Buffy removed the pillow slowly from her head and looked at her mother.

"Pancakes?"

Buffy sighed, then stepped out of bed, looking at her disheveled self in the mirror. Ugh, so much work to do. Shower, and makeup, and clothes, and then, food. Buffy hugged her mother, then immediately walked into the bathroom and turned the shower on as hot as she could stand. She stood there brushing her teeth as the mirror fogged up from the steam of the shower. Buffy spat out the toothpaste and rinsed, noticing the mirror had fogged over completely. She wiped away a streak so she could see her eyes...

And she flashed back to the dream she had. Well, nightmare, really. And those men and that book. Buffy wiped away the fog so she could see her whole face. She breathed deep, trying to shake that nightmare out of her head, before stepping in to the shower.

It took her about fifteen minutes to get ready and look, to Buffy's lofty teenage girl standards, good. It was also a record of world proportions, but hey, a girl had to take what she could get. Buffy made her way downstairs, seating herself at the table where the pancakes were waiting.

"You know the 'Rule'--they don't have calories if we eat them together!"  Joyce teased Buffy with a smile. "I hope you enjoy them, dear."

A half hour later...

Joyce Summers' SUV pulled up beside the curb of East 37th street.  "We're here."  Joyce looked hopeful and worried at once; although she knew Buffy was a strong, capable young woman, Buffy was still her little girl!

And her little school was starting school in a strange place, half-way through the last semester of her sophomore year...

"You'll do fine, Buffy.  Think of this as--a fresh start!  A brand new beginning, slate wiped clean.  This can work.  I know it's going to work."  With that said, Joyce reached out and quickly hugged Buffy.

"I know, I know!  No 'Public Displays of Momness'...have a good day, honey!"

Buffy's view from the car was filled by the Ambrose Jepson Academy of The Arts.  A stately, 3-story red brick building dating back to the early 20th Century loomed ahead.  Surrounded by oak trees covered in Spanish moss, the school suggested "Old South" charm.



Outside, students gradually poured through the doors.  Buffy saw well-groomed and well-dressed kids traveling in small clusters to start their day.  They all laughed, teased, argued, gossipped...and more than a few stared at the unfamiliar girl leaving the unfamiliar truck.

OOC:

Players, here's your chance to jump into the game!

Chan was not a morning a person and today was no exception. Normally she got a ride a little later with her Mom, but she had an early meeting today. That meant an early morning ride into school with her brother, something she tried to avoid if at all humanely possible. Darius liked to get to school way too early so he could go and work out, Chan on the other hand had just found herself a nice place to draw while she waited for School to start.

She took a sip coffee from her thermos and continued working on the sketch she had spent most of the morning on. The picture which was slowly starting to take form, was a knight fighting an Ogre and getting smushed.

Phaeton was not so much a car as a science project.  It was Melissa's pride and joy and only she and her best friend Garrett were allowed to ride in it.  It knew this of course.  Today, Melissa drove to Garrett's house and waited for him to be ready.

Then she drove him to school, with some loud Trip Hop blaring out of Phaeton's speakers for their mutual enjoyment and the discomfiture of the upstanding citizens of Savannah.  Today, her hair was orange, in honor of the autumn leaves.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:26, Mon 23 Nov 2009.

BJ slid out of her car, a classic 67 Shelby, and 'beeped' the alarm on it. The muscle car had been her graduation gift from her father at her college graduation. Along with more than a few subtle comments from mom about grandchildren and time running out, she reminded herself with a smirk.

Still, she reminded herself as she opened the trunk to pull out her bag of gym gear, the car was definitely 'the coach's' car. She slammed the trunk shut and headed towards her office beside the gym. Good thing about being the coach was office hours were a LOT longer than most since she didn't have a class right off the bat or a home room to deal with. Downside was she had to do the inspection of the facilities to ensure the janitorial staff had been keeping the showers clean.

"Yay, it's monday again." She said to herself with a chuckle.

Buffy shouldered her backpack and took a deep breath before walking towards the school. Buffy didn't know anyone, and it just felt insanely weird and almost scary walking into a new place. She sighed and made her way towards the building, looking around, trying to see what the other kids were like, and what the deal was.

Yay, being the new kid was oh so much fun...

Clive was pacing around his classroom, looking through the syllabus that was helpfully provided to him by the last teacher. He was dressed very much how you'd expect an artist to dress, stylish without a sense of where he was exactly.

Teaching school in America. The dream of every British artist of the last fifty years. And all this because the bloody Slayer decided to come here and her last Watcher lost track of her.

He looked up at the clock above the door, waiting for his first students to come in for the day. Waiting with the sort of patience reserved for small children.

Unlike most students, save his less-than willing tag-along-little-sister, Darius was indeed willfully awake at the butt-crack hours of pre-dawn this morning. By 0545, Darius was running laps on the track, the silenced-tunes from his Sony Sport Discman helping to clear his mind and set the pace. By 0610 (and 5 miles worth of laps later) he was in the gym pumping irons courtesy of the janatorial arrangement he'd struck long ago to ensure early access any day of the week he desired. A select few of his teammates usually showed up around 0630 to put in a partial pre-school work out of their own. By 0645, Darius was showered and ready to face the day.

Today he'd packed his favorite black jeans, and a white top with a stylized gray logo. All label-wear, and pristine. In fact, the seams of his jeans almost looked like they were freshly pressed. He wore the newest pair of Jordans, with protective covers and all still in place. A small silver hoop hangs confidently from his ear, and a set of his grandfathers old dog tags is around his neck (unseen beneath his shirt).

With his workout behind him, Darius makes a point of swinging by where he knew he'd find his little sister. He doesn't say anything, or go out of his way to move over and talk to her. He was just keeping tabs, and ensuring she hadn't opted to cut class or get swept up by any of the schools rougher crowds. Darius wasn't a big fan of leaving his sister alone in the empty school first thing in the morning, so checking up on her as a reflexive action. More for his own sake than hers... but he'd never admit that to her or anyone else. That done, Darius makes his way through the halls~ Meeting and greeting as befits his station.

Gracie was not a big morning person but could if she had too. She did normally get up and go for a run in the morning to stay in shape.  She did not care if it was a little dark, she figured she could take care of herself. She then went home, got ready and headed to school.

She drives into the school parking lot in her old mustang and parks. She loved driving with the top down. She gets out and grabs her backpack looking around. She knew people would be looking at her, she was a popular cheerleader. She just grins at her admires and heads into school. She has on a white tanktop and tight black jeans with high heels. She loved the way they click as she walks.

The Ambrose Jepson Academy of The Arts was an experimental private school opened three years earlier.  At the end of the 1980's, Ambrose Jepson IV moved to Savannah from Charleston, SC.  According to local gossip, Ambrose was the long-estranged cousin to the more famous Jepsons who'd founded a well-known art museum.  Intent on establishing his own reputation, Ambrose researched the success of the Savannah College of Art & Design.

Hiring the best team of advertisers, educators, and financiers available, Jepson established a private school intended to groom the next generation of prodigies.  He bought an old high school building in the Historic District, helping locate the school to a new building further in-town.  The school followed a progressive model based loosely on the philosophies of Maria Montessori, Abraham Maslow, and other child/human-centered thinkers.  Students participated in planning their own education.

A three-point G.P.A. was required for admission.  Students were expected to participate in some aspect of the Arts programs--auditioning for the Savannah Youth Choral Society, auditioning for a play, working for the school paper, or participating in the annual talent show.  A mandatory service program also required students to donate 10 community service hours every school year.  The Acadmey was quickly gaining a formidable reputation for turning out promising artists, athletes, and thinkers.

A woman approached Buffy with her own "Klik-Klak" of heels resounding on the sidewalk.  She looked like she was in her early 30's, African-American, attractive.  Her hair fell in a soft wave of copper and gold.  The woman wore a butter-colored blouse  that complimented her caramel complexion over a cream-colored skirt with sensible heels.

"Miss Summers?  Good morning, you must be Buffy!"  The woman greeted Buffy with a brilliant smile.  "I am Miss Williams; I believe I met your mother at your orientation.  If you'll come with me, you'll make a stop by the Assistant Dean's office.

Then--come to Room 207.  I'm teaching your English Literature course."  Promptly turning on her heel, Miss Williams led Buffy through the throng of arriving students.  They all stole glances or even stared; who was the new girl?  As they walked, Miss Williams told Buffy the essentials about the school:  a little bit of history, which wings held which classes, and other such small talk.

All too soon, they reached the office.  "When you're finished, come on to class.  We've a busy year ahead, and I don't abide tardiness!"  A polished smile in place, Miss Williams said, "Good luck, Buffy."

Before Buffy even entered the office, Miss Williams walked back outside.  She stopped where she'd seen a girl sketching beside a tree.  Miss Williams stood over Chan.  "Good morning, Chan!  A new student is joining our class this morning, and I think she might need a friendly guide.  Someone who knows her way around campus."

The way Miss Williams said it strongly implied it wasn't a request.  "Her name is Buffy Summers.  You should find her at Mrs. Van Tiel's office."  Before Chan could reply, Miss Williams took off.  With a backward wave, she added, "I'll see you in class shortly!"

Chan stopped her drawing and mournfully closed her sketchbook, before looking up at Miss Williams. Despite all the free time she had earlier this morning, she still wasn't quite finished, and she was more than a little annoyed at being interrupted. "Good morning." She called after the departing teacher.

She had another couple gulps of Coffee and closed up her thermos. She was a little accident prone at times, especially in the morning, so she always tried to be careful with her morning caffienation. With a soft groan she awkwardly rose to her feet and put away her sketch book and thermos, double checking to make sure the lid was tight. More than one project had been ruined, and she didn't want to add to the list.

Once she had everything packed away, she made her way to the office. She wasn't sure exactly why she had been picked to show the new girl around, but it probably wouldn't be too bad. At least she wasn't going to be late to class today, that was something at least.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:40, Tue 24 Nov 2009.

Buffy didn't even manage to get a word out as the teacher, Ms. Williams, whirlwinded her through the halls of the school, explaining things. Buffy also noticed the, like, bajillion stares she'd gotten as Ms. Williams led her to Assistant Dean's office. Buffy took a breath, turned around to thank Ms. Williams, only to find that the teacher had determinedly disappeared.

_{"...thanks?..."}

Buffy took a deep breath, then walked up to the office door and knocked.

Mrs. Cecilia Van Tiel sat at her desk, looking up when Buffy knocked.  "Yes, may I help you?"  She was in her 40's, sensibly dressed in a way that screamed "No Nonsense".

Buffy opened the door, stepped inside, then shut the door again. Whew, wow, nerves were running high now. Ugh, new schools sucked so much.

"I, uh, hi. Ms. Williams told me that I should see you. I'm a new student...Buffy Summers?"

All Buffy could think right now was: Please don't say anything stupid to the dean, please don't say anything stupid to the dean.

"Ah.  Yes."  The Assistant Dean glanced at her planner, then back at Buffy.  On her desk, in plain view, was a thick file labeled "Summers, Buffy Anne".   "Please take a seat."

The older woman's lips turned up in a tight smile.  "Welcome to the Ambrose Jepson Academy of The Arts, Buffy.  I've been reading your file this morning, and I must say it was quite...colorful."  Though the words were pleasant, a slight shift in tone said she'd found the file's notes anything BUT pleasant.

"Buffy, I'm going to speak very frankly with you.  Savannah is not like Los Angeles.  You'll probably find that Savannah is quieter than Los Angeles.  One might even use words such as 'staid', 'conservative', and 'slow-paced'.  While we have gangs here, they fear our police, not the other way around.

Educators in Savannah believe that school facilities are places for learning, rather than impromptu bonfires."  Mrs. Van Tiel's eyebrow rose in a sharp arch.

Great. Day one, and already she'd managed to earn the ire of an administrator, but then, it's not like she could tell her why she'd set the gym on fire. Buffy nodded, she'd left that all behind in Los Angeles. It could stay that way for all she cared. Buffy did her best to give Mrs. Van Tiel a winning smile.

"I'm, uh, looking forward to the chance to put that all behind me. Really."

Mrs. Van Tiel gave a terse nod.  She closed the file and laced her fingers together.  "How fortunate for you that I'm a believer in second chances. By all means, please think of this as an opportunity for...redemption. It is most certainly in your interest to not prove me wrong."

Her cold blue eyes locked on Buffy's.  "Am I making myself clear, Buffy?"  With a smile full of matriarchal authority, Mrs. Van Tiel spoke on with a slight Southern drawl.  "Of course, you should find several opportunities to seek more productive outlets for your energy.

At the Academy, our students work rigorously to improve themselves artistically, intellectually, physically, and socially.  You must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade average to remain enrolled.  Students are expected to participate in at least one aspect of community arts this year.  I hear the annual talent show could use a few more acts!"  At that, Mrs. Van Tiel smiled slyly.

"Oh yes--you and your mother are expected to contribute 10 hours of community service on behalf of the Academy.  Your mother may fulfill that requirement by participating in Student/Parent/Teacher councils, of course."

Finally, Mrs. Van Tiel stopped.  "Are there any questions?  If not, you'd best be along to class now.  After all, an aspect of civic responsibility is showing respect for other people's time!  Good luck this year, Miss Summers--I'm expecting a great deal from you!"  The Assistant Dean stood and shook Buffy's hand, before gesturing to the door.

Buffy held up her hand, making the "oK" sign with it.

"Crystal clear."

Buffy was then whirlwinded again as the assistant Dean reminded her of the GPA requirement and the civil service that was expected. Buffy sighed inwardly. How. Lame. On the outside, though, she kept a smile, right up until she was ushered out of the office.

Buffy breathed a huge sigh of relief, then, looked around, realizing she had to get to class. Being new was awkward enough. Being late meant you were stared at even more. Buffy hurried off.

In her rush, Buffy nearly bowled over Chan, who'd just arrived to greet the new student...

Chan nearly fell over, as she somehow managed to avoid the new student. She had been day dreaming again, and hadn't even noticed the new girl until she was right on top of her.

"Ummm, Buffy." She smiled encouragingly. "Hi, I'm Chan. I've been asked to show you around a little and make sure that you can find your classes, that sort of thing." She continued to smile, trying to hide her nervousness.

Buffy was instantly in apology mode, as, so far, today had gone just so splendidly. And then, the girl was not only cool about it, but she was here to help Buffy?

About time somebody up there put the breaks on the whole "Ensure Buffy never has a good school day again" plan. Buffy smiled apologetically to Chan.

"Sorry, thanks, and that sounds absolutely wonderful."

Chan grinned her relief, noticing that Buffy was just as nervous as she was. A new school was never an easy thing, and starting in the middle of a semester couldn't make things any easier. "Alright, we better try and make sure that we make first period in time. Otherwise we might get detention, and I imagine that you'll want to avoid that on your first day." She stared blankly at Buffy for a second. "Did I mention we both had Lit first period with Ms. Williams?"

BJ finished up her initial look over of the locker rooms, gym and her office. She sat down with a sigh as she put up her sneaker clad feet as her own custom coffee machine coughed up a cuppa of her brew. She looked over office and the gym it looked out on.

"Not too bad for the 'new girl' on campus." She told herself as she heard the bell rang. First year working as a teacher er.. coach and she already had her own office. She unlocked her desk and opened her laptop to look over her class and team schedule.