Far, Far Away (open)

[Emma Hayes]

Emma Jane walked into the library with more confidence then she'd felt all day. While all of this was strange-too new, too confusing- this was something familiar. Em had spent half her life in libraries, soaking up the lore of far away lands and stories of forgotten times. Back home this had been her place to escape to whenever she needed it. She may be in a new state, but libraries were always the same.

Em marveled at this collection of books, much larger then her small town had. She began to walk to the nearest shelf and browse the novels there. Em wondered briefly, as she looked at index of a biology book, if she would meet anyone liked minded here. After all, wasn't libraries for studious folks?

[Jared Park]

Jared wasn’t really fond of libraries. It’s not that he hates books or anything, but libraries tend to be more stuffy than cozy to the boy. He didn’t really like the idea of muffling his noise (as he was a naturally loud person, despite the recurring shyness and occasional stuttering) – he finds it that even when he’s whispering, the person on the other end of the room can hear it. He also doesn’t like reading in the library too much. He just goes in, finds the book he needs, borrows it and then is off to his bed. Reading in a proper seating position just doesn’t appeal to him; he says it makes his back ache. If you ask me, he just likes reading on top of his bed ‘cause he tends to fall asleep fast; and sleeping on your stomach feels much better than sleeping on your arms.

So why would Jared be in this particular section of the school you ask. Homework. Yes, homework is a magical device used by teachers and instructors that makes you do things you’d rather not do. He’s on the lookout for a particular book, Biology by Campbell, and his search seems futile. He’s been searching for half an hour now, and still nothing.

Abandoning all hope, Jared resigned to a seat near the biology section and sighed. Then he saw a girl, casually walking through the aisle. Due to him being new to the school and all, he thought the girl was an old student (as he wasn’t familiar with everyone still). He approached her slowly and asked, “Umm, excuse me, would you by any chance know where Biology by Campbell is? My teacher said the 8th edition was black with beige-ish red outlines, and a white flower in the cover.”

[Emma Hayes]

Emma Jane noticed someone nearby, but she didn't turn around. She studied the person, out of the corner of her eye as she pretended to scan the first chapter of the book in her hand. He didn't look threatening. He looked normal, like someone she wouldn't mind talking to. Probably a veteran of the school, someone who could help her ease into this life if she could gather the courage to speak.

She hadn't met anyone at this school yet, administrators aside, and she rather desperately hoped to make connections. Emma Jane knew that she'd be at this school until graduation, and years are lonely without someone to talk to. She'd seen other kids on her trek to the library, but all of them had seemed deep in conversations. This young man was the first one to be alone.

She readied herself to talk to him -Would simple hello suffice?- but was caught off guard when he spoke first. When had he walked over? She scolded herself for not paying attention, that kind of behavior led to her powers taking control. None the less, Emma
smiled in a way she hoped was inviting instead of nervous, as she turned to greet him.

"Biology by Campbell?" She repeated, shutting the book and glancing at the cover. It was exactly as described. "Looks like this is it. Here." Emma handed it out towards him and trying to seem friendly, " I'm Emma Jane."

[Jared Park]

Like Emma, Jared has yet to make a number of connections in the school. True, he’s met quite the number of people aside from teachers and the administration, but to him, it still wasn’t enough. Hammel still feels so uncomfortable to him. He still sees strangers here and there. To him, he’ll only be truly at home in Hammel when he knows everyone in the campus, when he’ll only be alone if he wants too, and when he finally becomes the confident person newcomers will talk to in hopes of being familiar around the institute. Unfortunately, he’s far from accomplishing any of his three objectives any time soon.

As Jared approached the girl, he suddenly realized that her initial assumption of her may have been wrong. He prides himself as a person who understand body language easily, so it was a bit of an embarrassment when the girl showed subtle signs of nervousness and anxiety (unsure gazes from the corner of her eye, etc.), he felt real bad (that or she might just be very shy and apprehensive about people). Not that approaching new(er) students was bad, but he just felt very stupid for thinking otherwise.

“Oh, did I surprise you? I’m so sorry,” Jared said with a sincere smile. He knows her look a little too well; he’s been like that for his first few days in Hammel too, a little too jumpy and nervous for his own good.

It was his turn to be surprised (and a little bit embarrassed) when the girl closed the book she was reading and gave it to him. “Are you using it? I’m so sorry. I can just find another one,” he answered, “I mean, since we’re in a rich private school and all, they’ve got to have more than one copy right? After all, my teacher assigned homework on that book. And if they don’t have enough for a class of 20, then I’ll have an excellent excuse for not doing my assigned task. Haha.”

“I’m Jared. Jared Park,” he said, reaching his hand out for a handshake. “I don’t mean to be impolite, but are you new here?” he added, just to assure himself that his assumptions are right this time.

[Emma Hayes]

Emma felt a bit better when the young man smiled back instead of..., well she didn't really know what she had been expecting. But the brightness in the smile and the kind tone eased her nerves and let her relax.

"It's fine, really. I was just looking through the books, I'm not using it." Emma Jane waved off the concern. "I'm sure there are others here, but this is easier then making you get one."

"It's nice to meet you, Jared." Emma gave his hand a brief shake. "Yes, I am new here. Just arrived a few nights ago actually. I suppose it's very obvious," she said with a small laugh. "I'm guessing you've been here a while."

[Jared Park]

“You sure? Thanks,” Jared smiled as he took the biology book out of Emma’s hands. He gave out a rather loud oomph, blushing in embarrassment as the book seemed a little too heavy than what he was expected. “So you look scan through biology books as your past time? Not through novels nor comic books but biology books? That’s nice,” he joked, trying to start (or continue) a conversation, “If I’d use my free time like that, I think I could get my grades to at least a B+. Haha.”

“Nice to meet you to Emma. And no, no, it wasn’t that obvious.” Well it was a bit obvious, seeing that she’s all alone in the library and Jared could feel a little bit of awkwardness around her as she explore the aisles, but he felt that it’s rather impolite to tell her that. “I mean, I’m fairly new here myself, so I’m still trying to note all the faces I see. And yours was kinda new. So I was thinking is she a freshman or a senior I just haven’t seen yet,” he laughed. It did had a hint of truth in it, seeing that Jared’s still adjusting to the faces, but yeah, it was pretty much a white lie.

“So, you entered as a freshman or a junior? I’m just a freshman myself, aside from being a newbie. So yeah, I’m on the bottom of the food chain,” Jared chuckled. Screw homework. He wasn’t in the mood to start it off anyway. Right now, it’s time to increase his ‘circle of friends acquaintances’.

[Emma Hayes]

"I'm not really discriminatory against any one type. I love all books, comics included." Emma flashed a grin. "I suppose these kinds," She gestured to the biology book in Jared's hand, not mentioning how heavy he made it look. "Would be helpful for class. But I rarely read a nonfiction that affects homework. When I should be studying history, I pick up a medical book."

Emma couldn't help but laugh a bit. "I realize how I must look, trolling the library by myself. I act new and I know it." She leaned back on the shelf a bit, getting comfortable and folding her arms. "You're new as well? I wouldn't have taken you for it. You seem to, well, fit here if that makes sense." She gestured lightly around her, an old habit. "The school I mean."

"I'm a freshman too. Excuse me for saying, but I rather glad you're not that much older. It makes me feel less silly to be caught roaming by someone who is somewhat new." She grinned again, this time a bit more forced as though she suddenly realized how relaxed she had been. Her back stiffened against the shelf. Emma didn't mean it as a slight to the boy, but after developing these powers she was too afraid to loose focus. She would hate to scare someone off or make them angry because of what she could do. "I guess we're both on the bottom then, hm?"

[Jared Park]

Jared gulped involuntarily at the sound of the unfamiliar words. “Discriminatory”. “Nonfiction”. “Medical book”. Not that he doesn’t know the meaning of the words, he just couldn’t imagine using such words at a normal, everyday conversation. He smiled in awe and embarrassment. Clearly he was outclassed. “Hopefully,” he chuckled, “I mean, it would be such a waste going to the library and carrying such a thick book like this back to the dorm only to find out it hardly contains anything that I need.” He tried to think of words that sound so heavy, but he just couldn’t get himself to say such words like “pertaining” and “information” out loud. To him, words such as that belong to a formal essay, not a casual chitchat.

“You read medical books for fun? Wow.” Jared wouldn’t imagine reading for his history class, much read a medical book for fun. From what he can remember when he rummaged through Jasper’s bag one summer ago, medical books are thick and have small prints in them. Which translates to boring and so-not-for-me in Jared vocabulary. “Guess you’d have a lot in common with my older brother then. Planning on being a doctor after graduating?”

“No, no, you don’t. Pshaw,” Jared laughed. The last thing Jared wants to hear from anyone is self-pity. To him, nobody has to suffer that kind of insecurity other than him. And yeah, he kinda feels bad for even thinking about how awkward she might’ve seem earlier. Maybe she’s a telepath and somehow picked his thoughts up. Not good. “And thanks. Hah. I do try to make myself at home at this place. After all, I think I’m going to spend quite the time here. I have a feeling powers training would be hell for me.” Despite the fact that he’s optimistic about others and all that, he’s a bit too much on himself, putting himself down a bit too much when it comes to his powers. Sure he’s over the fact that his powers are not as flashy as others, but he’s still can’t believe he can’t control a power as simple as his.

“Meh. I don’t mind being in the bottom that much. I’ve been pretty much behind all my life, not that it’s bad and all that.” Growing up under the shadow of his two older siblings was tough, but he got through it, somehow. “And at least we can help each other reach the top, no matter how cheesy that sounds.” He laughed, careful about thinking anything else that might upset Emma. After all, he still isn’t sure about what her powers may be.

[Emma Hayes]

Emma watched the grin on Jared's face as he laughed off her comment about the books. She wondered how she sounded, using the terms she did. She hoped it didn't make her sound pretentious, she was just used to talking that way. When Jared mentioned her reading medical books, Emma inwardly groaned. That was so stupid to say. Who read that kind of stuff for fun? She must sound like a dork.

"You're brother is a doctor?" She stopped, thinking. Then maybe she doesn't sound so nerdy. If Jared had a medical student in the family, a love of medicine might sound normal to him. "I used to want to go into the medical field. Maybe a therapist or pediatrician. I don't know, all that's on hold until I straighten out my powers." She tried to make light of it, shrugging.

"I understand." Emma smiled knowingly. "I'll be here for sometime, I think. I haven't much progress on my abilities on my own and I don't think it will be much easier with help." She was surprised at how easy it was to admit that. Emma hated needing help, she was the one used to being needed. Training would no doubt be an awkward experience.

"Hmm." She didn't really like the way he referred to being behind. It sounded like he was being too harsh on himself, from what she'd seen. It made her want to do something, because she had spent years being the one to look after others and always tried hard to keep her colleges in high spirits. Emma didn't say anything though, his powers might be much harder to work with and she might just hurt his feelings to say anything. So instead she smiled brightly and truly at his last words. "Yes. I think, even if I don't know anyone here, that this is the place to be for support. We're all in the same boat. We should help each other in what ever way we can." A pause. "When said aloud, it sounds like an after school special." She muttered.

Emma tried to relax a little more, successfully fighting a yawn -when had she last slept since getting these powers?- and tried to think up more to say. She didn't particularly want to let the conversation die, Jared was the first student to pay attention to her after all and he was, she'd have to admit, easy to talk to. But he had came in search of a book for class. "I hope I'm not holding you up with your work? I don't mean to sound as though I'm rushing you away, I'm not, but I don't want to keep you from anything else you need to do?" Her questioning tone hung in the air. Emma only let herself ask for the politeness her father had instilled in her, but selfishly hoped that she would get a few more moments of this friendly chat before being left to her own again.

[Jared Park]

Fortunately for Emma, Jared wasn’t one to think badly of people. Some people attribute it to the fact that Jared grew up so loved. Despite not having his parents around, his siblings’ care and concern was more than enough to nurture Jared and teach him not to look down on others. If anything else, Jared somehow feels bad for himself. He felt so inadequate and stupid. He was never the bookish one, so he felt bad as he can’t talk at the same level as Emma. He’s worrying he might bore her or come up as a stupid bloke. He blushed inwardly at the thought.

“He’s a wannabe,” Jared laughed. Jokes help Jared relax and be more comfortable with himself. It also helps him temporarily forget about the negative thoughts running in his head. “He wants to be,” Jared clarified, hoping he didn’t put Jasper in a bad light, “He’s in medical school right now. Though I forgot what he was planning to be when he graduates. Probably got his interest from Mom. She’s a geneticist for the Kot-kot-Kocher hautee-hauti-haute écul-école pour le–gah. Geneticist for the Swiss counterpart of Hammel.” Jared’s given up trying to pronounce the name of his mom’s employer a long time ago. He still believes Swiss-Hammel would’ve been a better, easier name to call such a school. “She’s non-powered though.”

“Oh, so you haven’t started training yet? Same here!” He might’ve implied earlier that he isn’t a trainee yet, but he didn’t care that much. “Guess we have much more in common other than simple newbie-ness and freshie-ness,” Jared laughed, “Not that I’m saying not being in control is a good thing, but in this case, uhh, well. You get the picture.” Jared sometimes wished he was a telepath. At least he wouldn’t have to verbalize everything. He just gets so scatter-brained at times that he doesn’t know how to finish his sentences properly. “If you don’t mind me asking, what might your power?” Jared figures that’s one of the typical hi-hello questions in Hammel, and wonders why he hadn’t used it that much.

Jared chuckled as apparently, Emma felt the same way he did. “I know right,” he smiled, “Soon enough, we’ll be singing and dancing in the library, complete with synchronized movements memorized just by looking at the first few moves.” Jared loves parody-ish presentations of those scenarios, especially when somebody goes in and stops the ruckus. He could just imagine Mr. Morrison going out of his office and being all angry about his singing. Not only is the library not a place for such merry-making, Jared was also almost completely tone-deaf.

“Pshaw. Homework’s for losers,” Jared answered, complete with the it’s-nothing hand-arm wave-motion. “And besides, this one’s not due until the week after the next.” Truth be told, his Biology homework is due two days from now, but he could care less. He wasn’t the academic type anyway. He just hopes Emma isn’t a telepath and would suddenly pick his lie up.

[Emma Hayes]

"Ah, a medical student. He must be very intelligent." Emma was impressed to hear Jared's mother was a geneticist. "You're family's quiet impressive. Are you from Switzerland then?"

"Oh, really?" Emma was surprised he hadn't trained yet. "Do they have a long wait for training? Or do you need to be a priority or something?" She backed quickly. "Not that I'm suggesting that you're not, i just mean do older students or dangerous ones get first pick?"

"I'm..." Emma trailed off, thinking off how to respond. She knew logically that anyone here would be talking about the powers. She just didn't like the one she was landed with. It was embarrassing, and pretty lame compared to abilities she'd heard about since being here. "Illusions." She looked off at the wall, trying to keep her cheeks from burning. " I can make things appear. Usually in my sleep, like dream casting. Or when I let my mind wander. They're not solid, more like ghosts." She stopped there. No one really needed to know that she had to try so hard to keep it in check. That her powers tried to manifest constantly, forcing her to stay on edge. Even more no one had to known that she had difficulty telling her illusions and reality apart.

"If I may, what's your power?"Emma redirected, putting the attention back to him.

The second Jared mentioned dancing, Emma felt a tugging sensation in the back of her mind. There was a flash of the two of them, accompanied by faceless students, dancing through the center isle. She tensed up, forcing the images back and preventing them from entering the real world. She saw that just behind Jared, a faint swirling glimmer-it looked like small figures doing the hand jive- appeared then faded. Her powers had almost manifested. Emma covered it up with a hearty chuckle, hoping Jared wouldn't notice.

"I can't even imagine." Or more like, she couldn't let herself. "I'm a terrible dancer; I'd throw the whole thing off. Not to mention this would hardly be the place for it."

"In that case, I won't mention it again." Emma was a little pleased he didn't have to rush off. She was starting to have fun, even if she had revealed her powers and was a little anxious about it.

[Jared Park]

“You bet.” To Jared, his siblings were both larger than life. He just looked up and revered his siblings so much. Jasper was the very definition of the word intelligent. He was the top of his class since first grade, never getting anything below an A-. If it was up to him, he’d say that Jasper was a meta-human too – the one with the power to be extra smart.

“Nah. I’m from Canada,” Jared laughed. He just wishes he was from Switzerland. At least he won’t have to cross an ocean just to see his mom. “Mom got assigned there when I was 7. Says it’s a nice, quaint school, much like Hammel.”

“I have no idea,” he answered, “though I think it’s based on the ‘need’ to be trained. Surely those with more uncontrollable abilities get trainers first. Those like mine, well, I think they know I can survive a year even without proper training. I mean, I couldn’t even hurt a fly.” Jared stopped for a bit, careful to let any thoughts of resentment and envy escape him. “That, and they said they still had some internal issues to take care of.”

When Jared heard what Emma’s ability was, his jaw just dropped. “Amazing” was all he could say. Jared has quite the hyperactive imagination; he could just imagine what he could “create” given that ability. “That’s an awesome power. So you can create stuff even when you sleep. Cool.”

All his joy suddenly disappeared when Emma asked about him. Now that he knows what Emma can do, he feels even more insignificant around her. “Well, I, I…” he trailed off, hugely embarrassed on how simple his powers are. “…I’m invisible to technology.” When he first knew that he was a meta-human (that is his mom told him that blood tests show he has powers, which means the problem was not with the cameras), he was overjoyed. Finally, something that would make him unique. He was the only meta- in the family, and that ought to make meta-ness something that is his. But when he came to Hammel, he suddenly felt insignificant again. Surrounded by water-benders and shapeshifters, Jared felt that he’s all but ‘normal’. He knows it’s wrong, but sometimes he wishes he had a more dangerous ability, like light manipulation or energy constructs. Anything other than simply being invisible to technology.

“Really? I think you’re just being modest,” Jared chuckled, nudging Emma gently with his elbow. “And you don’t have to be too formal Emma,” Jared laughed, “I feel so uncivilized when you use words like that and I can’t.” Hopefully Emma wouldn’t take his statement the wrong way, ‘cause the last thing Jared wants is to offend someone.

[Emma Hayes]

Emma could tell that Jared held a great deal of respect for his brother. The adoration was written all over his face. Emma could relate to that. She didn't have any siblings but she had watched her older cousins make great achievements. Emma understood his pride.

"I see." She nodded."That makes sense; some people who need more immediate help then others. I wasn't aware of the internal issues, either. In any case, it wasn't like I was planning to go tomorrow. I can wait."

Emma, who rather prided herself in her image of being collected and respectable, found herself blushing brightly. She didn't think of her powers as being cool and was surprised someone would think so. She played with a few loose strands of hair to distract herself from the sudden embarrassment.

"You really think so?" She asked, looking down. "It's really not that great. Having your nightmares broadcast to a room full of people is more mortifying then amazing."

Emma noticed the sudden drop in his sunny attitude when he mentioned his powers. He was unhappy. That much was obvious from the look on his face and the way he spoke. Emma couldn't let someone be down on themselves around her. It went against her nature.

"Invisible to technology." Emma repeated, and then slowly, "I could imagine what that would be like."

Emma gave it a moment's thought, wondering if maybe he was like her. Maybe he didn't like his powers or thought less of himself for them. She could understand wanting a different power, she wanted that herself. But Emma didn't think he should, his powers were interesting and he should be proud of them. She smiled lightly, then rested her fingertips on his sleeve. She tried to be comforting and sincere, and looked him in the eye as she spoke. "I think your powers are fascinating, Jared."

"I don't mean to make you uncomfortable." Emma said carefully, now trying to watch her wording. "I guess I'm not good with talking the way people our age would." She shrugged. "Sorry."

[Jared Park]

“Yup,” Jared shrugged, “And since they find more and more metas each day, sometimes with powers more dangerous than the next, I can safely say that the lines getting longer and longer as we speak. For me anyway.” He said the last sentence rather weakly, considering the fact that Emma’s was power was way above his, and he was so sure Emma would get a trainer in two or three weeks time. “I mean, I couldn’t even hurt a fly. I betcha even those with enhanced healing would get a higher priority than me. But you don’t have to worry about that. You’re much too cooler. I see you training very very soon.” He gave Emma a shy smile, trying to hide his jealousy and insecurity about the whole arrangement.

He leaned in closer, looked around for a bit as if someone would hear them, then whispered, “Don’t quote me on this, but I hear that the ‘internal issue’ involves some kind of meta-human attack. I’m not sure if it’s on a student or a teacher or anyone, but that’s what’s buzzing anyway.” Like they say, news have wings, and yes, they do change from person to person. Ah gossip. “And I think it might have some truth in it since overheard the headmaster talk about it on the phone while I was pestering the bit-“ he held back for a bit, seeing that what he might say could be deemed inappropriate around Emma. Not that he swears a lot, but he sees that Nykhol is one unique case, hence the exception. “Jerk receptionist for a trainer,” he said, thinking it to be more apt in Emma’s case.

“I know so!” Jared said rather brightly, obviously a little more excited than expected. And while he genuinely thinks every other ability is much too awesome than his, illusion-casting is really one of those he’d want to have, alongside probably shape-shifting and light manipulation. The power to project what’s on your mind and create almost life-like images, it was all too awesome. Never mind the fact that they weren’t solid yet, Jared was sure they were just some obstacle that can he can overcome with training, if he gets that ability anyway.

“Well, that may be scary, but it’s a small price to pay for having such a wonderful power.” Jared could care much less about side effects really, seeing that he never really suffered much from his. I mean, the worst he’s experience is to be publicly humiliated by bumping into an automatic door because it didn’t recognize/sense him. And he believes in the whole “double-edged sword” idea. That great powers just don’t come to be; most have a steep price tag on them. “I mean, once you get the hang of it, I’m sure it’ll come around.”

“Well, first off you can’t be seen in cameras, meaning you can get away with almost anything as they won’t have any evidence to pin you down. Also, you won’t feel so fat, as digital weighing scales won’t register your mass. And you can’t talk over the phone. And automatic doors won’t open for you.” Jared tried to sound enthusiastic about everything but he just can’t. He hated his power. He loved being a meta but he hated what made him a meta. Weird but true. “And since I haven’t had any training yet, I have yet to appear on the yearbook for the past two or so years.”

He just shrugged her comment about his powers being fascinating as purely a forced compliment. Or a social convention. Really, how many times has he heard that here? Cliché and boring. He’s seen Dr. Neville and that’s what he said. When a recruiter first came to their house, that’s what she said too. Gosh, it’s what people are supposed to say, he thinks. And saying it to his face over and over again doesn’t really make it more meaningful.

“Oh, no no no. You’re talking perfectly. I mean, there’s no rulebook about what is age appropriate talking, isn’t there?” Again, Jared tried to hide his embarrassment with a joke. He shouldn’t have told her that, not in the slightest. She’d probably be devoid of emotion not to get offended with what he just said. “Sorry I even brought that up,” he muttered, unable to look Emma in the eye.


ooc:
Sorry it took so long, Jared!muse didn't really cooperate that early. >.<
-Jam

[Emma Hayes]

Emma nodded thoughtfully. "I would bet. Some of the powers I heard of, would come with such responsibility." She frowned when Jared continued to come down on himself. " I'm sure you'll be training soon too. Whether or not your powers is capable of causing world calamity, it's still something that needs to be controlled."

"Besides, I don't think I'll be seen very soon. My powers aren't dangerous to anything but my pride." Not to mention, Emma wasn't really looking forward to any training. She didn't really want anyone to have to see her powers in action.

"Oh really now!" Emma exclaimed, lowing her tone and leaning closer to mimic Jared's actions. "An attack here? I really hope no one was hurt." Emma was very surprised to hear of this, the recruiter had made this place seem the most safe on earth. She tried to bite bake the nervous feeling the news left in her stomach. "That's really surprising."

Emma smiled at his near swear. "Don't hold your language back around me. I grew up in a car shop, most of the mechanics were military veterans. Swearing isn't new to me." When she had been younger, her father had made the other men censor themselves. Now that she was older, they really didn't care what they said around her. No matter what Jared said, Emma was sure she'd heard worse.

Emma was little embarrassed, but in a pleasant way, that he seemed to like her ability. She had believed it to be very stupid, but seeing someone else so into it made her feel better. "I can see the draw backs to your power," Emma started after he described them to her. "Not being able to use technology in today's world must be tough. It'll come around, though. Once you've mastered it, just imagine what you could do!" There she went again, trying to cheer him up. She hoped she wasn't over doing it, he must get that all the time. But Emma didn't know Jared well enough to know the right thing to say.

"I guess not." Emma said cheerily, when he mentioned rulebooks. Still, she tried to monitor her wording. Back home she hadn't really hung out around many kids her age. Sure Emma knew them all, it wasn't hard living in a small town, but she wasn't very close to many. Most of them were farm kids and with her fear of horses, that similarly made her nervous around any large animal, Emma was left as an outsider. Top it off with being the teacher's pet from always studying and her preference to reading or working rather then partying, and it was a wonder that Emma had even a few friends back home.

"It's fine to tell me that. I need to hear it sometimes." Emma worried her knuckles, looking down. "I should try to talk more on an appro-, ah teenage level. I'd probably have more people willing to talk to me if I did." She said the last part quietly, a little twinge of sadness in her tone.