<-- Waitressing

[Aly Tail]

Aly had managed to land herself a good paying job in the small area of downtown Faer Lake. Waitressing wasn't at all what she had expected to find have ended up doing as a first job. In the mind of her younger self she had always imagined that she would be a doctor or perhaps sitting in a court house in the judges seat, keeping order in the house. Those were more like the things that her mind imagined.

But every doctor and every judge had to start somewhere. One must first gain experience. Maybe she wouldn't even end up being either of those things. Maybe she would become a chef and cook gourmet foods for the people of this city. But she certainly hoped for the career in law. She very much enjoyed this sort of thing. Keeping peace. Making sure that those who should be punished were and being the one everyone turned to for an answer.

Her social skills were a tad on the dim side currently and she would have to work on them a lot if she wanted to obtain such a job. One can't acquire such aspects to their personality over night. It was something that took time. Though she used to be quite the chatter box, ever since the tragic death of her parents she kept a low profile from everybody. She didn't wish to be spoken to or even acknowledged.

Though Aly Tail knew that she ought to start conversing with people soon. Other then asking the guests what they would like to eat or drink. Maybe she could start up a conversation today with somebody. Somebody who worked here. But she didn't even know where to start.

She walked over to a table, where four people were gathered, they had just been seated.
"Good evening," she greeted with a friendly smile, her Australian accent weaving through her words, "Is there anything I can get yous to drink?" she asked them.
"Yes," said a woman, "We'll all have a glass of water please."
"Alright, I will get those for yous in just a tic. "

Aly walked briskly towards the kitchen. She pushed through one of the doors and came to a where they kept the glasses. Setting out four glasses she grabbed the ice, plunking in a few ice cubes into each. Then poured water into them all.

Finally she dove a straw into each and set them on a tray. Picking it up she walked out of the kitchen and back to the table.
"Here are your drinks, are you all ready to order?"
"Not yet." said the same woman from before.
"Okay, just let me know when you are." she responded, walking back to the kitchen.

Apparently she wasn't the greatest of walkers, for some how Aly managed to trip and was lying flat on her stomach in the kitchen. As she lay there, rethinking back to how this all might have happened her mind wandered off to her home life back in Australia.


The weather was far from cold. It was the hottest summer day of the year and her parents had decided to take her out surfing for the first time. Aly had always been a good swimmer. She caught on to it fast. But surfing was another whole thing.

In her mind her parents surfing skills were just as great as the professionals did it. And then there was her. Dear Aly Tail. She would swim out to sea and be ready for the wave. She had that much down pact. But she seemed to always lose her balance when she went to stand on the board.

Her parents never gave up or lost patience with her. They stayed out there all day, taking an hour break to eat in the afternoon. They wanted her to learn it whether she liked it or not.

The funny thing was that she actually did enjoy it. Even though she always fell, she found it to be an enjoyable sport. After that day she would head out to the beach and practice surfing everyday. Everyday until she got it right, and finally she did. And the feeling of being inside that wave tunnel was even better than falling through the wave. It was exhilarating. The smell of sea water, the wind blowing through your hair and mayonnaise?



Her eyes drifted upwards to see a big crowd of people around her.
Oh great she thought, Just what I need.
"Sorry. So Sorry." she muttered, pushing her hands off the ground, to help her stand. Her hair was all ruffled every which way and had mayonnaise smeared through it all. Her bangs were shoved in a different direction than usual, and showed off the lovely scar she had on the left side of her forehead.

Aly looked down at her uniform, it too was plastered in mayonnaise
"Bloody mayonnaise." she muttered, walking out of the crowd and searching for napkins, only to trip and fall on her knees again. This time she didn't get up. She just sat there and frowned. Today was perhaps not the best day to start a conversation with somebody. It just wasn't meant to be. She would be a waitress for the rest of her life.
That was that.
End of story.

[Elijah Burnham]

A small bell rang as the door to the diner was pulled open. A few drops of water reached the warm inside, getting a few small spots of the floor wet. Sadly, the floor would soon be a soaked. A teen boy quickly walked into the diner, shutting the door behind him as quickly as he could. A puddle of water soon formed around him.

“Bloody rain. It’s a beautiful day out, she says, ye should go out fer a walk, she says. Bastard probably knew it was goin ta rain,” he muttered under his breath, ringing out his soaking clothes and giving his head a shake to loosen any droplets of water that decided to cling there. Glancing at one of the many large windows, Eli soon saw that his hair was mop of wet mess. That and he saw a few of the diners staring at him. That soon earned them a glare, which earned him whispers from them.

Clenching his jaws to avoid causing some sort of commotion, Eli made his way to a vacant table and sat himself down with a sigh. Normally he loved the rain. It was soothing in way. Washing everything away, and letting new things come to life. It was refreshing and gave him an odd state of peace.

Today however he’d first been forced to go on a walk, then he’d had a run in with a group of morons, and now it had started to pour. This country was just so…stupid. England was really where he belonged, but then again, here he could practically do as he wished. Not as if granny cared. Hell, she slept half the day anyway.

So now he was stuck in this diner, waiting for the rain to just go away and leave him be. He wasn’t hungry so in a way he was loitering the place. Ah well, maybe he would get some water or something equally as cheap and or free. And to think he was in here only yesterday working. Never would he have thought he would come in here for the fun of it. Not that this was for fun or anything. More like a means of shelter.

What in God’s name was that? It sounded like an elephant slipping on a banana peel and landing on a mouse. There seemed to be a racket coming from the kitchen, which wasn’t too far from where he sat. The double doors swung a few moments later revealing a disheveled girl who was covered in….mayonnaise?

Before his thoughts could even comprehend what could have been going on back there the girl tripped and fell. Without really realizing it, Eli found himself laughing hysterically. Something he hadn’t done in a while. Normally Eli would have ignored the whole thing and just turned away, but…the expression on her face, the mayonnaise, it was all just so…humorous.

He did feel bad for her though. I mean, tripping and falling as ungracefully as she did was something most people would have rather avoided. She looked put out, like she was ready to just let the worst come, and no one seemed to be helping her. It was as if the whole thing was invisible. That was when it hit him. Was that what he seemed like? Ignoring regular people in need of help to do better things? Wasn’t he the one who fought for social and political issues? Yet there he was, being a hypocrite as usual. And now he was criticizing everyone else in the diner for doing the very same thing he did on a daily basis.

Odd how, although this was where he worked, he didn’t know any of his co-workers names. They were just…there. He tried not to associate with them. Or anyone else really. The girl seemed familiar though, but her name wasn’t there at all.

“Are ye alright? Ye look like a bloody mess,” he said kneeling down in front of her. Her hair was a matted mess, the mayonnaise making it clump oddly. Wait, mayonnaise? A hint of realization hit him then, the day before coming back clearly. A tube of mayonnaise falling and exploding. Him, pushing it aside and pretending like nothing happened.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry,” he said apologetically, realizing she probably wouldn’t know what he was talking about.

[Aly Tail]

<sup>Aly looked down at he pant legs as she wiped the mayonnaise from her fingers onto it. Her eyes drifted back upwards as she prepared to stand.
“Are ye alright? Ye look like a bloody mess,” said a boy, kneeling down in front of her. She jumped slightly, not expecting somebody to be in front of her at all. Her hand flew to her chest and she could feel her heart skip a few beats. She inhaled slowly, regaining a normal breathing system.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry,” he said apologetically and she looked at him rather confused. Was he talking about scaring her, or something else? But wait, did he just swear! One of her hands whipped up, covering his mouth, while her other hand came up to her own, putting a finger vertically against her lips.

“I'm terribly sorry but we don’t fancy to be speaking of the human exports whilst we are preparing tea and crumpets in the kitchen.” She told him with a completely serious face, looking him straight in the eye. But the eye contact lasted for about as long as the sentence, for her eyes wandered down to the hand that covered his mouth.

“Good on ya Aly,” she muttered to herself, releasing her mayonnaise covered hand from over his mouth, “Sorry about that.” She said, standing and walking over to a counter where they kept extra napkins, “Here you are,” she said handing him the handkerchief, laughing slightly at the mess on his face. Though she probably looked worse then he, “It looks like you got a thick milk mustache.”

She quietly began wiping the remaining mayonnaise from her clothes, ignoring the boys’ presence for a moment or two. “Why are you back here anyways?” she inquired, “You don’t work here do you? I mean, I wouldn’t really know. I don’t talk so much. But anyways….” Her voice trailed off as the boss came walking up to them. He stood there for a moment, his eyes shifting from Aly to Elijah and back to Aly.

“Aly,” he began, sighing heavily, “You look a mess. Go on home for today, you can work again tomorrow.” He explained to her, “And goodness me, what on Earth happened to your forehead!”
Aly’s face reddened as he raised a finger and pointed to her head.
“I-it’s nothing.” She muttered, ruffled her bangs so that they covered her usually hidden scar.
“Well alright then,” he said accepting that she wasn’t going to say anything more, “And what are you doing here Mr. Burnham?” he questioned, quirking an eyebrow at Eli, “You don’t work here today, only employees are allowed in here, and today you aren’t one of them!” he scolded. His harshness made Aly frown. She always thought of the boss as a nice old fella. But maybe he had something against this boy. Had he done something to upset the boss?
“How’s about you escort Miss Tail home, since it seems to me you have nothing better to do!” he suggested.
“No! No, no worries. I can stay and work. I’m quite all right. No escorting needed!” she exclaimed, waving her hands out in front of her.
“Go home, you look weary Miss Tail.” He told her. She lowered her head, surrendering. She wasn’t going to fight with her boss. If he wanted her to go home now and come back tomorrow, that was okay.
“Fine. But no escorts.” She added out of stubbornness, walking over to the sink and washing off her hands.

It wasn’t at all that she didn’t like the boy. She hardly even knew him. She couldn’t pass judgment on someone she didn’t know. She would just much rather walk home alone. It’s what she was used to and preferred. She was always alone and rarely talked to anybody. It would just be awkward for her to have someone with her when walking. And who escorted people places nowadays anyway? What was that old man thinking?</sup>

[/sup]

[Elijah Burnham]

Eli’s eyes questioningly looked at the girl before him who had now put her hand over his mouth. What on Earth? This girl was crazier than a zebra who claimed to be black with white stripes. Did he say something wrong? She seemed awfully shocked and maybe even slightly frightened when he’d spoken. What had he said again? Sorry? Did she not like that word?

“I'm terribly sorry but we don’t fancy to be speaking of the human exports whilst we are preparing tea and crumpets in the kitchen.”

After blinking a couple times Elijah realized that this girl was being completely serious with her statement. Speaking of the human exports? Tea and crumpets? He found himself smiling behind her hand, as much as he tried not to. She just looked so…distressed. And admittedly, the small amount of contact they were having right now was…nice. It was all soon over however, and he was being handed a napkin.

“Er, thank ya,” he said awkwardly standing up from his crouching position.

“It looks like you got a thick milk mustache.”

A grin passed over his face as he wiped the napkin over the top of his lip. “Yer sportin’ yer own fashionable style there,” he said pointing with the napkin in his hand.

His grin soon faded as Mr. Boss appeared, stained apron and all. Eli half listened to the conversation between the girl who apparently was named Aly and his boss. Which was also her boss. She had been given the rest of the day off, which seemed very reasonable to Eli. She looked like she’d fallen down a well. A well that instead of being filled of water was filled with mayonnaise.

All this was good and fun, but what really caught Eli’s attention was the boss’ exclamation. His eyes shot to where the man indicted and sure enough there was a nasty scar running along that side of her head. Note to self: Find out where that was from. Ah, and now the conversation seemed to turn to him.

“Well I was minding me own business when I heard a crashing noise comin’ from this here kitchen and being the employee I am, I went to see what was goin’ on when I found ‘er,” he said jerking his thumb in Aly’s direction. And now what was this? He’s was being volunteered to be a bloody escort? Who did this old man think he was?

“Now listen here guv-“ his voice was drowned out by that of Aly’s protesting words.

“No! No, no worries. I can stay and work. I’m quite all right. No escorting needed!”

What was that? She didn’t want him to escort her? Was he not good enough? Was that it? Her protests sounded as if the boss were putting her on her death bed.

As the old man walked off, giving Eli one last look, the boy walked over to where Aly was, washing her hands and leaned against the sink.

“Oi, d’ya have a problem with me or somethin’? ‘Cause I don’ mind walking ya home. It’s nasty weather out there it is and it’s beginning to get dark. I mean if ya don’t mind, if ya really don’t want me accompanying ya I understand. I mean-I was headin’ out anyway and…” he trailed off running a hand through his hair. Damn it all. He’d planned on walking up to her and telling her off, but here he was offering to help her sorry bottom.

“Anyway, I, oh, heh, ya missed a spot,” he said snatching a towel from the sink and rubbing a bit of mayonnaise from her nose. “There, fit as a fiddle…my God, ya have perfect teeth. Ya do, ya really do. Ya know, people in London seldom have straight teeth. They all stick up in several directions,” he said with a sort of lopsided smile.

[Aly Tail]

<sup>From the corner of her eye she could see the boy appear beside her. He leaned against the sink, “Oi, d’ya have a problem with me or somethin’? ‘Cause I don’ mind walking ya home. It’s nasty weather out there it is and it’s beginning to get dark. I mean if ya don’t mind, if ya really don’t want me accompanying ya I understand. I mean-I was headin’ out anyway and…” he trailed off running a hand through his hair.
Aly walked away for a moment, grabbing a towel and dried off her hands before throwing it into the sink, “Look, I’ve got nothing against ya mate. Just..” she trailed off for a moment, “I don’t know you..And well, you don’t know me...and I’m no fun to be around anyway.” She stated, matter-o-factly.

“Anyway, I, oh, heh, ya missed a spot,” he said snatching up the towel from the sink and rubbing her nose, where more mayonnaise most likely had landed. “There, fit as a fiddle…my God, ya have perfect teeth. Ya do, ya really do. Ya know, people in London seldom have straight teeth. They all stick up in several directions,” he said with a sort of lopsided smile.
Aly looked down at her feet, for she could feel her face burning and hoped that it wasn’t showing through her face. Blushing made everything even more embarrassing. Why did he have to do that? Getting mayo off her nose and then complimenting her on her teeth. He was acting as if they’d known each other for years!
“Uh, thank you.” She said, holding back a smile as she looked back up at him, “Well, you said it’s getting dark. I better be going now,” she told him, walking towards the employees coat room, removing her jacket from the rack and coming back out with it on and zipped up within seconds.

“Goodbye.” She said waving to the boy as she walked out of the diner and into the pouring rain. There weren't many people on the streets at this time, other then the few cars that drove swiftly by. She looked around behind her, making sure that there was no one there. When she was positive that she was safe she began singing.

"I got up this mornin' turned on my radio
I was checkin' on the surfin' scene
To see if I would go
And when the DJ tells me that the surfin' is fine
That's when I know my baby and I will have a good time

We're going surfin'
Bom bom dip di dit
Surfin'
Bom bom dip di dit"

She came up to a rather small shed. The same small shed she always came to after work. Oh the wondrous adventures one would have at the bus stop.
Would have.
Could have.
If she weren't the anti-social type.

She stepped inside and took a seat on the bench.

"So many.
Bright lights, they cast a shadow.
But can I speak?
Well is it hard understanding.
I'm incomplete.
A life that's so demanding, I get so weak.
A love that's so demanding.
I can't speak!"

Her mother had always told her about how good a singer she was. How perfectly in tune she was. A good harmonizer. And her mother would know, for she used to be a teacher of music. But Aly never believed her.

She pulled out a small book from within the large pockets of her jacket and began reading it, to pass the time.</sup>

[/sup]

[Elijah Burnham]

“Uh, thank you. Well, you said it’s getting dark. I better be going now. Goodbye.”

Eli was left standing by the sing, towelette in hand as Aly left the diner abruptly. It had all happened so fast. It was like she was trying to get out of his presence as quickly as possible. Was he really that repulsive? Normally girls flocked over him. Sure, he rejected them all, but still! He suddenly felt…empty. He’d actually smiled when he was with her and even given her a compliment! He’d been nice to her! He was going barking mad, that’s what.

Dejectedly he threw the small towel in the sink and made his way out of the kitchen and once more into the rain. Whatever, he could handle rejection, but she just seemed so…sad. She made it sound like she was protecting him from her in some odd way. Crazy girl. Well, what did he care anyway? He tried to be a Good Samaritan and it got shoved back into his face.

Water dripped into his face, falling from his hair and onto his already wet clothes. He was no longer running for shelter like he had before. Instead he just walked slowly, ,eyes close and head tilted towards the sky, feeling as the rain pelted onto his face. The cool feeling of the liquid washing over him, dripping onto the ground, his footsteps muffled by the torrent, it was all so perfect. The rhythmic sound of raining was only interrupted a couple times when a car decided to drive by, sending droplets of water flying through the air, only to fall back once more.

Eli’s mind had gone completely blank, no thoughts, no worries. Just this sense of serenity. And a quiet voice singing a soft tune. Hmmm, it really did sound nice. Thinking this apparition of a song was a doing of his mind, Eli continued to walk, not caring if he stepped into a puddle or not. The voice seemed to grow louder and the melody soon became familiar to the boy. Words became audible now and he soon found himself singing along to the song in his head. Opening his eyes he saw the plexi-glass shelter that was his bus stop, and so, turning in, song progressively growing louder, his mind decided that singing inwardly was just not the same as singing out loud. Even if it sounded horrible to all those around him, including himself.

“A life that's so demanding, I get so weak.
A love that's so demanding.
I can't speak."

He whispered these last lines beneath his breath and then realized that the song wasn’t coming from his mind but from an actual person. The same girl, Aly, from the diner. Eli felt his cheeks burn red at his idiocy and the fact that he’d let his horrible off-tuneness be heard out loud, even if it was quietly. Luckily for him, Aly had an amazing voice, so his horrible one was probably drowned out.

It seemed like fate was tempting him tonight, really it was, but he supposed it wouldn’t hurt to play along. Perhaps something good would come of this.

“’Ello Miss. Long time no see, eh?” He asked taking a seat on the metal bench and feeling his cold wet jeans press against his skin. “I didn’ know ya could sing like that. Me own voice is horrible. Sounds like a dying duck of sorts.” Eli adjusted his position on the hard bench and gave her a sideways glance. “Seems we ‘ave the same bus to catch. Suppose ye’ll ‘ave to put up with me now, huh?”

[Aly Tail]

<sup>“A life that's so demanding, I get so weak.
A love that's so demanding.
I can't speak."
The voice seemed to come out of nowhere. Aly was certain she had stopped singing.
maybe I’m just hearing things. she thought as her eyes drifted upwards, to see a red faced, sopping wet boy. Or maybe not.

“’Ello Miss. Long time no see, eh?” He asked taking a seat on the metal bench next to her. “I didn’ know ya could sing like that. Me own voice is horrible. Sounds like a dying duck of sorts.” Eli adjusted his position on the hard bench and gave her a sideways glance. “Seems we ‘ave the same bus to catch. Suppose ye’ll ‘ave to put up with me now, huh?”

Aly sighed, looking down at her feet. She hated it when people heard her sing. It was more embarrassing then falling on her arse and being covered in mayonnaise. And even that was pushing it! “You’re a bit of a creeper, y’know?” she told him, glancing over for a second. “Honestly, first ya come stampeding into the kitchen, and you weren’t even working today...” Aly frowned, “And now, you’re at the same bus stop as me. You’re quite the different type of stalker. Can’t say I’ve ever met one like you before. Actually, most people don’t meet their stalker. Because stalkers stay hidden. You’re really doing a terrible job at this. Does this happen to be your first time? If it is I completely understand. Everybody has to start somewhere I s'pose."
She trailed off into a mere murmur as the bus finally pulled up.
"Oh and hava look at that! The bus!" she exclaimed, waiting for it to come to a complete stop before walking into the cold rain.

It always seemed to rain in Faer Lake. It was depressing. The sky most always being grey. Where was the fun and cheerful sun? Was it hiding, too afraid to show itself to the world? There wasn't anything for it to be shy about. Everybody loves the sun!</sup>

[/sup]

[Elijah Burnham]

“You’re a bit of a creeper, y’know? Honestly, first ya come stampeding into the kitchen, and ya weren’t even working today...And now, you’re at the same bus stop as me. You’re quite the different type of stalker. Can’t say I’ve ever met one like you before. Actually, most people don’t meet their stalker. Because stalker stay hidden. You’re really doing a terrible job at this. Does this happen to be your first time? If it is I completely understand. Everybody has to start somewhere I s'pose." With that said, the girl swiftly made her way onto the bus and out of the rain.

Eli stood momentarily confused by her words. Was she being funny? Or was she serious? He really couldn’t tell. Her words had sounded so…serious, and her expression was close to unreadable. There was an impatient clearing of the throat from in the bus, and Eli saw that the bus driver would not wait all evening for him to finish his thoughts. Very well then, it seemed he had some figuring out to do with this Aly. Being as persistent as he was being now, wasn’t a usual trait of Eli’s, but perhaps it was because there wasn’t really anyone else around.

“Actually,” he said as he walked down the narrow bus aisle, taking a seat beside Aly, “This isn’t me first time. Though I have gotten better. Me first time was just horrible. I was hiding in the closet and then she came in with her boyfriend. They started snoggin’ on the bed. Awkward stuff that was. I nearly gagged at th’sight. Then again I was seven at the time. Me mother fired me first crush after that and found a new sitter,” he said recalling the events of his childhood.

“Guess me skills haven’t improved much have they?” he said with a light chuckle. “So where did ya learn how to sing like that? And where did ya learn that song? I never took ya for the surfing type. Or do ya just like the song?”

Oddly enough, he really was interested in this girl. It had been a while since he’d actually had a real conversation with anyone, let alone a girl. It felt nice though, to just be himself. To be reckless and take a chance.

[Aly Tail]

<sup>Once seated she looked down at a small splotch of mayonnaise that she happened to miss cleaning from her clothing. Really though, who spilt that much mayonnaise and just left it there. And how had she missed seeing it?
“Actually,” came a voice from the set next to her, making her jump, “This isn’t me first time. Though I have gotten better. Me first time was just horrible. I was hiding in the closet and then she came in with her boyfriend. They started snoggin’ on the bed. Awkward stuff that was. I nearly gagged at th’sight. Then again I was seven at the time. Me mother fired me first crush after that and found a new sitter,” he explained. Aly frowned, she had not wanted to here about that. Now there was visuals in her head of a younger Eli and his crush on a bed with a boyfriend. “That’s tragic,” she said with a saddened face.

“Guess me skills haven’t improved much have they?” he said with a light chuckle. “So where did ya learn how to sing like that? And where did ya learn that song? I never took ya for the surfing type. Or do ya just like the song?”

Aly laughed, though he face reddened with embarrassment. So he’d heard both of the songs she was singing. He’d seen her fall flat on her face AND heard her singing. Could the day get any worse?
“Actually, I do surf. I go surfin’ every sunshinin’ day we have here in Faer Lake,” she said, reminiscing on the past days she had surfed here, “The waves are super!” she exclaimed, smiling.
“But hold on a tick, you say you never took me for the surfin’ type? Do you surf as well, or are you just a shark biscuit? I wouldn’t think a spunk like you would bother to waist his time.” She shrugged, “Guess I was proved wrong.”</sup>

[/sup]

[Elijah Burnham]

“Actually, I do surf. I go surfin’ every sunshinin’ day we have here in Faer Lake. The waves are super! But hold on a tick, you say you never took me for the surfin’ type? Do you surf as well, or are you just a shark biscuit? I wouldn’t think a spunk like you would bother to waist his time. Guess I was proved wrong.”

Raising an eyebrow, Eli shook his head. “Sorry miss, but ah have absolutely no idea what you just said. Ah don’t very much like biscuits. And sharks aren’t an animal ah particularly ever want to meet. Putting the two together just seems like an odd thought to me. But ah do surf, yes. Ah went quite often back in England and when ah lived in Ohio. Ah didn’ know there were any good waves around here. Then again we are on an island so ah suppose it would make sense.”

It seemed like Eli’s luck was beginning to turn. Ever since arriving on this god forsaken island he’d done absolutely nothing but hang around the house. Now, here was an activity he was fond of. And he had even found a group of people thatrallied every once in a while. Of course, it was never anything major like he was used to, but it would have to do for the time being.

“So where exactly are you from?” He asked getting comfortable in the plastic seat. “That accent of yours is most certainly not from around ‘ere. Ya sorta stick out like a sore thumb. And ya’re not from England either,” he said shaking his head, “Seeing as ah can’t understand most o’ th’phrasin ya use. ah mean, bloody ‘ell, shark biscuit? Spunk? If ya’re goin to start usin’ crazy little sayings, throw me a word book so am not completely lost.”

The weather outside seemed to be clearing up, which in a way was good. There would be another night in which Eli could walk around in the rain, marveling at it’s splendor. Riding the bus however, seemed to prove much more interesting. It had been a while since he’d had an actual civilized conversation with another human being and although he would never admit it t himself, he was beginning to get lonely. He’d even resorted to talking aloud to himself when completely alone in the apartment. Besides, he probably wouldn’t see this Ally very much either. Sure they worked together, but it wasn’t like either of them talked often there. And at school, well, Eli tended to spend his time getting into arguments and causing some sort of riot.

[Aly Tail]

<sup>Raising an eyebrow, Eli shook his head. “Sorry miss, but ah have absolutely no idea what you just said. Ah don’t very much like biscuits. And sharks aren’t an animal ah particularly ever want to meet. Putting the two together just seems like an odd thought to me. But ah do surf, yes. Ah went quite often back in England and when ah lived in Ohio. Ah didn’ know there were any good waves around here. Then again we are on an island so ah suppose it would make sense.”

Aly shook her head an amusement splayed across her face. Not many people did understand her some of the time. It used to frustrate her a lot. So much that she would yell at the stupidity of them for not understanding. ‘Blasted Pommy.’ she would mutter, walking away. Even that word they would not understand. But everybody knows that a pommy or a pom is an Englishman.

“So where exactly are you from?” He asked moving in his seat, probably to become more comfortable, “That accent of yours is most certainly not from around ‘ere. Ya sorta stick out like a sore thumb. And ya’re not from England either,” he said shaking his head, “Seeing as ah can’t understand most o’ th’phrasin ya use. ah mean, bloody ‘ell, shark biscuit? Spunk? If ya’re goin to start usin’ crazy little sayings, throw me a word book so am not completely lost.”

Aly looked over at him, straight faced. She then turned her head, looking at her hands and began mumbling to herself, “I stick out like a sore thumb, eh? Well at least I’m not stalker. Aya, I’ve had too many run-ins with strange guys in this here city. It’s getting annoying. Insults, harassment, stone-throwing-crow-watchers. What next? Honestly. Bloody poms!” Exhaling deeply she smiled, “Anyway. I’m from Australia, and I take it you’re from England?” although she asked this, it was clear that he was, or was at least raised with that kind of accent. A lot of people say that the Australian accent and England accent are very similar. But Aly didn’t see how they could be, especially when an Englandsman didn’t understand half the things she said.

“Fair suck of the sav!”she exclaimed, “Might I ask, how you can be a surfer then, and not know the one most obvious surfer term? Shark Biscuit! For crying out loud. Anyone who is a shark biscuit is clearly a terrible surfer, for they would just drown and be an evening biscuit for the sharkies, or do you not have sharks in your beach? Can’t say I’ve ever seen on here. Though I did see one across the way while I was out scuba diving with my parents. But scuba diving is probably not a good subject to be getting on.” Aly turned her head and gazed out the window. She still remembered that night. Her grade eight graduation. Her parents had never shown up. And it turned out they were in trouble, while she was at some stupid ceremony. They were dieing while she was getting a worthless, rolled-up piece of paper.

She could feel a tear forming in her left eye. She quickly wiped it away before it could be seen by anyone on the bus. Her head turned back to the boy, though her eyes still glistened from the once forming tears she ignored it and continued on talking, “So now that you know what a shark biscuit is, perhaps I’ll teach ya some more,” she tapped the bottom of her lip, “Hmm, well, a spunk is basically a good looking person. The word ‘Arvo’ means afternoon and saying something like… ‘She’ll be apples’ means she’ll be alright! And someone like…me, compared to you is an ankle biter, because I’m small. You really are quite tall though. How tall are you, like six feet? I’m only five three.” She giggled lightly, “ahh, being short sucks.” She said with a sigh, “It makes me so vulnerable,” her lip curled out for a fraction of a second as she pouted. Soon it formed a grin, “Or maybe it’s my awful sense of balance.”</sup>

[/sup]

[Elijah Burnham]

“I stick out like a sore thumb, eh? Well at least I’m not stalker. Aya, I’ve had too many run-ins with strange guys in this here city. It’s getting annoying. Insults, harassment, stone-throwing-crow-watchers. What next? Honestly. Bloody poms!” As short pause and then, “Anyway. I’m from Australia, and I take it you’re from England?”

Ah and there she went with the whole stalker biz. Did this girl never give up? And what was that now? Harassment? She wasn’t meaning him, was she? And stone-throwing-crow-watchers? Bloody ‘ell…This girl really did keep busy. She was like a walking disaster. Either that or just really very unlucky. Or lucky, depending on how you saw it. Hold on a blazing second, bloody pom? An eyebrow arched at that remark giving her a questionable look. He opened his mouth to retaliate on his behalf, but, dear lord, she had more to say…

“Fair suck of the sav!” she exclaimed, “Might I ask, how you can be a surfer then, and not know the one most obvious surfer term? Shark Biscuit! For crying out loud. Anyone who is a shark biscuit is clearly a terrible surfer, for they would just drown and be an evening biscuit for the sharkies, or do you not have sharks in your beach? Can’t say I’ve ever seen on here. Though I did see one across the way while I was out scuba diving with my parents. But scuba diving is probably not a good subject to be getting on.”

Eli scoffed at her statement, rolling his eyes as an answer. “Are ya bloody well dun talkin’?” He asked now getting impatient with her. “Pardon me fer not knowin’ such ‘basic’ terms. Pardon fer not livin’ up to the ‘surfer’ standards, miss,” he said putting emphasis on the miss. It was customary for any gentleman to address a lay properly, be it miss, or ma’am. However, he really didn’t see how this girl could be a lady of any sorts. “And ah’ll have ya know that me surfing is as good as any other bloke’s, if not better. Ah could probably take ya anytime. Ah’d be glad to show ya that am no ‘sharl buiscuit’,” he said adding little quotations with his hands.

So, now that that was out of his system, onto more pressing matters. “Scuba divin’? Bloody ‘ell does that ‘ave to do with anythin’? What’s the matter with scuba divin’?” Oh, always the sensitive boy. Well, he had been for a bit there, but now, Eli was showing more and more. Hell if he cared what people thought of him. Frankly he was beginning to think that he preferred it when he didn’t have someone to talk to.

“So now that you know what a shark biscuit is, perhaps I’ll teach ya some more. Hmm, well, a spunk is basically a good looking person. The word ‘Arvo’ means afternoon and saying something like… ‘She’ll be apples’ means she’ll be alright! And someone like…me, compared to you is an ankle biter, because I’m small. You really are quite tall though. How tall are you, like six feet? I’m only five three. Ahh, being short sucks. It makes me so vulnerable,” her lip curled out for a fraction of a second as she pouted. Soon it formed a grin, “Or maybe it’s my awful sense of balance.”

It seemed like Aly was your typical example of a girl. Her mood just seemed to change on a whim. First she was upset, then she was quiet, then she was really talkative and now she was, what, giggling. Hell, she was listing off Australian sayings to him when only a few minutes ago she didn’t want him in her sight! Of the female gender really was a confusing thing. More reason for him to stay away from them. They were nothing but trouble, torturing your minds until you could do nothing but give in to their needs.

“Ah suppose,” he started actually paying attention to what she was saying and feeling quite proud of himself, “That the ankle biter bit makes sense. Ya really are quite close to me feet. Ah hadn’t realized it but yer a wee little thing aren’t ya?” He asked giving her a pat on the head and chuckling lightly. “Ya, me heights up there. Am 6”1 actually. Take after me mum’s side. They’re all giants on her side,” he informed her, raising his hand up as high as it could go to show her how much taller than he himself was. It was a tad bit exaggerated, but it got the point across.

“So ya never answered me question. What’s this about scuba diving you have against?” He asked curiously, though for some reason he felt like it wasn’t the thing to say.

[Aly Tail]

<sup>Aly frowned, “You know I was only kidding about the stalker thing. Seriously. I think you’re a bit too touchy.”

Eli scoffed at her earlier statement, rolling his eyes as an answer. “Are ya bloody well dun talkin’?” He asked, his voice seemed quite impatient with her. “Pardon me fer not knowin’ such ‘basic’ terms. Pardon fer not livin’ up to the ‘surfer’ standards, miss,” he said putting emphasis on the miss. “And ah’ll have ya know that me surfing is as good as any other bloke’s, if not better. Ah could probably take ya anytime. Ah’d be glad to show ya that am no ‘shark biscuit’,” he said adding little quotations with his hands.

Aly nodded. It was true, she was talking way too much. A lot more than she normally would, and to a complete stranger to boot, “I’m sorry.” She muttered, “But it would be terrific if I had somebody to surf with. We should definitely go surfing together some time. I just really don’t take you as a surfer though. But I s’pose most wouldn’t take me to be one either. Heh.”

Just when she was about to throw out some more words he wouldn’t know he asked her a terrible question. One that had her in the hospital for a long while. There was nothing wrong with her, she just had a bit of shock running through her body. Nothing too big. Right? “Scuba divin’? Bloody ‘ell does that ‘ave to do with anythin’? What’s the matter with scuba divin’?”

“Ah suppose,” he started, “That the ankle biter bit makes sense. Ya really are quite close to me feet. Ah hadn’t realized it but yer a wee little thing aren’t ya?” He asked giving her a pat on the head and chuckling lightly. “Ya, me heights up there. Am 6”1 actually. Take after me mum’s side. They’re all giants on her side,” he informed her, raising his hand up as high as it could go to show her how much taller than he himself was. It was a tad bit exaggerated, but it got the point across. Aly just shrugged. There wasn’t much else she could do. Unless she got stilts, but the day she tried on a pair of those would most likely be the day she died.

“So ya never answered me question. What’s this about scuba diving you have against?” He asked curiously, though for some reason he felt like it wasn’t the thing to say.

Aly looked up at him, a sober appearance upon her face, “There’s nothing wrong with scuba diving.” She stated, before turning her head back to her lap, “My parents were killed a few years ago in a scuba diving accident. That’s why I had to come up here, to this Faer Lake place.” She explained.</sup>

[/sup]

[Elijah Burnham]

“There’s nothing wrong with scuba diving.”

The tone of her voice seemed to...flat. Obviously something was wrong here. The way she said it, leaving the sentence hanging there, waiting to finish it off. There’s nothing wrong with scuba diving…but…There was a catch, of course there was. It was astonishing how easily Eli could shove his foot in his mouth. He really didn’t know how he did it. Suppose it was a special ability of his. Something about making everyone around him miserable without even trying. Or maybe it was because he did try. Tried to get people away from him. He didn’t need close friends. Acquaintances were good enough. Relationships of any sort were just too…complicated and often ended in well, not pretty scenarios.

“My parents were killed a few years ago in a scuba diving accident. That’s why I had to come up here, to this Faer Lake place.”

Ah, so that was it. A tragic accident killing mum and dad. Well, this was awkward, wasn’t it? Eli shifted slightly in his seat, reminding himself of his wet state. His hair was nearly dry now though. Not that that meant much. His stop was coming up soon and he’d just have to merely get out once more. Oh! But lo and behold, the rain was no longer pouring outside! At least that was good news. But that still left the matters on what to do and/or say in regards to Ally’s telling of her deceased parents. What was one to say in these sort of situations anyway? Sorry for your loss? Sorry for what exactly? Are yo okay? That sounded to sappy, and personal. He barely knew the girl. So, he went with the next best thing he could come up with.

“Oh,” was all that was said. Oh[/i}. That was very considerate. Way to go Elijah. Now that definitely earned him a spot in the horrible tactfulness hall of fame. He needed to recover, do something, anything. Just to lift this heavy cloud of awkwardness. She obviously wasn’t comfortable with the subject and still touchy.

“So,” he began, clearing his throat, “Ah’m free this Friday and Saturday if ya still wanted to have tha’ surfing thing. Ya know, if ya still wanted to ah mean.” Brilliant Eli, truly brilliant. This was the reason why he didn’t generally socialize with others. He was just much too socially awkward one on one. In groups it was easier. But alone, he felt exposed in some strange way. Speaking of groups, that little activist group he’d gotten a hold of was doing something or other this week. That he was looking forward to. Finally something he was familiar with. Well, apart from surfing.

“Um, have you-Have you heard anything about protestin’ in these here parts?” He asked hoping he didn’t sound completely lame. Maybe she had heard of something, maybe in the past or about anything. It would be helpful. Then at least he would know what he was getting into and dealing with. What the police was like and whatnot. His grandmother hadn’t been very useful, and the pamphlet he was giving was just as blank. Too many things missing to make logical sense. After all, he didn’t want to be protesting against something moronic.

“Ah mean, Ah haven’t been here long either and well, I didn’t know if ya maybe knew something,” he said with a shrug. Well, on the bright side, he was getting any worse. And he wasn’t completely attacking her. No, he was being civil. Quite civil actually. It was the bloody rain. It always put him in a strangely good mood.

[Aly Tail]

“Oh,” was all that was said. It was all most anybody said. Except for the other people. But who were the other people? The creeps that acted like they cared? It always sounded so fake. Oh I’m so sorry to hear that. It must’ve been horrible! You poor dear. Bless your soul. It just went on and on and on and on and on and on and on…Until BAM! You just couldn’t take it any more. Of course it felt horrible. But no need to reminisce on the past. Let us at least get through today, shall we? That would be splendid. Thank you. Just..just walk away. Yes. Oh even break out into a run. PERFECT! I love you! You’re to kind.

OYE!

Why is life so complicated?

“It’s okay,” she muttered, “I don’t remember much myself. I sort of hit my head that night,” she paused, smiling at her own stupidity, “I..uh..hit it off of a police car door. Left a brutal scar.” She said, lifting the bangs from her forehead, showing off the beautiful scar she had obtained that dreadful night.

She dropped her hand, setting it back in her lap. Oh the great wonder of awkward silences. Who created the awkward silence? Who in their right state of mind would make up such a thing. It was wrong. Terribly wrong.

It was probably a Pommy.

“So,” he began, clearing his throat, “Ah’m free this Friday and Saturday if ya still wanted to have tha’ surfing thing. Ya know, if ya still wanted to ah mean.” Aly turned her head, looking at him in shock. He was serious about surfing? He actually wanted to go surfing..with her? Ha-ha. The guy must be out of his mind. Who would want to go surfing with her? She was no fun to be with. She couldn’t even keep a good conversation going. They always ended…awkwardly. But, why not. What the hay! It would get her out of the house and have something to do. It was always better surfing with somebody else.
“That’d be great!” she said, smiling, “How’s ‘bout….Friday…after school. Haha, rain or shine! Don’t get too many shinin’ days, but it’s still good, so long as Mufasa isn’t angry that day.”


“Um, have you-Have you heard anything about protestin’ in these here parts?” He asked, Ah mean, Ah haven’t been here long either and well, I didn’t know if ya maybe knew something,” he said with a shrug.

Aly placed a finger to her bottom lip, thinking for a moment. Protesting! That’s what it had been. She knew she recognized the boy from somewhere. Surely! It all made sense now. He was even from the England country.
“Elijah Burnham! Why didn’t I realize it before,” she smiled to herself, “You’re that boy who protested and such in the England area, aren’t you? I always watched that bit of the news it was so interesting. Didn’t you get sent to jail or something for a little bit? I thought that was hilarious. You’ve got some gut. But anyways. There’s a little bit of protesting here. I even went to a few. But they weren’t very lively…so I quit going. Heh.” Her eyes flickered to the window. “Oh, this is my stop!” she said, standing and stepping over Eli to get into the walkway.
“See ya later.”

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