 1934)

Destiny’s Child, by Destiny’s Child (Album; 1998)

Eagle: Their Greatest Hits (Compilation Album; 1976)

Exercises in Style, by Raymond Queneau (Book; 1947)

The Fable About the Troubles in the Ark (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of a Raisin and a Cake of Yeast (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of a Fisherman’s Jinx (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Alley Cat (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Mysterious Hat (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Sheik (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Spider and the Fly (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Traveling Salesman (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

Fancy, by Iggy Azalea (Song; 2014)

Footloose (Film; 1984)

Gunga Din (Film; 1939)

Heart go Glass, by Blondie (Song; 1979)

Hell’s Fire, featuring WIllie Whopper (Ub Iwerks Cartoon; 1934)

Hey, Hey, It’s the Monkees (TV Special; 1997)

High Voltage, by AC/DC (Album; 1975)

Honeymoon Hotel (WB MM Cartoon; 1934)

The Horse on the Merry-Go-Round (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1938)

Is My Palm Read? (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1933)

Jerry, Jerry, Quite Contrary (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1966)

The Kick Inside, by Kate Bush (Album; 1978)

Madame Butterfly, by Giacomo Puccini (Opera; 1904)

The Marvels (Film; 2023)

Miss Nanny Goat Becomes an Aviator (Paramount-Bray Cartoon; 1915)

Modern Art Exhibition at the 69th Regiment Armory, New York City (Modern Art Exhibition; 1913) [1st Public Showing of Modern Art in US]

National Congress of Mothers (l.k.a. PTA; 1897)

Phantom Lady (Film; 1944)

Politics Among Nations, by Hans J. Morgenthau (Political Theory; 1948)

A Prairie Home Companion (Radio Series; 1979)

The Queen Bee (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1929)

The Right Stuff (Film; 1984)

Rockabye Hamlet (Broadway Musical; 1976)

Rock and Roll, by John Lennon (Album; 1975)

A Rural Romance (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1924)

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness (WB Animated Film; 2015)

The Secret World Arrietty (Animated Studio Ghibli Film; 2012)

Simon Says, Be My Valentine, Parts 3 & 4 (Underdog Cartoon, S3, Eps. 19 & 20 1967)

State University of Montana (School; 1893)

Symphony in D Minor, by César Franck (Symphony; 1889)

This Means War (Film; 2012)

Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball), by Giuseppe Verdi (Opera; 1864)

The Unwelcome Guest (Barney Bear MGM Cartoon; 1945)

Valleri, by The Monks (Song; 1968)

Variations on a Nursery Song for Piano and Orchestra, by Ernst von Dohnanyi (Orchestral Work; 1917)

Today’s Name Days

Alexius, Benignus, Bonosus (Austria)

Bartol, Benedikt, Flavije (Croatia)

Miloslava (Czech Republic)

Findanus (Denmark)

Salmo, Väino, Väinu (Estonia)

Karita, Rita, Väinämö, Väinö (Finland)

Alexis (France)

Alexis, Benignus (Germany)

Theodoros (Greece)

Donát (Hungary)

Donato, Marianna, Patrizia (Italy)

Auce, Donāts, Konstance (Latvia)

Donata, Donatas, Vaišvilas, Viltė (Lithuania)

Aleksandra, Sandra, Sondre (Norway)

Donat, Donata, Franciszek, Izydor, Julian, Konstanty, Łukasz, Niegomir, Sylwin, Zbigniew, Zbyszko (Poland)

Teodor (Romania)

Miloslava (Slovakia)

Alejo, Alexis, Teodoro (Spain)

Alexandra, Sandra (Sweden)

Jordan, Jordana, Jordanne, Jorden, Jordon, Jordyn, Leroy, Reggie, Reginald, Regis, Rex, Rexanna, Rexford, Rexine, Roy, Royce (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Gene Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 48 of 2025; 317 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 1 of Week 8 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 28 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 20 (Ding-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 10 Amshir 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Hackberry (Feb 9-18) [Day 9 of 10]

Hebrew: 19 Shevat 5785

Islamic: 18 Sha’ban 1446

Julian: 4 February 2025

Moon: 77%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 20 Homer (2nd Month) [Lucian)

Runic Half Month: Sigel (Sun) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 59 of 90)

SUn Calendar: 18 Gray; Foursday [18 of 30]

Week: 3rd Week of February

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 29 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 5 of 30)

Schmidt Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 23 of 27)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 1 of 23)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 2 of 24)

Calendar Changes

Aquarius (The Water Bearer) begins [IAU Current Boundaries Zodiac Sign 2; thru 3.11]

[lvbrdz]

ਚੁਬਾਰਾ: Chubara (Watchtower Room: English translation below)

ਓਸ ਚੋਬਰ ਦਾ ਓਸ ਚੁਬਾਰੇ ਤੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਉਡੀਕ ਕਰੀ ਜਾਣਾ ਮੇਰਾ ਹੌਲੀ ਦੇਣੀ ਜਹੀ ਓਹਦੇ ਕੋਲੇ ਜਾ ਖੜ੍ਹ ਜਾਣਾ ਓਹਨੇ ਅਚਨਚੇਤ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਕੋਲੇ ਖੜ੍ਹੀ ਦੇਖ ਗੁ��ਾ ਜੇਹਾ ਮੁਸਕਾਉਣਾ "ਤੂੰ ਕਦ ਆਈ" ਓਹਨੇ ਸਵਾਲ ਜੇਹਾ ਪਾਉਣਾ "ਕਦੋ ਦੀ" ਕਹਿ ਮੈਂ ਗੁੱਸਾ ਜੇਹਾ ਦਿਖਾਉਣਾ ਓਹਨੇ ਘੁੱਟ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਗਲਵਕੜੀ ਚ ਲੈ ਪਿਆਰ ਜੇਹਾ ਜਤਾਉਣਾ ਮੈਂ ਚੁੱਠਾ-ਮੁੱਠਾ ਓਹਦੀ ਕੈਦ ਚੋ ਛੁੱਟਣ ਦਾ ਬਹਾਨਾ ਜੇਹਾ ਬਣਾਉਣਾ ਮੋਹ ਭਿੱਜੀਆਂ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਓਹਨੇ ਮੇਰੀਆਂ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮਿਲਾਉਣਾ ਮੈਂ ਸ਼ਰਮਾਉਂਦੀ ਨੇ ਪਾਣੀਓਂ ਪਾਣੀ ਹੋਈ ਨਜ਼ਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਝੁਕਾਉਣਾ ਇਕੋ ਝੱਟਕੇ ਚ ਫਿਰ ਮੈਂ ਓਹਦੀ ਕੈਦ ਚੋ ਛੁਟ ਜਾਣਾ ਹੁਣ ਨਈ ਆਉਂਦੀ ਮਿਲਣ ਮੈਂ ਰੋਹਬ ਜੇਹਾ ਜਮਾਉਣਾ ਓਹਨੇ ਨਿਮਾਣਾ ਜੇਹਾ ਹੋ ਮਿਨਤਾਂ ਤੇ ਆ ਜਾਣਾ ਭੋਲੇ ਜਹੇ ਦੇ ਭੋਲੇਪਣ ਤੇ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਤਰਸ ਜੇਹਾ ਵੀ ਆਉਣਾ ਪਰ ਓਹਦੀਆਂ ਸ਼ਰਾਰਤਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਜਾਣੂ ਨੇ ਦੂਰ ਜਾ ਖਲੌਣਾ ਬਸ ਏਦਾਂ ਹੀ ਇਲਤਾ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਡਾ ਸਮਾ ਬੀਤੀ ਜਾਣਾ ਮੈਂ ਘੜੀ ਵੱਲ ਵੇਖ ਆਪਣਾ ਮੱਥਾ ਠੰਣਕਾਉਣਾ ਕਰਾਤਾ ਨਾ ਅੱਜ ਫੇਰ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਲੇਟ ਮੈਂ ਓਹਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਰੁੱਸੀ ਜਾਣਾ ਫੇਰ ਕਦਮਾਂ ਚ ਤੇਜੀ ਲਿਆ ਮੈਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਘਰ ਵੱਲ ਵੱਧ ਜਾਣਾ ਓਹਨੇ ਪਿੱਛੋਂ ਆਵਾਜ਼ ਲਾ "ਇਕ ਗੱਲ ਤਾਂ ਸੁਣਜਾ" ਕਹਿ ਬੁਲਾਉਣਾ ਮੈਂ ਜੀਬ ਕੱਢ, ਠੇਂਗਾ ਦਿਖਾ ਭੱਜ ਜਾਣਾ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪਤਾ ਸੀ ਓਹਨੇ ਕੀ ਕਹਿਣਾ ਸੀ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪਤਾ ਸੀ ਓਹਨੇ ਸਦਾ ਕੋਲੇ ਰਹਿਣਾ ਸੀ ਪਰ ਮੈਂ ਬੇੜੀਆਂ ਚ ਜਕੜੀ ਸਾ ਮੈਂ ਓਹਦੀਆਂ ਬਾਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਗਲਵੱਕੜੀ ਸਾ ਮੈਂ ਓਹਦਾ ਚੇਤ, ਹਾੜ ਤੇ ਸਾਉਂਣ ਸਾ ਮੈਂ ਓਹਦਾ ਸੱਚਾ ਇਸ਼ਕ ਹਰਾਤਾ ਸੀ ਮੈਂ ਓਹਨੂੰ ਵੱਸ ਹੰਜੂਆ ਦੇ ਪਾਤਾ ਸੀ ਫੇਰ ਮੈਂ ਕਦੇ ਪਲਟ ਕੇ ਨਈ ਸੀ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਮੈਂ ਓਹਤੋਂ ਬੜੀ ਦੂਰ ਚਲੀ ਗਈ ਸਾ ਉਹ ਯਾਦ ਬਣਕੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲੇ ਰਹਿ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ ਇਕ ਦਿਨ ਮੈਂ ਓਹਨੂੰ ਦੂਰ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਵੇਖਿਆ ਸੁਪਨਾ ਇਕ ਬਹੁਤ ਮਾਰਾ ਵੇਖਿਆ ਮੈਂ ਇਕ ਵਾਰ ਫੇਰ ਤੋਂ ਖੁਦ ਨੂੰ ਓਹਦੇ ਕੋਲੇ ਖੜ੍ਹੀ ਦੇਖਿਆ ਮੈਂ ਕਿੰਝ ਦਸਾਂ ਮੈਂ ਓਹਦਾ ਸੀਵਾ ਤੱਪਦਾ ਸੇਕਿਆ… -lvbrdz

Chubara

Oos chobar da oos chubare te meri udeek kari jana Mera hauli deni jahi ohde kole ja khar jana Ohne achanchet mainu kole khari dekh gujja jeha muskauna "Tu kad aayi" ohne sawal jeha pauna "Kado di" keh main gussa jeha dikhauna ohne gut mainu galwakri ch le pyar jeha jatauna main chutha mutha ohdi kaid cho shutan da bahana jeha banauna moh bhijiya akha nu ohne meriya akha nal milauna main sharmaundi ne panio pani hoyi nazra nu chukauna iko chatke ch fir main ohdi kaid cho shut jana Hun nai aundi milan main rohab jeha jamauna Ohne nimana jeha ho minta te aa jana Bhole jahe de bholepan te mainu taras jeha vi auna Par ohdiya shararta to jaanu ne dur ja khalauna Bs eda hi ilta kardeya da sada samah beeti jana Main ghari wal vekh apna matha tankauna Karata naa aj fer mainu late main ohde nal russi jana Fer kadma ch teji lia main apne ghar wal vadh jana ohne picho awaaz laa "ik gal ta sunja" keh bulauna Main jeeb kadd thenga dikha bhaj jana Mainu pta si ohne ki kehna si Mainu pta si ohne sda kole rehna si Par main beriya ch jakri saa main ohdiya baha di galwakri saa main ohda chet haarh te saunn saa main ohda sacha ishq haraata si main ohnu vas hanjua de pata si fer main kade palt ke nai si dekheya main ohto bari duur chali gayi saa Oh yaad banke mere kole reh geya si Ik din main ohnu duur janda vekheya supna ik bahut mara vekheya main ik var fer toh khud nu ohde kole khari dekheya main kinj dsa main ohda seeva tapda sekeya… -lvbrdz

Watchtower Room (Room on the top of house without walls, only roof on four pillars in Indian Architect big house)

My lad waiting for his lass at that watchtower room I slowly with silent feet go and stand next to him He suddenly saw me standing next to him and he smiled mischievously "When did you came?" he asked "It's been a while" I said showing anger He hugged me tightly and expressed his love I try without much effort to make excuses to break out of his prison of arms He merges his eyes soaked with love with mine I shyly lowered my watery eyes to avoid direct eye contact In one swoop, I release myself from his arm's prison Now I will not come to meet you again I would say reluctantly He in an instant will plea, "hey dont say like that" I wanted to fall under his plea's But I already knowing his tactics, will stay at a distance teasing him Our games of pleas and teases will keep on going forever Suddenly, I looked at the clock and frowned See today also I got late due to you Then I quickened my steps and run towards my house Calling from behind, he will say, "Hey, Listen to one thing, please". I will tease him again with tongue out and my thumb facing down and run away Back in my head, I knew what he was going to say I knew he must have remained with me forever But I was bound in chains I was the warmest hug of his arms I was his mind, heart and soul I had failed his platonic love I had put him on tears Then I never looked back I went far away from him He remained with me as a memory One day I saw him going away I saw a dream full of pain I once again saw myself standing next to him How can I say that I had watched him burning (cremation) in front of me… -lvbrdz

[barelynotsinking]

draft of start of fic of bly manor (jamie's death)

Jamie had grown old, haggard even, gone was her smooth skin and curling brown hair, now in the place of the young woman she had stood what Jamie would call “somebody’s gran”. Not that she had grandkids, lord knows she didn’t want any of her own, if she couldn’t have them with Dani, well, then she just wouldn’t have them at all. She did have Flora though, and Flora’s kids, and they gave her the last bit of love to keep going. Her youth had long since left her, her skin no longer stuck to her bones and hung from them in sacks, her hair had turned gray and brittle, her hands thin and veiny, she had taken on a shocking pale, it was as if you could see right through her, bones, muscles and all. She had lived through the stages from taking care of others, to others taking care of her, she often chuckled at it, born dependent and die dependent only a brief period of responsibility sandwiched between the two, and then, inevitably, death. It’s a nice place to die, she had thought, when she first laid eyes on the house, and it was, a quiet neighborhood, it had a porch and a lawn, a nice back yard and flowerbeds, exactly the kind of place were one could drift off from life, in a rocking chair at dawn, listening to the song of the morning birds. 

Of course, the sight would be well displayed from the chair’s position on the front porch, but at least the neighborhood would know for sure she was gone, she had lived there so long, the children had begun to think she would never die. They called her mother gothel, because of her blooming garden, and her remarkable sturdiness even though it appeared as if she could be knocked over by a light breeze. This was false, as marked by the concussion she administered to an unfortunate cat burglar who had crawled through her window last may, thinking it was an easy mark. It was not. but Jamie took extra care to lock her windows now. It was rumored she buried him under the garden to use him as fertilizer for her plants, which were also magical, of course, they were what gave her her extraordinary strength, or at least according to Steven Anders, but he was nine, which made his story unlikely. Her accent didn’t help, out in rural Georgia, her Northern lilt only served as proof to the young'uns that she possessed otherworldly abilities. Every so often a child would have the courage to approach her front porch, and once in a blue moon, they even had the bravery to ring the bell, and every time they asked the same thing “are you a witch?” and every time she would reply, with an earnesty more genuine then they could know “I wish”. It was only the Wingrave children who knew her for who she was, simply a batty old lady, a kind and broken soul, with an affinity for cursing, moonflowers, and the occasional chocolate chip cookie.

 It started when Flora had her first, Henry, it was as if Jamie always knew what to do, Flora didn’t know how she did it, Jamie had never had any kids of her own, but the older woman seemed to always know when it was a diaper that needed changing or a burp that needed burping, or any of the other twenty thing a baby asks for in a wail. The Wingraves were a handsome couple, the pillars of the community, Flora and Scott were both active members of the PTA and from the moment each child was born they doted on them with more love then one thought was possible, the other parents shook their head in awe  at their “wonder parenting” but really it was their mysterious and somewhat grouchy neighbor who helped carry the burden of parenthood and raise their three children. They joked Jamie was why they moved there, they moved to start a family and God knew it would be impossible without her. Of course they were a bit taken aback running into the stranger from the funeral, but as they got to know the woman better, they realized that incident was simply just the kind of thing Jamie would do.

So there, in Eston Georgia, at 9:15 in the morning, Jamie drifted off for the last. Thankfully not on the front porch, she died where she lived, in the green house, sat in her favorite chair, at her favorite table. It was Scott who found her, slumped over the moonflower she had been tending to.  He had come round to ask if she wanted to come over for dinner. He didn’t even have to tell his wife what had happened, it was as if she had read his mind as soon as he stepped through the door. Flora took care of all the arraignments, the funeral, the reception, the headstone, and she did it all with the utmost care. It made sense, they were the last family they knew she had. It was a small funeral but it seemed as if the whole town came, the number of strangers making the crowd seem large and foreboding, they came to make sure, see the last resting place of the famed mother gothel, because they thought she would never die. Only the Wingraves, standing in the front row were there to mourn Jamie, and perhaps it was better that way, a special pain for them to remember, the woman across the street who they both knew and didn’t at all. 

[the-hem]

✨ RUSSIAN COMMONWEALTH FOREIGN POLICY AGENDA ✨

The planet is still planet to bomb Russia back to the stone age. This fast track to full weaponization and war time economies will cripple the planet's ability to feed, clothe, medicate, and educate the human race for decades. All Russian Armed Forces must unconditionally withdraw from al theaters and return home in order to begin reassimilation, abandoning all conquered territories. The RC will fund rebuilding and remediation on both sides of the border with Ukraine and other occuppied territories. These stages of withdrawal are urgent as dissipation of the Heat Belt is a planet wide priority.

"Common Wealth, Common Peace" — A Foreign Policy Vision for a Post-War Planet

🕊️ THE MISSION

To lead a peaceful, inclusive, and regenerative era of international cooperation. We trade, not conquer. We build, not bomb. We serve people, not profit. 🌍

“Trade Over Tyranny. Peace Over Power. People Over Profit.”

🌐 PILLARS OF THE FOREIGN POLICY

1️⃣ SOCIALIZING THE COMMONWEALTH VISION

🎥 Global storytelling through media, film, and cultural exchange.

🎨 Art, language, and education campaigns to promote diversity + unity.

��� Annual Global Forum on Healing & Peace hosted by the Commonwealth.

📱 Digital diplomacy that highlights real people, not just politicians.

We’re not building an empire. We’re building a family of nations.

2️⃣ PREFERRED TRADING AGREEMENTS (PTAs) FOR PEACE

✨ Reduced tariffs for peacetime goods (education, health, green tech).

🤝 Tech-sharing, infrastructure co-building, and peace credits.

⚖️ No weapons manufacturing required to join our economic zones.

💸 Shared profits + labor protections baked into every agreement.

If it costs lives, we don’t sell it. If it builds futures, we trade it.

3️⃣ PEACE INDUSTRY ZONES

🛠️ From war zones to workshop floors. We’re converting conflict economies into:

🏥 Health tech and education manufacturing hubs

🌿 Clean energy and agriculture zones

👩🏾‍🏭 Jobs for ex-soldiers, women, and displaced communities

4️⃣ STRATEGIC NON-MILITARY ALLIANCES

🌍 Partnership with Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Indigenous nations.

🏛️ Commonwealth Development Banks with local equity + returns.

🌱 Embassy of the Earth: Diplomacy through eco-justice.

🛠️ Peace Engineer Corps: Like Peace Corps, but rebuilding instead of observing.

Allies without arms. Peace without pretense.

💔 HEALING A PLANET ADDICTED TO WAR

🕊️ Restorative Trade Program: Duty-free exports for war-recovery nations.

💬 Reparations Dialogue Tables: Talking equity, not guilt.

📊 Royal Commission on Post-War Economies: Tracking healing globally.

📣 MESSAGING ANCHORS

“We build, we don’t bomb.” Anti-war. Pro-infrastructure. Pro-human.

“Common wealth is shared wealth.” Wealth should flow—not hoard.

“No more kingdoms of poverty.” We are done extracting. It’s time to invest.

“Trade like lives depend on it—because they do.” Because they do.

🌟 The Russian Commonwealth is here to make peace profitable, and war obsolete. 🌐 Follow, share, build with us. This is the next chapter of global history—and you're invited.

This is HOW, but this...is why:

#foreignpolicy #russiancommonwealth #anticolonial #peaceeconomy #ethicaltrade #futureforward #indigenousrights #greennewworld #softpower #globalhealing

[pregopizza]

Reseda High School: A Pillar of Learning and Community in Reseda, CA

Situated in the heart of Reseda, CA, Reseda High School is a cornerstone educational institution that has supported the local community for decades. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, a wide range of extracurricular programs, and a deep sense of community connection, Reseda High School plays a vital role in shaping its students and contributing to the area’s growth and progress.

Academic Excellence and Diverse Offerings

Renowned for its dedication to student achievement, Reseda High School provides a comprehensive curriculum that meets the needs of a diverse student body, preparing them for college and career paths. The school offers a wide array of courses, including advanced placement (AP), honors, and specialized programs in STEM, arts, and humanities, providing students with opportunities to excel academically.

The school’s programs are crafted to inspire critical thinking, problem-solving, and a passion for learning. Teachers at Reseda High School strive to create a supportive yet challenging environment that encourages students to reach their highest potential. Academic rigor is paired with resources such as tutoring, counseling, and college preparation to support student success.

Beyond core academics, Reseda High School offers a broad selection of electives and special programs. These include visual and performing arts, career and technical education, and foreign languages, allowing students to pursue personal interests and enjoy a well-rounded education.

Extracurricular Involvement and Community Engagement

Extracurricular activities are a vital part of the student experience at Reseda High School. With a wide variety of clubs, sports, and organizations, students can explore interests and develop talents. Academic clubs like debate and robotics, creative arts programs, and sports teams provide outlets for students to engage and grow outside the classroom.

The school actively promotes community service and leadership through partnerships with local organizations, offering students volunteer and internship opportunities. These experiences help students build real-world skills while fostering civic responsibility and community involvement.

Additionally, Reseda High School serves as a gathering place for community events. Hosting academic fairs, cultural festivals, and sports competitions, the school brings together students, families, and residents, reinforcing its role as a community hub. Parent involvement is strong, with the PTA and other groups actively supporting school programs through fundraising and volunteering, contributing to a welcoming school environment.

Reseda High School in Reseda, CA, is a vital institution focused on education and community connection. Its commitment to academic success, diverse offerings, and vibrant extracurricular activities provide students with a comprehensive educational experience. As a key part of the Reseda community, the school not only prepares students for their futures but also fosters a supportive network for families and the local area. Whether advancing in academics, exploring extracurriculars, or engaging in community service, students at Reseda High School are nurtured in a dynamic environment that prepares them for future success.

[malothman]

THE SYNERGY WITH OUR PARENT BODY

Bal Bharati Group of Schools- Nurturing Brilliance Through Parental Synergy

"The education and empowerment of parents is an indispensable tool for fostering the success of children." - Craig Ramey

In the vast realm of education, where the destinies of tomorrow take shape, parents and teachers stand as formidable pillars of influence. However, at Bal Bharati Group of Schools, these roles converge to create exceptional synergy, transcending the conventional boundaries of education to foster brilliance. At the heart of this synergy lies the Child Education Society’s unwavering commitment to nurture a formidable character and intellect. The pursuit of holistic growth is our guiding star, with educators donning the mantle of mentors, guiding students beyond textbooks. Transparent communication channels among teachers, students, and parents ensure that each child's unique needs are met with meticulous care. At Bal Bharati schools, one of the top 10 CBSE schools in Delhi, Parents, as essential stakeholders, play an instrumental role in this educational partnership. Regular parent-teacher meetings serve as vibrant platforms for constructive dialogues and invaluable feedback, fostering a profound sense of shared responsibility. This engagement empowers parents with profound insights into their child's academic and personal growth, while also allowing teachers to tailor their approaches effectively. BBPS, one of the top 10 CBSE schools in Delhi, besides championing holistic development extends the boundaries of education beyond the classroom. Parents actively participate in co-curricular pursuits, bolstering their child's self-esteem and character. The venerated institution has effectively bridged the gap between academia and society, instilling a profound sense of social responsibility in students through community service projects and awareness campaigns, with parents actively engaged in the noble cause. Parent community plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the core values and ethos of integrity, empathy, and compassion.

In an age defined by technology, Bal Bharati Group of Schools, under the aegis of the Child Education Society, has ardently embraced innovation with the unwavering support of parent fraternity. Cutting-edge technology and contemporary teaching methodologies prepare students for the digital age, with parents actively encouraging their children's technological education. The school's commitment to holistic development extends beyond academics, with parents actively participating in events such as the Winter Carnival, Annual Day, Sports Meet, Teachers' Day, the Investiture Ceremony, and English Play. Their whole hearted presence and active engagement infuses these occasions with vibrancy and enthusiasm, showcasing their unflinching dedication.

BBPS group of schools go the extra mile by organizing career counselling workshops where parents are actively invited to participate. They are also invited to judge inter-school events, amplifying their role in the school's vibrancy. The institutions celebrate Grandparents' Day, a heartwarming gesture to pay homage to all stakeholders who contribute to the legacy of Bal Bharati schools. Being one of the best private schools in Delhi, Bal Bharati schools foster fair PTA elections and actively solicit parents' suggestions on various themes through the "Let's Have a Conversation" initiative.

[kerink]

dundeelemonade

I KNOOOWWWW i am just like. you know. sending vibes across time and space. hoping that he gets a clue and he can start figuring shit out sooner than later. au where he gets an inkling of how this place works a little bit faster and he gets over himself and he. and martin, martin he’s. he’s happy. keri, au where martin finds a niche for himself without all the pain and heartbreak and miscommunication. now i know that one of the tenets of the wtse au is that martin doesn’t get what he wants but i just think he could have fun running a thrift shop or smth, and being passive aggressively polite at people who dare try to shop there. britishly bitchy, in a way that brings him satisfaction, and he can come home at the end of the day feeling like he’s got a full life, instead of being dependent on jon & co to be the structure he builds his life around. idk i just love him and i am depraved enough to want to give him nice things, even just theoretically.

dee i am going to 🅱️ite you

between martin and jon, martins the one who ends up with a satisfying life. he's the one who heals and grows and changes the most. he's the one who controls his own destiny.

martin gets a job first, sure it's at carlos' lab, but he gets that job because of his knowledge and expertise. he becomes an adjunct scientist and is able to understand night vale's strangeness in ways that the other scientists can't because they have no foundation or frame of reference to work off of. to them, night vale is Strange and that's it. but martin knows this strangeness, he's familiar with this strangeness. and he is missed after he leaves because he is valuable, immensely valuable. and it's so corrective for him, to have a job where he's important and respected and he gets to tell people much more qualified than him that they're wrong and then he gets to quit

martin makes friends first. real actual friends, not the weird thing jon and cecil have going on where they connect through the hallways of the beholding's library and think each other's thoughts and feel each other's feelings. he makes friends the awkward and stilted and excited and anxious way real people do. he has his own calendar and does things the other's don't know about and has stories to tell at dinner.

martin understands night vale first. he refuses to be an unwitting victim again, he refuses to be a pawn again, he refuses to blindly trust jon again. he knows now that jon is the archivist before he's anything else. he's omniscient and thinks he knows best and will try to control everyone and everything. and he's not a bad person martin knows that, but, well. he needs to have a handle on his own shit. he needs to have independence. he can't just sit around the office filing paper and fetching tea. hes the man who walked through hell and murdered god. he wants to carry that power with him forever, cultivate it, nurture it. he wants that to be true. so he walks night vales streets and literally maps everything out. he tries to leave, over and over and over. he listens to NVCR until cecil's cryptic doublespeak makes sense.

martin grows first. he has to brave night vale and tolerate his interloper status. he walks the side walk, smoking but visible, corporal, there, because he won't be shut away again. part of being truly seen is risking being rejected and he knows he has to become okay with that. he knows that if he doesn't risk the mortifying ordeal of being known then he will end up being Lonely again. so he goes out and shows up over and over and over. he visits every shop, he (desperately) tries every tea, he goes to the grocery just to try to figure out what here is actually food. he brute forces his way into the community, hammering against his own desire to disappear and his need to make this new life work until he finally breaks through as a pillar of the community.

martin who formed his own bowling league, martin who's an active member of the PTA, martin who gets an authorship credit on the research papers coming out of carlos' lab, martin who has boys nights at big rico's speak easy, martin who gets car sick so he has to learn to drive

whenever benny and i talk about jon traveling through the doors, whether its the old oak ones to desert bluffs too or helen's, martin's always the door stop.

martin's not just a pillar of the community but he's the pillar of the family. he's jon's anchor, as he explores what it means to be a person, even if he's no longer human. he's cecil support person, as he begins to gain comfort in stories about his childhood, and how what his mother did to him changed him so irreversibly. he's carlos light house, keeping him firmly grounded in humanity as he keeps running away with night vale's madness.

and martin can be all of these things for them because in the first few months of them being here, martin took a good long look at himself and said "what is the life you want to have" and he did everything in his power to become the man he wants to be

[amour393]

shoutout to cathy, tireless mother of four, pillar of the PTA, and returning contestant

[doyouwanttoseeabug]

Guy is. Like. The only pillar of emotional warmth Hal can connect to because they're doing Man Stuff and sometimes that stuff involves handjobs but that's just men you know haha. Kyle is doing PTA "your husband likes my meatloaf better than yours" stuff at Hal via John and Hal is just completely missing the fact that John is having an emotional affair. He needs to go fishing with Guy. A jellyfish might sting Guy in the dick. He'll have to get the venom out somehow. Who's to say how.

So hear me out but JohnHal is the lantern ship with the most fucked up potential.

[justhaletwinsthings]

forever bitter that we never got to explore those sweet, sweet cullen family dynamics because smeyer was too busy contriving love triangle based relationship drama

like, consider:

silent civil wars between alice and edward over who has to tell carsilse that if they go into school today someone's probably gonna get fuckin eaten 

also that emmett is planning on bringing a pet bear home from their next hunt and neither of them wants to be the one to have to deal with that

emmett bringing esme flowers whenever he can because he knows she likes them and also the bright colours and soft scents really remind him of her (also of his human mother but he keeps that part to himself)

the kids visiting dr. cullen at work which is sweet in principle but also terrible bc it's usually less 'hi dad, how are you? lovely to see you :)' and more 'if you don't make jasper stop what he's doing right fucking now i'm going to bury him in the front yard'. the rest of the hospital staff take bets on who will show up next and pissed off about what. it honestly does more to humanise them than any weird ass overly perfect family appearances ever could.

rosalie looking edward dead in the eye and mentally insulting him for, like, three straight hours whenever they're out in public together just watching him get more and more pissed off bc he can't even SAY anything to her without looking like a goddamn lunatic so he just,, has to fuckin deal with it

also if he snaps and talks back emmett owes her like $500 and like HELL is he giving her the satisfaction of making money off him

esme showing up to pta meetings and community bake sales like the goddamn pillar of the community she is and being told how nice and well mannered her kids are and just like. flashing back to rose putting edward through a wall bc he made a snide comment about her sex life and staring off into the middle distance like some kind of ex-prisoner of war

also i'm sorry, but look me in the eyes and tell me that jasper and emmett don't bully the shit out of edward and i'll call you a goddman liar.

it isn't like. malicious or anything. he just,, makes it so easy. he's all broody and dramatic and honestly it would be a crime NOT to mock that. emmett follows him around quoting emo poetry and draping himself dramatically over furniture and edward is Not Having It. it usually ends in some kind of fist fight in the woods at the back of the house. edward is a vicious little bastard with absolutely no qualms about going for the throat. emmett picks him up and swings him around like a fuckin baseball bat.   somehow jasper still wins.

alice and emmett go on a lot of road trips together by virtue of being the Fun Ones(TM). they have a tendency of just up and leaving at random in the dead of night and then sending the fam a text a week later like 'wrestling gators down in florida. having fun. be back soon xoxox'.

sometimes they go to vegas just to see how much alice can make in a night before they get kicked out. a lot, as it turns out. the day they get blacklisted is a tragic one all around

jasper and rosalie, on the other hand, bond by going out into the middle of nowhere and letting out their repressed rage by beating the shit out of each other

it's two very different approaches

beating the shit out of each other is actually a tried and true cullen family tradition. brother won't stop sharing the private details of your personal life? find out who’s in the right by beating the shit out of each other. sister keeps telling everyone they should just fucking murder your girlfriend? prove that she’s wrong by beating the shit out of each other. it's a tried and true method of conflict resolution.

most of the fam will let an issue go for the most part after the Requisite Beating has been doled out. especially since most of their arguments are actually pretty petty edward and rosalie, on the other hand, hold grudges. it’s a long standing issue and also why the two of them and have the most antagonistic relationship in the family. pretty much everyone else but carlisle Stays The Fuck Out Of It.

alice steals edward’s room in literally every house they’ve lived in since the first. at first it was just a joke but then he started trying to throw her off by constantly changing his mind about which room he wanted and now it’s Personal. he fools her once. it never happens again.

there’s a bit of a weird hierarchy in the family, because like, jasper is the Oldest Child but edward is the First Son and it was kind of hard for them to figure out where they stood with each other at first. edward seems to get his way most of the time bc he’s definitely carlisle and esme’s favourite but that’s partly bc jasper usually doesn’t care enough to interfere. but when he does you can bet your ass things are gonna go his way bc he could snap edward like a fucking twig.

also what jasper wants is usually what alice wants and if there’s anyone capable of pulling a fast one over on edward it’s her. basically my point is that jasper is the Alpha Brother(TM)

meanwhile emmett’s just happy to be here

rosalie and esme actually have quite a good relationship, even if it’s a quiet sort of thing. the time they spend together is mostly marked by companionable silence while esme knits or cleans and rosalie reads but they both consider it time well spent. there’s a lot of unspoken affection there. like rosalie doesn’t need a second mother, especially not one barely any older than her, and she’s always been bad at connecting with other women... but if she has to have one she’s glad it’s esme

[pink-flame]

Like You Could Love Me

So...the Angry Flower Squad was making me SO soft over gifs and @mamirugbee wanted porch fluff with kissing and I remembered that @thedeathdeelers and @missjoolee liked my idea of using this post as a Juke prompt and here we are. I wrote this from 12-2am so it’s quite possibly incoherent and I’m not checking for mistakes until tomorrow so take it for what it is, a late night labor of love. Enjoy! 💜

Julie hadn’t slept for almost 48 hours. 

Her school was hosting a Los Feliz High After Dark event for the lower grades who didn’t get to attend prom. It was pitched as being just as exciting as the dance but in practice was known to be little more than a glorified sleepover in the school gym with PTA members for chaperones. Flynn had been determined that that year would be different, and had talked Julie into joining her on the planning committee. 

The good news was that Flynn had a real flair for party planning and decorating when she was actually invested (see the difference between the dance they tried to forget and the way she had helped Julie’s dad throw together an epic garage party in less than 24 hours). So by the time Julie and Flynn and the other volunteers were done the gym was fully immersed in a carnival theme full of cute booths filled with potential activities and cute backgrounds to take pictures in front of. It was definitely an improvement over the year before which had been an under the sea theme which had consisted mostly of a few blue streamers and Mr. Weaver walking around in an inflatable Nemo costume. 

The bad news was that it had taken a lot longer than they had anticipated and they hadn’t fallen into bed the night before the event until close to 2am. Julie hadn’t been able to sleep even after she slipped into bed next to Flynn and heard her best friend start making the small whistling noises that indicated she was out cold. Julie had been kept up with thoughts of what her bandmates were up to without her and if they had lingered a little longer on what Luke in particular was doing right then, well that wasn’t that surprising. 

She loved Alex and Reggie but neither of them had attempted to hold her hand and remarked on their “interesting little relationship” or suddenly developed the ability to touch her and instinctively joined her in reaching out to gently cradle the other’s face. 

No, Luke was different, not that she wanted to say that in front of him unless she was sure he felt the same overwhelming feelings she did Oddly enough she was much more concerned about the possibility that he didn’t than she was about the fact that he was still..well, a ghost. It wasn’t that she was unaware that his ghostly status could lead to heartache for her later on, of course she was. It just didn’t seem so important suddenly. After what had happened with her mom, what had almost happened with the guys only a couple of months ago...anything could happen at any time. Tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed anyway so why deny herself happiness now if she could have it? If she could have it. Because that was still the question. 

Because Luke obviously liked her but did he like her? That sounded so juvenile but to call it anything else...well, that was really scary. Evil ghosts and the looming possibility of their return had nothing on the insecurity that came with not knowing exactly how the boy you lo...liked felt about you. 

So Julie didn’t get much sleep that night, Flynn’s alarm seeming to go off only moments after she finally drifted off. She had dragged through school that day, trying to match Flynn’s excitement for the night’s upcoming festivities though her own enthusiasm had quickly drained out of her altogether along with her energy. In the end it had been as fun a night as it could be with Julie spending most of it in a semi-exhausted haze. She and Flynn had played some of the games they had set up, and danced to the music they both agreed would have been better if it had been either DJ’d by Flynn or performed by Julie’s band, and when Carrie had sneered something about how tacky the theme was even that had been half hearted and without any real bite. 

So it was a pretty good night all things considered and Julie was in a good mood despite her complete exhaustion by the time Flynn’s mom dropped her off early the next morning. Ok, so maybe part of her good mood was actually because of her exhausted state by that point as she found herself feeling giddy and her mind had gone sort of pleasantly fuzzy. That was her excuse for how she found herself half-skipping up the path towards her front door, singing to herself. 

We create...perfect harmony 

“Somebody had a good time.” 

Julie’s head snapped up to take in the figure of the boy who leaned against the pillar of the porch in front of her, a small smile bordering on a smirk tugging at his lips. 

Luke.

What was he doing there? 

Was he waiting for her?

She had to play it cool. 

She had to be normal. 

She had to not give away all the feelings that had been swirling around inside of her for the last couple of months since they first gained the ability to touch each other whenever they wanted and promptly both became too awkward to touch each other at all. 

She had to…

“I missed you,” She blurted. 

One of Julie’s hands flew up to cover her mouth as she took the last few steps up onto the porch, trying and failing to ignore the way Luke’s eyes widened even as that vaguely infuriating smirk grew larger. 

“I didn’t mean that,” She insisted once her hand had dropped back to her side. “I mean...I didn’t not mean it but...I just meant it would have been fun if you could have come. Any of you. All of you. Um...yeah.” 

Luke let her dig herself deeper, waiting until her stream of words had come to a complete stop. When they finally dried up he pushed off of the pillar with one of his signature little bounces, letting his momentum carry him to within a step of where she stood awkwardly on the porch. 

“Did someone spike the punch at this dance?” He asked her, amusement clear in his tone. 

Julie shook her head a little too fiercely, indignant despite the fact that she couldn’t exactly blame him for suspecting that she was drunk. 

She felt a little drunk. 

Not that she knew what it was like to be drunk but she was pretty sure it was similar to this. 

Not the point. 

“It wasn’t a dance it was a school sanctioned slumber party,” She corrected, focusing all of her energy on not slurring her words or otherwise embarrassing herself. “And nobody spiked anything. And actually nobody drinks punch anymore. Just so you know.” 

Luke held up both hands as though he were surrendering but that smirk of his was impossible to deny at this point, a fact that both made Julie incredibly irritated and simultaneously fighting the urge to lean up and kiss it right off his stupid face. 

Ok, that was not helpful. 

“Not a dance, no punch. Got it,” Luke said, his voice just soft enough to keep her annoyance more or less at bay. 

“Why are you out here anyway?” 

Julie hadn’t meant to ask that but it felt like any filter her brain generally had was long gone at this point. 

Luke tilted his head slightly and reached up to scratch at the back of his neck. 

“Oh, you know, just taking in the view.” 

Julie frowned skeptically. 

“Taking in the view?”

“Yeah,” Luke said, gesturing out at the plant filled yard. “Just communing with nature you know? Honestly, I forgot you were even out last night.” 

“Oh.” 

Julie dipped her head a little so she didn’t have to look directly at Luke as disappointment rushed through her. She was pretty sure she was too tired to keep the evidence of that emotion from being completely visible. She was so frustrated with herself for caring at all. He wasn’t her boyfriend after all. Why would be be waiting for her?

“Julie.” 

She reluctantly raised her head to meet Luke’s gaze which was fixed insistently on her. His smirk had fallen away leaving behind a look at once more open and somehow harder to read at the same time. 

“I’m kidding,” He told her as he took a half-step closer to her, so close that she had to tilt her head up further to maintain eye contact. “I was waiting for you.” 

“Oh,” She said again, very aware that she seemed to have lost the ability to say anything else. 

She reached deep down inside and mustered up the strength to pull out one further word. 

“Why?” 

His eyes somehow managed to soften even more and his voice was oddly breathy when he answered. 

“Because I missed you too.” 

And Julie knew that the most prudent thing to do was tuck that phrase away as something warm, and happy and precious to examine more closely when she had slept and had the mental prowess to actually determine what it meant for their interesting little relationship. 

She knew that. 

But she was exhausted not only from lack of sleep but from months spent questioning where they stood. She was happy to hear him say that he had missed her, of course she was. But she also found herself feeling strangely...angry. 

How dare he look at her with those big soft eyes and stare at her like that if he wasn’t ever planning on actually putting her out of her misery by telling her how he felt or didn’t feel?

“I wish you wouldn’t look at me like that,” The words burst out of her without her permission. 

Luke was clearly taken aback by her words, his eyebrows shooting up his forehead. 

“Like what?” 

“I don’t know,’ She hesitated, just enough awareness seeping back in to make her realize what a truly stupid thing she was about to say. “Like you could love me.” 

She watched as a whole range of emotions rushed over his face too quickly for her to decipher exactly what all of them were. 

“Julie…” 

“Forget I said anything,” Julie interrupted, turning towards the front door with every intention to flee the situation. “I’m just really tired.” 

“Julie!” 

He said her name more forcefully that time and she froze. She didn’t turn back to face him though, the pounding in her chest and the heat spreading across her face giving her all the incentive she needed to keep her head facing away. 

Luke wasn’t having any of that though. 

He reached out to gently tug her back towards him, one hand settling on her cheek while the other rested on her waist. 

If she hadn’t been blushing before she certainly was now. 

“Do you not want me to look at you like that because...because you don’t feel the same?” 

Luke’s voice shook a little as he gave voice to that question, his thumb seeming to stroke across her cheek without his permission. 

Julie was reeling, everything feeling surreal and dreamlike anyway because of her lack of sleep but when combined with Luke’s gentle actions it felt more and more unreal. She couldn’t help but remember the last time he had touched her face, how they had clutched at each other thinking it was the only chance they would ever have. Now they had new chances every day and they had been wasting them. 

Why had they been wasting them?

“Wait...feel the same as what? Feel the same as who?” She asked as her brain finally caught up with what he had actually said. 

He visibly swallowed and she took some comfort in the fact that apparently he was nervous too. 

“The same as I feel,” He paused. “About you. I...I love you, Julie. And if that makes you uncomfortable I never have to say it again, ok? But it’s how I feel and I just wanted to say it. Once or whatever.” 

“But…” Julie felt a giggle rising up inside of her as exhaustion and the pure absurdity of the moment settled in. “But I love you too.” 

Luke’s thumb froze on her face as his eyes lit up with something close to hope. 

“You do?” 

Julie nodded, the giggle finally bursting out of her only to be met with a grin from Luke so radiant she wished she could capture it in a photo to look at later. 

“You love me,” Luke said again as though he needed to confirm beyond any shadow of doubt. 

“I love you,” Julie repeated agreeably. “And you love me?” 

Luke nodded, bouncing a little on his heels as he somehow managed to step even more into her space. 

“I love you.” 

“Well…” Julie sighed happily. “Well, that’s great then.” 

Luke let out a bark of laughter that probably would have been loud enough to bring her dad to the porch if anyone but her had been able to hear it. 

Before she had time to remark on how obnoxiously loud he could be he was crowding her back until she bumped into the pillar he had been leaning against when she got home. The moment her back made contact with its firm surface he was bringing his other hand up until he was cupping both of her cheeks. She barely had time to adjust to that very much welcome sensation before he was lowering his head and aligning his lips with hers, pressing them together in a chaste peck that was still enough to send her heart racing. He started to pull back as if to gauge her reaction but she was having none of that. She had been waiting for this for so long and as previously established she had absolutely none of her usual ability to deny herself what she wanted. 

And what she wanted was her hands on Luke Patterson right then. 

She reached up and latched one hand on the back of his neck and the other threaded deep into his hair giving it a little tug just because she could. She had been wanting to touch him so badly ever since that night in the garage when she’d almost lost him and she’d been wanting to touch his dumb, messy hair ever since “I’m Luke by the way”. So she did. 

He let out a little pleased sound that was cut off when she stretched up to press her mouth back to his, this time with twice as much force and no intention of separating anytime soon. To his credit he took the hint pretty fast, his hands dropping from her face to wrap around her waist tugging her body to press against his as he moved his lips insistently against hers. And wow...that was something, the sensation of almost all of her pressed up against almost all of him. 

He wasn’t warm, not exactly, but he wasn’t cold either like she had feared he would be. It was more like his body was mirroring back exactly her own temperature, leaving it hard to determine where one of them began and the other ended when her eyes were closed as they currently were. 

Or maybe that was just them. 

Maybe it was like that quote she always saw floating around online about souls being made of the same stuff. 

When she was well rested and thinking rationally she had always rolled her eyes a bit at stuff like that but now...she was beginning to see the appeal. 

Julie massaged absentmindedly at the back of his neck as she drew his lower lip into her mouth, the sound he made in response enough to have her pulling back with a giggle. 

“Come back here,” He mumbled, his lips chasing hers even as she turned her face away leaving him to press soft, wet kisses to her cheek. 

“Now you sound drunk,” She told him, turning back to face him and looping both arms around his shoulders. “My dad will be up soon and I have no idea how I’d explain...this...when he can’t even see you.” 

Luke groaned as he leaned down to rest his forehead against hers. 

“You’re right.” 

“I’m right,” Julie echoed. 

It was true but that didn’t mean she was happy about it. 

They stayed like that for another minute or so, just enjoying being this close to each other with nothing to hide. They might have stayed like that longer but Julie suddenly let out a yawn she couldn’t contain directly into Luke’s face. 

Luke pulled back sharply but the soft smile that seemed to always be reserved just for her remained in place. 

“You need to get some sleep,” He told her firmly. 

She wanted to argue but all that came out was another yawn. 

Ok, so there was no arguing with that. 

“Goodnight,” She told him, suddenly feeling shy as she backed towards the front door wanting to keep him in her sight just a little longer. 

Luke gestured around them to the soft light spilling around her yard. 

“Good morning,” He corrected with a grin. 

Never one to let him have the last word, certainly not when she was too tired to be embarrassed, Julie leapt forward to press one final lingering kiss on his lips, retreating before he could do more than return the pressure.

Julie backed towards the front door, the grin now firmly on her face and a rather dumbstruck one adorning his. 

“Band practice later,” She reminded him. “Don’t be late.” 

Then she slipped into the house and up to her bed, incredibly tired and pretty sure of exactly  what she would be dreaming of. 

[brookston]

Holidays 2.17

Holidays

Aegle Asteroid Day

Analog to Digital TV Day

Baird Color TV Day

Celandine Day (French Republic)

Commemoration of all the Defunct Member of the Royal Family (Belgium)

Daisy Gatson Bates Day (Arkansas)

Day of Cancelled Expectations

Electra Asteroid Day

Global Tourism Resilience Day

International Day of Responsible Gaming

International Juggalo Day

Inventor’s Day (Mexico)

League of United Latin American Citizens Day

LULAC Founder’s Day

Minimum Wage Day

Missouri Compromise Day

My Way Day

National GvHD Awareness Day

National PTA Founders’ Day

National Public Science Day

National Tennis Pro Day

National Women’s Emancipation Day (Lithuania)

Perfume Day

Practice Your Free Throws Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Skate Shop Day

When You Grow Up Day

Who Shall I Be Day

World Community Arts Day

World Human Spirit Day

World Orofacial Myofuncional Sciences Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Cafe au Lait Day

Canned Sardines Day

Indian Pudding Day

International Crumpet Day

National Cabbage Day

Snow Ice Cream Day

Nature Celebrations

Dia Internacional do Gato (International Cat Day; Portugal)

National Cat Day (Poland)

National Champion Crab Races Day

Saffron Crocus Day (Crocus sativus)

Wild Flower (Familiar Nature; Korean Birth Flowers)

World Cat Day (Italy)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Great Lawl Reich (Declared; 2014) [unrecognized]

Greenia (Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]

Kosovo (from Serbia, 2008)

Libyan Revolution Day (Libya)

New Orleans (Louisiana City incorporated; 1805)

Sildavia (Declared; 2020) [unrecognized]

3rd Monday in February

Canadian Heritage Day [3rd Monday] (a.k.a. ... 

Family Day (Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan; Canada)

Heritage Day (Nova Scotia, Canada)

Islander Day (PEI, Canada) [3rd Monday]

Louis Riel Day (Manitoba, Canada) [3rd Monday]

Sanity Day (Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan; Canada)

Daisy Gatson Bates Day (Arkansas) [3rd Monday]

Manic Monday [3rd Monday of Each Month]

Meatball Monday [3rd Monday of Each Month]

Meditation Monday [Every Monday]

Monday Musings [Every Monday]

Motivation Monday [Every Monday]

Presidents’ Day [3rd Monday]

Puerto Rican Illustrious Persons Day (Puerto Rico) [3rd Monday]

Washington’s Birthday (observed) [3rd Monday]

Women in Blue Jeans Day [3rd Monday]

Weekly Holidays beginning February 17 (3rd Week of February)

International Friendship Week (thru 2.23) [3rd Week]

National FFA Week (thru 2.23) [Week with Presidents’ Day]

National Pancake Week (thru 2.23)

National Pay Your Bills Week (thru 2.23) [3rd Week]

National Random Acts of Kindness Week (thru 2.23) [3rd Week]

Pasco County Fair (Dade City, Florida) [thru 2.23]

Take Your Family to School Week (thru 2.21)

Festivals On or Beginning February 17, 2025

George Washington Birthday Parade (Alexandria, Virginia) [3rd Monday]

Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) [thru 2.23]

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 20 (Ding-Si)

Day Pillar: Fire Snake

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Balance Day (平 Ping) [Inauspicious]

Holidays: Hakka’s Day

Secular Saints Days

Billie Joe Armstrong (Music)

Jim Brown (Sports)

Arcangelo Corelli (Music)

Pierre-Auguste Cot (Art)

Buster Crabbe (Sports; Entertainment)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Entertainment)

Hal Holbrooks (Entertainment)

Barry Humphries (Entertainment)

Michael Jordan (Sports)

René Laennec (Medicine)

Thomas Malthus (Science)

Jozef Murgaš (Polymath)

Andre Norton (Literature)

Banjo Paterson (Literature)

Raphaelle Peale (Art)

Lou Diamond Phillips (Entertainment)

Gene Pitney (Music)

Ruth Rendell (Literature)

Denise Richards (Entertainment)

Rene Russo (Entertainment)

Ed Sheeran (Music)

Otto Stern (Science)

Curt Swan (Art)

Mo Yan (Literature)

Weekly Holidays beginning February 17

National Engineers Week [thru 2.24]

National FFA Week [thru 2.24]

Take Your Family to School Week [thru 2.23]

Feast Days

Alexis Falconieri (Christian; Saint)

Cantre’r Gwaelod (Celtic Book of Days)

Commemoration of the Flight into Egypt (Christian)

Constabilis (Christian; Saint)

Donatus, Romulus, Secundian, and Companions (Christian; Martyrs)

Evermod (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Shezmu (Egyptian God of the Wine Press)

Festival of Quirinus (God of War, Storms & Thunder; Ancient Rome)

Finan of Lindisfarne (Christian; Saint)

Fintan of Clonenagh (Christian; Saint)

Flavian, Archbishop of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

The Flutebird (Muppetism)

Fornacalia: Day of the Ovens (Old Roman Bread Festival)

Fornax’s Day (Pagan)

Fortchern of Trim (Christian; Saint)

Hachinohe Enburi Matsuri (Festival for a Good Harvest; Japan)

Hadaka Matsuri (Loincloth Festival; Japan)

Hopping Day (Pastafarian)

Isaac Asimov Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Janani Luwum (Anglican Communion)

Kali Yuga (The Evil Age; Everyday Wicca)

Lommán of Trim (a.k.a. Leman or Luman; Christian; Saint)

Lucian (Positivist; Saint)

The Quirinalia (Feast of Fools; Ancient Rome)

Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival; Japan)

Seven Founders of the Servite Order (Christian; Saint)

Sheep Shearing and Blessings Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Silvia of Auchy (Christian; Saint)

Sepandārmazgān (Day of Women; Ancient Persia; Zoroastrian)

Tanis Diena (Pig Celebration; Latvia)

Theodulus and Julian, in Palestine (Christian; Martyrs)

Toshigoi (For a Bountiful Rice Harvest; Shinto)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lucky Day (Philippines) [10 of 71]

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [9 of 37]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [12 of 57]

Unglückstage (Unlucky Day; Pennsylvania Dutch) [9 of 30]

Very Unlucky Day (Grafton’s Manual of 1565) [11 of 60]

Premieres

All My Lovin’, by The Beatles (Song; 1964)

Amoozin’ But Confoozin’ (Lil’ Abner Cartoon; 1944)

Anti-Fat (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1927)

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (Film; 2023)

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Film; 1989)

The Boomerang (Pathe News Cartoon; 1915)

The Brady Bunch Movie (Film; 1995)

The Brementown Musicians (Ub Iwerks ComiColor Cartoon; 1935)

Camping Out (Mickey Mouse Disney Cartoon; 1934)

Destiny’s Child, by Destiny’s Child (Album; 1998)

Eagle: Their Greatest Hits (Compilation Album; 1976)

Exercises in Style, by Raymond Queneau (Book; 1947)

The Fable About the Troubles in the Ark (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of a Raisin and a Cake of Yeast (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of a Fisherman’s Jinx (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Alley Cat (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Mysterious Hat (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Sheik (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Spider and the Fly (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

The Fable of the Traveling Salesman (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1923)

Fancy, by Iggy Azalea (Song; 2014)

Footloose (Film; 1984)

Gunga Din (Film; 1939)

Heart go Glass, by Blondie (Song; 1979)

Hell’s Fire, featuring WIllie Whopper (Ub Iwerks Cartoon; 1934)

Hey, Hey, It’s the Monkees (TV Special; 1997)

High Voltage, by AC/DC (Album; 1975)

Honeymoon Hotel (WB MM Cartoon; 1934)

The Horse on the Merry-Go-Round (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1938)

Is My Palm Read? (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1933)

Jerry, Jerry, Quite Contrary (Tom & Jerry Cartoon; 1966)

The Kick Inside, by Kate Bush (Album; 1978)

Madame Butterfly, by Giacomo Puccini (Opera; 1904)

The Marvels (Film; 2023)

Miss Nanny Goat Becomes an Aviator (Paramount-Bray Cartoon; 1915)

Modern Art Exhibition at the 69th Regiment Armory, New York City (Modern Art Exhibition; 1913) [1st Public Showing of Modern Art in US]

National Congress of Mothers (l.k.a. PTA; 1897)

Phantom Lady (Film; 1944)

Politics Among Nations, by Hans J. Morgenthau (Political Theory; 1948)

A Prairie Home Companion (Radio Series; 1979)

The Queen Bee (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1929)

The Right Stuff (Film; 1984)

Rockabye Hamlet (Broadway Musical; 1976)

Rock and Roll, by John Lennon (Album; 1975)

A Rural Romance (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1924)

Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness (WB Animated Film; 2015)

The Secret World Arrietty (Animated Studio Ghibli Film; 2012)

Simon Says, Be My Valentine, Parts 3 & 4 (Underdog Cartoon, S3, Eps. 19 & 20 1967)

State University of Montana (School; 1893)

Symphony in D Minor, by César Franck (Symphony; 1889)

This Means War (Film; 2012)

Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball), by Giuseppe Verdi (Opera; 1864)

The Unwelcome Guest (Barney Bear MGM Cartoon; 1945)

Valleri, by The Monks (Song; 1968)

Variations on a Nursery Song for Piano and Orchestra, by Ernst von Dohnanyi (Orchestral Work; 1917)

Today’s Name Days

Alexius, Benignus, Bonosus (Austria)

Bartol, Benedikt, Flavije (Croatia)

Miloslava (Czech Republic)

Findanus (Denmark)

Salmo, Väino, Väinu (Estonia)

Karita, Rita, Väinämö, Väinö (Finland)

Alexis (France)

Alexis, Benignus (Germany)

Theodoros (Greece)

Donát (Hungary)

Donato, Marianna, Patrizia (Italy)

Auce, Donāts, Konstance (Latvia)

Donata, Donatas, Vaišvilas, Viltė (Lithuania)

Aleksandra, Sandra, Sondre (Norway)

Donat, Donata, Franciszek, Izydor, Julian, Konstanty, Łukasz, Niegomir, Sylwin, Zbigniew, Zbyszko (Poland)

Teodor (Romania)

Miloslava (Slovakia)

Alejo, Alexis, Teodoro (Spain)

Alexandra, Sandra (Sweden)

Jordan, Jordana, Jordanne, Jorden, Jordon, Jordyn, Leroy, Reggie, Reginald, Regis, Rex, Rexanna, Rexford, Rexine, Roy, Royce (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Gene Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 48 of 2025; 317 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 1 of Week 8 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 28 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 20 (Ding-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 10 Amshir 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Hackberry (Feb 9-18) [Day 9 of 10]

Hebrew: 19 Shevat 5785

Islamic: 18 Sha’ban 1446

Julian: 4 February 2025

Moon: 77%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 20 Homer (2nd Month) [Lucian)

Runic Half Month: Sigel (Sun) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 59 of 90)

SUn Calendar: 18 Gray; Foursday [18 of 30]

Week: 3rd Week of February

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 29 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 5 of 30)

Schmidt Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 23 of 27)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 1 of 23)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 2 of 24)

Calendar Changes

Aquarius (The Water Bearer) begins [IAU Current Boundaries Zodiac Sign 2; thru 3.11]

[alch3mic]

This might be a little bit too far in the future, but how are Huntsman, Beast, Prince, and Captain as fathers?

huntsman would be a very affectionate and playful dad. the kind who likes to tease his kids with plenty of corny dad jokes that would make anyone groan but will always be there for them to help with science projects or to give his own fatherly wisdom. just like with you he’ll be very protective of them though on the downlow and will be throwing down with plenty of pta moms if they so much as even look at his kids funny!

beast he is the proudest dad you could ever imagine. the kind who brags about his children at any given opportunity and has a wallet full of photos he’s taken of his s/o and children together so he can show them off to everyone and gush about them. he’s the biggest softie for his kids and just completely spoils them rotten, and they’re his motivation to work even harder than before so he can support them.

prince another very proud father! he’d be so incredibly encouraging and supportive of his kids, especially about their interests and hobbies, like the cool dad everyone wished they had. he’ll always be very present to spoil them by giving them the best of what life has to offer and bury them in his praises! he’ll be a little clingy with them but he just can’t help it he’d love them so much!

captain and now here comes the stern dad. he’d think the world of his kids, which is exactly why he’d be a little tough on them. the kind of dad who wants you to shoot for the stars because he knows your potential, but will always be there for them when they stumble too. he’ll always be a firm pillar for them to lean on as he continues to set them up for success (and dote on them all the time).

[blackfemmecharacterdependency]

We’re Not Friends 05

Might As Well

Beth signed up for the academic decathlon. She had the grades and the time to make that an easy bet while decorating her transcript, and she wanted to be able to engage in the mental stimulation it was sure to present. She signed up for the student council, since she did care about the needs of her fellow students and wanted to be involved. She also wanted to be active in PTA business, as her parents had been members since she started school, but they already let her know that for high school, they would not be available for that.

She wasn't really officially able to be a member of the PTA, so, in her excitement to work closely with them, she sought out trying to organize a Student Teacher group.

"Cindy! Hi, Cindy… You probably don't remember me from…"

Cindy groaned, "I can't believe that you would ever think I'd speak to you."

"You're in student council with me, so I thought maybe you were willing to…"

"Get lost, loser." Beth quickly turned on the balls of her feet as Jenny cackled and Cindy Burman folded her arms.

"Oh! Yolanda! Yolanda Montez…" the girl smiled awkwardly as Beth advanced on her, holding a clipboard. "I'm trying to gather support for an up and coming student group to connect with and appreciate our teachers…"

"Sounds great, Beth. Good job!" Yolanda said, patted her on the shoulder, and quickly rushed away. Beth sighed.

"Artemis…" Beth started and whenever the girl faced her, she froze in place. She didn't remember Artemis being so scary. "Hi. I'm. Putting together a group of students to appreciate our teachers, and I was thinking since you have a parent on staff, you might be interested?"

"No. Sounds stupid."

Beth scoffed, "It's literally being created to organize observances and fortify a culture of respecting our teachers and giving back to them."

"Everybody respects my mom. They don't have a choice. No further work needed. Later, Chapel." Beth felt defeated as she had to hear different variations of "no," from those who responded to her at all. Even Joey (though apologetically) had to turn her down because he didn't have time to commit to any more projects.

She sank into her seat as Isaac Bowin, who'd been right behind her slid into his seat, in front of her. She gasped and he turned suddenly, startled by the noise, "Isaac! You're perfect!" She said.

He looked embarrassed and confused. She shook her head and waved her hands, "Sorry, sorry. That came out differently than planned." Beth leaned towards him and explained, "I am TRYING to get people to join forces with me to build a foundation of appreciation for the teachers at our school…"

"Wait… you want me to be in a group with you?"

"Yes."

"For teacher appreciation?"

"Yes."

"Who else has agreed to this?"

"Currently, just us…"

"No."

"But.."

"Beth." She shut her mouth to let him explain. "I have enough trouble being the principal's kid. I'm not starting an alliance with the queen of the teachers' pets on top of that. Sorry."

She sighed. "If it makes you feel better, I'll put in a good word with my mom for your club."

She smiled, "That does make me feel better about all of the hours of rejection I've gotten today. You're a real one, Isaac!"

He blushed and turned around to get prepared for class.

.

"She's a very nice girl, great GPA, and parents who are pillars of the community. That's the type of girl I'll expect you to bring home when you're old enough to start thinking about girls," Anaya Bowin said.

"Mom!" Isaac whined. He thought about girls ALREADY. And Beth was definitely one of those girls. She was one of very few who were nice to him and she was super pretty too.. "I'm just keeping an agreement to pass on the word about what she's trying to do. I don't think anybody will sign up. She's got less friends than me."

"Are you two friends?"

He shook his head, "We're… friendly. We take some classes together."

"Well… You don't need friends, anyway. You're a musical genius and I'm sure none of these children can appreciate your gift for what it is." He blushed. "But, I do like Beth, so I'll let her form her group, even if she can't get anyone's participation. Maybe let her do things with some of the other organizations, so it's not just a photo taking up space in the yearbook."

.

Beth was pretty cheerful whenever she reached the cafeteria. She paused when she saw Rick. She hadn't seen him since the incident in art class, and even though she heard he'd gotten suspended for a few days, she didn't see him after that either. So, she wasn't prepared for the plunge her stomach took when she noticed him at the table with a bag of chips and a pint of milk.

"You're back," she said. He kept eating. She frowned and sat down. "Sorry that somebody thought I was your girlfriend. I've been trying to tell people that's not true, but nobody listens to me." He didn't respond or react to any of that. "Just like you're not listening to me.." she began eating. "I started a club. It's just me, but it got approved as an official school club. The student teacher appreciation club."

He snorted and she looked at him. He recovered quickly and proceeded to purposefully ignore her. Okay. This is how it was. She wouldn't bother him. It would only ruin her good day.

Rick watched her eat for a moment, then stared as she scrolled her phone. He almost wanted to do something to gain her attention back, despite being the one to shut her down whenever she did pay him attention. He couldn't explain it, but even though he hated attention, he still wanted her to give him some. The fact that she wasn't was irritating him.

She was done with her lunch and waiting until it was almost over to collect her things, but Rick snatched her trash from the table, took it with his own and when she stared at him utterly perplexed, he looked at her as though she was a problem, then left the cafeteria. "What. Even?"

Boys made no sense! She brushed it off as more Rick Harris VS the World stuff and didn't let it get to her.

Besides, they functioned whenever she kept her worries to a minimum. She may or may not speak, depending on how he looked whenever he got to the table. She may or may not smile at him whenever he looked at her, depending on his reaction whenever she spoke, if she spoke. And they didn't bother to have any conversations, though whenever things happened in the cafeteria, they reflexively looked at each other, being the only ones at the table.

Like one day, Henry King got a kid to snort pudding and they gave each other grossed out glances. Rick shook his head and Beth placed her hand over her throat as they turned back to the shenanigans in time enough to see Henry's friend squeeze the cup and get pudding all over his face.

Or the time that a bird somehow got into the building and pooped on Jenny Williams tray. Rick and Beth both laughed, though Beth tried not to and kept apologizing, despite the fact that Jenny couldn't hear her. Sometimes, they left the cafeteria at the same and he walked right beside or right behind her. For those moments, Beth imagined that they were friends. She STILL didn't fully get why they weren't at this point, beyond the simple fact that Rick, while different from every other person in this school, and maybe Blue Valley at large… he still wasn't interested in being friends with a loser like her.

She parted ways with him that day, still smiling uncontrollably about Jenny's misfortune. She felt a little guilty, but also like justice had been served. She'd accidentally called out, "Bye, Rick!" And no less than three other boys imitated her, exaggerated a flirtatious tone and laughed. Rick threw them glares and they piped down, but Beth was relatively sure that Rick most likely hated that she'd caused this. She groaned at the backtrack that probably gave them.

.

Rick wandered the hallways up until the bell rung and walked into his class. The teacher let him go to regular lunch today, since he didn't "even seem like he belonged in the abnormal behavior unit," and, she was also going to speak with the principal about putting him back into regular classes.

He was actually pretty chill with this set up though. He'd help out with the other kids (to his teacher's surprise) and he at least went through the motions of doing his work, before sketching for the rest of the day or looking up car information on the computer in the room. He didn't have a computer at home, and the hand me down phone he got from his uncle with Matt's last upgrade was used mostly for the few calls he made and light browsing.

The other kids in the AB unit went to lunch together and sat together. It was fine, he guessed. He asked if he could go to lunch like he used to and after coming through on his part of a deal not to cause any trouble, he could again.

The days that he wasn't there, he wondered how Beth was fairing. He wondered if she thought he was an idiot for getting into a scuffle in art class with the Prince of Blue Valley. He wondered if she thought he was a brute for trying to look macho in front of her. He wondered if she thought he was trash like everybody else did.

On the flip side, he wondered if she knew that he was trying not to overreact that day. He wondered if, maybe, just maybe… with all of her intellect, she was smart enough to realize that he had very little self control. That it was inevitable he'd be put out of that class because he knew the teacher hated him and that he still couldn't keep himself from being territorial whenever the woman tried to remove him. He wondered if she missed having him there.. just as a presence.

He rolled his eyes at himself. Your presence is a totally different presence than hers. Of course you miss her. She's warm and cheerful. You're the opposite. Why would she miss you?

When he returned to lunch with her, he could tell by her face that she was happy to see him. The bubbles in her voice when she said, "You're back!" Made his heart speed up and his belly twirl. So, he decided not to answer. Not to make anything obvious while he collected himself. It didn't take long for him to miss that warmth.

You can't have it both ways. He knew that. He wished that knowing that could steer his behavior. Because the last thing he wanted to do was look like that in front of her… or come across as ride or mean when she was trying to be nice… or whatever it was he had been doing.

But, it was hard. Why would he let her or anyone else for that matter get close to him KNOWING the as soon as he had the power and opportunity, he would flee so far from this place? Why would he make friends when he knew that whatever was inside of him would only eventually push them away? Why let himself have feelings for somebody when he knew that in the long-run, he would only bring her pain?

"Yo, Harris!" Some kid called as he was about to head back into class. He eyed him. He didn't know that dude. He started to enter the room and the guy was close and asked in a low voice, "Are you selling anything? I've got a party tonight and…"

"I don't," Rick said and went into the class frustrated. People presumed things about him a lot, because of his temper or because of his uncle. But, he wasn't a drug dealer, and wasn't sure why anybody with any sense would think that he could be, when clearly he didn't have money. Have they never seen any piece of media ever with a dealer in it? They had wads of cash and bought fine things for themselves. Rick could barely buy lunch. Idiots.

After school, the same kid showed up, walking beside him. "Dude, if you don't go the hell away.."

"I get it. I get it. You think I might be a narc. This does sound like a set up, but here's the thing… I've got a fake ID guy, but whenever I tried to go to the liquor store with it, the guy immediately knew that it was fake. Just look at me. I can barely pass for 16, which I actually am. But you're like… massive bro. If I can get my ID guy to get you a card, would you be willing to at least make a run to the store for us? I'll pay you for the transportation and the merch. I can probably find other stuff elsewhere."

Rick frowned and thought for a moment. "I keep the ID and you go through me in the future for all those types of purchases."

The kid laughed, "Done!"

"This stays between us for now."

"Yeah, yeah. No problem. If anybody else has a purchasing need, I'll come see you. I'll get you that ID soon."

Rick sighed. He wasn't big on enabling stuff like this… but this kid would have gotten somebody to say yes to such an easy payroll and it might as well be him.. he could start working on his car sooner rather than later.