In My Mind's Eye Horatio...(OPEN)

[Danielle S. Marks]

A pair of chocolate brown eyes gazed down into the pages of a book. One hand was brushing a bit of stray hair back from the feminine face while the other delicately held the book upright so the pages could be read. If you took a look at either the cover or the spine of the book, you would see the title Hamlet. The pages were worn with use. The reader, Danielle Marks, had taken in the pages of this book multiple times over. She was rereading it for fun, with the hope that she would gain more insights about the play's character's as she turned the pages one more time. Now this girl, Danielle, was an avid reader, and would read anything from encyclopedias to the back of a cereal box. However, classic literature was her favorite and most loved genre of novels.

She could feel her heart pounding as she read about Ophelia's plunge into the water, and even though she had read the book many times over, her mind treated it as though she was reading it for the first time, and she was shocked. She paused for a moment as she took in the smell of the crisp fall air, and the sights of the glorious plants around her in the Gardens. This was an unusual spot to find Dani reading. Her normal and first choice was always in the woods, but this year, it seems that someone else was spending time in what she selfishly thought of as her sanctuary, so starting today she moved to a new spot. Yesterday she had been reading when she heard a nearby male voice shouting in the forest. Instead of giving into her slight curious instincts to check it out, she had bolted back the way she came to the school. So now, here she was, curled up against a stone wall, surrounded by various plants of the garden. Thankful for these moments of silence to do what she loved best.

A brisk bit of wind whipped through the garden, causing a shiver to run up Danielle's spine. She quickly tugged on her knit hat, hoping it would continue to keep her ears warm. She placed Hamlet face down on her lap as she extended her knees out. Dani was thankful she had chosen to wear her warm and fuzzy moccasins. Her right hand reached out to grab her green thermos and she put the top to her lips, gently tipping it up so some of the warm liquid could find it's way into her mouth. She smiled as she felt the warmth of the hot cocoa take it's journey down her throat. Sure, it wasn't freezing outside, but Dani never passed up the opportunity to drink hot cocoa while reading. She placed the travel mug onto the ground and gently picked up her book. With a small sigh exiting her mouth, and a slight smile playing upon the corners of her lips, she began reading once more.

TAGS?!

[/color] Open!
WORDS?![/color] 500
OUTFIT?![/color] click here
MUSE?![/color] Feeling good.
[/right][/size]

[Matthew Lee Stone]

The air was filled with the incredelous smells of flowers that day in the dargen. The chilling air was a warning to everything around it that soon there would be no life, so appreciate what is there while it is. The world was now shrinking back from fun summer days, back to the bone chilling world that had been there a year before. The garden itself wasn't a haven like the forest had been. It wasn't impossible to get lost, but it was a lot harder than it had been yesterday in the woods.

Matthew Stone walked down the rows of the garden. A smile was ettched upon his lips as his brown eyes skimmed over the dying beautiful flowers. His black jacket hugged him for warmth, just as it had done all those cold winter days back in New York. In one hand, he held his favorite book. A book of poems and stories by Edgar Allen Poe. His other hand was safely tucked away in his pocket, shielded from the cold world outside.

"Hiding once more," his mind scornfully whispered. The smile faded, replaced with a grim and uneasy expression. He was always hiding. Even then he was hiding from the school where he was a no one. No one knew him. No one cared. He was the new kid without a friend. He was hiding from his parents who had sent him to a God forsaken school. He was hiding from his powers and being an "abomination" (as his parents had said). He was hiding from it all. Any chance to escape was his own haven.

He closed his eyes, trying to block out all the negative thoughts he was thinking through. "Relax. It's okay. Only two more years and I'll be away. I'll be free to go to a college, make it on my own--be my own." Matthew continued down the path, a smile slowly forming at the images of freedom pictured on his eyelids.

All it took was one tip of a fuzzy mocasin to send him thrown off blanace and tumbling to the ground. His eyes flashed open and his book went soaring through the air and skidding down the row through the garden. Matthew crashed to the cold ground, the air rushing from him. It took him a few moments to put himself together. As well as keep himself in control. Slowly, his eyes opened as he pushed himself up to his hands and knees. At once his head snapped over to the cause of his fall, and the moment it did, he was aching with not pain--but regret.

A girl had been sitting by the wall, reading a book. Her eyes were chocolate brown and she looked positively innocent to him. Matthew regretfully eyed over her and said quickly, "I am so sorry, Miss. I wasn't watching where I was. I'm really sorry." Matthew ran a hand through his hair, nervously trying to react.

He propped himself so he was on one knee then looked down at her fuzzy shoe with a gentle smile, then back at her. "Are you alright?" Matthew asked, still holding the apologetic smile.

[Danielle S. Marks]

Danielle's mind was truly absorbed into the book as she read, sucking up every page as if it were water and she was dying of thirst. Suddenly, just as she was turning the page, she felt pressure against her ankle. Following that odd frictional sensation she heard the sickening sound of pages of a book skittering across the chilled ground, the thud of someone crashing to the ground and the gasp of that someone as they got the wind knocked out of them. For most of this slight ordeal, Danielle's eyes had been sealed shut, and she had been clutching her book tight to her chest. Seconds after hearing the fall, Dani decided she should open her eyes to see if her hypothesis was correct. She saw a figure, seemingly male, on his hands and knees, attempting to stand up. Her jaw dropped in horror. Her leg peeking out of the bushes had caused this student to fall. She silently cursed herself as she placed the book down at her side. She listened intently to what he had to say, fully aware now that she couldn't run away, as she normally would in awkward situations such as these. She was cornered against the wall, and now concerned that her carelessness may have caused him harm.

"I am so sorry, Miss. I wasn't watching where I was. I'm really sorry."

Although he was speaking quite quickly, Danielle could tell that he was sincere. What Dani didn't understand was why he was sorry, she was the one who had her legs lallygagging about in the middle of the walkway in the first place. And when he said miss Danielle immediately felt the blood rush to her cheeks. Nobody, well not anybody at this school, had ever called her miss and this new experience caused her to blush slightly. It seemed these days that her cheeks were rarely not a shade of red or pink for some reason or another, but mostly embarrassment. She tried to open her mouth to speak, but the words didn't seem to be able to come to her. All she could do was watch him run his hands through his hair, and for some reason, it was much easier and better than coming up with something to say. In other words, Danielle wasn't very talkative. She watched sit up so he was somewhat kneeling, and still hadn't managed to say a single word. Her mouth had opened several times, but in reality she just looked like a fish making bubbles. Finally, after what seemed like hours of silence, but was only really a couple of seconds, he asked her a direct question.

"Are you alright?"

Danielle felt the heat rise to her cheeks once more, now she had to answer. He wasn't just exclaiming his apology, he was asking her a question. Danielle released her grip on her book and quickly brushed some hair out of her eyes before nodding slowly. "I'm...I'm fine."

[/color] She said softly, relieved that she wasn't completely incapable of speech. "But you're the one who fell..." She added just as quietly, and pulled her legs in and under her to the point that she was kneeling, but her bottom was still on the backs of her legs. Her gaze fell upon the book that had skittered away, and she frowned, knowing that if it had been her book, she would have been devastated that it fell. She then noticed the cover, it was one of her personal favorites. "Is that Poe?"[/color] She asked, lighting up for a brief moment before realizing how enthusiastic her question had been.
[/center]

TAGS?!

[/color] Mr. Matthew Stone
WORDS?![/color] 603
OUTFIT?![/color] click here
MUSE?![/color] Still good.
NOTES?![/color] Hope this is okay >.< Dani is so shy.
[/right][/size]

[Matthew Lee Stone]

Matthew’s smile slowly rose, either at the fact that she finally spoke, or that she knew about Edgar Allan Poe. He stood up from his one knee and slowly walked over to his book, picking it up gently from the chilled grass. His eyes scanned over it, his fingers numbly scanning through the pages. It was just as well as it had been. This book had been with him for over two years now—it was pretty durable. Matthew turned back to the girl, slowly walking back.

”Yes it is,” he coolly chuckled, looking back down at her, ”he’s one of my favorites. And in fact, I’m a bit surprised. I didn’t think anyone at this school even knew about him.” Matthew smiled kindly, trying to hide his disdain for the cruel school and being as polite as he could.

”And as for me falling, I don’t mind. It’s your foot I’m a bit worried about. But you’re okay so it’s all okay, right?” Matthew said, his smile spreading over his lips. He glanced down at her book, and his brown eyes lit up in surprise. ”She reads!” he thought, a bit surprised more than anything. He had seen the book, but assumed it was Twilight or something else like that. But it was true literature—Hamlet.

He grinned, and then pointed at her book, ”And you have my good friend Shakespeare with you?” Matthew smiled faintly, biting his tongue to keep himself from making any more of an idiot out of himself than he already was.

(Sorry, at school.)

[/blockquote]

[Danielle S. Marks]

Danielle was just about to apologize for her question when she noticed a smile appear on this boys face. Was it possible that he didn't mind her apparent knowledge of the author? It wasn't to uncommon for Danielle to see guys that read, her brother loved to read, but someone who appreciated the classics other than the fads that rise and fall in the modern age? That was rare. So rare in fact, that Danielle found herself smiling slightly as well. This was the first time in a long while that Dani wanted to get to know a person. This guy liked the kind of books that she did...she could talk to him about her latest favorite, or books she had yet to read. She was so lost in thought she hadn't even realized that he had stood, grabbed the book, and returned. She glanced up at him as he spoke, book in hand.

"Yes it is, he’s one of my favorites. And in fact, I’m a bit surprised. I didn’t think anyone at this school even knew about him."

Danielle's eyes lit up once more, returning his smile, though hers had a hint of excitement in it. She nodded slightly before talking. "Not many people do. But I guess...I guess I'm not... not like most people.." Her voice trailed off for a moment, her natural shyness fighting back. But the thought of books gave her a bit of confidence once more."I know it's creepy, but one of my favorite stories of his is The Cask of Amontillado. It's so disturbing, yet a fascinating tale of revenge." Danielle paused, surprised at the strength of her own voice, yes, it was still soft, but it lacked the usual caution she spoke with.

”And as for me falling, I don’t mind. It’s your foot I’m a bit worried about. But you’re okay so it’s all okay, right?”

Danielle glanced down at her moccasin clad foot and then back up to her new acquaintance. "If you.. If you insist.."

[/color] The confidence had retreated once more. It seemed as though as long as she was talking about books and not necessarily herself, she was fine in terms of speaking to this boy. But other than that, she was searching for words, her voice soft and lacking conviction. "My foot is fine...So yes, uhm. It's all okay." She gave an awkward thumbs up in order to emphasize the fact she was fine. She immediately realized how dorky she must have looked, and cursed her lack of social skills.

Even in her budding embarrassment, she noticed the look he gave when he glanced at her book she still held in her grasp. He looked happy..surprised even. Her eyes briefly met his, and in order to stop herself from blushing, she distracted herself by taking a sip of hot cocoa. It was still deliciously warm and the sensation of the liquid sinking down her throat was a good enough distraction for the moment. Besides, if her cheeks flushed, perhaps he would assume it was from the hot liquid.

”And you have my good friend Shakespeare with you?”

Danielle smiled slightly and nodded. "Yes. Friend indeed. He is incredibly genius I'd have to say. His tragedies are quite compelling, but his comedies are also fantastic."[/color]She smiled broadly, excited and happy to be talking about her favorite thing in life. "I could go on and on about my favorite books though..." She added quietly, realizing that he probably had things to do and didn't want to spend all afternoon listening to some outcast talk about her favorite books. But what Danielle didn't know is that Matthew himself was new and in his own way, an outcast. Dani just assumed he was from Zeger, and that's why she really hadn't seen him around before this year. "I don't.. I don't want to hold you up... I'm sure you've got.. um, things... to do.." She said, scooting so she was sitting on her bottom rather than her knees once more.
[/center]

TAGS?!

[/color] Mr. Matthew Stone
WORDS?![/color] 667
OUTFIT?![/color] click here
MUSE?![/color] Chugalug.
[/right][/size]

[Matthew Lee Stone]

Matthew's eyes flickered between the book, her face, and the green thermos. HIs mind was now running at a hundred miles a minute. How uncommon it was to find a person even capable of liking such fantastic books! And now he had fallen upon one and made an idiot out of himself on the one person he might have actually gotten along with. He kept pressing on though, his normal sense of when to tell him to shut up fading away.

He grinned happilly at the mentioning of her favorite book and he couldn't stifle a laugh even. "Cask of Amontillado was the first I read. At first, I thought he was insane, then I began to love it. I think my favorite though, one has been The Tell-Tale Heart. I mean really, how can something be so disgusting to shove the old man away be so interesting." Matthew glanced down at his book, smiling for a moment. For once in a very long time, he felt like a normal person. No gifts, not friendless, not a disgrace--just happy.

His brown eyes shifted back up to her as she took a drink. He caught the blush, butt assumed it was from the air, or the drink--but never of emotion. At her broad smile, he felt one tugging at his lips as well. When she gave the thumbs up, he laughed a bit and returned the slightly dorky, yet very retro, thumbs-up. She was nice, and could do dorky things and be okay with it. Two things he was instantly intrested by. All the girls in New York were the same. Stuck up, snooty, prissy, and as fake as their chests. But this girl was the opposite. She was real.

At the mention of Shakespeare, he felt himself becoming a bit embarassed. "He's a great writer. The comedies are fun and his tragedies are breathtaking. But, between you and me," he gave a mock look around the gardens, as if looking to see if anyone else was around, then bent a bit closer to her and whispered, "Romeo and Juliet is my favorite. I have a few ideas about the modern version, but I love the story. Star-crossed lovers. A terrible death. It was great. Of course, if I were Romeo and my parents told me that I couldn't be with the girl I loved, I'd tell them to screw off and run off with her."

The idea was stupid, but that was how he saw it. If Romeo and Juliet had been willing to die for each other, but not just tell their parents no--then they were cowards. "If I had a girl to love, hell I'd show her off instead of hiding her with secrets," he had always thought. But there was a great difference between that time and now, and still he couldn't figure out why anyone would hide such a secret of love.

At the mention of leaving, his stomach dropped. She assumed he had a life. His brown eyes fell down to his book for a moment. He didn't have a life anymore, it was just school and hiding. "The poor girl wants to read," he thought with a bit more sense. "Actually, " Matthew said, glancing back up to her with a tiny smile, "I have nothing to do. At all. Except for tripping over nice girls who are reading good books. Oh and look at that!" he exclaimed, smiling a bit more, "you were my first and last stop. But I won't disturb your reading anymore, Miss."

[/blockquote]

[Danielle S. Marks]

Danielle felt an odd emotion, one that she rarely experienced with strangers. She was... she was happy. Normally the only person she could talk to like this was her big brother, but this was something totally new. She wanted to spend the whole afternoon just talking about books with this guy. She had a funny feeling that he would not only listen, but engage in the conversation. She glanced up at him for a moment and for the first time realized how attractive he actually was. Why is he here talking to me?? She thought to herself, not quite sure how she hadn't noticed his physical appearance before. Perhaps she was so focused on the fact that he himself liked to read as well, that she didn't even take the time to actually see him.

She watched him smile at her mention one of her favorite Edgar Allen Poe stories, and immediately returned his smile. Danielle found herself nodding. "I know exactly what you mean. One time we had to read one of his stories for English and some of the people in the class just couldn't handle it. I don't think Mr. Poe is for the faint hearted..."

[/color] Danielle felt a little odd saying this, because outside of reading, Dani was definitely faint hearted. She never did anything out of her comfort zone, and avoided social contact as much as possible. But at this point, she didn't feel like herself, not around... whoever this was. She didn't even know his name, yet he was making her feel more alive than she had felt in years. Not once had she ever been so eager to talk to someone, and it seemed like the years of social silence had built up and were about to explode.

Before she could get too embarrassed about her awkward thumbs up, she noticed he returned it. But the odd thing was, it wasn't as though he was mocking her. When he laughed, she found it contagious and couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle of her own. After her mention of Shakespeare, Danielle noticed a change in the tone. He was about to tell her something that apparently not many people knew. As he glanced around the gardens in a somewhat mock manner, Danielle found the anticipation rising. Was he going to say what she thought? No. No his favorite would never be something as sappy as what she thought. Despite her gut feeling of what he would say, she bent in to listen to his whisper anyway. Her mouth dropped in shock as the words exited his lips. But... but that was her favorite Shakespeare play. There was a reason why she kept it at her bedside, It was a source of comfort, she had read it so many times that she could essentially act it out herself.

"Where have you been all my life?" She blurted out without thinking. How could she have said something so bold. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. If hadn't wanted to get up and leave before, he most certainly should have wanted to now. "What I mean is. Most people don't appreciate that story as much as I do.. It's....just.. just not usual."[/color] She smiled weakly, still silently cursing herself for her impulsive outburst. "I always feel like such a sap for liking it. But I totally understand what you mean. Why should people hide who or what they love?" There was a lot more emotion behind her words than she had intended. She was of course talking about her big secret. Her sister. Her sister she would never see again. Her sister she never told anyone about. Her sister who she loved (not in a romantic way, but in a family way..just clarifying) and was hiding from the world for fear that the guilt and pain would consume her.

When he mentioned he had nothing to do, Danielle's stomach did a flip flop. So he was not busy... He could spend all day talking to her about books, a form of escape from the cruelty that was high school. Sure, she didn't really care what other people thought about her, nor did she have any desire to go to social events such as the Homecoming dance..but that didn't mean she didn't crave a close friend. Someone who understand how reading a good book made her feel. Or someone who she could talk to about a recent book she read. Most people only wanted to discuss facebook statuses and twitter updates. Dani wanted more indepth stuff than that. It was also hard for Dani to make female friends here at school, because even though she was well groomed, she didn't overuse makeup, or what not. She bought most of her close secondhand so sometimes they were fashionable, but she didn't have to put her whole paycheck into a pair of shoes.

Wait. Did he just call her a nice girl? Dani blushed slightly at the informal compliment. Most people saw her as the book worm, or the quiet kid. But a nice girl? Nobody but her brother gave her compliments like that. Before she could stop herself, she was responding to his comment about not having much to do and not wanted to interrupt her reading. "No, no. You're not interrupting. It's really refreshing having someone to talk to about books. Most people only want to talk about what shoes they want to wear tomorrow, or how they want to dye their hair.[/color] Dani paused to take a breath, for a usually quiet individual, this was a lot of talking. "And I am surprised that you don't have anything to do...guys who are as.."[/color] Danielle hand to pause, she was refraining from saying anything about his physical appearance, despite the fact that those were the only kinds of words that came to mind. She coughed into her elbow, pretending that's the reason she had trailed off before continuing. "Guys who are as interesting as you.."[/color] She said almost a little too quickly. "I am the type of person who should stay in hiding all day, with no social plans." Danielle gave a grim smile, pained at the truth of her statement. "And you don't have to keep calling me Miss if you don't want to. Though it is quite nice... My name is Danielle."[/color] She slowly and cautiously extended her hand, hoping she didn't make herself look any more like a fool than she already had.

[/center]

TAGS?!

[/color] Mr. Matthew Stone
WORDS?![/color] 1079
OUTFIT?![/color] click here
MUSE?![/color] WOAH.
NOTES?![/color] AHH. Sorry. It's quite lengthy.
[/right][/size]

[Matthew Lee Stone]

Matthew stared at her, his smile never suppressing. She was curious. She kept him on his toes and enchanted to the spot. He didn't even know her other than she liked books, and somehow, that made him want to stay more. It was a mystery, and he wanted to figure her out. How many other people had he told about his love of books? None. He never told anyone that he loved Romeo and Juliet either. She was different. He could open up to her and not worry if she told anyone--hell he wouldn't be mad either.

At the talk of Poe, he laughed, a bit cruelly, and said, "I think Mr. Poe is twisted, sick, cruel, and sickening. And that's why he's such a genius and I'm in love with him." His mind traced back to his days in New York. They first started reading Tell-Tale Heart and a couple of girls cried at his story. Yet, he found it exciting and amazing.

When she blurted out "Where have you been all my life?" he grinned wildly. He chuckled and even sported a slight blush. "I've been in New York, wasting away a life of people who don't read, and then getting ship--" at once he snapped down on his tongue. She didn't want to hear this part. It'd kill the good mood of course. Casually he smiled and corrected himself, "And then I was sent out here. Luckily for me, though, I have a chance now to meet someone worth talking to." He knew how bad it was that he could say anything to her. What if he told her about his gift? "She'd hate me of course. A girl who is as pretty and smart as her. She'd want me dead. Hell I want me dead. Don't tell her the secret." It killed him a bit to keep it in, but he managed it.

"Most people can't comprehend Romeo and Juliet I don't think. And don't worry about feeling like a sap. If I had told anyone at my old school that, they would have laughed at me till I died. But what can I say? I love romantic stories." Matthew chuckled and then pointed jokingly at her, "You better not run off and tell either." He winked at her, to show he was only joking.

Matthew looked over her once more, the smile brightening each moment. Teasingly he said, "I'm thinking about dying my hair pink and giving up reading. It sounds like a great idea, right?" At her pause, his smile faded. "Crap. She's going to say ugly? Annoying? Stupid? All of them. Ah crap, the cover up cough. Crap crap crap." And yet, he held the smile.

"Well... I normally never have plans and this is the first time in a long time I've had a conversation. I have no social life or ever social plans." He awkwardly shrugged. At the mention of her name, he grinned again. With a small, polite bow he replied, "Pleasure to meet you, Danielle. I'm Matthew. Matthew Stone."

[Danielle S. Marks]

Danielle noticed his gaze was on her a bit intent, something that usually never happened aside from when she was getting dirty looks from her classmates. But his face was kind, and a large smile was plastered upon it. A smile that made her knees weak...well, would have made her knees weak if she had actually been standing. All it really did was make her heart pound ever so much faster. She couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking as she spoke with him, oh how everything would be so much better if she had a power such as telepathy...but that was nonsense... No matter what myths implied, nobody had supernatural powers.

"Twisted indeed.."

[/color] Was all that she could manage to say. Danielle was taken aback by his slightly cruel laughter, she was used to hearing that type. However, it seemed as though the cruelty was not directed at her, but at Poe... Or so she hoped. This would be just perfect though, she finally opens up to someone socially and they turn and act just like anyone else. Danielle wondered if this fellow would even want to be associated with her once he finds out her dwindling social status as the invisible girl. The uneasiness that had overcome her for a moment disappeared instantly as he smiled widely, chuckling at her mistake. New York? That was a ways away. She couldn't help but return his smile when she realized he hadn't taken what she said the wrong way. He was truly someone like she had never seen before. She raised her brow slightly at the pause, again wishing she could have known what he intended to say. All of that curiosity went out the window when the following words exited his lips.

"Luckily for me, though, I have a chance now to meet someone worth talking to."

What did he mean by that? Danielle's heart pounded slightly faster. Did he mean that by being sent out here for school he would probably meet someone worth talking to? Or, did he mean that he had already met someone worth talking to and that someone was Dani.. Or, was Danielle reading far too much into his statement? She smiled slightly, for it was warranted no matter what he meant. She noticed he seemed to be lost in thought for a brief moment, and for millisecond she thought she smile falter... Perhaps it was just an illusion, or perhaps it had really happened. Either way, Danielle wished she knew what he was thinking, so she could feel much more at ease.

The tension, or whatever it was, was gone and once more was replaced with a playful air. She found herself nodding along as he spoke, understanding completely. It might have been acceptable for Danielle to love Romeo and Juliet, but he was right, most people at this school would eat him alive if they knew. When he told her not to run and tell, she let out a soft chuckle. She also made a zipping motion across her lips. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone." To be honest, there was nobody for her to tell. And if she told her brother? He wouldn't care, nor make fun of this boy. All she could do was nod her head and giggle when he made the comment of dyeing his hair. She pictured his handsome locks in a vibrant pink, and couldn't help but notice how he still looked gorgeous, well, in her mind at least.

Her face turned into one full of empathy when he stated how this was the only conversation he had had in a while. She knew exactly how he felt. This was one of the few times she was actually excited to be talking with someone...other than her brother. But she hadn't realized how much she missed socializing, and she knew she still had some shy instincts. But now, in this moment, she realized how important talking to someone..other than your flesh and blood...that cares about your thoughts is a glorious experience. Her attention was directed back to Matthew after she introduced herself, and couldn't help but smile at his bow. He was such a gentleman, hardly something she could say about any of the guys at this school. Well, most of the guys. "Matthew Stone..."[/color] She echoed softly. "Well Mr. Stone..." She said, "I now know that you have a knack for choosing really fantastic pieces of literature. Are there any other special abilities I should know about?"[/color] Her tone was playful, the second part of that last statement had been one to find out what other hobbies he had... She had no idea what implications it could have for students who were of Zeger quality. She was making conversation, and she didn't want to lose this social interaction, so she had mustered up her courage and strength to talk to this boy.
[/center]

TAGS?!

[/color] Mr. Matthew Stone
WORDS?![/color] 817
OUTFIT?![/color] click here
MUSE?![/color] xD
NOTES?![/color] !! OH snaps. What horrible phrasing of a question Dani.. >.<
[/right][/size]

[Matthew Lee Stone]

Everything seemed to freeze at the question. His smile dropped and his face ran pale. His lips opened to tell her exactly what special abilities he had. He wanted to tell her everything. Tell her about his parents hate. Tell her about his powers. To tell her about his lack of a life. To tell her about everything in his life that had screwed him over at one point. She had a knack at making him want to spill out his life--and he had known her for less than a day. Did she have powers of her own? Or was that just his sick twisted way or craving life? To admit it all? Or more perhaps? Either way, he snapped down on his tongue once more.

He knew he had already made an idiot out of himself, and it was too late to revert back to how it just had been. Smiling and laughing and not just staring at the girl like he was about to die. Matthew collected himself together and calmly said, "Everyone has special abilities, Danielle," he gently smiled again. "Yours so far, seems to be enchanting people to stay and talk and empty secrets out. Very nice power I must say." He could feel the powers now wanting to release. To show her just what the could do and not hold back. Self control was making him want to puke.

At once, everything snapped together. What he'd do, what could happen, and what he'd risk. "I'll make you a deal. Keep in mind, I don't ever make deals like this--ever. I'll tell you my secrets, and you can ask me any question that I'll answer honestly-- if you join me to see a movie, then out to dinner." His nervousness skyrocketed, and he held the book behind his back, trying to hide the fact that he was holding it so it wouldn't fly out of his hands. The book was no barely in his grasp, levitating just out of his fingers for a mere second before he snatched it back.

"It doesn't have to be a date. It can be two people enjoying a not so new movie, then a slice of pizza. I haven't been out on the town yet, you see, and I always needed an excuse to go. If you're busy I understand, that too. You don't have to if you don't want to," Matthew said, making sure that she had the choice to leave if she wanted to. He held tighter to Poe, trying to calm himself down. It was driving him mad. "She'll hate me. Oh lord she'll hate me. Run away now, freak! She's going to reject you, and you're going to feel dumb and then run away. She's too smart and pretty for you anyway. Let Danielle read and go back to being an outcast!" he frantically thought, biting down on the inside of his lip while he held a small smile. His cheeks were turning a bit pink, but he held the smile.

[Danielle S. Marks]

Danielle watched as the face in front of her grew pale. She had the resist the urge to wipe at her face. Did she have a chocolate mustache? Was it something he said. Dani's mind was frantic with possible reasons as to why her conversation partner suddenly looked like he had seen the ghost of Mr. Poe. She kept thinking back to what she said...but nothing seemed serious enough to cause Matthew to freeze up. Even without any gifts, Danielle could sense the inner turmoil that he was facing. Perhaps it came from years of just observing interactions, but never stepping in. She was just about to ask him if he was okay when finally, he spoke. She felt a wave of relief wash over her when responded. She was beginning to think she would have to use her CPR training in order to help him out.

Danielle found herself smiling at Matthew's words, and the way he said her name...well, let's say it wasn't like something she'd ever heard..and she nearly melted. "I always thought mine was staying invisible...because nobody at school seems to see me." Danielle was surprised at her own honesty about how she felt about school. Normally she kept her feelings bottled up, and never told anyone. "I never thought of myself as the enchanting type.."

[/color] She added, feeling a blush rush to her cheeks. She was more than flattered. This guy was the only person to her, other than her brother, that said nice things to her... And she knew it was crazy, but this was the most relaxed and at peace she had felt in a long time, even though she had just met this guy.

She listened intently as he mentioned making a deal. Danielle nodded along, thinking it would be something like... He'll be her friend if she introduced him to some cute girl at school. Yes, I know. She has very little self confidence, but that's what normally comes out of shutting yourself out of the social world. But when he continued on, her eyebrows raised slightly. Okay...so she'd get to have a honest conversation with him.. what would he get in return? And just as those thoughts bounced around her head, he asked her to go to a movie. She blinked a few times, her eyes wide with surprise. She tried to speak, but nothing came out. She was in shock. Suddenly, a conversation she had had with her older brother ran through her mind. Would Jeremy approve? Why did she care if he did? Well, because he was the only person who'd helped her through her life these past few years, and she knew he'd have his opinions.

She didn't even noticed the small struggle he seemed to be having with his book, and didn't realize how long she had been silent until he started speaking again. He said the word date. Date. Well, he said it didn't have to be a date, and frankly, Danielle didn't care. Even a not date would be a step up from her social life. And in the excitement of the moment, she forgot all about her over-protective brother. "Matthew.."[/color] She said softly, gathering her words. "I would love to see a movie with you... As long as I'm off work."[/color] She smiled, and even that didn't fully represent the giddyness that was building up inside of of her. Her left foot was bouncing slightly, trying to contain the excitement of a potential social event with someone with the same interests of her.

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[Matthew Lee Stone]

When she said yes, the book fell down to the ground, his body relaxing and yet freaking out all at once. When she said his name, goosebumps pulsed along his skin. And when she was done, he wanted to explode with happiness. Nervously, he picked it back up, shaking a little at what she said. Yes. Of all the lies she could have said--of all the ways to reject him--she had said yes! Matthew slowly stood back up, the realization coming in. A grin tore over his lips as he watched her. "That's great! Any day, just name one you aren't busy and any movie you'd like to see!" At once, he coughed, trying to hide his esthusiasm. But she was nice, and had agreed to go on a date with her. He couldn't help but to smile.

Another thing that took him by a bit of surprise was that she worked. He blinked a few times, trying to picture it. Matthew would never have to work, and he never had. Even if he was an abomination to his family, he was still the heir to his parents growing fortune. He wouldn't have to work a day of his life, and he could do whatever he wanted. Hell, he could have called up his parents right there and told them he wanted to go to Bora Bora and a plane would be ready to pick him up in an hour. He was a spoiled kid, but all of the kids at his old school were. It didn't even register to the boy that here people actually would have to work for a living. It was shocking really.

Matthew looked at her in her brown eyes, a bit confused. His face went to serious, but a hint of kindness was still there. Danielle thought she was invisible because of those idiots at school? "I notice you. And to the people who don't at school, they're blind to actual kindness obviously. You're ridiculously enchanting, alright? If you weren't, why would I tell you all this stuff and my secrets?" He smiled once more, then looked down at his book, avoiding her eyes and brushing off pretend dirt.

A bit of him was sick with himself. In New York, he was one of the most popular kids at his school. Girls like her he probably ignored even. But now he was here, he noticed her. It was a cruel ironic twist, and he felt guilty. Danielle was the first truly nice girl he had met. Not fake, not a bitch, and not arrogant. She was down to earth, not trying to be someone she wasn't. And he was pretty sure if he told her all of his secrets, she'd be okay with it. But, he still kept them inside from aching fear.

Another cruel thought tore at him. His parents. They had wanted him to marry a wealthy girl from New York. A pretty one that would suck up and know how to handle money. They wouldn't approve of a girl who worked. A girl who hadn't been raised with money. Matthew looked back up at her, and at once the woories faded. "I don't give two shits if they like her," he thought to himself, smiling shyly. "They can screw off."

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[Danielle S. Marks]

Danielle's eyes watched the book fall to the ground, her heart beating faster each second. Why had he dropped it? Was it an accident? Or was it due to some amount of emotion. Dani bit her lip nervously. What if... what if he only asked her in the first place because he felt bad for her. But he had called her enchanting? Maybe he was just a player. He just wanted to see her reaction, but never planned on her saying yes.. or something like that. For a moment, Danielle felt a wave of anxiety rush over her. Had she made a huge mistake by letting herself believe that this boy was any different. While there was still silence, she mustered up the courage to tell him messing around with people's feelings was just plain rude. Before she could open her mouth, he smiled... no, he grinned, and then he spoke.

Danielle's mouth all but hung open. And it wasn't the words she was taken aback by, but the enthusiasm. Did he just cough to hide his excitement? I thought I was the only one who did that, normally in English class. She thought to herself, her foot beginning to bounce again. Danielle thought about her schedule, she only worked in the afternoons. "Well. I get out of work at 6 every day...except the weekends, I'm free all weekend."

[/color] She said the last part a bit quickly, feeling giddy. She smiled at the thought of watching a movie next to this handsome intelligent gentleman, and a smile made it's way across her face during her brief daydream. She looked at her curiously, he had a surprised air about him as she spoke. Again, Dani found herself wishing she could read minds.

She tucked a strand of hair back behind her ear before she spoke again. "And even still, I work right in town so it's no big deal.." Dani was taken aback by her own confidence at this point. Maybe there was something different about this boy that made her open up. Perhaps it was his charming smile, or the way he said her name, or perhaps the fact that he was the first boy in school to ever ask her out, even on a not-date. It was so surreal. And she couldn't help but wonder what other secrets he had. That one thought led Danielle to recall her own dark secret, and for a moment the color drained from her face. What if he asked about her family? She couldn't lie to him. Keeping secrets safe and locked up was one thing, but telling an absolute lie was something Danielle had a hard time doing... And what would Jeremy think? Would he really beat poor Matthew up? Sometimes even Danielle had a hard time distinguishing when Jeremy was joking, and this was one of those times.

She clenched and unclenched her grip on her book, hoping the anxiety and guilt would just, dissipate. Suddenly, at the sound of Matthew's voice, her eyes softened and her body relaxed. Did he say he noticed her? A slight smile danced on the corners of her lips, why was he so nice to her. She spoke slowly and gently "Perhaps you tell me your secrets.... because you've been looking for someone to tell them too."[/color] When she finished speaking she glanced up at him. It was oh so true. Though Jeremy knew about her secret, they rarely ever talked. Their discussion were spoked through body language and knowing facial expressions. Danielle was surprised at the sincerity in her voice. It was true. But she wasn't ready, not now. She'd only scare him away, and if she told him, she'd just be dumping years of emotion and guilt onto his shoulders, something she wouldn't feel right doing.

She took another sip of her cocoa, only to find it was her last, and it had gotten quite cold. She made a face to show that the beverage was no longer it's best. "You know.. "[/color] She started slowly, feeling a bit more confident as she went on. "This is the best reading session I've had in a long while." She blushed at the truth in her words. She really meant it. Never before had she met someone who appreciated literature as much as she did... and not only was this person a he, but an attractive he who found her...enchanting. Now she only had to convince her brother not to give Matthew the third degree.


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