Dérive

[Whisper]

Oceanellé Belmont

It was her first day in France and so far she felt the experience was practically no different from New York aside from the numerous cafés up and down the streets, the sweet aromas drifting throughout the city, the rapid French words flowing through the air, and the beautiful men and women that were scatter throughout the streets... Ok France was amazing for Oceanellé and even little Mari. The small girl held on tightly to her mother like a small kola as the young woman carried her in her arms, the two of them praying that the woman wouldn't trip for once as she searched for the apartment that would be their new home.

"Mommy?"

The small girl called her soft sandy hair curled and pinned up as she remained comfortable in her mothers arms,

"Yeah Mari?"

"I'm bored..."

The one thing Ocean dreaded on hearing...

"Your boring me."

The munchkin stated rather bluntly as Oceanellé stopped straight in her tracks as her jaw dropped, leaving her mouth agape. She held Mari beneath her arms and held the small younger carbon copy of herself out before her,

"I am noooot boring!"

The woman countered pouting as her daughter merely crossed her little arms and shook her head,

"No mommy your boring. Sorry to break it to you."

The girl argued stubbornly,

"Am nooooot!"

The woman whined.

"Are too."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am nooooot!"
"Are toooooo!"

The woman's eyebrows began to knit together,

"Your mean to mommy Mari! Your not mommys bestest friend ever anymore!"

This time it was time for Marionettes turn for her mouth to be left agape. The girl quickly changed her mind and shook her head with her precious blue grey eyes wide open,

"I'm sorry mommy! Your not boring! I love you mommy!"

The words clearly and rapidly left the four year olds mouth causing the woman to smile and hug the girl only to say,

"Ok your mommys bestest friend ever again!"

The little girl smiled brightly and the two continued their journey to their new home passing a small bookstore on the way.
​

 

[Justin]

Bronx B. Bellamy: The Playboy With The Heart Of Gold, lime

Today was his first day in the city of love. Bronx didn't know how to feel about being here so far. He saw beautiful girls and guys. He would have some fun while it lasted. As he made his way to the apartment buildings, Bronx passed by all types of places. The names were in French, Bronx knew some french; not enough to speak it fluently but hopefully that would change soon. When Bronx made it to the building he saw a beautiful brunette walking towards it. She wasn't alone, was it her sister or her niece? "Hey your in the same building as me?" Bronx looked at the girl, she was prettier then any girl he had ever seen. The little girl that was with her was adorable too, Bronx didn't do well around kids. His nephew and niece called him Uncle Awkward, that's how bad he was around kids. "My names Bronx...who's this little girl with you?" Bronx waved an awkward hi to the little girl.
He wasn't usually nervous around anyone, except kids. He had to watch his words. If he said something vulgar around the little girl, it wouldn't look good for him.

 

[Whisper]

Oceanellé Belmont

The pair continued on their way reciting the lyrics to Afraid by The Neighbourhood when Oceanellé spotted their new home. She smiled,

"Mari, look that's where we're going to live for now on!"

She cheered pointing at the large old structure that radiated the same elegance the rest of the city emitted. The small girl smiled as well turning her little head towards the building her long sand hair swishing and hitting her mother in the face mistakenly, caused the woman to stumble and catch herself right on time. She sighed in relief before cautiously approaching their destination. Just as Oceanellé reached the staircase out front, a males voice traveled her way.

She turned and looked at him and smiled brightly, he was quite handsome in her opinion and seemed like a good guy, but she knew too well that she could never judge a book by its cover. She set Mari down and held onto the small hand of the young girl before pointing towards the building she'd be residing in with her thumb,

"Well if you live here then yep! Nice to meet you."

She chirped while Marionette tried to hide behind her mother, the smaller girl wasn't like her mother in that one aspect of her characteristics, unlike Oceanellé, Marionette was quite shy until she got to know people. She looked at the man with curious eyes as she peeked out at him from behind her mothers legs. Marionette held out her free hand as she returned the favor and introduced herself,

"I'm Oceanellé Belmont and I should be residing here in room 211. And this little munchkin..."

She paused scooping up the little girl and tickling her hoping that maybe that would help her daughter loosen up,

"Is Marionette, my daughter."

She smiled before ceasing her limited tickling of the now giggling and squirming little girl,

"Say Hi to Mr. Bronx Mari."

Marionette urged, as the small girl felt conflicted inside, before squeaking out a small,

"...hello..."

And burying her face into the crook of her mothers neck. Shying away from the man. Meanwhile a idea popped up in Oceanellé's head that would hopefully get Mari to get use to people,

"Hey, do you want to go to the park with us after I make sure that my apartment was properly prepared?"

She asked feeling she'd kill two birds with one stone, not only would she make herself a new friend but she would get Mari to get familiar with other kids in France. She hoped he'd be willing to wait because she wanted to be sure that the people who set up her furniture and delivered he pairs clothing, before their arrival, had completed the job and dropped the key off at the front desk. She smiled awaiting for his reply.

Marionettes outfit

Oceanellés Outfit

​

 

[Justin]

Bronx B. Bellamy, lime

Bronx at first he didn't know how to react to hearing that the little girl was HER daughter. He tried to hide his shock at the situation. He wasn't use to being around kids for long periods, maybe that would change hopefully. Bronx walked to the entrance of the building and opened the door for Oceanelle and Mari. "Well Oceanelle and Mari, your're both beautiful girls. Oh yeah! I'll join you. I got to check out my apartment also." Bronx gave a bright smile to them. "How about I come pick you up in a hour or two? Does that work for you two?" Bronx had to make sure that he chosed his words correctly and not saying something dumb in front of Oceanelle and the little girl. Bronx was running his fingers through his hair, he only did that when he got nervous or excited; right now he felt both emotions mixed into one. Oceanelle was a beautiful girl, she also had a kid. Bronx didn't want to just stop talking to her because she had a kid, maybe it's a sign to grow his ass up for once. Bronx was twenty three and he still never had a relationship that lasted more then 3 months; he would try not to mess this up before anything even started.

 

[♀LιттƖє Red♂]

Time seemed to pass in the blink of an eye; it was almost unsettling. A few months ago she had been living in a cozy cottage with her future husband and now, here she was, standing in the middle of a dingy apartment in France, wondering where her life was going. A part of her was a bit skeptical about her time here; would it really get her away from Malcolm and his controlling tendencies. An even smaller part of her whispered that she should forgive Malcolm, he was stressed, and when someone was stressed sometimes, they did things they did not mean like break your arm or throw you into a wall. She shook her head side to side in an attempt to dislodge her current train of thought, lips pressed together tightly in a scowl. Her coal-black locks flew in disarray with her head, the jerky motions causing a pinch of stiffness in her lower neck. The brisk shakings stopped, and her eyes trailed her surroundings with distaste, taking in the different sized cardboard boxes that lay scattered along the floor and the white painted walls that seemed to be pealing into a even more vapid layer of white and yellow paint.


The ceiling was in the same state as the walls, and seemed to dip unevenly in certain areas of the room. Her eyes fell to the floor, and she could not hold back a small-irritated sigh, shoulders heaving from the effort. Even the floor was nothing much to look at, with a dull brown carpet that looked as if it had seen better days many years ago. When one thought France they thought fancy and elegant, but that seemed to be excruciatingly different from what this apartment had to offer. Though it had been cheap, this was most likely the reason for its unappealing condition. Money was tight, and it was a miracle she had even been able to afford this apartment on such short notice. It would do no good to obsess about her current financial and living situations, so with a small amount of effort she pushed all negative thoughts from her mind and headed her suitcase to pick an outfit for going out in town. The best thing to do at this moment in time was to enjoy the scenery and cultural differences that come with living in such a beautiful country.


Who knew, maybe she would spend the rest of her life here. A small pang of sadness pinched her heart at the thought of never seeing Malcolm again, but she ignored it, for the most part. Kneeling down, she unzipped her suitcase and threw the top back, digging through the recess of clothing, personal items, and miscellanea that lay there until she came across her favorite dress. She pulled it out and stood up, a triumphant grin curling the edges of her lips. It seemed this day was beginning to look up already. After shucking off her current outfit and tossing them to a corner in the room, she padded to the bathroom, turning the knob to the shower so water sprayed from the nozzle overhead. She stepped in and began to take part in all the normal cleaning rituals, washing off all filth and grime from the previous night. After finishing her shower, she stepped out and walked back into the main room, kneeling back down at the suitcase and pulling out a white fluffy towel and using it to wipe away all remains of water droplets from her body and wringing the water from her hair. She then tossed the towel on the ground next to her old outfit, grabbing her honey-scented lotion and rubbing it over every part of her, following this by putting on some old spice deodorant.


Satisfied that she finally smelled presentable, she walked over to where she placed the clothes she had decided to wear today, pulling on a matching pair of black lace underwear and bra. She refused to go anywhere without wearing a pair of sexy undergarments; even though nobody would see it she always felt a surge of confidence knowing what lie beneath her clothes. She leaned down and grabbed the black dress and pulling it over her head. It fell to mid-thigh and hugged at her waist, accentuating the dip of her hips and her breasts while flowing out at the bottom. Strolling back to the bathroom, she grabbed the brush that lay atop the sink, brushing the jet-black strands until they hung above her shoulders in thick, voluminous waves that framed her face. She stared at her reflection, debating on whether she should put on any makeup. Her skin was soft porcelain, and her complexion was flawless, with not a single blemish. She usually just put on eye makeup in an effort to emphasize the color of her cobalt irises and make them sparkle like midwinter sky. After a few seconds of deliberation, her shoulders lifted in a small shrug and she turned on her heel, making her way back to the main room and slipping into a pair of flip-flop. She slung her pocket purse over one shoulder and walked out the door, digging in her purse and pulling out the key so she could lock it behind her.


The door locked with a soft click, and she shoved the key back into her purse, strolling down the hallway and stairs with short but quick strides. She caught sight of a few unfamiliar people lingering around the rooms, and figured they must be her neighbors. It would only be polite for her to introduce herself, but at this moment, she felt an urge to be standing outside and breathing in the fresh, crisp, air. After making it downstairs, she pulled the entrance door open, a large gleeful smile decorating her face and bringing attention to the two dimples that sat upon her cheeks. She took a few steps outside then halted, spinning in a circle with her arms outspread as she absorbed the rays of sunlight that beat down on her. She could care less if she looked ridiculous; Vixen was never one to care what others thought of her. People who thought she was some weak little pushover were quickly proved wrong when they encountered her crude sailor mouth and fiery temper. It was entertaining how people constantly misjudged her for some blameless angel.


Though given her youthful and innocent features, one could not necessarily blame them. There had been multiple times in her life where people had commented on how she had the face of a child, something she had used to her advantage more than once. It was almost comical how much a woman could get away with if she acted sweet and naïve; in the same aspect, a woman could also get away with a lot if she used her feminine wiles. In her case, she tended to take advantage of both, depending on what she was attempting to achieve and whom she was using it on. After a few seconds of enjoying the sunlight upon her skin, she stopped spinning and brought her arms in, crossing them over her chest as her eyes danced over the outside scenery. She stood in contemplative silence, the large smile she had been sporting altering into a smirk. It was a new beginning, and with new beginning came new adventures and new chances. She could not wait to enjoy whatever prospects the future held, and planned on taking hold of it with both hands.

 

[Phi Chisym]

Marietta

Stepping outside her apartment, Marietta growled at herself for leaving her things unattended. Taking a moment to scan over her plethora of camera bags and equipment, she insured herself that all was there and quickly took them inside first. Then, with a little more effort that she cared to exert, she carried the larger suitcases and bags one by one into her living room. "I really should consider a garage sale," she mumbled to herself as she dragged in the larger of her suitcases.

When all was in the safety of her space, the idea to wander around Paris with just herself and her camera reached her, bringing a smile upon her face. "Umm, it would be nice to decorate with images of the new vision surrounding me," she sung, grabbing one of her camera bags to check over the equipment. "Besides, what better way to meet new people but through the lens..."

Holding her Nokia in her hands felt almost foreign to her. It's been years since she's found the chance, or stolen the opportunity, to venture from the posh atmosphere her father and grandparents insist she remain. Like any other child of privileged, their perfect intentions was to mold her into what they wanted her to be - an obedient little puppet that does what she's told and looks gracefully breathtaking while doing it. Any activity that did not suit their needs was beneath them. Photography was considered one of them, of course. They much preferred her to pursue dance. Fortunately, one of them saw the light - her grandfather, Horatio. When their persuasions became forceful, breaking her soul, weakening her spirit, Horatio realized then that their 'good intentions' were flawed. Her happiness is important to him. So, he blessed her photography dreams...and decided that her heart was far more important than family politics.

Now, if only 'daddy dearest' would see the light.

With her sun hat, camera bag, and comfortable shoes; Marrose stepped back out of her apartment and slowly searched for interesting textures or hidden stories within the old hallway to capture on film. Anything that looked inspiring in some form, she shot it. Her photography wasn't the pretty, adoring images that awakened warmth within the viewer. They highlighted life, the hard and the soft, the beauty and the beast. Mundane things became rare, unique works of art through her lens; and the cold hard facts about their happy little world became the nightmares that bore holes in souls. Studying Journalistic photography promoted her creation to see the good within the horror, the evil within the priceless. It can cause a twisted sense of self and other if one's not careful. But, so far Marrose hadn't twisted far enough to lose herself.

 

[catalyst]

God, had that meal been delicious or what?? For her first meal in Paris, that sandwich hadn't disappointed the young woman in the slightest. The juice was also rather delightful, so much so that Ryleigh decided to spoil herself a little more and get her cup refilled. Once that was over and done with, she stood just outside the patio for a moment as she pondered over what to do.

She could go back to her apartment and unpack and organize some things. Orrr... she could venture further into the city and see what else lay in store for her. Hell, she could go searching for a job right now, if she wanted to. Maybe there was a clothing store that was hiring... maybe, possibly, even that cafe? No, she doubted she'd be hire because she hardly spoke French.

Now, there was always the opportunity for the brunette to sing. Unfortunately, however, she wasn't a very public singer. Even the people that knew her closely and knew she could sing, hardly ever heard her sing outside of her own home.

Ryleigh figured she'd just let the people of Paris guide her. The wind, the architecture, the atmosphere... they had to lead her somewhere promising.

 

[Whisper]

Oceanellé Belmont

Her smile grew as she ignored the silent daggers her daughter sent to her,

"Perfect, that sounds great. And thank you for the compliment."

She replied thinking of his compliment as nothing more than him being nice. A thought crossed her mind as she slipped her bag off her shoulder, still holding the small girl, an grabbed a notepad and pen from the confinement a of her purse. Scribbling down her number quickly only to place it in Bronx's had and say,

"Just give us a ring when your on your way ok, and I'll see you in a bit."

She smiled waving a small goodbye to the man and turn back towards the steps of the building. She waved hello to those who were leaving the apartments before placing Marionette on the ground and heading towards the receptionist desk. The woman requested for her key and received it prior to proceeding to taking the hand of her daughter to lead the small girl upstairs,

"Mommy, I don't like you anymore..."

The small girl mumbled poking out her adorable plump bottom pink lip into a pout,

"Awwww! Why?"

The woman whined carefully stepping up the stairs while Mari hopped upstairs next to her cautious mother.

"...Your too friendly..."

Mari replied still hoping upstairs as the pair traveled up the flights of stairs.

"Oh but come on Mari! People aren't all bad, you won't know if someone's good or bad until you get to know them."

The woman argued,

"Yeah but..."

"No buts, butts are made for sitting on."

She interrupted making Mari crack a smile, the girl sighed giving in to her mothers words. They approached the apartment door and opened it before he little monster dashed into the apartment to explore. Oceanellé tried to do the same but couldn't get past the doorway, because when she went to run the woman tripped and fell planting her face on the ground,

"Sheet."

She muttered using a replacement for the word she really wanted to use, shit. She picked herself back up and closed the door heading off on a adventure through the apartment.

(Next 2 replies are going to be in Marionettes point of view.)​

 

[Phi Chisym]

Meric

"What an amazing lunch! I'll definitely visit that cafe more often." Meric cleared his trash and whipped down his kitchen counter before turning around to look over his abode. There were still several boxes of unpacked items standing in the corners of his living room and bedroom. He spent the next few hours working through them, taking the time to arrange them just right around his place. The few items he's decided to let go were repacked for an opportunity like a yard sale or something similar. That is, if people in France does that kind of thing. When the time flew and he was well worn out from the chore, Meric decided to grab his jacket and scarf and head out for a little walk.

Walking around the neighborhood gave him a chance to meet new people, learn where all the shops and other places of need were, and it gave him a moment to reflect on his life as it has become now compared to what it use to be. The only thing that was majorly different was that he was the one in command of his life now - not the one under the control of another. It felt invigorating... empowering... like a sort of reincarnation of the mind, body and soul. He felt like a new man, but deep down there was a hollow space in his heart that still taunted him about his choice to leave. It ached him with guilt, with sorrow and heartache. It was that hole that drove him to tears sometimes, begging to break from it's abuse so he can finally heal.

It'll make it, Meric thought as he strolled towards a nice, well lit bookstore that happen to catch his eye. I just need a new book to read... He entered the store and began to scan through the shelves, smiling politely at the few patrons who watched him with interest as he passed. The atmosphere there was heavenly and warm, and smelled of jasmine and spice. Um, such a nice place to get away every now and then. Next time, I'll bring my tablet.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Nick Dawson stood in the bedroom of his furnished apartment at the Rue des Amiraux. He looked around and saw various mementos of the states, and his love of Sci-Fi geek culture. The jewel in the collection crown for Nick was the signed Darth Vader helmet from "The Empire Strikes Back." It was signed by the entire original cast and a 15th Birthday present from his parents who's software company helped George Lucas on some of his movies. Lucas asked if there was anything he could do for Nick's dad Pete. Pete mentioned how Nick loved "Star Wars" and the rest was history. He smiled and said, "Hope you like your new home Lord Vader."

It wasn't exactly living accommodations at Graceland, but nothing to be ashamed of either. He was on the upswing from a bad breakup where not only did his fiance Kate cheat on him, but it was with Grant his best friend for years and who was supposed to be his best man. His family felt him getting out of New York was the best thing for him. Nick was pretty well over it after 18 months of binge drinking and therapy.

His grandmother knew of his love of writing and suggested Paris, because it would give him a clean slate and the city might give him some inspiration. Luckily for him his family could afford to set him up in an decent apartment in Paris with a sizable bank account to boot, but Nick didn't want anyone to know how well off he was. Nick just wanted to be Nick.

He looked out his window and though he was in a strange place Nick felt a sense of belonging here. Just then his phone rang and he saw that it was his a local number.

Nick answered, "Hello Nick McPherson..." he shook his head and said, "I mean Dawson."

A familiar voice said, "Going by your mom's maiden name I see. Looking to establish your own identity in a new city. Bold choice young man."

Nick smiled and said, "Hey Aunt Maggie. How are you and Uncle Jack doing?"

She replied. "Not too bad Nick. Your Uncle Jack is getting over a cold and I have to put in an appearance at a State Dinner tonight for both of us otherwise I'm fine. Are you settled in ?" Nick's Uncle Jack was the Deputy Director of Admissions at the U-S Embassy. This was a big reason why is parents agreed to Paris, because his Uncle and Aunt could keep an eye on him if he got into trouble. Nick appreciated having family in the area, but he was determined to be his own man here.

Nick replied, "Yeah pretty much. Think of going out and seeing some of the sites. Seeing if anything strikes me for inspiration that kind of thing."

They spent a few more minutes making small talk, catching up with how things were back in the states, and the promise to get together some time for dinner at the Embassy when his Uncle was more up for it.

Nick hung up the phone and looked around his apartment once again and said, "Okay I've seen my apartment. Time to see the city."

Nick left the apartment building and began to take a walk around. He didn't see the point in taking pictures. Nick was going to be living there it wasn't like he wasn't going to see these things again.

He saw a cafe and sitting on a patio was a rather attractive young lady. Nick did what he could to avoid staring but her olive skin and dark brown hair caught Nick's attention.

Nick entered the cafe and ordered a tea. He walked over to the patio and stood near the young lady. He said, "Umm, Bon-jour je pat..pas...I mean.." Nick rolled his eyes and said, "Hi my name is Nick Dawson I just moved here from the states. Would you mind if I joined you? And do you speak English?"

 

[catalyst]

Ryleigh felt a presence near her and so turned her head just as a guy looked at her and started talking. Quickly it became obvious that he was talking to her, so she stopped sipping at her drink out of politeness and offered a friendly smile. He had brown hair and big, matching brown eyes, and looked to be maybe a little older than her though he sort of had a baby face.

"Yes, I speak English, don't worry." Her smile widened. "Um, I was just about to head out of here, but... I suppose we could sit for a little while." She shrugged - maybe this was where Paris was taking her for the time being? She led Nick back to where she had been sitting earlier. "You said you just moved here? So did I. My name's Ryleigh. Nice to meet you," she smiled again as she held out her hand for him to shake.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Ryleigh felt a presence near her and so turned her head just as a guy looked at her and started talking. Quickly it became obvious that he was talking to her, so she stopped sipping at her drink out of politeness and offered a friendly smile. He had brown hair and big, matching brown eyes, and looked to be maybe a little older than her though he sort of had a baby face.

"Yes, I speak English, don't worry." Her smile widened. "Um, I was just about to head out of here, but... I suppose we could sit for a little while." She shrugged - maybe this was where Paris was taking her for the time being? She led Nick back to where she had been sitting earlier. "You said you just moved here? So did I. My name's Ryleigh. Nice to meet you," she smiled again as she held out her hand for him to shake.

The first smile from Ryleigh was borderline intoxicating for Nick. Ryleigh was an attractive young lady to begin with, but that smile on her was something that was meant to be there. As she spoke Nick listened and couldn't hear a French accent anywhere. Which told him that chances were likely that she was from the states as well. Ryleigh was being very polite to Nick and he appreciated that. After all she had no clue who he was or anything like that, but Ryleigh had a welcoming presence that but made Nick feel a bit more relaxed.

He followed Ryleigh back to where she had been sitting and when she held her hand out Nick took it gently. He gave a brief shake and said, "It's a pleasure meeting you as well Ryleigh, and thank you for being so kind to me."

Nick released her hand and sat down just then a waiter approached and asked Nick if he would like something. Nick knew very little French, but thanks to the Rosetta Stone Program he knew the basics. However not wanting to sound like an idiot he chose to speak in English as he said, "A cup of Earl Gray please." The waiter bowed slightly and walked away.

Nick turned his attention back to Ryleigh. He smiled a bit and said, "Yeah I just moved here from New York City. I live at the Rue des Amiraux apartment 202. I literally just got here less than 24 hours and got my apartment set up. Hoping to be a writer and I moved here..." he shrugged his shoulders and said with a smile, "It's not New York City. I needed a change of scenery."

The waiter brought Nick his tea and Nick took a sip. He sat the cup on the table and asked getting a little more comfortable, "So where are you from? And what are you doing here? If youdon't mind my asking."

 

[catalyst]

Ryleigh gave a small nod of the head in response to Nick, a slight small there on her lips, too. Once the waiter came along, the woman waited patiently for Nick to get what he wanted. When asked about herself, she gave a polite smile and showed the waiter her own drink. "Non, merci." The waiter left and the two acquaintances were left alone again.

"The Rue des Amiraux? No way, I just moved there, too," Ryleigh grinned. What were the chances, right? "I moved from California. I guess my reasoning is... similar to yours. I kind of just wanted to see where I could go." She shrugged and sipped at her juice, eyes glancing away in thought for a few moments before she spoke again. "Hey, why don't we throw somethin'? Did you meet anybody at the building yet? I haven't... maybe we could throw a housewarming party or something."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Ryleigh gave a small nod of the head in response to Nick, a slight small there on her lips, too. Once the waiter came along, the woman waited patiently for Nick to get what he wanted. When asked about herself, she gave a polite smile and showed the waiter her own drink. "Non, merci." The waiter left and the two acquaintances were left alone again.

"The Rue des Amiraux? No way, I just moved there, too," Ryleigh grinned. What were the chances, right? "I moved from California. I guess my reasoning is... similar to yours. I kind of just wanted to see where I could go." She shrugged and sipped at her juice, eyes glancing away in thought for a few moments before she spoke again. "Hey, why don't we throw somethin'? Did you meet anybody at the building yet? I haven't... maybe we could throw a housewarming party or something."

Nick looked somewhat surprised when Ryleigh said where she was living. In a city as large as Paris he runs into someone not only from America, but living in the same apartment building. Nick sipped on his Earl Grey as he listened to Ryleigh talk about being from California and she too was looking for a change of scenery as well. He was hoping that Ryleigh's reason for the change of scenery wasn't in line with his. Nick would hate to think that Ryleigh was looking to leave a bad memory behind. However all that being said Ryleigh had a very joyful and pleasant aura about her that Nick found very refreshing after dealing with New Yorkers for most of his life.

Ryleigh made the suggestion of a housewarming party, and Nick nodded as finished his sip. He put the cup down and said, "Well outside of you I haven't even met anyone, and technically I've met you outside the apartment. Otherwise I'm a newbie here." He thought for a moment and said, "Okay actually I have family here. An Uncle and an Aunt my dad's sister. Anyway my Uncle is the Deputy Director of Admissions at the U-S Embassy." Nick shook his head slowly and said, "I have no idea what that is, but it sounds..." Nick shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know. At least he gets a paycheck out of it. Anyway I think a housewarming party sounds great." Nick took another sip of tea and made a note to himself to call back to the states sometime this evening. He had no clue what to make for a housewarming party, and was hopeful Coleman the family butler might be able to help him come up with a recipe.

He smiled at Ryleigh and said, "Okay here we are two Americans from other ends of the U-S living in Paris in the same apartment building, and I would really like to know more about you. I think there are some interesting stories about you, and I promise I will tell you all about me too."

 

[catalyst]

It seemed that whenever Ryleigh stopped smiling, it would only last a second and then she'd be smiling again. She just couldn't help it; Nick was the first person she had had a real conversation with since getting to Paris, and what were the chances of him being American and living in the same apartment building as her?? It was just surreal, and she was excited about what the rest of her time living here would be like.

"I haven't met any of the other tenants either," she added. "I saw a few people in the hallway when I left, but they looked busy." She shrugged and took another sip at her drink, though she froze when she heard what Nick's uncle did for a leaving. "Seriously? You don't know what that job is?? Your uncle is a very important man, Nick." Of course, she had never heard of his uncle before. But to be in the embassy - not just the embassy, but a Deputy Director? Hell, that was crazy.

Ryleigh leaned back in her chair. "Well, I'm not sure I have very interesting stories." She shrugged. "Why don't you start first? It sounds like you have a more interesting life than I do."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Nick let out a slight chuckle as he nodded slowly and said, "All right. Not that mine is more interesting than yours, but I did start the conversation, and you have been so pleasant to me when you had every right to tell me to get lost." He shrugged his shoulders and said, "So with that being said okay I'll go first."

Nick took a sip of his tea and then motioned for another one. The waiter nodded and gave a polite wave as he turned back to Ryleigh. He took a bit of a deep breath as he said, "Okay, first off my real last name is McPherson. I am going by my mother's name because I want to make it as a writer on my own name, and not the family name." He took out his phone and showed a picture of his father and him at Madison Square Garden taking in a Rangers game. Nick said, "My dad is Doug McPherson, that's right co-founder of AMTECH software engineering. I'm not saying this to impress you or anything like that I just believe in being honest, and in case someone from the Embassy comes by looking for McPherson. So please don't think I am just name dropping or any of that crap. Everything I have says Dawson so I am committed to this."

The waiter brought Nick another cup and Nick took a sip. he said, "He's the M in the name, and I grew up in New York City. Went to college in Pittsburgh to experience life and discovered a passion for writing. I was engaged at one point for a year, but then 3 months before the wedding my fiancee tells me she's pregnant and I wasn't the father. My best friend was so I spent 18 months going on a drinking binge until my family staged an intervention. I went to a good therapist, and with lots of love and support I got my life back on track."

He took a sip and Nick smiled as he looked out and said, "I came here because I needed a fresh start, and at this moment..." Nick smiled at Ryleigh and said, "Things are off to a promising first step." He took another sip and said, "Okay quid pro quo."