Pride: Your Way

Chapter 2

March 12th, 2018

“So Mia do you like him?” Zoe asks at Go!

“He’s sweet.”

Zoe raises an eyebrow.

“Do you like him?” She repeats with emphasis.

“Maybe.” Mia giggles. “I haven’t even known him a day.”

“Either way. Maybe you should be less you about it.”

“Excuse me?” Lupe says coming to her sister’s defense.

“I think what Zoe means is Mia should flirt,” Simon explains.

Sofi and Agus start laughing.

“Mia? Flirt?” Martin asks incredulously.

“Yes, flirt. How else would he know she likes him anymore than a stranger? She’s too bubbly with everyone for him to tell a difference.”

Mia looks downcast.

“Whatever Zoe. Would you ever do that?” Lupe asks.

“If necessary.” She replies as Aunt Isabel walks in. “I hope he realizes how you feel.”

“Class is starting. Team start stretching while I look at Martin’s concepts.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

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

March 13th, 2018

“Juanma and Lupe.”

Stupid mixed second and third year elective, Lupe curses.

“Hi.” Juanma says, sitting down.

“Hi.” Lupe says, checking herself in the mirror.

“I’m, um, surprised you don’t want Olivia to have her party.”

And I’m surprised you speak.

“It’s not like we didn’t have the summer to party. And Go! needs work.”

Juanma pauses in setting up his multi colored pens.

“Right. Tobias mentioned you might have been upset by what I said.”

“Oh, no. I love when people criticize things they know nothing about. Especially when it’s my art and friends who have been working so long and hard at something.”

“I told you, I’ve been to the competitions. I’m not just saying it.”

“Fine. How about the fact that it was one performance meant to be informal with new members?”

“Um.”

“Exactly. Maybe wait until you have solid evidence that we suck.”

“That’s not...”

“Class dismissed.”

Lupe stalks out.

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

March 14th, 2018

“Why aren’t you rooming with Lupe?” Zoe asks again as Mis starts unpacking.

“Because we are sisters. And too much time together can put our lives at risk.”

“As if you could ever hurt anyone.” Simon says.

“SIblings bring out a different side.” Mia says, simply. “Plus we’re good friends aren’t we Zoe? Or would you rather I room with Sofi?”

“You’re my best friend after Simon. I could never let you submit yourself yo all that fangirling.”

“Simon fangirls.” Mia says confused.

“Fanboying is completely different.” He comments indignant.

They all laugh.

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

“Are you sure you don’t mind me rooming with you, Lupe? I can room with Sofi.”

“Agus, you are fine to room with me. My dad cleared the rooms with me a few days ago, when Mia and I decided not to room together. Unless you really want to room with Sofi. I can talk to him for you.”

“No, no. It’s okay.”

Lupe looks surprised at the outburst.

“Sofi and I are always together. Even she can get sick of me.”

“I’m always out practicing. Just don’t be too loud when I’m here.”

“Okay.”

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

“So Juanma what do you think of the school?” Tobias asks.

“I wish we weren’t rooming together.”

“This school isn’t as expensive so not having a bunch of extra rooms makes sense. We are kinda just taking over their school.”

“What with a couple dozen or so of us?” Juanma says as if he doesn’t know the exact number.

“I’m just glad they don’t have the same rules about co-ed in the dorms.” Olivia says.

Did she just disagree with me, Juanma thinks.

“Anyway, Juanma what do you think of our hosts?”

“I think it’s great that we have somewhere relatively close to go to school.”

“What do you think of the people?”

“Ramiro seems nice.”

For once Juanma isn’t sure where she’s going with this.

“What do you think of the daughters? I know Tobias is enraptured with one.”

“They are fine.”

“Really? Just fine. I saw you smiling at Lupe on the way to dorms.”

“Juanma smiled?” Tobias asks incredulously.

Juanma glares at his friend.

“I doubt I was smiling at her. I was smiling while looking in her direction.”

“If you say so.” Olivia singsongs.

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

March 17th, 2018

“Didn’t dad tell us to focus on school and Go! not socializing?” Lupe asks.

“I believe he wanted us to not gossip.”

Lupe glares.

“Either way, mandatory attendance for a party is insane.”

Mia isn’t going to correct her again.

“It’s mandatory? That’s so cool.” Sofi says.

“It’s not mandatory.”

“But you just said.”

“I was being extra. Dad just really implied he wanted Mia and I here.”

“Well it would have been weird if you weren’t at your own house.”

“Agus is right. Anyway, we’re going to go see if we can get this party trending online.” Sofi says, pulling Agus away.

“Trending. Trending is good.” Lupe comments to herself.

“Can we go say hi to Tobias?”

“Mia, you can go say hi to him. You’re almost a grown woman.”

Mia looks unsure. Lupe pushes her 3 feet forward and walks away. She’s proud until...

“Lupe!” Juanma says as they nearly bump into each other.

Her eyes narrow instinctually.

“Hello.” She says coldly.

Juanma bows in reply.

Hahaha. Did he just bow?

“I’m sorry. That was strange. I’m not sure why I did that.”

“Shouted my name or bowed?”

“Bowed actually. Um, the shouting was from surprise. You looked lost.”

“I was congratulating myself.”

“On?”

Lupe starts to gesture towards Mia but remembers she doesn’t like this fool.

“On my house being so beautifully decorated.”

“Oh, did you do it yourself?” He asks, seeming genuinely curious.

“No, I didn’t have time but Martín asked Olivia and I for final say. It’s about 30% my brain child.”

“Nice.”

“Anyway. I have to talk to Zoe.” Lupe lies to get away.

Did Juanma and i just talk like normal humans? Was Juanma a normal human? She remembers the bow and shakes her head.

“Did you and Juanma fight again?” Zoe asks.

Guess she came to find me.

“No. Why do you ask?”

“Because he is standing rather aimlessly on the edge of the dance floor. Did you make fun of his dance skills?”

“No.” Lupe huffs. “We had a pleasant conversation, made strange only by him bowing.”

“Boy likes you.”

Lupe stares at Zoe like she has a third head.

“Come again.”

“Boy. Likes. You.”

“And where did you get that from?”

“The bowing, it seems socially awkward. Like he doesn’t know what to do around you? And can there be another reason he’s talking to Mia right now?”

Lupe looks and Mia is talking to her enemy.

“Everyone talks to Mia. Anyway, how can you be a bad dancer as a coordinated basketball player?”

“Looks like we are about to find out.” Zoe says as Mia leads Juanma to the dance floor.

“Hmm. I wonder what mixes Gaspar has for music today.” Lupe says, trying to be unbothered.

Juanma could have another reason to talk to Mia.

https://youtu.be/IrxKEKaa4ho 

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

Lupe: Juanma isn’t going to get in Tobias’ way, right?

Juanma: It’s not like I’m scared of Lupe. She just wouldn’t want to dance with me.

Mia: This is weird.

Tobias: Mia has such fun.

Olivia: Who doesn’t like a blonde?

Zoe: Not who she was supposed to flirt with.

Simón: Things are getting interesting.

Pride: Your Way

Chapter 1

Lupe and Mia had been asked by Ramiro to welcome their new guests the best way they knew how. By dancing. The girls decided Mia was best for showing the individuality of Saint Mary.

https://youtu.be/z7V78vAi2B8

“What just happened? Was that for real?” Olivia scoffs.

“I liked it,” Tobias says watching the dancers group up.

“Come on. That was sad.”

“It was passionate.”

“Passion won’t win nationals,” Juanma comments, frankly.

“Excuse me,” Lupe asks. “What did you say about my team?”

Juanma turns and faces the raven-haired girl head-on.

“I said passion won’t win nationals.”

“And what would a basketball player like you know about nationals?”

Juanma’s face closes off a bit. Ramiro hears the commotion.

“I’ve been to the competitions. Trust me, that’s not going to win.”

“I’d appreciate it if you dispersed. The girls were welcoming you to the school. Clap and go to class.”

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

“That was rude.” Lupe fumes.

“It was. But did you see the other guy?” Agus sighs.

“He was cute.” Mia acknowledges.

“He was beyond cute,” Sofi says.

“Girls, do you mind grabbing us seats. I want to be in the center of class.” Lupe says.

Sofi and Agus walk off.

“Mia do you have something to tell me?”

Mia turns to deny anything but sees the expression on her sister’s face.

“Ok, the other guy was cute.”

“He’s friends with the person who insulted us.”

“We don’t know that they are friends per se. And it wasn’t so much an insult as a comment.” Mia cuts herself off because Lupe is about to seethe. “But the cute one said we were passionate. You know how much I want my art to reach people.”

Lupe nods. That was Mia’s biggest concern whereas Lupe wanted to win.

“Okay. I think you’re too nice but I’ll give the guy a chance to show himself better than his acquaintances.”

“That’s all I ask. It’s not like I want you to ask the blond for pointers.”

Lupe’s eyes bulge and Mia pulls her forward to class. Then stops abruptly.

“Mia!” Lupe shrieks as she bumps into her.

“Uh, you’ll be able to start forming that opinion now.”

Lupe looks around her and sees the “cute one”. She grins and marches right up to him.

“Where does your friend get off saying that about the Go! team?” 

“Uh, hello.”

“Yes, hello. Tell me.” She crosses her arms.

“Well, Juanma is really opinionated. Sometimes he keeps it to himself. Sometimes he doesn’t.” He glances past Lupe at Mia. “I think you guys are good though.”

“Good? Good is not enough. We are nearly sensational thank you very much.”

“Okay.” He agrees.

“My name is Mia. The angry one is my sister Lupe.” She says, stepping next to his desk.

“Nice to meet you, Mia and Lupe. I’m Tobias.”

Lupe hums.

“And your friend, Juanma was it? How close are you two?”

“Pretty close. We’ve been friends since we were kids.”

“Same,” Mia says, then laughs. “Not me and Lupe but our Go! team. Most of us have known each other forever.”

Lupe sighed internally.

“Class.” The teacher calls.

“I can’t wait to meet them.”

Mia smiles.

“I hope you can forgive Juanma.” 

Lupe grimaces.

“I would be able to forgive him if he had insulted anything besides my team.”

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

“Juanma, you insulted them,” Tobias says.

“Better for them to be insulted at their school than laughed off the national stage.” Juanma comments without looking up from his plate.

Olivia starts laughing.

“Juanma that’s too much. They wouldn’t get laughed off. They just wouldn’t make it that far.”

“Well, I think they would be amazing. The lead girl has great stage presence.”

Olivia and Juanma look at Tobias.

“Okay I might not know much about dancing and singing but I liked it.”

“Oh, they’re exiting the food line. Quick, Tobias do you want the blond or brunette? Y’know got to make sure Juanma doesn’t fall for the wrong girl.” Olivia says with emphasis at the end.

Juanma looks at her disgusted.

“The blond,” Tobias answers with a dopey grin.

Olivia shakes her head at her brother.

“Girls, come sit with us.” She waves them over.

Mia looks at their friends then Lupe.

“If you want to go ahead,” Lupe says, apathetic.

“Lupe, Mia come sit with us.” She repeats.

Lupe is thankful her father hates eye-rolling or else she wouldn’t be able to control herself.

“How does she know our names?” Lupe whispers to Sofi and Agus.

“Can we sit with them?” Mia asks.

“Fine. But you’re sitting next to Juanma. I want the “cute one”.”

Mia looks heartbroken.

“To sit by.” Lupe corrects herself.

“Are they going to sit or what?” Olivia mutters.

“Ciao,” Zoe says, smiling.

“Hi,” Mia says sitting between Juanma and Olivia.

“Hi.” Tobias returns, smiling.

Across works too, Lupe thinks.

“So you’re dancers?” Olivia asks.

“We are,” Mia answers, cheerfully.

“I used to dance. We won nationals when I was a sophomore.”

“But Pemberly doesn’t have a team.” Lupe blurts, confused.

“We transferred last year.” Tobias provides.

“Oh, I know! I’m going to have a get together this weekend. So we can all get to know each other.”

Juanma makes eye contact with Lupe. She narrows her eyes at him and looks away.

“Isn’t it a bit early to party?” Lupe asks.

“I don’t think it is,” Tobias says. “What about you, Mia? Feel like a party?”

“Always.”

And we’re lost, Lupe thinks.

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

Lupe: Tobias is not so bad. Juanma is to be ignored. But does Go! Need something?

Juanma: Can the teachers announce their decision about Basketball yet?... Lupe has nice eyes.

Mia: I hope Lupe like Tobias.

Tobias: Mia

Zoe: They are all overreacting.

Simón: Everyone is so cute!

Olivia: Will Juanma dance with me?

Sofi: where are the cutest basketball players?

Agus: Whatever Sofi is thinking.

Martín: Go! Costumes are much more important than Pemberly gang.

Jaded: Chapter 11

Chapter 11

"Hello, Elizabeth Gent. My name is Sarah Jackson." The young woman says, sitting on the couch.

"I know who you are. I've been watching you and reading your articles since I was 5." I say, excitedly and wince.

Sarah laughs.

"Thank you. It's nice to know I had such a young and dedicated fan. What made you watch the news at such a young age?"

"My mom insisted I know what was going on in the world. I love your broadcasting company and their honesty. What made you move to human interest pieces?"

"I've always been interested in getting to know the people I report about. I find that causes get a more personal touch that way."

"Cool." I say. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"Water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, milk?" Allison asks to my right.

I look at her.

"I guess Allison predicted I'd be asking."

"No. I've been watching from upstairs." She says, without shame. "Ms. Jackson, I'm a huge fan."

"This is my friend, Allison. She works for the Simms." I introduce.

Ms. Jackson smiles.

"Nice to meet you, Allison. I feel so flattered today."

"What can I get you, Ms. Jackson?"

"I'll take tea." Sarah says. "And you can call me Sarah."

Allison nods quickly and I snicker.

"Orange juice, Liz?" She asks, glaring at me.

"Yes, please." I smile back.

She leaves the room.

"So Elizabeth, my interview style is a bit different as you probably know. I'll ask questions but it's fine if you move from topic to topic. Just know some things may move out of context when I edit."

"That's fine. I do have a request though. Could you start off by saying that I prefer not to be called Elizabeth?"

She gets out her recorder.

"What do you prefer to be called? Liz?" She asks.

"I usually go by Lizzie but I've been called every nickname including Betty." I laugh.

"You don't agree with Betty?"

"I don't mind any of them. I just don't feel much like a Betty. It seems like a bubbly name."

"You don't consider yourself bubbly?

"No. I'm cheerful but I'm not bubbly. Not that there's anything wrong with being bubbly. It's just not a part of my personality."

"I can appreciate that. Your comments are very diplomatic. Is that because you're aware of your role model status? Or is it affected by having prepared your answers?"

"Neither. I was surprised when the Companion called me a role model. I'm honored that people view me as a good person to imitate. However, I refuse to be fake for the status."

"So what makes you so diplomatic?"

"I'm not sure. I was always the mediator in my friend groups. I have a mellow viewpoint, I suppose."

Allison puts our drinks down.

"You're a valuable addition to our friend group." She says.

"Thanks, Allie."

"Son." She adds.

"And now it sounds weird." I say.

"Sorry. I'm interrupting. Call me if you need anything."

"Will do."

"You two seem like great friends."

"Yeah. She's one of my best friends."

"You didn't know each other before you came, right? That's quick."

"I don't think it's that fast. We just happen to carry the same song."

She looks at me in surprise.

"Are you saying that based on the poem, The Arrow and the Song?"

"Yes, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He's one of my favorite poets."

"I am definitely talking to the 6th smartest young lady in the country."

I blush.

"I'm not the 6th smartest girl in the country. The tests to find that statistic only emphazise a select amount of information. That fact is, my cumulative score is impressive but there are plenty of young women who test better in individual subjects. We all have our different advantages. Mine happens to be that I have a good memory and a lot of time to learn."

"I can't argue with that. How long are you staying with the Simms?"

"I'm not sure. The original plan was for 10 weeks. Circumstances may change but if I have responsibilities to handle, I may be back often."

"That raises a couple questions. What are you going to do when you leave the girls at this academy?"

"I will strive to keep in contact with them. I may not always answer or reply right away. But I hope to write and call people all the time. I've actually reconnected with a few people lately."

"Who would these people be?"

"One of my foster sisters wrote the Peyton empire a letter. It was good to hear from her after all these years. Another one was my fourth grade teacher. She helped me through one of the hardest times in my life."

"What was that?"

I forgot that I was being interviewed.

"That would be my mother's death. I was more shy then."

"It's hard to imagine that. You carry yourself with such confidence. Of course, that brings up another question. You don't have to answer."

"It's okay. I previewed it. And I'm used to the question."

She smiles at me, sadly.

"What happened to your parents?"

"My father died in a sailing accident when I was 3. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 4. She fought for four years and died when I was 8."

"You were so young." She says, emotional.

"I was. But I still have memories of my parents. And that's a blessing I am grateful for."

"That's beautiful."

"Thank you." I say, slightly uncomfortable.

"I had a couple more questions. I know you have to get ready for the pairs and groups scavenger hunt."

"I do. But I have plenty of time to get ready."

"I was wondering what responsibilities you have as the Peyton ward."

"Well, I will be getting a scholarship so I have to finish my high school experience at the academic standard I've previously set. I am the teen representative so I must be respectable. I am now in charge of the teen section of events held by the Peyton empire."

Sarah pauses her recorder.

"Off record, but Delilah was getting overwhelmed."

I believe that. But I don't think it needs to be spoken.

"In time, I'll be attending any events that the Simms cannot attend."

She records again.

"There's four of them. Will there ever be a day not even one can be in attendance?"

"It's not likely. But I'll be on standby just in case."

"Well, they couldn't have possibly given it to a more responsible young woman."

"Thank you."

"The last question is a more personal one."

More personal than my parents? Even though I know the gist of what she's about to ask, I don't know how you get more personal than that.

"Sources say you danced several times with a young man the night of the Peyton anniversary benefit."

"That's correct."

"No one seems to know who this young man is, however. Will he be on your team this evening?"

"Yes."

"Are you playing pairs or groups?"

"Pairs."

"Do you have a relationship with this young man?"

"He's a close friend. Friendship is a relationship as well."

"That's true." She says, smiling. "Is the Peyton ward allowed to have a romantic relationship?"

"Yes. I am, as the Peyton ward, allowed to have a relationship. At the moment, I am not in a relationship. I don't feel obligated to announce when I start one. But I will strive to live up to my role model status in that area of my life, too."

'I think you'll be a great role model. I look forward to seeing what you do with your position."

"Thank you." I say.

She turns off her recorder.

"Sorry for some of those questions. The public wants to know." She says, standing.

"It's fine. I knew they were coming. And I trust you to provide a good first impression."

"Thank you. Well, Lizzie it was nice to meet you."

"It was nice to meet you as well." I say as Allison comes into the room.

"Lizzie, it's almost time to go. Sarah, I'll walk you out."

I hear them talking as I go up stairs.

I go to my room and check my makeup. I grab my satchel. I head out of my room.

"Eliza."

I turn around and see Finn in the family room.

"How long have you been here?"

"A while. You walked by me earlier. Please be a bit more aware of your surroundings."

"Fine. Are you ready to go?"

"One second. Can you hold up your hair?"

I do so. Then, I feel something cold on my neck. I touch something square and look down.

"A bookcase necklace?!" I ask excited.

"Yup. Now I'm ready."

I follow him downstairs and out of the house. We get in the car and he turns on music.

"Finn, why did you buy me a necklace to match your pocket watch?" I ask, curious.

"We have to match for our team. I told you we were set."

"You told me to wear my notebook print shirt and bring my typewriter satchel. I thought having a theme was enough."

"It is. I had already ordered the necklace, though. That shirt is cool."

"You bought me my satchel and now a necklace."

"I gave you the satchel two years ago. I knew you'd like the necklace. That's all that is important."

"Well thank you. I'm not good with people buying me gifts. It's a good thing I like you so much."

The car stops and my door opens.

"Ms. Gent." A valet says.

"Hello. Which way is the gathering?"

"It's on the putting green to the left." He gestures.

I try to get my blush to go away. I can't believe I said that.

Finn clears his throat. Awkward.

"So Jenn went with Chloe and Lynn?" he asks.

"No." He stares at me. "She went with Lynn and George. We didn't leave her at the house."

"You enjoy making people panic."

"No, I don't. I just thought this was a bad time to ask."

"It takes a little more than 5 minutes to get here. I could have gone back for her."

"You forgot and that's that."

"Whatever." Finn says, smiling. "Let's join the party."

"Let's." I say as we step onto the grass.

Chloe runs up.

"Save me."

I laugh.

"What happened to you being so excited about your team?" I ask.

"It's never been so quiet in my car. Miranda is in the front seat and won't even look at Cameron. I don't understand why they agreed to be on the same team."

"Because everyone wanted them to be on the same team." Finn says. "This is their first year playing. Do you know how many couples have come from this game?"

"I know. My cousin married her teammate from her freshman year in college. I just can't believe his parents agreed. And I wish they hadn't."

"Do you have to be on their team?" I ask.

"Yeah. They need a driver. Plus, there's no duos I can pawn Cameron off to." She says, glancing at Finn.

"The teams have already been approved." He says.

"I know."

"Arthur is beckoning me." He says, nodding at me.

I nod back.

"He's not a very good guard walking away from you." Chloe says.

"I'm just glad to have a little breathing room. And he's literally 8 feet away."

"I'm glad my dad isn't influential enough for us to need guards."

I finger my necklace.

"Is Finn okay?"

"I think so."

"He glared at me when you asked if I need to be on the kids team."

"Oh. I wondered why you responded like that. Maybe he didn't want to share the winnings." I guess.

"He doesn't care about a paid dinner. And I would have given it to you two. No, I think he didn't want anyone disturbing you."

"That's …" I don't finish that thought.

"See? I'm right."

"Hi, Lizzie." Lynn says.

I look at her, George, and Jenn.

"Wow. That is a lot of flannel." I say, blinking.

"It's a good thing it's cold enough for it. I hope the girls won't get too hot." George says.

"No, I think it's perfect. I think hot chocolate should be on the list." Jenn comments.

"We could put it on our own list."

Lynn stares at them.

"This is why we're not going to win. These two will veer off course."

"Hi, Lizzie. Hi, Finn." Cameron says.

I look to my side. I didn't know Finn had come back.

"More aware." He whispers and I nod.

"Hi, I'm Lizzie Gent." I say to the teenage girl.

"Nice to meet you. Miranda Beaufont." She says, quietly.

"So Lizzie how are you two matching?" Cameron asks.

"They did it subtly. She's a writer and he has a bookcase watch. Producer meets audience." Jenn says, sounding disappointed.

"Wait, isn't her necklace a bookcase?" Lynn says.

"Can I answer now? We both have bookcase accesories." I say.

'That's cool." George says.

"That's new." Jenn says, looking at me.

"Alright teams, line up." Mrs. Jergens says.

"Finn?" Jenn whispers.

"Yeah. He surprised me with it." I whisper back.

We separate and line up in front of the stage.

"Ok. The rules are simple. You must transport the item. If it belongs to someone ask permission to borrow it. In order to return it, you must list where you got it from. If you run into another team, go in a different direction to avoid losing. The game ends here at 6. The valets have put the lists in your cars."

"Delilah and Caleb are on the same team." I observe.

"Is that strange?" Finn asks.

"They just seem to frustrate each other. I don't see them interact often."

"They work well together."

"Arthur and Belle seem like stiff competition."

"They are. They've won 6 times."

"It seems like they shouldn't be allowed to participate anymore."

"They turn their dinner into a dinner party. So people don't mind."

We find the car and get in.

"Let's beat them." Finn says.

"Let's."

Sense and Sensibility Part 2

Mr. Dashwood - He went from one sister to a whole family as company. He was won over by "such attractions as are by no means unusual in children of two or three years old." So the family would have gotten the money if they came when Margaret was a toddler. I still think ill of him.

Mr. Henry Dashwood - He was attentive to his uncle out of "goodness of heart." They weren't thinking of the rewards.

Mr. John Dashwood - He meant the promise when he made it. He "had not the strong feelings of the rest of the family." I think that's why he was easily influenced by his wife. Also his wife "was a strong carticature of himself- more narrow-minded and selfish." Reminder, marry someone who has the strenghs you lack, not your weaknesses intensified.

Mrs. John Dashwood - I can't share all my opinions on her behavior in the opening chapters so I'll emphasize a few key quotes. "She had had no opportunity, till the present, of showing them with how little attention to the comfort of other people she could act." "The Miss Dashwoods, who were reated to him only by half blood, which she considered as no relationship at all." (A paternal connection, in a male line powered world. A paternal connection is all that matters.) "And of course they will pay their mother for their board out of it." (A thirteen year old paying rent? When it's not even guaranteed that she'll get married. What if she needs the money later? You're not a human!)

Mrs. Henry Dashwood - "They encouraged each other now in the violence of their affliction. the agony of grief which overpowered them at first was voluntarily renewed, was sought for, was created again and again. They gave themselves up wholly to their sorrow, seeking increase of wretchedness in every reflection that could afford it, and resolved against ever admitting consolation in future." She shouldn't have done that with Marianne. I know she's sad that her husband died. I couldn't imagine going through anything like that. However, as a mother, she should have helped Marianne and herself by pretending to be strong.

Elinor (Miss) Dashwood - Sense "Possessed a strength of understanding and coolness of judgment which qualified her, though only nineteen, to be the counsellor of her mother." "Elinor, too, was deeply afficted; but still she could struggle, she could exert herself." I've always loved and admired Elinor but now that I'm 19 it's a whole new level. How did she govern her feelings so well? How did she handle indecency with grace?

Miss Marianne Dashwood - Sensibility "She was sensible and clever, but eager in everything: her sorrows, her joys, could have no moderation. She was generous, amiable, interesting; she was everything but prudent." She does have good qualities. She just needs to learn what to show and what to hide.

Miss Margaret Dashwood - "As she had already imbibed a good deal of Marianne's romance, without having much of her sense, she did not, at thirteen, bid fair to equal her sisters at a more advanced period of life." For anyone who thinks I was mean to Margaret in my last post, Jane Austen was worse. Basically, Margaret is doomed.

Edward Ferrars - "was not recommended to their good opinion by any peculiar graces of person or address. He was not handsome, and his manners required intimacy to make them pleasing. He was too diffedent to do justice to himself; but when his natural shyness was overcome, his behaviour gave every indication of an open, affectionate heart. His understanding was good, and his education had given it solid improvement." He is simple and not showy. He is shy and lacks self confidence. But he is kind and smart. He's perfect for Elinor.

Sir John Middleton - "Their arrival seemed to afford him real satisfaction, and their comfort to be an object of real solicitude to him. He said much of his earned desire of their living on the most sociable terms with his family." He likes people and needs lively company.

Lady Middleton - "Though perfectly well bred,, she was reserved, cold, and had nothing to say for herself beyond the most commonplace inquiry or remark." She's about 27. That's 13 years younger than her husband. Theoretically she could be the older girls' friend. But she's not interesting.

Mrs. Jennings - "Lady Middleton's mother, was a good-humoured, merry, fat, elderly woman, who talked a great deal, seemed very happy, and rather vulgar. She was full of jokes and laughter." She seems like fun. But talking about inappropriate things with unmarried women, or vulgarity, would get on my nerves.

Colonel Brandon - "He was silent and grave. His appearance, however, was not unpleasing, in spite of his being, in the opinion of Marianne and Margaret, an absolute old bachelor, for he was on the wrong side off five-and-thirty; but though his face was not handsome, his countenance was sensible, and his address was particularly gentleman-like." He's refreshing in comparison to the Middletons and Mrs. Jennings. But he doesn't have the potential to be a love interest.

Mr. Willoughby - "He apologized for his intrusion by relating its cause, in a manner so frank and so graceful that his person, which was uncommonly handsome, received additional charms from his voice and expression." "In his carrying her into the house with so little previous formallity there was a rapidity of thought which particularly recommended the action to her. Every circumstance belonging to him was interesting." He's gorgeous, polite, graceful, and quick thinking. What an first impression!

Chapters 1-5 : The two Mr. Dashwoods die in a years time. The younger Dashwood family moves in. Elinor meets Mr. Ferrars. They become friends but she won't admit to being romantically interested. Marianne doesn't understand Elinor. His sister tells mother Dashwood not to pair them. The main Dashwood family is offered a house by Sir John Middleton.

Chapters 6-8 : The Dashwoods move in and meet the Middletons. They're not great company but satisfactory. Mrs. Jennings is nosy and Colonel Brandon, dull. He does appreciate Marianne's piano playing, though. Marianne doesn't welcome this because Mrs. Jennings teases them both about being a couple.

Chapter 9-12 : Willoughby carries Marianne into the house when she sprains her leg. Margaret and her were caught in the rain and tried to run home. He makes a good impression on the family. Sir John endorses him but mourns Colonel Brandon's lose to a younger man. Willoughby calls the next day to deepen the acquaintance. "He was exactly formed to engage Marianne's heart." (No one is perfect for anyone!) Elinor becomes friends with Colonel Brandon. Mrs. Dashwood allows Marianne and Willoughby to boldly flirt. The family views the attachment as settled. Margaret reveals the first letter of Elinor's love's name.

Chapter 13-16 : Colonel Brandon has business in London, which cancels the plans for the day. Everyone is concerned about him except Willoughby and Marianne. They all go driving instead. Willoughby takes Marianne to his house which is inappropriate because she doesn't know the woman that owns it. And they didn't have a chaperone. Mrs. Jennings starts rumors about them and Colonel Brandon's urgent business. Elinor doesn't understand why Marianne has told the family about her engagement. One day, they come home to Marianne crying and Willoughby upset. He announces he's leaving with no plans of returning soon. Mrs. Dashwood and Elinor struggle to understand and disagree about how to handle the situation. Marianne purposely reminds herself of  him all week. Edward Ferrars arrives and makes Marianne happy in connection to her sister. Elinor is angered by his coldness but is polite anyway.

Sense and Sensibility Part 1

Marianne - 16 year old who shouldn't be out. When did she even come out? She needs to be realistic. But it's hard to imagine how she could be realistic when she was at home surrounded by good hearted people. If she's forced to see the real world at some point, that's the period the book covers.

Elinor - How is Elinor so mature and aware? She's barely 19 when the book starts. She was raised in the same environment as Marianne. All I can guess is that she learned about showing too much from stories. and straight up personality differences.

Mrs. Dashwood - To me she's the real negative in the book. Many wouldn't agree with me because she's the good hearted poor widow taking care of three daughters without a hope. However, she never listens to her oldest daughter even though she acknowledges her wisdom. She encourages her carbon copy and never corrects bad behavior, thinking it's the fun of being young. Her youngest is beginning to follow in her wild sister's footsteps. She's, arguably, the catalyst for all that goes wrong in the book.

Margaret - Honestly as Jane Austen's only prominent child, she talks too much. Children were to be seen, not heard in this time period. Instead Margaret is the cause of a major discovery and Elinor's storyline in the second half of the book.

Mr. Ferrars - He loves deeply. I don't love him. I admire their relationship. But, and maybe this is because I'm not a 18th century gentleman, I don't understand sticking to duty when it's going to hurt at least three people, if not more.

Colonel Brandon - I'll admit he creeps me out a little bit. The fact that he is in love with a girl more than half his age because she reminds him of a dead love is not lost on me. That said, I believe that when one love is gone, you are natural drawn to people who have positive similarities. Queue, Someone like You by Adele.

Mr. Willoughby - I can't say much, in case someone is going to read it for the first time with me, but I'm not in the same boat as most.

Mr. & Mrs. Palmer - Love them. I don't want their relationship but they are great comic relief.

Sir John and Lady Middleton - Sir John gets on my nerves but he's good hearted so ... I wish Lady Middleton and her brood of children would disappear. I suppose they must exist because otherwise Sir John would have marry the widowed Mrs. Dashwood because she's beautiful and they're distant enough. And then the Dashwoods wouldn't have money trouble and there'd be no story.

Mrs. Jennings - Like her. Good hearted comedienne. But I will never forgive her for almost ruining my girls lives.

Mr. & Younger Mrs. Dashwood - Hate them!!!!! The most obvious villains in the book. Mrs. Ferrars Dashwood is a vampy gold digger with no human feelings. Mr. Dashwood is a spineless fool who can't stand for what he believes in against his wife, and in a 100% patrichial society. Also Henry should disappear, but again possibly no story.

Mr. Henry Dashwood - Well, you're not alive but you shouldn't trust people so much.

Uncle Dashwood - Sold out your family for a child who doesn't need anything.