2010-03-25: Ketchup, Pistachio, Shakespeare

Starring:

Felicity_V4icon.pngTrent_V4icon.png

Date: March 25th, 2010

Summary:

Felicity and Trent encounter one another in the Park. Discussions lead to interesting revelations.


"Log Title"

Central Park

Though it's a Thursday and early, thankfully it's also Spring Break time, so Trent wandering about won't be frowned upon so badly. Just stepping off the bus at Central Park, he strolls on in, heading first for the hotdog vendor. It's lunchtime and he didn't eat before he left. Paying the vendor with what little money Sydney gives him for an allowance. Though it's not much, it's enough to have a hotdog and the bus ride back home. He pays the vendor and piles on the condiments. He's then wandering along the pathways eating it. As he heads for the playground area.

There are always some oddballs in the park. Today one of them is working her way through some form of martial arts form. It could be tai chi, qi gong, or something entirely of her own manufacture. Whatever it is, Felicity is gracefully moving through the movements with an expression of total relaxation and tranquillity. It must work. Or she's stoned out of her mind, but she doesn't look like she touches drugs. She's far too muscular for that to be part of her life. As she spots a hot dog eating person walk past, she nods pleasantly "Lovely day!" Her voice is a mangled mess, but it does contain a lot of positive resonance.

Trent blinks, as there is a woman that is passing him doing martial artsy stuff. He blinks and makes sure he's not too close… not wanting to get kicked, or punched by accident, or something. Though now she has him festinated. "Yes it is, very nice." the boy says, and is now forgetting all about the playground and is content on watching and following her. His hotdog soon gone he licks the dribbled condiments off his fingers, then wipes his hands on his pants. Just because well the shirt is white and Syd would probably kill him if he got ketchup on it or something. "Wow, that's pretty cool. Where'd you learn how to do that?"

Felicity whirls her hands slowly, and continues to step and turn appropriately "Thanks. I learned this when I was younger than you, at classes for kids. Back in LA. Been doing martial arts all my life. They're a form of meditation for me. After a hard morning's work, this is the perfect way to relax and prepare for the afternoon ahead. A little exercise, and then some healthy food. And I feel like I can take on the world." She then scrutinises the boy further, watching his lips all the time. "You have ketchup on your chin, by the way."

Trent grins, "Wow, that's pretty cool. I want to learn some. I tend to have a problem with bullies sometimes and though not to hurt them just to hurt them I need to at least protect myself." he says softly. "My dad would have taught me but well…" he falls quiet a moment deciding not to go there… it's a good day, no need to remember the bad things. Hearing mention of the ketchup in time to pass the vendor again now, he heads over to grab a napkin. Wipes his chin off and his hands a little better before he continues to follow her. "But where I'm staying now, they got a gym at least, so I can try getting at least buffed up." He flexes his arms and chest, to show what muscles he doesn't have. If I go pro with my guitar, once I learn to play it well, being tone and in shape is a good thing."

The lady with the muscles comes to the end of her form and lets out a long breath, bringing herself back to earth, so to speak. She then walks over and continues talking, her manner friendly but rather like a teacher. "Well, I'm always willing to take on serious students if they do want to learn keep fit. I can tutor you in gymnastics, springing, general athletics. And karate - that's what I trained in more than anything else. I started when I was eight years old. Black belt, of course." Felicity then looks a little embarrassed. "I am so sorry, that's very egotistical of me. And impolite, I did not even ask your name? I'm Felicity. But you can call me Flick."

Trent grins, "Well, I gotta ask my guardian, and it will probably depend on what it would cost. Right now… with things as they are. But I am interested." he says with a serious look. "Between helping with the bully thing, and helping with my guitar career it would definitely come in handy." He blushes a little, "Well technically I'm not supposed to talk to strangers, but I don't know, you seem ok to me. I'm Trent. It's a pleasure to meet you Flick." he can't help but giggle at how naughty that sounds, he might be12, but he's on the more innocent, naive end of 12, currently. He does offer his hand to shake politely though.

Felicity takes the hand in a grip that is firm but not crushing. She shakes the hand a couple of times and then releases it. "I am very pleased to meet you, Trent. And let me add, if you really are being bullied, then I am happy to offer you the training for a discounted price. I should talk to your guardian, but if this is a very serious matter, then I'll happily train you for just the cost of the bus to get to you. Provided I get a decent coffee afterwards!" She then rolls her shoulders and settles her clothing properly after the form, getting comfortable. "I do hope the guitar thing works for you too. Everyone needs a good creative outlet. I've never heard music properly, but I do admire those who can play."

Trent grins and stuffs his hands into the front pockets of his sweatshirt. But then at her words he indicates his nose. "That was while I was still living on the streets. Not so much now, since I have a place to live but some of them still recognize me. Some of them are boys from school, and I haven't been in a long time." since he left his Aunts. "But my Guardian is trying to catch me up on that. Before sending me to school." Once they are no longer on the run. No point in school when you're pulling up roots all the time. He grins and nods though, "Oh yeah, I love my guitar, it's really close to the one my dad used to have. He never went pro, but he played like one. I want to be as good as him someday."

Felicity gives an encouraging nod and a smile. "Good, everyone should have a creative ambition, I think. I also know what you mean about school. I had to go to a special school for people with disabilities. It's often better to get that kind of tuition, or home schooling. Your Guardian must be very knowledgeable to do it all? Or do you have other tutors? I could help out if you need to find some. There's a lot of us at the University who do private tuition. I have a couple of students…though they're somewhat older than you, of course." She does look the nose over and adds, off the original subject "I've cracked a bone or two in my time - I am sorry you had to go through that. You're right. A little self defence wouldn't be a bad idea."

Trent smiles, "My guardian seems to be doing pretty good with it. I have a hard time with the math stuff though. And it's boring. Right now it's mostly catching me up on reading skills, but I like to read, so it's not all that hard. And spelling too. History is fun. I lived in a state that was pretty rich in American History. Penn… Um…" he pauses, he couldn't say it well when he was little and not much easier now. "Pennsylvania. When my parents were alive they took me to Gettysburg, with the Civil War stuff. That place is really neat. And this town that's fallen apart because there is a mine on fire under it. That's been burning a loong time."

Felicity chuckles at this "Good. I approve - our nation has an amazingly rich history. Not all of it commendable, but no nation is perfect. Gettysburg is pretty impressive. Have you seen the places here? Go to the museums. Also, try the Cloisters, in North Manhattan. It's filled with historical artifacts from Europe. Not really in any kind of sensible arrangement, but it's an interesting collection. I go there to sit in the cloister. It's peaceful, and a great place to write." She heads to a bench and sits, then pats it in an invitation to join. "I was never any good at math, myself. But I really forced myself and can do all that I need to do, now. Reading and math are probably more important than anything else you learn at school."

Trent grins and follows her over to the bench, settling on it, and propping a foot up on it, hugging the knee. "I haven't been yet no. I want to see the Met too, but those places cost to get in. When I was on the streets, survival was my only task. And since I was a kid alone, as little as nine had to keep away from the cops and stuff, who would only make me go back to my aunts. She's mean, she hated me, never let me do anything. Neglectful. I was seven when I got there, so two years of that. Too little to be that independent. She got mad whenever I cried about mom and dad. She threw out all my toys and stuff. I ate nothing but cereal that I had to get myself. She stored it so high I had to climb to get it. So I ran away. At least my new 'not legal' guardian takes care of me." he sighs. "I can add and I can times some, but take away and divide I have a hard time with. I'm twelve, I should be into really early algebra or something by now."

Felicity looks stern and decidedly bleak when she hears this tale. "I see. Who is this Aunt of yours? She deserves a visit from the authorities. That's neglect and she needs to be hauled over coals for that sort of treatment. I am truly sorry that you experienced that. I don't blame you for running away." She sighs and toys with the cord of her jogging pants "I never had anything like that. I've been lucky. And don't worry about algebra. It's not as difficult as it seems, you know. I'll happily show you how it all works."

Trent says, "Her name is Muriel, she was mom's sister. I never even met her before I was brought here. She hated me, cause mom married dad and though I wasn't even in the car, I was with a sitter, she blames me and dad for her mom not being the social um… whatever she is. Or thinks she is. She was mostly off with her boyfriend and off to parties. I believe she crashed in on a couple of Mr. Trump's parties before." Yet, now that they are living with Hallis, a celebrity, they may very well run into her again. "So yeah, she left me alone at times too. She didn't like my ADD, even if it is only a mild case. I'm not as bad as others." he shrugs. "Other then to force her to give me up to my Guardian or someone… who maybe would adopt me and care for me. I really don't even care anymore. The one I got is mom like, and I got a sister now. Not real one, but close, you know." He smiles at her. "Well, I know I need a lot of help on things, and I like it where I'm at." Well, more or less, Hallis is almost like his Aunt. But not quite as mean. It's still home with Jamie and Sydney there. "But right now the Guardian can't for reasons that well… I can't really say right now.""

Felicity nods thoughtfully, "I can understand. I really can. Look, take this." She hands over a card from inside her pocket, showing her name as a Doctor, her contact details, and her title of Senior Researcher at NYU. "If you guys need a hand, let me know. You've been through a really awful time so far and nobody deserves to have family treat them the way you have been treated. I'm glad you've got someone now who does care, and you can start adjusting to a more normal life. You deserve that chance.

Felicity continues. "I know what it can be like, with things being a bit weird in life. As for ADD, I understand that too. I know - or knew - a fair few people with that. All part of spending my youth with people with physical or mental issues."

Trent nods, and takes the card, "Oooh NYU" he looks it over. "My mom went there, I think. Long time ago." He then tucks the card into his sweatshirt pocket, since he's not wearing jeans today. He scootches over closer to her, and does something that is still a bit odd to him, but he hugs her. "Thank you Flick.. I would like to spend more time with you and even if I gotta get my own paper route or something… once things settle with my Guardian. I'll even pay you for stuff. Might take awhile, but I definitely do appreciate it."

The hug surprises Flick considerably. However, she returns it, gently. She was obviously not expecting that sort of contact, but is savvy enough to return it if this is what the young fellow needs. "We'll worry about funds later on. But I am concerned about you being bullied. If you would prefer, I can always pay a visit to those people bullying you. I'm happy to have a few words with them."

Trent sees she's a little surprised by the hug, and though she returns it, he looks up at her. "I'm sorry, I don't usually do that." But 5 years of no hugs or affection, nothing since his parents he would be less apt too, but lately… he's becoming a hugger. However he doesn't hold it too long. He stays there by her side though. Feeling strangely comfortable with her presence, like he does with Sydney and Jamie, or his parents. "Till lately.." he isn't crying, but his face and especially his eyes are definitely distant for a time. "All I know is they are at the school I went to when I was living with my Aunt in upper west side. You know all those fancy brownstones and row houses her's was two brownstones put together and really decorated richly, and the one boy's name is Sam."

Felicity frowns as she absorbs the information. "Sam? Not much to go on. Maybe one day you can go to that area and I'll come to. If they start to push you around I'll show them exactly what it is like to be on the receiving end. I *hate* bullies. They’re all cowards, you realise." She then sniffs. "Don't worry about the hug. I don't mind it. I just get surprised when people are spontaneous."

Trent nods, "That might work. I think he does, cause I was still sad about my parents when I got here and he just took that as a reason to pick on me. Or something." he says with a shrug. "I never did nothing to him, even while on the streets I did nothing bad just kept to myself, and yet he still found ways of messing with me. I figured if I stayed away from Manhattan for a while he'd forget about me. But last time I was there, not long before I met my guardian, he hadn't apparently." He nods, "I'm not usually spontaneous either, not like that. I just. I don't know, you're so helpful and so nice and I feel safe. I find it a bit hard to fit in sometimes, with my new family being um… different then me. Better, but I know they care about me, and I do them. I hope she can adopt me soon."

Felicity nods thoughtfully. "Sam needs a darn good kick in the pants, if you ask me. I'll show you a move or two that'll send him running off with his tail between his legs. It’s not hard. Slap a bully once and they'll rarely come back for more." She then stretches, comfortably. "I hope you d get adopted. And you say they're different..better? How can they be better? Humans are too quick to judge. You seem like a good person to me. Saying someone is better than you is running yourself down. You shouldn't. We're all valuable"

Trent looks around to make sure no one's listening, but no one is near their bench. He then leans in and murmurs to her "They can do things I will never be able to.. Really cool things." in very soft tones. "I don't mean to judge… and really them being that makes it hard, cause I can't go to school right now, or go to the authorities on my Aunt, or anything. Because were always on the run, and hiding." he continues, softly. "They don't want to be but if they don't, they'll be hurt. And I might cause I know them and stuff. And would try to help them if trouble happens. Not that I can do much but possibly bite someone, or something like that."

Felicity starts to make connections with this information. Her own voice is low - and indeed, Trent could merely mouth and she could understand. Lip reading is such a handy skill. "I believe I understand. I have had some similar experiences and have been moving constantly of late to keep ahead of certain people. If they do need a hand, and are not criminals but on the run because of what they are, I can help. I have a trick or two up my sleeve, and know a few people. At the very least you can all hide n my apartment. It's fairly large."

Trent nods, "I'll talk to her about it." He mouths the words Sydney and Jamie. Jamie, if Flick has a TV would probably be known for that video that was on TV there for a while. Since it was forced on TVs all over the city. "Right now we are staying with a friend of hers, but if things get crazy again."

Felicity indeed can make the connection. "Well, tell them that I am not without some unusual abilities myself. I sympathise with their plight, and it is only because I have been away on a research tour that I have stayed free, I suspect. I've been very careful all my life ever since I found out that I could push myself to certain limits, and beyond. I had to give up a lot that I loved." She sighs then "It would have been such a wonderful experience to win, in the way that I knew I certainly could. It was either give things up or risk exposure. So - I gave it all up. I regret it now, but it was right to do so at the time."

Trent nods, "Yeah. I can't do those things, but I think it's cool they can." Then he hears she has those things too he smiles "Oh cool, well maybe sometime I can see it. I seen my sister's" he omits her name now that it's out in the open, and he did tell her she was like a sister just not a real one. "I got really scared too, before I knew of 'that stuff' I went to wake her and she popped into a puddle of water and it scared me. I thought I killed her."

Felicity blinks several times. "She did what? Ok, that's a bit unusual. I'd like to meet her though. That'd be something to see all right!" She then clears her throat and extends her arm. She frowns ever so slightly and bends her elbow. The wrong way. Not very far, but enough to be noticeably odd. Then the same with her knee. And her head tilts at a rather extreme angle. "I'm just naturally rather bendy. It's all bio mechanically possible of course. I have superb connective tissues. I was a superb gymnast - I got two Olympic Gold medals. For the Junior team. They asked me to represent the USA as a senior team member in Barcelona, and again for Atlanta. I turned them down both times. I am sure you can see why."

Trent nods, "Yeah.. she can travel through pipes, how she keeps herself from getting caught." Then Flick is demonstrating and his eyes grow big, "Wow… that's really cool." Was he frowning and upset and stuff a bit ago? Well yeah, but who can stay upset like this. His mind going over the possible usage for that type of ability. "Yeah I can see why you'd turn them down.. It'd be like cheating, or something."

Felicity laughs lightly "Oh no, I am only using what God gave me, so that is hardly cheating. But to do these things and have people realise I was bending in ways that was normally impossible - and attracting attention from certain people. I am sure you know who I mean, yes?" She adjusts clothing and gets comfortable again. "I still used them when I was in amateur athletics at Berkeley. But that was safe enough, I think."

Trent nods, "I know who you mean. It's pretty crazy, I hope they don't have to run anymore. I'd like to be in a stable environment again, but right now that's impossible. But at least I have them and am happy now.. just at times get tired of all the moving. But I'd be on the streets yet, if it weren't for her taking me in. Possibly dead, or something."

"And your knowledge pf the streets can help them, I am sure." Flick muses, then asks brightly "Say, it's a nice warm afternoon. Do you fancy ice cream? I could murder a pistachio right now." She rubs her hands. "You can tell me a little more about your new family. I would love to meet them. Do you think they'd be willing to talk?"

Trent grins really wide at the mention of ice cream and nods. "I like chocolate myself." He shrugs, "Well I'll ask Sydney, but I'm sure we could possibly arrange something. She spends a lot of time at the library these days though. The place we moved to there is someone there to watch us." Though apparently not too well, if Trent hopped a bus all the way to Central Park.

Felicity stands and gestures down the pathway. "There's a place down here with ice cream. And chocolate they surely have. It’s not bad, for all it's priced for tourists." She walks, talking very quietly as she does so, her words possibly hard to discern with her speech impediment. "I go to the library a lot myself. My research needs a wide variety of texts. The university library is excellent of course, but some texts are not available." She sighs "Bodleian or the Whipple in Cambridge. I'd give an arm to have them here instead. It takes so long to order books in, you see!"

Trent rises and follows along at her side. "Yeah I know what you mean, right now I am stuck with third graders type of books or younger, but once I'm better at reading and com.. com…" he sighs, unable to really say that word just yet. "Um understanding it.. I want to look into reading some of that Bill what's his names stuff. You know the guy that had the sonnets and plays. Like Romeo and Juliet and Macbenth and stuff."

Felicity raises a brow "Shakespeare? I think that's an excellent idea. William Shakespeare, arguably the finest writer the world ever produced. Mind you, I do have a distinct soft spot for Austen. Different styles, of course. And even Chaucer would make it into my top five." She then stops rambling. "I do have some books you might like. Shakespeare is pretty hard to read, even for adults. There's a book I have that tells the stories, but not in his words. And I have several DVDs of performances. When you're settled you can use them. or pop round to my place and watch. Have to use subtitles though." She taps her head casually. "This may be why I love to read. The words are all in my head. Just like everything else. A world of silence focuses the mind on words far more than those who can actually hear them"

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