Stuck At The Roots

Amy Harrison, 21. I'm not where I need to be. Cherish that which is within you, and shut off that which is without; for much knowledge is a curse. ~ Zhuangzi

[musxng]

I’ve got FIRE for a heart           I’m not  ❛  SCARED ❜  of the DARK                      you’ve never seen it look so e a s y.  

[alyciadebnamcareys]

[joel-mckinley]

amy—harrison:

Nope. Not even an identification tattoo. I’m assuming he’s a stray. 

[amy--harrison]

That's a reasonable assumption to make. Hopefully if you give it to a shelter, it can find a good home.

[daphneblackvvood]

amy—harrison:

At least during adolescence kids can communicate, y’know? At least, they’re supposed to. The clarity of that communication can be dubious at times.

[amy--harrison]

That's a fair point to make. You can never know what you'll get with adolescents. It's either too much or nothing.

[jake-christensen]

amy—harrison:

Well… anyway, seems like we’re gonna be done with the packing soon, though. There’s not much left.

[amy--harrison]

You're right. We've done a good job. Your apartment looks.. way too empty for my liking.

[marty-travers]

What Lies Ahead: Marty & Amy

[marty-travers]

amy—harrison:

The conversation between the two secluded on the bridge was something light-hearted that Marty didn’t mind talking about because it was something so easy to discuss. The thought of an intense match of Battleship or any sort of board game in a moment like this with Amy was something that excited him giving him some kind of hope that their meetings were going to be even greater than they had been before. “It’s on Miss Harrison, don’t you worry!” Marty chuckled at her proposal of the match of the classic board game. He watched as Amy took a piece of his sandwich as he mind tried to register what to answer first. He had been dealt a load of questions, some that could be easily answered and others would take some time for him to get the right words out. He just hoped that he could do it flawlessly without any issue. Marty chuckled when Amy offered a bite of her with an approving nod. “I don’t remember the last time I had one of those at the diner, it looks so awesome though,”

Marty furrowed his eyebrows as if he was scolding himself for ignoring the questions Amy had proposed putting them on the back-burner when something so easy came up to converse about. Marty dropped his take-out box on his lap balancing it between the space of his legs as he pressed his lips together. He could talk about the garage because it wasn’t something too difficult to bring up. “Working in the garage just gets kind of rough sometimes. My Dad hired someone else to help us out and it’s a little hard to work and try to ignore some things I’ve heard about him from a friend. I feel like I’m in a weird place there.” Marty stated with a slight sigh escaping his lips. It was the first time he had openly admitted his struggle working with his Dad in the garage which lied beyond stating how bad at the job he was. “I like going to work with Mom in her classroom because I can get away from there for a little bit and just think. I can think until the kids start begging me to read something to them though,” he chuckled as he took another quick bite, chewing thoughtfully at his statement. It didn’t seem like anything went too hard at that point, he could always open up to Amy without struggle.

Talking about the both of them might be a little more difficult though. Marty swallowed practically in slow motion as he tried to form the right words on his lips. It should have been easy to talk about what he had been thinking purely for the fact that he had thought about it for some time. Ever since the festival had occurred, Marty saw himself looking at Amy as more than a friend. He had contemplated bringing it up with her and when he finally did so it was obviously a returned emotion. “I.. okay, I’ll tell you what I’ve been thinking,” Marty said with a nervous smile, his body turning slightly so he could face her. If he was going to do something like this and talk about his feelings, Marty wanted to at least try to do it right and he partially curious to see her reaction at the same time.

Marty worked at keeping his gaze on her eyes as he talked, his hands being held tightly together in his lap. “I.. ever since the festival where you kind of saved me out of this really embarrassing situation. I just feel different. Our meetings have always been so nice and refreshing- awesome to have to get away from the world, but sitting there with you that night just felt so right.. It felt like that was how it was supposed to be,” Marty whispered with a nervous jerk to his head toward where he was facing previously before continuing. Pull yourself together. Do it right. “I just wanted to make sure I do this right. Talk to you about it, make sure I’m just not crazy or something, you know?” Marty chuckled as he moved to rub the bridge of his nose at his admittance that he was questioning if his feelings were justified or not. “I don’t want to hurry with you, make anything weird or difficult. I just wanted us to be able to take our time and learn about each other. Maybe we could even go on some journeys together ourselves… I- um..” Marty cleared his throat with a slight relief that he managed to squeeze out most of his thoughts.

"Sorry.. was that dumb?" he frowned as his mind was trying to register whether his thoughts had even been properly described to the girl beside him. Amy was someone who would probably work to understand what he said if she didn’t, but Marty still worried. It was a common reaction that had happened way too often through the years.

[amy--harrison]

The seclusion of the bridge seemed to make conversation easier. At least in Amy's opinion. There was a particular comfort that came from knowing there would be no ears to pick up on the words exchanged. In the coffee shop, there were people around. Amy had no shame in people taking up what she had to say, even mulling over it. This, what her and Marty were doing right now, was personal. It needed not be disturbed by cars passing by, others chattering in the distance. It needed the calmness of this particular evening, the shadows that half hid them as they were cut by the outline of the bridge. "It's totally on. I have to admit that I haven't played in a long time, though I'm determined to do my best and hopefully take the victory title."

Amy tilted her head in Marty's direction at the mention of his dad hiring someone new at the garage. "Oh really? Who did he hire that's causing trouble for you?" She didn't want to see Marty in any kind of distress, let alone with his job. It wasn't an ideal job, though most that were accessible to young adults lacked substance. Requirements involved experience and Amy always wondered how that was possible when many of them who applied were trying to get into somewhere that would pay. The constant denial could be disappointing. The same could be said for University. It wasn't for everybody. It shouldn't be the only qualification for one to qualify for a position. The employer didn't know how they reached their degree, if it was sheer hard work or through false means or a wad of cash placed onto an administrative desk. Amy hated the whole setup and knew that some of her friends, (Marty, Jake), had struggled and ultimately dropped out. "You prefer working with your mom, then?" She asked, chewing through another bite of her burger. "You do appear happier in that setting." And she hoped, truly, that Marty was happy.

When Marty turned to face her, Amy lowered her tray beside her. She followed suit, crossing her legs and keeping her gaze on Marty. She didn't stare, for she didn't want to make him uncomfortable. She wanted him to be able to tell her and in return, do the same. The more he spoke, the more she found her cheeks being encased in heat. It wasn't often that Amy heard these words, let alone in the gentle and careful manner they were escaping from Marty's lips. He was timid. He didn't want to get hurt. There were girls who he had said similar things to and was friend zoned almost immediately after the fact. Amy's love interests, the very small number she had of two, were a bit bolder than he was. They hadn't sat her down like this and explained all they wanted, all they thought about. Robbie did with time, though with him it didn't warrant an elaborate map. Both of them just came to understand. What Marty was doing made Amy's stomach knot together.

"It's not dumb at all," she said with assurance. "Not even close. I'm actually glad you said that. When we hung out for the fireworks, I thought about w-what it would be like to be something more with you. I've had the thought before, though I never let it fester because I didn't want to ruin our relationship. You've been someone who I'm really grateful to have met when I returned to Bennington. Though after that night, the thought stuck. I started thinking about you a lot. What I told you on the phone was genuine. I want you to know that." Amy tucked a few strands of hair that fallen over her face behind her ear. "I would like to take things slow with you. I would like to b-be something more with you and yes, our own adventures sound amazing."

Amy outstretched her hand, taking Marty's in her own and once again lacing their fingers together. It felt familiar. It felt - right. "Does that sound okay?"

[daphneblackvvood]

amy—harrison:

Oh, that’s so great! It’s certainly better than the terrible two’s. 

[amy--harrison]

I completely agree. If you're able to survive that stage with a child, I think one can be prepared for most things.

[joel-mckinley]

Anyone lost a stray? He hasn’t left the back door of the Rockhouse all night, and I’m pretty sure he isn’t looking for a drink.

[amy--harrison]

The dog doesn't have any tags on it?

[dtjoshua]

let's tessellate -- joshua & amy

[dtjoshua]

amy—harrison:

"Oh, I was under the impression that we were past the point of social convention. If you had told me you wanted me to pretend for the sake of normalcy, I would’ve… considered the possibility of me actually doing it."

He said it dismissively, his eyes still focused elsewhere, intending it to be more of a joke than a serious jab at her… even if his tone was a little… lacking. In any case, he wasn’t really the type to follow the traditional way these things worked - as with most aspects of his life, he tended to walk to the beat of his own drum, to do things as he saw fit without consideration of the way it ought to be or is expected to be. It surprised him still, that Amy not only seemed to understand that, but also put up with it again… and again… and again, as this… whatever this was… clearly showed. Being the cynic that he was, Joshua wasn’t completely writing off the possibility that she really had showed up simply for the sake of satiating her curiosity, and not because there was actually some part of her that delighted in his company. If she did, he didn’t hold on to the hope that she’d let him know any time soon; that would be her catering to his ego and god, he knew that was the last thing she would deign herself to do.

Straightening up and finally pulling his hands out from his pockets and running them through his perpetually messy hair, Joshua painted on a sardonic smile that split right across his face. An attempt at being typical. “Good evening, Amy Harrison.” he greeted in a tone that would’ve fooled a stranger into thinking it was polite, but to anyone who knew him enough, they would easily detect the heavy note of sarcasm thickly coating his words. “How are you? Fine, I hope. I trust you had a wonderful day as well since you yourself are wonderful, truly. And I hope you finished your paper as well, though knowing your efficiency and brilliance, I should expect nothing less.”

Spitting out the words with ease like they were ones that came naturally to him, he paused for a while to let them sink in and took that moment to look at her fully for the first time that night… and what he was sure wouldn’t be the last, if history served him right. Aside from his repetitive statements about the intensity of her eyes, there was something about her, something that he couldn’t put his finger on… something that almost always made him do a double take. He passed off his compliments to her as passively as possible, but there was always a hint of truth in them - he did find her attractive in as much as he didn’t want to. He was still human after all, so there wasn’t any fighting the instinct to feel attraction to her at a physical level. Luck would just have it that she had a mind that was just as engaging as her looks were… did that mean he was interested in anything with her? Not necessarily. But if there was a girl that such an unlikely night like this would happen to, it was undoubtedly going to be her.

Shrugging his shoulders, he chewed at his lower lip in thought before saying nonchalantly: “Oh, and I suppose you look good too, if that’s something that you want to hear. From me.”

[amy--harrison]

"Oh no, social convention is entirely unnecessary." She waved the idea off completely, literally. Her fingers brushed through the air. They could exchange hellos and how are yous, though she never understood the principle behind asking. No one ever exposed the truth. They never said they were in a joyous mood, depressed, enraged. The answers always fell on I'm 'I'm fine' or 'I'm good.' Somehow, it seemed as if that was all people were able to feel when engaged in simple conversation.

Amy was guilty of this practice. She didn't reveal too much. There was enough sparked around the town for everyone to have their preconceived notions of her. Whether they held true would be up for grabs at the effort of another. Amy wouldn't storm up to those passing by and justify herself. Though she had in particular circumstances (if she was put down for being a woman, for being too outspoken.) Oh, summon the heavens if she, (a "delicate" person), were to put her toe out of line. Amy forced herself to stop the roll of her eyes.

Around Joshua, Amy knew he'd never insult her at such a slow and degrading manner. All of his quips, his words, were intellectual. They were sprinkled with a bit of ego and entertainment on his behalf. He took joy in getting her worked up, in having her body tense and comebacks slip into the air. She too enjoyed a similar hobby. She liked making him stop, rethink, and begin again. She could only imagine where tonight would lead. For some reason, though she knew it was curiosity, she had agreed to spending time with him.

"I did finish my paper, thank you. It was completed around two this afternoon and submitted to my professor." Amy was especially chipper as she spoke. She really hated the professionalism, even in teasing form. They were rarely professional together. They engaged in intense debates with not so much a concern as to proper speech and mannerisms. It was about the context, the solidarity in what it was they were arguing for. "I would also like to thank you for the compliment about my looks. That was nice of you too."

Amy rolled her shoulders back, gestured openly down the street. "So, what is it you'd like to do this evening? I'm certain you have a plan stemming in that never ceasing to think brain of yours."

Personally, Amy wouldn't mind where they went. She had no work to do. C.J. was taken care of. And she was keen on learning at least one new fact about Joshua Davenport.

[jake-christensen]

amy—harrison:

No, you don’t.

[amy--harrison]

You could humor me, Jakey. You really could.

[drewsevani]

amy—harrison:

Oh… I’m really sorry to hear that. Things like that are always complicated, you’re happy for him but at the same time… you’re upset because you don’t want to lose him. It’s tough, but you’re not really losing him. The benefits of the technology we have is that you’re able to keep in touch with someone who’s moving. Where’s he moving to?

[amy--harrison]

I know I'm not losing him. Our bond has been strong. We knew each other since we were children. We plan on texting and skyping all of the time. It's just a huge change, to not have that physical connection anymore, not being able to go to his house. He's moving to California. He'll be gone by the end of this month.

[noahxpearce]

amy—harrison:

Yeah, I feel that. Some things are just out of our control though.. everything okay?

[amy--harrison]

Most things are. We have to cope with accepting them. Though yes, I am okay. A good friend of mine is leaving and it came rather unexpectedly.

[daphneblackvvood]

amy—harrison:

How old is he, if you don’t mine me asking? 

[amy--harrison]

He's four. Basically at the age where everything is interesting and imaginative.

[astridferreira-blog]

amy—harrison:

They can do that?

[amy--harrison]

Of course they can. We're legally obligated to go. Not doing so can result in being arrested and a fine.

[amy--harrison]

Finding Out: Jake ♡ Amy

[jake-christensen]

amy—harrison:

"Thanks, I could use that. But I agree, let’s just watch the movie." He smiled and focused on the screen. There was a lot to think about, a lot of things to take care of, packing was probably one of the things that he was stressing about the most. This and just getting everything closed up in here so once he’s gone, he wouldn’t have to worry about anything popping up here. Okay, stop, he thought. Movie. He was going to watch the movie, not worry about the move. He figured he can take a break, at least for tonight and not think about the fact that he’ll be gone soon.

[amy--harrison]

Talk about high school.

Amy: It was a very hectic time, I would say.

Kai: Amy liked her high school years for the most part. What brought it to a halt was when Cody died.

Amy: Yes, I would agree with that. I didn’t know if we’d all make it past Cody’s death. It hit everybody hard. I’m not sure even I made it past his death. I think about him sometimes.

Kai: I know you do. I think everyone remembers Cody in their own ways.

Amy: I would hope so.

[daphneblackvvood]

amy—harrison:

Oh, no! That’s not fun at all. I hope the baby is alright. They’re suck fragile little creatures, but they’re still wonderfully complex. 

[amy--harrison]

He's managing quite well at the moment. I'm hoping we get a few more days of illness free. He's a great little guy, complex and amusing.