More Protest art!!!!
I used Ben Park because heās not only an artist, heās also underrated!!!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
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oozey mess
RMH
d e v o n
taylor price

Andulka
almost home

Discoholic šŖ©
wallacepolsom

Love Begins
trying on a metaphor
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Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her

if i look back, i am lost

⣠Chile in a Photography ā£
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Game of Thrones Daily
sheepfilms
Misplaced Lens Cap
seen from United States
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@myautumnrose
More Protest art!!!!
I used Ben Park because heās not only an artist, heās also underrated!!!
More Protest Art!!!!
I was going to use Poppy but Zoey is just better!! This is honestly the best art I have of her and Iām proud!
More protest art!!
Even the prince of Cordonia wouldnāt stand for this!! I used this version of Liam because heās underrated!!
Iām finally starting the protest art!!
Since itās Pride Month I decided to start with the Lesbian icon herself! Miss Parsons!!!
I was going to write in cursive but my handwriting is sloppy ššš
Iām not going to make this an event but if you want to make your own art then be my guest! āŗļø
It may not be serious to some people but I low-key want to hold an event or minor trend were we take actual Choices characters and draw them protesting against the company! I even want to make some myself!
I even thought of some slogans:
āCordonians against AIā for TRR
āAI DOESNT āLiveā within us!ā for ILITW
āNo desire and No Decorum for AI!ā for D&D
āNothing Magical about AI!ā for Kindred
āTell AI to getaway!ā for āGetway girls
That and make āartistā characters from Choices go against AI!!
Just wanted to bring the community together. If you want to make art and use the slogans above go ahead! šššš
PLEASE READ!!!
Ok, I feel like I need to vent/apologizeā¦
I just want to start off by apologizing by not being here as much and postingā¦
So hereās the thing! Iāve heard about the AI slop that Choices has been putting out and it keeps getting worse by every minute! Also now with the ILW Run TV I just canāt!!
It also doesnāt help that Iāve been more into my other fandoms on the side(BG3, Danganronpa, etc). It hurts that a company that Iāve loved since 2020 has gone down the shitter, itās ridiculous. I just wish I can take the old books and bring them to a safe place away from the garbage theyāre putting out now!
I was trying to a Fanfiction with my HSS Erica but itās getting to be a hassle with how bad everythingās going.
Does this mean Iām leaving the fandom?
Not as of yet! I still enjoy seeing many actual artworks from talented people! Plus I met some great people in this fandom @cadybear420 @lover-also-fighter-also You guys are awsome! I just wish Choices was too!
Iām still gonna try to do my fanfic because I still love Erica and itās good practice for writing but I still want it to be good! Even if itās just a chapter a month, Iāll try to post more often but Iām just saddened on what Choices has become!
Letās try not to have this discourage us from creating! It was and is the best part of this fandom. Maybe one of us can archive the books on a platform away from the AI haha! But no, Iām staying for the ILW Obsidian cut and the art of my fellow creatives!
Thank you for reading this, I really appreciate it and Iām sorry for not being as active as I should be! Letās just hope for a better future!
screaming, crying, throwing up
Hello, everyone!
Like many of you, I woke up to the AI slop It Lives Within "TV show" on the Choices app. Having spent thousands (no joke) of loving hours on the fan-made It Lives Within, I admit it felt like a bit of a kick to the gut, especially since I'd stayed up until 2 AM the night before, meticulously working on improving the programming of textbox animations for the updated version of the game.
But at the end of the day, the people are what own stories. It doesn't matter what PB puts out, especially when it so blatantly disrespects a series we all hold close to our hearts. We can choose what to support, what to value, and what to be our true version of these stories.
As such, I wanted to provide an update for "It Lives Within: The Obsidian Cut." We are working extremely hard to finish rewrites, and I apologize it's taking so long - but real workĀ takes time. We take so long because we don't use AI to do our work for us. Our testers have found hundreds of bugs, which have been corrected. I'm currently working on some rewrites for chapters 21-22, and once that's finished, I'm going to play from start to finish with different MCs to include more complete personality variants for your MC.
While our game was highly beloved (which I am still so wholly grateful for three years after the final episode aired), I know some of you tried the original version and decided it wasn't for you. Others maybe never heard of it. But, with the news of AI It Lives Within dropping today, I just wanted to invite everyone to give our fan version a chance. If you tried it before and gave up, or haven't played it yet, I recommend waiting until Obsidian airs to experience that version for the first time. And if you did play the original, stick around! You'll love Obsidian when it airs. All of our testers are highly enjoying it and say that it improves on the story with every change, while still be the story they knew and love.
AI It Lives Within is frustrating and offensive, but ultimately, we never needed their blessing, and neither do you. Our story started small, with a team that never made any money. Everything was done out of passion and love for this series and these characters, and we were and still are, devoted to creatingĀ trulyĀ player-drive stories where your choices matter. A LOT. That passion is something that can never be generated in any machine. Stories from the heart speak to the heart, "canon" or not, and what really matters is how theses stories impact and inspire us.
I hate being unmotivated because I need to work on Ericaās Fanfictionā¦ššš
I still want to do it, Iāve just been distracted by all the shit moves Choices has been doing lolā¦
This man got a call back for his old job only to find out itās some bullshitā¦
ooooo ooo ooo ooo do you have any designs for the across the void LIs???? if you not, you can ignore this lol, it's just on my mind since i've been replaying it :D
i hateee how Lyra's came out but
Berry High is Magical(A HSS Fanfiction)-Chapter 3
Author's note: God, I feel like I'm so far behind on this fanfiction. But I want to make it work. I still want to do two chapters a month and I'm going to try as much as I can. I hope you enjoy! Thanks for the support.
@hss-appreciation-events @cadybear420 @lover-also-fighter-also @choicesficwriterscreations
Emma was stunned. Did Erica not understand the meaning of "You're not invited..."? Emma was going to get rejected no matter what Erica said. However, seeing Erica's confident and joyous smile kind of had her at ease. Like everything was actually going to be fine.
Eventually, they were able to drop Emma off and continued on home.
As Ivy and Erica returned Erica quickly went up to her room. She was so excited about the party and couldn't wait to go. She went to a couple parties in the past but they weren't really all that...appealing to her. Most teen parties had cheap booze and other illegal substances, items that goes against Erica's morals. Erica would try to steer other kids towards the "right" path but it always never ended well, mostly with kids dumping beer on her. However, she was certain that this time would be different! With a few exceptions, these kids were different, so it would be much easier getting the word out!
The day began to pass on and the sun began to set. Erica sat at her dresser and began doing her makeup for the party. She heard the front door close and the sound of her parent's voices. It seems that the store had closed for today.
Erica's step-dad had peaked his head into her doorway. "There's my little Tiger!, he exclaimed. Was your first day of school grrreat?!"
Just then Erica's mother joined in, rolling her eyes.
"Scott...she moaned, Just because you're her dad, it doesn't mean you have to tell dad jokes."
"Uh yes it does. It's in my contract!"
Erica's mother just shook her head.
"So...what's on tap for tonight? Scott asked. Fries and TV or...TV or fries?"
Erica blinked. She almost forgot that she never told her parents about the party. Would they even allow her to go? Its only the start of the year after all? Would she have to sneak out? Would she have to lie? Erica started to panic!
Finally she had the confidence to tell the truth. "Actually I-"
But soon, Erica's brother Ivy decided to spill.
"She's going to a party!" Ivy answered.
Erica was blown away. Her own brother betrayed her like this. Now she was really screwed.
"Ivy!! Erica exclaimed. How did you know that?!"
"You literally talked about it in the car? Ivy answered, You're a terrible whisperer.
Erica braced herself for the yelling that she thought she had to endure. However, when she looked at her parents, they gave much more empathetic and understanding looks.
"Your going to a party on a school night? Erica's mother asked soon to be replaced with a joyous expression. I'm impressed! You're making new friends quicker than you did at home!"
"Y...yeah..."Erica said.
"Well I hope you have a fun time! Scott said. I'll be in the garage working on my model trains!"
Erica blinked. Were her parents really ok with her just going to a party? That's weird right?
"Aren't you guys going to tell me about the dangers of underage drinking and unplanned pregnancy?" Erica asked.
"Nah...Erica's mother said looking up and down at her daughter, You're a good girl unlike your brother..."
"HEY!" Ivy yelled.
"I was talking about Yarrow!" Erica's mother yelled back.
"Oh...my bad momma!"
Erica just smiled and got up from her chair. She grabbed her bible and a couple church pamphlets from her desk. She was ready to go, but her mom stopped her.
Alice was one of the few members in Erica's life to accept her high faith but she remembered all the times Erica would come home with bruises and sometimes smelling like cheap alcohol. Erica didn't really mind as she would always smile while looking like that. However, Alice was scared that it would happen again.
"Hey honey... Alice comforted, Why don't you leave the pamphlets at home this time?"
"Huh?" Erica asked.
"Its just well...Since we've just moved here there might be kids who might not know who you are yet. Don't you want to get to know them first? Some of these kids might not be chri-...might already have a church!"
Erica had never thought about that. Maybe the actual reason people shunned her was because she was stealing other churches members. It was so obvious
"Ok!" Erica agreed.
Alice smiled in relief. She just didn't want Erica to be hurt again. "You know, you should really wear that outfit your cousin Lavender gave you for your birthday!"
Lavender...just know that Erica doesn't like that name.
Erica nodded and put on the outfit. She looked adorable in it. Just then a text came to Erica's phone. It was from Emma stating that she was here. Erica let her mom take a couple pictures and went out to meet Emma by her car.
"Hey Erica! Emma greeted, Did you bring your swimsuit?!"
"Mhm! I'm wearing it under my clothes!" Erica answered.
"Me too!"
The girls giggled, they were almost like sisters.
Erica waved to her mother and brother who were standing in the doorway and the two girls set off.
As they were driving Emma noticed Erica's outfit. "Your outfit is so pretty! Were did you get it?" Emma asked.
"Oh it was a birthday gift." Erica answered.
Soon Erica tried to change the conversation.
"Are you ready?!" She asked.
"....Y...Yes, maybe, I'm a little nervous?" Emma answered.
"Why?"
"Caleb's gonna be there...not to mention I'm crashing this party..."
"Trust me! You've got nothing to worry about. We can get through this together!"
"Well...Let's do this before I chicken out!"
As the girls drove, the neighborhoods began to change, houses went from normal to luxurious. Erica was amazed on how big and pretty the houses looked. The last rich persons house she went to was Stacy Greene's but even her house wasn't this big. They eventually made it to Brian's house.
"I always wondered why Brian was so popular. Emma noted. This house kind of explains it."
Erica scooped the area. It was almost like Westchester but more colorful, teens dancing, playing and drinking.
Soon the big man walked towards the girls arms opened and smile wide. "Welcome to my-"
Brian soon locked eyes on Emma. She wasn't supposed to be here.
"Wait a second...I KNOW you weren't invited!" Brian shouted.
Emma and Erica were shaking. Erica looked around and landed eyes on Michael.
Michael soon landed back and walked up to the brawl. "Yo, everything okay over here?"
"Just trying to keep the rabble out..." Brian scoffed.
"I think you're mistaken man, these two are with me!"
Michael then lowered himself to Brian. "Unless you want something to happen to the sound system."
"Oy oy oy! No need to do anything crazy! Brian stuttered. Didn't know you all were...friends. Come in!"
"How nice of you!" Emma gritted clearly upset.
Erica soon turned to Michael. "Thank you...I owe you one!"
"Whatever, I just like to keep that douche on his toes." Michael smirked.
"I think you just care about other people! In fact, at my church we really need a-"
Michael soon put a hand to Erica's shoulder.
"Don't make me regret getting you in, now go mingle!" He said annoyed.
The girls both took a deep breath and began to explore the party.
To be continued...
For those who missed it!
Really missing the whimsical 2020-2024 Choicesā¦
I only said 2020 because I thatās when I joined but I still miss itā¦
Berry High is Magical(A HSS Fanfiction)-Chapter 3
Author's note: God, I feel like I'm so far behind on this fanfiction. But I want to make it work. I still want to do two chapters a month and I'm going to try as much as I can. I hope you enjoy! Thanks for the support.
@hss-appreciation-events @cadybear420 @lover-also-fighter-also @choicesficwriterscreations
Emma was stunned. Did Erica not understand the meaning of "You're not invited..."? Emma was going to get rejected no matter what Erica said. However, seeing Erica's confident and joyous smile kind of had her at ease. Like everything was actually going to be fine.
Eventually, they were able to drop Emma off and continued on home.
As Ivy and Erica returned Erica quickly went up to her room. She was so excited about the party and couldn't wait to go. She went to a couple parties in the past but they weren't really all that...appealing to her. Most teen parties had cheap booze and other illegal substances, items that goes against Erica's morals. Erica would try to steer other kids towards the "right" path but it always never ended well, mostly with kids dumping beer on her. However, she was certain that this time would be different! With a few exceptions, these kids were different, so it would be much easier getting the word out!
The day began to pass on and the sun began to set. Erica sat at her dresser and began doing her makeup for the party. She heard the front door close and the sound of her parent's voices. It seems that the store had closed for today.
Erica's step-dad had peaked his head into her doorway. "There's my little Tiger!, he exclaimed. Was your first day of school grrreat?!"
Just then Erica's mother joined in, rolling her eyes.
"Scott...she moaned, Just because you're her dad, it doesn't mean you have to tell dad jokes."
"Uh yes it does. It's in my contract!"
Erica's mother just shook her head.
"So...what's on tap for tonight? Scott asked. Fries and TV or...TV or fries?"
Erica blinked. She almost forgot that she never told her parents about the party. Would they even allow her to go? Its only the start of the year after all? Would she have to sneak out? Would she have to lie? Erica started to panic!
Finally she had the confidence to tell the truth. "Actually I-"
But soon, Erica's brother Ivy decided to spill.
"She's going to a party!" Ivy answered.
Erica was blown away. Her own brother betrayed her like this. Now she was really screwed.
"Ivy!! Erica exclaimed. How did you know that?!"
"You literally talked about it in the car? Ivy answered, You're a terrible whisperer.
Erica braced herself for the yelling that she thought she had to endure. However, when she looked at her parents, they gave much more empathetic and understanding looks.
"Your going to a party on a school night? Erica's mother asked soon to be replaced with a joyous expression. I'm impressed! You're making new friends quicker than you did at home!"
"Y...yeah..."Erica said.
"Well I hope you have a fun time! Scott said. I'll be in the garage working on my model trains!"
Erica blinked. Were her parents really ok with her just going to a party? That's weird right?
"Aren't you guys going to tell me about the dangers of underage drinking and unplanned pregnancy?" Erica asked.
"Nah...Erica's mother said looking up and down at her daughter, You're a good girl unlike your brother..."
"HEY!" Ivy yelled.
"I was talking about Yarrow!" Erica's mother yelled back.
"Oh...my bad momma!"
Erica just smiled and got up from her chair. She grabbed her bible and a couple church pamphlets from her desk. She was ready to go, but her mom stopped her.
Alice was one of the few members in Erica's life to accept her high faith but she remembered all the times Erica would come home with bruises and sometimes smelling like cheap alcohol. Erica didn't really mind as she would always smile while looking like that. However, Alice was scared that it would happen again.
"Hey honey... Alice comforted, Why don't you leave the pamphlets at home this time?"
"Huh?" Erica asked.
"Its just well...Since we've just moved here there might be kids who might not know who you are yet. Don't you want to get to know them first? Some of these kids might not be chri-...might already have a church!"
Erica had never thought about that. Maybe the actual reason people shunned her was because she was stealing other churches members. It was so obvious
"Ok!" Erica agreed.
Alice smiled in relief. She just didn't want Erica to be hurt again. "You know, you should really wear that outfit your cousin Lavender gave you for your birthday!"
Lavender...just know that Erica doesn't like that name.
Erica nodded and put on the outfit. She looked adorable in it. Just then a text came to Erica's phone. It was from Emma stating that she was here. Erica let her mom take a couple pictures and went out to meet Emma by her car.
"Hey Erica! Emma greeted, Did you bring your swimsuit?!"
"Mhm! I'm wearing it under my clothes!" Erica answered.
"Me too!"
The girls giggled, they were almost like sisters.
Erica waved to her mother and brother who were standing in the doorway and the two girls set off.
As they were driving Emma noticed Erica's outfit. "Your outfit is so pretty! Were did you get it?" Emma asked.
"Oh it was a birthday gift." Erica answered.
Soon Erica tried to change the conversation.
"Are you ready?!" She asked.
"....Y...Yes, maybe, I'm a little nervous?" Emma answered.
"Why?"
"Caleb's gonna be there...not to mention I'm crashing this party..."
"Trust me! You've got nothing to worry about. We can get through this together!"
"Well...Let's do this before I chicken out!"
As the girls drove, the neighborhoods began to change, houses went from normal to luxurious. Erica was amazed on how big and pretty the houses looked. The last rich persons house she went to was Stacy Greene's but even her house wasn't this big. They eventually made it to Brian's house.
"I always wondered why Brian was so popular. Emma noted. This house kind of explains it."
Erica scooped the area. It was almost like Westchester but more colorful, teens dancing, playing and drinking.
Soon the big man walked towards the girls arms opened and smile wide. "Welcome to my-"
Brian soon locked eyes on Emma. She wasn't supposed to be here.
"Wait a second...I KNOW you weren't invited!" Brian shouted.
Emma and Erica were shaking. Erica looked around and landed eyes on Michael.
Michael soon landed back and walked up to the brawl. "Yo, everything okay over here?"
"Just trying to keep the rabble out..." Brian scoffed.
"I think you're mistaken man, these two are with me!"
Michael then lowered himself to Brian. "Unless you want something to happen to the sound system."
"Oy oy oy! No need to do anything crazy! Brian stuttered. Didn't know you all were...friends. Come in!"
"How nice of you!" Emma gritted clearly upset.
Erica soon turned to Michael. "Thank you...I owe you one!"
"Whatever, I just like to keep that douche on his toes." Michael smirked.
"I think you just care about other people! In fact, at my church we really need a-"
Michael soon put a hand to Erica's shoulder.
"Don't make me regret getting you in, now go mingle!" He said annoyed.
The girls both took a deep breath and began to explore the party.
To be continued...
I wanna write his story too since Iām writing his sistersā¦
Sorry, Iāve been missing for a while. Have some crossover Yuri in the meantime! This is so them!
I love Ava x Erica!
Berry High is Magical(A HSS Fanfiction)-Chapter 2
Authors Note: Let me say that I apologize for not updating sooner. I've been doing other things and I haven't updated as much as I wanted. I want to set a goal for myself for two chapters a month. I thank you for you're time and patience. Please note that somethings in the story have been changed. I hope you enjoy.
@hss-appreciation-events @cadybear420 @lover-also-fighter-also
The teacher was shocked as Emma ran out the classroom, leaving behind a trail whispers of sobs and muffles.
Soon, a big hearty laugh echoed in the class, disrupting the silence that was there before.
"That. Was. Hilarious! Brian laughed, Please tell me someone got that on video!"
Caleb angrily turned back to look at his "friend". "You don't have to be a jerk all the time, you know."
"Dude...come on. It was funny!"
The entire class glared at Brian. You could tell that was no one thought that was funny.
Erica felt so awful. She didn't think kids here would get bullied as well but apparently that wasn't true. Brian reminded her of Brittney, Jocelyn and Cody and how they would treat her. It made her feel sick.
Just then the teacher dropped a hall pass on Erica's desk. The woman leaned into Erica's face to whisper, "Seems like maybe someone should go check on her..."
Erica understood thoroughly. She took the pass and tried to follow Emma to the bathroom.
Just as she was catching up, Emma turned a corner. Erica thought she lost her, but then realized the girls bathroom was right there. She walked in and found Emma crying by the sink. Her cheeks had rivers of tears and her eyes were almost bloodshot red. Erica tried to reach her hand out to her.
"Emma...Are you ok?" Erica asked.
"Erica? Wh...what are you doing here?" Emma replied.
"I just wanted to check in on you."
"It's ok...just head back to class...I'll be fine."
"I'm not going anywhere..."
Emma looked at Erica with open eyes. "Thanks, she said, But you still shouldn't have followed me. You've still got a chance to be someone at this school...to actually have a life."
Erica was taken a back. "I don't get it, she said, There's nothing wrong with you, as far as I can see."
"Don't you get it? It's always been this way.. I'm on the outside looking in!"
That was the sentence that made Erica blink. She has felt that way before. In Westchester, being the ultra positive Christian vegan girl would make you feel like an outsider to the gloomy town. Hell, even in her own family Erica felt like an outsider.
Erica continued to listen in.
"I spent last year working on homework, reading crappy young adult novels, and doodling pictures of Caleb in my notebook. I never even been to a party. I've always told myself that it was by choice, but when Brian said what he said, I knew that I was lying to myself."
Tears continued to run down Emma's face. Erica could see that state that Emma was in.
"Trust me Brian's party will suck! It would be full of nasty alcohol and dirty music. Not to mention that someone would get arrested! Now if you're interested in some real fun, my old church has this really great bible study program!" Erica comforted.
"Actually...Brian's known for having the most incredible parties, literally everyone is going to be there...including Caleb." Emma sighed. "Sorry, I'm just tired of feeling like a loser."
"If you think you're a loser then lets be losers together!"
Erica was going to give Emma the one thing she rarely had...a friend.
"It seems that you've been a lone wolf for a while, but that's over now! There's two of us, and now that's a pack!" Erica announced.
Emma gave a small smile, "You really think so?"
Erica smacked her heart. "I know so! Stick with me! Your life is going to get a whole lot better!"
It may have been the lighting but the bathroom seemed to beam a whole lot brighter and become more saturated than it did earlier.
Emma was a little skeptical though. She asked one final question.
"Why are you doing thins for me?"
Erica smiled. "Its because I'm your friend!"
Emma immediately began to sob ugly again and pulled Erica into a big hug. Erica was surprised but almost cried herself. She felt like Emma was her internally and felt uneasy because she gave a pep talk when literally no one else gave her one in the past. Erica decided to put those feelings to the side and comfort Emma.
They didn't realize it at first but the bathroom door opened to see an older student walking in. "Oop! I uh, hope I'm not interrupting anything!" She said blushing.
Emma leaned up to see and realized the position her and Erica were in, they were a little close.
"What?! Oh no we were just..." Emma started to say but then Erica grabbed her hand.
"Heading back to class!" Erica said with a big smile on her face.
With that the two walk back to homeroom hands in towed.
As they walked in the teacher smiled and instructed them to take a seat.
When the class ended, the two punk students from earlier caught up to Erica.
"Yo! Michael said, We just wanted to say that was pretty cool of you!"
"Yeah, Morgan commented, You didn't have to go after her like that, I wouldn't have.
Erica began blushing again, not at Michael's comment but Morgan's. It just sounded like something Ava would say. She immediately shook her head.
"Uh...thanks?" Erica responded.
"Sorry, we're not used to giving compliments, bad upbringings you know?" Michael snorted.
"Actually, you both don't sound so bad to me!" Erica smiled.
Morgan just smacked her lips. "That just shows how little you know about us!"
With that Morgan walked away. Michael stepped up to Erica. "Thanks.
As he walked away, Emma came up to Erica to lead her. It was time for the annual welcoming assembly!
As the pair took their seats in the auditorium, a sunny older woman ran onto the stage. Erica took notice of her. She was cheerful, bright and had a gorgeous smile. It was actually like looking into a mirror. Soon the woman raised the microphone to her lips.
"Welcome, children, to your first day of school!" She announced, but then she felt like she made a mistake.
"...I mean, not your first day of school ever, she corrected, Sorry, I've just moved here from Berry Elementary so this is a new environment for me."
The woman took notice of the student body. "Wow. You are all so big!"
As she looked at the student body she noticed Erica and Erica noticed her. Erica of course flashed her with a big smile. It gave the woman the hope of nailing the introduction.
"My name is Principal Hughs! I may be new, but you were all new to this place once, Hughs started, And that's the wonderful thing about a fresh start. You get to be anybody you want to be!"
With that she waved her hand in the air. "So...welcome to kindergar...I mean, high school!" She took a little firework and popped it, even though the confetti barely went anywhere.
Emma looked at Erica. "That was...actually kind of sweet. You didn't have to reassure her you know?" Emma said.
Erica just continued to smile. Erica saw herself in Principal Hughs. They were both cheerful, wore bright colorful clothes, and had big smiles. The principal at Westchester was more bitter, straight forward and could barely care what the students thought.
As the girls were walking out the auditorium, a prim student was running up to them with a notebook in hands. "Excuse me! Excuse me!" She announced.
While Emma was startled, Erica turned and greeted the young woman.
"Sorry to startle you, I'm Maria Flores, school president and chair of the Homecoming Planning Committee! Do you mind asking a few questions?" She asked.
However, Maria blinked in realization. It was her that saw Erica and Emma in the bathroom earlier. She soon shook her head as that was not important right now. Maria stood firm and tall and pointed.
"Question One! Are you currently planning to attend the Homecoming Dance?!" Maria asked.
Erica thought for a moment. "I'll think about it." She replied.
Maria was starting to get frustrated. "That doesn't answer my question! Is it yes or no?!" She asked.
"I mean I..." Erica started to say but Maria kept rambling.
"How am I supposed to plan a dance if everyone might come to it?! She questioned, Should I buy ten gallons of punch or fifty, a single bag of Doritos or a thousand?!"
Emma just blinked. "Probably not a thousand..."
"IT WAS A RHETORICAL QUESTION!"
Obviously going no where Maria began to leave with a huff. She had felt like she had wasted enough time.
When she was finally gone Emma just sighed. "That girl is stressed."
"No she's just hangry, like hungry plus angry? Erica commented. My brother Ivy gets like that too, but he soon eats stuff like hot dogs with relish and mustard and chocolate covered Oreos and then he feels better!"
Emma cringed at that.
Soon the lunch bell rang and the girls went into the cafeteria. Erica was amazed yet again. Yes, the cafeteria had basic school food such as pizza's, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and nachos, however there was a little section that was more her style. It had fresh garden salad, veggie wraps, and bean burgers! Erica could almost cry, most of the time she would have to rely on bringing a lunch or going into the library because the food didn't go with her vegan diet.
With that Erica and Emma grabbed their fill and joined the many students. It seemed that every table had a designated group; one for the football players, one for the band kids, and one for the cheerleaders. Erica gazed at the cheerleaders, almost all of them looked so welcoming. The blonde one looked like they had a bit of an attitude though. It was almost like looking at Britney again. Still, Erica took a deep breath and walked towards them.
The girl in purple saw Erica and immediately greeted her. "Hi there!! She greeted. You must be new! I'm Payton! Welcome to Berry High!"
The blonde one soon turned in the similar direction. "My names Mia. Please tell me you're planning to try out for the cheer team!"
Finally a girl in a magenta cardigan turned. "I'm Sydney!!! Were SO desperate for fresh recruits!!!"
Erica was surprised, more so with Mia. Unlike Brittney, Mia was actually...nice and kind. However, the look she was giving Sydney might of gave her a bit of doubt.
"Were not desperate Sydney, that's a bad look!" Mia withered.
"We're...eager!" Payton said, cleaning up the spill.
Mia then leaned a bit back and smirked. "Not to mention very selective."
Erica was a little nervous. She tried out for cheer before but it didn't really go so smoothly. Now these girls think Erica has a chance of being a cheerleader.
"Do you really think I'd be a good fit?" Erica asked.
"Sure!!" Payton grined.
"You seem cheerful, but that's only half the battle!" Sydney noted.
It's true...Erica was one of the most cheerful people in the universe.
Erica didn't like the doubt clogging her head. One one hand it was pleasing to see a cheer team actually have faith in her, but on the other hand what if this was all a set up, a attempt to butter her up, gain her trust, and then embarrass her when she doesn't make the team?
Erica looked at the trio of girls again. "Its just that I'm new!"
"There's nothing wrong with that, you're a blank slate!" Payton commented.
"As long as you respect your elders, we'll get along just fine." Mia noted.
Sydney gave a troubled look which annoyed Mia. Mia then nudged Sydney and looked back and forth between her and Erica. With that Payton stood up with a smile. "I'd say we get out on the field and check out Erica's moves!"
Now Erica was really shocked, she was still trying to process what was going on with the team. Mia then closed her eyes and nodded. All three girls then grabbed Erica and borderline drug her to the football field. Once they got out there Mia turned to Erica.
"You're a sophomore right? Do you remember any of the cheers from your old high school?" She asked.
Erica shyly nodded.
"Well then...Show them!" Mia said walking back to the other members.
This was finally Erica's moment, her second chance on being a cheerleader. This time she was not going to fail. She put on a big smile and began to cheer.
We're furry!
We're cute!
Gonna give you the boot!
Our claws so strong!
Gonna make you cry!
All night long!
AWOOOOO!!!!!!!!
As she came down from her jump, she noticed that the cheerleaders had somewhat of appalled faces. This internally broke Erica, she was smiling but felt broken. She decided to finally break the silence.
"Was...was it bad?" She asked.
Sydney just blinked and Payton put her hand towards her mouth. Mia finally stood up.
"Are you from Westchester High?" Mia asked.
Erica, still smiling, cringed a bit. "Y...yes?"
"No way! Payton shouted, You're too sweet and joyful to be apart of that school!"
"Oh my God, did you hear about that little girl that died in that..." Sydney started to say but was cut off from Mia.
"Come on Sydney, she doesn't want to hear about that spooky crap! Mia grumbled. Anyway, aside from all that I'm impressed."
Erica started to feel happy about that, but she questioned how Sydney knew about what happened to Jane Marshall.
The girls gathered around Erica. Mia once again spoke. "Official tryouts are next week...we hope to see you there...we could use some fresh talent."
Sydney frowned.
Mia began walking back to the cafeteria. Erica noticed Sydney's sad face, but Sydney looked back up with a small smile. " I know she can come off as harsh, but she's going through some stuff right now."
"Oh did something happen or..." Erica started to ask.
"I don't want to spread gossip...but we really hope you come to tryouts!" Sydney wrapped up.
Later on after a period of Gym, Ancient History, and Algebra it was finally time to go home. Erica was only supposed to work in her mother's store during off days, weekends, or holidays so no work after school. After gathering her belongings and walking out Erica saw Caleb and Emma engaged in conversation.
"...And I wanted to say sorry for Brian, he's got a shitty sense of humor." Caleb apologized.
"Yeah...definitely." Emma sighed.
Both teens noticed Erica and Caleb nodded to Erica. "Same goes for you Erica, Caleb apologized, Brian and I have been friends forever but I'm tired of apologizing for him."
"Brian should be the one apologizing, not you." Erica noted.
"Yeah...but if you're waiting on Brian to apologize, it might take a few decades..."
"You seem so nice and cool...why do you hang out with such a bully?"
"He's been my friend since 3rd grade, I don't agree with his behavior sometimes but I can't just up and leave a dude I've known for so long."
"Caleb-"
Just then a pink sports jeep playing loud music pulls up to the trio! The driver jumped down and gave Caleb a huge kiss on the lips. This must be Zoe. She looked more mature, had a snooty look, and a attitude that screamed "I'm better than you!"
"There you are, you owe me an early dinner before we hit this party!" She said.
" Yeah...but I was just finishing a conversation with-" Caleb started to say.
"Would you seriously rather sit with this blonde background character and this "Moral Orel" reject than take me on a date? You owe me!"
"I know. I know."
"Now come on, we have to eat fast too because I need a hour and half to get ready for Brian's Party!"
With that she tugged Caleb to her car and drove off before Caleb can say goodbye, leaving jeep smoke to the two girls.
"Can you believe her?!" Emma said coughing.
"I know! She's so rude! Erica coughed back. I can't believe a nice guy like Caleb would date someone like her?"
"Oh I can! Emma said. Nice girls always finish-"
Just then a car came up to the girls. It was Erica's brother Ivy who had come to pick Erica up from school.
"Hey Hani! He greeted, Who's this?"
Just then Erica placed a hand on Emma with a big smile. "This is Emma, we became friends today!"
"Hey Emma! Did my sister try to convert you already?"
Emma was confused and Erica just blushed.
"Anyways, come on sis, lets go! He said.
As Erica walked to the car, she turned to Emma who had her head down in gloom. Erica looked at her older brother with puppy eyes, he sighed and said "Only if she need too..." in a different language.
Erica gasped in happiness and ran back to Emma. "Emma? She asked, Would you like a ride home?!"
Emma looked up and gave a shy smile. "I...I would like that...Thank you..."
Erica grabbed Emma's hand and the two went to the backseat. Soon Ivy pulled off.
As they were driving, Emma noticed something off. Did Erica's brother just speak Japanese to Erica? She wanted to know.
"H...Hey Mr. Um..."Emma stuttered.
"Ivy..." Ivy answered.
"Right, Mr. Ivy, I didn't know you could speak Japanese..."
"Our old man's Japanese, he taught us before he-"
Ivy stopped as he looked in the rearview mirror at his sister who looked upset.
"D...Don't worry about it kid, just know we're mixed and that's why we can speak Japanese." Ivy reaffirmed.
Emma was confused but didn't let it bother her. As Ivy put on his music, Emma and Erica began talking.
"I don't why, but I can't really trust her, I just feel like somethings up with Zoe." Erica whispered.
"I never trusted her to be honest. Emma whispered back. I wish I could go to the party just to see what she's up to."
"Well why don't you?"
"I'm not invited remember?"
"Well Brian did say you weren't invited, but he never said anything about a plus one!"
"Wait...What are you saying?"
Erica just smiled at her friend.
"You're going to the party as my plus one!"