Flicker, Fade (Open)

[Nica Serrano]

Summer was over. It was a depressing reality for Nica, who found herself back in the school again. This should have been her last year, her senior year, but the unfortunate truth was the Australian would be back here again next year. And possibly the year after that. A late manifestation on top of the curriculum change was enough to set her back one, possibly two years. Apparently it was in the Serrano namesake to take a little extra time.

She was doing okay, though. No failed classes. When she applied herself, Nica could do the work with ease. But that involved effort and interest and concentration, a delicate balance to maintain. Academic classes weren't too terrible.

One thing was for certain though; Nica was not looking forward to standing in the cold gymnasium and participating in team sports again. She adjusted her shorts discreetly, standing off to the side from the rest of her peers. Hair tied back, she looked the part to participate. Ready to run around and kick a ball or something.

Nica kept quiet, green eyes scanning the gym in front of her. Everyone was running around, laughing and enjoying themselves. Her only thought was how. She began picking at the chipped nail polish on her fingers, thinking about the rest of the day and wondering if she could get away with manipulating time so gym class would end. Then, a ball rolled to her feet. The gentle nudge was enough to make Nica look up to see a student run towards her.

"Need this?" She asked, motioning with her head towards the ball at her feet.

[Amber Ignis]

Despite Amber's tendency to be a loner, she actually quite enjoyed gym class. Growing up, she would do anything to be like her brother, Jonas, which included learning how to skateboard, play soccer, and just about any other sport. Gym class was an opportunity for Amber to pretend to be a part of the crowd when she usually felt so out of place.

She was very engaged in a game of soccer, but a misstep made her miss a ball that went flying to the other side of the gymnasium. Amber ran towards the ball where she saw Nica standing off looking like a fish out of water. Running over she replied, "Yeah, thanks." Amber took the ball off the ground and threw it back into play, but instead of reentering the game, she decided to take break.

Amber had seen Nica around school before, but had never really spoken to her much. At this moment, she felt an inclination to talk to this girl who looked so out of place. Maybe because that is how Amber usually felt herself. "You aren't playing?" Amber inquired slightly out of breath from running.

[Nica Serrano]

Clearly, Nica looked very out of her comfort zone. Uncomfortable with the idea of running around, chasing a ball for an hour or so and trying to score it in the opposing team's net. Maybe soccer was for some people, but not for her. She was sure the gym teacher wasn't too happy with the lack of enthusiasm and participation on her part, though.

She was getting somewhat involved as the ball rolled over to her. Most people would've kicked it back but Nica just stared; first at the ball, then at the approaching figure. Amber was her name, right? The other girl looked familiar but Nica wasn't 100% certain if that was her name or not. "All good," The Australian replied.

Shaking her head, a small smile pulled across Nica's lips. "Nah, I'm not huge on soccer. Looks like a pretty intense game you're playing though." She said, noticing the different breathing tempo.

[Amber Ignis]

Amber noticed that Nica was almost afraid of the ball. She only stared at it as if she had no idea what to do with it. Though Amber excelled and felt at home playing sports, she related with this girl’s apparent anxiety over social activities. Amber waved to her teammates as if to say ‘be back in a minute’ while she leaned against the wall to catch her breath and talk to Nica.

“It’s not so bad if you just try it.” Amber doubted the gym teacher would care so much if she stood against the wall for a moment. She always participated to the fullest and she felt entitled to a break.

“Nica, right? I’m Amber by the way.” Amber knew she had seen her in classes, but they never exchanged any words. Amber did not talk to most people and especially not people who were just as shy as her. But as Amber kept reminding herself, this was a new year and a new leaf turned over. And this new leaf suddenly included making Nica feel welcome in gym class.

[Nica Serrano]

The Australian wrinkled her nose. "Pretty sure if I go out there I'll break an ankle. Mine or someone else's." Although it could be interpreted as Nica's dry sense of humour, she was also pretty serious. In her earlier days at Hammel, Nica had been part of the cheerleadering squad but that was more in her quest to achieve popularity. She wasn't awful, but she didn't excel at it either.

"Yeah, you got it." Nica was pleasantly surprised since most people struggled to pronounce her first name. But she nailed it. "Think I've seen you around before." Never said a word to her though, which didn't necessarily bother her. She had some friends, but more importantly she had Lucy. Until she graduated.

Trying not to dwell on that thought, Nica's gaze flickered between Amber and the other students who were waiting for the game to start. "I'll join in but I can't promise anything good." She warned her, kneeling down to tighten her shoelaces in preparation for what was to come.

[Amber Ignis]

Nica was sweet. Upon first talking to her, Amber could tell the girl was shy, but still very nice. It was a safe assumption to say that she didn't have many friends. That's what drew Amber to her. In her quest for friendship, it was much easier to target another loner.

Amber watched the other students, but felt no desire to continue playing. She also saw that the teacher failed to notice the two girls lacking in participation. "Actually I take it back." Amber said as she saw Nica lacing up her shoes. "What do you like to do for fun?"

If the teacher didn't notice the two of them sitting out, what was the harm? Amber doubted that sitting out one day would ruin her grade. She was much more interested in breaking through Nica's shell.