S1 Episode 9

Nigel and I became really close, often finding ourselves in each others company. Samantha said our friendship was kind of surprising as Nigel was a bit of a loner. But any chance we got to hangout we did. 

Our friendship did not go unnoticed to anyone. Rupert especially didn't understand it.

"How does a loner like Nigel land a babe like you?" he remarked.

I rolled my eyes, "Maybe because he's not a complete unflirty, wannabe like you."

"But you never even gave me a chance." Rupert moped away.

I felt a little bad for poor Rupert. His dad was a pretty popular bachelor. One of those playboy types. But also a great business man and speaker. So he was constantly disappointed in his son's social ineptness.

Sophia was similar. Came from a very public family, but was "plagued", as she put it, with no desire to be the outspoken, career chaser that was expected. She kept to herself and her books. She often studied with Mr. Thomas.

So here we were, the family misfits and outcast. Trying to learn a set of skills that we could take with us when we inevitably were forced back to the real world.

But until then, we were also just a bunch of crazy kids. We snuck out some nights to go to the only interesting public place in Newcrest. A converted boat that was now a seafood restaurant with a bar/dance area on the top deck.

It was usually my idea, the bad influence I was, and Samantha and Nigel always joined. We danced the night away. It was on that dance floor that Nigel and I had our first kiss. 

I was quite surprised I had not kissed anyone till now. In fact, I hadn't even been in love before. But this felt so right.

Thomas did catch on to us early on. He reprimanded us, but was understanding of our shenanigans.

"Maybe, we should add some more social fun for you students?" Thomas considered, "I know it's no fun being stuck at school all throughout the week."

So he reached out to our closest neighbors. It was an older couple. They agreed to let us come over for bar-b-q and a to hangout whenever. We usually studied before eating, and afterwards helped around their house, keeping the yard clean.

Life in Newcrest was shaping up to not be so bad. I finally felt like I was connecting with others and myself. I was ready to see what would come of it all.

S1 Episode 8

"That's it Jennifer!" Lane startled me as I snuck back into the house that night, "We can not keep doing this anymore. We are done with this behavior."

"Oh, look who's just now showing some interest in my life." I snapped back.

"Listen you..." Miana started before Lane cut her off.

"Jen. You are my sister, but Miana did not sign up for this. If we wanted to have to parent someone, we would have had kids. That's what taking responsibility is, something you are clearly lacking."

I fell silent for a moment, then said, "Fine. If you don't want me I will leave."

"It's not that we don't want you here Jennifer. But we just aren't prepared for this. So I think it would be best if you go to a boarding school."

That was basically the end of the conversation. It had already been decided for me. Lane had even talked to our sister Susan about me. She was away, traveling of course, and Lane didn't think me living with her was best for me. So she suggested a boarding school frequented by other "well to do kids" that were "too much to handle".

"I can't believe they are sending me away. Did you know the school is in Newcrest. Newcrest! There's nothing there! I'll be so far from the city now." I pouted to Nobu.

"It may not be so bad Miss."

I sighed. "Well at least I will probably fit in better there than here. Being a 'problem kid' and all. Maybe I will be accepted."

"As long as you are happy with you." Nobu replied.

"I guess." I paused then asked, "Will you miss me Nobu?"

"Of course. This house won't be the same without you."

I said my final goodbye's to Nobu before heading off to my new life. After a long trip I arrived in Newcrest. It was about what I expected. Not much there but a few farms and a lot of empty lots. The school itself was a large renovated barn. I took a deep breath and stepped into the Newcrest Hillside School.

"W-Welcome, you must be Jennifer? I'm Thomas, I run the school."

Thomas was a rather awkward individual. He was a bit of a klutz, and major nerd. I couldn't believe he ran a school for kids like me. Who would listen to him?

"P-please, have a seat. We'll go over the rules, not many. You should have received a uniform, y-yes? Good. Okay. Umm, you'll wear it during the day. The evening is free time for the students. Academic classes are held off campus, you have to attend those every weekday. You'll take up at least two skill classes while on campus here. And um, weekends are free, you can visit home or stay the weekend."

"Wait, so I have to attend school, and take up two skills? Great, full schedule again!" I sighed.

"Yes, well, we want to keep you grades up, but I also want each student to gain skills that will help them benefit themselves and the community. So you can learn things such as music, art, handiwork and gardening. Students will also be responsible for caring for this campus. So cleaning, repairs and cooking meals. When you leave you will be very well rounded in many areas."

Thomas went on and on for a while, but I eventually tuned him out. Finally I was free to settle in. It was late now and students were returning from the weekend. I was sitting at the dining table when I met the first student.

"Sul-sul!" A girl with bright pink ombre hair burst in, "OMG! You must be Jenny, the new student! So happy to meet you! I am Samantha."

"Uhh, hi. It's Jennifer." I raised an I brow.

"Oh my gosh, I love your hair. So edgy! Not my style, but it is totally you, Jen!"

"Jennifer."

"Well come on, I'll introduce you to our roommate!"

Grudgingly I followed Samantha upstairs to the dorms. There was a girl on the bed. She looked up as we walked in. I could have sworn she let out a sigh upon seeing us.

"This is Sophie. She's really nice, total bookworm, so if you ever need something to read, ask her." Samantha gushed. Sophie waved quickly and then went back to her task. Samantha babbled on until lights out. While I was glad for the silence, I actually kind of enjoyed the attention from Samantha. She was a bit abrasive, but I could tell she was really interested in others.

The next day I got acquainted with the boys. Once again, Samantha took it upon herself to make introductions.

"This is Rupert. Is a walking irony." Samantha stated. She was a little less bubbly when talking about Rupert. I raised a questioning eyebrow. "He's a wanna be playboy who's absolutely hopeless when it comes to romance."

"Y-your just sour because we have history babe." Rupert winked uneasily. The two started bickering, so I went on to work on my first chore. Gardening.

"Hi. I'm Timmy. Looks like me and you have garden duty today. Although I usually have garden duty, because I enjoy being outdoors."

"Tim-my? Really? 'Kay. What are you in for?" I stifled a chuckle.

"Yes." Timmy winced, "My parents are super athletic, my dad's a pro athlete actually. They sent me here to help me get more active. I enjoy a good meal ya know."

I couldn't help but let out a laugh. I didn't mean to tease him and quickly regretted it. I hadn't had many friends back home, and the ones I made in the city were older than me and spoke very freely. We finished gardening in silence.

The day went on without anymore awkward situations. Except for Rupert trying to hit on me, and totally failing.

"Hey good looking. Plans for the weekend?" Rupert smiled.

"Umm, it's only Monday. I just got here, I'm still settling in, so no plans. You? Going home for the weekend?"

"Home is anywhere you are toots." Rupert grinned again.

"Toots?"

Realizing I wasn't biting, Rupert went away sulking and muttering to himself.

Later in the day I met the last boy student I hadn't introduced myself to yet. His name was Nigel. He was trying, and I do emphasize trying, to play the violin.

"You haven't been playing long have you." I suggested.

"Yeah. I wasn't sure what to take on as a second skill study. Thought I'd give it a try." Nigel paused from his playing.

"Oh, what skill do you prefer studying?" I asked.

"I prefer painting. And yourself?"

"Oh, well, I'm pretty well studied on most instruments. But I guess I could learn singing, and I used to dabble in art when I was younger. Might get back into that." I pondered.

"Oh, that's cool." Nigel then returned to his music studies.

So I had gotten aquainted with everyone. We were the random misfits, socially awkward and family outcast. We would be eating together and studying together for the remainder of our teen years. I felt a little awkward being new. I felt a little unconfident in myself.  What if I didn't get along with them?

One evening after dinner, I had dish duty. Nigel, who usually kept to himself, came up to me.

"Hey, Jennifer. I know you've been getting into art studies. I was wondering if you wanted to help me out with a project."

"Uh, sure Nigel."

We went around to the side of the barn. I didn't often come to the side, but had noticed it was painted white.

"Thomas let me use this wall to do a mural. I know it's hard being new, it was for me. So I was wondering if you wanted to help me do this mural. You can be a part of something."

"Sure." I smiled.

S1 Episode 7

Well, Miana was not too pleased with my new look, and attitude, to say the least. But I didn't care. For the first time in forever I felt like I wasn't doing something to please others. It wasn't really a sense of freedom, but it was new and exciting, and I needed it.

My weekends were spent making trips to the city. I hung out with Corinna a lot of the time, going from festival to festival, trying all sorts of new things. I got back into art a little, but I was so consumed in all the new I didn't really feel I missed it anymore. I got more into performing infront of others. I loved the attention.

It was more positive than what I got at home.

"ow are you going to make it in society looking and acting like this?!" Miana nearly begged. I knew she was only concerned about how I made her look. She no longer invited me around her elite friends. She stopped bragging about my talent and potential.

While I was enjoying myself, I still wondered deep down if this was right for me. I talked often with Nobu.

"If you are happy Miss, then continue being you. I for one am glad you are becoming your own person. Not everyone is brave enough. Just don't lose yourself in the process."

So I settled on being fine with who I was becoming. I was happy after all.

I took to my greatest source of happiness, performing. I took my guitar everywhere. When I couldn't make it to the city I performed in the local lounge. I spend multiple nights out, socializing, playing and singing. It was tiring but I just couldn't stop. This of course frustrated Miana, but there wasn't much she could do anymore. Lane was rarely around to confront me during the day, and aside from Miana's complaints about me, he didn't take much notice. Until my grades started dropping.

Once he started getting messages from both his wife and the school Lane had had enough. It was late one night when I had finally come home that he confronted me.

"This is it Jennifer!"

S1 Episode 6

I took Nobu's words to heart. My time with my parents had been short, but I remember they encouraged me to explore new things and follow my passions. The only person who did that now was Susan. So every chance I got, I made the trip to San Myshuno. I discovered street artist and new foods. There I found a band that played at one of Susan's favorite spots.

"I've watched them a few times. Gave me the idea of giving you the guitar."

"Wow, I love them. Their style and look. The sound!"

After one of their shows the lead singer spoke to me. She was a pale, thin red head. Just looking at her you would never imagine the powerful voice that she had.

"Name's Nina. Nice to meet you Jennifer. We meet Susan a few weeks ago, suggested the guitar."

"Yeah, how'd you like it?" the guitarist asked. Her name was Corinna. She was my favorite band member. She wore a police cap and had colorful sleeve tattoos. If I could have been anyone else, it would have been her. She had an irreverence about her.

"I really love the guitar. I'm not good at it yet though."

"Well, why don't you hang with us, I could show you a few things." Corinna suggested.

Slowly but surely I was finding myself and my courage. I continued to practice guitar more and more.  My style was changing too. This did not sit well with Miana.

"What is that racket! If that wasn't a gift from your sister I'd throw it out! And your make up!"

"Come on Miana. I need to practice. I'm not a little girl under your thumb anymore, really just get off my back!"

Miana couldn't handle me pushing back, so she'd set Lane on me. I didn't interact much with him, so when he did confront me I usually gave in.

Despite this, I couldn't stop exploring new things. I started sneaking out. Nina and Corinna sometimes visited a local lounge and I would join them.

"We only come down her because Nina enjoys the atmosphere. I'd rather stay in the city though." Corinna rambled.

"Oh come on Corinna. I just don't like the atmosphere there. I'm not into all the bustle. But it's the best place for musicians." Nina pouted.

"Hey guys, I was wondering if you'd like to help me change my look. I mean, I've been trying new make up, but my wardrobe is atrocious with it."

"Sure can girly. Leave it to me." Corinna smiled.

As a girl my parents let my hair grow long, but Miana had it cut when I moved in with them. For my new look, I went even shorter, and blonde. I got dark clothes to go with my new dark make up, and even got a tattoo on my ankle. It was a whole new me, and I was ready for what ever the world would make of me.