Even though Vanessa had told Conrad to sit down, he insisted he should help her. [i]"I may be a bum but I wasn't raised as one."[/i] he said jokingly as an argument and helped her take out the dishes into the kitchen. The others sat by the table and talked about the blessing that was pizza. When the doorbell rang, the group all went quiet however. Was Vanessa expecting someone? Most of them were smart enough to notice the ringing was routine and confident, suggesting it was someone she knew. Still, they were on their guard. After all, old habits die hard.

A new girl was introduced to the group, Kelsey was her name. Appearantly a friend of Vanessa, the two came into the room to be introduced. [i]"Vanessa what did you do?"[/i] the new girl asked her. Gabriel snickered. [i]"I gave a few friends a new home."[/i] was her answer. Kelsey seemed like a hearty person, and the entire group couldn't help but burst into laughter when she said [i]"Good lord, you gave this woman a wa ytoo big heart."[/i] Gabriel had stood up as soon as they entered the room. Being the leader of the pack, he introduced himself first. [i]"I'm Gabriel. This is Jaze, that's Conrad and the two kids over there are Robyn and Thomas."[/i] he said confidently. Everyone smiled at Kelsey when their names were mentioned. Conrad looked at the new girl and rubbed his stubbed chin. [i]Oddly familiar[/i], he though, and he wasn't sure if he liked the feeling. He didn't say anything however. He was way too polite for that.
Gabriel continued to speak. [i]"We were all homeless when Vanessa found us. We met in a dark alley, I helped her against some muggers and in return she nursed me back to health when the muggers came back with a few friends for round two."[/i] he walked over to Kelsey to shake her hand or something, he wasn't completely oblivious to manners but he wasn't sure how courtesy worked. [i]"The next thing I knew, Vanessa has befriended the entire group and earned our respect. She offered us to live with her here and we're... Greatly considering the offer."[/i] The last part he said with a grin, slightly sarcastic. This was dreamy to them, to go from being homeless to be living in a mansion.
Conrad couldn't help himself. [i]"Hi there. Might we know your name?"[/i] he said politely and extended a hand to Kelsey in a shake. Conrad was seen as the wise one of the pack, being in his mid 30's and have actually had a higher education.