,,pumped up kicks,,scarlett

[maureen antoinette dupont]

-- Maureen was slowly but surely making more free time for herself. She had delved too deep in the world of study and dance and found herself becoming a recluse. The girl who was once a social butterfly, who went out almost every night and was never caught indoors on a Friday or Saturday night. Maureen missed the party scene. Since when had she cared so much about grades and spending so much time dancing. Was it the secret fear she would be replaced? Shaking her head, Maureen pressed her fingers to her aching temples. Headaches had become commonplace now.

-- She needed to get out of this cramped dorm room, to just walk around and forget about everything. Lately she had been dwelling too much on the past and on things she couldn't change. Something had changed inside of her and it really worried her. Maureen stood up quickly and grabbed a light jacket and shoved some loose money into her pocket of her jeans. There was no time to make herself look presentable. She had to meet up with someone. Human interaction was key to her survival.

-- The contacts on her phone scrolled as her finger flicked across the touch screen. Maureen stopped suddenly and scrolled back up a few names. Scarlett! How she missed her friend. They had texted back and forth a few times, but they hadn't hung out in far too long. I miss you girl. Meet me at the cafe. My treat. xoMaureen She had so much apologizing and making up to do. They would have to make party plans over coffee and then actually follow through with them. Maureen wanted nothing more than to just slack off for the week and weekend. Her muscles and grades wouldn't be very happy but she couldn't care less.

-- The nearest cafe wasn't very far away and Maureen made good time. She got them a little table out of the way so they wouldn't be interrupted by the hustle and bustle of Paris. She sat and waited for Scarlett, hoping she could make it. If not, Maureen could enjoy the scenery and coffee on her own and hope they could make plans soon. But how she wished Scarlett would meet her here so they could catch up. She sat down and tried to clear her mind. Today was going to be a great day, no matter what. Everything always turned out in the end.

[scarlett neveah vayro]

The weeks had been going extremely slowly for her; it was just work after work after work and just so many assignments to do that it boggled her. After Matthew had left, after promising not to, she just wanted to drown herself in work. Another person who broke their promise and another person who just broke her heart. That was why Scarlett hadn’t been seen around the party environment lately, what was the point of going to a party if she wasn’t going to enjoy herself? It was pretty stupid of her to get fucked over by a guy and feel so horrible about it, she was just so used to flings and one night stands that she forgot how great a true relationship made her feel, but she didn’t want to worry about Matthew anymore, if he wanted to move on then so be it.

She was at the park, a black jacket over her mid thigh high baby blue dress, a pair of black tights and some heels on her feet. She hadn’t been out in a while but this assignment forced her to go outside and interact with nature and the beauty it held. Sighing, she pushed her black glasses upwards to fixate it self on her nose before looking around the park. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, which was weird because it hadn’t been doing that in a while. Looking at the text, she smiled though because it was one of her good friends Maureen whom she hadn’t seen or talked to in a while. Placing her camera around her neck, she pulled her handbag over her arms to keep it steady before walking towards the café for a much-needed catch up session.

Girls always needed catch up sessions, they needed the friends that they could go to at any given moment, but Scarlett had forgotten about everyone and everything once she had been dumped (except for her work of course). Waking into the café, Scarlett had realized that she had forgotten to send a reply text, so looking around, she smiled once she saw Maureen sitting at a far away table away from the crowds, and she was glad. They needed this moment with one another, girls always needed a girly chat; it was like therapy. Walking over to the seat she squealed, leaning down for a hug instead of letting Maureen get up. “Hey girl! How have you been?” For once, Scarlett’s spirit had seemed to life up and she exhaled happily. Letting Maureen go, she leaned back and moved over to the opposite seat, sitting down and beaming happily.

[maureen antoinette dupont]

-- A large smile spread across Maureen's face as Scarlett approached. How long had it been since she had actually sat down and just talked with someone? She missed girl time. Maureen needed it. She thought she was actually going insane without it. It wasn't so much she missed the gossip or partying but just being around people she actually liked. Sure she liked the people in her dance classes, but she could only really stand them for so long. And being with prima donnas every day got old and annoying fast. They would never compare to her friends outside of dance. Then again, that many girls together in such a competitive atmosphere would never work out to anyone's advantage. Fights and squabbles broke out constantly. It was rather annoying for someone like Maureen who hated drama. All she wanted to do was dance and to learn how to do it well. She wished they would all realize they were here to learn and that they weren't fighting for a role...yet. So much energy wasted.

-- Maureen wrapped her arms around Scarlett to return the hug. "I've been better. My schedule has been killing me!" She confessed, but keeping the smile. Nothing could bring her down today. It was beautiful outside and she was able to finally spend time with one of her best friends. "But how are you?! I'm so glad you were able to make it." Happiness continued to bubble in Maureen's voice and expression. It was really nice to see Scarlett so happy as well. They had only exchanged texts and brief hellos here and there. It wasn't enough. Every time Maureen wished they had more time to talk. She was definitely feeling a good party and fun weekend soon. It had been so long since she had been out! And there was no one she would rather party with than Scarlett. The last time they had been out, they had both taken home very attractive boys and had an awesome time. Then again, whenever she was with Scarlett she had a good time.

-- "Do you want some coffee or anything? My treat." Maureen offered politely. She knew she could definitely use a cup of something strong and maybe a small pastry. Grumbling, her stomach protested in agreement. She did, however, realize that she needed to lay off the caffeine. She could barely go one morning without coffee of some sort. Some days she had two or three cups. Small price to pay for the small burst of energy. The extra dance practice and studying were really taking a toll on her. After she had began slacking and her aunt had given her a stern talking to, Maureen had thrown herself wholeheartedly into her work and dance. She was better than that, and she would not disappoint her aunt who had given her everything.

[scarlett neveah vayro]

The idea of meeting up with someone hadn’t entered Scarlett’s head in a while, she just didn’t want someone approaching her, asking questions about how life was going when it was all just typical bullshit. After all, if you met up with a friend, you’d rather hear the nice stuff right instead of the sad, horrible things that happened in life to someone? Scarlett would always love to hear the good stuff, but there were moments when she didn’t mind being the person giving advice to horrible events happening in a person’s life, she was like the mediator, the person who looked after everyone and tried to make sure that everything was going fine. She loved being the person others came to advice for because it made her seem wanted in a person’s life instead of just someone who was pushed to the side. Wasn’t that what everyone wanted after all? They just wanted to seem important to another person and not less important. Scarlett wanted to be important to everyone she met, she didn’t need to be number one necessarily, but at least a face that wanted to be seen once everyday.

Smiling as she settled down on the other side of the table, she rolled her eyes. “Ergh, your schedule is horrible! I’ve been good though, same as you; could be better than normal. I’m glad I was able to make it too, I was just out taking photos for class when you texted so I thought I might as well since I was so close to the area and all…” Her voice bounced energetically from the walls, words pouring out one after the other as quickly as possible. It was as if Maureen would be taken away far too quickly if she didn’t say everything fast; which was pretty stupid but at least she was here now, at least they could have a proper conversation. “Your treat? I obviously have to take you on the offer, one coffee please?” She smiled sweetly at her friend and then waited for the coffee to arrive in front of her before continuing to speak.

When her best friend was settled down in her chair with her own coffee, Scarlett took a sip of hers before continuing their chat fest. “So how’s everything going? How’s the dancing? The boys, all those…tell me everything! I feel like I haven’t spoken to you in a really long time!” She smiled, leaning forward a little, her eagerness of course showing. After all, when you met somebody after a really long time, you wanted to know everything didn’t you? Especially if you were great friends and Maureen and Scarlett were indeed great friends.

[maureen antoinette dupont]

-- Maureen tried to suppress all girly squeals and fast hand claps as her friend sat down across from her. All of her stress and worries slowly faded away. It was such a wonderful feeling. "I know! I'm hoping things will settle down again shortly. And if not, I'm going to make them." Maureen said chuckling. She really needed a break, and everyone seemed to tell her so. "Oo! How is the photography going! I'm sure your pictures are still just as wonderful as ever." She had always wished she could take good pictures. Her artist's vision lied in her dance. She could never wrap her mind around what Scarlett saw in a landscape, or in a simple flower. Or what others saw in a painting. Some of them just looked like a child had splashed paint everywhere.

-- It was also great to see Scarlett in such a happy mood. It was definitely rubbing off on Maureen. "One coffee, coming right up!" She said happily, standing right up to get them a coffee. The cups warmed her hands and the aromas were simply heavenly. There was nothing like a good cup of coffee to warm the soul. Maureen sat a cup in front of her friend, then sat down in her own chair, taking a sip. It had been ages since she had drank coffee because she wanted to and not because she had to to stay awake a few minutes longer. It really was taking a toll on her. Tonight she would get a good sleep, she just had a feeling.

-- A sigh escaped Maureen's lips as she tried to get an answer together for each of Scarlett's questions. "Well the dancing is going as usual - I'm putting far too much work in compared to everyone else, but it pays off in the long run. Um, I've been putting a lot of effort into my school work, my grades had been slipping for a while. Boys, ugh, my love life is non existant at the moment. I haven't been to a club in what seems like forever!" She took a breath. "To put it simply, Scarlett dear, I've become a hermit! And yes, it has been far too long since we last talked." She pouted playfully. It was true, however, to both of her statements. Maureen couldn't believe how reclusive she'd been as of late. It had just been a mood, a phase. It was one she really hoped she wouldn't relive again.

-- "Now tell me about you! Surely you've been up to far more exciting things than I have! And if not, we need to change that!" Maureen grinned. She at least hoped if Scarlett hadn't been up to anything that she was happy and everything had been going well. She would hate for her friend to not be happy as she herself had not been very happy. Maureen just hadn't been herself. Everyone went through that every once in a while though. Her aunt had assured her it was nothing to be worried about. But she had had quite enough of moping around being alone all the time! That definitely wasn't like her at all. Maureen was used to going out on the weekends, shopping, going to cafes and hanging out with someone almost every minute of the day! That's the kind of life she missed, and the kind of life she was going to start living again.

[scarlett neveah vayro]

The Sun was shining and it reflected how Scarlett felt that day, she was now happy. Happy to be in the presence of a person who made her feel happy and light all the time, one of her best friend; Maureen. Even if Scarlett didn’t have to tell her all the time, Scarlett did love Maureen a lot, they were practically almost sisters, ones who went shopping together, borrowed each others’ clothes and went boy hunting with one another to have fun instead of staying down and at home all the time. She had no idea why she didn’t think of Maureen before…oh wait, she actually had but Maureen had been busy at the time with all her own work. Their schedules were always almost sort of messed up because of the subjects they took. “You better settle things down quickly, it’s difficult without you in my life! And my photography’s going good, nothing too horrible; I was just taking some pictures before you texted me!” Picking up her camera, she opened the lens and quickly took a picture of Maureen in all her natural beauty. She loved taking pictures randomly when no one noticed because she captured the real person, not the person who posed for the photo or tried to make themselves look good just the person who was there in that specific moment.

Waiting for her cup of coffee, Scarlett kept a hand against her face, holding herself up while she waited. She sure was tired but that tiredness was evaporating and appearing every so few seconds making her feel slightly grumpy. But once Maureen had settled back down in her place and Scarlett had taken a sip of her coffee, her smile was placed back onto her face, her muscles relaxed from all the tension that had been there previously and her eyes just wanted to close as if she were having the most relaxing moment of her life. Leaning a little bit forwards so she could hear the murmur of Maureen underneath the loud noises of everyone else in the coffee rush phase of the afternoon, she sipped her coffee once more.

Her eyes were wide with interest as she listened to Maureen speak about her own life. She laughed easily, her laugh almost song like. “Yes you have definitely become a hermit, but not to worry because sometimes we all need to become hermits in our lives! But at least loosen up on the dancing for once yes? Sure it pays off in the long run but you need some resting moments at times too you know!” She rolled her eyes, a little scoff escaping from her mouth. “Non existent only because you’ve become a hermit, I’m sure we all need a pick me up, so we should go out clubbing.” This probably was the first time Scarlett had gone clubbing in a long while, after Matthew, and heck even before he entered her life, she hadn’t gone clubbing in a while, but now was the time. She needed this fun moment in her life. She needed to be happy for once.

Now it was her moment and Scarlett was stumped as to what should leave from her mouth. She hadn’t unloaded her problems on a person in another while and it was slowly eating her up. “Well…my photography’s going good I think, I’ve got some of the top mars so I’m happy but my grades were slowly slipping so I had to become like you. I finally had a boyfriend after Deimos but he just upped and left somewhere…but right now…I think I’ve got someone new.” She gave a little embarrassed smile as she thought of her photography teacher. Yeah, it was wrong, she shouldn’t get involved with a teacher, but he was cool, he was sweet and he was amazing with her. Scarlett liked him enough to actually get over Deimos and Matthew.

[maureen antoinette dupont]

-- Maureen could not possibly get any happier. Everything was just so perfect today! For once things were going her way an she no longer felt as if the world were out to get her and ruin her social life. The sun warmed her and she couldn't wipe the smile off of her face. How good it felt to smile again! When was the last time she had really truly smiled? It was sad that she couldn't remember. Of course she hadn't been downright miserable the past few weeks but she was actually happy, she was looking forward to what the day would bring her, and the days to come. Maureen hadn't looked forward to anything in quite a while either. Even going to dance classes or practicing hardly brought on excitement anymore. A good break is what she really needed. Maureen had just pushed herself too hard and too far. Dedication was one thing but she had been obsessed with getting good grades, studying, and being the best dancer she could.

-- "I'm going to! For good this time. I miss you terribly! I'm positive that it's going a lot better than you think. I love looking at your pictures. They're wonderful." Maureen spoke smiling. Scarlett never bragged about her pictures, but they really were amazing. Just as Maureen would never admit to being a good dancer. She wished she could take artsy pictures or could draw more than a stick figure. Her artistic nature had come through in her ability to dance. She wondered why some people had aptitudes towards different things. Just as some people couldn't dance or keep time, Maureen wouldn't think of singing or drawing. It was strange the way no two people were alike.

-- She sipped her coffee after talking about her own life, or rather lack of one. Maureen nodded at Scarlett's advice. But it wouldn't pay off in the long run, it would only hurt her - wear her body and passion down faster. All dancers knew how to push themselves, and often times they pushed themselves too far. Instantly she perked up again. "We definitely should! We both need it." How fun! It would be just like old times. Maureen had needed to buckle down, but now it was time to cut loose again. Now she appreciated hard work and studying, but she also appreciated the free time she got and the time she had with her friends. She had definitely taking all of it for granted. There would be a time when they would graduate and go seperate ways, and then who knew when they would see each other again. The thoughts frightened her.

-- She listened as Scarlett told her about what she had been up to. Maureen didn't feel so bad, she wasn't the only one that had withdrawn a little from the social scene. "I'm so happy that everything is going well now!" She gave a little squeal which drew a few odd looks from the people around them. "And who might this be?" Maureen asked grinning playfully. She was very happy that her friend had found someone after the last two guys she had been with. As long as she was happy, that was all that mattered. Maybe someday she would find someone that made her happy, but for now she was fine with being single.