New Beginnings (Mai and Cam)

[Lotus]

He nodded his head and said, "Yeah, sorry about that. I stayed back to do some extra studying at school and get a few tips of the professors." That seemed to get their backs down a little bit. "After all, I've got to live up to expectations right?" Now he realised that was a step too far.

His mother walked off in her fashion just with the call of, "Don't be saying that around your sister when she turns up for dinner." He nodded his head, but now it was just his dad to content with. He moved a little further down the stairs and slumped on a step. "Yes father?"

"How did the exam go Isaac?" He was glaring at him, knowing it would have gone badly. He wasn't as clever as his sister and his dad knew that. But, of course, he couldn't let on to that fact so he just blew it off and said, "No problem. Probably got the best grade in the class no doubt." He grinned, showing his dad he was worth something.

His dad moved closer and said, "Just stop trying to pull it off in front of me okay? Maybe in front of your mother, but I know you'll never be that good." Thanks dad he though. "And..." His voice raised. "Who's that you were sneaking in? A girl? Isn't it about time you stopped playing the field?" He stood up then and felt rage rising up in him before he calmed down a little. "She is a friend that I wanted to help so I brought her here. If you have a problem, don't talk to me about it." With that he stormed back upstairs.

[Cham]

Gia stood stunned at the top of the stairs as Issac marched up, her mouth partly open, slightly flushed as he nearly ran into her. "I... er..." She turned and with her head down walked into his bedroom, another speechless sight. It was huge. And neat. She stepped to the side, and he walked in after her. "I uhm... Sorry, i listened... I thought maybe I could have helped some way..." She sat down at his desk "I dont have to stay any longer if your dad doesnt want me here..." She looked dejected at what she had heard him say "So you 'play' my feild huh?" She whispered.

[Lotus]

Isaac was usually good at dealing with his parents, knowing how to handle them and their rude, expectant ways. He took the bags off his back and set them down next to his bed, sitting down as he did so. He put his elbows on his knees, with his chin resting on his fists, looking up at Gia.

It took him a while to figure out something to say. She'd been listening in, when he'd had the guts to bring her here. Now something was going to come to light. The true him was going to come to light. Not yet, not yet he prayed. "You're staying alright?" he practically growled again.

What did he say to the next part? Of course that was true. That was him, well the other him. Right? "Playing the field is the way they put it."

[Cham]

She looked up at him "Not for long" She said softly, standing and making her way to her bag. "I have to get back to the... uhm... I have to get home soon" She hoped he would just go with it "Youve really done enough..." She smiled at him "Thanks"

But as she walked towards the door, curiousity came over her "Does playing the feild mean what i think it does?" She asked tenderly, not knowing if it was coercing girls into his bed, or just playing up helping the poor. Those were her only two guesses. She thought for a few minutes she might really be his friend...

[Lotus]

He was quick this time. He jumped up off the bed and stopped her at the door to his room, putting his arm across to the other side of the door frame. "Just. Stay." He looked into her eyes for the first time, properly, and realised how many emotions were there. His problems were clearly little in comparison to hers.

He reached out for her bag again and took it off her shoulder. "We need to do something with that shoulder of yours first." He smiled and pushed her back into his room slightly. "So stay?"

"Playing the field. Do you really not know...?" He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "Going from girl to girl whenever I choose, to suit my needs."

[Cham]

Gia shut her eyes and clenched her teeth and fists. She wanted to hit him. She wanted to hit him HARD. But a small reminder that his father had said it, not him, calmed her... A little... Her fists remained clenched, and her posture erect, but she said softly "I will stay. For a little while" She tried, and succeeded to erase the venom from her voice, but she had to ask

"Does your father have reason to assume your 'playing feild'"

Her heart started pumping quicker. If he said yes, there was no way on Gods green earth she was letting him touch her. If he said no... well... she had to believe him. And would only allow him as far as to help her clean her wound.

[Lotus]

He turned away from her and went to sit on the bed. He rested back and sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "Yes... I've had a couple of girls back here before, so he got it from that 'cause they were rarely the same girl." He heard her gasp and instantly looked up. She didn't know that he had never truly done anything with any of them, so how could she judge? Wait, it sounded like he had.

"Oh Gia... I've never gone that far!" It was just his father. The idiot he was when it came to 'loving' his own son.

[Cham]

She exhaled quickly, her heart beat slowing, her facial expression softening. He didnt seem like that sort of guy, and so far she had been right on all of her other hunches. Alright so running from him wasnt the smartest of all ideas, but she wasnt exactly in a good frame of mind. She took a step toward the bed and gave him a small smile "Im going to trust you ok?" She said gently "Please dont let me down" Her voice was practically begging. She desperatly needed someone to catch her. She was falling into a place she didnt want to be, and never thought she every would be. To be honest with herself she would say she was scared. But for now, she would keep that tidbit of information locked away...

[Lotus]

He smiled up at her and nodded as he stood up and wrapped his arms around her. "You don't need to tell me that, I never purposefully let any one down." He just did it when all he was trying to do was his best.

He looked down at her and saw her shoulder. "C'mon. Time for a wash." He laughed a little and dragged her out into to the hall to the bathroom. Before opening the door he stopped and turned straight to her. "You want to stay for dinner right?" It sounded very desperate in his ears.

[Cham]

She breathed easily in his arms, comfortable and warm. "Thank you" She whispered, truely grateful. When he released her she felt a shiver run over her, and goosebumps raise all over her body. He took her hand once again and pulled her out of his bedroom. She hesitated at the doorway, looking to see if anyone else was around, but he yanked her forward and she laughed. A real laugh. One that sounded happy, not stiff and forced like usually.

When he stopped, she looked around, scared her laugh had brought someone out from a hiding spot. Luckily there was no one. In a pleading voice he asked if she would sup with them. She couldnt help but smiled as she nodded her head "Yeah, i think id like that"

[Lotus]

He couldn't help but grin and he felt behind him to unlock the bathroom door. It silently swung open and he took a step back, pulling her with him. When they were both inside he shut the door and made Gia sit on the side of the bath.

Out of the cupboard he got a towel, wetted it and went over to her. He sat on the edge of the bath with her and lifted her sleeve up until he could properly see her shoulder. It looked painful. He placed the cold, wet towel on her shoulder and smiled at her. "That feel a little better?"

[Cham]

She felt a blush creeping over her cheeks as he continuously looked at her, his eyes flickering between hers as he fumbled to grab the doorknob. She looked down awkwardly as he opened it, and lead her in, situating her before adressing her shoulder.

When he laid the towel on the wound she jumped slightly, and winced. "It stings a little" She said softly, putting her hand over his, assuming she would hold on the cool cloth. She couldnt help but smile at him "Thanks... For everything"

[Lotus]

When her hand was on top of his he took it in his other hand and rubbed his thumb over her hand in a sign of comfort. "It'll all be okay now. I'll do whatever I can to make sure of that." He smiled and took the towel off, dabbing the wound on her shoulder.

He stood up, releasing her hand as he bent down to the cupboard to get out something to cover it up with. He found gauze and such things and went back to the bath. He could help, he was doing something right. Making up for the wrong doings he'd already caused in less than a day of knowing Gia.

"There. I hope that helps." He leant forward and kissed her forehead. After realising what he'd done he pulled back quickly. "Dear lord..." He growled under his breath as he got off thee bath to pack away everything.

[Cham]

She gripped his one hand tightly, squeezing her eyes shut as he wiped and dabbed. It hurt. Quite a bit. But his smile made her feel alright again. Everything was going to be fine. She knew it was. He clearly looked like he was feeling better, and she definitely felt a hell of a lot better. He taped up her shoulder quickly.

But then he caught her off guard, kissing her forehead. It was as though a small drop of sunshine had been dolloped there, and radiated out, warming her whole being. He looked flustered, but she had to let him know everything was fine. They could still be friends! It was a comforting kiss... Right?

Gia stood and grabbed for his hand "Issac?" Her tongue caressed his name as she pulled him around to look at her, leaning up on her toes and kissing his cheek with a small smile. "Now were even" She whispered, taking the boxes from his hands and putting them back where she had seen them produced from.

[Lotus]

Isaac stood there shocked and as he looked down he chuckled. "You are one strange being Gia." He unlocked the door and walked back to his bedroom, knowing she'd follow, but when he turned round she was still standing in the bathroom. She looked a little upset, "Still no bad intentions." He held his arms out and she came literally running for a hug. He laughed.

"Do you mind if I change? Feeling grimy. Just don't look 'kay. We're friends but not, y'a know." He winked. "Try and stop yourself." He whispered in her ear. "Only kidding." He stepped away from her.

[Cham]

She laughed at his comment. So what if she was strange! He moved out of the room, and she felt so awkward. She didnt know what to do. But his arms had opened, and she fled into them. Her little safe haven.

"Yeah, i need to change as well" She gestured to her blood crusted shoulder "But... erm... Do you dress up for dinner? Cause... I dont have a whole lot to choose from." She bit her lip, realizing that it probably wasnt normal to be carrying around several changes of clothes with you to school when most kids went straight home. She didnt want to lie to get out of it, but she hoped he didnt ask more. But the pressure to tell him was growing in her stomach, she wanted to tell him, but she couldnt... Not yet.

[Lotus]

He laughed at her flustered expression, "Don't worry about it. We do when my fabulous sister comes for dinner." There was a heavy hint of sarcasm in his tone. "But don't worry about it. You're a guest so you'll be let off the hook. I on the other hand have to look good." He winked again and went to his closet.

He grabbed a shirt and trousers, but that would do for him. He wasn't going to go overboard just for his sister. He smiled over to her and said, "I'll be right back."

[Cham]

She relaxed slightly as he explained. She hoped if she ever came back she wouldnt be expected to look prim and proper. If anything her look would probably just deteriorate... "Alright, well ill use the best I have" she said, looking through her bag as he rummaged through his closet. She quickly pulled out her last pair of clean jeans, clean under garments, and a clean top.

He left the room, and didnt seem to notice the unusual amount of clothes she hadnt yet packed back up. Though she didnt want him to see it anyways, she quickly folded them back up before stripping down and changing. Halfway through she rummeged around for a hair brush, her long locks were in tangles that her fingers alone couldnt undo.

[Lotus]

In the bathroom he splashed his face as he tried to come to terms with the strange amount of clothes Gia had unpacked, but he resorted to telling himself that she'd tell him if she wanted to. He was here to help, not be nosy about her personal life.

He threw his dirty clothes in the laundry basket and slipped on his trousers and clean shirt. He left the top button undone so it looked slightly more casual. He never looked like this other than for very special occasions, and boy was this going to be special. He was looking forward to it so much!

He wetted his hands with water and ran them through his hair before walking back to his bedroom. He was just about to open it when he thought back and knocked. Knocked on his own bedroom door, how strange.

[Cham]

A small rapping on the door caused Gia to jump and squeek slightly. She could hear a chuckle coming from the other side of the door "Just a moment" She said, slipping into her shirt and jeans. Strolling to the door, she opened it, relieved to see Issac, and not his parents. She ran the brush through her hair as she retreated back into the room, Asking "Good enough?" as she gave a twirl. Biting her lower lip in anticipation. She didnt expect him to ask her to change, what else would she have anyways.

[Lotus]

He smiled at her with a feeling of encouragement growing within him. "Perfect." He closed his bedroom door to the world again and sauntered up to her, "How about me? Good enough?" He smirked and stepped back again.

"I bet I could pull anything off!" He walked over to his wardrobe again and pulled out a black tie. He tied it loosely around his collar and turned back to her. "Now, that's better."

[Cham]

His 'Perfect' made her feel light and airy. Saying "You look fantastic" With a grin. Although when he came out with his tie, she held out her hand for it. Once she got it, she measured out the length he would need, and placed it around her own neck, proceeding to tie an intricate knot that overlapped

"Its an Eldredge Knot" She said proudly as she placed it around his neck, pulling up his collar and situating it around the tie, adjusting the tightness to make it hang at a tasteful length. "There, much better. Go look Mr. Fancy Pants" Laughing lighly.

[Lotus]

He was slightly confused at what she was doing. Wasn't a knot just a knot? Clearly not. When he looked in the mirror it did look so much better than his dreadful version. "Thanks a bunch! You're going to have to teach me someday." He grinned at her and went and flopped down on his bed. He patted the spot next to her and smiled as she joined him.

"I don't understand something about you." She looked scared, but he went on. "How have we never even noticed each other before?"

[Cham]

Crawling up onto his bed was somewhat daunting, she heasitated a moment, then curled up next to him in a familiar feeling position. "Well, I dunno. I used to be friends with girls like Megan, and Rylie, and Janice, but... Time changed. I guess by the time their clique and your clique melded together. I was already out" She looked around the room. Was she really out? Or just too embarrased to show her face? She spent lunch alone, and switched seats in classes so she no longer had to be around them. They had become snarky when she lost her home, but for some reason hadnt spread it around they she was in the position she was in. "They probably just dont bring me up cause... I dunno. Im not the same person I used to be." Or perhaps the same social status as she used to be...

[Lotus]

"I guess you're right there, but who really cares about status'. We're all who we are and that's that." He smiled and squeezed her to him because he could see the look in her eyes. It was weird how quickly he'd come to know her actions and the looks she gave when she was hurt. "At least we've finally noticed each other now right? Where would you be without me?" He chuckled and saw her laugh too.

There was a knock on his door and he sighed. "That'll be either one of them. Or both if I'm lucky..." he said under his breath. "Stay here."

He walked over to his door and opened it slightly. "What are you trying to hide Isaac Zachary Waterman? Something we shouldn't be seeing; just another girl you've taken a liking to." Isaac's fist curled around the door tightly.

"No, it's my room and my room is private. And stop using my full name. I'm not a little kid any longer. I know who I am." His father did not like that one bit. He gave him a stone cold glare as Isaac said, "What did you want anyway?"

"You sister will be here any time soon, so just be ready. I don't know if that poor girl is staying or not, but she'd better be on her best behaviour."

"Don't say that! She's great!" This anger really was a new thing to him.

"Yeah, till you get bored and move on. Isn't that right?" His father snarled at Isaac. "Well, just be ready to come down for dinner. And I hope you're going to make yourself look smart." Then, thankfully his father walked away. What was wrong with how he was dressed? His life was tiring.

He stepped back into his room and closed the door behind him, sinking to the floor, clenching his fists tightly. "Don't. Listen. To. Him. Gia. What. He. Said. Wasn't. True!"