After school (Cameo)

[Jack Lexington]

Time’s never on my side, it seems. You’d think things getter easier when you get older. But for me it works just the opposite way. The older I get, the more severe are the consequences of my behaviour and choices. I had to learn that the hard way lately.

One person I haven’t given much consideration to over the past 6 months due to my personal life getting more and more complicated was one of the young twin girls who had enough persistence to put up with my nasty, girl hating ways. I’d even say she’s a friend. After all she almost got killed by Jins Revenue.

No wonder I had to think about the small blonde now as well.

I had my own little trip to the dc and got reminded very painfully of which place the almost murderer was in now.

Now that I really don’t have anything to do anymore but let my back heal and get back into my fathers company I have more than enough time to go a see her.

So on todays trip to the training center I take a fairly long detour by her school, which is still closer to the center than her home.

Patiently I wait out front leaning against the rough trunk of a tree with my hip until the first students start leaving the school after the bell rings.
Maybe I won’t spot her. I’m sure I’ll still recognise her. How much can she have changed since our camping trip.
I smile a little at the memory of that crazy trip and that even the thirteen year old got drunk…not as much as I did but still.

In between a bunch of other 9th or 10th graders, who make me feel more anxious than the dc with all their girly chatter, I spot the blonde twins, so I push my self away from the bark and clear my throat.
Somehow no words cme out so I walk on over receiving a few looks from girls that reach maybe to my shoulder and then sneak around Gala from behind to tap her shoulder.
"Hey, little one."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Ever since Gala's become friends with older teenagers, and spent continuous events with them, it's difficult going back to fading in the shadows of her twin's friends. Not that it was ever enjoyable in the first place, but now their chatter just seems even more pointless. They've all reached the age of gossip and talking about boys...well for the exception of Gala that is. And to think it was difficult to join in their conversations before.

How she'd love to walk away and embrace her satisfaction of being a loner. But with the incidents she's encountered, strolling alone as a tiny career isn't the best idea. What's even less of an option is going to her true friends, whom seem to of dropped off the face of this district. Can only hope they're doing okay. With that in mind a light sigh escapes as she follows Gwen's group out of the school.

It's difficult to spot anyone in this sea of students. Somehow she always manages to stay behind the short bobbing head of the blonde that's identical to her. Even if she does get lost, which sometimes happens, they always gather at the same picnic table. Which is exactly where Gala finds herself in no time; constantly going on autopilot as her mind wanders off. A tap on her shoulder finally pulls her back down to earth.

Could of sworn she hasn't done anything wrong lately. That's usually the only explanation for that gesture. Yet it's far from that once she turns her head to see who it actually is. Instantly her face lights up and the rest of her body turns to face him. Even fast then that, her scrawny arms wrap around her former trainer in a long waited hug. "What the hell happened?" Gala questions in a joking manner, though her curiosity is quite serious. "Too in love to come visit?" She has to tease with a wrinkle of her nose, completely unaware of everything that happened.

[Jack Lexington]

I never thought that seeing the littleblonde would actually cause any good feelings inside of me but I guess Ky has rubbed off on me and changed me since the kid actually causes a genuine smile to creep on my face that hasn't been there for a while. What happened lately has caused a whole lot of problems and grief, not burps and giggles.

She seems really happy to see me as well with that huge hug and grin of hers. I endure the hug even in front of an auience of teenagers but my eyes dart around a little anxious. What will these boys and girls think. Have they seen me on the news? Or will they think I'm her brother, maybe even boy friend?
Who cares?

"What the hell happened?" She asks with undeniable curiosity "Too in love to come visit?"
Of course she wants to know but I'm not about to tell her my whole fucked up life story here at the school so I shrug.

"Something like that. Why you and Ky don't talk anymore?" The two used to be close but might have lost touch as well. Otherwise she'd know much more.

I give her the once over. Looks like she's grown in every sense. She looks more like a little woman to be than a girl.
"You're getting tall." I observe and sit down on top of the picknick table not caring about the boy who has sat down for lunch on one of the benches.
"It's good to see you. So what have you been up to?"
A little small talk won't hurt.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

It's weird seeing Matthew here of all places. Sure he did visit her at school once-quite a few months ago, but it still doesn't seem much of his flavor. Yet Gala takes it as no big deal, for the exception of her cheered-up expression. Might as well perceive everything as good at first, as she often does anyways. Even automatically giving a hug, because no matter what he is that good friend that just hasn't been able to come around lately. Scolding or disappointed words don't even come forth as she takes the absence in humor. She's simply happy he's here now.

There's no desire in her formed trainer to go off on a full explanation over what happened. Not that Gala's very surprised. It's not every day Matthew's willing to talk openly, let alone in a crowd of youngsters. Instead he basically asks why Kyanite hasn't filled her in. "She's been real busy, I guess." The little Blonde answers with a shrug. Of course she misses them all a whole lot, doesn't mean she should get angry over their tight schedules. They'll come back around, just as Matthew has today.

Without actual intent, Gala's grin is saved by Matthew's change of topic. Apparently she's grown since he's saw her last, finally getting taller. Doesn't appear that he's changed much, but he's probably past that age. Completely unlike the twins whom are just now starting to look older. "I try." She explains with another shrug of her shoulders. For some reason, as much effort as she puts in, she can never get as big as she'd like.

There are small things she can do to help; like joining Matthew with a seat on top of the table, rather then the bench. It's only times like these she can see over heads of kids in her same grade.

A pinch of kindness unexpectedly comes from Matthew's voice. That he's happy to see her, followed by curiosity of what she's been up to. With their former conversation being about height, she can't help but reply with a joke. "Finally over five feet tall. Not by much though." The grin on her face gets bigger with her cheesy response.

"What about you?" With his short reasoning before, she has a feel she still won't get much detail. Might as well try though.

[Jack Lexington]

For a brief moment I wonder whether her and Ky had a fight or why she wouldn't talk to her anymore when she felt so lonely.
"She's been real busy, I guess." Is Galas take on it and I leave her in this believe. Maybe it's better. I make a mental note to ask Ky.

As I sit there Gala joins me on the top of the table while a bunch of other students give her an odd look 'what are you doing with this old guy?' It doesn't faze her.

"Finally over five feet tall. Not by much though." She jokes but I don't think it's so much her height. It's more her face that changed.
"That tall? Soon I'll be looking up to you. Are you wearing make up or what is it?" I know she isn't, yet teasing her seems like a good conversation starter.
"What about you?"
"Six foot something." I reply but I actually have no idea.
"And no longer a pk in training." Idrop the bomb and then casually move on to the next topic.

"Where's you better half?" Her twin sister must have not seen me...ormaybe she's still in class, which is good because I like talking to Gala alone.

"Hey, is there any food in your bag?" With a swift move I pull her backpackfrom her shoulder and pull on the buckle to open it up.
It's been a while since I was in school but the breaks were my favourite part and right now I feellike reiving old memories. Unfortunately there's not food in her bag.

"Is that cafe on fifth still open? I'll invite you."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

There's no doubt that Gala will never reach Matthew's height, let alone become taller. Gwen and her are the shortest in her grade, and possibly even the grade below them as well. Not that she's complaining. After the pregames she's proven that length really doesn't mean anything. But that sarcasm behind her former trainer's words does provoke a larger grin...until he completely makes it fade with an unspeakable assumption.

"No!" Gala immediately protests to even the idea of wearing makeup. That's something all of her other sisters are doing. Her on the other hand, she wouldn't be caught dead. Of course Matthew knows that though, and they leave their little joke at that. Plus it seems like a whole lot more is going on in his life.

To no surprise he replies back with the same answer of how tall he is, being a good foot over the tiny Blonde. Then oh so smoothly he adds in that he's also no longer in PK training. By his monotoned words and quick shift to something else, she can automatically tell it's not because he graduated. That must be what he doesn't want to discuss here, and with that understanding she doesn't push. She's never been the type to in any situation.

"Gwen's around." Gala answers with a shrug and short gaze around. Looks like other kids are far too interested in the fact an older dude's around. For all they know Matthew's her current trainer though, and after giving them a rude glare she ignores them all together.

Like any typical guy she knows, cause Gala's just friends with so many, Matthew's mind is on food. Guess even without career or peacekeeper training they can still work up an apatite. "I don't think so." She answers about having any snacks in her bag. For some reason she's just never been the type to eat at school. Still he checks just incase, only to be disappointed.

Honestly she's glad he didn't find anything, because he invites her over to the cafa. As if she'd ever oppose to leaving school. "How kind of you." Gala responds quite sarcastically, simply because the formal invite was a little dorky. With that she wastes no time to stand up on the bench and hop down. All these stares are getting a little obnoxious anyways. "Ya coming slow poke?"

[Jack Lexington]

I hand her back her school bag that doesn't contain anything interesting like food anyway.
She tells me a little sarcastically that she finds my offer kind, so i tell her.
"Yep, that's who I am."
She knows better anyway.

On our way away from the school I catch a girl looking straight at me. She must be in her last year, pretty blonde with long legs and a cute face. The way she looks at me, so long and open, has my mind boggling for a moment. Now I simply don't know if people recognise me as the guy from the news who got caught trespassing and kicked from the academy or whether she might find me cute or something.

I lean over to Gala and ask. "Who is that? Why is she looking at me?"

I once more shot a glance back at her before we turn the corner to go down the road to the small cafe not too far away. It's a nice little place with wooden tables, small handwritten signs everywhere, flowers on each table and a young woman in a dress behind the counter.
She greets us with a friendly smile and points to the open tables.
"Take your pick. It's a slow day."
She lets her eyes rest on me for a little longer before she turns around to busy herself behind the counter.
I do the same.
Is it just my changed perception or why do people look at me?

I grab a seat outside in the sunshine on the small porch and take one of the menus. When Gala sits down I tellher.
"Should I read this to you or did they already teach you how to?"
She still so small that I can't resist the joke.

Soon the cafe owner approaches us with a pen and paper and looks at me with those bg blue eyes again. Then she points her pen at me. "I know you from somewhere."
She takes a look at the smaller blonde next to me and smiles.
Just when I answer in a low voice. "Yeah, you might." She chirps in. "Matthew!"
My brows shoot up. "I was one grade above you in high school. You're the as...the guy who blew off my best friend. She had a crush on you for the longest time." She laughs out loud as if that was the greatest joke.
"I told her back then she should go for Jackson Mills. She's married to him now. Amanda. Hi." Dhe extends her hand to both of us probably silently wondering why the hell I'm sitting in a cafe with a girl that's definetly jailbait.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

A short chuckle comes from Gala when Matthew carries on about how he's such a kind person. They both know how false that statement is. Hating an entire gender sort of proves that. Though in ways he can have a secret sweet side. Like now for instances, as he generously takes her away from a place she despises. Couldn't be any kinder. Just to show how much she appreciates and agrees, a subtle eye-roll joins her on the way out. Along with a quick giggle of course, just to keep it innocent.

Being observant of the outside world has never been Gala's thing. She's great at concentrating on the people in front of her, but she could always careless about everything else. Guess that came from the circus, and having to focus on the performance instead of the noisy audience. Though she was always just the distant twin from the start.

Such as knowing other people for instances. Gwen's great at that, Gala on the other hand...When Matthew points out someone staring at him, it's as she's never seen her before. "I don't know." The little blonde answers with a shrug. Can only assume her former trainer may be attractive, or suddenly famous around this district. Not that either bother her anyways, they're still getting away from this place. Unfortunately not far, as their destination arrives within a block. Better then nothing at least.

Again it seems like another chick is giving Matt a long eye glance. Quite honest Gala simply can't wrap her mind around why. Just didn't make any logic since he had a girlfriend and nothing interesting has been going on. The things she'll never understand about older people. Without a word she takes a seat. Only a grin joining her in the process.

Going out is a little weird given that Gala has always had too many sisters to ever do such a thing. Luckily Matthew pulls out a joke to break away from the weird looks and awkward vibes. "I know how to read." She protests lightly with a chuckle. Of course the menu is far to large for her though, and all the choices baffle her. Still she pretends to read as if she knows what she's doing. Thankfully the waitress from before comes around in no time.

The small blue eyes on Gala's face widen with the conversation that occurs. Seems like Matthew's always been a chick hater, turning down girls left and right. Crushing hearts and all. Nice to know that all hearts can be repaired though. Even his. The waitress introduces herself after that weird first impress, and still the little one is baffled on what to say. "Hi." Gala says in such a monotoned voice that Amanda gets to the picture on how awkward she's being. Without even asking about any request for food or drinks the chick is off.

"Someone's popular." Gala comments to break away the silence. No point in it, they're old friends. "So you and Ky gonna get married?" She asks out of the blue. Sounds like all the people his age are, and they're expecting. Then again Gala's young mind can only conquer up so much.

[Jack Lexington]

It's nice to know this woman doesn't know me from the news in a bad way but from our time together at school. Only that she doesn't have the best memories of me. No wonder. I don't know many girls from my school days who would remember me fondly.
Maybe one or two that I dated but even those girls would probably attest to me being an ass because those dates never lasted long.

It's refreshing to hear this one laugh about it all though.
She introduces herself so I smile. "Nice to meet you."
Gala seems baffled, too and before we can order the girl leaves again.

I follow her with my gaze and then almost fall off my chair when Gala asks me whether I will marry Kyanite out of the blue.
"What?" I raise my brow. How did she come up with that one?
"We're too young." I tell her. Marriage hasn't even crossed my mind, not even now that she's pregnant.
"Nope. And don't you go and give Ky any ideas."
Ireach across the table and ruffle her hair. "You got a bunch of crazy ideas in that little head of yours. Maybe you should put your two brain cells to better use."

That's when the young woman returns with a tray that holds coffee and tea, some milk and sugar.
"Tea or coffee?" She asks and places the tray in front of us.
Two cups are set on the table.
"I'll have a coffee." I tell her and she o pours me half a cup.
"Milk?"
"Yes, please."
"You should try my home made apple walnut pie. It's the best you'll ever have."
Without waiting for our order she hands Gala a cup of tea with milk and walks awax with the tray swaying her hips to the left and right on a set of high heels that don't match her hand made dress.

A little bewildered I sip on my coffee and let my eyes flicker over the rim of the cup to the small blonde.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Maybe bringing up marriage isn't the best idea. Matthew's only recently gotten around to changing his mind on hating all females. It's going to take some time to build up to such a thing. With the progress so far, him making an exception for the couple of girls in his life, they really can't ask more from him. Plus it's not like that means he's not committed to Kyanite and the youngster in her. And that's the only thing that matters. Though that doesn't have Gala regretting bringing up the topic. The reaction that it provokes it well worth it.

"You know, put a ring on it." Gala attempts to clarify before Matthew declares that they're far too young. Good point, but they're also too young for a baby and that didn't stop them. He feels the need to add that she can't give any ideas to Kyanite, and for some reason she understands. Their situation doesn't need the stress of making things official and going by the book. "Oh fine." She assures with a goofy -yet sincere- grin.

Least the conversation remains lighthearted and not a spark of anger comes from her former trainer. Not to be judgmental, but it's certainly a first for him. She can remember the few times she mentioned something she shouldn't, and his reactions weren't ever as calm. This time he only leans over the table to ruffle up her hair, and comments on the crazy ideas her little mind comes up with. Well he can say that again, but they both knew that. Then he suggests putting her couple of clever braincells to better use, and quite frankly there isn't anything better. The joys of being young and surrounded by older friends with much more exciting lives.

"I fight big bad careers on my spare time." Gala chimes in with a hint of sarcasm. It's a hidden talent of hers when it wants to be. Not all the time though. Least her knowledge is put to some other use though.

The topic of how bad ass tiny Gala is, gets cutoff by the return of the waitress. Oh goody. She does have drinks for them nonetheless, making it not a completely pointless interruption. "Me to." Gala requests after Matthew orders coffee. It's a yummy drink with a load of sugar, and she's never been a tea type of person. But the waitress is a little too preoccupied by Matt to pay attention. Advertising that she has the best pie before handing the small Blonde a cup of tea and dashing away.

"She's pleasant." Gala jokes with a giggle, pouring her tea into a potted plant not too far off. The large pot of coffee was at least left here, and she helps herself to a cup. "So...you thinking about being a trainer for anyone now that you're not busy with the academy anymore?" She questions from a load of built up curiosity.

[Jack Lexington]

Apparently Gala doesn'tknow when to shut up as she tells me. "You know, put a ring on it."
I shake my head at her with a slightly warning look. "Back off, girl."
I hope she gets my points and won't start giving her friend Kyanite any ideas. The last thing I need is a little school kid to tell me how to lead my life.

"I fight big bad careers on my spare time."Little Gala explains so I raise my brows over the rim of my cup while I blow on the hot, black liquid.
"Yeah? When's the last time you fought someone?"
I don't really know what she'sbeen up to latey and she hasn't started to compete at a level that would be on the sports news.

I smirk at her simply pouring the tea out and helping herselfto some coffee.
"She's pleasant."
I let my blue eyes search the inside of the cafe for the owner, who's coming back with the pie in her hands. It looks delicious and home made with a nice brown glaced top.
"So...you thinking about being a trainer for anyone now that you're not busy with the academy anymore?"
"How do you know I'm not busy anymore?" I ask wondering what Kyanite has told her.
I might not be at the academy any more but being whipped surely kept me busy. Since I'm still recovering from that I won't be training anybody soon.

"Nope, no intentions. I think I'm over any sort of training for a while."
Both, the career center and the academy didn't end the way I pictured it.

"What about you? Still training three times a week? or do you have a boyfriend now?"

The pie gets placed on two nice floral dishes in front of us whether we want it or not.
"Here you two, try my special pie. You'll love it and will want it every day!"
She gives me a smile showing off her dimples while she places her hand on my shoulder.
I keep my eyes trained at Gala with a slight smirk trying to resist her flirting without joining in or being rude.
"Maybe you'll be back tomorrow for more." She chirps before she leaves again.