Out by the Water (Atlas)

[Aatiyah]

[style=padding-top:70px;] [/style]
[style=font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 26px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; margin-top: -50px; margin-bottom: -27px;]have you heard of the big bad wolf?[/style]
[style=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 20px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: -50px;]that lives to steal and eats for pleasure[/style]

[atrb=width,450][atrb=border,3,true][atrb=rules,none,true][atrb=bordercolor,000000,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,10,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=float:left;width:300px; height: 316px; padding:3px; text-align: justify; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; background-color: #c0c0c0; overflow: auto; filter: alpha(opacity=25); -moz-opacity: .5; opacity:.5; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 4px;] Alyssa breathed in the cool wisp air of the ocean and sighed out loudly to herself. Relaxed she leaned back on one of the wooden chairs that sat away from the water underneath the shade of someone else left behind umbrella. The sun was outrageously hot today, so much so that Alyssa called in from work and took her siblings out to play. They were all doused in coconut milk so that their skins would not absolutely burn in the strong heat. Her sister Melissa remained quiet since she had returned home from meeting Atlas and Flea. She only spoke to her younger brothers and Alyssa wasn't to sure what to do. In away Melissa reminded Alyssa of herself. Melissa was contemplative, observant and cautious. She never wasted time unless she felt the need to. Yep, that was Alyssa in a nut shell. On that train of thought Alyssa looked over to her left to locate her brothers. Both were working to a build a sand castle with some other children, yet they were just a little bit to pushy for her liking. "Hey you guys! Christopher and Nicholas please behave," she called out. The result was immediate. Both brothers stopped pulling the shoveling toys out of the other children's hand and settled for digging with their own hands. Alyssa had accidentally left their beach toys back home, but she wasn't willing to leave them here by themselves with no one she could easily trust around. There was no way. She wore a blue and grey bathing suit of one piece that did hardly anything other than show off her rather long thin legs and wide strong back muscles. She was built to be a swimmer, she always thought to herself, but running was just the equivalent but in air. Now that all her siblings were settled, Alyssa's mind drifted back to the night she met Atlas. Atlas had the most gorgeous eyes she had ever seen, it made looking at him a difficult task in itself but to speak at the same time? That required a great deal of skill and subtly on Alyssa's part. Other than his wonderful eyes, she started to thing about the offer she was about to make to him that night. She wondered if it was a promise she could really keep, if it was something worth mentioning. it wasn't as if it could really hurt. Yet, the idea would never be proposed because she hadn't heard of nor seen Flea and Atlas since they day they parted, which wasn't too long ago. Yet, for those in the lower class, everyday means another year to them. She wondered if he then might have aged into oblivion. Alyssa chuckled at her own thought and closed her eyes to full become relaxed. She wasn't sure how long she had been laying there with her eyes close but she eventually fell into a light sleep, undisturbed by the sounds of the ocean and her siblings cries of joy. She was so tired from working and the toll was finally coming down on her. [/style]

[atrb=width,90,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-top: 20px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-bottom: 5px;][/style]

[/size][/color][/table]
[style=font-family: times; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -40px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 5px; margin-bottom: -23px; color: #B7CEEC;]this is made by zingara of on the edge![/style][style=padding-bottom: 40px;] [/style][/center]

[Coy]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#64727d; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border: 5px solid #97acbd; padding: 10px;] [style=width:360px; height:185px; background-color:#97acbd; border-top:5px solid #97acbd;][/style][style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:35px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]so come undone,[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]SURRENDER IS STRONGER[/style][style=width: 350px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 4c5256; font-face: arial; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; text-indent: 50px; text-align: justify;]Atlas strolled along the rim of the lower class; he was going to the cross-section between the upper and the lower. The shared areas. One of the few places where people of both classes mixed. It was a routine now: go to work, check the shared areas. But for the past week or so, his checking had been deemed futile- she was never there. Either he came at the wrong time every day, or she just didn’t show up. She of course being Alyssa- a girl he had met a few nights ago. Their conversation had only lasted for mere minutes, but those minutes had been enough for Atlas to get a good impression. There had been something interesting about Alyssa- something different. Something that intrigued Atlas to the point he was at now; he had to find her again, and he had to talk to her a second time. Their farewell had left Atlas with many questions. Alyssa had left with confusing words- something about the gang. She wished to discuss them. But why? The question itched in the back of Atlas brain; it was an itch he could not get rid of. When she had left, Alyssa told Atlas to meet her at the cross-section of the upper and the lower, by the school. That’s the spot he traveled to everyday- that’s where he was now, but that’s not where she was. His spirit damped a bit by yet another disappointment, Atlas decided to take a walk. Yes, a walk on a bright and beautiful day like today might just lift his spirit a bit. Take his mind off the matter at hand. The harbor, he decided. That was a place he hadn’t been to in a while. Sandy beaches and frothy waves on a day like today- it sounded quite idyllic. Atlas changed his route and headed toward there; perhaps he needed a day away from home- to relax. As he neared the harbor, the shrieks of children greeted his ears; a smile planted itself upon his face. Yes, this is what he needed. It was a good thing his blue shirt was light, the day was hot and anything heavier would have him sweating buckets. See, Atlas was quite scrawny- unlike some of the hard-working men around here- and was not one for taking his shirt off, even on blazing days like this one. He kicked off his sandals and continued along with bare feet; his toes sinking into the hot sand. As he walked, Atlas surveyed the people here- some from both classes. He didn’t pay any much attention to who was who, that was until his gaze fell upon a young girl with silver hair and lavender eyes. He knew that girl- the small replica of Alyssa. Atlas stopped and quickly looked around- where there was Melissa there had to be Alyssa. His logic did not fail him. In a chair under a cloth umbrella sat Alyssa, she appeared to be sleeping. His smile spread across his face as Atlas jogged over the sleeping figure. He stood over her and quietly whispered, ”Fancy meeting you here.” He plopped down into the sand and sat next to the chair, crossing his legs. He didn’t want to wake her; she looked so relaxed and peaceful while sleeping. So, he decided, he would sit nearby and wait until she woke. The sun warmed Atlas’ face and seeped down into his soul. Today was the day; the weather was amazing and he had found Alyssa at last. What more could he possibly want? [/style] [style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:25px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]i don't need to be the hero tonight[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]TEMPLATE BY TSU BEAR OF OTE. MUSIC BY FFH.[/style][style=width: 335px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 5e6b75; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 25px; text-align: left; padding-justify:40px;]WORD COUNT: 595 words NOTES: [/style]

[Aatiyah]

[style=padding-top:70px;] [/style]
[style=font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 26px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; margin-top: -50px; margin-bottom: -27px;]have you heard of the big bad wolf?[/style]
[style=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 20px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: -50px;]that lives to steal and eats for pleasure[/style]

[atrb=width,450][atrb=border,3,true][atrb=rules,none,true][atrb=bordercolor,000000,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,10,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=float:left;width:300px; height: 316px; padding:3px; text-align: justify; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; background-color: #c0c0c0; overflow: auto; filter: alpha(opacity=25); -moz-opacity: .5; opacity:.5; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 4px;] Alyssa felt a looming shadow over her at one point, and as much as she wanted to believe that the sun was shifting in the sky, the breathing near her ear told her it was definitely a person. Their scent smelled familiar yet she couldn't entirely place where she had met the person but was a scent that calmed her. It was this earthy scent, not a woody or vegetation scent, just one that reminder of something her father use to wear. Yes, it was called pine sheet or something of that nature. It was a handmade soap that few of the lower class people could afford but every now and again dumps of things the upper class didn't want would find its way to the lower class stories. She internally smiled at the scent. The person had not loomed over her long. She didn't want to open her eyes since she was just so tired, and if it was someone just happen to not know, then she could be ready to attack. Lower class or not. "Fancy meeting you hear She heard whisper by her ear. She knew that voice from anywhere. Her face slightly flustered as she heard the guy plot down into the chair beside her. She instantly recalled the guys soft eyes and his messy yet still contained hair. She wanted to cry out in happiness that she was able to finally meet Atlas again. She breathed in and out a few times to calm herself down before glancing towards the chair next to her. The chair Atlas was currently sitting in. He looked the same her she remembered him just a few nights back. He wasn't completely dressed in clothing meant for the Harbor, so he must just meant to walk by. She wondered for a brief moment why she would never see him around. She did tell them the crosswalk right? Or was it the Harbor? There was a few times she wasn't sure. All she could really remember that night was the amount of tears that came from Nicholas and Christophers' eyes from the amount of fear and worry they had that not only she would be gone but Melissa as well. Melissa stopped talking to her that day, unless it was a necessity to and Alyssa had a feeling because she was angry and had felt that sense of disturbance and unbalance as well. Alyssa never felt more sorry in her life. She knew she would have to start making it up to them some how. She had to put their soul at ease and allow them their hearts to stop mourning all the possibilities of death that may have entered their minds. Hence she was not at the Harbor to take them out for fun. She forgot how important it was to get the sun on your skin at that age. She was maturing just to fast. Alyssa blinked a few times and a smile came on her face as she focused her attention on Atlas who seemed rather comfortable in the chair that he was in. He was probably intending to stay there a while. Perhaps to wait for her to wake up from her nap? She smiled a bit more at the thought and turned to locate all her siblings by the water. The boys were both being good but now she saw that Melissa was just sitting in the sand, looking off into the distance. Alyssa's heart squeezed at the thought. "Melissa, come to me!" Alyssa watched as her sisters head turn and she stood up and started to walk towards her. Alyssa took that moment to acknowledge Atlas and apologize for yelling so loudly by his ear. "Hey Atlas. Sorry for yelling like that by your ear. It is nice to see you again. Alyssa turned to see Melissa upon her and took Melissa in her lap. She laid Melissa's head on her chest and started to pet her hair. Melissa didn't relax into her touch as she would normally do but her eyes were closing and she was willing to go to sleep. She must have been in the sun too long. [/style]

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[/size][/color][/table]
[style=font-family: times; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -40px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 5px; margin-bottom: -23px; color: #B7CEEC;]this is made by zingara of on the edge![/style][style=padding-bottom: 40px;] [/style][/center]

[Coy]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#64727d; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border: 5px solid #97acbd; padding: 10px;] [style=width:360px; height:185px; background-color:#97acbd; border-top:5px solid #97acbd;][/style][style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:35px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]so come undone,[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]SURRENDER IS STRONGER[/style][style=width: 350px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 4c5256; font-face: arial; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; text-indent: 50px; text-align: justify;]Atlas gaze brightened when it looked over and found Alyssa to be awake. She glanced at him quickly then turned her gaze to the children playing in the sand. He smiled. They all looked so happy; except for the one girl. Melissa. The girl gazing off into the distance- a hurt expression on her face whenever she came walking towards Alyssa. They seemed so happy that night, Atlas thought, what changed? Relaxing a bit more in his wooden chair, Atlas put his hands behind his head and felt the breeze ruffle his blonde hair. His blue eyes looked to the ocean- the waves constantly rolling and crashing upon the shore. A calmed sigh escaped his mouth. "Hey Atlas. Sorry for yelling like that by your ear. It is nice to see you again.” His attention snapped back to the girl sitting in the chair beside him. His smile widened itself to a full-on grin. ”Hello,” he said, then taking up his usual formal way of speaking, ”The pleasure is all mine.” A pause. ”I came, but I never saw you. Were you there?” It was a question he needed to know the answer to, and he feared the negative one. What if she never had shown up? Did she really want to see him again? Perhaps she didn’t, maybe right now she was actually irritated that he had shown up. After all, he had held her up on her journey home. If there had been tears they were his fault, right? Atlas almost slapped himself on the head. Almost. He shouldn’t concern himself with what-ifs like that. Switching his gaze to the younger version of Alyssa, he saw the bitterness in the child’s eyes. Again, why? He cocked his eyebrows in a silent question at Alyssa. He hoped it didn’t have to do with the fact that she was late home- maybe the girl was just feeling ill from the sun. He would feel terrible for causing trouble, it was the last thing we wanted to do. [/style] [style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:25px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]i don't need to be the hero tonight[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]TEMPLATE BY TSU BEAR OF OTE. MUSIC BY FFH.[/style][style=width: 335px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 5e6b75; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 25px; text-align: left; padding-justify:40px;]WORD COUNT: 338 words NOTES: Short and choppy. Sorry! D:[/style]

[Aatiyah]

[style=padding-top:70px;] [/style]
[style=font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 26px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; margin-top: -50px; margin-bottom: -27px;]have you heard of the big bad wolf?[/style]
[style=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 20px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: -50px;]that lives to steal and eats for pleasure[/style]

[atrb=width,450][atrb=border,3,true][atrb=rules,none,true][atrb=bordercolor,000000,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,10,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=float:left;width:300px; height: 316px; padding:3px; text-align: justify; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; background-color: #c0c0c0; overflow: auto; filter: alpha(opacity=25); -moz-opacity: .5; opacity:.5; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 4px;] Alyssa continued to pet Melissa's hair. She knew she was still uncomfortable and distrusting of her since she took so long to come home that night. She made more of an effort to come home earlier and work twice as hard to get a bonus out of the shopkeeper, not that would do much good but it would ease Alyssa about the upcoming taxes. She patted the girls back and started to hum one of her favorite lullaby's as a child to Melissa. Melissa opened her eyes and looked into her eyes. Violet on violet glaze. It was err almost as if Alyssa was looking into a mirror of her younger self. Melissa's eyes were glazed over with the same emotions Alyssa felt when her mother left them. Hurt and confusion. Melissa wasn't exactly like Alyssa, she was much more emotional but bottled up her motions to be like her older sister. To be strong like Alyssa came off as. Alyssa kissed her forehead and whispered its okay in Melissa's ear. She watched her sisters eyes become cloudy with a thick film of water. Melissa, rather than cry turned her head the opposite way from Atlas and Alyssa and looked towards the boys playing in the sun. Alyssa continued to stroke her hair until Melissa closed her eyes and relaxed just a bit in her arms. Alyssa hadn't earned the girls full trust back yet, but she knew it wouldn't be too long. Alyssa felt bad for Atlas who had to sit and watch her comfort her sister when he wanted to talk with her and inquired about where she had been. She wasn't ignoring him per se just worried about getting to involved with someone she barely knew when her home demanded more attention than ever. "I wasn't ignoring you. I can assure you that. After that night I had to take an extra shift and stay home with my family. They were really worried for me. It took me forever to convince them that I would be home later, eventually I just took them all with me. It was a lot. I didn't forget about you, just didn't know to get in touch with you." Alyssa took a pause and lifted herself in the seat a bit when she felt Melissa get heavier on her chest. The emotions were definitely wearing the poor girl out. She looked down and then back at her brothers to make sure they weren't bothering the Sampsons. The sampsons were a nasty bunch of kids. Once assured she continued. "I didn't think it would be appropriate to go to your home. I don't know you that well. The breeze was starting to withdraw and just heat started to come down a little more. [/style]

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[/size][/color][/table]
[style=font-family: times; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -40px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 5px; margin-bottom: -23px; color: #B7CEEC;]this is made by zingara of on the edge![/style][style=padding-bottom: 40px;] [/style][/center]

[Coy]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#64727d; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border: 5px solid #97acbd; padding: 10px;] [style=width:360px; height:185px; background-color:#97acbd; border-top:5px solid #97acbd;][/style][style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:35px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]so come undone,[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]SURRENDER IS STRONGER[/style][style=width: 350px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 4c5256; font-face: arial; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; text-indent: 50px; text-align: justify;]All of Atlas’s worried emotions escaped him and blew away in the breeze. She had remembered, she was just too busy. With way more important things than him. He understood. With a nod Atlas gave Alyssa a sympathetic look. ”I get that,” he spoke. ”I am so very sorry that I caused so much trouble with you and your family. They come way before meeting some stranger.” He wasn’t hurt in the least bit. If anything, actually, his respect for this girl grew. She was responsible and caring- he could easily tell by the way she soothed her sister to sleep. They mattered so much to her. Just like the boys meant the world to Atlas. At her last remark, Atlas smiled. ”It’s a good thing you didn’t come to the house, too,” he stated jokingly. A chuckle escaped his mouth. ”Switch would have had a field-day with that one. I would never hear the end of it! He already teased me enough for just walking you home.” The blazing heat withdrew just a bit, and Atlas was very glad. He had been starting to really sweat before with his soft shirt on. He could feel the fabric sticking to his back uncomfortably. The good thing was that he had been wearing shorts. They were a little long and a shade of brown, but at least they were shorts. In the sky, a band of seagulls circled. It look as if their wings skimmed the wispy clouds, when really they were far below the white mountains. ”It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?” Atlas remarked, a little more to himself than to Alyssa. [/style] [style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:25px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]i don't need to be the hero tonight[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]TEMPLATE BY TSU BEAR OF OTE. MUSIC BY FFH.[/style][style=width: 335px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 5e6b75; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 25px; text-align: left; padding-justify:40px;]WORD COUNT: 272 words NOTES: [/style]

[Aatiyah]

[style=padding-top:70px;] [/style]
[style=font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 26px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; margin-top: -50px; margin-bottom: -27px;]have you heard of the big bad wolf?[/style]
[style=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 20px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: -50px;]that lives to steal and eats for pleasure[/style]

[atrb=width,450][atrb=border,3,true][atrb=rules,none,true][atrb=bordercolor,000000,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,10,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=float:left;width:300px; height: 316px; padding:3px; text-align: justify; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; background-color: #c0c0c0; overflow: auto; filter: alpha(opacity=25); -moz-opacity: .5; opacity:.5; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 4px;] "Its no trouble Atlas. It really is no trouble. I apologize for not better communicating the day with you. Something tells me you were waiting on me and I feel bad for that. Alyssa frowned and tilted the umbrella a bit more so that Melissa wouldn't get burned in the sun. She was happy that Atlas wasn't angry with her but still felt bad none the less. "Nicholas and Christopher, please come to me for a moment. I need to add more coconut to your skin. She was her shout didn't awaken Melissa. She turned to Atlas voice. He mentioned something about it being a lovely day. It was a lovely day just something was souring in her gut. She wasn't sure what it was yet, but she felt a little unease. She watched as the two boys ran up to her and she turned to Atlas. Noticing that he was getting a bit sweaty himself she offered him some coconut milk. "Atlas. I would like you to meet Nicholas and Christopher." She gestured to each of them. Nicholas was adorn in red trunks, his hair tied in a braid behind him. The jet black hair just laid on the side of his shoulders. His purple eyes were just a tint darker than Alyssa's and they glinted with mishap. His face round and puffed. His arms were crossed and a small frown was his face. His eyes looked towards Atlas and Alyssa could tell he was counting the number of pranks he could pull off. Beside him much more bashful and less stand off was Christopher. His dark black hair loose and long down his back was still dripping with water from coming out of the water. He looked away from Atlas and focused only on Alyssa's face. "Boys, mind your matters. Alyssa glared at them and watched as both turned to give a bow to Atlas. [/style]

[atrb=width,90,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-top: 20px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-bottom: 5px;][/style]

[/size][/color][/table]
[style=font-family: times; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -40px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 5px; margin-bottom: -23px; color: #B7CEEC;]this is made by zingara of on the edge![/style][style=padding-bottom: 40px;] [/style][/center]

[Coy]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#64727d; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border: 5px solid #97acbd; padding: 10px;] [style=width:360px; height:185px; background-color:#97acbd; border-top:5px solid #97acbd;][/style][style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:35px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]so come undone,[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]SURRENDER IS STRONGER[/style][style=width: 350px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 4c5256; font-face: arial; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; text-indent: 50px; text-align: justify;]Atlas waved away Alyssa’s apologies with his hand. ”No, no. Don’t feel bad. You had a family to get to; communication with me was very low on your priority list- as it should have been.” He sat up a bit straighter and pulled his hands out from behind his head. The red umbrella was tilted a bit to shade the face of the young girl, who was now asleep. Alyssa called out to her younger brothers- something about coconut milk. Coconut milk- what a brilliant idea! Some upper class people could afford a special mixture that protected one’s skin from the sun, but the lower people had no such luxury. This solution, however, looked pretty effective. Graciously, he reached out and took a little bit of the mixture. He considered pulling off his shirt and slapping some of the stuff on his chest, but thought better of it. His scrawny body would look a little out of place here. Settling for coating just his arms and legs, Atlas slapped on the cool mixture and was almost instantly relieved. Altas was introduced to the younger siblings of Alyssa. They didn’t resemble her as much as Melissa, but they were alike enough to the point where it was obvious they were family. The sight of the two made Atlas smile wistfully. Nicholas reminded him of the young Switch; his mischievous stance and the glint of his eyes. The quieter one, Christopher, looked more like a modern Crow, or perhaps a Flea. Not at all fazed by the unwelcoming first introduction, Atlas nodded his head in return. ”Hello, pleased to meet you. I would return the bow if I were standing right now.” [/style] [style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:25px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]i don't need to be the hero tonight[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]TEMPLATE BY TSU BEAR OF OTE. MUSIC BY FFH.[/style][style=width: 335px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 5e6b75; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 25px; text-align: left; padding-justify:40px;]WORD COUNT: 280 words NOTES: [/style]

[Aatiyah]

[style=padding-top:70px;] [/style]
[style=font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 26px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; margin-top: -50px; margin-bottom: -27px;]have you heard of the big bad wolf?[/style]
[style=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 20px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: -50px;]that lives to steal and eats for pleasure[/style]

[atrb=width,450][atrb=border,3,true][atrb=rules,none,true][atrb=bordercolor,000000,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,10,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=float:left;width:300px; height: 316px; padding:3px; text-align: justify; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; background-color: #c0c0c0; overflow: auto; filter: alpha(opacity=25); -moz-opacity: .5; opacity:.5; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 4px;] Nicholas and Christopher coated themselves in the coconut milk, where was a small hint of almond butter that Alyssa had whipped in earlier, it was to prevent their skin from too much sun damage while the coconut mainly was to keep the moisture. She noticed that Atlas had yet to take off his shirt, even though he was still sweating, yet she asked no questions. After making sure that both of the boys were fine she gestured for them to back to play with the others. Christopher was about to turn his back completely away when he stopped and waved to Atlas. "Goodbye Mr. Atlas". Christopher turned back around to run towards Nicholas who had also stopped to wait for his brother to return by his side. Alyssa was glad that they were taking care of each other but she was really worried at the amount of protectiveness they held for one another. Realistically they would never leave the lower class, but she would hope that they would be in a better spot. Melissa turned around several times in her sleep. Alyssa leaned forward to get out of the seat and laid her sister down. She placed a thin blue blanket over her that was in her nearby bag and made sure she was still comfortable in asleep before sitting between the two seats. She was just a bit closer to Atlas. She leaned forward so that her entire front chest was leaning in her legs. She turned to look at Atlas. He was still calm, yet the nervousness she felt earlier about something err around was still with her. She couldn't shake it off. With how her siblings were doing, she started to focus more on Atlas in front of her. "How have you been Atlas? I do have quite a bit of business to do with you. She kept a steady gaze on his face. She blinked less frequently and the was no smile on her face, but a calm passiveness that she normally held. It was weird to go back into her apathetic mood, especially meeting after someone like him. [/style]

[atrb=width,90,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-top: 20px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-bottom: 5px;][/style]

[/size][/color][/table]
[style=font-family: times; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -40px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 5px; margin-bottom: -23px; color: #B7CEEC;]this is made by zingara of on the edge![/style][style=padding-bottom: 40px;] [/style][/center]

[Coy]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#64727d; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border: 5px solid #97acbd; padding: 10px;] [style=width:360px; height:185px; background-color:#97acbd; border-top:5px solid #97acbd;][/style][style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:35px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]so come undone,[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]SURRENDER IS STRONGER[/style][style=width: 350px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 4c5256; font-face: arial; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; text-indent: 50px; text-align: justify;]Atlas nodded to Nicholas and gave him a small wave in return to his call. ”Goodbye.” The two boys resumed their playing, and the little girl stayed sound asleep; now, however, Alyssa stood up and wrapped a blanket around her before sitting in the sand between the two chairs. She gave him a steady yet firm look, her gaze unwavering and cool. He returned the gaze with his blue eyes; they held a curious and concerned look. ”I’ve been doing well,” he replied casually, shifting a bit more in the chair to get comfortable. ”And how have you been? Busy, I assume, but good, I hope.” As soon as the word ‘business’ struck Atlas mind, the thoughts from that night came back. Did she mean business regarding the boys, like she had hinted at earlier on? What business would regard the boys? He was growing ever interested as the seconds ticked. After a brief pause he asked, ”Business? I’m all ears.” He shifted his stance a little more, so that one hand was supporting his elbow and the other hand supported his chin- it gave him a rather thoughtful look, and it was quite suiting, for this was a thoughtful matter. [/style] [style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:25px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]i don't need to be the hero tonight[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]TEMPLATE BY TSU BEAR OF OTE. MUSIC BY FFH.[/style][style=width: 335px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 5e6b75; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 25px; text-align: left; padding-justify:40px;]WORD COUNT: 202 words NOTES: Typed up right before school; so it's short.[/style]

[Aatiyah]

[style=padding-top:70px;] [/style]
[style=font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 26px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; margin-top: -50px; margin-bottom: -27px;]have you heard of the big bad wolf?[/style]
[style=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 20px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: -50px;]that lives to steal and eats for pleasure[/style]

[atrb=width,450][atrb=border,3,true][atrb=rules,none,true][atrb=bordercolor,000000,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,10,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=float:left;width:300px; height: 316px; padding:3px; text-align: justify; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; background-color: #c0c0c0; overflow: auto; filter: alpha(opacity=25); -moz-opacity: .5; opacity:.5; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 4px;] Alyssa took a moment to think about what she wanted to say, whether she wanted the commitment of what she was about to propose and how much energy she really had to make it work. She absolutely found Flea adorable, but there were something she had questions about, some things that were not her place to ask. She didn't want to turn Atlas off, but he seemed to be a person she could ask such bold a question to. She found herself starting to retreat within herself and in her thoughts. Her face not in a frown but in a state of deep contemplation. Atlas seemed comfortable enough with leaning forward and placing his attention on her. So she felt it was necessary to give back the same attention. She had to get some information from him before she continued, so she could make sure her proposal was not full of assumptions. "Tell me about the others: Crow, Flea and Switch. How does your family dynamic work? I apologize if this seems rather straightforward, but I can't think about what I wish to say without some context to reaffirm my beliefs. [/style]

[atrb=width,90,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-top: 20px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-bottom: 5px;][/style]

[/size][/color][/table]
[style=font-family: times; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -40px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 5px; margin-bottom: -23px; color: #B7CEEC;]this is made by zingara of on the edge![/style][style=padding-bottom: 40px;] [/style][/center]

[Coy]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#64727d; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border: 5px solid #97acbd; padding: 10px;] [style=width:360px; height:185px; background-color:#97acbd; border-top:5px solid #97acbd;][/style][style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:35px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]so come undone,[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]SURRENDER IS STRONGER[/style][style=width: 350px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 4c5256; font-face: arial; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; text-indent: 50px; text-align: justify;]Atlas smiled at Alyssa and gave a playful wink. ”No problem, there’s lots to say about them.” He gave out a hearty laugh before continuing. The breeze tousled his hair as his deep eyes took on a faraway look- thinking to the members of his family. ”Since you’ve met Flea, I’ll start with him. Flea’s a great little guy; he’s got a super sweet nature and there’s always a good intention on his mind. He loves to sing and things that fly have a special calling to him. There’s a problem, though: he doesn’t know who he is. Literally. When I found him, the poor child was collapsed on a dirt road, his face was red and his clothes singed. A few blocks down from where he fell there was a burning building: he and I both assume that’s where he came from. I tended to him. When the kid awoke, all he could remember was his real name: Fusao. He doesn’t recall anything from that day or past. Not his last name, not the names of his parents, nothing. I have to keep an eye on him, because while they are rare, at certain moments his face will go white as sheet, just like his mind, and he doesn’t remember anything from past or present. Thankfully, that span of blankness lasts only for a few seconds, but they leave him quite worn out.” Atlas paused and took a breath before continuing to the next person. ”Crow is next, I guess. Crow loves the ocean- his father was a sailor I think. The guy is kind-hearted and smart. He and Flea seem to get along the best. When we found Crow, he belonged to an orphanage. Actually, if I am going to tell his story correctly, I should say that he was running away from an orphanage.” Atlas laughed while recalling. ”He was ten then, and he had his mind set. He was going to go out and face the world! Crow had been so miserable at that orphanage that Flea and I took pity and brought him with us. I’m glad we did.” Atlas cleared his throat before continuing on. ”Last, but certainly not least, Switch. Oh, Switch.. To sum up his personality: mocking, troublesome, hard-headed, loves to tease, and is a master in the art of sarcasm. That guy is a riot! He never means any harm in his mocking though- it’s his strange way of saying he cares. The loyalist and most determined person you’ll ever meet as well. He’s had a tough life, I can tell you that. His father was abusive and his mother was too afraid to say anything. It wasn’t until he was thirteen that he decided he had enough; he was leaving for good. We have heard bits and pieces of his adventures around, but I can tell you that he was captured by bandits once, and that somewhere along it all he lost his right pinky. When we found him, Switch was knocked unconscious and starving; the toll of being young and alone had caught up with him. Slowly, we all nursed him back to health, and like a stray dog, we just couldn’t get rid of him! Not that we wanted to. Because he causes so much trouble, though, I have him confined to our house. He cooks and cleans.” Atlas leaned back to catch his breath after his long talk. He chose his next few words carefully. ”We are all very different, but yet I think that’s what completes us. The fact that in one way or another, we all saved each other bonds us. It’s a strong bond, it’ll never break. We’re more than brothers. I make the money and Switch cooks and cleans. Crow and Flea have their small chores, but I don’t want to place a burden on their shoulders. Not yet, anyway. Let them be kids. The two are allowed to do as they please as long as they always carry their dagger and are back home before sunset. So far we haven’t had any trouble, and I hope to keep it that way.” Scratching his head, Atlas turned and looked Alyssa in the eyes with a smile. ”Was that enough information? Do you have any specific questions? Feel free to ask anything at all.” [/style] [style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:25px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]i don't need to be the hero tonight[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]TEMPLATE BY TSU BEAR OF OTE. MUSIC BY FFH.[/style][style=width: 335px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 5e6b75; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 25px; text-align: left; padding-justify:40px;]WORD COUNT: 721 words NOTES: [/style]

[Aatiyah]

[style=padding-top:70px;] [/style]
[style=font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 26px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; margin-top: -50px; margin-bottom: -27px;]have you heard of the big bad wolf?[/style]
[style=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 20px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: -50px;]that lives to steal and eats for pleasure[/style]

[atrb=width,450][atrb=border,3,true][atrb=rules,none,true][atrb=bordercolor,000000,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,10,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=float:left;width:300px; height: 316px; padding:3px; text-align: justify; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; background-color: #c0c0c0; overflow: auto; filter: alpha(opacity=25); -moz-opacity: .5; opacity:.5; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 4px;] Alyssa was left speechless and very much amazed at how much he was willing to admit to her. She had a comfortable enough sense of herself to know that her eyes increased ten fold and her mouth was about to gape open had she not turned her face from her. He was almost to honest. She took notice of the difference in his tone towards the end at the mention of how they call came together. It was pretty much what Flea had told her, but hearing it from Atlas mouth made it seem the all more real. He spoke about the difference between them as being the unifying force between them. They had saved one another sanity, or at least that was how Alyssa internalized it. Atlas makes money while Switch cooks and clean and Crow and Flea are the youngest of the bunch. Alyssa noticed there was no mention of school in regards to any of them. Had they not that mini-luxury or was there something dark lurking between the bonds of Atlas and all these others. She started to think back to the day she had met Flea. She was taking a dip in the fountain after feeling a bit overwhelmed and out of control only to see Flea looking at her. He had walked to her, and if she could recall he didn't mention anything about schooling. She really focused her thoughts and realized that she had did ask him about school and he turned away from the question. It seemed that there was being a conscious acknowledgement of the book's lack of schooling. Alyssa's first thought was to enroll him into school for there would hardly be any extra burden to herself. She usually woke up early enough to get her siblings ready for class. Given that the primary school was just a mile away from her school, she pondered at the idea of stopping by Flea's house and making sure they walked together. They would be safer together and she wouldn't mind picking him up. Alyssa remained silent and gave a few occasional glances up to make sure the boys were still well. Melissa continued to sleep this time facing Alyssa. Alyssa thought about the day Melissa asked to quit school. She wanted to quit school so she could work with her big sister and bring in money, so they wouldn't be living so poorly. Alyssa assured her overtime that everything was fine, even going to great lengths to by handcrafted statues for Melissa. The statues were large and pricey but she stayed in school. What would it be like for Flea and Crow not attend school. Given the amount of secrecy around the family, Alyssa wasn't sure whether or not to bring anything up with Atlas despite his charm. So she whispered the only logical and concrete thing that could come out of her mind: "Where does Flea attend school?" It was a simple enough question. If Atlas chose to avoid the question the she would reword it until it always came back to Flea and his education. She would make sure of it. Alyssa wasn't sure what part of her soul attached to Flea that made her feel so defensive and mother to him, but she did. It was unnatural and made her insides churn together. She had a few more questions for Atlas but didn't want them to move too much from the most important question; the location of Flea's school "What is everyone's age? Yes, that was a relevant question. She would drag Switch and Crow to school if she could. The ideas she had in her mind of wanting to make their life better overwhelmed Alyssa a bit. A small yawn could be heard next to her, it was Melissa. Yes, she was the reason she was asking these questions. She didn't want another child to think their childhood was a sacrifice for early adulthood. She wanted them to live, learn, laugh and obtain the best education they could, especially with how bright they are. She patted Melissa's hair and leaned against the chair with her back towards Melissa and her face looking full onto Atlas. He wasn't going to hid behind any other awkward truths anymore. He couldn't. [/style]

[atrb=width,90,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-top: 20px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px;][/style][style=border: 3px solid #78c7c7; margin-right: 2px; margin-left: -6px; margin-bottom: 5px;][/style]

[/size][/color][/table]
[style=font-family: times; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -40px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 5px; margin-bottom: -23px; color: #B7CEEC;]this is made by zingara of on the edge![/style][style=padding-bottom: 40px;] [/style][/center]

[Coy]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background-color:#64727d; border-radius: 0px 0px 0px 0px; border: 5px solid #97acbd; padding: 10px;] [style=width:360px; height:185px; background-color:#97acbd; border-top:5px solid #97acbd;][/style][style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:35px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]so come undone,[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]SURRENDER IS STRONGER[/style][style=width: 350px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 4c5256; font-face: arial; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; text-indent: 50px; text-align: justify;]A large and ragged sigh escaped from Atlas’ mouth. He put his face in his hands. For a second or two, he thought maybe he would somehow dodge the question; it was a little bit of a touchy matter. However, after a moment’s thought he decided to answer it. What harm could come? Taking his face from his hands, Atlas looked Alyssa directly in the eye. He needed her to understand what he was about to say. ”Please..” he said first, ”don’t think bad of me because of this decision. I’ve regretted it since the day I made it, but I don’t see a way around it.” Atlas sucked in one last breath before continuing. ”He doesn’t go to school. None of us do. See, to be able to enroll, the school needs to meet with an adult or guardian- a legal one at that. I haven’t tried enrolling Crow or Flea because I’m afraid they’ll be taken away from me. I’m not a legal guardian! They could look at what I’ve done as child abduction!” Atlas continued to look Alyssa square in the eye. ”If it could be any other way, I swear I would do whatever it took. Flea wants to learn so badly! I feel terrible because of it, too. But, again, I see no other way.” With all that out, Atlas leaned back into his seat and tore his gaze from Alyssa, placing it back onto the ocean. Without looking at her- he was afraid her opinion of him had changed for the worst- Atlas answered her second question. ”Flea is ten, Crow is thirteen, and Switch is fifteen.” [/style] [style=line-height:3px; width:360px; border-bottom:10px solid #97acbd; height:6px; font-size:25px; font-family:georgia; text-align:center; color:#31383d; text-shadow:#64727d 2px 1px 1px; letter-spacing:-2px]i don't need to be the hero tonight[/style][style=width:360px; border-top:1px dotted #31383d; border-bottom: 1px dotted #31383d; font-family:terminal; font-size:10px; color:#31383d; background-color:#8395a3; letter-spacing: 1]TEMPLATE BY TSU BEAR OF OTE. MUSIC BY FFH.[/style][style=width: 335px;background-color: 97acbd; color: 5e6b75; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; padding-left: 25px; text-align: left; padding-justify:40px;]WORD COUNT: 273 words NOTES: [/style]

[Aatiyah]

[style=padding-top:70px;] [/style]
[style=font-family: arial; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-size: 26px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; margin-top: -50px; margin-bottom: -27px;]have you heard of the big bad wolf?[/style]
[style=font-family: arial narrow; font-size: 20px; color: #B7CEEC; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; margin-bottom: -50px;]that lives to steal and eats for pleasure[/style]

[atrb=width,450][atrb=border,3,true][atrb=rules,none,true][atrb=bordercolor,000000,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,10,true][atrb=background,http://i53.tinypic.com/2ppa59f.jpg,true] [style=float:left;width:300px; height: 316px; padding:3px; text-align: justify; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 10px; background-color: #c0c0c0; overflow: auto; filter: alpha(opacity=25); -moz-opacity: .5; opacity:.5; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 4px;] Alyssa said nothing. She already knew that Atlas was on shaky ground. It seemed as if that took all his will to admit to this out her out loud. She was upset at the fact none of them went to school but given their exact history together and how they have come to know each other she wasn't that all to surprised. She started to think of all the ways she had managed to get Nicholas, Christopher and Melissa into school. Her mother was rarely home so when the school called for a Guardian they were pretty much satisfied with Alyssa and her appearance. She knew how to switch into the role of an adult much more better and able than others in the same situation as she was and that was the only reason she could think for them allowing her to act as guardian. She also got some rather top grades. When the people graduated and left the school it didn't matter so much where they graduated but the conversations they had. The boys couldn't be enrolled the way she would wish them to be, but they needed some form of formal education. Flea was the age of Melissa and wouldn't benefit so much from her lessons with Nicholas and Christopher, yet if he had no lessons it would be best to start them off there. Crow, Switch and Atlas were completely different stories. She could imagine that Crow could take lessons with Flea and she would somehow get Switch and Atlas into school. They were practically her age if not older. Alyssa turned her head to Atlas who had decided to look out at the Ocean. She knew he worked just as she did, and she could only assume that he worked more hours since he had more "available time". She felt bad for the amount of sacrifice he gave but her heart warmed at the same time. He was such a gentle person who was only trying to save the world one person at a time. Those very people have became his family. She thought about her words carefully. She wasn't to sure how much she really wanted to get involved with their situation but the more she thought about it the better she felt towards it. Melissa was starting to move more in her sleep and Alyssa knew she was going to wake up. As if on cue Melissa woke up and started to look around. Alyssa stood up and brushed as much sand as she could before standing up to lean over Melissa. "Did you have a good nap?" Melissa nodded, her eyes still glazed with sleep and some sadness but she was definitely better than before. Alyssa smiled and ruffled her hair. Melissa had such perfect hair, it was less matted and tangled than hers and it had a brighter silver gleam to it. "Melissa love. Go play with Nicholas and Christopher they missed you. Melissa gave her a doubtful look but started to stretch and started to walk over their none the less. Alyssa gave a small smile and stopped Melissa just before she went to far to give her a quick reapplication of the coconut mix. She kissed her forehead and looked at Atlas who still was sitting there silent and perhaps still nervous. Alyssa went to sit down to where she had originally sat and noticed that in the corner of her eyes Melissa was staring at Atlas and watching the two interact. Nicholas pulled her away moments later to play a game with him. Alyssa turned her attention back to Atlas. She didn't want to jump the gun yet, and she certainly didn't want to elevate his fear of judgement. She felt a bit conniving but she assured herself it was just another layer of defense to make sure her life and her family would be protected. "Surly you have no questions for me? A by stander who forced your brother on my back to make sure he gets home. I don't want to make myself sound like a creeper or stalker of sorts but I would hope you take this time to inquire as much as you can before I shut off my mind to you." She sounded disappointed, but she wasn't. She just wanted to see how Atlas would respond. It was a test to his character, to his 'fatherhood' and to this perhaps newly found friendship. [/style]

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[style=font-family: times; font-size: 10px; margin-top: -40px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; letter-spacing: 5px; margin-bottom: -23px; color: #B7CEEC;]this is made by zingara of on the edge![/style][style=padding-bottom: 40px;] [/style][/center]