Welcome to Gaia! ::

“I’ll find a time to take you to my world, it should be easier to teach you there.” This time of year was a bit difficult to do private lessons with all the birthday parties and group classes scheduled for beginners. As the weather heats up, the ice rink often became a go-to destination for people looking to cool down without having to blast their AC back home.

“As for high school, um…” Fiona’s head canted to the side in consideration of how best to explain what it was.



She turned into the small lot and waited a moment for another vehicle to back out of their spot so she could take it. “Our education here it starts with pre-school then kindergarten which begins when a child is about four or five years old. At about age six they we start grade school which will go on for the next twelve years. Years one through six are what we call elementary school, seven and eight are middle school, and nine through twelve are high school.”

Finally the parking spot became available and Fiona was able to pull in before another care coming from the opposite direction could take it. However, she didn’t turn it off immediately and let it idle in park while she tried to finish her explanation. “Things we learn in high school are supposed to set a foundation for us as we move into adulthood and after graduation, it is when many have to make the decision to go into higher education with college, or find a job and go directly into the workforce.” It wasn’t quite that black and white but for the sake of overwhelming Sylvie with too much information, she tried to keep the concept simple.

“Most high school students are between the ages of fourteen and eighteen and would learn skills like home economics including sewing and cooking, some might take trade classes like woodworking or metalworking, while others pursue more artistic avenues like drama or debate classes.” Then there were the mandatory ones including English, math, science, etc.

“I’m sorry, I know that’s more information than what you were looking for,” or perhaps not enough depending on how much she wanted to hear.

“I wouldn’t mind going with you,” she offered Sylvie a gentle smile. “Just let me know when you feel ready to go back.” For once she didn’t suggest they bring Eleonora knowing that her sister was kind of tired of only being invited to places that were cold.

“Not today though,” Fiona turned the car off and after unbuckling her seatbelt she opened the door. “Today I get to introduce you to gyro’s, greek salad, and baklava. Then later, a movie if you’re still up for it.” It truly has been a long while since she looked forward to doing something with someone other than her twin.

Once the two were out of the car she motioned for Sylvie to follow, “I really hope you like this place.” Fiona took a chance coming up with a place to eat as well as an activity since she normally slid the decision making off onto someone else instead. Always worried that her picks were not a first or second choice for whomever she was with at the time and that they would not enjoy themselves.

But Sylvie seemed to be open-minded about a lot of things so maybe this new experience could be a step in the right direction for Fiona to be more forthcoming with things she’d like to do. Afterall, not all changes were bad. Sometimes they could lead to unexpected opportunities.