•A Little Pick Me Up•

[Jack Makenzie Greyson]

Jack slumped at her work station in the schoolfs dark room; her hideaway when it got to be a little too overwhelming. She knew she could go to any number of friends and Leander to talk to when she got in these moods. But it was always better for her to take a couple hours to be alone and pout; get it all out of her system. She was usually so happy and all smiles, so when these moods hit, she didnft like anyone seeing her distraught. Shefd turned the lights off and the water on when she walked through the door, just in case the need to do some actual work took hold, though she wasnft holding her breathe at the moment, and the music was up so loud, she could have been screaming bloody murder and no one outside would have heard a sound.

She didnft need to be there, to work at least; she had a dark room in her flat. But that was her place; people could find her there. And because of that darkroom, no one but Coop thought shefd be in the schoolsf. And besides that, she needed the time away from the outside world to de-stress. Shefd never told anyone shefd technically been adopted; it wasnft a secret, but it had never been important in her eyes. Both her biological parents were dead, and shefd been adopted by her motherfs baby brother and his wife; family. It hadnft taken Jack more than thirty seconds to get over the shock when theyfd finally told her. The woman whofd given birth to her hadnft even seen Jay. She gave birth and Jay went straight to Emiliefs arms. It took three days for the adoption to be official, but shefd been Declan and Emiliefs long before that. So there was nothing to feel on the situation, in Jackfs eyes, Declan and Emilie Greyson were her parents and that was the end of it.

But that didnft stop her evil bitch aunt Moira with her high and mighty complex from thinking, and unfortunately voicing her thoughts and opinions of her little sisterfs drug baby. Whenever the stupid old woman flew in for an unexpected visit, Jay was immediately thrust under a microscope. Moira belittled her, watched her every movement for signs of drug and alcohol abuse; because Jay was such and addict and all. Moira had said time and again when Jay was only still a baby that shefd end up just like her mother; an addict. Jay thought she did end up exactly like her mother, though. She was confident, she was driven to succeed, she was already successful and she had a wonderful man in her life; just like her mother.

Moira made the young and talented photographer feel like she was worthless. The old bat went on endlessly, comparing her daughter to Jay. Kylie was on the fast track at the University in Dublin, for what Jack couldnft tell you since it was about that time in the spiel that she zoned out. And the way she spoke of Jay, like she wasnft even there, but also the things she said, it made the young photographer sound like a bum! Like all she did all day was sit in front of a computer and play games! It didnft matter that Jay worked with a world renowned photographer, that she was making near to six figures a year, that she lived on her own, she would never be better than Kylie who still lived at home because she was afraid of her own damn shadow!

Jack hated the woman, but that drove her even more to learn Vietnamese with her parents. She was a quarter, her father half, and since Declan liked Moira about as much as a root canal, it gave them something she didnft have. The two were hard cases, always switching to Vietnamese whenever she walked through the door, even if they were discussing a new set Jay had thought up and needed her father to build. It pissed her off, not knowing what they were saying and it was that small satisfaction that had Jay hiding out in a darkroom, her go-to place, and not a smoky club in the middle of the day. She wasnft about to give the woman the pleasure of uttering the words gI told you soh.

Jack shook her head once, sitting up, before she checked the time on her phone. She should have been at the studio nearly two hours ago. But her boss was a good one and usually let her slide, especially when she didnft really even need to be in the studio. Shefd done her work the night before, sitting in Leanderfs kitchen, watching him cook dinner; back when everything was perfect and she was clueless of her auntfs visit. Her father really needed to learn the true value of text messages. The day was not yet lost though, but she was mad now, more than anything else. Shefd heard it all before, at each and every visit. It wasnft new and at this point it was more like white noise anyway. But that morning, when shefd stopped at her parentfs house to drop Av off before her class; something she didnft usually do but shefd been in a great mood. Shefd walked into the kitchen with her darling little American Eskimo in tow, laughing at the little fur balls happy antic completely unaware of the evil one.

She should have known something was up though, her father hadnft said his usually happy greeting; hefd gone straight to Vietnamese and hid behind his paper. Her mother had been at the stove cooking breakfast still and asked how things were. Jack had answered and then hell broke loose in the Greyson kitchen. Moira stormed in from the dining room, her voice already raised and yelling, demanding she be told who Leander was and why Jack was having dinner with him and not at home where she belonged; like it was her business to know everything about Jackfs life. And Jay knew better than to say anything, instead, she grabbed an apple, and ate it while the stupid twit screamed on. Jay didnft know what to think when her mother slammed the frying pan down on the stove, turned and started reaming Moira out three ways to Sunday in English, Irish and Vietnamese. It was rare to see the tiny redhead turn on that good old Irish Anger she had welled up inside her, but when she did it was a sight to see.

Jay had lost count how many times her mother had tried to tell Moira that Jay was a good kid; the other woman would have none of it, and eventually, since it was clear that it didnft get to her daughter, shefd let it slide. It was one thing to pick on someone you knew, it was another to tackle a complete stranger. Moira had said horrible things about Leander, not even knowing him. Jay had never seen her mother really, truly mad at her older sister before that morning. What shefd said about Leander had cut Jack worse than anything shefd ever said about the girl herself. And that was the final straw. Father and daughter put up with evil bitchfs holier-than-thou attitude simply because she was Emiliefs sister; now they would never have to again.

Finally, Jay stood and went around the room, turning of water and music, turning on lights. Since she hadnft unpacked anything, she grabbed her bags and headed straight out the door, pulling the gclosed for maintenanceh sign free of the wall. Shefd put it there herself hours before. Not five minutes later, she was outside and ordering sugary treats from the cart; a great ending to a private pity party. She grabbed a frosted cinnamon bun and a caramel hazelnut macchiato with extra whipped topping, caramel, chocolate and espresso. She would sit in the courtyard and let the sunfs rays take care of the rest of her cloudy mood, then maybe shefd go for some retail therapy; the absolutely perfect ending to a private pity party. She sat in the first empty seat, thinking about which stores she would hit. She was an addict alright, she thought with a smirk, addicted to shoes and photography equipment.

•Tag• Meg! <3
•Words• 1393
•Location• Courtyard!
•Clothes• It's so Shocking
•Music• Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
•Notes• Jay depressed doesn't happen often xD And sorry it's taken so long <3 <3 <3

[Margaret Rose Warren]

Meg was in the mood for something new again. She'd been living in a constant, routine world the past few months, and it was starting to wear on her nerves. She needed a change, a new challenge; something, anything. As long as it was new and shiny and exciting, she'd go for it with a running start. Living the boring, cookie-cutter life was not for her; she needed to do something wild again to prove that.

Awhile back, one of her friends who was into photography had mentioned modelling. At the time, Meg had looked at Jay like she'd gone completely insane, but, now, it was starting to look like a good idea. She had never tried it before, and it looked like enough fun to bring some excitement back into her life. Why shouldn't she give it a shot? If the pictures turned out crappy, she'd never do it again. If they turned out half-decent, maybe she'd consider playing along with this game more often. First, though, she had to go talk to Jay and find out if that offer was still standing or not.

Meg bundled her belongings up after her last class of the day, giving Nix a peck and hug goodbye as they parted ways at the door. She wasn't due to meet Theo today, and Nix was going off somewhere with that deaf girl he'd been seeing, so she was on her own until her father texted her about possible dinner plans. But, for now, Meg was going to go enjoy her rare minutes of alone time. She made her way outside to the courtyard, breathing in the crisp air that was such a relief from the stuffy chemicals of the forensics lab. They never failed to make her smell like a perfume gone wrong and she hated it, but she loved her major too much to quit for a scent it left on her.

She wandered away from the science wing's doors, trying to find an empty spot to sit down. It seemed like everyone and their cousin was out today, and they'd all taken the best, sunniest spots. With a sigh, Meg started to wind through them, blinking twice as she say Jay ordering off the coffee cart nearby. This was her chance; she had to do this now, or forever regret it. "Jay!" she called, not allowing herself a second to debate over it. If she did, there was a chance she'd be running back inside the building to hide in the bathroom. "Hey, Jay!" Meg smiled her trademark, happy-to-be-alive grin as she made her way over to her friend. "You gotta second to talk?"

TAG: Jay!
LOCATION: Courtyard!
WORDS: 523!
MUSIC: "Taking Chances" by Glee Cast Version
OUTFIT: SCHOOL GIRL CHIC!
NOTES: Sorry it's short, but I have nothing to ramble about like you xP <3

[/size]

[Jack Makenzie Greyson]

Jay hadn’t been in any mood earlier to talk to anyone. But she really had to get over it before her trip. Working depressed meant taking depressing pictures and she couldn’t do that. She wouldn’t get another job if that happened. Jay couldn’t let that happen. What happened didn’t matter now; it was over and done with, as was her little personal pity party. So it was time to get back to the Jack Greyson everyone knew and loved; including herself. It was just that the words Moira had said were shocking really, and had cut Jay deeper than she though the old biddy was capable of.

The young photographer shook her head before taking a bit of the cinnamon bun. Sugar always made her feel better, even of her worst day. And this definitely felt like her absolutely worst day of her life and she couldn’t even tell the one person who could make it all better again; because it was all about him! She couldn’t tell anyone in case it got back to him. She didn’t want Leander to know, to get upset about it. It was so stupid anyway and really, she shouldn’t even concern herself with it. Her mother took care of Moira proper and there was nothing left to say either.

Jack thought she heard her name, but dismissed it. It was wishful thinking that someone wanted to talk to her. She would have sworn she was sending out some seriously pissed off vibes. But she heard it again as she was sipping from the to-go cup, she turned and saw her friend walking towards her. Meg was like Jay in a way. Both always had smiles on their faces; it was their best accessories. “Meg! Hey!” she said, trying to force a smile, however small. Try as she might, Jack wasn’t completely over her little solo party in the dark room, and her smile was seriously lacking. But she hoped it wasn’t so noticeable. “I’ve got the entire afternoon, sit, sit,” she said, sliding over to make room for Meg. “What did you need?” She asked, turning her mind away from her issues and to her friends. She lifted her coffee to her lips while she waited for her to explain the situation.

•Tag• Meg! <3
•Words• 379
•Location• Courtyard!
•Clothes• It's so Shocking
•Music• Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
•Notes• <3 <3 <3

[Margaret Rose Warren]

Meg was by no means the "I'm beautiful and I know it" type; she just went with what she thought looked good. It felt nice to be called pretty or be complicated, of course, but she didn't live for it. She would've survived perfectly fine without all of that. Now though, maybe playing model in some photographs would be fun. It'd be something new and one more thing to say she'd done. So why not go for it if she had the chance? Challenges were her drug and she needed a fix to help cure her of the boredom slowly seeping into her life.

She plopped herself down next to Jay, balancing her belongings in her lap as she tried to come up with words to say. "Not really 'need'. I just... you remember awhile back when you asked me to help you with some shoots? I'd like to. Sorry it's kinda late, but, if the offer's still open, I'd really like to." Meg chewed the inside of her lip and looked over at her friend. The worst Jay could do was say no, right?

Meg clutched her bag close to herself, waiting for an answer. Normally, she wasn't the type to freak out over someone saying no to her, but she really wanted this. She wanted to try it and have fun with it and just do something crazy. Sure, posing for photos wasn't exactly getting drunk and sleeping with your best friend, but it was new for her. Science was supposed to be where her head stuck, but she wanted to give Jay's world a try, too. How could she even have thought about not taking this chance up a few months back?

TAG: Jay!
LOCATION: Courtyard!
WORDS: 302!
MUSIC: "Taking Chances" by Glee Cast Version
OUTFIT: SCHOOL GIRL CHIC!
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[/size]

[Jack Makenzie Greyson]

Jack’s entire life revolved around Photography. Everywhere she went, she had a camera of some sort on her. If something caught her eye, she was working the best angle for the pictures. When she zoned out, she found herself people watching, picking out their best sides, which lighting would bring out their eyes, their smiles. She wrote notes upon notes of ideas and thoughts for shoots with makeup ideas, costuming, colouring, everything she could think of; even a playlist! Taking pictures was the first thing she thought about when she woke up, and it was what she fell asleep thinking about. Hell, the darkroom was where she ran off to when she was upset, if that didn’t scream photography fanatic, she didn’t know what did.

When Meg sat down, Jay honestly didn’t know what she needed, though it really could have been anything short of homework and notes. Photography and Forensic Science didn’t exactly match up. But when she spoke and explained, the young photographer remembered exactly what she was talking about. Ideas starting racing through her mind, but she wouldn’t mention them unless Meg asked for her opinions and ideas. She acted like she asked everyone to help her out with class and model, but that wasn’t the case. If she had an idea, and knew someone who fit the idea perfectly, Jay asked, and others, she thought were very photogenic or could profit from being exposed like only the lens could do. It brought out everything you were feeling and your every thought.

Jack smiled, excited that Meg was willing to try it out. She was one those friend’s Jack thought would benefit from the time in front of the camera. She felt the funk she’d been in slipping away, excited with the prospect of getting another friend in front of a backdrop. But she wouldn’t push. Jack wasn’t willing to compromise a friendship for artistic discovery. “Of course, I’d be absolutely delighted to photograph you! Do you have any ideas about what you want to do?” she asked, allowing Meg to give her ideas and thoughts on it all. It had taken her so long to ask Jack if it was still possible, surely she had some ideas behind the shoot. Sometimes it was more fun when the shoots were with her friends. They could do whatever they pleased with the props and the backdrops she had around her own place, and the studio.

•Tag• Meg! <3
•Words• 407
•Location• Courtyard!
•Clothes• It's so Shocking
•Music• Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
•Notes• <3 <3 <3

[Margaret Rose Warren]

While Meg loved her shoes and clothes like a typical girl, her heart didn't lie solely in that or in anything involving beauty or art. She was a science geek, through and through, and had been since high school. Granted, she didn't fit the typical "look" for a nerd or geek, but she was smart and, given the chance, she could prove it. Analyzing evidence, coming up with new theories, chemicals, machines, other over-the-top information; that was her specialty. Ask her to model though, and there was a chance she'd laugh in your face.

Initially, that was what she'd done with Jay. Not in a mean way, just out of pure shock and surprise. Never before had she been asked to play model or mess around in front of a camera. But, now that she was searching for something new to try, it seemed like the perfect opportunity if Jay was still willing to help out.

Meg's grin was ecstatic as Jay said yes. She hugged her quickly, careful not to spill or dump anything, laughing and answering, "I have absolutely no clue. Just... something different. An adventure, y'know? Science labs can only be entertaining for so long before you need a break." This photoshoot was going to be something different for her, and that was exactly what she needed as her "break." Jay could go completely wild with it all for how much Meg cared, as long as the end product was something to be proud of. She'd go along with anything Jay decided or came up with; clothes, themes, angles, whatever else was needed. She didn't mind any of that. Exploring photography was her interest in this all, finding out how it worked and how "professionals" did this. Though, with the two girls, it'd probably end up being more of a friendly outing than a business transaction.

TAG: Jay!
LOCATION: Courtyard!
WORDS: 403!
MUSIC: "Taking Chances" by Glee Cast Version
OUTFIT: SCHOOL GIRL CHIC!
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[/size]

[Jack Makenzie Greyson]

Jack loved what she did. She got to spend the weeks before a shoot going through clothing, backdrops, lighting, hairstyles and makeup with her boss and the other assistants. They all took on different aspects of the shoot, combing them all for the perfect setting, the perfect look. It always took her mind off of anything troubling her. And then she spent a couple weeks after the shoot working with the digital prints. It was the routine around every shoot, and when there was a lull, like now, they all did their own things. Her boss worked the scene, picking up potential clients, talking to the agencies working out of New York to get some fresh faces. And this time around, Jay wasn’t joining him. She had her own job. And she had three full days to shake the funk and get her head back where it belonged.

If Meg wanted to do this today, or even the next, it would be the perfect way to get out of the funk she was in! Working always helped her to deal with anything and working with a friend she didn’t have to follow an exact plan. They could just have fun with it all. Jack laughed, happy to help a friend out. “Alright, well, we can play around with the props lying about. When did you want to do this and where? We have the studio, or my flat. I’ve got enough props in my personal studio to fill the proper one,” she said, laughing. Jay figured she’d need a timeline before she could say an absolute yes. She hadn’t told anyone but her parents, Leander, Coop and her boss about the trip abroad; though he’d already known since he was the one who suggested her. She’d found that out the next day at lunch when they were going over the package with all the details she’d received at the studio. The trip was going to be amazing.

•Tag• Meg! <3
•Words• 327
•Location• Courtyard!
•Clothes• It's so Shocking
•Music• Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
•Notes• <3 <3 <3