Do You Wanna Be? (Noralei)

[Ethan White]

Like any good returning citizen, Ethan has spent the last three days chatting and meeting up with old buddies (he was kidnapped by his family for the whole weekend). Monday he went out with his old basketball teammates for lunch and went to the lake for a quick swim. Tuesday was movie night (they still do half-priced tickets for the theaters still – awesome!) with his ‘gal pals’, which almost turned into a slumber party – thank goodness he got off early – while Wednesday was spent reconnecting with the people in Hammel he’s known for some time, teasing the hell out of them for still being stuck in school despite all the years that has passed (as well as checking the new recruits out; seems a lot of them have neat and unique powers, jealous). He knows he still needs to look for a summer job (three months without money just won’t do), but with all the high he’s been feeling due to all the reconnecting he’s been doing, he figures he can do it a bit later.

Unlike the previous days however, the boy didn’t have much of a plan this day. He’s already met up with most of his buddies, while the others aren’t available until next week. Not his problem anyway; the town may be small, but he had never really run out of things to do in his thirteen years of stay. Something’ll pop out sooner or later, he just knows it.

And true to form, he stumbled upon a familiar baby girl when he was idly walking downtown. While he expected the whole ‘hemgee-you’re-back?’ banter and all that, he totally did not expect to be dragged around through town to post posters and fliers almost immediately. Then again, he could never really say no to that lip-wibble she keeps on doing, as well as that doggie-pout she employs closely after, so he thinks he should’ve seen this coming already.

“Why are we doing this instead of, I don’t know, going to the movies and watching Super8 again?” he chuckled as he posted the last poster he has on his hand (though judging by the size of Nora’s bag, he’s sure the poster-tacking isn’t finished just yet). “And besides, you haven’t told me about any wannabe-boyfriends bugging you yet,” teased the boy, “Sure you don’t have anyone I have to torture just yet? Brea’s too young at the moment and Chris, well, he can’t find a boyfriend even if he tries so I’ll have to settle with you.” Has he ever told anyone that torturing his younger siblings’ (soon-to-be-)partners has been his greatest dream these past few years?

ooc:
WOOT. Finally. I apologize for the delay. And the weird title. LOL. :3.
- Jam[/justify][/font]

[Noralei Harris]

outfit

Noralei did not have many friends. The friends she did have, of course, were often on the odd side and did the strangest things. She had gone to comic conventions with her friends. One of them had tried to get her into World of Warcraft and failed. (Although, now that Cataclysm was out and there were Worgen to try, she might give it another go.) All in all, she had a strange group of misfits to keep her company, even in the summer. However, many of her misfits did not share her overly abundant love of nature and animals, which she could understand completely but at the same time felt awful about. True, many of them refrained from eating meat around her and recycled, but they didn’t enjoy helping the environment and the animals that lived in it quite like she did.

When the teen had heard about Ethan coming back, she all but rushed over to his house to see him- and recruit him in her poster hanging glee. Ethan was a friend of her sister’s originally, and he had been threatened with death if he didn’t protect Marilee’s strange younger sister when she went off to college. Now Ethan was in college too, but Marilee still had a few years on him. She wasn’t home for the summer though- she had an apartment in Baltimore. She was attending JHB in Maryland, which Noralei envied her for. It seemed so far away.

After the girl pulled her usual big eyes and pouting lip act, Ethan agreed to help her with the hanging of her flyers. She provided him with a stapler and a stack of laminated papers explaining the need to adopt from local shelters- she wasn’t going to ask him to help with all of them; just enough that she’d be home before dark and wouldn’t have to do it all over two days. She told him to take one side of the street while she took another and that lasted for a while, occasionally splitting to cover two separate blocks. He’d text her when he ran out of posters, she’d hop on her bike and run some more over to him. Eventually, they met back up as she went to the stores, asking them if she could put the sign in their window. Most of them allowed it. The ones that didn’t weren’t biased against her at least. They just didn’t want anything in their windows.

When the teen noticed that her older companion was out of flyers, she produced yet another stack for him from her bag. “Because I don’t like science fiction movies?” Noralei replied, stapling another paper to the light pole. She saw Super8 on Tuesday with the other girls when they went to the movies, but had left the party shortly after he did. After he left, the girls outright ignored her, so she took off on her bike. Nora wouldn’t tell Ethan that of course- it would only make him upset, and it was really nothing. She had expected it.

As for boyfriends, he knew the answer to that. “Not a one. I’m too weird for them.” It was an unfortunate side effect of wanting to save the environment so much- she had to make certain sacrifices for the greater good. A semblance of a social life was one of those. “And I’m sure Chris could find a boyfriend if he really tried.” He did go to that one school however- but she tried not to talk about that with Ethan. It seemed like a touchy subject. “If you’re really worried about it, why don’t you find me someone?” Why yes, that was a challenge for him. Finding someone for Noralei was easier said than done.

[Ethan White]

Had Ethan learned of Nora’s lack of friends, he definitely won’t believe it. Like a doting, overprotective ‘stage’ brother, he’d insist that though Nora may be on the odd side of things most of the times, she does have a plethora of redeeming qualities. Like her ability to make him laugh almost all the time. Or that special brand of sweetness of hers that the older boy just can’t quite get enough of. And let’s not forget her strength of character in following her passion, something Ethan really admires (especially since he himself believes in championing for the environment, but could not find it in himself to initiate such actions).

When he sent Nora his third ‘I am out of fliers again. Where shall we meet then?’ text just a few moments earlier, he actually thought it would mean the end of the day for them already. After all, Nora did give him quite a pile earlier, so he figured it’ll be the last. So when she came up and handed him another ream, he barely controlled himself and said, “You never ran out of posters, do you?” While he would love to hang out and reconnect with Nora (he has been gone for a year after all), spreading awareness about the shelter was definitely not how he’d imagine it to go. “How many have you got there anyway?” he teased, playfully pointing at her pack, “You do know that carrying too much heavy stuff could (and would) hamper your growth.” Or at least that’s what his mom always says.

He heaved a bit when he took the new stack off the teen’s hands, before promptly making a look of mock hurt upon hearing Nora say that she doesn’t like science fiction movies too much. “You don’t like science fiction? Shaaame.” Ethan himself isn’t much of a sucker for them too though; he just watches them for the special effects. Especially if he hears that the movie’s in 3D. Even though he believes watching a movie in 3D is such a rip-off. (He says that he’s allowed to be hypocritical at times, isn’t he?) “Wait, so if you don’t like science fiction, what do you like then?” He’s fairly sure that whenever he dragged the girl to the movies when he was still in high school, she usually went without much of a fuss. Enjoyed some of them even. “Horror? Action? Chic flicks? Twilight?” Because it is a genre on its own.

Well, Ethan did knew it was coming, but he still felt bad about it. “Hey, don’t say that,” he grinned, wrapping his free arm around the girl and giving her a squeeze, “You’re not weird. You’re awesome.” He flashed her another grin before ruffling her hair for a bit, just like any good big brother would do. “I’d hook you up with Chris if he wasn’t my brother and he wasn’t a little too stupid for his own good.” He was fairly certain Chris was straight though, just so they’re clear on that; he did see what was on Chris’ laptop when he walked in on him a year or so ago. And besides, it would be very weird (for him), since he sees Nora as his little sister already. “Hah. Should’ve seen that one coming,” he said, shaking his head as he leaned on a nearby pole for support, “Want me to make a profile for you in eHarmony or something then?”

“Anyway, what’s up with school lately? Who won homecoming queen this year? Was it that ditzy brunette Gina? God I hope not.” He may not be studying in PR High anymore, but he’s still quite curious about how things are going now that his class is gone.

[Noralei Harris]

“If my growth is stunted I will consume less and waste less.” Noralei pointed out, smiling as she thumbed through her bag. “A few more left. I’ll hang them up by the lake later.” It was only the start of the afternoon, anyway. She could get them done within a reasonable timeframe and still be home in time for dinner. Her mother was making spaghetti with the last of the canned tomatoes from the year before, and Nora promised she would help with the wheat noodles. Her little brother wanted to help too, but the older girl could distract him by having him grind up the chicken’s feed corn.

As for movies, the answer to that was simple. “Musicals, remember?” And she secretly loved romance movies. And dramas. She also liked nature documentaries, but that was stating the obvious. “You should come over and watch Phantom of the Opera with me.” She offered, leaning onto the handlebars of her bike. She played with the end of her braid, biting her lip as she tried to remember where they hadn’t put up posters. Oak Street? Or was it Elm? Crap, she could never tell the two apart.

Ethan wrapped his arm around her and she returned the gesture, smiling as the brim of her hat got pushed down as he ruffled her exposed hair. “Hey now.” She said, running her hand over it to smooth it out. “I am weird.” She muttered, sighing as she gave a weak smile. “But I’m good at it. And I don’t think Chris is my type.” She wasn’t into the whole ‘enigmatic-guys-who-go-to-the-elite-private-school’ stereotype, as it were. “Not eHarmony. Besides, I’m too young to be on a dating site.” If her father found out he’d kill someone.

Noralei giggled slightly at Ethan’s questions about school, thinking back to who had made homecoming queen that fall. “Gina did win homecoming princess, but Jessa won queen. But Georgia Shepard- you know, the one with penciled on eyebrows? She stole Gina’s boyfriend and beat Jessa out for prom queen. I think her house got egged.” She felt sorry for her, especially considering that she sold eggs to Jessa’s mom. But then again, Georgia called her a hippie bitch and made fun of her clothes, so the guilt was mostly gone.

But enough about high school; she hated the drama in Pilot Ridge. It was such a small ‘soap opera’ town. “How’s college though? Enjoy your first year?”

[Ethan White]

Ethan simply shook his head in amusement. “You know Nora, these are the times when I just want to pinch your cheeks so bad.” And in a flash, both of his hands are already making Nora’s face contort into all sorts of shapes and forms, as he simultaneously made different funny faces, mostly along the lines of those similar to what one would do in front of a baby. “The lake? That’s far. Not to mention it’s getting late. I’ll just drive you there.”

“Oh yeah!” The older boy’s cheeks turned a slight shade of pink at Nora’s statement. At least she didn’t chastise him or anything for forgetting, right? “Sounds great. Friday night at your house then?” No, that definitely isn’t weird. Not when he’s been visiting the Harris household ever since he and Marilee became friends. He’s practically a resident there, if not a parasite altogether. Much like Nora is in their house (though he has to call in ahead, just so his family, or at least his siblings, know to keep their powers under wraps).

“He’d be very disappointed to hear that,” chuckled the brunette. Ever since his hormones kicked in, Chris has been on and on about how he looks. Ethan could just barf at how vain his brother has become. It would’ve been bearable if he wasn’t hogging their shared bathroom everyday though. “Well, not that weird.” He tried, but Nora just wouldn’t take it. No sense swaying her otherwise. “Oh yeah. You just can help me make an eHarmony profile then.” Not that he was serious or anything; he may or may not be looking for someone, but he certainly will not turn to the internet for whoever it may be. It’s just too impersonal, he says.

Oh high school. How relieved he was that he’s over the whole drama-laden chapter of his life already. “So Georgia and Jason broke up already? So was it true that he was gay though?” There were rumors, especially since he’s always with Kyle and Nelson, but somehow him being a jock overshadowed whatever rumors were milling against him. “Not that I have anything against them. Just curious.” He wasn’t sure if Nora’s activism extended there (he’s around 80% sure it doesn’t), but it won’t hurt to be cautious, just in case.

Then she asked the million-dollar question. He knew it’ll pop in sometime. “I enjoyed it yeah. And it was good, rather fun actually.” Especially if you count the number of parties he’s gone to in just two months. Though waking up in different beds in various states of undress definitely wasn’t fun. “Though I had this incredibly old professor lady. Who wore matching outfits each day. From head to toe. And in bold, almost neon colors at that. She’s mighty strict too.” Passing a code of conduct, complete with a dress code, no the first day. Stricter than his mother really. “When Marilee coming back anyway?”

[Noralei Harris]

“Ahh, no!” The girl giggled and wave her hands at Ethan as he pinched her cheeks, contorting her face like an over-excited grandmother. As he let go, she puffed her cheeks up and fell into another fit of giggles again. She waved at him again as she patted the seat of her bike. “I can get to the lake. It’s good exercise. Besides, it’s summer. Sun sets late, remember?” She could get there and back before the sun even started to set if she left soon. Besides, she didn’t want him to waste gas on her.

She didn’t chastise Ethan for forgetting, merely rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Friday... Yeah, that’ll work. Mom’s making stir fry, if you want to come for dinner too.” Ethan was always welcome for dinner. Her parents insisted upon it, even. He had been a friend of the girls for so long, Nora especially. Marilee was more of a casual friend, but Nora really enjoyed his company.

Idly turning her bike pedals backward, Nora smiled and shrugged. “Sorry. Maybe he’ll have better luck at Hammel.” That was the most Nora ever mentioned Hammel around Ethan nowadays- it was obvious that she was never going to get an application into the school. Maybe Guylan would have better luck when he got older. If not, well, Pilot Ridge had a good school system in place to make up for it. At the mention of making Ethan an eHarmony profile, Nora snorted and fell into a fit of snickering. “Oh please. Those poor and desperate online dating girls would destroy you.” After eating him up and attempting to seduce him of course. She held the opinion that online dating was for desperate people that just wanted to hook up. “But if you insist, well...” She left the threat open for him, quirking an eyebrow.

Sighing, Nora shook her head. “Georgia and Jason broke up over the summer, but no one really heard about it until school came. He wasn’t gay though, although some people think he may be pro-abortion.” she glanced around and lowered her voice slightly, noting that they were downtown. “Alyssa Peterson dated him after Georgia. They say she got pregnant. She got taken out of school for a week and when she came back there was no baby bump to be seen, so...” Nora shrugged, leaving it at that. Alyssa was a sweet girl, so she doubted it was true. She figured Georgia was just stirring up trouble for her. She ignored his comment about gays, figuring he was just stating the obvious. She wasn’t a gay rights enthusiast- she had too many causes to look out for already.

Listening to his opinion of college, Nora nodded and smiled, happy that he had a good time, despite his crazy professor’s tendencies. “Is this the same one that locked herself out of the room, or was that someone else?” she questioned, recalling something he told her when he had come home for the Christmas holidays.

Worrying her lip, Nora shrugged. “Mom’s been talking to her, but she’s got this apartment and her boyfriend, so.” It was a bit of a touchy topic in her house at the moment. Her Mom wasn’t ready to be rid of Marilee yet, but she had obviously left the nest. That would make Nora’s leaving all the harder, of course, but Marilee obviously hadn’t thought about that.

[Ethan White]

Well, he got him there. Not like he’s some weather manipulator who could make the day go faster just so he can prove his point anyway. “Fine. But I’m still coming with you though, don’t try to persuade me otherwise.” Sure Pilot Ridge was a small town and all that, but you couldn’t be too sure. Isolated towns are magnets for weird crimes after all, or at least that’s who popular wants the world to believe. “And I know that face. No cars. I’ll be jogging up with you,” he said, giving her a knowing grin, “Tryouts for the ice hockey varsity are close so I’ll need the practice. I think.” Sure he was part of three varsity teams back in Pilot Ridge (basketball, volleyball and football), but he insists that he’s not really a sports savvy. Back then he did it for fun; now he says he’s doing it for the supposed scholarship. He can’t live on student loans forever and heaven knows he’s not smart enough to snag one of those academic scholarships.

“Mmm. Stir fry.” He could feel his mouth watering just thinking about it. “Sounds lovely. How’s Jude by the way? You think she missed me?” One of the things Ethan loves about visiting the Harris’ is the sheer number of animals around. He believes he compared it to a petting zoo once. His mom isn’t so fond of animals, hence the lack of even a dog around the house. Though seeing how Brea has been so whiny about getting a puppy lately, maybe they just might get one.

“If they are girls in the first place,” he snickered. Isn’t there a rule about it? About there having no girls in the net? He’s not really into the whole netizen thing though, so he might’ve been imagining it. “While I want to be adored, I don’t want to be ravaged and torn to bits, thank you very much.”

Ooh. Teenage pregnancy. Even if it was just rumors, it definitely wasn’t good. “Ha. George was lucky Frederick was in college then. If he was around, I doubt he could even touch Alyssa’s hand.” He’d claim that it was his friendship with her brother than prevented him from even asking Alyssa out on a date back then, but in reality, he’s just scared of the guy. He could totally pound him to bits if he makes a wrong move. “Seems high school’s been rather exciting after I left.” His last school year had their share of scandals too, but hearing it from a source seemed to make the events a lot more intense. “Can’t wait to graduate?”

Ethan couldn’t help but laugh as Nora reminded him of such a comical image. “No, no, this is a different one,” he chuckled, “Neon lady is my professor for my English class. The one who locked herself out was the one for my Math-elective.” If Noralei thought she was weird, she’d better prepare for her college instructors then. “Where are you planning on applying for post-secondary anyway? Planning on going after Marilee?”

“That doesn’t sound nice,” he said, shaking his head and pulling Noralei for a hug. Marilee has always been rather headstrong and stubborn, traits Ethan wished he had at times. It’ll be tough making her reconsider, it seems. “I’d say I can drive you there if you wish, but she’s so far off.” It would take days off his summer break, and it’s short enough as is already.

ooc:
Sorry for taking so long. D;
- Jam