Day 44; Video 001

[bostonhowler]

[She is disoriented. The odors here are so different and she can’t find the smells of the pack. Her fingers flutter nervously, pushing escaped tendrils of bright red hair out of her face.

She looks almost panicked and on the edge of tears. Brown eyes lock on the bracelet thing around her wrist. Brigid bites her lower lip.]

I don’t want a house. I have one. I don’t need another one. I’m staying with my aunt and uncle. Mark and Anne Hannigan, from Cambridge. Can someone please direct me to the nearest bus station?

[She swallows and turns away. Her brown eyes find the feed again. They shine with unshed tears. Her curly red hair flutters around her face. One blunt-nailed hand rises and brushes tendrils back behind her ear. Brigid isn’t wearing makeup and is drowned in a bomber jacket with several military patches on it. Her eyes flicker out over the area around the fountain.

She nearly curls in on herself.]

Can anyone hear me? I need to get home. Please. If you can tell me how to get home… I’d appreciate it.

Comments

[bostonhowler]

It's not that simple. The family has gone through... some things lately.

[Her Da challenging the Alpha, a few other people being hurt. Hunters coming into town.]

My uncle will be worried.

[shesamarshmallow]

A semi-family friend tried to kill me a couple months ago, and my mom bailed on my dad and me before that ever happened. You think other people here don't have people waiting for them back home?

[bostonhowler]

I never... I didn't... I didn't mean that. My family is complicated, is all.

[She lowers her eyes and bites her lip.]

[shesamarshmallow]

[Veronica forces herself to calm down and take a breath.]

I know. I get it. Sorry.

But look. Whining and complaining aren't going to do anyone any good. So you have to get it together, okay? Remember - people are watching all the time. Do you really want to make it easy for them to mock you?

[bostonhowler]

I don't care what others think. Why should I?

[Because she's been mocked, except by the pack, for her love of history a long time. But she's comfortable in her skin, and with herself.

Caring what others think just isn't in her repertoire. At least, unless they are pack. Then it matters.]

[shesamarshmallow]

Okay. Great. Cool.

[Just Veronica's luck. She finally meets someone else who doesn't care what anyone thinks, and the first thing the girl does is fall apart. She forces herself to take a deep breath.]

Do you need anything? People are generally willing to help with clothes and stuff. Generally.

[bostonhowler]

[She's been completely cut off from the pack. It's... jarring.]

There's a girl coming. She said she'd give me a hand. Everyone's been nice, though. Thank you for the offer.

[shesamarshmallow]

Sure.

Who's the girl coming? Maybe I can make up for being a total bitch by giving you some deets or something.

[bostonhowler]

She didn't introduce herself. She said she's from house ten. Dark hair, I think.

[A clearing of her throat.]

And you weren't. Everyone handles stress in their own way.

[shesamarshmallow]

You're moving in with someone whose name you don't even know?

I hope you don't always handle stress like that.

[bostonhowler]

I didn't say I was moving in with her. She invited me for tea.

[She's confused. Plus, she's not really worried. Claws, fangs and Krav Maga serve her well enough.]

I'm just going to get some answers, out of the cold.

[shesamarshmallow]

Oh. Um.

But you do need a place to stay. I'm not sure what's still open.

[bostonhowler]

I'll look around. I'm used to being on my own, so it won't be too hard.

[shesamarshmallow]

Okay. Cool?

I guess... if you need help or something. I can maybe get someone else to help you.

Heh.

Okay. Later.

[Smooth, Veronica. Very smooth.]