Ginger Tee

My Better Half [tlstiffl + avanhelsing]

ooops sorry! ya lol

My Better Half [tlstiffl + avanhelsing]

Logan chuckled to himself as Jason went on and on about Quidditch. Logan never understood the fascination with sports, but Jason seemed fully passionate about it. Even if Logan thought being a jock meant being a meathead, it may actually not always be the case. The way Adam spoke about it, for a brief moment, Logan was actually curious. However not curious enough to torture himself with the screams of the crowd.

Once they reached the pitch, Logan dropped his bag onto the grass and looked around. It was definitely bigger than he remembered. He sort of remembers the basic rules of the game, like how the Quaffle has to go through the hoops on both ends of the pitch, but for the more intricate details of the game, Logan wouldn’t know his right from his left.

When Jason basically bashed the Slytherin team, Logan didn’t mind. He wasn’t exactly the typical student with house pride. I mean, he could care less if they won a Quidditch match or the House cup at the end of term. Honestly, he didn’t see the point of being sorted into houses. It just fueled the competitive nature of the educational system.

Logan tried to start talking about the project, but Jason seemed too unfocused. He briefly mentioned what spells they could do, but his attention span seemed to be less than a toddler. Smirking to himself, Logan discreetly pulled his wand from his robe.

Before Jason even knew what was happening, Logan raised his wand and said “Silencio!”

Instantly, there was silence on the pitch as Jason’s voice had now been taken away from him. Logan looked at him, the smirk on his face. “Do you mind if I speak now?”

Then raising his wand again, he ended the spell so Jason’s voice was back. “I think the best and most important spell we need to do is Stupefy. Have you been able to successfully perform it?”

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

284

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta saw Ezra flinch and she quickly removed her hand from his arm. Did she hurt him more? Was he disgusted by her touching him? Or has his experience he went through caused his nerves to constantly be on edge? Marta didn’t want to admit it, but she believed it was the latter. No one deserved to live a life of fear just because they believe something than someone else doesn't. What did it really matter? In reality, every person is only on this planet for a short period of time, why waste it by trying to tear down someone else?

Marta’s eyes were swelling up more and more, and she felt a weight forming in her chest. She listened as Ezra explained that he was only in pain because of what has already happened to him. The mention of her watch, she glanced down and suddenly it felt like a thousand pounds on her wrist. How could she walk around with such a fine piece of jewelry, when so many people were struggling just to put food on the table. Marta felt so ashamed at that moment.

Suddenly, she felt him take her hand, and was confused for a second, before her hand was touching the bare skin of his chest. Under normal circumstances, Marta would be freaking out internally; she was touching a boy’s skin. However, the current situation, Marta wasn’t even phased by it because the instant she felt the welts and raised skin of Ezra’s scars, nothing else mattered. The heat radiating off of them still present. Marta couldn’t explain the emotions forming deep inside her. She has never felt this much grief and despair before, especially towards a complete stranger.

She saw Ezra beginning to shake, and let her arm be moved from his chest. She could tell he was reliving the moment, his face becoming distorted with pain and fear. Marta just sat there, feeling helpless. She wanted to take this boy’s pain away. She wanted him to forget what happened to him. But how can you forget something so horrific? Marta cannot even believe Ezra is still able to function normally-for the most part.

She could tell he was coming out of his trance and saw him look at her. And the minute that tear left Ezra’s eyes, it was settled. Marta was going to do whatever she could for this boy. She didn’t know what that meant yet, and she knew he may never want to see her after this, but her gut was telling her to be there for him.

Without knowing how uncomfortable this would make him, Marta reached up and wiped the tear that fell from Ezra’s eyes, being gentle as she could. Her hand lingered for a moment, before lowering it. She listened as he went on again about taking her home, and that he would even carry her, even though he was clearly in pain. How could a person who has been through what he has, still be so caring and sweet? And then his comment about him having no right to protect her, Marta felt like the air was knocked out of her chest. Curse this world. Curse the people who have done this to Ezra. Curse Hitler.

At the moment though, getting home was the last thing Marta wanted to do.

“Ezra” saying his name for the first time, and also realizing she hasn’t said her name, but it didn’t matter at the moment. “I wish there were a thousand ways I could right the wrong that has happened to you. No one deserves it, especially not someone as sweet and kind as you. I can only hope that you realize that I want nothing but happiness for you.”

She didn’t know when she did it, but at some point during her little speech, she took Ezra’s hands into her soft, tiny hands. She said her part, though there were still a million thoughts crossing her mind, but she didn’t want to overwhelm the boy.

Suddenly, there was a loud clap of thunder above their heads. Marta glanced up and noticed for the first time the dark clouds forming. It was definitely going to rain any minute, but for now, Marta was only concerned about the boy sitting next to her, who she turned her full attention back to.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Feeling her tears beginning to subside, Marta took a shaky breath in. She hated crying. It left her feeling warm in the face and exhausted. It was decided, she was going to go home and go to bed early. The emotional roller coaster she just went through drained her of all her energy. However, going home was a much longer walk than going to uncle’s estate. She had about 8 more blocks to go to get to her uncle’s, whereas, she would have to walk the 7 blocks back to her school, then it was another 20 minute walk from there to get to her house. But the thought of socializing right now was completely out of the question. Plus, her mother would be able to tell instantly that she was crying and she would interrogate Marta until she finally got the truth from her. Marta was never a good liar.

Marta glanced down at her watch, made of gold, and saw that it was five minutes past five. The party has started. Hopefully her mother would be too distracted to notice her absence. Though in reality, that would not be the case. Marta would have to make sure she telephoned her uncle’s house when she got home. Letting out a sigh, she went to adjust the buckle on her shoe and prepared to leave, when she heard someone sit down next to her. It startled her a bit and she looked over and saw Ezra sitting next to her.

Before she could get a word out and ask him what he was doing there, he began his apology. She gave Ezra her full attention, wanting him to know she was taking him seriously. Technically yes, she was crying because of him, but not because of how he acted, but because of the reason he had to act like that. She despised what was happening in the world right now. The hate. It was the worst poison in the world and if Marta could, she would create an antidote with love. She is too optimistic for her own good sometimes. It gets her in some awkward and rough situations sometimes, like the current predicament she was in now.

When Ezra mentioned how he was in the hospital because of all the terrible things happening, she let out a soft gasp. Aside from the one comment he made, Ezra seemed like a gentleman, definitely not a person who should land in the hospital because a couple of people felt that his religion deemed him as unworthy to exist. That thought brought tears back into Marta’s eyes, but she didn’t want to be selfish and have Ezra think everything was about her, so she held them in.

Marta glanced down at the bag of treats Ezra brought, and a small smile graced her lips. Guess she would quench her sweet tooth after all. She was about to thank him, when she noticed a cringe on his face and him holding his stomach. Unaware of why he was in the hospital, and why he was holding his stomach, Marta became concerned. Maybe he was sick? Did he need help?

Ignoring Ezra’s comment about walking her home, though she heard him say it and it made butterflies form in her stomach for brief moment. No guy has ever offered to walk her home. But that wasn’t what was important. Ezra, who was clearly in some sort of pain, needed to be the focus.

Shifting slightly so she faced him more, Marta placed a gentle hand on Ezra’s forearm.

“Are you ok? Do you need something? Medicine? A doctor?” There was genuine concern in her voice and in her eyes. Marta was a caretaker. She hated seeing other people, or animals, hurt. She would do whatever she could to make them better.

My Better Half [tlstiffl + avanhelsing]

Logan couldn’t recall Moody saying exactly how the spells were supposed to be dished out, but then again, he was surprised he managed to remember the project at all. And clearly Jason was remembering things, which was a plus and maybe meant he wasn’t a complete airhead. Perhaps Jason and Logan were more alike than they both realize and willing to admit. They both seemed to find classes pointless, maybe for different reasons, but who cared. Obviously their differences outnumbered the similarities. Their physical appearances being the obvious difference. Logan was short, scrawny, was pale skinned and had wavy, long jet-black hair. Whereas Jason, was tall, tan, muscular with perfect brown hair that created the perfect wave on top of his head. Not too mention gorgeous eyes. Jason was handsome without a doubt.

Hearing Jason suggest the Quidditch pitch, Logan inwardly cringed. Of all the places in Hogwarts that Logan avoids, it is the Quidditch pitch. In fact, the only time he has ever been on it was when they took flying lessons first year. Logan couldn’t even get his broom to go “up!” He knew right away he would never fly, and he was completely fine with that. But Quidditch meant fans, and fans screamed and were loud, everything Logan does not enjoy. But maybe if it was empty, it wouldn’t be so bad.

Without even being able to answer, Jason pulled Logan from his seat. Logan barely had time to grab his bag as he was being dragged out. Logan would have been more annoyed if he hadn’t gotten everything packed up, but there was a brief moment of amusement in his eyes. Jason’s excitement was contagious, and Logan was unsure how he felt about it. It wasn’t that Logan wants to be miserable, and for the most part he is content with life, but expressing emotions was not something Logan has mastered.

Walking along through the corridors, Logan having to walk rather quickly to keep up, he heard Jason ask if he’s ever been to a match. Logan wasn’t going to lie, so he said “Nope, never been to one.”

To him it was no big deal. Again, he had absolutely no desire to go. They reached the entrance to the outdoor courtyard and stepped outside. It was a beautiful fall day. Not too hot, not too cold. And the leaves on the trees were beginning to change colors. This was Logan’s favorite time of the year. He loved it so much that sometimes he would choose to read outside instead of the library, assuming of course, he found a quiet spot to do so.

Transform Me, Transform You [neno1445 + tlstiffl]

Ava felt her hands getting clammy the longer she stood there. This was probably the longest interaction she has had with a fellow student, who wasn’t like a partner on a project, her entire life. Group projects are the worst things ever for Ava. She always kept quiet and prayed someone else took the lead and would give her a task and let her go complete it on her own. If the project included any sort of presentation, and Ava had to participate in it, her anxiety went through the roof.

But this interaction is different. There is no project. This is just two people talking. She heard Adam say to not let Tanya push her around. Ava shrugged, unsure of what to say. Ava wasn’t necessarily teased or picked on. There wasn’t one specific student whose mission it was to make Ava’s life miserable. It was just the nature of her life. When you are invisible to people, you become less human. To Tanya, bumping into Ava was the equivalent to bumping into a wall. It was in your way and it was meaningless.

Ava was shocked when Adam introduced himself for two reasons. Reason number one being, he is so popular, shouldn’t he just assume everyone know’s him name, which in this case Ava did. And reason number two was, him saying his name meant he wanted to keep this conversation going. Ava was flabbergasted. Why did he still want to talk to her? Why didn’t he just leave after picking up her books, but I guess the better question is, why did he even help her in the first place? And why couldn’t Ava just be normal for once and not act like a deer in headlights.

When Adam asked who she was, Ava panicked. She honestly briefly forgot her name. How embarrassing is that. Taking a deep mental breath in, and a smaller real one, she muttered out “I am Ava.”

What now? Did they keep talking? Should she just walk away? Wasn’t Adam hungry and want to go to lunch? Ava stood there, continuing to struggle keep her books in her arms, while also pushing her glasses up her nose again.

“Umm… I am going to go to my locker.” Ava bravely muttered. She needed to be out of this situation. It would only lead to more embarrassment. So she started to awkwardly step around Adam, since his tall, muscular frame was blocking her tiny one. She wasn’t sure what Adam would do next, but she assumed it was just continue one with his day.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta didn’t want to appear to be eavesdropping, but she was intrigued by the interaction between the young man and the elder. There was such ease and comfort between them; they may not be friends, but they are familiar enough with each other that they don’t need to say much to know what needs to happen. Marta feels the same way about Abraham, their pharmacist. Marta’s father has bad knees, so her and her mother are constantly picking up pills to help with the pain. It was the highlight of her week going into the pharmacy and having her conversation with Abraham. His life and family were so interesting to Marta, who is surrounded by people who act and talk like her mother. It becomes boring after awhile.

Marta completely missed the Star of David on the box, but she also wasn’t really looking. If she had, she would have thought nothing of it. It would make things clearer for her though. Her sheltered upbringing has made it that she knows enough about Judaism and its existence, but she knows nothing of its rituals and apparently food. She has never heard of babka or seen some of the other baked goods surrounding her.

When she heard Ezra say miss, she looked up at him and noticed he had a rather offended look on his face, as if Marta did something wrong. Just as she was about to ask about a loaf of bread that looked almost braided, which is called challah, she heard Ezra’s comment to the elderly man.

"she appears to be new to this side of town. Be careful walking home..."

Marta felt her heart stop. What was that suppose to mean? And then in an instant, it all made sense. She finally noticed the Star of David on the label, her lack of knowledge about all the food, the part of city she has never been to. This was a Jewish community and this bakery must be run by a Jewish family. And Marta, in her designer dress and heels, and pearl earrings on, was clearly not from this neighborhood.

Despite Greta’s best efforts to keep her daughter sheltered from the real world, Marta is fully aware of what is happening in the country she has lived in her entire life. She knows one man is flipping everything upside down and creating such a divide between the people. Marta, being naive and as optimistic as possible, truly wanted to believe that this discrimination and hate hadn’t trickled down into the mass population, but it clearly had. Just being a rich girl, who was brought up to believe something slightly different, makes her the enemy. Even though, Marta’s real belief is everyone is equal and can believe and do whatever they want so long as it doesn’t harm another person. She is 100% against Hitler.

But obviously this boy had her pegged differently. He thought she was here to hurt them, or rather assist someone else in hurting them. And Marta would never hurt another person, let alone a fly. Unsure of how to react, and her emotions running rampant, Marta felt tears beginning to swell in her eyes. She didn’t fully understand why she was so upset, but she knew that what is happening in this country must be a thousand times worse than she realized to have Ezra thinking she was the worst human ever.

Not wanting to cry in front of stranger, or upset them anymore, she quickly muttered, “I apologize. I just realized I am late for a party. Thank you for your help.”

She turned to leave, not before a single tear slipped from her eyes and she quickly wiped it away. She opened the door, the bell jingling once again, and Marta left. The second she was outside, she turned to head back in the direction she came. She made it about a block, before her emotions were too much. She sat down on the curb, letting the tears fall freely. She reached into clutch to see if she had a handkerchief, but unfortunately forgot one. So she settled with dabbing her cheeks with the backs of her hands and letting out a sigh. She felt defeated and so upset. She was definitely not in the mood to got to a party now.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta was becoming more and more glad she decided to walk today. This bakery was heaven on earth. Her sweet tooth was definitely a flaw, and her mother being the way she is, didn’t let Marta get too many sweets. A heavy girl will never find a husband. You must maintain your figure. But at this moment, Marta could eat everything in this bakery.

Her smiling, which hasn’t left her face, grew even larger when she heard the word “chocolate”. She looked over at the bread, which apparently is called babka, and saw the chocolate melted on top and inside.

“Oh that looks absolutely amazing.” Marta said as she had to keep from drooling on the counter. “And I think nuts are always the perfect addition.”

Marta looked into the display case more and saw macaroons, she recognized those. But there were so many other breads and pastries she has never seen. How was she ever going to be able to decide? Just as she was about to ask the boy for more advice, he said he was going into the back. Marta frowned slightly. She felt like a lost kid now. She didn’t even know where to begin, but she didn’t want to be a nuisance. This boy obviously was alone working and had a lot to do. He was probably used to his customers coming in and knowing instantly what they wanted.

Marta started to chew on her lip as she looked at everything in the case. She already knew she would get some of the babka, but it was a matter of deciding if she should get anything else. She was worst than a child who gets to go into the candy shop and is allowed to pick two things. Marta had enough money to get several things, but she didn’t want to seem like a glutton. Just call him up front. I am sure he will help , Marta thought to herself. She peeked around back and saw the back of the boy’s head as he was counting some items on a shelf. She didn’t want to interrupt what he was doing.

Suddenly, she heard the bell ring and turned around a saw an elderly man walk into the bakery. His eyes landed on Marta and he raised his eyebrows, but didn’t say anything. He walked up to the counter and called out “Ezra?”

Marta could only assume this person was a regular and knew the boy who was in the back. So she had a name, Ezra. It was unique and Marta liked it. She continued to stand in front of the case, figuring she would let this elderly man get what he needed, since he probably knew exactly what he wanted. Marta was starting to feel pretty foolish; how hard is it to pick out a couple desserts?

Transform Me, Transform You [neno1445 + tlstiffl]

Ava may not be one to start a conversation with someone, or have the ability to build a friendship, but one thing Ava is good at is observing. And being invisible made it pretty easy. People watching was something she always found fascinating. It was her way of being part of the real world without having to interact. Watching a person’s behavior can sometimes tell you a lot more about a person than how they talk to you. Ava likes to translate people’s movements and behavior into her paintings. All of her classmates were completely unaware that they are her secret muses.

She knows majority of the people in her class by name and appearance, though she can guarantee there isn’t anyone who knows hers. Did she wish she was sometimes braver and could talk to someone? Of course. Especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Being a people watcher, Ava is constantly witness to couples and their PDA. As long as they weren’t groping and making-out, Ava found it all sweet and tender. She loved watching a couple hold hands, or steal a kiss when they thought no one was looking. Ava desired that. But she was aware that it may never happen for her. She has never been kissed… or even held a boy’s hand.

At the moment, Ava was still working to gather her things. She noticed a couple of her sketches from art class fell from their folder and Ava made them her first priority. She didn’t care about her text books as much. While Ava loved painting, she has been trying to develop her pencil and ink work more. And the best way of practicing that for her was comics. She tried to replicate all that comic book and anime characters she enjoyed reading. And she even tried dabbling in creating her own.

As she reached over to grab one of her sketches, a hand came out of nowhere and took it before she could. This movement made her jump slightly, and she looked up and made eye contact with Adam Hastings. Of course she knew who Adam was. You can’t be one of the most popular kids in school, with the most colorful reputation, and not be known by everyone. Ava knew this boy had a history; she sort of remembers something about a family member dying, but she doesn’t know the details.

Ava felt very nervous once she realized Adam was speaking to her and actually helping her. This wasn’t exactly the first time Ava has been in a situation like this, but this was a first time anyone has ever come to her aid. She was flustered and frozen.

"She is a bitch, isn't she?"

Ava felt her throat closing up. Say something! Anything! Don’t be a freak Her mind was going a mile a minute, but her brain still couldn’t process how to form words. She just nodded her head and gave him a weak smile. With shaking hands, she reached over and took her sketches and text books from Adam, wanting to be out of this situation as quick as possible. She stood up and looked around, before looking at Adam again.

“Thanks” she squeaked out, her voice barely louder than a mouse.