I've Been Waiting (Jack.)

[Jack Montoya]

It was great. Both of their voices pumped into the song and filled the music room. He hadn't sang with anyone like this, and he was having a blast. By how Elisia was getting into the music, Jack knew she was enjoying it too. he had to stay a bit more focused though, as he played through the song on his guitar and played that back and fourth that followed her verse. He liked the back and forth, thinking it was the best part of the song. The beginning was great too, and he could see himself singing this for a Hammel talent show, if they ever decided to have one.

Jack had some loves before in his life, most of them were petty crushes, some got pretty serious and intense, but he never felt like writing a song for any of the girls he had ever dated. Sure, he could get into a relationship with a lot of girls here, if he wanted too, but he wouldn't feel right. He was sort of a hopeless romantic anyway. The song got pretty intense too, both of them had emotions behind their words, but eventually it as coming to a close and Jack sang out the ending chorus with Elisia.

Baby Thinkin of you keeps me up all night
You know I'm crazy, crazy, crazy for you baby
crazy, crazy, crazy for you baby...

Jack let his hands fall away from the guitar after the song finished, the instrument now resting on his lap. "Wow, was that as good for you as it was for me?" The Aussie asked in a teasing voice, his accent coming back to full force as if it never left.

[Elisia Lark]

The song ended and though she was sad it did, Ellie was thrilled by the whole thing. It had sounded so sweet and so close to the original songs it was based off of. Mash-ups were hard things to get into, but Elisia often tried out different things with similar beats and things that could be tied together in lyrics. The fact that this particular mash-up had worked out so beautifully made her giddy. And with someone so amazing himself? It made her...

It made her want to talk.

"That was so perfect! I can't even believe it, I mean the way both of our voices sounded...wow. Can you imagine if they had a talent show? We could totally win! Not that winning is everything, but we could!" And so her true personality began to shine. It wasn't that she was a generally talkative person, she just had such a strong passion for what she did and when she sang it excited her.

Elisia realized she was talking a mile a minute and bit down on her lip so that she stopped, "I'm sorry, I just get really passionate about the whole music thing. My parents really pushed me into it, not that I'm objecting, but that probably has a lot to do with it," She laughed quietly. She wanted to tell him more about herself, to share information with him that very few people really knew about her, but she didn't want to overstep her boundaries because, well she wasn't entirely sure what she could be considered to Jack. Maybe they were occasional acquaintances in which case personal information wasn't necessary.

But they'd sung together and that had to count for something...right?

[Jack Montoya]

The song had ended, and he was pretty sure he comment fell on deaf ears, but he didn't mind, the look on her face told him that she had enjoyed their duet. He had enjoyed it too, singing was fun and he had a nice time. He was suppose to be filing music, but he was caught up in this and besides, other people could file music. He didn't do much while he was in the music room, but it was all volunteer work and he was having too much fun here to go. There was a small tense silence in the room before he felt a dam break, and words came pouring out from the girl.

"That was so perfect! I can't even believe it, I mean the way both of our voices sounded...wow. Can you imagine if they had a talent show? We could totally win! Not that winning is everything, but we could!" She stated in excitement, and Jack was surprised. That was more he had gotten out of her in one breath than all the other times he had talked to her. That was probably an exaggeration, but it still felt like it. The idea of a talent show played through his head, and he enjoyed the image of him and Elisia up on stage, wowing everyone in the audience. It probably wouldn't happen, but it was still a cool image.

The girl was talking about a lot, and doing it at a fast pace too, but Jack really didn't mind, he was actually enjoying the conversation. Then, as if an invisible brick wall slammed back down over her flowing personality, she bit her lip and calmed down a bit."I'm sorry, I just get really passionate about the whole music thing. My parents really pushed me into it, not that I'm objecting, but that probably has a lot to do with it." She explained, obviously in an apology like she had done something wrong, the Aussie frowned at that.

"Hey, don't worry. I really don't mind how fast you talk or how much. Just don't get a jaw cramp, those suck." He stated, pointing to his jaw, a smile stretched across his face. "My friend Mark got me interested in guitar my sixth grade summer.. I think. Sure, my parents endorse music, but I never really took an interest in it until then." He added, hoping a little tid bit of his past might get her going again. He could have walked past the music room and ignored her song, but joining hadn't left him worse off.

[Elisia Lark]

Elisia was really only comfortable with the people that she'd known long enough to develop some sort of relationship with. A couple guys that she had met at Hammel before they graduated had become like older brothers and she had no problem talking to them because they already knew a lot about her. Her new friend Callie was on the verge of getting to know her, but they hadn't hung out since the dorm incident. Jack was slowly inching his way into more than just the occasional 'hey' in the hallways. Not to mention the infatuation she felt was developing to more of liking him.

"Right?" She agreed with a laugh. She'd gotten plenty of jaw cramps just from talking so much to her fathers. Tim was a lot like her when they got going. It was entertaining how such quiet and shy people could be the fastest talkers. Ellie blamed it on the fact that they kept it all in and it just flooded out. She was glad that Jack didn't mind her talking because it was only a matter of time before she ended up doing it again. She just hoped he could keep up.

When he continued she turned to look at him and was pleasantly surprised that he was sharing a bit of his past with her. Well, if he could then surely she could, too right? Ellie smiled wider, "That's so cool! Well my dad, Patrick was really into singing showtunes and everything when I was younger. He'd play them on the piano during holidays and family gatherings and they taught me all of the songs. My mom is a teacher at one of the dance companies in New York and my other father is a choir teacher, it sorta runs in the family." She had been careful not to give away the information that she was worried about someone finding out. It wouldn't have surprised her if he asked about the divorce, but she was worried it would lead to more questions.

[Jack Montoya]

The Aussie could tell she was getting comfortable, and that made him happy. He didn't want to be too overbearing on a poor shy girl, but there singing drew out another side of her. "Right?" Offered Elisia with a small laugh. Jack got the random jaw cramp from time to time, but it was mostly after growing or loosing his gills, when his body was either adjusting to dry land or water. Of course, not many people knew exactly what his power was. He was a bit more secretive around it, he'd rather not be publicly known as shark boy. Maybe if he found a lava girl he wouldn't mind.

Ellie seemed surprised when he shared something about his past, and she immediately opened up again, the brick wall crumbled. "That's so cool! Well my dad, Patrick was really into singing showtunes and everything when I was younger. He'd play them on the piano during holidays and family gatherings and they taught me all of the songs. My mom is a teacher at one of the dance companies in New York and my other father is a choir teacher, it sorta runs in the family." Jack listened to her intently, genuinely interested in what she had to say. It was a bit odd that she said something about two fathers, but then it snapped into his head. Her parents must have been divorced or something, and her mom got remarried.

"That's cool. My dad Jackson, guess who I am named after, is a video game engine designer, along with my Mum Addison. We all lived in Australia with my sister Blaire before she went to a school for meta's in Europe. Then we moved to New York and I went to Hammel during my seventh grade year I think. Then my parents had my little sister, Aveline." Jack stated, giving her an idea of his family life like she had done with him. "Sorry about your parents though. I hear divorce happens a lot now a days." Jack added.

[Elisia Lark]

Wall down and information flowing, Elisia found herself happy that she finally found a guy that was her own age that she could actually be friends with. She loved her older guy friends, but they treated her like a younger sister and though that had its benefits, she was lacking on just friends. And crushes. Jack just happened to fit both of those categories now. She wasn’t as nervous to talk to him now that she realized he wasn’t all that intimidating. His looks were, but his personality was not. She just found it easier to go with the flow of things now than she had before.

After her bit of information about her family, he went on to tell her about his. It was interesting, especially hearing it all in his accent. Living in Europe really did sound cool, if anything Ellie wanted to go there for the operas because Italy was known for them. Not to mention she found all accents amazing and personally wished she had one. It was interesting that he had been named for his father and how he was into videogame stuff. Ellie had a secret love of Halo, but very few people actually knew that about her. The fact that he moved to New York was fascinating and something they sort of shared in common. She envied him for having siblings, she’d been begging her fathers to adopt for a year or so now, but they didn’t want her to feel neglected if they had a baby to take care of. She couldn’t argue after that because after the way her mother neglected her, she wasn’t sure she’d take neglect well from her fathers.

And then he mentioned the divorce. Could she really just make it sound like her mother had remarried? Ellie didn’t like to lie and she knew it was bound to come out anyway, so why tiptoe around it? She had to get it over with before she got to be too friendly with him. “Yeah, it was rough. I was eleven when it happened, right before I manifested my mother found out my father was gay. They ended it, my father met Tim, and my mother stayed close to New York with her company.” She didn’t feel the need to get into all of the personal strain it put on her what with having to see a shrink and her mother ignoring her existence. That was a little heavy for the first real conversation. “I don’t mind it though, my dad is a lot happier with Tim and they are very cute together.” Now time to see if he’d freak out.

[Jack Montoya]

Jack had never really gotten to know his siblings until only very recently. It was a fact he didn't tell most people. When his sister moved to Kocher and left her family behind in Australia, he never got to see her. He was also young back then, so he hardly ever noticed her gone until he had gotten older. Then, when his family had moved to New York, things had gotten better, but only by a little bit. They talked every once in a while, but they hardly really knew much of each other. When he manifested, and came to Hammel, his relationship with Blaire improved vastly. The two actually got to spend time together and became best friends. His little sister Aveline was born after he had manifested and moved to Hammel, so he never really got to see her that much outside of vacations. Once she got older, he would make more of an appearance in her life.

“Yeah, it was rough. I was eleven when it happened, right before I manifested my mother found out my father was gay. They ended it, my father met Tim, and my mother stayed close to New York with her company.” She stated, like she thought Jack knew the situation. He though her mom had married another man, but her mom had actually stayed single for as much as he knew, and her dad got re-married. It was an odd thing sure, but it wasn't like it was weird or evil or anything. “I don’t mind it though, my dad is a lot happier with Tim and they are very cute together.” She added, and Jack gave her a smile.

"I bet they are. Glad, to hear that your old man is at least happy." He offered. "Sounds rough though, if you need someone to talk to, I'm here." He offered a bit awkwardly, wanting to be nice, but not wanting to overstep his bounds.

[Elisia Lark]

He hadn’t even stumbled through his words. It was like he hadn’t even heard her say that her father and Tim were together. But his words said otherwise. Ellie was in complete shock by his reaction. There were some types of people that weren’t as liberal and that didn’t care for gay marriage and the people that she had come across had treated not only her fathers, but her as well, rather poorly. She didn’t understand the problem with it though because it shouldn’t matter who married who as long as they were in love right? Wasn’t that the whole point of love?

Elisia didn’t know specifics about love because she’d never felt her truly for herself. Songs were written out of love often, but she was too young to really understand it. If it was anything like infatuation, she knew that love had to be crazy powerful. She was thankful that he hadn’t acted the same as those people and she was happy with how easily he had taken it. She had been all worked up, ready to defend her fathers, but there was no need. Jack had earned big points in her book and she was sure that they would be friends for a long time after this. The thought brought a smile to her face and his offer only made it grow wider.

“I may have to take you up on that, it’d probably be easier talking to a friend rather than a shrink,” She mentioned as nonchalant as possible. Ellie tried to act like her life was completely normal even if it wasn’t. “You know, you’re a lot different than what I expected I have to admit,” She said with a slightly sheepish smile. Building up this big picture in her mind of Jack ending up like those stereotypical attractive guys, the ones that knew they were hot and used it to get girls. Guys like that bugged her and it was a reason she kept to herself around him for a majority of the time before this. Now, she felt a little guilty for jumping to such a conclusion. He was nothing like those guys.

[Jack Montoya]

Elisia seemed a bit shocked at first by how easily Jack had spoken, but he wasn't thrown off. It must have been hard to grow up with two dads in a world like this, so he knew she was probably prepared for Jack to spout gay-hating non-sense. If you were together and you loved each other, then the specifics really didn't matter in Jack's book. The Aussie felt kind of sad for her in a way, having to grow up with ridicule by idiots. Then, after his offer and comment, the girl smiled brightly and spoke again.

“I may have to take you up on that, it’d probably be easier talking to a friend rather than a shrink." She stated, and Jack raised an eyebrow, but his face quickly broke into another smile. They sent people to shrinks for anything these days. “You know, you’re a lot different than what I expected I have to admit." She added.

"I try." Stated Jack, taking a small bow in his chair. "You are also really fun when you get past your shyness. I don't know why you are shy, but there is no reason for you too be. You are pretty cool." He offered, beaming under his own praise, but also giving it back out because she deserved it.

[Elisia Lark]

Again, Jack surprised her. He never asked about the shrink and she wouldn't mention it again. There was no reason to bring up such unpleasant things when she was having such a nice conversation with him. She really did like talking to him. Jack treated her with the respect she often never received and he gave her a reason to smile every time he said something that surprised her. Very few people surprised her, one had become her best friend and older brother figure, Jack was on his way to being the only guy her age that she had become friends with.

Having a crush on him just made things that much more interesting. It was no longer just because he was attractive and had a pretty smile. Now she liked him for his passion towards music and the sweetness that came from his heart. The boy in front of her hadn't stopped surprising her since the moment he came in and she loved it. He gave a bow and she just laughed.

Ellie bit her lower lip, her eyebrows pulling together, "I'm not exactly sure why I act so timid around people. Only a select few really see what I'm really like. It's funny though, usually it's the quiet ones you can't get to shut up half the time." Giving him a smile she trailed her fingers gently across the keys playing a song she remembered from her childhood. "My friend Robbie always tells me that I need to associate myself with more social people," She said with a shrug.

[Jack Montoya]

He was glad she was finally coming out of her shell, shy people always had the bad end of the stick, staying quiet, letting things like possible friends, romances, and all that pass them by. he wondered how hard it must be for her t be so guarded. He himself didn't really need or feel the need to stay guarded. "I'm not exactly sure why I act so timid around people. Only a select few really see what I'm really like. It's funny though, usually it's the quiet ones you can't get to shut up half the time." She offered, causing Jack to laugh a bit in response and nod his head. At least she was talking now, and he was getting to know the real Elisia, and he was happy with what he found. "My friend Robbie always tells me that I need to associate myself with more social people." She stated.

"Well at least we are talking." Jack offered with another smile to Eisia. "Besides your an ace of a girl, you don't need to be so shy." He stated, giving Elisia a thumbs up. "Your friend Robbie. Does he come here? Or did you leave him back in New York?" He asked curiously. He had friends outside of Hammel once upon a time too but they were all pretty much faded into memory besides the really close ones that lived where his parents lived, he would see them during the holidays and things like that.

[Elisia Lark]

One would say that Elisia had missed out on a lot. Friends and romances alike, though she’d never realize that. It had been a miracle when Robbie broke through her shell when it had been at its thickest. Just after manifesting, her parents still going through a divorce and her weekly visits to the shrink, well she wasn’t the most normal kid at that time. Along with feeling like a freak, she was positive that everyone saw her that way too, it was like everyone knew exactly what she was going through and were judging her because of it. It was a wonder that anyone had ever gotten through to her, but she was glad that Robbie had.

It didn’t make her any more social though.

“Uhm, th-thanks,” Ellis smiled and turned her face to hide the blush on her cheeks. The more he complimented her, the more nervous she got around him, but in a good way this time. “He graduated last year from Hammel. He goes to the university up here though so I get to see him a lot. He’s pretty much my older brother.” Maybe that was a slight warning to Jack in case anybody named Robbie ever came after him looking for answers and details. Once she told Robbie about today, there was no doubt in her mind that he’d want to meet Jack. Talk about terrifying.

[Jack Montoya]

Jack hadn't tried to miss out on much, being a single child from six tell around thirteen meant that he got really bored through most of the year. Because of this, he invested a lot of time in friends at school, the city pool, family, sports, and music. He became a really well rounded kid while focusing on all of that, but he always missed his sister. She was his bear, and then she went away when he was six, and he hardly ever got to saw her enough to even have a relationship with her. When he manifested, he felt a bit freak-ish, he still does, mostly. That is why if she asked him what his powers were, he would probably play it off.


“Uhm, th-thanks, He graduated last year from Hammel. He goes to the university up here though so I get to see him a lot. He’s pretty much my older brother.” She explained, turning her head at his comment. He was pretty sure that she might have been blushing, but he just smiled and looked down a bit toward the ground.

"Ah, well if I ever run into him, I bet it would be nice to meet him." He offered, looking back up towards her. "Hopefully he doesn't mind a guy teaching his little sister guitar lessons on Wednesdays." He added, turning his gaze towards the ceiling.

[Elisia Lark]

If Jack ever ran into Robbie, his best bet would be to turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Not that Robbie was the type to threaten someone right off the bat, or at all considering Jack didn’t even like Elisia. It’d be a different story if they were going to end up dating, but Ellie was sure that it wouldn’t happen. Jack was the type of guy who could get anyone, literally anyone if he wanted and she just didn’t put herself in that category.

Giving him a smile, “He is a really nice guy. I mean he’s really protective and everything, but he wouldn’t be mad at you for teaching me guitar. It’s not like you’re going to do anything bad.” Robbie would probably like to think otherwise, but Elisia knew Jack wasn’t the type to take advantage of a girl like that. As long as Ellie told Robbie it was nothing to get worked up over, if he ever did meet Jack, things would go just fine.

“Maybe your sister knows him? I mean, if they go to the same school and everything, it’d be possible right?” She asked quietly so that the conversation didn’t stop abruptly. That sort of thing happened to her often and things got real awkward afterwards.

[Jack Montoya]

Protective older brothers made Jack think about his little sister Aveline. She was a cute, smart, and fun little girl, an amazing sister to have really. Even though she was only two, Jack could already tell she would be as stellar as him and his sister. He also hated that as well, because to be honest, most of the guys he knew were jerks and treated women like second hand tools. He would burst a gasket if he ever found out his little sister Ave was being treated like that. She was little, and those years were far off, but Jack still got a bit uncomfortable about the thought of it all.

“He is a really nice guy. I mean he’s really protective and everything, but he wouldn’t be mad at you for teaching me guitar. It’s not like you’re going to do anything bad.” She stated in a reassuring tone. Jack could relate, and he understood the apprehensiveness Robbie might have.

“Maybe your sister knows him? I mean, if they go to the same school and everything, it’d be possible right?” She asked, a bit quietly.

"Well tell him not to worry, I don't bite." He offered, with a joking wink toward Elisia. "As for if Robbie and Blaire know each other, I might as well ask. I will be decorating her Christmas tree with her at her apartment later this week." He added, smiling at what he had just said with anticipation. He loved spending time with his sister.