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 Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:25 pm
 The Tea Connoisseur (Howl + Bell)Word Count: 2,441
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Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:36 pm
To my beloved Journal,
It would seem that I have another hearing coming up in regards to my case. Specifically, a hearing in regards to my possible visitation rights. It is still a while away, but I am looking forward to this hearing. I do not know why, but I have been missing my parents quite a bit lately. I suppose you can say I miss home altogether, for I suppose that would be a more accurate assessment.
I miss having easy access to a high classed cafe. Where as the local one to Hillworth is enough to suffice, it does not have a large enough selection for my tastes. There are days when I crave something other than a good cup of Earl Grey. I was quite disappointed recently to learn they did not have a very large selection of green teas. More than likely, I will be equally as disappointed should I crave any sort of rare teas, like Monkey Picked Oolong.
Now, do not think I am so vain as to only miss my once local cafe. I also miss having the ability to tend to my own garden. I have volunteered for various duties around campus that are vaguely like tending to a garden, but none have been able to fully satisfy that void in my life. Though I started off with a flowerpot in the room, I have still yet to completely make use of it. I only recently managed to smuggle some seeds and decent soil into our room. It is quite sad that I cannot even do something as productive as growing plants at this school. I should never have to feel like a criminal for bringing plant life into the dormitory.
I also miss my previous school. I realize that Hillworth was meant to be my punishment for my situation with Amelia, but it does not mean that I cannot yearn for the days at my previous school. The thing I miss most from the school is the Fencing Squad. I feel as if my skills are slowly getting worse from the lack of adequate dueling partners. At least my previous team was able to challenge me. As much as I enjoy Fencing, I feel almost bored when practicing here. I suspect that our measly team will be no match for the Crystal Academy match that is set up.
I miss my parents dearly, but I think what I miss the most out of all of this is the freedom. Certainly, it didn't seem too bad when I first arrived, but now I feel how tedious the whole charade is. I am sincerely in need of a vacation from this Hillworth Facility. If I can manage to get some sort of visitation rights, then I suspect I will be able to stomach being here for as long as need be.
Sincerely,
Howl Wickham
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Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 11:49 pm
Christmas Simplex (Howl+Tate)Word Count: 4,604
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 3:38 pm
Penmanship is EVERYTHING (Howl+Alexis)Word Count: 1,960
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Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:39 pm
The Fencing Match (Howl+Miriam+Larissa)Word Count: FIN
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Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:41 pm
Second Chances (Howl+Marlo)Word Count: 2,605
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 1:49 pm
Highs and Lows of Life (Howl+Jesse)Word Count: 1,492
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 10:30 pm
Not my Cup of Tea (Howl+Tate)Word Count: 4,768
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 10:03 am
 The Phone CallWord Count: 1,390
Unfortunately for Howl, this year things would be different. There would be no Mother, and there would be no Father. A restraining order had seen to this. Legally, he could not set foot in his hometown. And knowing both Mother and Father's schedules, it would be petty of him to expect both of his parents to come to Destiny City to visit him. They simply could not afford to make such a drastic change to their schedules. He was a dutiful son, and had long accepted this fact.
He had been uncertain as to what his parents' schedules were like specifically this year, so being the practical lad he was, he decided to make a phone call to each of his parents a bit before the holidays. Being the busy people they were, he did not expect them to be in the same room at the same time at any given moment. It was strange, but the teal-haired lad did not have a cellular phone to use while at school. He had one back home, but that did him little good while on at a school such as Hillworth Grammar School. Dressed in civilian garb, he had managed to walk to one of those rare machines called the "pay phone." Fortunately, Howl's parents in all their wisdom had given him a calling card before he left for Hillworth. They had always been so considerate. He reached into his back pocket, and after brushing some loose hair out of his eyes, he pulled out the card and dialed accordingly on the phone pad.
The first number he tried was that of his dear, sweet mother. She had always been looking out for her precious son, and was fully the reason why he even had his strange first name to begin with. She had enjoyed the book "Howl's Moving Castle" in her earlier years, and rather than name her son "Howell," she chose the unique spelling the book took for the young wizard. She encouraged her son to stride for excellence in whatever he did, and had guided him down paths which benefited him in his growth and development. Mother always knew that Howl was not cut out for rough-and-tumble sports like rugby, basketball, or football (soccer). She was the one who guided him to fencing as a respectable and skillful sport. She had attempted to get him acquainted with music and the arts, which had not been Howl's strengths. It was Mother who had been so supportive of Howl when he took a keen interest in gardening.
Howl stood there with the phone pressed up to his ear, taking in a deep breath, as if trying to figure out what to say. His heart was beating rather harshly inside of his ribcage, a vague sense of anxiety starting to overwhelm his senses. He could hear the phone ringing, one time, then two times, three, then four times. It was after the fifth ring that he heard his mother's sweet voice. Unfortunately, it was just a recording of her voice letting the caller know she was unable to pick up the phone. His hopes for a pleasant conversation with Mother had been shot down, spiraling the hopes down into disappointment. His voice crackled slightly as he started off his message, but eventually returned to his usual pleasant tone. It would break Mother's heart if he sounded sad.
"H-hello Mother, it is your son, Howl. I was hoping I would catch you at a good time, but apparently my timing would seem quite off. I was calling to see how things were going at home. I was wondering how my garden was doing?" He paused and chuckled. "I do hope I sent my Christmas packages on time. If they are delayed, then I apologize in advance, for the school is quite strict as to when we can get off campus." He sighed deeply before confessing "Mother, I truly miss you and Father. I hope that I gain some sort of visitation rights soon. Until we...” The message for his mother would cut off about there, but his final words had been "...can see each other again. Love, your son."
He pressed a delicate finger upon the metal hook to end the call, not realizing it had already been finished. He could have placed the phone back on the hook, but he had plans to call Father next. Father was an upstanding man who valued good manners above all else. He had always been extremely professional in the business world, and many people respected the name Wickham as a result. Howl could not help but feel a momentary pang of guilt, recalling how he had foolishly smeared their family name. Father was supportive of his son's romantic endeavors, despite the fact that his son looked like the wrong gender. His father was accepting of the fact his son would never be the rugby star and that his son would wrongly be called a woman many times before this life was through. As Howl dialed the number, he couldn't help but wonder if he should mention all the lovely young ladies he had met during his stay in Destiny City.
Unfortunately, when he heard his father's voice on the other side of the phone, he knew that he was destined to not talk to either of his parents. His father's voice was just a recording. He took in a deep breath once again, and attempted some pleasantries to hide his disappointment. "Greetings Father, it is your son, Howl. I apparently seem to have the worst timing with calling, for it would seem I have missed you again. Might I ask how Mr. Chapman and his family are doing? I am curious about Mr. Wilkinson and family as well. I let Mother know that I had a package sent your way for the holidays, and I hope it gets there in time." Hoping to make the conversation a bit more pleasant, he added in "I have met many an enchanting lady during my stay out here. I promise, that none of them will be receiving the same treatment that Miss Bennett (Amelia) received from me. I have learned my lesson, Father." He took in another deep breath, as if to regain his composure before he added his fond farewell. "I do hope that I can talk with you soon, Father. I miss both you and Mother. Love, your son."
As he placed the phone back on the hook, the thin lad stood there, elegant fingers still gently gripping onto the black casing of the receiver. There would be no family for Christmas this year, and the realization had hit the long haired boy the moment he hung up the phone the second time. His fingers trembled gently against the phone's casing, and as he remained standing there, facing the phone, he could feel unwanted water welling up in his eyes.
No Howl, this is no time to be crying. You will make your eyes all red, and your skin puffy. This is no way for a Wickham to act! Men do not cry, dear boy!
After his mental scolding, he finally let go of the phone and proceeded to pocket his wallet again. Taking a deep breath, he sucked it up and began heading back to Hillworth. Christmas this year was not going to be a Merry one, that much was certain.
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 9:45 pm
Until the End of Break (Howl+Franz)Word Count: FIN
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 9:45 pm
Welcome to Dorm 230 (Howl+Marlo)Word Count: 3,205
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 11:29 pm
Phone Call DeduxWord Count: 542 Christmas Day.
It had arrived at last, regardless of whether Howl was with his parents or not. Even with the festivities in the dorms, the day still felt very off for him. No amount of pine, tinsel, or gingerbread could fix this awkward feeling down in the pit of his stomach. It felt nearly as bad as if he had eaten some sort of grease dripping french fries.
All throughout the festivities, he had managed to catch glimpses from Marlo. All had been quite sharp, as if he was scolding Howl for being a spoil-sport over the holiday. It was supposed to be a merry time, and the teal-haired lad was only being civil at best.
Maybe I should try calling again?
He sipped up a small taste of eggnog from his cup as he stared off, not really looking at anything in particular.
They should have the day off today.
His eyes seemed to almost be looking at something through the furthest wall. Howl did not have x-ray vision, but with how he was staring, some of the other students might have wondered.
What if they do not pick up?
His turquoise eyes remained fixed for a few more minutes before he excused himself from the festivities. He had to try. He had to leave. Howl needed to make a phone call.
He had to toss on a scarf along his neck so he wouldn't catch a chill, and with a purposeful step, he walked out of the building. It was not Howl's nature to leave such an event so abruptly, but there were more important things he had been focusing in on. He craved to hear the sweet voice of his mother, and the rigid tone of his father's voice. His steps quickly brought him to the nearest payphone. He wasn't certain as to why his fingers were trembling as he dialed. It could have been the cold weather outside. It could have been the excitement of hearing his parents' voices. Maybe it was anxiety of failing again.
He hoped it was the cold.
The phone rang. One time. Two times. Three times. He could feel his heart pounding again as he held his breath, waiting for the phone to get picked up. On the fourth ring, something clicked and the sweetest voice Howl had heard in the longest time spoke to him.
"Merry Christmas!"
Howl's eyes watered, but it only caused his eyes to sting slightly from the cold. Normally his voice was so kind, but firm, but something seemed to break in his voice as he offered a weak "M-mother?" His lips managed to tremble out a shaky smile.
He knew that he had just gotten the greatest present of all for Christmas. It was the start of nearly an hour long gift, splitting his time between his mother and his father. The conversations wove themselves nicely together, ranging from pleasantries, to mild scoldings, to updates on things in Westdale.
"I love you both," he uttered softly to end the call, slowly placing the phone back on the receiver. For a moment, he rolled against the nearby brick wall, trying to wipe that stupid grin off of his face. It was the biggest relief, and it felt great.
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Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:17 pm
Of gifts and fruit salads (Howl+Tate)Word Count: 3,939
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Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:18 pm
To my beloved Journal,
The first of the year has come again, and with it, I suppose I should set up some goals for the upcoming year. Every man should come up with a New Year's Resolution, because no man is perfect and should stride to become better with each additional year in his life. I think the most obvious of plans for myself should include living at Hillworth without getting killed. Though it is my home now, I suspect that boys such as Jesse Alvarez would find no trouble in beating me to the point of extinction. There are many mild mannered lads, such as Simon and Alexis, whom I need not worry about, but there are also many ruffians which feel the need to display their power much like a Neanderthal, that I should try to be careful.
I did have a slight slip in mood recently, and I acted quite horridly. I did not realize it until it was too late, but my inability to be with my parents for the holidays really did seem to turn me into a whole different person. I am quite ashamed of how childish I acted. I sincerely hope that I never do such again, even if it is human nature to act horrid at times. I am uncertain as to whether I should consider this an official New Year's Resolution or not. It could not hurt to consider it such, but it is also such a rarity for my mood to get so sour, that the effort to prevent such would almost seem pointless.
Recently I have met the most interesting girl. She is not of striking beauty, but she is quite observant. Miss Tatiana Konstantin has been able to gather information about me strictly through observation. At least, with the exception of her recent discovery of the school I am enrolled at. I sincerely hope she keeps to her word and does not poke around for more information upon my sentence. Regardless, she has managed to figure out several of my hobbies through observation, as well as she knew my gender immediately upon our first meeting. I know I should not be nearly impressed by the fact she paid mind to my lack of breasts, but so many people overlook such an important detail that I cannot help but praise her sleuthing abilities. I would like to work on extending my own skills in accurately drawing conclusions about people through observation. I know, my therapist would probably get upset at such a goal being a New Year's Resolution, since he would label it as the "predator" in me trying to break free again. However, I will have to kindly disagree with him on that, because I've always found it fun to figure out people on a first meeting.
I have obvious goals when it comes to improving all of my skills. My calligraphy can always use improvement. My fencing is just atrocious; that much was made evident with our loss to Crystal Academy’s fencing team. I have to applaud the team at Crystal Academy, they are all very strong in their own way. I admire Miss Erin Johnson’s energy. Miss Melanie Whittaker's skill in picking up on her opponent's weakness is impressive. I suspect the most impressive of the three girls was Miss Miriam Jacobs. I sincerely believe she is at a professional competition level with her skills with the épée. If I was able to spend any time sparing with them informally, I know that I could get better with my own fencing. I wonder if there is some way that a Hillworth lad such as myself can get some time to practice fencing with a lady from Crystal?
My resolutions seem a bit loose this year. Perhaps it is because I am in a place with so few guidelines in regards to how one needs to maintain himself. I suppose I am not immune to that "Lost Boy" syndrome that many of the Hillworth boys suffer from. I sincerely hope I am able to maintain my dignity for two more years of this facility.
Sincerely,
Howl Wickham
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 1:35 pm
Another Day, Another Dollar (Howl+Tate)Word Count: FIN
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