Deborah and Shannon accepted her with little resistance. It seemed their friendship still held from that single interaction before. Aislin recalled they offered cell numbers at the cafeteria, but she lost the information with a tsunami. Along with a working phone. 

Debs idlly bit her fingers. Yeah, she knew something was up. [i]"... But you look awful, girl. What's wrong?"[/i]

[b]”Where to even begin…”[/b] Aislin chuckled to herself, mild relief washing over her. It was a sincere pleasure to be among friends. [b]” A better question might be ‘what’s right?’ I could answer that with far fewer words.”[/b] 

Aislin nodded to the stage as the Headmaster approached the podium, falling quiet. He seemed… different since his last speech at their orientation. Not in a good way. Her discontent only increased as he spewed nonsense. [i]“These are not your matters to resolve.... They are mine... That is all, students. Go out and resume your education and activities as if this never happened. You are dismissed."[/i]

[i]Fuck, you’re dismissed, old man. Thanks for nothing.[/i] Aislin felt sour, already knowing in her heart she would be disregarding the majority of his wishes. Deborah seemed to share similar feelings, smacking her seat in frustration. It startled Aislin, and she dropped her thermos.

[b]”Ah shit, my coffee.”[/b] She shakily scooched down, retrieving the thermos. A small puddle of black coffee smeared the floor, which she looked at guiltily. Well, janitors were paid for a reason, she supposed. [b]”I… Mm, I don’t like our Headmaster.”[/b] She muttered.

It was then Henry entered the stage, and a smile cracked through the bitterness of her face. Ah, the lizard who saved her life. Just for a moment, as he spoke up on the stage, everything in the world seemed right, good. Almost safe. She paid particular attention to his close. [i]“If you do, I don't [/i]condone[i] it, but please do it safely and in groups. If not for Vera, do it for yourselves. Do it so you can put someone to rest, and allow yourself and everyone else on the island to rest more peacefully."[/i]

A wolfish grin stretched her lips as she heard what he said between the lines. God, the Professor was a truly awesome teacher. As he left the stage, Debs took the initiative and suggested they peace as well. Aislin couldn’t agree more.

[b]”Lovely idea, I wont take up too much time, promise.”[/b] Aislin waved her hand nonchalantly. [b]”Could we continue this in the Garden? I’ve had a craving for greenery but I... I can’t go into the Jungle. Even if the gates weren’t locked down.”[/b] She clenched her jaw, briefly seeing golden orbs and razor teeth in her head. 

She gave Nick a wave, remembering their time in the hospital together. Aislin wondered if she could trust him with coming along, hearing what shit story she had to tell. Eh, it probably wouldn’t do any harm. Besides, he might have information too. They had to get to the bottom of this -- not [i]just[/i] the murder. There were strangers on the island. Dangerous strangers. She needed all the help she could get, and this was an excellent step in the right direction.

[b]”Hi Nick, it’s good to see you again. I hope you were alright during the, uh, black-out.”[/b] She said.

It was then two older students joined them, those of which she didn't recognize. The wedding bands were easy to notice. [i]Ugh, too many people. I can't divulge my story now...[/i] She merely gave them a tight-lipped smile, distracting herself with her thermos.