Out by the Water (Atlas)

[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 and for a second or two turned his attention to the young girl who had just woken up. He loved the way Alyssa comforted and mothered the little child; it was touching. As she walked away, he could feel the child’s eyes on him and her older sister- watching the way they interacted. He gave a friendly nod to the girl as she was pulled away by her eager siblings. After the child had left, Alyssa turned her attention to Atlas and spoke, her voice dripping with disappointment. Atlas winced inwardly- perhaps the way he had held off the boy’s education made her angry. He tried to keep a hurt expression from creeping up onto his face. His blue eyes deepened with concern. ”I’m sorry..” he spoke, putting as much meaning into the word as he could. He was sorry for pushing away the boy’s education, and he was sorry that something he had done had caused Alyssa to draw back. Pushing her tone from his mind, Atlas focused on her words. A question? What could he possibly ask? He hated to pry, and so nothing personal would be asked at all- nothing from her past at all or her intentions. He could feel her stare on him, and he could sense that she probably wanted him to say something. Saying nothing would be even more of a disappointment. So, Atlas went with the most honest and frequent question on his mind. ”How do you cope?” he asked, starting off quiet. ”How do you stand all of this?” he waved his arms in a big motion, indicating everything. ”For me, seeing the happiness on the boy’s face usually does it, but there are the moments- the times when I’m alone and it’s dark- that I can’t push it away; I want to scream and cry out to the world, ‘Why me? Why do you choose to throw everything you have at someone as young as me? Why them- the children? Why must they suffer for what I cannot do?’ People around here and everywhere, the ones who grew up right- with parents and a school, and no burdens on their shoulders until the right time- why is it that they live the way they do, and that we live the way we do?” he paused, afraid that he was sounding too pushy or whiny. ”I’m just wondering, how do you get through it all? What’s your comfort when all else fails?” [/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: 413 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 almost felt bad. She almost felt bad. She didn't want to give him too much slack or else he wouldn't grow. She wanted to make sure he grew from meeting her. She wanted to make sure that if this was the last time she met him that he would leave thinking about his family and how much they need to evolve. She heard and felt his apology but couldn't process it. She knew others who didn't have their siblings go to school, usually to work or take care of others. So she respected the fact Atlas worked for them to have at least their childhood by playing, engaging with others and talking to others. She respected him on that level and on his efforts. "I understand the feeling Atlas. I want to cry to someone just all the same. When there is darkness inside and outside of your heart and no light other than the smile of those you are feeling overwhelmed by it can just kill you. But they go to school and they learn to work with each other so I don't have to do the lessons myself. Education is a magical thing, it allows the breaks for me Atlas. When that doesn't work just letting them run loose out here by the Harbor makes everything feel right for me. Everything no matter how tired I am. Because I know that what I have done for them will make them happy. Forever happy in themselves. You saw when Melissa turned around to look back at me. She is upset with me, but is watching you. She is watching you because you are an enigma, something not to be trusted with me. She wants to figure you out, to make sure you don't disturb our family, just as I wish to figure you out. Alyssa's words trailed and she felt the tension in Atlas shoulders become tighter. She sat on his chair and placed her hand on his face. She knew she was violating his space. She knew she was pushing the boundaries but she wasn't going to have him avoid what she was desiring to know. "Test me, she whispered to him. Her face focuses only on him. [/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 could feel himself nod as Alyssa spoke. His reaction was a confusing one. On one hand, her words comforted him- he knew that he wasn’t alone with his thoughts and emotions. But on the other hand, his guilt about holding back school deepened with every word. She wove it to sound like school was the kid’s savior- and perhaps it was. Oh, gosh, why had he ever decided not to enroll them? He was smart enough; he could have found a way around it. The end of her speech confused Atlas; frightened him even. He almost flinched when she laid her soft hands on his face. A burst of red erupted into his face- Atlas had never seen anything like this coming. However, he tried to keep his cool. ”Me? An enigma? What could be so confusing or misleading about me?” And Atlas wasn’t playing the confusion; it was true. He was lost. All he could currently think about were the hands on his face and his urge to pull away. His muscles were tense and he couldn’t meet the girl’s eyes. ”I don’t know what you want from me.. I don’t know what to ask you, if that’s what you want. And this is my true character, if that’s what you’re wondering. Ask me anything you want, if you’re trying to figure me out. I’m sorry, I’m probably acting disappointing right now, but I’m not used to this kind of thing.” He sucked in a deep breath, something he had been doing a lot of during this discussion. Alyssa seemed determined, and he could almost feel her disappointment radiating off of her- or what he imagined to be disappointment. He hated to disappoint people. ”I-I guess if you want a question, why did you feel compelled to help Flea? It was kind, but why were you so determined?” [/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: 310 words NOTES: Sorry, not very good! 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 let her hands fall from his face and she sighed inside and made herself comfortable in his seat. She laid back so that her back was on the chair railing and her body was facing perpendicular to the chairs. She could still see her siblings playing in the distance but they were starting to move too far from her vision. "Melissa, Christopher and Nicholas, You are out of my vision. She yelled out loud and immediately the little troopers made their way back to her line of sight. Alyssa's attention focused back on Atlas and the mystery of him. He was lower class, yet had no defense, no urges to take advantage of her and learn her insides as she so desperately wanted to do for him. She knew she was making him feel worse by emphasizing the importance of education but that was her goal and it was working. She was going to make sure she worked him back into somewhat of a positive spirit. She was frustrated at his kindness which she was so unaccustomed to seeing. She could hear him speaking to her. She didn't want to hear his excuses but focused on his breathing and the movement of his eyes. He was earnest in his approach to her. ”I-I guess if you want a question, why did you feel compelled to help Flea? It was kind, but why were you so determined?” She blinked at the question and tiller her head to the side. She didn't have an answer for that question but at the same time she did. "I can't give you an honest answer other than something inside of me demanded that I made sure he made it home with some company. I don't like children walking by themselves, and when they do I rather they do so in large crowds. She bit the bottom of her lip and started to think about other questions for Atlas. [/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 practically hung his head when Alyssa removed her hands and sighed. His reaction hadn’t been what she wanted- that was clear. It stung him a bit to see that what he thought to be a coming friendship might not be so. His bright eyes fogged up a bit and he clasped his hands together and laid them in his lap. There was a long pause of silence after Alyssa’s response; Atlas let it hang in the air for a moment before speaking. ”Thank you,” he whispered, and gently placed his hand on hers before withdrawing it. The situation was awkward already, why make it even more so? ”Your intentions were right, and I think Flea has learned a bit from the encounter.” He offered a weak and unconvincing smile. [/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: 130 words NOTES: Sorry that it's so short! I had about five minutes before school to write it![/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;] She started to move away from Atlas, disappointment no longer written on her face. She placed her hand underneath Atlas chin. "It is okay you know. You are just being human. Just as those we are looking over are trying to be. You are feeling and living and the emotions that come with that can conflict in numerous ways. Your love and dedication to protect your family out weighted your love for a different type of happiness for them which is their own education. It is your fault to an extent but the fact you can have such a... Alyssa's voice trailed off and her eyes looked up to the sky for a moment before looking back down at Atlas. Her hands were now removed from his face. ...Your family is not a traditional family and I can't hold you accountable for what just is. I am not angry nor am I longer disappointed. Your heart is right where it needs to be, your mind just has to catch up. She gestured to his heart with a point of her finger. She gave a genuine smile to Atlas and she ignored the compelling feeling she had to give him a hug and tell him it was okay. They were friendly with each other but still on treading grounds. She want the man to turn into an absolute mess in front of her. He was stronger than that, and for some unknown reason to Alyssa he trusted her. Or at least trusted her enough where he didn't pry information even when given the chance and he did not ask for anything in return. He just was there, was listening and a good person. Alyssa thought that perhaps if she just spelled out to what she wanted from Atlas, that things would move a bit more fluid between them. That he would grow to understand her motives for pushing him the corner as she did. She was amazed he just didn't get up and walk away from her. He could have. He didn't have any one else with him. He really wanted to talk...or rather make some sort of connection with Alyssa. That she appreciated. "I want you to ask me questions because I want you to know as much as you can about me (that I am willing to share of course) before I open my mouth as to why I wanted to see you again to begin with. Alyssa crossed her legs and hunched over a bit. Her eyes on Atlas with aire of lightness to them. [/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 signs of disappointment melted from Alyssa face, like the winter snow melting away and revealing what truly lay underneath- spring. A small smile inched its way up his face- relief was painted all over. She wasn’t mad or upset- not anymore at least. It felt as if a burden had been lifted from his chest- a burden that he didn’t notice before, but it had obviously been there because he felt somehow lighter now. A finger was lightly placed on his now rapidly beating heart. The warmth of acceptance and understanding seeped into his chest, accompanied by the glowing sun that toasted his light skin. Everything had turned out right. Before he had been worried about Alyssa’s motives; her shifts in mood had also alerted him a bit. But now, it was clear that she had been ‘testing’ him- or at least something of the sort. Trying different methods to find his motives, and now she was understood. He wanted to laugh out loud. Of course, this didn’t mean that there hadn’t been truth to her words- and Atlas had the feeling that she wanted him to realize that. Education wasn’t something to be pushed aside so idly; he needed to find a way to bring it back- and quick. That would be something to really ponder tonight, perhaps later Alyssa could help him with such a matter. She was certainly wise in the subject of planning. ”Thank you for putting your motives into simple words for me,” he gave a small laugh. ”I was taught at a young age that prying into other people’s lives was something I should never do- it must have stuck. But, if it’s questions that you truly want then I will not disappoint. I’ll start with one thing that I have wondered quite a few times: when did they leave? How old were you when you were forced to grow up?” By ‘they’, Atlas meant her parents. He didn’t want to go so far as to ask exactly what happened- that seemed to dig a little further than what was appropriate. If Alyssa wanted to explain what happened, she could. He was merely curious as to what age she had to start providing for a family. He hoped that it hadn’t been too young- that her childhood had lasted as long as it could have. [/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: 393 words NOTES: Yay, a jump in length for me. :3[/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 thought hard. She still technically had her mother. Her mother was working two jobs to earn money for the family, but she rarely returned home. The last time she saw her mother it was two years ago the day before Alyssa's birthday. She was sleeping, dark marks under her eyes and Alyssa left her mother to rest. When Alyssa woke up her mother was gone and the money hidden was gone as well. She didn't question just spoke to her lord and requested an extension in paying the land, it was accepted and she never looked back. She was bitter but she didn't have time to reflect since she had to get Nicholas and Christopher ready for school. She started to become more aggressive than usual, skipping school to make sure that she worked. Ditching some of her few friends because of how they spoke to her siblings took its toll on her as well but she managed somehow. "My father died when I was ten. Murdered when I was ten I should say. I can't remember how he died, I think I blocked the reasoning for it out of my mind. I was too overwhelmed by my mother who was always away and careless. My father died before the twins were born and when they were finally born my mother left us. She sometimes comes home but last time she did it was two years ago. So I would say for the last six years. I guess I grew up when I was ten. Never alone in the progress though. My siblings have helped me tremendously. There were moments I wanted to die and leave Melissa alone, but then when the twins were born I knew I had a true responsibility to life. It was like a sign from some higher power to save me. I know it sounds silly but that is how I feel. She stretched and looked at him. She knew what she would do for Flea and others if Atlas continued to ask her a few more questions. She was going to place them into some form of education even if a few hours. She glanced and noticed that Melissa had stopped playing and was walking towards her. Alyssa smiled when Melissa sat on her lap. Once the little one sat on her lap her attention focused on her sister. Melissa was sitting with her face towards to Atlas. She just continued to stare at him. "Mind your matters," Alyssa whispered to her but Melissa just continued to stare. [/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’s eyes deepened and filled with sorrow. Alyssa, on her own, forced to take care of three young children at the age of ten. His hands scrunched up and tightened into fists. Her father, murdered! Shaking his head Atlas deeply breathed out- a sign of disappointment. He was disappointed in people. Who had the heart to take another’s life? It was one of the many things he would never understand about humanity: their cruelty and selfishness. Yes, everyone had their moments, especially him. But taking a life? Murdering in cold-blood? The thought sickened him. ”Murdered..” he breathed out, more to himself than Alyssa. He lifted his head and stared her straight in the eyes- blue to violet. Putting as much emphasis as he possibly could into the words, Atlas spoke, ”Alyssa, I am so sorry that you have had to suffer as much as you have. You bear the burden that I hope nobody else does. I didn’t have to truly face the world until fifteen, and I did so by choice. The world was forced upon your shoulders; I am sorry that it had to be that way.” Atlas really didn’t want to ask her any more questions about her past- he wanted to put that subject aside for a bit. For his next question he chose a much lighter topic. ”Where do you work at? I don’t think I have ever seen you working in any shop I visit; it must be a place I rarely go.” Leaning back a bit, Atlas turned his attention to the little girl sitting on Alyssa’s lap: Melissa. She was staring at him hard, examining him like a book. To be honest, it made him slightly uncomfortable, but he did not show any of that. Instead, he smiled a genuine smile and gave her a friendly nod. ”Hello, Melissa. It’s nice to meet you again.” He stretched his hand out to the young child for a shake. ”If you didn’t remember, my name is Atlas.” [/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: 333 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;] Melissa continued to stare at Atlas and ignored his hand. "I know who you are.Her tone was flat and her eyes showed a shadow of distrust. She didn't like the man, it was the same guy who threatened to take away her sister Alyssa's focus away from the family. He has been on her mind everyday since the two met. Alyssa massaged Melissa's back. She didn't know so much what was going on in her little sister's mind but she had a pretty good idea. She would have to just show Melissa over time that Atlas wasn't a distraction from the family or for anything else. She would just have to see that overtime. it was natural for the younger siblings to feel territorial especially given how long Alyssa has been taking care of them. They were such a close knit family. "You shouldn't feel sorry for me. It happens. It is life. I have moved on and I have grown. To say sorry is to wish that my mother stayed around to cause war on my self-esteem and this precious gem. I love my family and will do anything for them." Alyssa chuckled when Melissa rolled her eyes. Her sister was so cute. "So Melodramatic," her sister said as she removed herself from Alyssa's lap. "It is time to reapply some of the coconut milk. I will get Nick and Chris. Alyssa nodded and watched Melissa walk away. She gestured for Atlas to come closer to her. Without checking to see if it was paying attention to her she started to answer his question. "I work at several places but I mainly work at a food store or trades place of sorts. Most people have gone by there usually its the upper class actually, but I work in the back doing the manual labor and overseeing other workers. I am invisible there so it is understandable if you have never seen me. I work in a place called "Mr.Kricks Den." Alyssa pursed her lips together in silence. It was one of the better places to be hired for the lower class. The wage was almost consistent to what a person of the upper class would get for a basic wage, and that was only because of her kind boss Arki. [/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’ smile faltered for a second or two, but returned quickly. He brought his ignored hand back to his lap and gave the girl a small nod. It bothered him a bit that she was acting so cold towards him; her eyes were like ice and her voice was sharp. He pushed those matters from his mind, though. He would have to gain her trust slowly. As time went on he would have to prove that he wanted to cause no trouble at all. He couldn’t be bothered by the lack of attention from the young girl right now; he needed to focus on his conversation with Alyssa right now. ”I’m sorry if I have rubbed you the wrong way. I don’t mean to upset either you or your family,” he spoke to the girl quietly. Atlas nodded at Alyssa. ”I suppose you are right- things might be better off for you now that she is gone. But I still feel bad about your father- the way things happened.” Alyssa motioned with her hand for Atlas to come a little closer- and he did. The wind picked up slightly and so he cocked his head in order to more clearly pick up her words. The store’s name sounded familiar, he had definitely heard of it. But, as Alyssa had said, it was in the upper class region; a place he rarely visited unless he had business there. While he truly had no quarrels with the people there, many were scornful and cold towards him. Why go somewhere your resented? A little smile flickered on Altas’ face. ”I don’t know how many questions you want me to ask you, so I’ll ask just one more. This time I’m going to be direct and hope that I don’t sound impolite. What exactly is this ‘business’ that you are being so mysterious about? How does it involve me and the boys?” [/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: 319 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 looked away for a moment and then back at Atlas but her face slightly flushed. "I-I was wondering-- Alyssa didn't understand why she was so nervous. It wasn't like she was asking Atlas out on a date or anything. She took in a deep inhale and threw her sister the coconut milk to keep her siblings away from her and the conversation they were going to have. She looked at Atlas and realized that regardless of how nervous she was, this conversation was not only going to happen but it would more than likely say yes, thus tying two distinct and unknown families together. Alyssa's stomach growled but she ignored it. It was her nervous telling her to go on and speak already. "I was wondering how would you feel if I became more involved with your family especially flee and crow...I want to help them go to school and to establish some sort of routine with their education. I would imagine that I would just walk through your place and pick them up for school and walk them with my siblings to school. I can pick them up and make sure they get their homework done before they get back home, just as long as you are comfortable with them traveling with me. Well, as long as you would want them to go to school and get them up that early and things..."Alyssa stopped speaking abruptly. She was starting to ramble and that certainly wasn't her. She looked down the confidence she was feeling earlier was starting to decline and she wasn't sure why. She wasn't sure why she wanted to do all of this and why she wanted Atlas approval or attention. Basically. Kids. School. Me. Depart and Return. She glanced away from Atlas and looked towards Melissa and Nick who were now tag teaming Christopher in a sand fight. The wind was becoming more chilled and she knew that soon she would have to leave and return her siblings home. Perhaps she could ask Atlas if they could stop by his home since, he was closer...and if all was approved of she could help talk to the kids about going to school. [/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]

Note: Not how envisioned it but I definitely wanted to get a post done.

[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 remained fixed on Alyssa’s face; he drank in her every word. Her speech started out confident, then, as she kept talking, her words started to abandon her, they drifted away, and her face began to flush. But Atlas’ attention had strayed. His gaze wandered and set itself upon the ocean. Waves rolled in and out, the sound of their crashing was calming. He ran his hand through his mass of blonde hair. For a long moment he had gone speechless. Atlas’ reaction was a slow one. First, he threw his face into his hands. His knees pulled up to his chest. After dragging his face from his hands, Atlas hugged his knees to his chest and looked to the sky; he was breathing deeply. When he finally got the courage to look at Alyssa once more, his eyes were red and watered. Seconds ticked by as he looked over her, studied her. Carefully, Atlas took her hand between his two and looked her in the eye. Quietly he spoke, tears seeping from his eyes. ”Thank you. What can I do to repay you?” He dropped his hands into his lap, praying that he hadn’t crossed any boundaries. ”You don’t know what this means to me. Finally, finally the boys can get what they deserve: an education. Oh, you don’t know how pleased Flea is going to be. This is all he had ever wanted..! Atlas choked on his last words. Sniffling loudly he wiped the water from his eyes. ”I’m sorry to break down like this, in front of you. I must seem so weak.” He let out a small laugh. ”It’s just.. I can scarcely believe what’s happening- what you proposed!” A burst of wind tousled his hair and helped dry his eyes. A grin had spread across his face by now, one he couldn’t wipe off no matter how hard he tried. ”Is there anything I could do to repay this favor? Anything at all! You’ve practically given my family a future, I can’t just say thank you and be done with it!” [/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: 347 words NOTES: Eh, not the quality I wanted either. But I've been so busy this week, I really needed to just get a reply done. ;)[/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;]"You don't need to do anything for me Atlas. I have a few more ideas and suggestions on how to make this all work, but given that we are still in borderline acquiescence and friendship with one another, I think it is best for me to just wait for something to develop between us. Flea, Crow and Switch will be pleased. I am more than willing to take them all to school as long as it doesn't inhibit my siblings attendance." Alyssa stood up and stretched out her arms in front of her and gestured for her siblings to return to her. Before they came to close to her Alyssa whispered under her breathe to Atlas. "You can go to school if you wanted to..." She knew he would have to work especially since they were both in the lower class. If there were anyone in the lower class who didn't work it was probably because they were too young or mental under developed. The chill breeze in the air was finally getting to Alyssa. She couldn't afford to get sick especially since she was already using the few off days she had to attend her siblings events. She had a side job of baby-sitting that was almost none existent since she went back to school, but she planned for her off days (since they were paid) to be a time she could also work. Alyssa placed her hand out and offered it to Atlas. Her hair was starting to seemingly glow with the back drop of the fading sun. She managed to go to school primarily because her siblings were decently responsible and when in doubt she could sometimes relie on her next door neighbor when she was desperate or needed them to be checked on super late at night. She wondered if Atlas had someone like that, if he ever had a moment where he didn't guard his family, was working on planning their next moves. Alyssa blinked and a smirk started to come on her face. "I am not sure what to call this...but a partnership is the closest what our arrangement would be called." Alyssa kept a smile on her face, the grim Atlas wore was contagious. He hadn't look this happy since the start of the conversation. She reached over and her thumb removed traces of his tears that had previously fallen. She was glad to see he had tears of happiness and not of worry. "If you can think of a more appropriate word then let me know. Best to finish drying your eyes I don't want Melissa and them to worry about you." Alyssa gestured her head towards the kids directions. They were coming closer and closer occassionally stopping to refill their bucket clams and other sea treasures when something would fall out. [/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 a smile of thanks, but he shook his head at Alyssa’s offer. ”I can’t go to school, however much I’d like too. Besides, I’m too old to attend. I’ve heard that the cut-off age is eighteen. No, my place right now is at work, earning money; I think we both know that.” He gave her a playful wink and gratefully took her hand in his. At her statement he laughed. ”I think partnership suits it just fine.” Taking his arm he finished the job Alyssa had started of wiping his tears away. Crying was a rare thing for him. No, Atlas had to be the strong man of the house; for if he fell the rest would also dwindle down with him. He was their fatherly figure, and fathers never ever cry. Or at least that was what everyone said. With his face dry and the redness in his eyes gone, replaced by their usual bright blue, Atlas turned to Alyssa, stretched his legs away from their cramped position again his chest, and gave a ready nod. The air around the beach had chilled dramatically, and the glaring sun had been shoved underneath a mass of ominous gray clouds. The kids, however, hardly noticed the change in weather. They were too busy hunting for the beach’s hidden treasures: clams, shells, and the rare, occasional starfish. The joy in their laughter made Atlas keep up his smile. [/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: 238 words NOTES: Ew, short.[/style]