Change of Scenery

Chloe stepped through the front gates, holding her two luggage bags as well as an over-the-shoulder. She was glad that she had learned English, because this was quite a change of scenery from Paris. Everything about her was small, except for maybe her eyes. Chloe Leyroy never liked being in large crowds, but she could already tell that this was not going to be hardly anything like she wanted.

You have to master your gift, she reminded herself, looking around. It seemed like this was a rather busy place, and she wasn't the only one arriving. This school -- Beata Academy, if she remembered correctly -- was a special place. Chloe's father hadn't been surprised when she began creating things from nothing.

She looked at her feet, suddenly realizing that she had no idea where to go. This was a bad thing for her because she hated asking for help or seeming weak. This was difficult for her because she was weak. Physically, anyway. Once she was angry, she had a tongue sharper than Excalibur.

Renji sat on the little fountain wall, his head stuck in a book. Pride and Prejudice. It wasn't the most exciting book, but it was interesting enough for him. His concentration was lost when a car pulled up, and a white haired girl stepped out. She was a small little thing, and it caught the student's interest. Closing the book, he placed it on the fountain, and got up. "Hello, new to Beata?" The tall, orange haired student said in a calm tone, walking over to her with a smile.

She was already shorter than most, and found herself having to look up quite a bit to make eye contact. This was a bit intimidating, but he seemed kind enough. "Oui," she replied, but mentally smacked herself. Of course, most English-speakers would know what she said, but the concept of seeming rude like that still made her nervous.

Carefully, she tucked her hair behind her ear, mentally running over random English words. Hopefully he would understand that she wasn't an experienced English-speaker, even if she was fluent in the difficult language.

Ah, so she was a foreigner? Renji tried to think of what language she spoke and prayed that it was French. Maybe that french class wasn't all for nothing. Hoping that he remembered some french, he took a moment to think. "Pouvez-vous parler anglais?" He said, attempting to mimic the accent.

She perked up when she heard her native language being spoken, even if his pronunciation was a bit off. Chloe smiled and nodded. "Quite a bit, yes," she said, trying to keep her words small for fear of embarrassing herself. It would have been unacceptable to make a fool of herself by saying something wrong, but she was already smiling.

Renji may have been a guy, but it wasn't that hard to tell when someone was screaming on the inside. "That's good to hear, I was never very good at French anyway." He said with a goofy smile. "Renji Mikealson, at your service." The tall student took a small mock-bow and held out his hand to for her to shake.

She was thankful that she had studied American customs, because this would have probably confused her if she hadn't. Chloe shook his hand, remembering that the customary 'kiss' on one of or both cheeks was socially unacceptable here. "Chloe Leyroy, nice to meet you," the small girl said politely, though her accent was still thick.

Renji was glad that she accepted his hand and it was soon back at his side. "Well, I know being at a new school can be overwhelming, would you like me to show you to the office?" He said, tilting his head towards the entrance doors.

"Please," she sighed, relieved that someone was going to show her where to go.

Renji was about to start walking, when he realized he missed something. "How about I carry your bags?" A true gentlemen always carried the ladie's bags.

Chloe smiled softly. Chivalry wasn't something you saw often anymore, but she always appreciated a gentleman. "Thank you, Renji," she spoke, remembering his name. Many people claimed they weren't good with names, or maybe faces, but she always had been. Despite the fact that her two bags were small, they gave her a bit of trouble to carry. With another quiet thank you, she let him carry them.

"No worries." Carrying her luggage, they finally made it to the office door. "Let's get you checked in and then I can show you to the Initiate dorms." Renji opened the door for her.

She nodded, mentally making translation notes. When he opened the door, she smiled again and gave another 'thank you'. He had obviously been taught manners, which most weren't these days.

Renji waited for the girl to get her key and a map, and then they would be off towards the initiate dorms. He was glad that she appreciated his kind manners, for a lot of girls these days didn't notice the little things in life.

"Monsiuer, you are very polite. This is a good trait to own," she smiled, though she paused a few times and her speech was a bit off. Normally she had a difficult time trusting people taller than her (which was almost everyone) for her own irrational reasons, but he was very cordial and she felt no ill vibes.