It's a splash! [Open]

What was a birthday?

It was a celebration where people came together too enjoy the day when you were born of corse. Although Aspen had never really had a party, she only had one. When she was five years old, that single digit number had a special meaning too Aspens father but he never told the blonde what it meant too him. It was a small party, with a cake some streamers and a few people. There were only family members, the blonde didn't have many friends back then. Although she didn't care how many people showed up too celebrate. If she wanted some people too show up it would be her closest friends; Lamia, Barry, Magic and Devin. Vincent had already sworn too her that he would be here, and in any case the food depended on him since Aspen couldn't cook for her life. The blonde just had finished setting up, it wasn't too flashy or too pretty after all they were at the lake of Beata. There were a few tables and with four chairs at each of them. Some toys that you were able too mess around with in the lake, and a large boom-box that blasted pop music. It was hard too believe that only one person set this up in only an hour although if you knew what Aspens gift was it would make alot more sense. Since she was able too create exact clones of herself, setting up for this thing was quite easy, the blonde even tied up some cute balloons on the chairs.

It was a decent afternoon, a perfect day too swim. Aspen had wore a simple bikini colored pink and had the pattern of flowers. She wore a white jacket with it, just too make it more appropriate and also so she could feel less uncomfortable. There was a slight breeze in the air, and golden rays had reflected on the lake's crystal clear waters. There was quite alot of things to do; you could dance too the music, swim in the lake, or just chill out and enjoy the sun. A small smile had spread onto Aspens lips, hopefully it'll be a nice relaxing and carefree party. Violet eyes shifted over towards the lake, her blonde hair flowing with the gentle breeze. The blonde turned her head when she heard footsteps nearby and it seemed like someone was already here. The autumns smile grew and she met the strangers eyes, looking quite happy and cheerful as she greeted them. "Hiya! Thank you so much for coming!"

Barry smiled. "Of course. Wouldn't miss it! Happy birthday!" he said, handing her a birthday card. He wasn't sure what to get Aspen, so he got her a $15 gift card to the café in town. "Sorry for the lame gift." he said. He was wearing a tank top, showing off his thin, but muscular arms, plain red swimming trunks, and flip flops. He had also brought a towel, so he tossed it a short distance away from the lake.

It took Vincent a little bit, and a small threat to get Magic moving. Even thought Magic didn't really pay any mind to the threat he finally decided to get up a move. Vince didn't know why the winter student was being so lazy at the moment. Maybe it was just Magic being Magic, who knows with him. The pyromancer wore simple purple swim trunks. It didn't have any fancy design or anything. He had a towel draped around his neck as he approached Barry and Aspen, his brother following behind him. "Hey Aspen!" Vince said.

Magic wore a simple green swim trunks, and a black t-shirt. Hopefully no one would ask him about it or ask him to take it off because he most likely wasn't going to. He didn't really feel comfortable being shirtless nor did he want to show off the tattoo he concealed on the back of his right shoulder. People would probably ask him about it then he would have to explain when he didn't really want to. Though he was probably gonna get questions about the shirt, oh well though. After his brother spoke up a greeting to their friend, Magic gave her a small wave.

The brothers did look similar but now that they were standing next to each other it was easier to see the differences. The hair was probably the first thing noticed. Vince had really long hair for a boy. It went down to the base of his neck almost anyway. Magic's hair covered his forehead, and only went a little bit down his neck. Magic was also taller than the pyromancer, by two inches. Magic was also a bit more built, and more muscle than his younger sibling. Vince was skinnier than Magic and had a lot less muscles. His face was a bit more slender too, and Vince was more like his mother in appearance than Magic was.

This was it, huh?

She had been trekking through the woods alone, and for a few moments, she was positive that she had gotten herself lost. Honestly, she had taken every step with reluctance and wanted to use it as an excuse that she should head back and forget this foolishness. Yet, somehow, some way, Lamia had been able to find the party, and there she was, standing awkwardly a short distance away from everyone else. Glancing for a few moments, she kept track of who was there so far through the brush with unfocused, golden eyes: Magic, Vincent, Barry, Aspen - obviously - and some other people she had no idea who they were, possibly some of Aspen's other friends.

The idea of going to a party, let alone being invited to one, was foreign to her. Going to social events was never her thing, and worst of all, it meant socializing with others. Lamia never liked being around other people because she was always so quiet and soft that nobody really bothered noticing her presence. Attending one of these was a constant reminder that she basically didn't exist to some others. But here she was, because one of her friends, or at least someone she considered a friend, had asked her to, and being the goddamn pushover she was, Lamia wound up going, leaving the comforts of her room in exchange for overenthusiastic festivities.

If there was something she was grateful for, it was that it was on the lakeside, where everything was calm and peaceful, a stark contrast towards the celebration that was taking place. The surface was crystal clear and was as serene as it was eerie, and she was, at the moment, alone on the edge of the forest. Beata had a kind of scenery that ranged from the personally-cared for courtyard to the dense bunches of trees to the mountains off in the distance, and Lamia would've liked to take it in more if it wasn't the fact that she was so nervous about walking into the party.

Now, she never really liked swimming. Many things considered, the main, most prominent reason was because she hated revealing more than necessary, only because it made her extremely uncomfortable and worst of all, it made her self-conscious and feel even more hatred for herself. Lamia had immediately crossed off coming in a swimsuit and had opted to go for a short-sleeved denim jacket and a plain white sundress with a normal brown pair of sandals. Strapped over her shoulder was a cream bag, her fingers clasped around it tightly as its contents rattled and her free hand was holding the brim of a rather large sunhat with a large black ribbon on it. Her hair was loose and only parts of it were held up by a pale, lavender barrette clip.

Come on now, go out there and have some fun.

Lamia was positive that would be what Kearn would tell her. Her brother always had a way of comforting her and making her come out of her shell more if she needed to, and she dearly wished he was here with her. But he wasn't, after all that happened. He had sacrificed his opportunity to study in exchange for helping to pay for her own tuition, and bitterly, Lamia hated herself for that. That her twin would give everything up for her sake. If only he knew that she didn't want to come back and that he deserved the position more than she did. Shaking the poisonous thoughts from her mind, Lamia took a deep breath, mentally counting to ten to try and ease any of her doubts, before stepping out into the opening towards the others.

Cute balloons floated from their carefully tied spots on the chairs, streamers gently being blown, and a large boom-box playing music that she was completely unfamiliar with because she was one of those weirdos that didn't listen to modern music and preferred older songs. Subconsciously, Lamia found herself inching towards Magic, her knuckles white from clenching her bag's strap too tightly from overexerting too much anxiety. Opening her mouth, she muttered an incoherent greeting to the two brothers before her hands freely let go of the objects they were holding, searching her bag before finding it.

Her gift was something completely homemade, and hopefully, Aspen wouldn't mind. Within her grasp was a plastic container filled with a small batch of ten macarons, colored with pastel yellows and pinks. Each one was carefully hand-decorated with roses and kittens out of frosting, and Lamia was glad none of them were crushed or rolled over during the trip. Why kittens? Because she had pinned the birthday girl as more of a cat person than a dog person. Hopefully her judgment was right... but somehow, Lamia doubted it.

Taking a few steps towards Aspen, Lamia carefully placed the container onto the table beside her, her now free fingers fidgeting and twisting themselves around one another. Nervously, she shuffled her feet. "U-uhm..." she tried to start, but all she found was her mind reeling and the words faltering on her lips. Taking another deep breath, Lamia forced herself to continue, her voice as soft as silk. "I-I'm s-s-sorry it's n-not m-much, b-but I hope th-that's fine..." Was she trying to fool anyone here? Honestly, even she knew that it had taken her far more time than necessary. Making the shells and filling for the sweets was easy, but decorating each and every single one of them? God forbid she say anything; it had taken her well from noon until midnight to finish.

"H-happy birthday, Aspen...!" Trying to force the enthusiasm made her voice strain a bit. Dammit. She made it sound like she didn't want to be here... To be fair, she didn't. But, Lamia wasn't going to let the other girl know that. A blanket of unease draped itself over her shoulders and a fluttering deep inside in her stomach overcame her, and softly, she excused herself before taking a seat at one of the empty, vacant tables, the brim of her hat obscuring the features of her face.

I hate people...

That moment when Internet Explorer is a jerk with you and lags so that you accidentally click the banner and lose your post. ;w;

Louis had gone on Esper for one the first times and saw an announcement about Aspen's Birthday. He thought this might actually be a good chance to get to know some people. He put his hair back into a pony tale, put on his light blue swim trunks, gathered some swim items, got a 50$ gift card to a clothes store (his parents are rich so he has tons of them), and made a watermelon/fruit salad. Perfect. He thought to himself. Louis ran out the door, grabbing a small red wagon from a shed to put the stuff in, hoping he wasn't to late. As he entered the forest he asked a mouse for directions.

He headed towards the lake and could hear people chatting. He felt kinda exposed wearing only swim pants but put that aside. "Uhh, hello. Is this Aspen's party?" he asked pulling the wagon to a stop.

The party was quite a turnout she wasnt actually expecting this many people too show up but she was glad their did because today was going too be a blast! The first person too arrive was Barry that was expected he was probably the first person too know about since they did share the same dorm together. The blonde had smiled towards Barry she wasnt used to getting things she was usually a person too give other people things. "Thanks Barry!" Aspen had gave her dorm-mate a large smile this was already so much fun. The blonde had left Barry alone and walked over towards Magic and Vincent waving towards them she was glad that they were both here. "Hey!" She said giving them a wave and a pleased smile. "Thanks for coming you guys!" Aspen had said each giving them a small friendly hug she wished she could chat a little more but she had other people too greet. "Talk with you later!"

As she was about too walk away she was a bit surprised when she was stopped by Lamia. She was supper glad too see her here! Aspens smile had widened this was one of best birthdays yet! The blonde had blinked when Lamia had gave her a gift her smile growing. "Wow thanks!!!! I love these!! Their my favoriteee!" Aspen had said cheerfully she did love Macrons her sister had always made them and she was a great cook. Aspen had leaned forward and grabbed Lamia giving her a hug she was so thankful for having such a sweet friend; Lamia was probably her best friend. "You're so sweet! And you look so cute today!!" Aspen had waved them off setting her gifts on a table nearby. This really was great if only some of her family members were here.

The blonde continued too walk around maybe it was a wrong move too invite everybody she was completely busy. Would she even be able too talk with her friends? Their werent many people around 10 at the most she was sure she could handle it. Aspen was mildy surprised when she saw Cassandra she didnt ever think that she would come here to celebrate her birthday. She wasnt really angry at her and she did post about this on Esper so she couldn't blame anyone besides her self. She stood their cluelessly as Cassandra hadn't said anything she decided too speak first. "Thank you for coming!" She said with a friendly smile oblivious too the punch bowl the blonde didnt notice it until she saw it lying on a table nearby and figured it was a gift from Cassandra. "Thank you so muchhhh!" She quickly had hugged her before being stopped by another person.

Aspen had absolute no clue who this guy was but it was obvious that he was stacked. The blonde had slightly raised an eyebrow as he gave her a pretty expensive gift-card she wasnt exactly sure if she should be taking this from him or not. "Oh thanks! But I dont need a gift.." Aspen had said slightly chuckling she didnt want too get a gift from someone she didnt know at all it would look like she was needy. "Whats your name?"

Barry smiled back at Aspen as he tore off his shirt and took a running leap into the lake. When he emerged, he sighed with content. He loved swimming. "Come on in you guys! The water's awesome!" he shouted.

"I'm Louis, sorry if I intruded. Nice to meet you. And I insist, take it." he said softly and smiled, putting the card in her hand. "This is quite a turn out. Were would you like me to put this?" he took the fruit salad out of the wagon. He soon saw another student jump in the water and his spirits rose, wondering if he fit in enough to swim with the others.

Vincent shook his head in response to Barry telling the others to get into the water. "No thanks, rather not.." He said. He didn't quite understand his hatred for water but it was there, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. The summer looked up at Aspen. "I will get started on cooking some stuff. You guys can go ahead an swim." He said to his friend, who was also the birthday girl.

Magic didn't really feel like swimming at the moment. He either could go talk to Lamia, or join Barry. If he went and talked to Lamia then she might say something along the lines of holding him back and end up apologizing for something she didn't even do. It might have been better to just go join Barry. He could talk to Lamia later. The winter student got into the water, with his t-shirt on. "This feels nice.." He remarked to the autumn.