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Post by DarkSideCookie on Apr 7, 2022 10:25:34 GMT -8
"I just graduated from Ogden High this year! My bestie and I are taking a gap year. You know, enjoy life a little bit after having been going to school for basically our entire lives!""We're gonna start at Halliday University next year."
"That sounds amazing!" Jewel uttered, rejoicing with the other and her best friend. She wished that she'd have that opportunity as well, for it was hard sometimes to reconcile school, the process of planning, helping her dad out, meeting with Peter with the same copiousness as before to not make him wonder (and also because she simply appreciated every single minute with him), and now this internship. Yes, that all was a lot, but if her theories proved to be right, then it all will be worth it.
"I wonder if we ever passed each other on campus,"
"I like that thought," Jewel said, although she wouldn't mull it over too much herself, for she belonged to those who had their face turned to the ground, or sometimes to the sky, to avoid looking at somebody at all.
"Are you planning on going to college after you graduate?"
The smile on her face ebbed away a little. Jewel had been avoiding giving this a thought at all, for she knew that they didn't have the money to make her go. She actually had settled for that, working somewhere to bring in more money for their family, but sometimes this thought of what would it be like? would just come over her, especially when somebody was bringing it up. "I guess not."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 1, 2022 8:31:44 GMT -8
Journey saw Jewel's smile slip and heard the hint of sadness in her answer. Journey hated to see anyone down and always tried to find a way to lift their spirits. In this case, she had information that fit exactly the issue that seemed to plague so very many people when it came to the issue of financing further education after graduating high school. But people were often uncomfortable talking about their financial situations, so Journey framed it in a way that sounded more informational as if it was merely a decision of whether Jewel wanted to go or not.
"Well, GSS has a scholarship program that applies to any of their colleges in the world. The application process is easy and all you have to do to qualify is show an interest in the possibility of a career at GSS or any of its affiliates someday. Being an intern here easily checks that box." Journey gestured a checkmark in the air as she grinned, then casually shrugged. "If that's something that might interest you. They don't hold you to following through on the career path," she reassured, "but if you think on it, almost every career worth having out there are with GSS or an affiliate so..." She faded off, the rest not needing to be said or worth saying.
They rounded a corner and Journey turned to face Jewel, doing a side step in order to do so. "And here we are!" she said in her usual enthusiasm over the company and how much she loved it. "All the food, drinks, and desserts are free for employees and interns. GSS appreciates everything everyone does for them and this is yet another way they show it." She walked slower now and had gestured to each are to show where each item could be found. "This is my favorite station," she said, coming to a stop at the dessert counter. "There's always a special themed dessert. It's always such a work of art that you can't help but admire it and have momentary regret in having to destroy it in order to eat it, but it's always so good!" The woman behind the counter beamed an appreciative smile over Journey's compliment and Journey sent one right back at her as the woman greeted her by name. "Hey Patty Cakes!" Journey greeted back with her fitting nickname for the woman. "Jewel, this is Patty. She's crazy creative. What work of art have you conjured up today?"
"Aw, thank you, sweetie! Today, we have popcorn bucket cupcakes in your choice of chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet."
Journey leaned down to peer into the glass at what looked like adorable little popcorn buckets overfilled with popcorn. The paper was red and white striped with the word 'Popcorn' across the center and the frosting was topped with tiny marshmallows that were lightly torched to a golden color that gave them a great popcorn resemblance.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on May 14, 2022 2:51:06 GMT -8
Jewel attentively listened to everything Journey told her about the possibility of a scholarship program. It really sounded like a great chance, but didn't she see herself as one of the lucky persons who would actually get that. Or maybe she was just afraid to fail if she tried. Another reason for her restraint could be that she, due to her recent plans, didn't really have an idea what her future would look like in the first place. At some point, she had somehow stopped to think about it.
Jewel gave the other girl no more than a nod and a slight smile to her explanations, rather glad when they continued their way through the hall and changed their topic of conversation to something she felt more comfortable with right now. Food always was a good topic, especially when it included sweets such as chocolate, cake, and even popcorn.
Jewel's face beamed with joy again when she heard today's menu. "Oh, that sounds delicious!" she uttered with excitement while looking over all the neatly arranged sweets in front of them. "I love all kinds of cupcakes."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 14, 2022 23:05:08 GMT -8
"Same!" she said enthusiastically. "Though I'm a sucker for chocolate. Chocolate one for me, please, Patty!" Journey said to the woman across the counter with a smile.
"Thanks!" she said when Patty handed her the cupcake on a little plate. She turned to Jewel again. "I always start at the dessert counter. What I pick to eat depends on how extravagant the dessert is. Sometimes they're big and rich, so I'll try to gravitate toward, say, a chicken salad. But this is just a smaller cupcake, so I can splurge and get me a couple slices of pizza," she said, rubbing her hands together in anticipation.
An idea came to her, one that she thought was quite ingenious and she ran it by Jewel. "You know, if you're having trouble deciding, you can always choose one of the other two and we can cut both in half and each have half of each kind. Still would equal just one cupcake." She tapped her temple with an expression that was silently saying, 'Aren't I a genius?'.
"Or get one of each and split all three. Still just a cupcake and a half each," Patty offered with a wink.
Wide-eyed at a genius idea that outweighed her own, Journey gestured with a hand toward Patty as if silently passing the 'genius' comment to her and waited for Jewel's thoughts.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Jun 3, 2022 23:42:48 GMT -8
Jewel couldn't help but utter quiet chuckles of amusement at their conversation about food and how to be a genius by getting a taste of all of them at once. She still seemed a lot shier than others probably would around someone so open and funny, but, by looking at her usual, it was immense progress.
"I like your genius minds," Jewel finally replied, looking at both, Journey and the friendly cafeteria woman. "Shall we make it three then?" she added smiling. She herself was a fan of cupcakes and chocolate, almost fifty-fifty, so it would be a win-win for both of them. Most of all, though, Jewel was glad that it felt she was making a friend here.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jun 5, 2022 11:35:59 GMT -8
"Heck ya!" she said to Jewel, then turned to Patty. "One of each, please, Patty Cakes!"
"A wise decision, young Padawans," Patty said seriously with a smile as she handed over a plate with three cupcakes.
Journey giggled and gave Patty a bright smile as she took the plate and placed it on her tray. "Thanks! Have yourself a wonderful day!" Patty wished them the same as they headed to explore the other areas.
"Now, for the main course options." Journey led Jewel around, pointing out the different sections and their offerings, along with an area that had daily or weekly specials and even catered to special requests based on allergies or if you just had a hankering for something. Everything was neatly labeled with boards announcing what the specials were. It was a wide array of an assortment that would appease the pickiest of eaters.
Journey loved people and was a social butterfly, which clearly showed. She greeted all the employees along the way, many by nicknames she'd given them and by actual name as she introduced them to Jewel, sometimes including little personal inquiries or comments that showed how much she truly cared about each and every person she came in contact with.
Finally settled onto a table with food and cupcakes, Journey took a big bite out of the slice of pizza that she'd decided upon, chewing quickly to stave off that starving feeling she'd already had before even heading. As usual, she'd gotten caught up chatting with everyone.
Swallowing, she took a drink of water and grinned. "Everyone here is just the best!" she declared happily. "So, tell me about yourself, Jewels." It wasn't much of a nickname, but the shy, pretty girl shone with the brightness of more than just one jewel. "Do you have a significant other?" she questioned with a wink, going straight to the topic that was usually higher up on the minds of teens and young adults.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Jun 29, 2022 2:30:14 GMT -8
All throughout their food picking and Journey's explaining about it, Jewel had that shy yet genuine smile on her face. She really appreciated the girl's company a lot, even more so because she didn't seem to misinterpret her silence as disinterest like everyone else. By looking at all the people she not only greeted but also seemed to come along with very well, it was clear that she was good at socializing and, therefore, at reading people and their different ways of opening up.
Jewel was just taking another bite of her salad with lots of ingredients when, suddenly, Journey started a different kind of conversation. One that usually made her feel rather uncomfortable, but that was only because most people asking her personal questions like that didn't stop there. Instead, they would come up with conclusions about why she might be single and had no friends.
"So, tell me about yourself, Jewels."
The nickname made her smile a little, after all.
"Do you have a significant other?"
"I- uh," Jewel responded more quietly than before as she looked down at the fork in her hand. "No, I don't." She was already awaiting the next question, which would be something like Really? How come? You're a beautiful girl!
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 9, 2022 7:56:29 GMT -8
Journey felt bad for the reaction her question evoked in Jewel. No doubt other people had given her guff for being single or maybe it was just the general societal belief that one must always be in a relationship or seeking one out. Jewel's introverted demeanor probably meant she was rarely, if ever, in a situation that allowed her to meet people.
"There's nothing wrong with being single," Journey said casually with a shrug and smile. "I'm between boyfriends myself. It's not something that should be forced, ya know? Let fate take care of it." Journey said with a smile as she chewed another bite. Her romantic side was clearly showing and there was the weight of belief in her statement that spoke of experience. "The important thing is to be happy. Just keep living your best life and doing what you love, 'cause finding someone you can share at least one passion with makes the relationship even stronger, and what better way to find someone with a shared passion than while doing something you love?"
Yup, she was a sappy, hopeless romantic and not the least bit sorry about it.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Aug 4, 2022 2:08:24 GMT -8
"There's nothing wrong with being single,""I'm between boyfriends myself. It's not something that should be forced, ya know? Let fate take care of it."
At that not-so-expected reaction, Jewel rose her head again, gazing at her opposite in surprise. She quickly showed a smile as well, not forced but to not give the other girl the feeling that she would have said something weird. If at all, Jewel was that person, although, for the first time, in a conversation in the real world, she got the feeling like she wasn't.
"The important thing is to be happy. Just keep living your best life and doing what you love, 'cause finding someone you can share at least one passion with makes the relationship even stronger, and what better way to find someone with a shared passion than while doing something you love?"
"That is- so true," Jewel gave back, almost in a whisper. She was a hopeless romantic as well, just too shy to have ever allowed that to show on the surface; While she was with other people, that was, not alone in her room, singing love songs and watching romantic videos while dreaming herself into it.
After a short pause, Jewel gave herself a push to keep the conversation up. This one was so different from all the conversations she'd had before. "Have you ever- met someone like that?"
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 13, 2022 11:09:16 GMT -8
Journey turned her wistful smile downward, picking at the burnt edge of a pepperoni. A half a year had passed but thinking of him still sent a pang through her heart. Usually, Journey tried to keep her mind busy and on other topics to avoid him occupying her thoughts, but she'd been the one to bring up a topic that would have easily led right to him. Apparently, he was still always lingering near the forefront of her mind.
"Yah, I have," she answered happily with a twinge of sadness in the smile she finally turned back up to Jewel. "Being in love, sharing your life with someone who feels like they're a part of you is just... absolute magic." The memory of those feelings washing over her brightened her smile but then the pang of having to have let it go had her smile fading back to its usual friendly warmth. "We were together our last three years of high school, but a part of us always knew it wouldn't be a forever thing. Our dreams for our futures were practically on the opposite ends of the continent; his with Hollywood, mine here." She gestured around her at GSS.
"So shortly after graduating, we broke if off. I stayed here, he moved to the heart of the entertainment industry. We're still really good friends," Journey reassured as she took another bite of pizza, hoping that Jewel wouldn't have felt any guilt for having asked as it was Journey who'd brought up the subject in the first place. "We talk every now and again, give updates on our progress, encourage each other's dreams."
Journey chewed another bite, looking thoughtful and whatever traces of sadness replaced with a positive hopefulness. "I'll find that magic again someday. Though he did set a really high bar," she said on a chuckle as random memories began popping in and out of her mind. It had hurt to think or talk about him for awhile so Journey had usually seemed closed off when it was brought up or had changed the subject when it veered that direction. But now, casually chatting with Jewel about it, she found herself feeling open to talking about him as if she'd reached a stage where doing so was therapeutic.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Aug 17, 2022 1:13:32 GMT -8
Jewel listened to her every word, at some point regretting that she had asked such a personal question herself. But as hard as it seemed for Journey to talk about it, she finished with a hopeful smile. Jewel had always kept her hope as well, no matter the circumstances. It was something she had learned from her father without him actually teaching her that.
She put on a smile herself then, although much more unsure and shy. "I'm sure you will." Jewel wished to be able to say more to this, but it was still a bit weird for her to have deep conversations like this with other people. People who aren't her father or Peter.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Sept 17, 2022 9:48:44 GMT -8
Journey grinned around her last bite of pizza at Jewel's short but sweet reassurance.
"You'll find that, too, some day," she said with genuine belief as she wiped her hands on a napkin.
Jewel was such a quiet and withdrawn girl, uncomfortable around people and in settings and situations that most people found normal. Vulnerable usually came along with those traits and she hated the thought of a manipulative person taking an interest and weaseling their way into her life. There was a sudden sense of protectiveness toward Jewel that Journey felt over that thought.
"Just make sure that that person is worthy of you. I've only known you for a handful of hours, but I can already tell that you're a genuinely nice, kind person." It wasn't said in a manner of someone trying to flatter a person with compliments, but more as a matter-of-fact statement. "Those are rare qualities in a person these days--" Journey broke off, the familiarity of those rare traits suddenly hitting her along with the realization of why she'd been struck with an instant feeling of protectiveness. Her expression melted into a fond grin. "And I just realized that you remind me of my best friend. Well, no wonder I took an instant liking to you!" she said on a chuckle.
Journey rubbed her hands together as her eyes homed in on the cupcakes. "Is it dessert time now?" she asked like an excited kid. "Oh wait! Picture first. They're just so adorable," she said as she arranged them into a neat line, then grabbed her phone and zoomed in close for a shot. Grinning at the image, she typed a quick comment and tags then flicked her finger upward, posting it onto her OASIS media share. She saw a few likes already hit as she placed her phone back on the table, the notification bubble appearing on her phone screen as it silently informed her of more likes and comments pouring in. "People love Patty's creations. Did you wanna take a picture before we make them disappear?"
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Sept 23, 2022 6:12:09 GMT -8
"You'll find that, too, some day,"
Jewel was still smiling, still somewhat shy and reserved. She had stopped wishing for that for herself but, instead, written herself into stories of love and adventure before she'd met someone, indeed. And yet, who had she actually met? No one really. Peter surely was no more than a fantasy, even though she knew he might feel the same way even. However, they had set up rules: No sharing of any personal information. Still, his voice and way of talking, along with every little movement of his avatar, spoke of enough personality for her to know him.
"Just make sure that that person is worthy of you. I've only known you for a handful of hours, but I can already tell that you're a genuinely nice, kind person.""Those are rare qualities in a person these days--"
Jewel felt almost swamped with the compliments, not in shock but emotionally. This girl was so different from everyone she had talked to before. Well, back at times when Jewel had still tried talking to people, that was. She smiled more genuinely and with appreciation in that smile. "Thank you. A lot. You seem very nice and kind, too."
"And I just realized that you remind me of my best friend. Well, no wonder I took an instant liking to you!"
Jewel had to slightly chuckle at that, only in mind adding and you remind me of absolutely no one I've met before, which is why I took an instant liking to you. She was somewhat glad, however, when Journey turned their conversation back to the food on their plate, for it was much easier for Jewel to handle, as much as she appreciated the open and honest talk. To someone as socially awkward as her, it would always mean stress, especially on a first day meeting.
"Is it dessert time now?""Oh wait! Picture first. They're just so adorable,"
She chuckled again, this time less nervously. It was neat to watch Journey arranging the cupcakes for a photoshoot. Most people would take pictures of themselves, but she considered her dessert more worthy for a photo. Jewel never liked those people making selfies all around the clock. If they would do so to capture things they've done to make them remember lately, but, usually, they would only edit them with unnatural, stupid filters before uploading them on some social media site to wait for likes and comments. That was such a waste of time.
"People love Patty's creations. Did you wanna take a picture before we make them disappear?"
Jewel didn't have any social media accounts, but she drew her cell phone out, too, taking only one picture of the creations in front of her. With a smile, she put it back into her pocket. "Are you doing that all the time?" Jewel then asked Journey neutrally, just curious.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Sept 24, 2022 22:13:34 GMT -8
"Every now and again, when I see something worthy of sharing. Creative things like these that people put their heart into," she said, picking up the knife and, with a pause, she gave a small sigh of regret and an exaggerated wince as she sliced the first cupcake in half. "I feel like I've just committed a crime. But," she continued, taking her half and moving it to her small dessert plate, "once you taste it," she took a bite and sighed whilst looking heavenward, "you'll realize it's a crime to not eat it." Journey took another bite, a hand hovering over her lips in a small attempt at decorum as she spoke whilst chewing. "It's a terrible, terrible catch-22."
Chewing the last bite of the first cupcake in appreciative silence, Journey swallowed, then sighed again. "Oh my gosh, that was magical." She turned to look toward Patty, calling out, "Magical!" while animatedly pointing downward at the cupcakes. Patty laughed along with a few of the other coworkers also on their lunch breaks. Patty blew her a kiss of thanks and Journey blew one back in kind before returning her attention to Jewel and the other two cupcakes. "That was just the vanilla. Can you imagine how the red velvet and the chocolate are gonna taste?" Obviously by the way Journey said the word, chocolate was her favorite, which was why she was saving it for last and cutting into the red velvet next.
"Patty makes these beautiful, creative, delicious desserts and she doesn't take any pictures of them. Can you believe that?" she asked rhetorically, moving her half of the red velvet onto her plate. "I feel it is my civic duty to share them with the world." And obviously the world loved seeing them, judging by the way her phone continued lighting up with likes and comment notifications, but Journey was too busy humming her appreciation to pay it any mind as she chewed her first bite of the red velvet.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Sept 25, 2022 3:35:12 GMT -8
Jewel had to genuinely smile at the image of Journey enjoying her desserts on every level, along with the explanation she gave while she did. Every now and again, Jewel would nod to her words. With each further second, she liked her more, and, in some way, parts of her reminded Jewel of someone else even. Someone that she had found a liking to instantly as well. Peter. They definitely shared this likable passion for little things, just like herself. It was a gift that most people seemed to have forgotten lived in every heart.
When Journey turned towards Patty to give her a review, speaking of magic, Jewel had to chuckle even. She really started to like the whole staff around here. Well, as many as she had seen of them yet.
"Patty makes these beautiful, creative, delicious desserts and she doesn't take any pictures of them. Can you believe that?""I feel it is my civic duty to share them with the world."
"Thank you," Jewel commented on the half red velvet getting shoved onto her plate before she answered the rhetorical question with another smile. "I guess artists, at some point, can memorize their work through the lens of their masterly eyes." She liked talking in metaphors, like every writer did, although she never had done so around anyone except for her dad and Peter.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Sept 25, 2022 14:49:18 GMT -8
"Mm, yes," she began, swallowing the bite. "Very poetically put. I keep trying to tell her that it's art and she says it's 'just food'." Journey exaggeratedly rolled her eyes and shook her head. She picked up her phone and turned on the screen again to show the crazy number of notifications attached to the picture. "Proof that it's not 'just food'. It's food art! Delicious food art," she added around another bite.
Placing her phone back down, Journey told Jewel a bit more about Patty. "It's always been her dream to have her own bakery, but she doesn't think it's a realistic dream. I've been trying to encourage her. Even created this separate account," she tapped her phone screen, signifying the media account she'd uploaded the photo to, "just for her. I called it 'Patty's Cakes' and told her that's what she should call her bakery." Journey beamed a smile, thinking it a clever and cute name. "She's got over a million followers and people are always asking in the comments where they can place orders! She's still skeptical, but at least she sees now that her dream is obtainable. Patty loves it here though, and it'd break my heart to see her go," she added in a more confidentially quiet tone even though Patty's ears were nowhere near hearing distance. "Still, she could totally set up a website and take orders on the side. Extra income is always good. I told her she could even use GSS's kitchen to do the baking."
Realizing her fast, excited blabbering ended with something that hinted at an authority a random intern lead wouldn't have, she backtracked it with a smooth cover-up explanation. "The owners are really generous and supportive of their employees. All she has to do is ask. They allow that kind of stuff all the time, only asking that cost of goods and supplies are covered." Most people didn't want to feel like a charity case, after all.
"But enough about me and Patty. I'd love to know more about you. What are some of your hobbies? I have a hunch writing is one of them." She grinned as she took another bite of the cupcake. Sometimes writers were people of little words except for on the page and a lot of times, withdrawn people preferred living through stories they created.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Oct 26, 2022 10:38:37 GMT -8
Jewel listened with interest when Journey was telling her more about Patty and her talent, same as about the chances she would have but doesn't take. She's also fascinated by the generosity and support of this company for its employees. With each passing second, Jewel actually wanted to be a part of it, not just for her plans regarding the Oasis but for real. "I'm sure she'll decide for what makes her truly happy," she added to Journey's explanation before the girl would change the topic back to her, something that always made her feel a little uncomfortable but not so much with the matter she brought up then.
"But enough about me and Patty. I'd love to know more about you. What are some of your hobbies? I have a hunch writing is one of them."
"How did you know?" Jewel asked back in surprise, yet with a happy smile. She loves talking about her probably biggest passion, although she was not at all used to anyone but her dad or Peter showing an interest in it.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Nov 12, 2022 16:42:09 GMT -8
Journey grinned at being right. "Well, besides the poetic way you tend to put things, you have this aura about you." Journey put on a serious face for a moment as she held up her hands like a director framing an actor, then grinned at her own antics. "It's a trait I've noticed in a lot of artists, particularly writers." Journey gestured to her surroundings, signifying the company as a whole, which housed artists of all kinds. "Quiet, reserved, always studying the world around you as if always building an imaginary world in your mind. I totally envy that. It's a gift. I have to watch or read the creations of artists like yourself to see an imaginary world in my mind."
Grinning as she chewed another bite, her curiosity had her inquiring for details. "What kinds of things do you like to write? Like, what genre and do you prefer original or building on the world of other creators? I do love me some fanfics," Journey confessed. "Especially ones based on shows and movies that didn't get the lifespan they deserved."
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Dec 7, 2022 6:04:21 GMT -8
"Well, besides the poetic way you tend to put things, you have this aura about you.""It's a trait I've noticed in a lot of artists, particularly writers.""Quiet, reserved, always studying the world around you as if always building an imaginary world in your mind. I totally envy that. It's a gift. I have to watch or read the creations of artists like yourself to see an imaginary world in my mind."
Jewel listened to her explaining with a look as if in awe about it. Well, she was. Never had anyone but her father put it that way, that she was special rather than queer. And to hear someone talking about others that are just like that makes her also come up with hope for not being the weirdo around, this place especially, as Journey gestured around them for a moment. Jewel would never see herself as someone anyone could envy, or should at that, but she truly appreciates those words. "Thank you. That's- so nice of you to say. Really." There was something about it that even kind of opened a door she never had allowed to open while talking to people outside her little bubble. It just all felt so naturally with this girl.
"What kinds of things do you like to write? Like, what genre and do you prefer original or building on the world of other creators? I do love me some fanfics,""Especially ones based on shows and movies that didn't get the lifespan they deserved."
At that, Jewel looked a little unsure again. Not so much because of being questioned more about herself but because there came a question to her mind as well, one that felt like confessing to having a lack of knowledge in her own expertise. At last, she decided to ask it anyway before launching into any answer to Journey's questions. "What- uh... are fanfics?" Jewel asked rather shyly then.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 17, 2022 17:44:26 GMT -8
"Ooooh," Journey said with wide-eyed dramatic gasp. "Let me tell you what fanfics are!" she said in a revered tone with an expression of someone who was about to blow someone else's mind with information that would open someone's world to a magical thing that they had no idea existed.
"It's short for fan fiction. It was all the rage when the internet first came about." Journey scooted to the edge of her seat, enthusiastic as always, especially when talking about something she loved. "So, people used to write stories based on movies, shows, books, games... you name it. Short stories, poems, sprawling, multi-chaptered fanfics, even. They could pick up right where a show or movie left off or way in the future or way in the past... sometimes an alternate reality or they'd give their own spin on what could have happened with one or more of the characters. Basically, any writing you do based on characters and stories that are not your own.
"There were lots of sites dedicated to the works of fanfics. You can find billions of fanfics floating around on the interwebs; some written by people who are long gone." She looked a little sad now over the truth of how history and technology change things. "It kinda became a lost art when VR really took off. People turned to writing codes to create the worlds rather than bringing them to life through writing. I suppose people thought, 'Why read about it when you can live it?'" Journey looked thoughtful a moment. "I mean, I can't exactly blame them... there's nothing like stepping into your favorite stories and standing amongst the characters, playing a role in the story yourself. But there's also something magical about reading. Sometimes you can get more absorbed in your mind than you can with your eyes and sometimes you just want to observe and not mess with that world or its characters by making yourself a part of the story, ya know?"
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Jan 2, 2023 7:15:25 GMT -8
Jewel listened to her every word attentively and with growing enthusiasm herself. What she just learned was indeed mindblowing to her, opening worlds that she hadn't known existed. She loved creating worlds on her own, without any rules or restrictions, but there also were worlds she always would have loved to read or watch more about. And, just like Journey said, there was something about stories that games and virtual realities would never reach. Words left room for imagination, while the visual was limited.
"That's- incredible," Jewel whispered after a while, more to herself than actually to the girl in front of her. "I really had no idea that's a thing. You know... sometimes I would continue a movie or novel in my mind but never have I thought about writing things down, probably because I thought it would be only for myself anyway." The writing was actually something she primarily did for herself but, then again, for a while now, also for people in the OASIS and on forums that were OASIS-related. People who could appreciate the written word still. Her stories and little poems even had become something like a weekly publication there by now, only virtually and all under an anonym, different from her character name, but still. Not even Peter knew about that.
"Are there still people writing those?" Jewel asked in addition since it had sounded like people stopped writing those stories based on existing worlds.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jan 8, 2023 11:30:19 GMT -8
"Yah," she said, hand out flat, turning back and forth in a 'kinda' way. "Not millions of 'em anymore, but there's a niche of people who still do. May I?" she asked, pointing at Jewel's phone. Once she got permission, she picked it up and opened the browser app, typing as she spoke. "One site in particular has always been the biggest, so it's the one that survived and the one everyone knows they can go to for the most content and the most readers."
With one final tap, Journey handed Jewel's phone back to her. "There ya go. I bookmarked it for ya," Journey said with a smile. She took a contemplative moment to make a request. "I'd love to read some of your writings. If you ever feel like sharing," she quickly interjected with a reassuring hand out and an easy, open expression that clearly said that it was perfectly okay if she wasn't ready to share.
She'd taken the risk of making Jewel uncomfortable, which would backstep some of the progress she'd made in getting Jewel to warm up to her, but at least putting it out there allowed Jewel to think on it and at some point, Journey hoped Jewel would open that door to her.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Jan 28, 2023 10:08:36 GMT -8
"I'd love to read some of your writings. If you ever feel like sharing,"
And Jewel was ready indeed to open that door to her. She appreciated Journey's move of bookmarking that fanfiction site for her. And she actually considered uploading something there herself, eventually. Well, if she had time to do so, that was. Maybe if things turned out well with her- plans. Jewel had to stay positive, and focused for now.
"Thank you. And I'd love to share those with you," Jewel replied with a slight smile. It was so nice seeing someone actually excited about what she did and loved most, writing stories. "Are you- a fan of Disney, by the way?" At least, Journey had mentioned Walt Disney for a comparison before.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 12, 2023 12:29:44 GMT -8
"Thank you. And I'd love to share those with you,"
"Yay!" Journey said excitedly with a little energetic clap of her hands. She polished off the last of the red velvet cupcake, then took a few gulps of water.
"Are you- a fan of Disney, by the way?"
"Mm," she said in a positive tone as she swallowed the gulp of water. "Big time! Walter Elias Disney; the man, the Legend," she said with her hands crossed over the heart his creations had touched so many times. "He was the master storyteller and dreamer." Journey picked up the knife to cut the chocolate cupcake in half, speaking as she did so and handed off one slice to Jewel and put the other on her plate. "His imagination was just amazing. I mean, how many people can you name whose creations have easily stood the test of time and whose creations continue to touch hearts with every new generation that comes along?"
There was very obvious love, respect, and awe that Journey held for Disney, Walt in particular. "I'm guessing you're a fan as well, since you asked?" Journey said rhetorically with a smile. "Do you have a favorite movie? Character?"
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Feb 26, 2023 2:26:05 GMT -8
Jewel was genuinely happy to hear someone else talking only positively about Disney, Walt in particular. She was, of course, well aware that different times were telling stories differently, in a way that nowadays wasn't so ethically correct anymore. But it always made her sad to hear people talking about him like he'd been a racistic and misogynistic man. Even if there was truth in that which she doubted, Jewel always saw humankind as grey as it was. Heroes and villains both had, if well written, their good and also bad sides, were of light and shadow.
"I'm guessing you're a fan as well, since you asked?""Do you have a favorite movie? Character?"
The smile on Jewel's face grew a lot wider while chewing the last bite of the cupcake slice Journey had been sharing with her. "I've been a big fan since I can remember," she replies with a dreamy expression on her face then, almost as if the topic sent her completely elsewhere whenever she talked about it. "All of his movies and projects are dear to my heart, but if there is one I watched the most, it's actually Snow White and the seven dwarfs. It has such nostalgia to it. Of times I've never experienced myself but can see and feel through the telling and its beautiful songs. How about yourself?" Jewel quickly asked back after she realized how absent-minded she had become for a couple of seconds.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Mar 4, 2023 13:29:02 GMT -8
"Ah, the one that started it all and launched the studio. Great choice!"
How about yourself?"
Hmmm," she said, tapping her chin. "It's so hard to pick just one. There are so many amazing films," she said in distracted thought. "From the Walt era, I'd have to say 'Sleeping Beauty'. I mean, Maleficent is amazing and her dragon form? So kickass and iconic! And Phillip and Aurora, that dance scene in the forest where Phillip takes the place of the animals and sings along and Aurora with that, 'what the eff' expression..." Journey chuckled as the scene played out in her mind. "Phillip is just so sweetly smitten. Then the way they show them walking together in the distance with no dialogue, just visually showing that instant feeling of true love blossoming..." Journey rested her chin in the palm of her hand and sighed with goofy smile on her face, obviously a true believer in such a fairytale kind of true love because she'd experienced it for herself.
Blinking away the memories before the feeling of missing Joe could get to her, Journey hopped right into more trivia. "Did you know that 'Sleeping Beauty' actually bombed in theatres? It lost the studio a lot of money. Exactly why has always been a mystery, but a lot of people claimed it was too scary, so that's figured as one of the main reasons. Man, people in those days were such wusses," she laughed.
"It became one of the top classics later on and earned tons of money every time it was rereleased in theatres. Even the castle in the very first Disney park is Sleeping Beauty's castle!" She raised her glass of water in a silent toast. "Take that, you old timey wusses," she joked before taking a drink.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Mar 28, 2023 9:13:45 GMT -8
Jewel was listening to her every word with still that smile on her face, dreamily experiencing the same scenes and emotions while seeing them playing out in her mind as well. It really was hard to pick just one movie. Maybe she always went with Snow White and the seven dwarfs because she could see herself a lot in her, Snow White that was, rather than finding it the most brilliant storyline. Her character just was so dreamy, curious, and also kind of shy, or at least not as sassy and badass as other, especially later, female Disney characters.
"Did you know that 'Sleeping Beauty' actually bombed in theatres? It lost the studio a lot of money. Exactly why has always been a mystery, but a lot of people claimed it was too scary, so that's figured as one of the main reasons. Man, people in those days were such wusses,"
"Really?" Jewel asked in utter disbelief, even stopping the chewing for some seconds. She seriously had had no idea. Then she had to chuckle at Journey's last remark about people of the past time.
"It became one of the top classics later on and earned tons of money every time it was rereleased in theatres. Even the castle in the very first Disney park is Sleeping Beauty's castle!""Take that, you old timey wusses,"
Jewel chuckled some more. It was so nice and, for once, easy being around this girl. She was so different from everyone else she had met in school. "To those who aren't scared so easily," she added, raising her glass in a joking toast as well. Actually, that was not completely the truth after all. She was scared very easily, but, at least, not as much as those old timey wusses, or how her coworker had referred to them.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 2, 2023 11:25:34 GMT -8
Finishing off the rest of her water, the clock caught Journey's eye and she realized lunch break was almost over. "Alas, 'tis almost time to get back to adulting," she said on an exaggerated sigh.
"I think the chocolate was the winner for me. But then again, I'm a sucker for anything chocolate," she said with a grin as she started to stack the empty plates. "Which one was your favorite?"
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Post by DarkSideCookie on May 6, 2023 1:31:43 GMT -8
"Alas, 'tis almost time to get back to adulting,"
And for once, Jewel was almost sad that a conversation with someone who wasn't her father or Peter was coming to an end. That was new to her. However, she replied the sigh with a slight smile, nicely and politely. Journey was still also kind of her superior in this place. And also, she was actually excited to learn more about the OASIS and the background work behind it.
"I think the chocolate was the winner for me. But then again, I'm a sucker for anything chocolate,""Which one was your favorite?"
"I think they all are winners," Jewel replies with a soft chuckle before gazing over at the woman behind the counter again. "Especially since each of them was made with devotion and love." She turns her head back towards the girl sitting opposite her. "I guess I'd be the worst juror, right?" Jewel added a question with a shy smile yet still open and amused.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 7, 2023 14:45:54 GMT -8
"I think they all are winners," "Especially since each of them was made with devotion and love."
"Aw, very diplomatic of you!" Journey said with admiration over Jewel's unwavering kind soul. She stacked their two trays, then gathered all their dishes onto one tray as she spoke. "Guess that means we'll just always have to get one of every kind," she said on a gee-darn sigh.
"I guess I'd be the worst juror, right?"
Journey laughed as she got to her feet with a realization, grinning as she placed the tray of dishes atop the trashcans and the cupcake papers into the recycle bin whilst sharing her thought. "I think getting out of jury duty would be one of many rewards for that genuinely kind soul of yours."
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