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Ambrose nodded after swallowing. "Yes... unfortunately they really pulled one over on me." A frown tugged at his mouth. "I Wish I had had the luxury of being told I would be gone for some time - at least then I would have been able to say good bye..." His words trailed off without completing his sentence, but his eyes did all the completion that his words did not as they sought the framed photograph that sat on his bedside table where a young blond man with the same blue eyes had his arm around a pretty young brunette girl.

"I was between semesters and needed money for the upcoming Fall. My initial scholarships were running out, and I didn't want to work the entire summer at McDonalds for the same amount that... well... this "medical study" was offering. Two weeks and $5000 it said." Ambrose commented bitterly. "Right before my two weeks was up, I changed. And, well, there was no going back. They say that even IF I did leave - repercussions to their lab facility aside, and lack of acceptance wherever I went- the lab techs say that it is likely that without completion of the study our cells will go cancerous and likely kill us before too long." He glared at the floor.

This thought had actually not occurred to Ambrose. He blinked a few times, the breath caught in his throat before he spoke up. "You think that's possible..? That the whole cancer thing is really intentional on their part to keep us from even trying to leave?" He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, a glower on his face. "You're right, though. I wouldn't put it past some of them."

"I... admit to not having read all of the fine print when I signed up for the study either. But I mean... really... who does anymore? No one assumes that the paperwork for a new car you sign... or an apartment lease... or, hell, a medical study, that you sign up for in reality contains small legalese that signs away your rights and humanity."

He nodded, deflating a bit after his mini-rant as his eyes went back to the photograph again, feeling a pang of guilt again... he knew he couldn't leave.... that he'd never see her again... but still.. he couldn't shake the feeling that he was cheating on her.

Ambrose gave a snorting and unclasped his hands with a shrug. "Touche. I suppose that you're right. The realm of 'possible' has taken a very lenient definition here. But I guess I've been trying to still apply the same rules to the world around me. I think you'd go crazy if you just started assuming that anything could happen."

A frown settled itself onto his face. "I wish I had parted on better terms with mine. I hadn't spoken with them in about a year." Ambrose admitted. "I mean.... it's not that I didn't care for them.... it's just.... It's a long story."

"Is that what you think you'll miss the most? Stage plays?" He asked, with no tone of patronization, but honest curiousity.

"I've had the pleasure of seeing a few productions on Broadway with my family, but truth be told, most of the theatre productions I see are of the movie variety." He winced. "I mean, I do thoroughly enjoy... or... enjoyed... the theatre." Ambrose still clung to his association with high class society, despite having been a starving college student for the past year and a half.

"So you're still gardennig here... even though they tricked you? That certainly does show some dedication to your work."

Ambrose chuckled. "A windowbox is perfectly fine. And appreaciated, I assure you." He glanced to the window, picturing it. "So I guess you're who the gardening supplies I spied in the storage room in the Town Hall are for. I saw them while taking inventory on the building supplies. I just wish I was as lucky as you when it comes to being able to continue on your passion here. Fencing is mine... and while I still can... I can't exactly compete anymore. I've started teaching Amaya... and Greer fences as well, albeit a different style, but... it's not quite the same."

"I... haven't fenced since I changed last. It was only the other day, my muscles still ache from the transformation. I didn't notice a great deal of change after the first change... but it was no where near this extensive. I... could be imagning it, but it seemed that my reaction speed was quicker. Unfortunately, it's so hot on this Island... under all the padding this fur is miserable" he whined.

"I... I just hope that nothing happens to completely impede my fencing. So far.... I think I'm alright. My stance hasn't even changed that much."

"I'm glad you stopped by my duplex to measure the windows." He smiled. "It's a small community here.... but surprisingly and unfortunately growing. But this is all we have now.... you know?"