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[sub] A [color=ff4de1]Savannah[/color] [@NeoAJ] and [color=BurlyWood]Miss Morris[/color] / [color=98817b]Wesley[/color] [@GhostMami] collab [/sub][/center]

[color=darkgray]The walk to the office of the guidance counsellor was a long one. Savannah thought she saw Wesley on the way back, but it was a fleeting glance. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had been to see Grace, as Ms. Morris had insisted on being referred by. She was one of the youngest members of the faculty, and the one that was in the position of drawing the most info out of students in order to offer proper advice. Wanting to be on a first-name basis made sense. Savannah had been on her couch a couple times, specifically to ask about the best courses to take for her planned path into university athletics and one mandated appearance after her incident in the not-so-locked office in the gymnasium. That was embarrassing but at least Grace didn’t give her any real grief for it.

The door was open, but Savannah still timidly knocked on it anyway to make sure that whoever was inside would be aware of her presence. [color=ff4de1]“Hey Grace? I was told you wanted to see me?”[/color]

[color=BurlyWood][b]“Yes, indeed, Miss Payton. Please come in, take a seat.”[/b][/color] Dr. Morris greeted the pink and blonde haired girl with a warm smile and gestured to the couch. She kept her motions smooth and carefully measured, as Subject #19 could spook easily. This was of course in part due to the experiment, but also likely a remnant of her time in foster care — there were some anxieties that could not be overwritten. [color=BurlyWood][b]“How are you feeling today?”[/b][/color]

Savannah pulled up a spot and gracefully sat herself down on the well-worn sofa. She was still a bundle of nerves in regards to what her big mouth had gotten her into with the party on Friday night, but there was no reason for Ms. Morris to know that. No matter how cool she was with the students. Plus, there was the ongoing spat with TJ that had yet to be fully resolved. That one might be more suitable conversation material for this space. But she dodged the question for the most part. [color=ff4de1]“I guess I’m doing all right. Got a good run in this morning. Still riding the high, you know?”[/color]

[color=BurlyWood][b]“As you should. Now that you mention it, we do have quite a few runners here at the school, don’t we?”[/b][/color] Grace wondered thoughtfully, tapping her pen to her lips. [color=BurlyWood][b]“Perhaps we should organize a club, or some kind of relay event. Would you enjoy that?”[/b][/color]

[color=ff4de1]“I’d be up for it,”[/color] Savannah agreed as she leaned back onto the furniture. [color=ff4de1]“I mean, as long as no one else in the club gets too upset when I lap them, you know?”[/color] Thoughts of repeatedly dusting Wesley in their races to the various stations around the campus brought a faint smile to the Texan’s face.

Dr. Morris laughed softly and made a note of her response. [color=BurlyWood][b]“That sure confidence will get you far in life, Savannah, never lose sight of it.”[/b][/color] She said encouragingly as her pen came to a halt and she brought her eyes back up to face Subject #19. [color=BurlyWood][b]“Perhaps it is even the very reason that your team was victorious in the scavenger hunt. Tell me about how that went, I’m curious.”[/b][/color]

The smile on Savannah’s face grew wider. [color=ff4de1]“Well, if I’m being honest, I didn’t expect much out of the event. I mean, I didn’t have any real first-hand experience with Wesley or Talya, so I didn’t know what either of them could really bring. But once we got going it was pretty clear we were all driving forward with some purpose. When we got to the finish line, you know I was expecting to see Sol or Leo or one of those mega jock teams or something but hearing we won? That… that was a nice little feather in the cap, you know? Ended up being a really good time.”[/color] Savannah thought for a second. [color=ff4de1]“Although I don’t remember getting a prize or anything. Thought I heard something about a prize.”[/color]

[color=BurlyWood][b]“Actually, now that you mention it… excuse me.”[/b][/color] Grace said, setting down her notebook and pen on her end table before standing up. She walked over to the incoming mail file on her desk, having remembered that a staff member had dropped off an envelope to dispense out to the Hunt’s winners. She had somehow forgotten about it in Wesley’s appointment, how uncharacteristic of her, she needed to get some rest. Returning to her seat, Grace brandished the large manila envelope with a smile. [color=BurlyWood][b]“I believe I have that right here. There is an envelope for each of you inside, would you be able to distribute them to your teammates as well?”[/b][/color]

Savannah took the envelope and nodded. [color=ff4de1]“I think I can track the other members of my team down and get that to them.”[/color] They still had the text chain from pre-hunt planning. It would suffice.

[color=BurlyWood][b]“Excellent.”[/b][/color] Dr. Morris beamed a smile and picked up her notebook once again. [color=BurlyWood][b]“It seems like you enjoyed the hunt and your team, then? Do you think you might have made some new friends in Wesley and Talya?”[/b][/color]

A shrug worked its way out from Savannah’s shoulders. [color=ff4de1]“It’s definitely possible. I mean, would I have picked Wes and Tal before the hunt to partner up? Heck no. I would have gone with TJ and Erica.”[/color] If nothing else, it would have saved Erica from her experience with Billie. That was a whole other conversation that was still going on. Plus, even with the recent tiff, TJ was still one of Sav’s best friends. It stood to reason they would stick together. [color=ff4de1]“But I think even if we came in third or fourth or, God forbid, last, I think it would have been all right. Turns out we made a really good team, and it was enjoyable company. I could see hanging out with them again. You know, if they wanted to. Not gonna force anything.”[/color]

[color=BurlyWood][b]“Well, I guess you will just have to see where things go when you hand out their prizes. Things just might flow naturally.”[/b][/color] Grace jotted down a few notes and checked the time on her wrist watch. [color=BurlyWood][b]“I’m glad to hear that the hunt might have opened up some new opportunities for you, and it sounds like you are still growing close with Tyler Jane and Erica. It’s good to see all of you students getting along well so early into the year. Is there anyone else that you’re interested in getting to know on campus?”[/b][/color]

That was a question that Savannah wasn’t really expecting. [color=ff4de1][i]Interested in getting to know? In what way?[/i][/color] If it was in the way that she assumed most of her classmates thought, then the answer would be Nicholas Grey. Yes, even if Tyler Jane was totally miffed about it. Maybe Dwayne or Griffin would also make that particular list, but Nicholas was still at the top. Although… Talya… no. No, she had to get those kinds of thoughts out of her mind. That wasn’t proper Christian thinking. No, ma’am. Besides, that couldn’t be what Miss Morris meant at all.

[color=ff4de1]“I dunno, I feel like I’m… aware of what most of the people around here are about, you know? Like friend or foe is pretty clear. I really don’t know. Maybe Dwayne Freeman? He seems like a smart guy, but I haven’t had much face time with him at all. Other than that, I think I know who I’m running with in my pack.”[/color]

Grace wasn’t expecting her to mention Subject #28 given the details that the scientists had provided her regarding Savannah’s interactions with the other students. Dr. Morris assumed this to be a deflection of her true feelings and made note of potential feelings of shame regarding her true leanings. Grace also raised an eyebrow at Savannah mentioning friends and foe. [color=BurlyWood][b]“Foe? Is there someone here that makes you uncomfortable?”[/b][/color]

The pink-blonde’s eyes shifted a little bit. [color=ff4de1]“Well… I don’t need to see Leo Brooks again any time soon. Just every time I’m in the same room as that guy, it’s just a whole pile of no. The vibe is so… ugly. I think that’s how me and TJ bonded is just over knowing that we weren’t stupid enough to fall for whatever game that dude is trying to play.”[/color]

Ah yes, Subject #11, she should have known. This was not the first time Grace had heard such feedback regarding Leo. Those who loved him were loyal and those that didn’t… well they usually felt quite the opposite of love. Dr. Morris nodded with a straight, concerned face. [color=BurlyWood][b]“That sounds fair, but I do hope that you know that this is a safe place for you to talk if anything ever becomes too uncomfortable with him. For both yourself or Miss Morrissey. My door is always open.”[/b][/color]

[color=ff4de1]“I appreciate that, Grace,”[/color] Savannah admitted. It was always nice to know there was some level of sanctuary if things ever did go south for some reason. Not that TJ and her couldn’t probably take Leo down if it came to it. TJ could hit him high, Sav could go low. [color=ff4de1]“I mean, that’s probably the worst of it. Him and creepy Todd. But other than that, things are going pretty well I think. On track for that Texas A&M track scholarship yet!”[/color]

[color=BurlyWood][b]“I have no doubt that you are!”[/b][/color] Grace said with feelings of pride at how far Savannah had come in such a short time. Some days, and appointments, this experiment felt criminal. But in cases like Miss Payton’s, it seemed that San Agustin might offer a glimmer of hope and a second chance at a prosperous life. Cases like Savannah’s kept the shadows at bay. [color=BurlyWood][b]“I have another appointment coming up shortly, but it was lovely getting to chat with you Savannah. Please remember to pass out the other prizes, and I will make sure to let the headmaster know about possibly setting up a racing club.”[/b][/color] As they exchanged their goodbyes and Savannah stood up from the sofa, Grace couldn’t stop herself from slipping in a little bit of her knowledge of the girls’ plan for a party. [color=BurlyWood][b]“Oh, and I hope you have fun this weekend.”[/b][/color]

Savannah was all set to be on her merry way when Miss Morris slipped that one out. [color=ff4de1][i]Have fun? She doesn’t know, right? Who would blab to one of the faculty about a definitely illegal party? ...No, no, she couldn’t know. That would be crazy! The group agreed to keep the invites to a minimum. Yeah, she can’t know. I’m just being crazy! Definitely. But if I’m not…”[/i][/color] The hesitation was clear as she turned around to give a polite wave. [color=ff4de1]“I’ll try!”[/color] she squeaked out. [color=ff4de1]“You too!” [i]You too? The hell, Sav?[/i][/color] With that, she bolted.

Once she felt she was a safe enough distance away, Savannah’s attention turned to the envelope she held in her hand. It didn’t feel heavy enough to be anything too big. If all it turned out they won were some dang stickers or something, that wasn’t going to fly. She heard enough from some of the others about that crock. So she was curious. At least this couldn’t hurt to check out, right?

She opened the large manila envelope and found the three smaller ones inside, the one marked “Savannah Payton” on top of the pile, so she took it and opened it up. Inside was a small folded piece of paper. [color=ff4de1][i]Well at least it’s not just a fancy sticker.[/i][/color] 

Opening it up revealed what appeared to be a black VISA. The card read, [color=white]“Congratulations! Your team was victorious in the San Agustin Scavenger Hunt! Accept this gift of a $75 gift card to use on whatever you so desire! You earned it! - Headmaster Wayman”[/color]

That made Savannah’s eyes open wide. It seemed like one of the major hurdles towards acquiring booze was just cleared. A cheap piece of plastic with no name whatsoever. It was perfect! [color=ff4de1][i]Wow. This solves the money problem! But $75 might not be enough for me to be the hero here…[/i][/color] A thought occurred.

Savannah pulled out her school-issued phone and pulled up the text chain that she shared with Wesley and Talya to keep track of things for the scavenger hunt. She wasn’t expecting to use it again so soon, but this was a golden opportunity.[/color]

[color=green][list][*] [color=ff4de1][u][b]Hey Wes, Tal. I got our prizes from Miss Morris. $75 each! But I have a proposition. Some of us are having a party Friday night in the first floor common room. Would either of you be interested in coming to this event and contributing your prizes to make sure there are plenty of drinks available for everyone? It would be a proper celebration![/b][/u][/color] 

[color=darkgray]The response was quick.[/color]

[*] [color=98817b][u][b]I already planned on coming, I heard about it. And hells yes, I got nothing else to spend this on in our educational prison world.[/b][/u][/color]

[color=darkgray]Such a mixed message of both happiness and confusion.[/color] [color=ff4de1][i]WHAT!?!?! How does Wesley know?!? He wasn't on the guest list! Pretty sure he wasn't on the guest list... That's good about the money, but damn it, how does he know?[/i][/color] [color=darkgray]All kinds of thoughts were swirling in Savannah's head now.[/color]

[*] [color=98817b][b][u]Speaking of, how the hell are you getting drinks? [/u][/b][/color]

[color=darkgray]That was proving to be a more pressing question than Savannah initially thought now.[/color]
[*] [color=ff4de1][u][b]Don’t worry about it! Your girl has got it covered! But, um… just curious, how did you hear about the party?[/b][/u][/color]
[*] [color=98817b][u][b]Uh… I think I heard about it in the cafeteria this morning? Word spreads fast… Let me know if you need anything else! :)[/b][/u][/color]

[color=darkgray]This was not good. [color=ff4de1][i]Oh god! How much booze am I going to need for this?!? What the hell? Does the whole school know? We aren't going to be able to carry enough booze for the entire damn school! We're going to need like a car or something...[/i][/color][/color]
[*] [color=ff4de1][u][b]Uh… you wouldn’t happen to have access to a set of wheels, do you?[/b][/u][/color]
[*] [color=98817b][u][b]Negative. But I have a pretty big backpack?[/b][/u][/color]

[color=darkgray]The hail mary was not answered here. [color=ff4de1][i]I guess that makes sense. If he's going to come to the party and pay for booze, he might as well get some stuff he wants. Still, how obvious is that going to look? Five of us all leaving campus at once on foot? We'll be spotted for sure! Ugh, my head hurts...[/i][/color][/color]
[*] [color=ff4de1][u][b]...That might work. I’ll keep you posted.[/b][/u][/color]
[*] [color=98817b]👍[/color][/list][/color]

[color=darkgray]As Savannah dropped her phone back in her jacket pocket, she uttered a silent prayer that Talya was on board with this plan. All of a sudden scoring a couple of bottles of booze was now turning into catering an entire underage drinking hootenanny. It was almost enough to make her not crush on Nicholas anymore just because it was his stupid good looks that got her into this mess. Almost.

She needed help dealing with this. There was only one person she knew at the moment who would at least be able to offer some level of clarity on how to handle the severe change in the amount of people that were coming.

Savannah could not hit Erica's number fast enough on her phone. [color=ff4de1][b][u]Erica, I solved one problem, but now we have a much bigger one...[/u][/b][/color][/color]


-----------------------------------------

[color=darkgray]The two overseers of the interview stood intently listening until Subject #19 departed Dr. Morris’ office. They turned away and consulted their notes.

[color=yellow]“Dr. Morris is amazing at getting these subjects to let their true feelings out. And I have to admit even I’m impressed with our work on #19. If it wasn’t for the punk dye job, you would never be able to hazard a guess of her true origins,”[/color] the first man commented.

[color=forestgreen]“Of course, the gym incident proved just how unstable she might be without that initial tether.”[/color]

[color=yellow]“But Dr. Morris was able to convince her she was calm after that. As long as the gazelle traits don’t put her in a vegetative state, that should be more than enough to convince state officials that this is an effective rehabilitation treatment for repeat offenders?”[/color]

[color=forestgreen]“True, but I’m more worried if she ever figures out that her previous life in Stillwater is all a ruse. If there are any dormant tendencies of her original personality, it could jeopardize everything. Plus, some of her actions towards #37 during the hunt clearly displayed some… buried instincts.”[/color]

[color=yellow]“It shouldn’t be that much of a problem I would think.”[/color]

[color=forestgreen]“You would think that. But you never know. Subject #50 proved that. Anyway, did you leave the van keys somewhere that they would be sure to be found?”[/color]

[color=yellow]“Yes. They were left on a desk in the library. Since we know #19 has been in contact with #5, that should get the vehicle in her hands and we can see what we might have to account for with a mind-altering cocktail introduced into the system.”[/color]

[color=forestgreen]“Excellent. Should be some good results to go over on Monday morning.”[/color]

[color=yellow]“I just know I’m not cleaning up that mess.” [/color][/color]