Slainte

[gwenniepop]

It's two hours past lunch and I've made about ten dozen cookies, busted my arm while sledding with my little cousins, and got lectured by my mom six more times for coming home from the MACUSA party drunk. My very Irish grandmother defended me, thankfully, saying something about family tradition that made my dad laugh. I don't question it.

So what's everyone's favorite Christmas carol?

[Warded to Casper]

I'm sorry

[Warded to Calvin]

I'm an idiot.

[Warded to Webster]

Nollaig Shona Duit! I told you it looked insane.

Comments

Gwen/Calvin

[evercreep]

I'm sceptical, but go ahead and tell me why you think you were an idiot.

Gwen/Calvin

[gwenniepop]

I tried to ask one guy to the dance and chickened out, another guy asked me to the dance and I had a great time, then I got drunk on Friday night and told first guy that I had tried to ask him. I think I confused and embarrassed everyone involved.

Gwen/Calvin

[evercreep]

I see. Well that's a bit messy.

None of them are upset with you, are they? They have no reason to be. It's not like you signed some dance contract with the second bloke.

Gwen/Calvin

[gwenniepop]

I don't think anyone is upset except maybe Cas the first guy because I asked if he would have said yes and [...] he said he preferred to go alone.

It doesn't really lessen the idiot feeling even when I'm the only one who knows.

Gwen/Calvin

[evercreep]

You aren't an idiot. You didn't ask a boy who claims he would have said no anyway. Instead, you went with one who was a great deal more receptive, it sounds. The first one lost out, too late, he can bluster all he likes.

So if the second boy's Knox, who's the first?

Gwen/Calvin

[gwenniepop]

He's not blustering, really. He just said that he likes being alone, and it's nothing to do with me. I [...] am scared to say, you'll make fun of me.

Webster was really nice. And funny. And he seemed like he likes me. Maybe I'm just nervous about things.

Gwen/Webster

[websterknox]

Merry Christmas to you, too! And yeah, that's not a normal looking word. That word is unwell. Take that word to a doctor!

Did you have a good time at the MACUSA party? It's pretty quiet here in Braddock. My dad isn't big into celebrating Christmas because to the Quakers, every day is a holy day, but my mom is insisting we have a nice duck dinner tonight.

Gwen/Webster

[gwenniepop]

All Gaelic looks like that. I have a little quiz for you the next time we are each other.

I [...] had a good time with the girls, yea. I don't usually go to the beach so that was different. I did get a bit plastered, though. I'm glad I didn't write you too and say something extremely embarrassing.

I didn't know your father was a Quaker. That's really interesting! What about the rest of your family?

Gwen/Webster

[websterknox]

If it's a Gaelic quiz, tell me now. So I can study. Or find someone to cheat off.

I'm glad you had a good time! It sounded like there was a good group of people going. Do you drink often? [...] And, what do you mean, "write you too?" Did I don't know how you could've embarrassed yourself! You have a real grace to you.

Yeah, dad is big-time Quaker. He leads the group of Friends in Pittsburgh. Mom's family is Catholic, but her parents are much more religious than she is.

Was I supposed to write to you? It's nice to hear from you.

Gwen/Webster

[gwenniepop]

No, no cheating. It's much funnier if you have no idea.

I pretty rarely drink, but when we are back in Ireland, the drinking age for beer and wine is sixteen, and anything harder than that, eighteen. So my grandmother tends to be real lax and offers me stuff all the time when we are all home in the States and I have to remind her it's not like that here. Please don't think I'm this terrible delinquent, I'm so straight-arrow most of the time, it's sad. I didn't mean to give the wrong impression. And I'm perfectly capable of embarrassing myself but I'm going to pretend I can't recall any times at the moment.

Where do you fall in that group? More like your dad or more like your mom? I'm afraid we are all Protestants over here, it's kinda a big thing where we come from. You so don't want to know.

[...] I wondered if [...] the dance was kinda a one-time thing, I didn't want to assume. But, I mean, we are friends, right? So I thought writing would be okay.

Gwen/Webster

[websterknox]

Funnier for WHOM? [...] But okay. This is exciting!!

Oh, don’t worry, I don’t think you’re a delinquent. I barely drink, please don’t hold that against me. I don’t have a good reason not to drink. But also haven’t found a great reason to do it. More than anything, your grandmother sounds super fun. I’m very much looking forward to being a cool grandfather.

I didn’t bring up religion earlier because I heard you weren’t supposed to talk about that or politics on a first date I’m not particularly religious. I’d kind of like to be Quaker — I’m into a lot of their ideas — but the Light has never moved me to speak. Yet. Are you superstitious?

We’re definitely at least friends. Friends who dance together and tutor each other in Spanish and Gaelic. [...] Writing was more than okay.

Gwen/Webster

[gwenniepop]

It will be a fun quiz! You'll laugh, I promise.

Both of my grandmothers are pretty funny, tbh. One's pureblooded and the other is No-Maj, so they are on very opposite ends of the spectrum. Neither of them live here at the farm but I see them so often, they might as well. What about your grandparents?

I have to admit, I know almost nothing about Quakers. Maybe a little more about Catholics. What do you mean, the Light? And I'm not even remotely superstitious, myself. The closest thing is that my family has a few good luck charm sort of things, that might count? Such as, if you spill salt, you have to toss some over your left shoulder. Otherwise you'll have bad luck.

Good. I wasn't sure if I I suppose we already were friendly, just hadn't spoken much. someone told me I should tell you

Gwen/Webster

[websterknox]

So, I only really know my mom's parents. And they're something else. Grandfather is a diplomat. Grandmother is an actress. They're old money and take it very seriously. They have an obligation to support the arts and the less fortunate. And to preserve and someday pass on the virtues of culture and history and etiquette. And in their eyes, I am possibly their most important pupil. So, being with them is always an education. A valuable one, but also, an over-the-top one.

Wow, my comment about Quakers and the Light must have been very confusing. You're kind to not just assume I was insane. OVERLY DUMBED DOWN VERSION: in the book of John, Christ says "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." And Quakers believe in a personal relationship with God, who communicates with you through this light. So, often at Quaker meetings, people will sit in silence, ruminating, until this Light speaks to you and you are subsequently moved to speak. But I keep checking my phone and I have no missed calls from God. You don't need to memorize any of this. I promise there won't be a quiz :)

I hold my breath when I drive past graveyards. Because... huh. I don't remember. But I'm not NOT going to do it.

I think I'm going to come to Diagon Alley for New Years. [...] If you're still planning on being there.

Gwen/Webster

[gwenniepop]

What happened to your They sound like quite the duo. And you could do a lot worse, right, being the center of attention like that. It almost sounds like they are turning you into James Bond, though. Obviously not a bad thing if you get that reference.

I wouldn't think you were insane! Not yet, anyway. We can't rule anything out. I am just teasing, though. It doesn't sound too far off of how my family was raised, honestly. There are meditative moments. Do you think maybe they are missing the call because they insist on having their phones off during the service? I hope that made you laugh

Look, if we are talking quiz, I want either grades or a prize.

I wonder why holding your breath while passing a graveyard would be a thing. Obviously, someone told you when you were young to do it, or maybe as a kid it was something you were afraid of. Now I feel compelled to do it! What if I've been opening myself to all kinds of bad luck before now? And you had better start tossing salt over your shoulder. Just a tip, though, check to make sure no one is directly behind you when you do it. That mistake only happens once.

I'll still be there! I got invited to Cameron's as well, but Calvin is my best friend and I want to spend it with him. Are you bringing Lilika? She's your bestie, right?

Re: Gwen/Webster

[websterknox]

Oh my god, you're right! They are training me to be James Bond! That explains my aviation, card playing, marksmanship, and seduction lessons! [...] Kidding. Of course. Your grandparents sound great. I still can't get over how cool it must be to live on a farm.

Haha, maybe I need to add God to my contacts and make sure He's not on my blocked number list. Hey, if you want a quiz, there can be a quiz. What would you want as a prize?

GOOD. I shudder to think of all the bad luck you've incurred from not holding your breath when you drive past a graveyard. Of course, I have my own catching up to do with salt, apparently. Maybe I'll be just buy salt grinders. No more shakers. It's simply too risky.

Oh great! I'm excited we'll see each other there. Even though I guess we'd be seeing each other like the next day back at school anyway. But still. And yeah, Lilika is my best friend and is coming too! It'll be a lot of fun!

Gwen/Webster

[gwenniepop]

If you are getting all those lessons, I want in. I deserve a chance to be a femme fatale, darn it. Although 'femme fatale' and 'farm' don't really go together. Seriously though, it really is fun but not sure I want to make it my life, you know? I'm the heir and all but it could just pass to one of my cousins. Not sure farming is all I want.

Okay, now I gotta think of prizes. Is it sacrilegious to make that joke when we are talking about God?

Oh I cannot tell you the panic that ensues whenever I see the shaker start to fall. Especially if I'm in a public place. Like how do I toss some over my shoulder without everyone looking at me? At least I can hold my breath while passing a graveyard and it won't be automatic 'who's this freak' reactions.

I'm really looking forward to seeing you two there! I actually have a gift for you. It seems silly I guess for New Year's? I felt a little funny sending a Christmas gift though. Is that weird?

Gwen/Webster

[websterknox]

I get that. It's nice that regardless of what you end up doing, you can always go home and visit the farm. Honestly, I feel like it's scary to make any one thing your life. But we will soon. Cue the we're-going-to-graduate-in-a-few-months meltdown.

I suppose that seeing as we've both revealed ourselves to be at least mildly superstitious people, maybe we shouldn't tempt fate with God jokes. I was about to suggest you stop salting your food altogether but that's not an option. Salt is too good. I guess you'll just have to stop eating in public. Sorry, Gwen!

You got me a gift?? Gwen! That's really sweet. Which, is not surprising, considering that we're talking about you here. I like the idea of a New Years present. Should I get you something, too?