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.

Pride: Your Way

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a dancer with music will perform.

Lupe and Mia looked at each other.

“Ready to start the year?” Lupe asked.

“With you by my side. Always.” Mia smiled back.

The team started practices following their co-captain sisters.

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

Aunt Isabel was giving her closing statements for the workshop when Simon yelped.

“What?” Zoe hissed, embarrassed.

“Pemberly Academia is coming to St. Mary”

“Wait, wait, wait Like the school with the all-star basketball team?” Sofi shrieks.

“Which was founded by designer Paco Jamandreu?” Martín asks from the corner.

“Class dismissed.” Aunt Isabel comments before walking out.

“Yes. Yes to all that.” Simon says, looking at his phone.

“What for?” Lupe asks.

“They--- they had some last-minute refurbishing that requires their students to be dispersed amongst local boarding schools.” Simon gasps out.

“Breath, Simon. So some super talented athletes are coming to our school. So what?” Zoe rolls her eyes.

“So our school will be on the news. Possibly more than once.” Lupe says, grinning.

“Let’s talk to Dad,” Mia replies.

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

“Yes, some of the Pemberly school is joining us,” Ramiro says, looking at the two girls sitting across from him in his office.

His two girls who couldn’t look less alike any more than they act alike.

“Dad, we’re going to need more information,” Lupe demands.

He folds his hands together.

“How long are they staying?” Mia suggests.

“A semester.”

“Are they playing for us or them?” Lupe wonders.

“That hasn’t been decided yet. The team may end up being split up.”

“Why are they remodeling when school is coming back?” Mia asks, curious.

“Girls, I’ve given you as much information as I can. Shouldn’t you be focused on settling in for the semester?”

“Yes, dad. Thanks again for letting us room next to each other.” Lupe says, kissing her father.

The girls leave. Lupe looks at Mia. Mia is confused about why Lupe has a suspicious expression.

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.

The Purple Owl book club

I miss reading. I used to read every day. In middle school, I read over 200 books, mostly in class. But now that I'm older, I haven't been reading as much.

I propose an online book club. I don't want to form one in real life. I don't want to join a community. I want it to be part of my blog so that people can understand the person behind the opinions.

The Purple Owl book club has one rule. Read the book before you comment on it, negative or positive.

You don't have to read every book. I will probably make references to past reads though. Most books will have multiple blog posts about them. Feel free to skip around.

The first book is Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. The character list will be up October 4th.