"Thanks, Ed,'' Jer said and took a healthy sip of his banana smoothie. Mmm. Yummy! This was his favourite flavour. But what should he do now? He had no desire to socialise with Hogwartians at that moment. He'd done enough of that of recent and Jeremy Elijah Dawson was not really a people person. Samara would be proud of him.

And so he had made up his mind in that split second.

He was just going to hang out here. Surely one of his friends would turn up soon. Still sipping, Jer plopped himself down on one of the cushioned stools. If he continued slurping his smoothie this quickly, he'd need another one soon.

To say she was disenchanted with their housing accommodations was a a quiet understatement. Valerie had been rather keen to live within the walls of Hogwarts castle when she had initially heard of their 'trip across the pond.' But instead of the a hundred and 42 staircases and alluring deep dungeons, she was forced to take up residence in.....a vehicle.

She would personally rather be in tents on the grounds than here, but perhaps she could become friendly with a Hogwarts student or two to gain their favor and therefore invited into their common rooms. Part of the intrigue to this abroad experience was in engulf herself in a foreign culture otherwise unattainable to her. So why would she be excited about bunking in a slice of American soil here in Scotland?

Having claimed one of the top beds in her temporary dormitory, the white haired Wampus made her way about the rest of the beetle's interior and now found herself in the little coffee house. She knew her coffee. Her current residence while not at Ilvermorny was just a stone's throw away from Seattle's Pike Place Market, after all.

Vaguely acknowledging the younger Wampus [FearlessLeader19] and waving off Edward to not pester her with his recommendations, Valerie stood looking over the menu.

Contemplating. Debating.

He had just come for a walk with his cousin around the grounds and he was still shivering as he came back into the Beetle. Whatever beauty the Scottish Highlands has that Ace babbled endlessly about didnt quite hit home for this Manhattan native. How can it when he was freezing his bones off. Why is it so cold already its only October???

Deo made a beeline for their coffee place because he could really use a hot cuppa right now. "Flat white.... uhm double espresso please. And an oatmeal cookie."

As his order was handed to him he cupped his hands around the hot mug. Ohhh that felt good, he could finally feel his fingers again.

This whole trip was kind of lame. When Reed first heard about the competition thing in Hogwarts, the fourth year was rather stoked because it meant he would get to finally experience Hogwarts as his adopted parents had. He'd been hoping four years they would have sent him to Hogwarts, but instead, Lorraine, being the ambitious witch that she was, insisted he and Lea got shipped off to Ilvermorny to experience life in another country. Whatever. Though he'd grown used to Ilvermorny and enjoyed the Quodpot there, there was something alluring about Hogwarts. That was until he arrived and realized it wasn't all that what it was chalked up to be. That and the fact that he couldn't even partake in the stupid competition, so obviously this would be a waste of time.

At least Bridgette was there to keep him company, along with some other pretty fourth year girls. One thing to be noted about Ilvermorny, at least, was that it was swimming with pretty girls.

"One hot cocoa, please," the fourth year ordered, and once receiving the mug, took a seat on one of the comfortable stools.

Somewhere, somehow at some point in the day, Sam had lost her brother. They had been together that morning and then she had seen him while outside walking around the ground. After that she had no clue where the boy had gone and to say the least it bugged her. How was she supposed to know if he was okay if she didn't know where he was?! If something happened to him and she wasn't there, what kind of sister would that make her?

Having looked just about everywhere outside she had given up and returned to the Beetle heading straight for Alohomocha. What she needed was an orange creme smoothie. Her favorite. It would help clear her mind and then she could go find Jer. Only that plan was flipped upside down when she entered the small Pukwudgie run coffee place. Blue eyes instantly spotted her brother and she gave him a look that clearly showed she wasn't pleased with him disappearing on her earlier. Rather than go bug him she made her way to the front counter giving the other girl (Valerie) there a smile in greeting. "Hello, Edward. Can I get my usual please?" she hardly ever ordered anything different so she knew he knew which drink she meant.

When her drink was made and given to her she smiled in thanks and went to find a seat. Passing two boys (Deo and Reed), Samara sat down on one of the stools taking a sip of her smoothie even as she glanced at her brother again frowning at him. Those around her would probably think that she disliked Jeremy or was angry at him but her brother would know she was only playing around.

Sipping on his hot cocoa, Reed noticed a familiar girl take a seat near him. Yes he knew her because they were sorted together in their first year, although different houses. But she was a twin, similar to himself, not to mention was his kind of pretty. Well, actually, who was he kidding? Most of the girls in fourth year were his kind of pretty, except Lea, because sister and incest and that would just be weird. Not that Lea wasn't attractive, but sister.

"Hello Mara," Reed greeted, as she took a sip of her smoothie. She could have greeted him first. "What you think of Hogwarts and Scotland?" Surely she knew he traveled home to Scotland in the Summers with Lea ...

SPOILER!!: Sam and Reed! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Somewhere, somehow at some point in the day, Sam had lost her brother. They had been together that morning and then she had seen him while outside walking around the ground. After that she had no clue where the boy had gone and to say the least it bugged her. How was she supposed to know if he was okay if she didn't know where he was?! If something happened to him and she wasn't there, what kind of sister would that make her?

Having looked just about everywhere outside she had given up and returned to the Beetle heading straight for Alohomocha. What she needed was an orange creme smoothie. Her favorite. It would help clear her mind and then she could go find Jer. Only that plan was flipped upside down when she entered the small Pukwudgie run coffee place. Blue eyes instantly spotted her brother and she gave him a look that clearly showed she wasn't pleased with him disappearing on her earlier. Rather than go bug him she made her way to the front counter giving the other girl (Valerie) there a smile in greeting. "Hello, Edward. Can I get my usual please?" she hardly ever ordered anything different so she knew he knew which drink she meant.

When her drink was made and given to her she smiled in thanks and went to find a seat. Passing two boys (Deo and Reed), Samara sat down on one of the stools taking a sip of her smoothie even as she glanced at her brother again frowning at him. Those around her would probably think that she disliked Jeremy or was angry at him but her brother would know she was only playing around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Sipping on his hot cocoa, Reed noticed a familiar girl take a seat near him. Yes he knew her because they were sorted together in their first year, although different houses. But she was a twin, similar to himself, not to mention was his kind of pretty. Well, actually, who was he kidding? Most of the girls in fourth year were his kind of pretty, except Lea, because sister and incest and that would just be weird. Not that Lea wasn't attractive, but sister.

"Hello Mara," Reed greeted, as she took a sip of her smoothie. She could have greeted him first. "What you think of Hogwarts and Scotland?" Surely she knew he traveled home to Scotland in the Summers with Lea ...

Jer grinned at waved at Valerie. He just knew her vaguely but he was awfully pleased that she was chosen as one of their champions. She was surely gonna show the Hogwartians how things were done. Content and thinking about the upcoming tourney, he took another healthy dose of his smoothie. At this rate, he'd need another one.

His eyes focused on the others coming in, Sam included. He shot her an amused look when she frowned at him. What was up with her? Jer watched her sit on one of the stools, next to Reed. Hello, hello. A conversation was happening between the two. Did Jer want to go and crash it?

Maybe.

But he'd resist for a while since he wanted to see if his twin would send him more frowns.

Sip, sip.

Lachlan was immediately enamored with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry which was why he'd missed his name being announced for the IMPS competition. Evidently, he and Valerie Gray would be representing Wampus. Interesting. Anyhow, his exploration had started upon their arrival and had lasted throughout the first couple of days, where he'd investigated to his heart's content. Essentially, If they were expected to stay here for several months, Lach felt he'd be more comfortable knowing exactly what type of place here was. Little did he realize that Hogwarts was massive and always changing. The castle wouldn't give up its secrets so easily.

In truth, he was mostly amusement in how many places there were to eat around this school. Literally, everywhere he'd turned, there was an eatery.

And Americans were accused of being wasteful. Funny.

They were all well and good, but couldn't match up to the coffee shop the Ilvermornys took on the road with them. Lach's home away from home, Alohomocha, where he could treat himself to drinks as they were made back home in Mississippi. In fact, he was in the mood to treat himself today...and found several people scattered throughout the small shop. It wasn't an issue as Lachlan usually got along with everyone. Usually.

"Black like my soul, please." Typical charming smile in place, Lach politely acknowledged his schoolmates. Particularly Valerie. "Ladies...Deo, Jeremy." After six years among yankees, his rich, southern accent was still as thick as pea soup.

That amused look would not be getting him out of hot water with her. Brother or no brother. Twin or not. Sam was not amused right now. Or maybe she was. Who every really knew with her anymore. From on her stool where she had the straw to her drink barely brushing her lips to take a sip she gave Jeremy just the hint of a smirk. It wasn't very often that the two of them really got angry or upset with one another.

Her choosing to sit somewhere else then with her brother was just her way of messing with him. "Hello Reed," she greeted after taking a sip of her smoothie. Normally she would've greeted him and everyone else first but she had been busy teasing her brother. Surely Reed would understand how that was seeing as to how he was a twin himself. Hogwarts, Scotland. Uh... Sam shrugged her shoulders a bit. "Hogwarts is...okay. It's not Ilvermorny though." It was taking some time to get used to but she was doing just that. "I don't really know. We haven't seen much besides Hogwarts." So it was hard to judge something you didn't really know. "What about you, do you like it here?"

Another greeting caught her attention briefly and she looked over her shoulder. "Hello Lachlan," she nodded slightly.

Alohomocha. The name was quite original and Evan loved it. Although judging from the name, this spot would serve a various coffee drink and he did not really like it even though his family (mostly her father and uncles) were such an avid coffee drinker.

Hopefully they had bubble tea here.

Walking to the end of the hallway, the Horned Serpent guy saw some people were hanging out there. "Hey, everyone." He politely greeted them. "I hope you serve bubble tea too, Ed." His life would be flat without those chewy bubbly milk tea drink. Also, Evan hadn't have a sip of bubble tea since he arrived here. "Deo! Fancy to see you here, mate." He said as he spotted his fellow classmate. "I thought you're out with your cousin or something."

And Edward did serve bubble tea for him, yay!

There was no wave in return to the other boy [Fearlessleader19], but his acknowledgement did not go unnoticed either. "You should ask for a protein boost," she suggested. He was looking rather scrawny and, if Kyle and Jesus conspiracy theories held any truth to them, would be suffering further with the food provided by Hogwarts.

Finally settling on her order (café au lait) and offered the Horned Serpent [Steelsheen] who had appeared by her side a pointed but polite glance (he did have nice eyes, he would give him that much) before settling her cool gaze back on Edward as he gave her her coffee. "Thank you," she said with a curt nod.

Pivoting on point, the sixth year began weighing her options to sit. There was a pair of younger students [PhoenixRising & Kolyander] in light conversation about one of her very concerns with this whole school trip. What do you think of Scotland? What about Hogwarts? It was all rather difficult to say, was it not? They were housed up in this Beetle excluded from Hogwarts' student life. "It would be a more efficient means to foster magical cooperation if we were not forced into separate housing," she interrupted the two as she opted to take a seat nearby. "This is hardly the immersion experience I had been hoping for."

Yes, she was aware that her Ilvermorny classmates would find her words hypocritical given her behavior at the feast and initial arrival but that was their opinion and they were entitled to it. It felt like a wasted opportunity and she loathed waste.

Crossing one leg over the other (right foot on her left knee), she leaned back in her seat and took a sip from her mug and waited for that thought to sink in and for any sort of rebuttal they may have. Grey eyes glancing over the rim of the white porcelain, her gaze was naturally drawn towards Lachlan. "Save it for a beat poetry performance, Lach," she teased, her mug thankfully hiding the small wicked grin that had her lips presently curled.

.....Evan Park was going to turn into bubble tea one of these days. She was almost certain of that.

False lashes in place, and messy bun on the top of her head - Aurora was looking effortlessly flawless, as per usual. She still wasn't a fan of this gaudy Beetle car, but it was obvious the staff had gone to great lengths to try and make sure it was a suitable home away from home for them. She appreciated the effort, that was for sure. The bunk bed wasn't all that comfortable though, at least not to her standards. Memory foam mattresses beat out everything else, obviously.

It wasn't so bad, though - Aurora still had access to coffee. AKA her life source. She walked in to the small little cafe and surveyed the scene this morning. A Defense book was tucked under her arm, and she fully intended on reading up a bit and refining her skills before the competition truly got underway...but she'd likely end up distracted soon enough.

It was hard NOT to be distracted by the crowd at hand. She smiled and waved coyly at the Wampus boy nearby (Jeremie) whose name was totally escaping her right now. She knew him though - how could she forget that tall drink of water? Then her attention turned towards Valerie. Ugh. Of COURSE. She passed her eyes right on over her. She hadn't had any caffeine yet - so she was not even going to THINK about going there at the moment. Besides, best save all that pent up passive aggressive-ness towards her for the competition. That was when it would be most useful, after all. Yes, she was not worth the effort. Not today at least.

Moving on. She spotted her fellow Horned Serpent and grinned at him as she approached the counter. "Hey Deo! Liking the school so far?" she asked with a smirk. Rumor had it his cousin was one of those important PREFECT people. Didn't hold a candle to Deo when it came to looks, though. Hehe.

She finally approached the counter and placed her order for her drink. "Large white chocolate mocha, extra shot of espresso, and no whip please," she told him. No need for all those extra calories. Gross. Once she had her drink in hand, she surveyed the area and tried to figure out where to sit. Were there any open tables?

Of course not.

As her eyes darted across the room, she saw that Lachlan was sitting nearby. It almost took her by surprise - she'd practically forgotten about him. She had completely missed him at the feast - had he even BEEN there? She couldn't remember, it all happened so fast - but he was now her competition. It would be RUDE to not acknowledge that, right? Taking a sip of her drink to give her some confidence, she walked over and pointed at the chair opposite of him.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked. She didn't wait for a response, and instead just sat down. Her lipstick had already started to rub off on the rim of her coffee cup lid. Great. That was a bad sign. "Congrats, by the way. I'm going to beat you, hands down, of course, but congrats nonetheless," she told him with a playful smirk. She was cocky and confident NOW, but she knew the second he opened his mouth and started with that stupid southern drawl of his...ugh, she was going to turn to putty. It was so dumb.

Still taking in the scene, she flashed playful grins at her fellow Horned Serpents in the room, Reed and Evan. She could always just leave him here and go talk to one of THEM if he proved to be boring. Was this like, the Horned Serpent hang out or something? Because she could totally get on board with that. "Hi boys!" she called out to them, resting her chin on her hand and waving at them.

Protein shake? Like, what was wrong with smoothies? "I don't want to,'' he responded. "You should drink a ton though, Val.'' Did Valerie liked being called Val? Jer had never taken the time to find out. "I hear these Hogwartians are savage.'' He grinned. "Kidding. I'm rooting for you.''

The fourth year continued to eye his sister. AND Reed. What was this sudden bout of protectiveness that plunged over him? He blinked. Jeremy Elijah Dawson protective? This was usually Sam's job but seeing Reed and her form a conversation made him feel that way. Perhaps he was jumping to conclusions. Whatever the reason, he picked himself up with his smoothie and moved over to the duo. He unceremoniously dumped himself on the seat between Sam and Reed. "Hi, guys!'' Sip, sip!

Neat! This was turning into a party!

Sort of.

Lachlan's accent. It was so thick that sometimes Jeremy had trouble understanding. Deciphering, more like it. But he did hear his name and with the fact that Lachlan was a cool dude, Jer grinned. "How's it going, man? You pumped for those challenges?'' And there was Evan. Yeah, Jer practically knew everyone. "Yo, Evan. What's up?''

Aurora. Without missing a beat, Jeremy wiggled his brows at her. His eyes followed the older girl. He liked the way her hair sat on her head even if it was messy. If he had to rate her out of ten based on looks, he'd give her eleven. Which was more than he could say for Valerie here.

"Quick, move over, Sam!'' Jer said to his sister and giving her a little push. Aurora could sit next to him! Too late though; she chose to sit with Lachlan. "Never mind.'' Disappointment was written all over his face.

The way Jeremy was currently eyeing her made her smirk to herself, which she covered up by taking another sip of her smoothie. She did lift her hand and wiggle her fingers at him but that was all. Mhmm, Samara did see him looking at her like there was a problem even though there wasn't one. What was he doing? Ah, geez. Seriously Jer?! She eyed him now when he sat right between herself and Reed. "Hey, Jer. Can I help you?" she commented lightly giving him a silent 'what are you doing' look.

It seemed her conversation was going to be interrupted again but this time not by her brother but Valerie. Which was okay as the girl added some good context to the conversation. "I'm not sure I want to be cooped up with all of them but I do see your point," she nodded. "Besides the feast there really hasn't been any interaction unless we talk to them on our own." Which she hadn't entirely done yet. Does two people count? Or was it only one, seeing as the other wasn't all to friendly? Sam shrugged leaning back in her chair and sipping her drink.

With a polite, yet exasperated smile at Valerie Gray, who seemed to enjoy nothing more than giving him a difficult time, Lachlan accepted his coffee cup from the barista. "Thank you, Edward." Always courteous. Always respectful. These things were so ingrained into his personality that he could only offer a careful, albeit happy smile at the various greetings.

...Save for Aurora. Aurora Chae had earned a sheepish, slightly embarrassed smile. She was a disarming girl.

"Of course not." Being a native to the USA, it was his humble belief that there was nothing better than Ilvermorny girls. And lovely Aurora was the epitome of what it meant to be one. Brilliant, funny, confident, and as sharp as tempered steel. In truth, he was very fond of her. "Careful. I know you're impressive, but don't count me out just yet, ma'am." Lachlan was clearly teasing her. And since he knew that his accent was hard to understand most of the time, he slowed down his speech, paying better attention to enunciating each word. "...but thank you all the same, Aurora. You're very sweet."

And Jeremy was speaking to him. Turning his attention away the lady, Lach considered his question. "I'm still a little surprised I was chosen." Never mind that he'd missed half of the feast due to his Hogwarts exploration. Mm, he had a curious mind, and this school was interesting. Could you blame him? "...but yeah, no doubt. I'm eager to get started." Topping off his words with a wink, Lachlan took a long sip from his cup. Mm, just as he liked it.

This coffee shop was filling up quickly, which had Reed in half a mind to takes his hot cocoa outside. Giving a half-hearted smile towards Evan and Lachlan, and then there was Aurora. Ah, Aurora, so lovely was thy fair maiden. "Hello Aurora, lovely to see you as always."

Attention back on Samara though, as she amused him with saying she hadn't seen much of the country besides Hogwarts. This was very true. And Valerie interrupted with her unwelcomed opinions on the matter, even if they were true. "For once, we're in agreement, Valerie. Separate housing is definitely a disappointment in the whole immersion experience."

Taking another sip of his hot cocoa, Reed was about to answer Samara back about what he thought of Scotland, when someone .... Samara's twin, plopped down right in the middle. Well, well, someone was clearly not happy with a guy talking to his sister. Then again, he'd probably feel the same way about guys talking to Lea, so he totally got that. Though he wouldn't let Lea know that, of course. "Hello Jeremy," Reed spat somewhat bitterly, as he leaned forward to better chat with his sister. Talking over/around the other boy was definitely going to happen.

"Scotland is theoretically home for me, so I like it. Although the climate at Ilvermorny has grown on me as well." You know, in case she forgot that he went home across the pond on Winter and Summer breaks.

"You can, sister. Can you buy me one more smoothie? This one's almost over already.'' Pity they didn't come in bigger containers. Jer loved smoothies so much that he had one or two almost everyday. And the look he was getting? He ignored it. What? He was innocent. Nothing to see here.

Jer grinned at Reed. Oh, they were talking about Scotland? "It's really a great place, ain't it? I wish we could explore more. Like beyond Hogwarts but whatever. I'll have to make use of what time we've got here.'' He grinned at Sam now. She knew what he was talking about.

"That weird Merlin book saw something in you, dude,'' Jer casually told Lachlan. "Just don't mess up our chances of winning.'' No pressure, eh, Ilvermorny champions? The fourth year obviously cared a lot about them beating Hogwarts.

Aurora didn't miss that little mad dash Jeremy had made to try and make room for her. Awww, how sweet! The chivalrous act did not go unnoticed. She winked at him and blew him a little kiss from her spot over by Lachlan. Maybe if he began to bore her she'd wander over and say hi to him. Not likely, though. Lachlan usually pulled her in with that dumb, captivating accent...

Speaking of Lachlan, she couldn't help but grin at that little smile she got. He was just so darn nice. It was so weird. Aurora was not used to people being so nice around her - well, except for Irene. And her siblings, of course. Speaking of which, where was Drew in all this nonsense? Had he somehow NOT made the journey over from America? It would be just like him to find a way out of this whole trip...

Back to the matter at hand. "That's so cute, that you think you stand a chance against me," she smirked, taking a sip of her coffee and leaving a hot pink lipstick ring around the rim as she pulled it away. "But thank you. It'll be fun, this whole competition. And of course, exploring this school. Hanging with the Brits. It'll be quite the year," she said happily. True, she was planning on winning this WHOOOLE thing, but that didn't mean she couldn't have fun in the process and use this experience as another activity to pad her university application someday.

"Any Hogwarts person in particular who seems...I dunno...like they stand out from the crowd?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. She wanted to know - for more reasons than one.

She giggled and gave Reed a nod of acknowledgement at his comment. She was used to getting compliments before breakfast of course, but today everyone seemed EXTRA chipper. Must be the caffeine.

Umm. No. She was not his maid. Did he not see that she was trying to have a conversation here? One in which he was now putting himself literally in the middle of?! Brothers. "Nah, I'd rather not but you could always get up off your lazy bum and get it yourself." Normally she wouldn't mind helping her twin out but she had just sat down AND she was currently talking to himself, unlike him who had JUST been up anyhow. Lazy was what he was. Mhmm.

Looking around her brother, Sam fixed her blue eyes on Reed once more. She may have forgotten for a moment that the boy lived in Scotland and therefore knew a lot more then she did about the environment and all the happenings. Which got her to thinking briefly as Jer went on about not being able to see much of the surroundings behind Hogwarts and it's grounds. He did get a grin from her though when he mentioned making use of the time they had here. She knew what he meant.

Taking a sip of her smoothie she nodded in reply to Reed. "If we ever get a chance to see anything outside of Hogwarts grounds maybe you could show me around then?" Otherwise she'd end up lost like she always did. Getting to see some places other then the grounds sounded nice.

Noooothing like a good old cup of joe and a blueberry muffin to turn that frown upside down! Not to say the Moxinator was frowning much these days. She was back at Hogwarts, mingling with her peoples, and her kiddos were faring well in the competition and getting up to the usual amount of mischief, which kept her life interesting. It was one of her favorite things about being a headmistress, truth be told. NEVER A DULL MOMENT. Even now as she sat back in relaxitaxi mode, the brunette was soaking in the teenage gossip going on around her, keeping her ears open for any planned schemes that she had to squash. Multitasking was just one of her MANY, MANY talents.

Siiiiip!

Maddox was needing a nice cup of coffee to deal with today and well maybe some food to because why not. He was thinking about something that was brought up before when kidding but he was wondering if it could seriously happen. An indoor pool. That would be awesome, right! But to have it in the castle he would need Baegina's approval and well nobody could say no to him. He need help with that. But imagine one in the beetle. It could work and make the beetle a million gazillion times better. On the inside because the outside is still hideous.

OH LOOK it was Moxley

The Moxinator was not surrounded by staff so Maddox does what Maddox does.

"MOXLEY I HAVE A PROPOSITION FOR YOU"

Maddox smiled and said loudly as he made his way over to her with his coffee in hand.

"MR. ALLEN," Moxley set her coffee down and sat back in her chair, eyeing the Thunderbird curiously."WHY is it you insist on being the loudest person in this beetle?" That was her job. The brunette was starting to believe the poor boy had been exposed to one too many Exploding Whizz Poppers as a child and his hearing had never recovered. Surely that's why he was always getting into trouble, because he simply COULDN'T hear her constant reminders about rules. It HAD to be that.

"Come along and join me, then. Let's hear what you've got on your mind." The headmistress gestured to the chair across from her and mentally prepared for whatever ridiculousness this one was about to spout.

Nice she was in a good mood. The probability of this working went up from zero to maybe five percent. It was less poppers and more fireworks and well Maddox could still hear fine. He liked being loud and getting the attention so win win for him. Now if he got into trouble for fight and well whatever else. Too much to remember. He smiled and went to sit down next to Moxley when she said he could join her. He took a sip of his drink before sitting down. Best not tell her everything on his mind. Because who would want to listen to all that.

"Ok hear me out" He paused for a sec to build suspense.

"Indoor Pool"

Huh....Huh....Good Idea Right?

That. Hear me out. That was never a good sign. The Moxinator braced herself for whatever crazy idea was about to be presented to her, already wearing her encouraging face just in case, but what Mr. Allen said next caught her off guard and it took everything in her not to snort.

"Hear me out, Mr. Allen." She took a sip of her drink before continuing. "What would the main reasons be for having this pool? Would there be an appropriate dress code? Who would clean and maintain it? Who would supervise swimmers in case anything went wrong?" Asking questions, lots of questions, she found, was the best way to knock down an idea without actually, you know, saying no. More often than not, she found the kids gave up.

Smiling, she sat back in her chair and waited for the answers.