#Where Was the Universal Life Policy Introduced First
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#Where Was the Universal Life Policy Introduced First#Universal Life Policy#universal life insurance policy
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not like the movies
“if it’s not like the movies, that’s how it should be.”
shuri x black!reader | 18+
summary
"It's a crazy idea you were made perfectly, you'll see. just like the movies, that's how it will be. cinematic and dramatic. with the perfect ending."
Absolutely flawless in every way-as a daughter, a student, and a girlfriend. You live life guided by the choices your parents made and the fear of disappointment.
Up until she showed up, everything changed.
The Wakandan Princess arrives on the MIT campus as a new transfer student, and Shuri's presence throws all of your plans off course. For in your life, you make your own choice, love.
word count: 12k (i added more)
themes: perfectionist reader, university students, falling in love, arranged relationships/marriage, shuri noticed the little things and that’s everything
warning: sex, smoking, drinking, controlling parents
dedicated to my lyric @inmyheadimobsessed. this is her fic i just wrote it
hi ✨- i woke up with one mission and that was to write the part that i added at the end so i spent all day writing for the first time in forever… it was nice. anyways the response when i first posted this was overwhelming 🥺 i hope you all have/find fairytale love 💜 AND I ADDED MORE this was the beginning of part two i reworked.
happy speak now taylor’s version to all who celebrate she took track 21 out the vault for me but folklore has me in a chokehold rn
"No, not that one."
Shuri looks to the MIT junior who is showing her around, blinking to recover focus. “What?” Shuri inquires, her face confused.
Riri follows Shuri's gaze to the girl who caused her to come to a halt in the middle of the courtyard where the club fair was held. "I can see you staring. There are plenty of girls on campus, but not her." Riri repeats herself.
The Wakandan didn't understand the reaction. Was she someone Shuri should avoid? “Is she mean or something?”
"No, she's a friend of mine. Sweet girl. I'll introduce you, but she has a boyfriend, and they're getting engaged soon." Riri states it simply. Deeply committed and getting ready to marry.
Shuri suppressed her disappointment at the news. “Who said I was interested?” Shuri replies, trying to play off her first emotion to seeing arguably the most stunning woman she'd ever seen. A face like that was one worth remembering.
Riri gives her friend the side eye, sucking her teeth in response to Shuri's denial. “You stopped in the middle of the walkway,” Riri notes, pulling Shuri out of the way of a small group trying to bypass the pair. "And keep your bottom lip closed. You're drooling." Riri cracks a joke, tapping Shuri on the chin. Shuri frowns, yet her heart flutters at the prospect of speaking with the one who took her breath away.
The club fair, one of MIT's most significant events, required you to show your face as president of the SGA. In designing programs, services, and policy decisions, the Student Government Association represented students' perspectives. The governing body distributes finances to authorized clubs and organizations and is responsible for defending the student body's rights. It was a lot of responsibility, but you'd spent your entire life overcoming obstacles to get to the top.
You were sitting at a table decorated in university colors, with a spread of pens, stickers, pamphlets, and lollipops, among other things, to draw attention. Numerous people had stopped by, and the email sign-up list was already two pages long. Maybe it was the way you smiled or the sound of your voice that pulled people to you, but connecting with others was in your nature. It's no surprise that you were well-known among your peers and instructors.
You're finishing up a talk with a woman and her son, a first-year student, when you notice something out of the corner of your eye. Riri Williams. Meeting Riri was an unforeseen relationship; you needed assistance with vector calculus, and she came through. You respect your friendship with Riri; she wasn’t like those who clung to you for popularity and relevance. She was genuine, and it was also refreshing to have one aspect of your life that your parents didn't dominate. You were, nevertheless, perplexed by her appearance. Riri spent much of her free time in the lab experimenting and working on personal work. She told you as much when you tried to recruit her into the SGA when you were both freshmen a few years back. You smile as you wave the mother and son away before scolding, "Riri, get away from my table," swatting the hand and reaching for one of the lollipops. "You had two years to join and-"
"Relax, ma. I'm not here to bother you. I'm not really interested in these little club events." Riri motions to the person who has followed her. "All I'm doing is showing Shuri around." You notice the Wakandan royal standing close to your friend.
The level of awe is overwhelming. The Kingdom of Wakanda is a technologically advanced kingdom famed for its abundant resources of the material vibranium. You were aware of the royalty, including the Princess, Shuri's remarkable brilliant inventions. Thus her presence before you was unexpected.
“This is Y/N. University’s student government president, top student, presidents list, deans list-” Riri continues to itemize your successes, and you abruptly cut her off, unclear of her intentions.
There were a lot of public figures and famous children at MIT. Even so, you were taken aback to discover the young Princess traveled all the way from Wakanda to Cambridge, Massachusetts. She probably tried to fit in with the rest of the students by dressing like them in a faded Outkast tee shirt and light jeans, but her natural beauty stood out too much. Shuri's hair was arranged in tight coils, her enticing features the way her lips were full, a smile formed on her face flashing a flawless row of straight teeth.
When Shuri's eyes contact yours, your cheeks flush with warmth, and the air around you feels suffocating despite the fact that you're in the midst of the courtyard, with the breeze swinging the trees. "Just, Y/N," you find the words to say. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Udaku." You reach out your hand.
Riri frowns, "All this formal shit, just call her Shuri."
Having become accustomed to Riri's boldness, neither of you cares to take offense or give her any regard. Shuri clasps her hands in yours and shakes them firmly. “Yes, you can call me Shuri.”
Formal greeting exchanged, you can’t help but ask, "Wow, what drew you to MIT? Wakanda, I'm sure, has significantly superior educational institutions."
"I wanted to study overseas, and MIT provides great mechanical, scientific, and engineering creative programs. Riri is also quite convincing." Shuri chuckled.
You look over at Riri and say, "I bet she is," She sticks out her tongue as you realize she's stolen candy from the table.
"That's fantastic, and I'm sure the entire university is thrilled to have you here. I am the President of The Student Government Association, as Riri stated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any issues." You take up the light green pen you've been carrying, scribble down your cell phone number, and offer it to Shuri.
Ignoring the way your skin prickles as your fingers brush against it. Shuri carefully places the piece of paper with precise nine digits written in green in her pocket. Riri speaks again, "We're probably going to hang out at my apartment this weekend. Are you coming?"
You hesitate for a moment, considering everything you need to do. Today was Tuesday, which was your day in the library, so you'd have to make up for lost time over the week. You also had a date with your boyfriend this weekend. You wouldn't be able to. "I can't. I need to catch up on work and attend Travis' parents' gala this weekend."
Riri's eyes roll at the mention of his name. "The only person I know that has planned out every little detail of their entire life."
"Be quiet."
Overhearing the exchange, someone would think Riri was kidding or exaggerating, but she wasn't. Since your birth, the urge to satisfy your own wants has been overwhelmed by the dread of disappointing your parents. Besides, it could be worse. They wanted you to be influential, to shine amongst others. They had a say in everything: schooling, personal life, and romantic relationships... Everything was all right. "It means no time to lose contemplating decisions when you can take action," your mother always stated.
"Whatever his name is, where is he?" Riri mumbled, her tone unpleasant. After learning more about your life, Riri immediately criticized your parents' and Travis' actions.
You and Travis have been dating since your junior year of high school. It wasn't a typical boy meets girl or meet-cute from a romance story. His parents had come home for dinner one day, which is how you met. You were forced to spend time together, left alone at various gatherings, and finally, as your parents intended, you got together. You've been together ever since.
His parents were wealthy and owned a multimillion-dollar software company, Gateway Software, with your father serving as a US senator and your mother as a lawyer. Their two bright stars were a match made in heaven. It's no surprise that you and Travis ended up at MIT together, with you studying computer engineering and him studying politics.
You narrow your eyes at her. She knew his name. You just said it. “You know his name. Travis, Riri, how are you going to act once we're engaged?"
Marriage was the ultimate goal for you and Travis. Your mother had informed you since senior year of high school that we would be your husband. Both of your parents were heavily involved in your relationship. Travis' parents believe that a couple should be engaged between twelve and eighteen months. Your mother reminded you it’s every girl's dream to marry her high school sweetheart. You may be married soon after graduation if he proposes now. Getting engaged during your junior year of university was the ideal timing, and there is a good chance the proposal would happen soon.
You weren’t unhappy. Your parents like him, your mom picked him, and that’s all that mattered.
Shuri clears her throat to renounce her presence, breaking up the mini arguments between you and Riri. “Sorry. Riri, we have that seminar in fifteen minutes.”
Riri’s eyebrows furrowed before straightening them out, “Uh, yeah. We’ll see you later, Y/N. Text me when you’re free.”
“It’s really nice to meet you, Shuri,” you tell her.
“You as well,” Shuri replied, and you waved them off, going back to your activities for the day.
The next time you encounter Shuri, she’s entering the library with who you’re sure is a member of the Dora Milaje entering, following a few feet behind her. Her gaze scans the room before settling on you. You were sitting alone, Tuesdays are your least busy days, and you usually spend hours in the library getting comfy with water and a candy bag, balance. It was your day to catch up on work or prepare for any future assignments, and because most people understood this, they were less likely to bother you. You admit you overextend yourself, but taking a breather is good.
From how she scanned the room, it’s evident she was observing the area, and you motioned her over. Shuri's face brightens when she approaches you, pleased to see a familiar face, and you can't help but smile at her radiance. You feel bad for not checking in on her, but this week has been crazy with the Honor Society elections and a gala with Travis and his parents.
Shuri turns to the woman, who is not so subtly following her; they exchange a few words before the woman turns away, and Shuri comes over to you. "Hey, Shuri!"
"Hi, Y/N," she softened her smile.
You ask, "How are you liking things at MIT?" quickly, anticipating that she may walk away. It's been two weeks since you had your initial interaction with Riri. You're sure the Princess has taken a few classes and explored some of the campus's offerings.
Shuri pushes the backpack she's carrying onto her shoulder. "It's great, but I just have two-morning lessons today. I'm at a loss for what to do with the rest of my day. I went to look at some of the sites on campus and ended up here,” she explains.
You're glad she came here by chance. Your initial meeting was brief, and you were both carried up in the wave of academia. You needed to figure out when you'd have time to devote to the new transfer. "I'm happy to see you. I apologize for not being more helpful."
Shuri, on the other hand, disagrees. "Please, no. Don't be worried; I'm sure you're busier than I am. Everything has been fine. Riri has been excellent, as have the Dean and other instructors. I'm doing good."
That made you happy to know she was settling in well. Without question, the school would go out of its way to make the most important person on campus feel welcome.
"That's amazing," you say, your voice drifting off as you consider your next words. Why were your thoughts slipping away from you? You then decide to share some of the snacks you brought with Shuri. “Oh, dum-dum?” You're watching Shuri's surprise, thinking she's being insulted, then noticing the candy in your hand.
The expression on her face makes you laugh so hard that the least appealing sound in the world escapes your mouth. You snort and hastily cover your mouth with your hands, your eyes wide in disbelief that you made such an obnoxious noise. The loudness of your amusement draws a few glances, and you mumble a modest apology. This time, it's Shuri's turn to laugh, and she does it quietly, aware of her surroundings.
"It's a lollipop," you explain as you pull the red package from your bookbag for Shuri to examine. In response to her admission that she is at a loss for the rest of the day, you make a suggestion. "On Tuesdays, you are welcome to join me. It is usually my study day. I'll be here all day. It's just me and my sweets." There was a random assortment of chocolate, lollipops, snack-size Skittles, and M&Ms.
Shuri raised an eyebrow at you, taking a seat. "That's a lot of candy," she observes, staring at your bag.
"People are wandering around here with nothing but Adderall and caffeine in their systems," you draw it closer to you. "I'm fine."
Coffee, beloved by all, was disgusting to you, and you discovered sugar a good substitute in your refusal to drink it. You remember being a kid, and your mother wouldn't even allow you to look at candy. She wasn't here right now. "If you're concerned, my dentist says I have exceptional teeth and brush and floss twice daily."
"It'll make it easier for me to sleep at night." Shuri jokes. The spherical bracelet on Shuri’s wrist rings, and she gives you an apologetic pout. "I must go, but seeing you again was great."
“You too,” you respond, disappointed eyes watching her stand. As quickly as she appeared, she was gone, rejoined by the person from earlier. You were left wanting more time with her, wanting to talk to her and discover more about her.
The opportunity will present itself the following week. You're sitting at an empty table in the corner, transferring your digital notes to paper. Rewriting them helped memorization. The sound of the chair pulling out draws your attention, and your pulse quickens as you see Shuri in front of you. "Well, hi," you said as you removed the lollipop from your mouth.
You notice her slipping into the open seat across from you. “Sorry, did I disturb you? You looked concentrated.”
You immediately shake your head. Her company could never be a disruption. “No, no. I was so absorbed that I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings."
Shuri drops her bag down onto the chair next to hers and starts taking out various notebooks and a laptop. “What are you working on?” She wondered.
"Discrete Structures." The woman says, nodding. You liked the subject; discrete mathematics analyzes mathematical structures that are "discrete" rather than "continuous." It entailed a lot of work with integers, graphs, and logical assertions. "I use this pen since it's my favorite subject," you explain, holding out the pen you were now writing with, the colorful handwriting inked into the page.
Shuri reads through your notes; she is, of course, already versed with the material. She's probably taking courses that are way beyond your level of expertise. "Can I guess, computer engineering major?"
You exchange a look and a smile, both knowing she is correct. “Yes, how did you know?”
"The notions of discrete mathematics are directly applicable to computing concepts, easy guess." Her brilliance was admirable.
You blink at her, how she could take a simple answer and use it to learn more about you. "I believe," you say, pulling out the bag of candies you bought with you. "You should be rewarded for that." Shuri laughs at your childlike demeanor but nonetheless selects a mini bag of Skittles.
You get the same feelings the first few times you had Shuri near and alone as you did the first time you saw her. Butterflies and increased blood flow to the face. You figure it's because who wouldn't be nervous in the presence of one of the world's most brilliant minds? Your mind tries to justify that it was because Shuri was the royal of the world's most powerful nation. It was expected to feel nervous, fearful of doing or saying anything stupid that would make you look like a complete fool.
As the uncertainty fades, talking to Shuri becomes increasingly simpler. Her personality was the perfect blend of courteous, engaging, and dynamic—she was full of energy, and her mind was incredibly inventive. You were fascinated by her weekly research reports, and you soaked up all the information she presented to you. Her voice became your favorite sound, and you'd often get distracted while listening to her speak, but you'd never tell her. Shuri would probably become aware of how long she had been talking to you, and a world without her voice was not one you wished to inhabit.
Physical barriers were also being erased. You'd always sat across from each other, respectful of each other's personal space. Until one day, she goes from across the table to sit with you one day after you have a stressful day, your head is killing you, and you're very sure you've neglected essential nutrition. In the middle of the library, with your head on the table, Shuri’s there, one hand scrolling through her tablet. The other massaged your forehead and the base of your skull softly, relieving the pressure in your head. "You need to look after yourself," she says. I was well aware of the chaos that was your academic and personal routine. You mutter a quick response, immersed in the sensation of letting yourself be tended to.
Shuri no longer sat across from you after that day, instead choosing to remain beside you, bringing the two of you closer together. You could smell cardamom and iris close to her, warm and smokey. Soothing.
Outside the library, the three of you form a trio in that Riri and Shuri are usually together, and when you see Riri, you see Shuri. You're not bothered by it at all. It allows you to spend more time together. Every week you spent together, you discovered new aspects of her that you had overlooked the day before. The way in which she laughed. Her smirking expression. The amazing discoveries she brought with her every time. The intensity with which she stared at you when you spoke. The way she looked after you on bad days. How her fingers brushed on your skin.
You could have avoided it if you had spotted it sooner. You could have prevented yourself from falling. Cupid had shot his golden arrow, aimed squarely into your heart while you were only looking at Shuri, and he didn't miss.
You're in Riri's apartment on a Friday night. A few recognized faces are regulars at Riri's kickback sessions. Tonight was a rare time you could attend. Riri typically held them on Saturday, but you really wanted to come, and tomorrow was a definite no. Your parents were having a catered dinner at the estate for a few of your relatives who had flown in. Both you and Travis' families would be in attendance, and your mother had already chosen a dress. You could appear oblivious and pretend you didn't know what was going to happen tomorrow, but you knew in the back of your mind that everything would change.
To avoid raising suspicions about your whereabouts tonight, you told Travis you were going to a paint and sip before falling asleep as soon as you returned to your dorm. Unfortunately, you were a lightweight. You've never developed the tolerance to hold your alcohol, let alone the weed. Another thing you would only do if you were in Riri's presence and trusted her to watch after you. You were already gone.
You simply wanted one more night of normalcy with your friends before Travis took over your life. Juggling finishing your degree and wedding planning, if you’d even be allowed to do that.
You're lying on the floor with your head propped up on a pillow, staring aimlessly at the ceiling. “Are you alive over there?” Riri asked, and you nodded. “Alright, because I don’t need Senator John trying to come after me.”
Others were getting started, but you were done for the night. You weren't paying attention to their discussion. Adding something would take thinking; you didn't want to do that right now. Until—
“Aye, Shuri, how’d it go with Stacey?” Stacey was someone you were acquainted with. You’d met a few times in a setting like this. She was always pleasant, but you had no idea Shuri was involved with her. Apparently, everyone else did.
You tilt your head to see Shuri, moving a bit too quickly for your current state since the room begins to spin, but everything stops when you find the one you've been looking for. Shuri’s seated on the couch, a joint between her lips before she hands it back to Danielle. Once the smoke clears, it's simply her, with her flawless skin and defined features. Getting consumed by her, you almost forget the conversation at hand. Almost.
"Did you do it?" Joshua rises up and begins thrusting against the air, and your face turns disgusted. Everyone else seems to think it’s the funniest thing in the world breaking out in a joined laughter that has your ears ringing.
Shuri's gaze is drawn to yours. You had no idea she was seeing someone. Does she not trust in you enough to tell you? Travis came up during your times together, not often, but she knew you were in a relationship, and you’d thought you were close enough. Shuri breaks contact first, turning to the guy who made the vulgar actions. “Cut it out,” Shuri laughs awkwardly. That doesn't sound like the one you're used to when it's just the two of you.
Riri chimes in, “That means she did.”
Upon hearing that, more people are begging for details. Having to listen to Shuri sit here and describe the night she had with Stacey makes you feel sick to your stomach. "Yes, you've got to tell us something because her ass is-"
You start speaking before you notice your slurred and loose words. "I believe that what you do in your private life should be kept private." Hoping to put an end to this discussion. You felt a fire in your chest at the thought of Shuri with anybody else; the feeling was absurd, and you had no idea why it hurt so much.
Someone sucks their teeth in response to your objection. “Of course, Y/N doesn’t like talking about sex.”
"That's because she's never done anything memorable. I mean, you've known Travis since high school, right?" The attention has turned from Shuri to you, and you're not sure which is worse—having so many comments flung at you, being the target of so many remarks.
Someone then says it. "Aren’t you getting engaged soon?" As the months passed, the thing that had been towering over you turned from exciting to terrifying. You could never tell anyone about the flaw in your rose-colored glasses. If you didn’t acknowledge it, it would go away.
“I don’t disclose my private affairs. Yes, I've known Travis since high school, and we're getting married. I don't see what the issue is." Your voice slightly rises. You weren't normally this defensive. You were used to the taunting and jokes. But you were happy with your life, so nothing could bother you. It was the path ahead. It was-
When Danielle opens her mouth, the crowd becomes silent, allowing everyone to hear her. "All I'm saying is going the rest of your life without an orgasm is crazy," she snarks.
Your intellect is too drunk to reply, but your blood is racing. Something snaps within you. In your altered state, you're on your feet and out the door as quickly as possible, wanting to be away from this debate anywhere but here.
You can hear Riri yelling at Danielle, "Watch how you talk to her," a few people call after you hoping you'll return. You wouldn't do it.
You are filled with various emotions, including hurt, hatred, and envy. You've heard a lot of jokes and comments about your sex, or lack thereof. You're used to people thinking you and Travis getting engaged was hasty, despite the fact that you've been together since high school.
For the remainder of your life, you're going to be his wife. He'll be your husband, and your life will be exactly as your parents planned all those years ago—an ideal partnership with assets and reciprocal benefits on both sides.
Your feet led you to the park across the street; you weren't familiar with the area, but you and Riri went there. A fountain was in the center, and you stood on the flat seating area, wandering about in a circle. That's why life felt like a never-ending circle of frustration. A series of instructions to leap and jump. Nothing belonged to you. You did not choose your school, your activities, ballet, piano, violin, debate, soccer... Your parents have meticulously planned your life.
You could hear someone approaching you with a call to your name amid your panic. "Riri, leave me alone-"
It was Shuri. “How did you know I was here?”
“I left after you. You move fast when you’re intoxicated.” She chased you. You tried not to let your pulse rate increase as a result of your emotions. The butterflies in your stomach that usually flew when the Princess was nearby, ready to take flight. "I think you should get down," Shuri suggests, possibly worried about you falling into the fountain.
"No," you groan, reminded of the cause for all of this—stupid Stacey. "Why didn't you tell me you went out with Stacey?" you demand. Shuri is surprised by your search for conflict and your willingness to be so straightforward.
Her face twisted in confusion. “It’s not that important,” she defends.
You freeze, standing still in front of her, looking down on her from your elevated vantage point. "We're friends and meant to tell each other stuff. You told everyone else except me," you complain.
She lets out an exasperated sigh, knowing that talking to you would be futile while you were like this. "I hooked up with Stacey and will see her again tomorrow. Is this what you're looking for?" Her tone reflects her irritation.
Tomorrow. She would be with Stacey tomorrow, and you would receive a ring with the promise of forever. "It appears that tomorrow will be a big day for everyone," you remarked as you resumed your laps around the fountain.
"What are you talking about—come on, Y/N, get down."
You're standing on the fountain's edge, and Shuri stares at you with intense, focused eyes. "No, you don't get it. He's going to propose tomorrow." You watch as Shuri's jaw clenches.
"Mrs. Travis Moore," you mumble in the dark of night, the taste in your mouth bitter. "They think he's going to be the future president of the United States, fucking moron can't even get to his classes on time," you try to lighten the weight of your remarks. You laugh to keep the tears at bay.
Once the panic subsides, you recognize its significance and analyze your thoughts. The pain was for the years that were taken away from you. Your entire life has been mapped out for years without a concrete decision. Anger because the illusion was collapsing. Your gaze shifts to Shuri, the woman you'd become close to during the months of bonding over candy and your common passion for research. Jealous of those whose lips got to taste hers and those who spent their time coaxing noises from her that you would never hear. Jealous that someone would be wearing a ring on their finger to match hers, a symbol of eternity and dedication, it wouldn't be you. The odds are infinitely against it being you.
You want to hide from everything.
You jump down and start walking with no idea where you are going. “Where are you going?” Shuri shouts, jogging up beside you. “I don’t know.” Your car wasn’t here; not like you would be driving anyways. You didn’t want to go back to campus with the possibility of running into Travis and him knowing you lied.
You stopped at the entrance gate, turning around, “I don’t know. I don’t want to go back there. Just leave me here,” you tell her.
Shuri shakes her head. “Absolutely not. I’m not going to leave you outside by yourself.”
“Well, I’m not leaving,” you respond stubbornly.
Shuri's expression is one you've seen before when she's stuck on a problem and begins thinking hard about what to do next. "Would you come to my place?" She asked.
Everything inside of you is screaming yes. Having a night to yourself with Shuri seems like a gift from the cosmos, granting you a small taste of happiness. You nod your head, “But I don’t want to walk to the car,” you plead. Shuri's face softened as she bowed slightly to allow you to climb on her back. You lay your head on her shoulder, inhaling the soothing aroma. Clinging to Shuri's back as she heads towards her car in the direction she chased you from.
Shuri's apartment is close to the MIT campus. The moonlight flows through the blinds on the floor-to-ceiling windows, revealing Shuri's life. It was your first visit, and you spent time absorbing the small details the moon permitted. The bookshelf has reached its capacity, and books have spilled onto the floor. Photos of her family, including her late father and brother. She spoke of them often. Artwork resembled the small sketches she'd make with your colored pens—everything she treasures in one place. "Come," Shuri said quietly, for the residence was dark without the moonlight.
Shuri takes your hand and leads you down the hallway. “This is the guest bedroom. You can sleep in here.” She opens the door, and it’s a simple room with a queen-sized bed. “I’ll be back. Do you need anything? Water?”
No, you motion with your head. "I'm okay," you said, your voice low and sleepy. Shuri's steps are hesitant as she exits the room as if she's worried about leaving you alone, and you nearly beg her not to. The only chance you had to spend with her was tonight, so you made sure to take advantage of every minute of it.
You lie down on the bed and wait, and the minutes seem to drag on forever. Shuri enters the room wearing sweatpants and the Outkast tee shirt she wore the first time you met her.
“Dum-dum?” She asks, handing up a lollipop. Pineapple with coconut. It's your favorite. As you recall your early interactions, you can't help but laugh fondly—the beginning of your story.
You take it from her, unwrap it, and pop it into your mouth. You're not studying, but you might be able to make an exception. Shuri stands at the foot of the bed, unsure of what to do, and the atmosphere takes on an uneasy tone. "What are you doing standing there?" There she was, and you really wanted to be beside her.
“You’re a little under the influence, and I don’t want to leave you alone.”
You consider your options. "You could rub my head? Please?” A self-interested request, "I'll help me fall asleep,” but you'd never get this chance again. That she does, she was opting to be here with you rather than sleeping in her own bed. When she lies down, she offers her arms and invites you to cuddle into her side. It's an excellent fit.
With Shuri so close, you can't help but be attentive, wanting to remember this beautiful moment forever. You let your imagination wander into fantasies where you're hers, and she's yours. You exist in unison. Instead of this lifetime, you're left to wonder what could have been. The silence is soothing, and you sink into Shuri's touch as her fingers strive to relieve the tension in your head. When you let go of everything, the only thing that remains is her: the way she smells, the way her hands touch your skin, and the life her words instill in you.
You are the one who breaks the stillness. “Have you ever wanted something you can’t have?” You have no idea what the question was about. To make your own choices. To be liberated from your parents. Her.
Shuri's fingers in your hair pause. "I know the feeling all too well recently," Shuri confesses.
You don’t respond, afraid you’ll say too much, but if she feels your heart beating, she doesn’t mention anything. The sound of her breathing lulls you to sleep.
You were leaving too soon in the morning, but you knew Travis or your mother would come looking for you to prepare for tonight. Shuri watches you with concern. The two of you barely spoke a few words since you’d woken up together.
"Y/N," she says, her voice strained. "You know, you don't have to do this." At long last, she was able to voice what had been going on in her head.
"Please, Shuri. I've heard it from everyone else but don't want to hear it from you." Your heart couldn't take it since you knew if she told you, you'd stay.
"I believe last night was the first time you were honest with yourself in the months I've known you." Her stare is deadly serious.
"I wasn't thinking clearly. Commitment is intimidating, but I'm alright."
"It shouldn't feel like that," Shuri says, interrupting your explanations. "You should not be afraid to spend the rest of your life with the person you care about."
"And you don't love him," she continues firmly as if that would be enough to convince you, but you were aware that you didn't love Travis. You never claimed to.
"I'm content and think I can learn to love him." This was your last argument since it was the clearest justification available. A life without Travis was an unstable situation, and you couldn't risk destroying everything if you had no plan in place.
It is still insufficient for Shuri. "You'd think after all these years of being together, you'd have learned by now."
She lets out a bitter chuckle, “You’re going to marry someone who, at the very least, doesn’t even know your favorite color. You have no idea how silly that sounds." It was an offhand comment, but it cut deep
The debate is hopeless for you. She’s prepared to counteract everything you have to say. "Can we not have this talk right now? It's finished." With Travis's future political aspirations in mind, this arrangement is more secure, guarantees financial stability for your father's campaigns, and strengthens social relations. That was the strategy. There's no possibility you'd ever intend to undo your parents' hard work.
Shuri sighs, “It’s hard to accept this when I know you deserve better.” Her words wounded you. A message alerts you that your Uber return to class awaits you outside.
You hate leaving now, knowing that your actions have affected Shuri, witnessing her friend settle for a life that isn't hers. If she only knew how difficult it is for you to depart from the security of the one love you've ever known. You're grateful she found a place in your life; otherwise, you'd never have felt this way. You reach closer and kiss her cheek, a selfish deed for your own satisfaction. “Thank you.” You whisper.
This was the conclusion of your story since you had to deny your feelings for Shuri until they faded to darkness. Hanging on to hope can only lead to heartbreak. She wasn't yours, and she never would be.
Dinner with your parents and Travis' family is similar, except that there are a few more close relatives from your respective families there. You spent the morning with your mother at the salon, your hair in a low twisted bun. "A photographer is coming tonight. I need you to be perfect." A makeup artist arrives at your house to prepare you for the night. Your mother had chosen a pale pink modest dress for this occasion weeks in advance, the tag digging into your neck.
Everyone at the table is staring at you, a knowing expression on their faces, and you can't stop the knots in your gut from twisting. The conversation is light, with everyone chatting about themselves:
"I purchased that new BMW 2023."
"Gateway Software stock jumped this week!"
"I went golfing with the Mccoys!"
They said it in a way that made it appear as though they weren't secretly attempting to outdo each other.
"Oh, Y/N," your aunt says in an attempt to catch your attention. "I was contemplating selling my Cape Cod beach home. I believe that would be an excellent area for you and Travis to settle down after you graduate."
Travis' mother expresses her displeasure, saying, "Don't you think I'll be hazardous for the children so close to water?"
Your mother is quick to interject, “Y/N will be an amazing mother. She will not let my grandchildren drown."
As if she understands what a wonderful mother looks like. As if any of the ladies in this room knew what it meant to be a mother, to care for and love their children. You remain silent and smile politely at your mother, defending your unborn children. You were confident that if you opened your mouth, you'd dry-heave. Discussions about children, homes, and marriage. A future with someone you didn't care for—a life you did not desire.
Later, when you're all gathered about continuing to exchange small conversation, holding a glass of three thousand dollar champagne you can't force yourself to drink, it happens—that moment you've been dreading.
A fork clinks against a champagne glass, capturing the room's attention. Travis smiles big, standing center stage and ready to play out the scene you’ve prepared for. "I believe we all know why we're here,” He starts, cutting his gaze to you. You’re sure those surrounding you are buying into it, the couple head over heels and ready to say ‘I do.’ “My dear Y/N, I've been the luckiest man in the world since I met you in high school. Y/N, She’s beautiful uh- smart, she… she’s beautiful and a great person.” Here he was proposing to the love of his life, with impersonal and flawed lines. He didn’t rehearse.
The man before you continues his monologue, “So, will you make me the happiest man in the world,” Travis says, setting his glass down and bending to one knee. Putting in front of you a diamond whose price tag would put a neighborhood's worth of groceries to shame. “Will you marry me?”
You knew your line was a ‘yes’ because, unlike Travis, you had practiced it. Each day until a few months ago, when uncertainty crept in, and your heart ached for more, no longer content with being without passion. Your first clench, and you close your eyes for a second to imagine being anywhere but here, too. You calm the growing panic. In the sanctuary of your imagination, you and Shuri are in her arms as she hugs you and makes you feel so cherished and loved, a sensation you've never felt before her, and the prospect of never being able to feel that way again makes you want to cry.
When you open your eyes, the vision shatters by the reality before you. This was it, and you peered down at Travis on one knee. You'd say yes, he'd slide the ring on your finger, and that was the end of it. You carry a diamond around campus. You have an enviable love story; unlike so many other girls who spend their entire lives looking for love, you found yours at an early age and made it work through all of life's challenges and hardships. A love story that most people only fantasize about. You only had to say yes, so you were astonished even by yourself when the word "No" rolled off your tongue.
A chorus of gasps sounded out over the room. His mom says, "dear god," and his dad responds, "What did she say?"
Travis is mortified and unsure about how to proceed. This improvisation was not in the script, and you couldn't move on to the next page without the answer everyone in the room had expected. "I'm sorry if you didn't hear me. I said will you marry me?”
"No," you say again. The more you looked down at him, the more anxious you became. “Travis, get up, get up!”
His father steps in, “Are you two having relationship issues? We can pay for a counselor-“
A typical response, throw money at all your problems. “No! I'm not going to marry him. I don't love him!" Further disbelief can be heard across the gathering. As Travis stands, you take a step back.
Your mother intervenes, attempting to save your relationship with Travis. The breakup of your partnership would be detrimental to her connection to his parents. "Y/N, don't be ridiculous. How can you not love him when you've known him since you were young?" she argued.
You turn your head, pointing an accusatory finger, "Because you told us to!" Your mother blinks, her eyes bulging because you have never raised your voice at her in your entire life. You had never dared to disobey her before.
You're going to marry someone who doesn't even know your favorite color. Shuri's voice resonated in your head, and you almost laughed out loud because she was correct. He doesn't know anything about you. Throughout all your years together, you almost ended up in a loveless marriage contract out of desperation to keep your parents pleased.
You return your gaze to Travis and ask, "What's my favorite color?" Curious as to what he would answer.
In the presence of all your closest relatives, the friendly guy persona he'd been striving to preserve cracks. He fixed a venomous gaze at you, his brow furrowed. "What?" he muttered.
"Can you tell me what my favorite color is?" You slowly repeat.
"Y/N. I had no idea I would have to take a pop quiz to propose," he spits.
"After all these years, you still don't know my favorite color." You must get out of here and away from him. Away from these people. Back to the place where you felt secure.
When you turn away, Travis grabs your wrist. “Is there someone else?” and the silence is deafening. The whole room is waiting for the reply.
You yank your arm out from his grasp. "I don't know," you say honestly. But the uncertainty of Shuri was incomparable to the life here before you. "But I know I'm not going to marry you."
It's like déjà vu as you rush out of the room and into your car, but you're going towards something new instead of running away from your issues. A cacophony of voices called your name, but you paid them no attention. When you finally got the keys in the ignition, it was with trembling hands, and you looked up in alarm to see your mother and Travis approaching the vehicle. Her face was filled with terror, as if she was scared you had finally found your voice. The strength to say no, the flawless plan she put out for your life, was ruined and would remain so because you would never consider marrying Travis again. You didn't care about him. You didn't want a relationship like that with someone who didn't love you, and he didn't.
It was as though your emotions led, and your head followed as you drove through local streets until you arrived at Shuri's condo. You hurried out of the car, desperate to see her. Let her know that you recognize her truthfulness and that you do deserve and seek something better. Tell her how she invaded your senses and the first time you ever felt valued was in her company.
After trying the buzzer to no avail, you break. The defeat you feel causes you to sink into the hard cement steps and cry until your whole body shakes. The tears continue to fall as you take your hair out of the awful tight bun, ruining your nicely made-up face by wiping your eyes. You're not sure how long you've been there, letting the night chill nip at your skin.
A voice called out. “Y/N?” You couldn't tell who it was until you looked up and saw Stacey holding Shuri's hand. You can't resist the frown that forms on your face as you watch her with someone else, but you know you must be quite the sight with your unkempt hair, trembling body, and smudged makeup. You feel silly now; you forgot Shuri had been out with her. You stand up fast, an excuse on your tongue, but Shuri is quick. "Y/N- Oh my," Shuri rushes to you, dropping Stacey's hand. She's by your side in an instant, fabric wrapped around your shoulder. You hadn't even noticed her remove her jacket as she wrapped you up. “Why are you here? How long have you been out here.”
"I'm sorry, Stacey, but- another time?" She offers, knowing that their night is coming to an end.
Stacey looks between you two. You can sense she's disappointed, despite her efforts to be compassionate. "I understand. Will you text me later?"
Shuri says, "Sure, definitely," ignoring the woman she intended to spend the night with and instead focusing on you. You see the girl give a final look, her expression unreadable, as she walks away, while Shuri is intent on unlocking the door and getting you inside.
Shuri leads you into the kitchen and places you on one of the stools at the center island. "How come you didn't call me?" That's the first thing she says. If your name flashed on the screen, would she have answered the phone in the middle of the date?
"I left my phone at my parent's house." You respond. Shuri grabs a paper towel and passes it to you. You accept it, dabbing your eyes and watching the white material stain with your makeup. “I’m sorry I ruined your night.” You mumble half-heartedly. You're sorry for bothering her, but you're relieved she's not with Stacey.
Her arms are crossed as she stands with her back to the counter, the island between you two. "I'm not interested in that," Shuri says. "What if I hadn't come home tonight? You'd be out there by yourself." She expresses her displeasure, upset by your careless behavior.
You pout. "I wasn't thinking at all. I needed to see you," you confess.
Shuri sighs as she uncrosses her arms. "Can you tell me what happened?"
You put your head in your hands as you recount the night's events, afraid you'll cry again. "You were right. Riri, you, stupid Danielle. Everyone was correct, and I was too dumb to notice."
“He proposed.” You say it directly because you both knew it would happen. That wasn’t the answer she was seeking. She was curious as to why you were here. “Travis proposed, and I refused. I left after yelling at my mother in front of both of our families. I wasn’t thinking about anything.” Your words are mixed together and coming out quickly.
Except for you.
Shuri's body shifts out of your line of sight as she approaches you. A hand wraps around your wrist and pulls it away from your face. "You're not stupid," she says, her eyes sharp. “Don't say anything like that." Then her arms draw you in, and you feel at ease in her embrace. Every fall will be okay if she's there to catch you.
After a moment of holding you there in silence, Shuri speaks, still concerned about your well-being. “I’m going to get something warmer for you to change into,” Shuri says into your skin. You reluctantly allow her to pull away, and she's gone searching for clothes for you, and you're relieved at the prospect of getting this dress off.
Your gaze wanders about the kitchen, looking for something to focus on. The area is spacious, well-equipped, and thoughtfully planned—the appliances, counter, and storage requirements are all carefully arranged. The neatness of it makes you wonder if Shuri knows how to cook. There's a coffee machine on the counter, and you wince at the K-cup assortment.
That’s when you see it—a calendar. Most people would dismiss it as an uninteresting piece of paper that they forget to keep track of constantly, but Shuri's is true to her essence. She kept everything organized and arranged to keep track of the courses and projects she was working on. When you see your name on her schedule, you go over it again and again.
"Library with Y/N." is written in light green every Tuesday. You get to your feet to examine it more closely, your fingers running down the lines of Shuri's handwriting. Curiosity gets the best of you, and you go back a few months. A list of your favorite candies is on the reminders list's side.
You can't take your sight away from the paper when you hear Shuri's footsteps approaching. "Shuri," you begin, and the woman hums, answering your call of her name. “What’s my favorite color?”
Shuri responds immediately. "Green," she answers, effortlessly answering a basic question that the man requesting your hand in marriage couldn't.
In all the conversations you’ve shared, you never told her that. "How did you figure that out?"
“It’s the pen color you use to do your favorite subject. It's the first color gummy bear you reach for, and you always keep them separate. It was the color of your nails when you refused to remove the polish since it was so gorgeous even after it was chipped. It's also the color of the claw clip you sometimes use to hold your hair up." She talks and talks, presenting you with all the information she’s gathered just from observing you over your time spent together, committing every little thing about you to memory.
Her confession causes your lips to part, leaving you speechless for a split second. “You recognized all that?”
Shuri nods before proceeding. "I know you usually grab for the lollipops while reading, and once you finish a complicated question, you eat a piece of chocolate as if it were a reward." Shuri can't stop now that she's started. "I'm aware of all of this because I see you, and you're the first girl ever to steal my breath away." Her monologue does not have a script. Her statements are authentic and heartfelt.
You find you were not the first victim of Cupid's arrow, as he had struck Shuri, who had fallen in love with you before even knowing your name. Mirror hearts with identical puncture marks only beat for each other.
You return a truth of your own as compensation for her bravery. "When he proposed before I responded, I closed my eyes, and it was just you and me. How happy I am with you, the way you make me feel. To feel things I've never felt before because of you is terrifying, but the prospect of never feeling them again is even more so." Nothing could stop the fire from spreading. Shuri's sincerity was the lighter fluid to the sparks that ignited inside your body when you met her.
It all made sense as your world unraveled the second her eyes met hers. The initial encounter enchanted you, and everything following that shattered everything you thought you understood about love.
"I had no idea, Y/N- After all this time-" She pauses, gathering her thoughts, clearly overwhelmed by your confession. You know, when Riri informed me you were dating someone, it hit me hard. I tried not to like you, but the more time we spent together — do you realize how easy you made it to fall for you?"
The delicate expression on her features charms your heart. "Do you realize how effortless it was to fall for you?" you say softly. "I was afraid of the unknown, but this is what I want."
She's in your space; all you can do is lose yourself in her eyes. Everything in her heart is mirrored in her eyes when she looks at you. "Repeat it," she urges.
And you do it because you're no longer afraid. “This is what I want. I want you.” You were meant to be with her. Here and now.
Her hands come up to cup your face, fingertips brushing against the heated cheeks, and your heartbeat quickens. "Shuri," you inhale, staring up through your lashes. It feels lovely to be held. Shuri's heart races against yours; you know the sensation is equal. “Can I kiss you?” she asks, voice barely above a whisper. Shuri leans forward till your forehead is pressed together as you nod yes. Her lips are a deep, scarlet, beautiful, and inviting shade of red.
This is like a scene straight out of a movie. Only it's actually happening to you.
Against what the circumstances presented to you, the two of you had been waiting for this moment since you met. In anticipation, you’re chasing each other. Fingertips touching and lips brushing against each other’s, breathing catching as they become too close. Ignoring her request, you bend in and tenderly press your lips together in an innocent peck. When you separate, you can't stop the giddy feeling that comes over you, and you let out a short giggle.
Shuri smiles at you before leaning in this time, and there, where no one exists around you, Shuri kisses you breathlessly. Your lips move slowly and purposefully together. Neither of you makes an effort to distance yourself, making up for the lost time. All the time you've wasted wishing you could have been together. You don't know if we've been kissing for minutes or hours, but you can't stop yourself. You keep kissing Shuri, and kissing her, and kissing her.
You've never longed to be kissed so badly for so long.
You can feel her muscles tensing. "Y/N," Shuri exhales as she pulls away. She leans against your shoulder, her breathing heavy.
You pull back so you can gaze into her eyes. The shift in the atmosphere made you anxious that she was regretful about kissing you. "What's the matter?"
Shuri massaged the worry from your features using the pads of her thumb. "There is nothing wrong. I'm worried that my impulses are becoming too selfish," she reveals.
This causes a burst of energy to run through your spine. Shuri was considerate and patient with you, willing to repress her desire to ensure your comfort. You could only guess what was going through her mind. "What exactly do you want?" You'd give her everything she wanted, and you're confident that whatever was on her mind, you wanted it just as much.
Shuri gently grasps your chin and turns your head to peer into those dark-brown, hooded eyes. "Tell me," you insist, curious about what scenarios she conjured up in her imagination. “You. I want to witness you fall apart and listen to how pretty you sound when you feel good.” The intensity of your desire for her increases as you surge forward, pressing your lips together once more.
“Please,” you moan into her lips. Her fingers locate the zipper holding your dress up and slide it down. The fabric falls down your shoulders as it loosens over your body.
Shuri gently lifts you in her arms and carefully carries you down to her bedroom. The distinction between sex and making love becomes clear to you that night. Every physical act you two perform is a statement of your passion for each other.
Naked and tangled around each other, Shuri invaded all five of your senses. The taste of her kisses remained on your tongue as you waited for her to emerge from beneath the covers. The fragrance of cardamom, iris, violet, and amber is warm and smokey. The scent you’ve long associated with Shuri is now all you can smell as you toss your head from side to side on the pillow.
Shuri moves at a leisurely pace, indulging you in sensations you've not experienced before her. Clinging to the hand, Shuri has extended upwards towards you while the other hand maintains your thighs apart. Her sounds are wet and obscene as her mouth works between your folds. You're torn between running away from her and bringing yourself down on the face of her precise tongue's ability to dismantle you. Part of your mind tells you that it can't be any better than this as your breath leaves you and your body spasms.
She comes up once she's had enough of the taste of you covering her lips, leaving you sweaty and panting. After grabbing the lubricant, Shuri generously applies it to the strap. One hand wraps around one of your thighs, pulling your leg up on her hip to give her a better angle. Her other hand lines the tip with your opening. "So pretty for me,” Shuri murmurs as she presses forward, entering slowly. That is just one of the numerous compliments she has given you since you began. You're overflowing with emotion as Shuri reaches deep inside of you, and the feeling is one of stretching and warmth.
"Please let me know if it's too much," She breathes as she thrusts her hips, careful not to go too hard for you.
You respond with "Okay," but you don’t care if it is because you find yourself wanting it. Shuri begins to move into you, setting a slow but beautiful pace that has you moaning, and your body shakes. The waves of pleasure have you flinging your head back, a gasp escaping your parted lips, and all the air exiting your lungs. Colors dance behind your eyelids as your fingers fist at the sheets in an attempt to grasp something. Feelings of ecstasy flood your entire body, all the way from your head to your toes. You've never experienced a physical sensation quite like this one, in which you feel utterly attached and entirely overwhelmed.
You press your eyes tight and twist the sheets harder in your hold as Shuri slowly, blissfully, moves inside you. "Open your eyes for me," she pleaded, breath coming out short.
You follow her orders, looking up at her. “You’re making me feel so good,” you find the words to tell her.
As she rotates her hips and moans, your hand grips her shoulder for support, letting the sounds of your pleasure spill out. “My sweet girl, making those beautiful sounds for me. Taking it so well.” She mummers, watching you tremble underneath her.
A palm slides over one of your hands, Shuri tangling your fingers together as she thrusts into you. You grip her fingers tightly, relying on Shuri to keep you connected to her. “Shuri-” you choke out. She eases up, sinking her hips further into yours, wanting you to savor every sensation. Shuri holds your arms above your head with one hand and brushes your hair away from your face with the other.
"Show me how good I'm making you feel." Shuri gives the order. She kisses your lips briefly before shifting away, and you can't stop moaning, shaking in Shuri's grasp as your impending climax consumes you. You gasp as your lips open against Shuri's, and your muscles tense. Shuri continues to drive into you, extending the moment out for you.
It might be one of the best things you’ve ever felt in your life.
Throughout the night, Shuri takes excellent pleasure in extinguishing the never-ending desire in the pit of your stomach.
Perhaps being in someone's home, observing the most private elements of their existence while they slept in the next room, is intrusive. You're seated on the plush carpet, knees to the side. The night sky was aglow with the bright city lights, leaving enough lighting for you to admire the picture frames decorating the mantle closely. You found sleep easily beside Shuri, but it didn’t last long. Your thoughts jolted you awake. You slipped on your panties, and the first thing you could find, which ironically was Shuri’s shirt, quietly slipped out of the bedroom. The couch was the first place you sat down as your leg jumped with anxiety.
There were so many uncertainties that you would need to face—particularly your relationships with your parents and Travis. Your mother would undoubtedly try to salvage whatever remained of the connection with him, but nothing remained. You weren’t going back.
It’s hard not to think of the moments your parents' interference has tainted. Operating in a state of fantasy, obsessed with the thought of having everlasting love with your “high school sweetheart.” Your first kiss, first date, prom. When you look into the eyes of the man you thought you loved, you realize nothing was ever clear. Everything you'd been fed had distorted your mind into a joyful and optimistic state that failed to recognize negative events, resulting in an unrealistic vision of life. Cracks in the memories drained them from the rose color they’d been drowned in.
Your perspective on love is a product of the upbringing you had. You were growing up among what you believed were adoring marriages that turned out to be arranged pairings for selfish reasons. These families are infested with harmful ideals that have been passed down over generations. Their notion of love was longevity and control, how two individuals could generate strength in a world founded on power and greed.
You now see love as a collection of emotions and actions defined by closeness, passion, and commitment. All of which you lacked in your relationship with Travis. All of which your surrounding relationships were unable to develop. People's choices are their own, but you should never let them affect your decisions or life. You were grateful that you wouldn't have to start from a place of hurt and mistrust as you reinterpreted what love and relationships meant to you. Shuri.
Shuri, who feels as strongly about you as you do her. It's nice to have someone who makes you feel special and noticed. You are not the politician's daughter, the ideal girlfriend, or an academic scholar in her eyes. The corners of your lips twitch to be worthy enough to be valued in those magnificent, wondrous eyes. Her smiling face draws your attention to one of the bottom shelves of the bookshelf. You slide onto the floor and sit comfortably in front of the shelves. Careful fingers graze against the cool glass, preserving the original integrity of the photograph.
She is stunning. You remember the first day you met, and you never imagined you'd be here in a shirt that wasn't yours, reflecting on your choices after all these months. Everything in your being, from the cells to the elements, tells you you made the right decision choosing Shuri. When she's near, the visible flesh on your skin rises. When she speaks, your heartbeat quickens. The lips that know how hers taste. The oxygen you lose when she gets too close. You are filled with emotions; you feel so much, but the words can wait. Labeling anything could be too soon and put both of you under undue stress. The only thing that matters right now is you and Shuri.
As your anxieties subside, you look closer at the image, recognizing the late King's T'Challa and T'Chaka. Shuri frequently discusses her brother and father. She admitted to you it was hard in the beginning being avoidant of her grief, and memorializing loved ones who have passed on allows you to sustain connections—celebrating their life and sharing their love, happiness, and long-lasting memories. There's something so lovely about their smiles that shine through the photo that you can't help but move the corners of your lips.
The bedroom door swings open, and anxious footsteps enter. "Y/N," Shuri's nearly panicked calling into the darkness leaves a feeling of remorse in your stomach. You hadn't considered how waking up alone after such an intimate night together would appear to her. Your face flushes as the flashbacks run through your mind.
“My sweet girl, making those beautiful sounds for me. Taking it so well.”
Your face sinks into your hands as if the recollections of the passion you two made together will fade. When your name is called again, you realize, in your temporary anguish, that you never responded to the woman looking for you. "I'm right here," you say softly.
Shuri appears around the corner, and her distorted features relax for a few seconds before concern is written across her expression. "Sorry, I was looking at your pictures," you admit, moving your hand away from the captured scene.
"There's no need for an apology, my dear. I was just nervous when I didn’t see you,” she admits. You frowned. Who knows what would have gone through your mind if you were in Shuri's vulnerable position. Your heart wasn't the only one in danger. Shuri's investment was identical to yours.
It must have hurt her to see you depart yesterday morning, knowing you were going to come back engaged. You're curious if she's envisioned a life for the two of you and can’t imagine the pain of looking into the eyes of someone you wished to have a future with but knew it wasn't possible.
"Are you feeling okay?" Shuri questions. The air in the distance is timid, and the other woman takes her time to assess the situation before approaching. Your lips part to convince her that you're fine, but no words come out, and the room fills with a sigh.
You settle for an explanation for your absence from the mattress you were tangled in only hours before. “I couldn’t sleep, and I didn’t want to disturb your rest,” you say sincerely. If you stayed in bed, you'd be rustling the sheets, tossing, and turning.
"You could never disturb me," Shuri says with a slight grin.
"Even when I show up unannounced at your house and force you to end your date early?" Normally, humor relieves tension, but Shuri is unimpressed, most likely because of the indirect reference to Stacey. "It was a joke," you clarify.
Shuri squats down to look you in the eyes as she states, "It wasn't amusing, but even then. You could never bother me." Her words are simple but comforting.
Another thought occurred to you. "Did you expect me to come back?"
Shuri takes a seat next to you on the carpet, sensing you'll be here for a while. Her gaze goes to the kitchen, where you'd expressed those feelings you'd both battled to hide. “Truthfully, no. Still, I had hope." Her honesty is so heartbreaking that it makes you pause for a moment. There are so many things to wish for in this lifetime, and she decided on a wish for you. Shuri had a glimmer of hope for something that appeared hopeless.
"Did you think of us?" you wondered.
The questions continue to pour in, but Shuri is ready to respond without hesitation. “It’s impossible not to see you and let my mind wander to what it would be like if you were mine. Even when it appeared to be impossible."
Her words pierce your soul. She had been waiting for you. You have no control over falling in love. Nobody can prepare for the moment, but it's worth every risk when someone breathes fresh life into you and makes you feel alive again. Shuri's intense gaze assures you that the chance of harm is nonexistent. Your heart is safe.
You crawl over to Shuri, who’s prepared to accept you into her space. "Thank you for holding out hope for both of us," you say face to face. "I believe the universe has heard you." People talk about the romantic notion that there is someone for everyone, and Shuri is that someone for you. The bond between you and Shuri is something you have faith in.
"I'm just thankful that my dreams are becoming a reality." Shuri leans in to kiss your nose, and you can't stop the childlike giggle that escapes. "Mine, too," you say, contentment washing over you.
Silence follows as you and Shuri share a mutual gaze. You are captivated by the beautiful features of the woman. She probably thinks the same thing as you; I’m falling in love.
The longer you stare, the heavier your eyes grow. A yawn escapes you unintentionally, and Shuri chuckles. "I think you should go back to sleep." Now that the thoughts plaguing your mind from sleep dispersed in the wake of your lover coming to put them to rest, it was time for you to get back in bed.
Shuri extends her hand to yours after standing, and you accept it. As you feel the weight of her palm in yours, an overpowering feeling sweeps over you. The warmth of your love glows in the dark, the quiet of the night. You’re in disbelief that you almost gave this up, but part of you realizes fate wouldn’t have allowed the two of you to part. Shuri came into your life at the precise moment before you began serving a sentence of eternal misery. If the circumstances had their way, you weren’t supposed to be here.
Fate intervened just as you were about to surrender to the cards dealt to you. Regardless of place, time, or circumstance, two human beings linked by the red thread are destined lovers. This mystical chain may extend and tangle, but it can never break. The idea that you were both was made perfect for each other makes your chest swell.
The traffic light outside briefly flashed a red glare against the window. Shuri's hand draws your attention to her. "Y/N, what's wrong?"
“Huh?” Your eyes mirrored the depth of your heart's commitment and adoration, and you didn't even realize it.
Shuri's eyes are firmly fixed on you. “You’re tearing up, my love,” her thumbs quickly caress the fallen droplets from your cheeks.
The lack of sleep lessens the control you have over yourself. Instead of responding immediately, you collapse into Shuri's arms, and a wave of calm washes over you. You are encased in the only embrace that has ever shown you peace and security. "I'm fine, and it's only. You make me very happy.”
Lips gently press on your temple. Shuri wastes no time responding, “I'm just as happy, if not happier, because of you.” The sentiment fills you with pride. All you want is to make Shuri happy. To love her, and you can now, here, and forever.
You pick up your head to surge forward, connecting your lips, and Shuri melts into your touch. It’s still new for both of you, being able to act on emotions you’ve kept hidden, never suppressed. Even as time passes, you don’t think you’ll get used to the effects Shuri holds over you. No matter how long you live this lifetime together, you'll never stop falling for the one who had wished for your heart.
#cai fics#re upload#I ADDED MORE#shuri x reader#shuri x black!reader#shuri fic#shuri fluff#shuri fanfiction#shuri udaku#shuri of wakanda#shuri x you#shuri smut#black panther shuri#mcu shuri#princess shuri#shuri black panther#i think i got them all#i never know what to tag#Spotify
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The Laundry Roleplaying Game
The award-winning RPG of cosmic horror, tech-driven magic, and occult spycraft returns! Based on ‘The Laundry Files’ by Charles Stross.
Welcome to the Laundry! You’re one of the unlucky few standing between humanity and unspeakable - often unpronounceable - supernatural, alien, and interdimensional threats.
You’re a spy. Well, you are now, at least. Previously, you were someone who learned things humanity was not meant to know. Namely, that magic is real, it exists in the higher realms of mathematics, and it has some really messed up devotees. And if you know that much, then you’re not left with much of a choice — you work for the Laundry now.
If you’re familiar with Charles Stross’ award-winning The Laundry Files series or the first edition of the award-winning Laundry RPG, you know all this already and can skip to looking at the books, the new award-winning game system, or just go ahead and pick a pledge level already. Just remember that everything here has won awards, ok? Lots of them.
If you are new to the Laundry, you are in for a treat – read on for the primer. You should also bear in mind the awards thing.
There are things out there, in the weirder reaches of space-time, where reality is an optional extra. Horrible things, sometimes with actual tentacles. Al-Hazred glimpsed them, John Dee summoned them, HP Lovecraft wrote about them, and Alan Turing mapped the paths from our universe to theirs. It turns out that mathematics really is magic, or at least that aspects of it describe, enable and power magic. And computing power supercharges it.
The right calculation can call up entities from other, older universes, or invoke their powers. Invisibility? Easy! Binding lesser demons to your will? Trivial! Opening up the way for the Great Old Ones to come through and eat our brains? Unfortunately, much too easy.
That’s where the Laundry comes in. It’s a branch of the British secret service tasked with preventing alien gods from wiping out all life on Earth, with a policy focus on the United Kingdom. You work for the Laundry. The hours are long, the pay is bad, and the bureaucracy is stifling, but unfortunately, you know too much to really have a choice in the matter.
There are some upsides – you get to play with all sorts of magically enhanced tech, from necronom-iPhones loaded with cutting-edge occult apps to basilisk guns that [REDACTED]. Plus, you’ve got a job for life, and possibly beyond (talk to Residual Human Resources to find out more).
You may even get to save the world. Just make sure you get a receipt.
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Introducing the second edition of The Laundry Roleplaying Game — an exhilarating blend of covert action, investigation, and dark cosmic horror that thrusts you into the chaotic world of underfunded government employees battling to save the world from unspeakable threats.
Your daily grind includes myriad perilous tasks, from exorcising co-workers gone awry to thwarting ambitious computer students from triggering reality-bending catastrophes. Sneak into supercomputer servers, join SAS troops on dimension-hopping missions, halt outbreaks of blood-draining brain parasites, and prepare for the inevitable apocalypse of CASE NIGHTMARE GREEN.
The C7d6 System
This second edition of The Laundry Roleplaying Game employs the acclaimed C7d6 system, renowned for its versatility, speed, and flexibility.
To perform an action, roll a number of six-sided dice equal to your Attribute score plus any Training you have in the relevant field. So if you have Mind 3 and two levels of Training in the Occult Skill, you have a dice pool of 5d6. Roll the dice, and if any of them exceed the difficulty of the Task, congratulations — you’ve succeeded!
The difficulty may vary, but fear not! You have a plethora of Talents at your disposal, each designed to bolster your chances of success and turn the tides in your favour.
Small Scale to World Devouring
The game system is fast and accessible and ideal for when things get messy, the banishment rounds are flying, and creatures from another realm threaten to devour your office. The same rules apply whether you’re hacking into a computer, sneaking into an office block, or storming a building with a bunch of grizzled SAS troops.
Those rules work just as well when faced with mind-shattering horror and for higher-powered adventures when things start to get really strange in The Annihilation Score and beyond.
Who Do You Play?
Within the Laundry, there are countless departments filled with hundreds of overworked and underpaid employees — and you’re one of them. You might be an accountant, IT support, a driver, or something weirder, like a counterpossession exorcist, a computational demonologist, or one of the really odd people who dedicate their life to research and development.
However, that’s just your day job. As part of your Active Duty, you’ll join other operatives and head out on a wide array of exciting (and deadly) missions.
What Do You Do?
There is no ‘typical’ when it comes to Laundry missions. You could be sent to the heart of London, Wolverhampton, or Milton Keynes. You may even be sent overseas, but you’ll have to be careful not to ruffle any feathers — the Black Chamber and the Thirteenth Directorate are quick to halt clandestine Laundry operations. While they might have the same job as you, they handle things very differently, and some refuse to believe that the Cold War is over.
The world of the Laundry is under threat of incomprehensible cosmic horrors, and it’s up to you to save it.
Kickstarter campaign ends: Wed, May 1 2024 3:00 PM BST
Website: [Cubicle 7] [facebook] [twitter] [instagram]
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The British public backs reforms to how pregnant women and mothers are sentenced in courts, a new poll shared with the Observer has found.
Polling conducted this month by Survation, on behalf of the campaign group Level Up and the women’s charity One Small Thing, found 53% of respondents believed a mother with a baby should not be sent to prison with her infant if a community-based alternative was available. Only 28% disagreed, with the rest answering “don’t know”. A similar majority believed the long-term effects on a child should be a key consideration when sentencing a mother.
There is currently no obligation for judges to consider pregnancy or maternity in sentencing decisions.
The findings follow the end of a consultation by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales on revised guidelines for community and custodial sentences. A number of recent high-profile cases have highlighted issues of pregnancy and maternity in custody. In 2019, Aisha Cleary, a newborn baby, died in Surrey’s HMP Bronzefield when 18-year-old Rianna Cleary was left to give birth alone in a prison cell without assistance.
In 2020, 31-year-old Louise Powell gave birth to a stillborn daughter, Brooke, alone on a toilet in Cheshire’s HMP Styal when a prison nurse did not respond to emergency calls. Official figures show stillbirth is seven times more likely when a woman gives birth in prison.
Dr Shona Minson, research fellow at Oxford University and leading expert on maternal sentencing, said evidence showed women as a whole were less likely to commit further offences when sentenced within the community. “A short sentence of imprisonment can mean a woman loses her home, job and children. If she is also pregnant, her baby and herself are put at risk as a prison is not a safe place for mother or baby due to the limited healthcare available,” Minson said.
“These risks make a custodial sentence a disproportionate punishment for a pregnant woman.”
Sophie*, 40, spent part of her pregnancy six years ago in prison and lived in its mother and baby unit for the first 14 months of her son’s life. “I look back and think of the stress I carried throughout my pregnancy when my baby was developing. He must have felt that stress every single day. How was that fair on my child? For a pregnant woman or mother, the punishment of prison is doubled,” she said.
“We were like caged animals: you felt like if you put a foot out of place, the officers would take your baby away. They shine a torch in your room at night if your baby cries. It’s a suffocating, stressful environment.”
Sophie’s son is now six and has behavioural issues which she attributes to the stress of infancy in prison. She does not know how to tell him about the first 14 months of his life, she said.
Esther Sample, head of policy, research and influencing at One Small Thing, said the imprisonment of women and mothers saw “lives torn apart across generations”.
“This is needless and preventable, and alternatives exist such as diversion schemes, problem-solving courts, support from women’s centres, or Hope Street, our pilot residential community in Hampshire. The community justice sector needs to be prioritised and invested in so we can prevent the cycle of trauma that imprisonment creates for mothers and their children.”
Janey Starling, co-director of Level Up, said: “While sentencing must be based on evidence, not public opinion, it should be encouraging to courts to know that the public do not want to see mothers and babies in prison where community alternatives are available. The Sentencing Council must introduce new measures that bring an end to the needless harm that so many pregnant women, mothers and babies endure in prisons. Prison will never be the best start in a child’s life and even short sentences can have a lifelong negative impact.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said improvements had been made. “This includes employing specialist mother and baby liaison officers in every women’s prison, conducting additional welfare checks and stepping up screening and social services support.”
*Name has been changed
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In good political news today, Toronto elected Olivia Chow as mayor and I'm super stoked to have her back in City Hall.
From this CBC Article:
Olivia Chow was elected Toronto's next mayor in an unexpectedly close race Monday, promising to bring a more progressive approach after more than a decade of conservative leadership at city hall.
The former downtown Toronto NDP MP and city councillor bested a record field of 102 candidates that included about a half dozen established contenders. Among those rivals was second-place finisher Ana Bailão — a past deputy to former mayor John Tory, whose shock resignation in February triggered the byelection.
Chow, who was born in Hong Kong and came to Toronto at age 13, will become the third woman and first racialized person to serve as mayor in the city's history. She steps into the top spot as it grapples with a massive budget shortfall, an affordability crisis and public safety concerns.
"If you ever doubted what's possible together, if you ever questioned your faith in a better future and what we can do with each other, for each other, tonight is your answer," Chow said in her speech to a crowd of cheering supporters.
"Thank you to the people of Toronto for the trust you've placed in me and the mandate for change as your new mayor."
[...]
Among her headline commitments is a pledge to get the city back into social housing development and an annual $100 million investment in a program to purchase affordable homes and transfer them to non-profits and land trusts.
[...]
Chow campaigned from the left, promising to boost rent supplements by introducing a "luxury home tax," an expanded land transfer tax on homes sold for $3 million and over. She also said she'll triple the city's existing vacant homes tax to three per cent.
Chow will inherit largely untested strong mayor powers, however she has repeatedly said she wouldn't use them to override "majority rule" in council. In theory they would allow Chow to pass budgets with just one-third council support, veto bylaws and unilaterally shape the city's top-level administration.
She did not release a fully-costed platform, and repeatedly declined to say by how much she would need to raise property taxes to pay for her suite of commitments — a focal point of criticism from her main rivals throughout the campaign.
The last week of the campaign saw Ontario Premier Doug Ford all but formally endorsed Saunders, warning at an unrelated news conference that a Chow mayoralty would be an "unmitigated disaster" and that she would raise taxes at an "unprecedented rate." Saunders finished third with 8.4 per cent of the total vote share.
Ford's pointed attack raises questions about Chow's relationship with Queen's Park as the city faces a $1.5-billion budget hole that will almost certainly require provincial help to fill.
In a statement Monday night, Ford struck a conciliatory tone, saying he will "work with anyone ready to work with our government to better our city and province.
"Throughout Olivia's life, she has proven her desire and dedication to serving the city that many of us call home. While we're not always going to agree on everything, what we can agree on is our shared commitment to making Toronto a place where businesses, families, and workers can thrive."
Chow has long been a fixture of Toronto politics. She became a school board trustee in 1985, served 12 years on city council representing Trinity-Spadina and eventually became a New Democrat parliamentarian alongside her late husband and former federal NDP leader Jack Layton.
Some of her notable policy stances include supporting an anti-homophobia curriculum in the 1980s, helping bring nutrition programs to Toronto schools in the 1990s and fighting against exploitative immigration consultants in the 2000s.
For much of the last decade, she has run the Institute for Change Leaders at Toronto Metropolitan University where she trained community organizers.
The city being in basic bankruptcy position that will require provincial bail-out support is going to be contentious because Doug Ford is a nasty piece of work and vindictive as fuck - especially against Toronto Mayors - so we will see what she'll be able to get out of him (if anything). The Federal level will be able to help some, but it's really a municipal-provincial issue.
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Sisters
An Outer Banks Imagine
Pairing: Alludes to future JJ Maybank x Routledge!Reader
Word Count: 2.7K
Summary: John B's older sister introduces her brother and his best friend to a few of her favorite things.
A/N: This is based on the song Sisters by Saint Motel, and as an older sister myself, this song makes me feel valid, even though I'm not as cool of a sister as the reader in this fic. It's sort of a prequel/companion piece to Switzerland, which if you haven't read yet you should, but they aren't directly connected. In my mind, though, they take place in the same universe.
Masterlist
You were the one who took John B and JJ to their first kegger. Purely out of self-preservation because it seemed like the cops showed up to parties in the Cut more often than they did to parties on Figure 8. Your younger brother was your life insurance policy, and since he and JJ were attached at the hip, you let him tag along, too.
Alright by Supergrass was blasting through the Twinkie’s speakers and your long, beach-tousled waves were whipping around your head, courtesy of the open windows. John B was laughing as you sang at the top of your lungs, off-key as usual. JJ was in the seat behind you, tapping the back of your headrest along to the beat. The sun, which was just beginning to set, cast a golden glow around you. It felt like a coming-of-age movie where you were the star.
You slammed on the breaks a little bit too hard and JJ’s body slammed into your seat with a thump.
“Sorry, sorry!” You yelled over your shoulder, through giggles, as you parallel-parked next to the small stretch of beach where the keg was set up.
“How the fuck did you pass your driver’s test?” JJ asked, groaning a little bit as he peeled himself off of the back of your seat.
“The guy didn’t make me parallel park!” Your cackles filled the empty space left when the music shut off along with the car, and you tossed the keys to your brother.
“You’re in charge, John B. Just no drinking, alright?” You told him, pointing a stern finger his way before flipping the mirror down to fix your hair.
“Yes ma’am,” he replied, giving you a mock salute. You could see JJ’s eye roll reflected in your mirror, and then the boys were off. You smiled to yourself as you watched them approach the party; John B’s side of the car had been closer, so he got a head start, but JJ ran after him and jumped onto his back, letting out an excited whoop. John B buckled under his weight for a second but then caught himself, and he let JJ stay there for a few seconds before shoving him off. When you were satisfied with your hair, you followed them into the mess of bodies and made a beeline for your friends.
A few hours later, someone had started a game of boom cup, and John B watched with an amused smile as JJ chugged the boom cup. His head was tipped all the way back and the combination of beer and whatever else people had poured into the cup dribbled down the sides of his mouth and onto his shirt.
“WOOOO!” he yelled once he finished, and he slammed his cup to the ground as cheers erupted from the crowd around him. You clapped along with them as he yanked his wet shirt over his head and tossed that to the ground, too.
“Y/N!” He exclaimed, finally noticing you standing on the edges of the game. “Come play with me!” His eyes were wide and he looked like an over-excited puppy as he bounced on his heels while waiting for your response.
“Okay, okay,” you said, chuckling as you walked up to the table.
“Yay! You can be on my team.” He slung an arm around your shoulders and pulled you into his side. “DID YOU HEAR THAT GUYS? Y/N’S ON MY TEAM!”
“There are no teams in Boom Cup,” John B said. As he was probably the only sober person at the party, he was the only one thinking rationally.
“Shhhh, JJ, you don’t have to yell! We’re all right here!” You told JJ, resting your arm on his shoulder in what was supposed to be a comforting gesture.
“YEAH BUT THE MUSIC’S REALLY LOUD!” He yelled in response, and then it was your turn to roll your eyes. The rest of the group fell into spots around the table and started the game. JJ got to start since he lost the last game (or won, depending on how you looked at it), with some Touron on the opposite end of the table. It took JJ a few tries to get the ball into the cup, but once he did, he passed it over to you. You tried your best to make your shot as fast as possible, but after a couple of beers and two shots of tequila, your hand-eye coordination was suffering. The other cup made it to Rafe Cameron, who got it on his first try, and then he leaned across the table to slam his cup into yours, much to the excitement of the rest of the table. With a groan, you passed the two cups to your left and grabbed a full cup from the middle of the table in one hand, and snatched the ping pong ball out of Rafe’s hand with the other. The cup was full of some sort of vaguely-fruity mixed drink that mostly tasted like vodka, and you shivered as you chugged it.
The game went on, and Rafe Cameron continued to target you. He was unfairly good at the game. On the fourth time it happened, JJ tried to jump over the table at him but John B managed to pull him back before he flipped the table over in his blind rage.
“What the fuck, Cameron?” He shouted as he thrashed in his best friend’s arms. “Why are you targeting Y/N like that?”
“JJ, chill, man, it’s just a game,” John B said as he tightened his grip around the other boy.
“Yeah, it’s fine, J. I’m okay,” you reassured him, squeezing his shoulder.
“Yeah, it’s just a game, man,” Rafe echoed. “Chill out. She can take it, can’t you, Y/N?” Rafe’s gaze shifted from John B and JJ over to you and he slid his Ray-Bans down to wink at you over the frames. “I’m sure she can take a lot.” The suggestive undertones seeped through your skin and settled just beneath the surface. It made you want to scratch until your entire body was red and raw, but you resisted that urge and instead balled your hands into fists.
“Fuck you, Rafe Cameron,” you spat at him.
“Oooh, feisty, I like it.” He turned to your brother. “Routledge, your sister’s hot when she’s mad.” John B’s grip tightened around JJ’s arms, but before anything more could come of it, flashing red and blue lights caused mass hysteria.
“COPS!” Someone shouted, and everyone scattered. John B dragged JJ back towards the van, and you scooped up JJ’s forgotten shirt and followed them, diving into the back seat as John B pulled off of the curb. You laid down on the floor in front of the bucket seats with your hand on your stomach, breathing heavily.
“Holy shit,” you whispered through giggles.
“Yeah, holy shit is right,” your brother repeated, though his tone was deeper and angrier than yours. You decided to ignore him and close your eyes, enjoying the way you could feel every turn the car made from your spot on the floor. If you really focused, you could pretend you were out on the HMS Pogue, floating in the middle of the ocean with nothing but your best friends for miles.
“Y/N, can we smoke some weed?” JJ blurted out into the silence, breaking you free from your daydreams.
“What?” You asked as you sat up, trying to sound outraged. “I don’t… I’ve never smoked weed.”
“Don’t even try, Y/N,” John B butted in, flashing a cheeky smile at you through the rear-view mirror. “We saw you and Lexi smoking in the hammock the other day.”
“That wasn’t weed! I just…stole one of dad’s cigarettes. Just to try it!” JJ turned around and glared at you with the slightest hint of a pout on his face and you couldn’t keep up the act anymore. “Okay, fine, turn around and drive to the Lookout. But if you tell dad about this, I will kill you in your sleep. And take the back roads!”
“Yes!” JJ cheered as John B whipped into a U-turn, slamming on the brakes so hard that they screeched.
“Hey! Be gentle with my car!” You yelled at your brother, grabbing the center console so you wouldn’t get thrown into the car door.
“It’s my car, too,” John B shot back.
“Not until you get your license, it isn't!”
“Fine, then I won’t be your DD anymore.”
“Okay, I take it back! Be gentle with our car. Please.” He hummed in acceptance and drove the long way to the Lookout, which only really took five extra minutes but avoided the main thoroughfare where the cops were most likely camped out trying to catch drunk drivers.
He parked as close as he could and you leaned over JJ in the passenger seat to grab the makeup bag from the glove compartment.
“It’s been in the car this whole time?” JJ whined. “Dude, we could’ve figured that out.”
“Whatever, dude, it’s not like it matters now. C’mon,” he shoves JJ towards the side of the car and gets out to lead the way to the hill. You clambered up the giant rock at the top and sat cross-legged, laying out the supplies in front of you. Grinder, rolling papers, lighter, and, finally, a double-Ziplocked bag of bud, which you held up in front of you.
“This,” you said, pausing for dramatic effect, “Is weed.”
“Yeah, we know, we’re not five years old,” John B said with just a hint of annoyance in his voice.
“Jury’s still out about JJ on that one.” You turned your head to look at the boy in question, who was struggling to re-tie his shoelaces. He looked up at you with a stupid grin on his face and gave up on his shoes to watch you roll a joint. With practiced ease, you ground the weed until it was as fine as you could get it, and then you laid it in the middle of a rolling paper.
“How long have you been doing this?” JJ asked, mesmerized by how fast your fingers worked as you rolled. He crossed his legs and rested his head in his hands, staring at you with his lips parted in awe.
“I dunno, a while, I guess.” You feigned nonchalance with a shrug.
“And you didn’t share?” John B scoffed, offended. “I thought we shared everything.”
“Not everything.” You wiggled your eyebrows at him as you licked the edge of the paper and pressed down so the joint wouldn’t fall apart. “Remember Colin Matthews?”
“Okay, gross, not what I meant!” Your brother shoved your shoulder in disgust.
“Hey, be careful! I’ve got precious cargo here!” You held up the finished joint with a satisfied smirk. JJ went cross-eyed staring at it and John B grabbed at it, but you pulled your hand back and stuck it between your lips. “It’s my weed, I go first.” John B grumbled something under his breath that sounded a little like ‘fucking sisters’ but you ignored him and flicked the lighter once, twice, three times before it caught flame. Your first inhale was deep and smooth, and you held it in your lungs for as long as possible before you blew it out in a slow, steady stream. Both JJ and John B reached for it next, and you swatted JJ’s hand away, handing it to your brother instead.
“Don’t take too big of a hit at first,” you warned, “and try to hold it in for a few seconds, otherwise it’s not gonna hit as hard.” He nodded and proceeded to do the exact opposite of what you told him to; he took a deep breath to mimic yours and ended up spluttering all of the smoke out before it could even reach his lungs.
“Bro! Don’t waste it,” JJ scolded him, plucking the joint from between his fingers.
“Like you’re gonna do any better,” John B rasped, still struggling to breathe after that rough first try. You leaned over and thumped him on the back a few times to help him get it all out.
Not one to back down from a challenge, JJ lifted the joint to his lips and inhaled. He had enough common sense to take it slow and stop as soon as he felt his throat start to burn. A couple of coughs still managed to escape, but overall, he had fared way better than John B (and you the first time you smoked, but you weren’t about to tell him that; he’d never let you live it down).
“You’re a natural!” You exclaimed, clapping your hands together in front of your chest. JJ beamed at you as if you had just told him he won the lottery.
John B’s second try went better than his first, and soon all three of you were passing the joint back and forth with ease. It was funny to watch the boys as they started to feel it; they insisted they didn’t feel anything but you knew they were just trying to act tough and keep up with you. Their eyes were glassy and they kept giggling at everything.
When John B toppled over onto his side, you cut them off.
“Y/N, noooo, give it back,” he moaned, making half-hearted grabby hands at the almost-finished joint you had just pulled out from between his lips.
“I think you’re good, Johnny boy,” you took a quick hit and then gestured to him with the joint between your fingers.
“Okay, but I get it again, right? Since John B started before me, I get one more, to make it fair,” JJ tried to argue, reaching across the circle to try and take it from you.
“Yeah, but his first one didn’t count.” He pouted and made puppy-dog eyes at you to try and convince you to let him have more, but you just shook your head and laughed. You leaned back on one elbow and finished off the joint with two more deep inhales, then pressed it into the rock to put it out. John B had rolled over so he was lying flat on his back and he pointed at something above you.
“Look, guys! Do you think that’s a UFO?” He asked, and you followed his hand and noticed a blinking red light slowly making its way across the sky. JJ’s eyes widened and he looked back and forth from you to John B.
“It’s probably just a plane, dude,” you said through your giggles. You let yourself fall backward and laid perpendicular to your brother so you could use his stomach as a pillow.
“Hey! I want to lay down, too,” JJ whined. He crossed his arms and pouted at the two of you with a furrowed brow, which sent you and John B into a laughing fit. Your head bounced up and down in time with his laughter, which only made you laugh harder.
“Nothing’s stopping you, buddy,” you finally managed to wheeze out. JJ’s face did a 180, flipping his frown into a smile, and he settled into the pile, lying parallel to John B with his head on your stomach.
“This is nice.” JJ let out a small sigh and his eyes fluttered shut as he burrowed his head into the fabric of your t-shirt.
“Yeah,” John B agreed. He tilted his head down so he could look at you, and took a fistful of your hair in each of his hands. “I love you, Y/N.” He flopped the pieces of hair back and forth over your face and smiled down at you with the biggest, stupidest grin on his face. “You’re the best sister ever.” Your heart swelled with so much love for your little brother that you were sure it was going to kill you.
“Love you, too,” you replied through your own big, stupid grin.
“Hey, what about me?” A half-asleep JJ mumbled against your stomach. You reached down to ruffle his hair, letting your hand linger in his blond locks.
“We love you, too, JJ,” you whispered. You weren’t sure if he heard you, but he nuzzled his head against your hand and hummed in satisfaction.
Yeah, loving these boys would probably kill you one day, but it would be worth it.
#outer banks#outer banks imagine#outer banks fanfiction#obx#obx imagine#obx fanfiction#obx imagines#outer banks imagines#jj maybank x you#jj maybank x reader#jj maybank x y/n#jj maybank x routledge!reader#jj maybank#john b routledge#john booker routledge#routledge!reader#fluff#angst#jj maybank fluff#friends to lovers#john b x sister!reader#sibling bonding#john b fluff#family
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Crimson Cheeks - A Diary of Embarrassing Events
Prologue
When you wave back at somebody, only to realise they were waving at the person behind you.
When you forget somebody's name 5 seconds after being introduced.
When your stomach decides to perform an impromptu symphony during a flicker of silence.
Life is full of these moments. During which, the same feeling of embarrassment flows through us. A feeling that is quite tangible, if you'd believe it. It's a physical force - Many feelings are. I wouldn't have thought it myself either, but I've been dealing with a peculiar set of circumstances that has led me down a new path.
For the past year, since around my 22nd birthday, I've been having embarrassing moments more often than I can count. On certain days, I have what I've been referring to as "flare-ups" - Days where the universe aligns in such a way that manifests far more embarrassment than usual.
I slowly began to believe these events to be more than a coincidence - They were a curse.
Throughout this journey, you'll learn how this came to be, along with all the times I've had these flare-ups. From peeing myself, to awkward situations, and most commonly of all, being gassy.
My name is Eleanor Grace.
Welcome to Crimson Cheeks - My diary of embarrassing events.
***
Chapter 1 *"Breaking the Silence"*
Working from home has its benefits. On this particular Thursday, that really started to work out as a silver lining - I had been passing gas all morning, and into the afternoon. Mostly silent. I am not a gassy person, but on this day, my body had other plans. Holding the pressure in was painful, so I had to let it out whenever it began to brew. I was grateful that I had dodged any awkward encounter by going into the office.
I always work from home on a Thursday. Our boss doesn't care where you do the work from, so long as you're doing it. Some of us *only* work from home, but I find the physical interaction keeps my sense of urgency up. Some of us *only* go into the office, but I haven't learnt to drive yet; the 45-minute bus commute is something I'd like to minimise when possible. So, Thursday is home-day.
It was 4:56pm; Only 4 minutes left of work, if the meeting didn't make us run a little overtime. We were on the verge of scoring a potentially huge client, so a last-minute meeting had been scheduled for the end of the day. I'm only a Junior User Experience Designer - Even if we managed to get the contract to design this client's website, I wasn't going to be involved. But this was a company-wide meeting... All 17 of us. We're a small team.
For the most part, I wasn't listening to what was being said. I was too nervous for my first book club. Being an amateur writer in my free time is fun, but a surprising contrast to it is my hatred for reading. I just find it so *boring*. Of course, that makes inspiration for my own stories difficult, so I try to get myself into it. Listening to audiobooks, renting books so that I'm on a timed limit to finish it, trying books my best friend recommends - None of it seems to work. I love writing, but hate reading. My latest attempt to correct this was signing up to a local book club, just a 10-minute walk from my house.
Feeling a slight rumble in my stomach whilst the boss was talking over the policies of our potential client, I reached over and muted myself on the call. My camera was still on, so I was very careful as I leaned to one side, and...
*Ppppppptttttt*
A deep, bassy fart erupted out of me, spreading across the chair. Despite leaning to one side, I still felt the bubbles as they pushed past my cheeks. "Ah~," I sighed to myself. I had been holding it in for a good few minutes, but I couldn't keep it up. Feeling relieved, I went to unmute myself.
I'm not exactly sure which I noticed first - Everyone in the call going silent, or the microphone icon already being in the 'unmuted' state.
I felt the heat of embarrassment wash over me, my cheeks turning a scarlet shade. I froze as my heart dropped to my stomach. *Shit,* I thought to myself, *everybody heard that.*
I've never been good with embarrassing events. Even my closest friends have never heard me fart - I'm a reserved woman when it comes to my bodily functions. In that moment, sitting on that call, I wanted to fade away.
I don't know how long I sat like that, as all the virtual eyes lay upon me. Even those without their camera on, I could still feel them watching me.
My boss smiled. "Um," he goes silent for a moment and glances down, "oh, look at the time. Sorry to keep you a few minutes later, everyone."
He wrapped up the meeting fast, but time still felt frozen solid to me. I left the call as fast as I could, and sat their for a moment, replaying the deed in my head. *Maybe they thought it was chair?* I tried to convince myself. *It could have been anybody in the call. Unless my name lit up as it happened. Was it loud enough for my name to light up??* My thoughts spiralled.
The smell of my fart hit me, bringing me back to reality. I closed my laptop and stood up.
***
I left the house just 5 minutes before book club was scheduled to start. I hadn't read the book, nor could I even remember its name, but I figured they'd be understanding - I had only signed up the day prior. I simply didn't have time, but still wanted to hear how people talk about stories. It would be good research.
My main concern at that moment was being late.
Feeling a build-up of gas, I slowly pushed. A silent *fff* came out of me. At the same moment, my phone buzzed in my back pocket. At first, I thought it was just my fart, but a second buzz clued me in. Taking a look at the screen, it was a call from my best friend, Tina. She was also coming along to book club - She goes every week, and suggested I join her.
I gently chuckled to myself for thinking my butt had made the noise, and then answered the call.
"Hey Tina what's up?"
"Hey Eleanor," I could tell from her voice that it wasn't good news, "I can't come to book club today."
"What? I don't want to go alone!" I contemplated turning around and heading home. "Why can't you come?"
"It's embarrassing, but I've read the wrong book. It would be silly for me to come along."
"I haven't read the book either," I reminded her.
"You signed up not even 24 hours ago, they won't care," she reassured me, "please still go! It'll be a great chance to meet people, and discover things for your own stories. You've always wanted to write a book."
"Yeah, I know..." the apprehension in my voice was clear, "I just hope I don't embarrass myself. I already did in work."
"What happened?"
"Well, I tooted in the work meeting."
Tina burst out laughing.
"What?" I spoke defensively, "Don't laugh!"
"Eleanor, how did you manage that?? Even I haven't heard you fart," she pointed out.
"Believe me, I know," I signed, "I'm not even sure when anybody last heard me...fart."
I've never liked saying the word fart, it's gross.
"I'm going with 'today'" Tina teased.
"Ha, very funny." I felt another gas bubble forming.
"You keep having moments like this recently," Tina pointed out, "remember last week when you --"
"Yes," I interrupted her, knowing where this was going.
"When you burped loudly in --"
"YES," I said louder.
"...when you burped loudly in that restaurant and everyone stared at you..." She spoke too fast for me to interrupt her again.
"YES, Tina. Yes, I remember." Needing to pass more gas, I hurried the call along. "Anyway, I need to rush along. I'm already running late."
Tina's laugh calmed down a little, but still shook her voice as she spoke. "Alright alright, speak to you later. You're gonna be fine! Loves and kisses mwah," she always ends her phone calls like that.
I always say it back...unless I'm in public. "Bye Tina, talk soon!"
As I hung up the phone, I looked around to confirm the lack of anybody nearby. The pressure in my butt was a good indicator that this would not release silently. The sun was still shining bright, making it nearly impossible for anybody to blend in with the streets. Spotting nobody, and only seeing an empty car parked a few yards ahead, I slowed down to allow myself to properly tense my core. I leant forward ever so slightly...
*Ppppppppppppppppppptttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt*
The relief felt incredible. The 5-second-long fart made a monstrous noise. As it ended, I could gently hear an echo of it come back around. I began to walk again, passing the parked car. Only then did I notice the face inside. The reflections on the window had obscured it before, but there, next to me, was the disgusted face of a woman. She stared at me from her parked car as I walked along, pretending to have not noticed her.
I probably went red enough for her to know the truth. I could feel my cheeks becoming brighter by the second. *How is this happening?* I thought to myself. Once is bad luck, but twice is a pattern. I tried to push the thought to the back of my mind - Being nervous for book club actually helped slightly.
Very slightly.
***
The book club was held in a small community centre. The hallway was wider than I expected, but I immediately spotted a room with an open door. I walked in and took a seat.
Everybody sat in silence.
"Sorry I'm late," I explained to fill the silence. They all began to stare at me.
The silence continued.
"Should I leave? I'm sorry."
One of them pointed to a sign on the wall. "No talking."
A man next to me laughed slightly - Very quietly. He leaned in and whispered "I think you're in the wrong room. The book club is across the hall."
"Oh my god," I spoke at a normal volume - A volume far too loud for a room with a 'No Talking' sign. "I'm in the wrong room. Sorry everybody, I'm--" I stopped, realising the irony of how loud my apology was. Embarrassed, I gently smiled at the man who had helped me, and left the room.
In hindsight, I should have spotted the other door, with "Book Club" written on a sign stuck to it.
I felt my stomach rumble, but could already tell from the echoes of my steps that it would be a mistake to let anything out. The sound would be amplified for all rooms to hear, including the book club.
I knocked gently on the closed door before entering.
"Ah, Eleanor, I assume? Welcome! We were just getting started." A kind lady with a glowing face gestured an open hand to an empty chair.
I sat down in one of the many mismatched (clearly borrowed from many other rooms) chairs, between an older lady and a man about my age. The seats surrounded a circular table that was just a little too small for the amount of people.
"So, I take it you haven't quite read the book yet?" The same lady, who I assumed to be in charge, asked me.
"Not quite," I confirmed, "but I still wanted to come along to get a feel for what it's like here."
"Not a problem at all, we're happy to have you."
I felt significantly calmer. My stomach, however, did not. It gurgled loudly for a little too long - Long enough that I noticed the man next to me trying to hide a giggle. I could feel the pressure building up, waiting to release.
"My name is Susan," the lady in charge shared, "tell us a little about yourself Eleanor."
*Great,* I thought, *I hadn't come here to be the centre of attention. Not even for a second.*
"Well, my name is Eleanor, as you all know," I chuckled slightly at the not-really-even-a-joke, "I enjoy writing, drawing, and psychology. I got a job in web development as a User Experience Designer, because it combines elements of all three!"
Everyone nodded along with smiles. I felt very welcomed, don't get me wrong, but I was cautious of sharing too much. Namely, the smell potentially brewing in my guts.
"Well it's lovely to meet you. Let's get started, shall we?" The woman turned to a man who hadn't spoken yet, "Aaron, you recommended this as our next book. Tell us a little about why."
As Aaron spoke, I felt more gas making its way down. It pushed against my backdoor, the chair holding it in more than my clenching muscles at this point. I felt a tiny amount gently hiss out - I sat tighter to the chair and clenched harder to stop it.
Whilst others began to share their thoughts on the book, I could only focus on the sour smell that had just hit my nose. *Fuck, it reeks. How did that come out of me?*
I shifted gently in my chair, secretly in an attempt to waft the smell a little. Instead, a larger amount came out of me. Still silent, but smelling just as awful. The older lady next to me briefly had an offended look on her face, before quickly realising she wouldn't want to upset whoever produced that stench, and trying her best to switch back to her happy smile.
The relief already felt incredible. I could feel the pain leaving my body along with the gas. But I was filling the room with a hideous odor and I had no idea how to hide it.
I shifted again. Susan took notice this time. "Are you okay, Eleanor?"
"Yeah," I squirmed a little, trying to think of a way to discreetly relieve my stomach, "I'm just going to head to the bathroom real quick."
I realised quickly that it probably sounded like I needed a shit, but I didn't have time to be embarrassed about that. Instead, I had a far greater thing to be embarrassed about.
As I stood up, the rest came out.
*pppttt*
A small squeak at first, causing me to instinctively clench it shut. But it was too late. My body needed to get rid of this pain *fast*. Beyond my control, my body relaxed slightly.
*PppppppppppppPPPPPPTTTTTTtttttttttttttttttttttttt*
A deep, long, bassy fart forced its way out. I tried to hide it at first with a cough, thinking it would give me enough time to stop it coming out. Instead, the tension of muscles it requires to produce a cough only made it louder and more forceful. The man scooted his chair slightly away from me - As much as he could, at least, on an already cramped table.
My guts emptied what seemed like a lifetime of air. I had never, ever, broken so much wind in one go. The fart went on for what felt forever - It was probably closer to about 10 seconds.
I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel incredible. This was the type of fart that really, really gives lasting relief. I felt like I could fly - Like I had shrunk in size. This big ball of gas was free. But I didn't have time to focus on that.
"Um," I considered blaming the chair, but I knew I wouldn't ever get away with that.
"Are you feeling okay, dear?" Susan spoke with a gentle voice.
*Dear?* I thought, *You're calling me dear, now?*
I'd honestly have preferred everyone to laugh. That is somehow less embarrassing than blasting a trumpet out of your ass so loud that everyone is concerned for you.
"I'm okay," I spoke too fast for anyone to really understand me as I rushed to the door, with no real intention of coming back. I heard a few people coughing, probably at the stink bomb I had just released. I didn't care to look back. I felt sticky with sweat, as the embarrassment manifested as a tight feeling in my chest.
Making my way out of the room and closing the door behind me, I bumped into a familiar-looking man, causing him to drop his notebook.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," I bent over to pick the notebook up.
*rrt*
A very short, squeaky fart left my backside.
The man laughed, "The floorboards here are so squeaky!"
He stepped back, causing another squeak on a floorboard.
*Oh thank god, that sounded exactly like my fart. He has no idea.*
I stood up and handed his notebook back to him. As I did, I recognised him as the same man who had whispered to me in the quiet room.
"Oh, hello!"
"Hello again, loud mouth." He smiled at me. He had a cute smile. I tried to subtly wipe the sweat from my face.
"Sorry about earlier in the..."
"Meditation club," he finished my thought - I clearly didn't know what I had walked into. "And by earlier, do you mean 10 minutes ago?"
"Yeah, that sounds right," I smiled, "Are you done meditating, then?"
"I actually got kicked out for being too loud. I guess I'm the loud mouth!"
We both laughed, before simultaneously realising the door to that room was still open.
Speaking quieter now, the man continued, "I'm Alex, by the way. Alex Fox."
He stuck his hand out to shake mine.
"I'm Eleanor Grace," I shook his hand back, "Do people often tell you you're sly?"
*Shit, what a dumb joke. Why did I say that?*
He chuckled. "Yes, yes. I've heard that one before."
A slight awkward silence washed over me as I felt more pressure in my stomach. Already.
"Well, it was lovely to meet you, Alex."
"Lovely to meet you, too, Eleanor. Take care."
I left the community centre, allowing the fart to come out as soon as the main door had closed.
*pppppppprrrrrrttttt*
It felt good to finally release one in private.
***
As I got home, before unlocking my door, I thought I saw a tall figure. At the end of the street, watching me.
I blinked, and it was gone.
*My imagination is running wild after this eventful day,* I thought.
If only my thoughts were right.
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Idaho already has some of the most extreme abortion restrictions on the books, with nearly all abortions banned in the state and an affirmative defense law that essentially asserts any doctor who provides an abortion is guilty until proven innocent. And now Idaho Republicans have set their sights on hindering certain residents from traveling out of state to get an abortion.
House Bill 242, which passed through the state House and is likely to move quickly through the Senate, seeks to limit minors’ ability to travel for abortion care without parental consent. The legislation would create a whole new crime — dubbed “abortion trafficking” — which is defined in the bill as an “adult who, with the intent to conceal an abortion from the parents or guardian of a pregnant, unemancipated minor, either procures an abortion … or obtains an abortion-inducing drug” for the minor. “Recruiting, harboring, or transporting the pregnant minor within this state commits the crime of abortion trafficking,” the legislation adds.
Abortion trafficking would be a felony, and those found guilty would face two to five years in prison. The legislation also includes a statute allowing the Idaho attorney general to supersede any local prosecutor’s decision, preemptively thwarting any prosecutor who vows not to enforce such an extreme law.
Since the bill would criminalize anyone transporting a pregnant minor within the state to get an abortion or to obtain medication abortion, it could apply to an aunt who drives a pregnant minor to the post office to pick up a package that includes abortion pills. Or it could target an older sibling who drives a pregnant minor to a friend’s house to self-manage an abortion at home. Either violation would carry a minimum sentence of two years in prison.
The legislation doesn’t actually say anything about crossing state lines, but Republican lawmakers are creative. Most pregnant people in Idaho are not traveling to obtain an abortion elsewhere in the state, since nearly all abortions are illegal in Idaho; they’re traveling to the border with the intent of crossing state lines, likely into Washington, Oregon or Montana, to get an abortion there.
“Technically, they’re not criminalizing people driving in Washington state with a minor. The crime is the time that someone is driving the minor in Idaho,” said David Cohen, a law professor at Philadelphia’s Drexel University whose work focuses on constitutional law and abortion policy.
“They’re going to say what they’re doing is just criminalizing actions that take place completely within Idaho, but in practice what they’re criminalizing is the person helping the minor,” Cohen, who also litigates abortion-related cases with the Women’s Law Project nonprofit, told HuffPost.
State Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R), one of the sponsors of the abortion trafficking bill, said plainly that the intent of the legislation is to limit minors’ ability to travel out of state without parental consent.
“It’s already illegal to get an abortion here in the state of Idaho,” she told HuffPost. “So, it would be taking that child across the border, and if that happens without the permission of the parent, that’s where we’ll be able to hold accountable those that would subvert a parent’s right.”
In the past, a bill like this would have been brushed aside as political fodder, never to become law. But Idaho has seen a Christian white nationalist insurgency in recent years, helping to create a Legislature that’s quickly gone down the far-right rabbit hole — including by introducing legislation that would bring back firing squad executions, or make it a crime punishable by life in prison for a parent to get gender-affirming care for their transgender child.
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, the country has yet to find the floor on how extreme abortion restrictions can get — and Republicans in Idaho are actively testing the waters.
“The far right has an incremental plan. It’s death by a thousand cuts on many things, but they’re especially unrelenting on abortion,” Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D) told HuffPost. “My colleagues are just rabid about denying all access to abortion care. It’s really harmful to women, and it’s harmful to our state.”
The abortion trafficking bill is rapidly advancing through the Legislature. It passed along party lines in the state House (57-12-1) earlier this month with less than 10 minutes of floor discussion. The final roadblock for the bill was the Senate State Affairs Committee, which on Monday agreed to hold a full Senate vote. A handful of amendments, which don’t substantively change the bill, were added on Monday, meaning the bill will head back to the House for a full vote after the Senate vote takes place. It’s extremely likely to pass in the Senate, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 4 to 1, and in the House which has already passed the bill once. Gov. Brad Little (R), a devout anti-abortion advocate and the first governor to enact a copycat of Texas’ infamous bounty hunter abortion restriction, is likely to sign the bill into law.
Wintrow is prepared to fight the legislation in the Senate, but she’s only one of 18 Democrats in a Legislature of 105 members. She’s not optimistic, despite being acutely aware of just how devastating a bill like this could be for minors, physicians and the greater health care system in Idaho.
“It feels terribly inevitable that this bill will pass,” said Wintrow, who has been teaching gender studies at Boise State University for over 20 years. “That’s what we’re facing. That’s my fear. That’s the pit in my stomach.”
Ehardt stressed to HuffPost that the bill is about parental rights.
“What we want to make sure of is that parents are the ones who are in charge of their children. Parents are the ones who need to be involved in helping to make these decisions,” she said.
“A parent absolutely still has the right to take their child across the border and get an abortion,” Ehardt added. “The parent still has the right to cede that power and authority to someone else, such as a grandparent or an aunt, to take that child, should they be pregnant, across the border and get an abortion.”
The language in the Idaho legislation is ripped nearly word for word from a model law published by the National Right to Life Committee, a leading anti-abortion group, just weeks before Roe fell. Idaho Right to Life, a state-level organization of National Right to Life, crafted the bill that Ehardt is leading through the Legislature.
What was once viewed as an extremist’s dream agenda is now very real.
“This is the first of what will probably be many states that pass provisions like this because it does seem to be something that the movement wants, at least for minors. Whether they expand it to adults, too, we will see,” Cohen said. “But at least for minors, this seems to be part of the blueprint. And Idaho is now the first state that’s putting it into reality.”
Most teenagers and adolescents voluntarily include at least one parent in abortion decisions. But for the minority of those who don’t, it’s often for good reason. Studies show that requiring parental involvement can increase the risk of harm or abuse, delay care and lead minors to seek out dangerous alternatives. The risk of abuse is especially acute for LGBTQ kids.
And parental consent laws are common. Currently, 36 states require some kind of parental involvement for a minor to receive abortion care. Almost all of those states have a judicial bypass process that allows a minor to obtain approval from a court without alerting their parents, although this procedure is time-consuming and confusing, and it puts up many logistical barriers for young people who have few resources.
Idaho state Rep. Lauren Necochea (D) brought up this issue during the brief discussion on the House floor this month before the bill passed.
“There are cases where a minor might not feel safe telling their parents they need abortion care,” she said. “It could be an abusive family situation. It could be any number of circumstances that make it feel unsafe for a 17-year-old to go to her parents, but maybe she has a big sister who can help her out,” Necochea added, noting that the bill would prohibit a minor from talking to a sibling or other trusted relative about plans to obtain an abortion.
Several national health groups agree that a minor should not be required to involve their parents in decisions to obtain an abortion, including the American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
But targeting minors is why such legislation works. They have fewer rights than adults in some situations, allowing lawmakers to litigate away critical health care for adolescents. (Just look at what Florida, Tennessee and a dozen or so other states are doing to gender-affirming care for trans youth.)
“It’s a very creative way of getting around the legality of this,” Rebecca Wang, legal support counsel at the reproductive justice nonprofit If/When/How, told HuffPost about the Idaho bill. “The phrasing of this law is very strategically trying not to impede on the right to travel but focusing more on the state’s right to interfere with young people’s medical decisions. I certainly see this as part of the trend of chipping away at the right to travel.”
For her part, Ehardt said she took on this bill because of her passion for parental rights. She is not looking to limit any adult’s ability to travel across state borders to get abortion care for themselves.
“I can’t speak for what any organization or someone else may try to do, but as far as I’m concerned this is a way to handle parental rights,” she said. “I am not interested in carrying legislation to try to restrict someone’s ability, if they are pregnant and they are an adult, to go somewhere else [out of state].”
Similar to other abortion restrictions, the legality of the bill is suspect. And since people travel around Idaho and across state lines every day, it’s unclear how it would be enforced. Between the legal jargon and constant confusion around abortion limitations, the legislation is likely to simply have a chilling effect.
“This is another one of those laws that seeks to create an atmosphere of not being able to trust the people around you. They [Republican lawmakers] are relying on a network of people around a person seeking care to potentially report them to authorities,” Wang said.
“The very real effect we will see is adults who are supportive of a young person’s right to get an abortion are going to be quite hesitant to offer that assistance, and be concerned that they might be prosecuted and go to jail as a result of this,” she added. “That’s concerning because young people, more than anybody, need additional community support to access services.”
Restricting anyone’s ability to travel looks and sounds unconstitutional. But in the U.S. — a country where the Supreme Court repealed nearly 50 years of precedent, lawmakers are vowing to surveil and prosecute pregnant people, and a lawsuit with no scientific basis is threatening access to medication widely used for abortion and miscarriage care — what’s constitutional or unconstitutional is up for debate.
“There is nothing clear about current Supreme Court case law that mandates the result that I think is right, which is that this is unconstitutional,” Cohen said. “And because it’s not clear from the case law, I think motivated judges are going to have the ability to decide one way or the other based on how they feel about abortion.”
In his concurring opinion for Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh did state that the right to interstate travel is still constitutionally protected. But since the abortion trafficking bill is crafted in a way that only pertains to travel inside Idaho, lawmakers may have found a loophole.
Rebecca Gibron, the CEO of a Seattle-based Planned Parenthood affiliate, told HuffPost that her organization will meet the legal battle wherever it is.
“This wouldn’t be the first time that the Idaho Legislature and the governor put bills into law that are unconstitutional. We have challenged them and won,” said Gibron, who heads Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky.
“There’s no way this bill is constitutional, and if it’s passed there will absolutely be a legal battle. Idaho can bet on that.”
#us politics#news#huffington post#2023#republicans#conservatives#gop#gop policy#gop platform#idaho#idaho legislature#House Bill 242#abortion is a human right#abortion is a right#abortions#abortion trafficking#abortion bans#David Cohen#Barbara Ehardt#Melissa Wintrow#Gov. Brad Little#National Right to Life Committee#parental consent laws#Lauren Necochea#Rebecca Gibron#Rebecca Wang
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'Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer explored the many figures that orbited J. Robert Oppenheimer during the making of the atom bomb, and included in this array of characters was Russian spy Klaus Fuchs, but what actually happened to the real-life scientist after the events of the film? Oppenheimer is a biopic following the theoretical physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and in particular, his involvement in the Manhattan Project and nuclear weapon policy post World War II. The film includes a spectacular cast of Hollywood stars playing an intricate network of unique, real-life characters.
In Oppenheimer, Klaus Fuchs is introduced as one of many scientists joining the Manhattan Project. In particular, he is a theoretical physicist under the jurisdiction of the British after being kicked out of Germany during the war. After his introduction, he doesn't make any more significant appearances until it is revealed that he was the spy leaking information about Los Alamos to the Russians, leading them to work on their own nuclear weapons. Although Fuchs doesn't make a huge physical impression in Oppenheimer, his work as a Russian spy is imperative to the story and was a major, real-life oversight for the Americans during the Manhattan Project.
How Long Klaus Fuchs Spied On Oppenheimer For
Klaus Fuchs spied on Oppenheimer and the Manhattan project for a total of two years. In the first year, Fuchs arrived at Columbia University alongside German-British physicist Rudolf Peierls to help work on the atom bomb. Then, in August 1944, Fuchs was transferred to Los Alamos Laboratory, where Oppenheimer worked. As seen in the film, Fuchs worked under Hans Bethe and focused on the problem of implosion. While Fuchs helped with pivotal moments in the creation of the atom bomb, his most important mission at Los Alamos was to pass information about the Manhattan Project to the Soviet Union.
While Fuchs spent two years with Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project, his spying was not limited to that brief space of time. In fact, Fuchs was a Russian spy before his time in America. In May 1941, Rudolf Peierls first approached Fuchs about joining the Tubes Alloy programme, otherwise known as the British atom bomb project. During his time there, he contacted Jürgen Kuczynski, a communist and Soviet spy, who led him into becoming a spy himself. For a time, he worked under the experienced Russian intelligence agent, Ursula Kuczynsk.
Klaus Fuchs Was Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Spying On Oppenheimer (But Served 9)
In 1950, Klaus Fuchs was convicted on four counts of breaking the Official Secrets Act after passing information to a potential enemy, the Soviet Union. Although Fuchs pled guilty, he tried to earn leniency due to his state of mind at the time and his hope that spying for Russia would help defeat the Nazis. Ultimately, Fuchs' trial lasted for under 90 minutes, and he was sentenced to 14 years in prison. In the end, Fuchs only served nine of those years due to a British law stating good behavior cut 1/3 off a prisoner's sentence. In 1959, after his release, he returned to the German Democratic Republic.
Klaus Fuchs Continued His Scientific Career After Being Released From Prison
Despite his career as a Soviet Union spy and his consequent stint in prison, Klaus Fuchs moved on with his life, ultimately returning to science. In fact, he made quite the name for himself for his work in research. In 1967, he became of the SED central committee, and from 1974 to 1978, he acted as the head of research in physics, nuclear and materials science at the Academy of Science. Additionally, he became the deputy director of the Institute for Nuclear Research in Rossendorf. Fuchs also received the Patriotic Order of Merit, the Order of Karl Marx and the National Prize of East Germany.
While Fuchs' history with the Soviet Union and the communist party may be a significant aspect of his life, his scientific achievements aren't necessarily surprising. This can be seen in the fact that, while he was communication information about the Manhattan Project to the Soviets, he also played a vital role in developing the atom bomb in both America and Britain. More than that, while being interned in Canada in 1940, he published four scientific papers. In this way, Fuches' passion for science overwhelmed much of his other political activities.
How Long After Oppenheimer Did Klaus Fuchs Die?
Klaus Fuchs died in 1988, 43 years after Oppenheimer's atomic bomb and World War II's end. As previously mentioned, he spent the 1950s in prison in the United Kingdom for his role as a Soviet spy, then dedicated the rest of his life to scientific pursuits in research and physics. In 1988, at the age of 76, Fuchs died of unknown causes. Although Fuchs' actions in Oppenheimer were paramount to the global development of nuclear weapons, it's clear that his life continued well past those days of espionage, and he eventually became much more than the character portrayed in the film.'
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History: Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s First Black President, Is Inaugurated
On May 9, 1994, South Africa’s newly elected parliament chose Nelson Mandela to be the country’s first Black president.
In South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is sworn in as the first Black president of South Africa. In his inaugural address, Mandela, who spent 27 years of his life as a political prisoner of the South African government, declared that “the time for the healing of the wounds has come.” Two weeks earlier, more than 22 million South Africans had turned out to cast ballots in the country’s first-ever multiracial parliamentary elections. An overwhelming majority chose Mandela and his African National Congress (ANC) party to lead the country.
Mandela, born in 1918, was the son of the chief of the Xhosa-speaking Tembu people. Instead of succeeding his father as chief, Mandela went to university and became a lawyer. In 1944, he joined the African National Congress (ANC), a Black political organization dedicated to winning rights for the Black majority in white-ruled South Africa. In 1948, the racist National Party came to power, and apartheid—South Africa’s institutionalized system of white supremacy and racial segregation—became official government policy. With the loss of Black rights under apartheid, black enrollment in the ANC rapidly grew. Mandela became one of the ANC’s leaders and in 1952 was made deputy national president of the ANC. He organized nonviolent strikes, boycotts, marches and other acts of civil disobedience.
After the massacre of peaceful Black demonstrators at Sharpeville in 1960, Nelson helped organize a paramilitary branch of the ANC to engage in acts of sabotage against the white minority government. He was tried for and acquitted of treason in 1961 but in 1962 was arrested again for illegally leaving the country. Convicted and sentenced to five years at Robben Island Prison, he was put on trial again in 1963 with seven others on charges of sabotage, treason, and conspiracy. In the celebrated Rivonia Trial, named after the suburb of Johannesburg where ANC weapons were found, Mandela eloquently defended his actions. On June 12, 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Mandela spent the first 18 of his 27 years in jail at the brutal Robben Island Prison. He was confined to a small cell without a bed or plumbing and was forced to do hard labor in a quarry. He could write and receive a letter once every six months, and once a year he was allowed to meet with a visitor for 30 minutes. However, Mandela’s resolve remained unbroken, and while remaining the symbolic leader of the anti-apartheid movement, he led a movement of civil disobedience at the prison that coerced South African officials into drastically improving conditions on Robben Island. In 1982 he was moved to Pollsmoor Prison on the mainland, and in 1988 to a cottage, where he lived under house arrest.
In 1989, F.W. de Klerk became South African president and set about dismantling apartheid. De Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC, suspended executions, and on February 11, 1990, ordered the release of Nelson Mandela. Mandela subsequently led the ANC in its negotiations with the minority government for an end to apartheid and the establishment of a multiracial government. In 1993, Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. On April 26, 1994, the country’s first free elections were won by Mandela and the ANC, and a “national unity” coalition was formed with de Klerk’s National Party and the Zulus’ Inkatha Freedom Party. On May 10, Mandela was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by numerous international dignitaries.
As president, Mandela established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate human rights violations under apartheid and introduced numerous initiatives designed to improve the living standards of South Africa’s Black population. In 1996, he presided over the enactment of a new South African constitution. Mandela retired from politics in June 1999 at the age of 80. He was succeeded as president by Thabo Mbeki of the ANC, but remained a global advocate for peace and social justice until his death in December 2013.
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Unprecedented Surge: New data reveals a 300% increase in global cyberattacks. Critical information on emerging threats and cyber defenses. Stay informed. #CyberSecurity #DataBreach #TechNews
The Power of Numbers: Unveiling the Data-Driven World
The Power of Numbers: Unveiling the Data-Driven World
Greetings, dear reader! Today, we embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of data and numbers, where every piece of information holds immense power and significance. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of hard facts, concrete data, and objective information, unveiling the true potential and real-world applications of this invaluable resource.
Exploring the Foundation of Hard Facts
Before we dive into the practical applications of data-driven insights, let's first establish a solid understanding of what hard facts truly encompass. In its essence, hard facts refer to the precise, measurable, and quantifiable information derived from reliable sources. These facts form the bedrock of decision-making, research, and progress across a multitude of industries.
Whether it be scientific discoveries, business strategies, or public policies, hard facts play a pivotal role in shaping our world. They provide the necessary evidence and credibility needed to drive innovation, influence behaviors, and catalyze growth.
The Fascinating World of Mathematical Precision
Now, let's explore the realm of mathematical precision and its applications in the real world. Mathematics, known as the universal language of science, enables us to quantify and make sense of the surrounding reality. It is the bridge that connects theoretical concepts to practical applications, allowing us to unravel complex problems with clarity and efficiency.
In the field of technology, complex algorithms and calculations leverage the power of mathematics to fuel innovation. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to data analysis and cryptography, mathematical precision lies at the heart of groundbreaking achievements.
Numbers and their Real-World Applications
The applications of numbers are boundless, shaping countless aspects of our daily lives. Let's dive into some key examples:
1. Economic Growth and Financial Stability
The economy, a cornerstone of society, revolves around numbers. GDP, inflation rates, stock market indices, and employment figures guide national and international economic policies. Governments, institutions, and businesses rely heavily on these figures to make informed decisions, allocate resources, and foster prosperity.
2. Healthcare Advancements and Research Breakthroughs
Medical research thrives on the power of data-driven insights. Numbers help identify patterns, detect diseases, and develop life-saving treatments. By analyzing vast quantities of health-related data, researchers and doctors can make informed decisions, improve patient outcomes, and save countless lives.
3. Environmental Conservation and Sustainability
Environmental scientists leverage data to monitor climate change, protect biodiversity, and develop sustainable practices. Through rigorous data analysis, we gain invaluable insights into the impact of human activities on our planet, empowering us to make informed decisions and take proactive measures towards a greener future.
4. Transportation Optimization and Infrastructure Planning
From city planning to traffic management, numbers guide the way. By analyzing transportation data, we can optimize routes, reduce congestion, and improve overall efficiency. Data-driven insights allow for smart infrastructure planning, contributing to smoother flows of people and goods, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity.
RoamNook: Fueling Digital Growth through Data-Driven Insights
Now that we've explored the power of numbers in the real world, it's time to introduce you to RoamNook, an innovative technology company that specializes in IT consultation, custom software development, and digital marketing. RoamNook firmly believes in unleashing the potential of data to fuel digital growth.
Through cutting-edge technologies and a team of expert consultants, RoamNook harnesses the power of hard facts and concrete data to empower businesses and organizations worldwide. By leveraging data-driven insights, RoamNook's clients gain a competitive edge, optimize operations, make informed decisions, and position themselves as industry leaders.
Driving Innovation through IT Consultation
RoamNook's IT consultation services dive deep into your organization's data ecosystem, uncovering untapped opportunities and revealing hidden potential. Their team of experienced consultants meticulously analyze your data, identify key patterns, and provide actionable recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Custom Software Development for Streamlined Efficiency
RoamNook's custom software development solutions are designed to enhance operational efficiency, automate processes, and drive productivity. By leveraging the power of data-driven technologies, RoamNook engineers create tailor-made software solutions that align perfectly with your organization's unique requirements.
Digital Marketing Strategies Rooted in Hard Data
RoamNook's digital marketing experts are masters of data-driven strategies. They utilize concrete data and key metrics to develop targeted marketing campaigns, optimize conversion rates, and maximize return on investment. Through a meticulous understanding of market trends and consumer behaviors, RoamNook ensures that your brand reaches the right audience at the right time.
Unlocking the Future with Data-Driven Insights
As the world continues to evolve and embrace the power of data, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to tap into the wealth of information available. By understanding the transformative potential of hard facts and numbers, we can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and shape a brighter future.
RoamNook stands at the forefront of this data revolution, harnessing the power of numbers to fuel digital growth. Through their comprehensive range of services, RoamNook empowers businesses and organizations to leverage data-driven insights, make informed decisions, and push the boundaries of what is possible.
To learn more about RoamNook and join the data-driven journey towards success, visit https://www.roamnook.com today!
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/graph-database-market-grow-cagr-063000422.html&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiq8Y65y-6EAxVwGFkFHTKECf4QxfQBegQIABAC&usg=AOvVaw23DcuaeEJwU1Mu8bjGHwxR
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Let's Start With Context.
Before we get into actual reviews and opinions, let's start with why this blog exists, who I am, and why I decided to see almost every movies that comes out this year.
Why does this blog exist?
This blog exists to help excise opinions from my mind. I'll be honest, I don't expect anyone read these reviews much less actually care about my opinions. But screaming into the void is a fun past time.
Who am I?
My name is Roan, I work as a server in a local theater chain. It's like a theater where you can order food at your seat. (Yeah yeah, the blog title says usher but let's be real What Your Server Thinks doesn't let you know I work at a theater as well.) The rest of this section is just gonna be me describing myself in order to establish my perspective so if you don't care move on to the next section.
I am white. I am nonbinary, born male. I am pansexual. I was born into and maintain living as a middle class American. And I've never been anywhere outside of America. I live in the Midwest. I am a member of Generation Z according to the first university that popped up on Google. I am a self-described punk. I am politically liberal. (Like intensely so, don't get me started.) I hate Capitalism but also can't live anywhere else in the world. I support the troops but hate the military industrial complex. I am an atheist, but work hard to not make that my entire personality. I like rock and punk music. I have a good relationship with both my parents. I was not popular in school. My dad introduced me to most my hobbies. My favorite types of movies are superhero, monster, and sci-fi movies. My favorite movie is Shazam! from 2018. I am a self-described nerd. I read comics and play tabletop games. I am an amateur game designer. Uhhhh.... I'm scared of dogs...
Why did I decide to see every* movie that comes out in 2024?
Basically because I can. As a benefit for my job, I am allowed to see one movie a week. But my managers do not care if people break the "once a week" rule, so as an anarchist corporate drone I feel it is my duty to exploit this lack of caring. Also my social life outside of work kinda imploded in 2023, so I don't really have anything better to do.
Finally, let's disabuse some notions.
For starters, I am not a professional film critic. I have not studied film beyond watching YouTube videos. I do not know the first thing about making film and don't really have an interest in learning. I mostly look at films from the perspective of the layman, because I am a layman. Additionally, I swear a lot. I make some inappropriate jokes. I make nihilistic jokes. I occasionally make jokes about committing suicide. I do not intend offend and work to avoid such, but I also do not take steps to remove my politics from my reviews, and use my beliefs and opinions to inform them. If this will be a problem for you, do not engage with my reviews. You will not enjoy them and I do not care if you get upset. As a final note, I do not plan to have any consistent upload schedule. I will post my reviews when I write them. As I cannot see movies for free the weekend they open, I will not be able to get any reviews out before the majority of people see the movie, so don't come looking for purchase advice unless you are okay with seeing movies weeks after they come out.
One last note: Spoiler policy!
Like pretty much everything else, I am not going to stress too much about spoilers. I don't like spoiling movies if I feel like the experience is worth while, so I wouldn't spoil a plot twist in a good movie. But other times I need to make a point and I will not hesitate to spoil. Basically if I am going to recommend the movie, I'm less likely to spoil the movie.
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Life Insurance Advisory: Navigating the Future with Assuredesk
Introduction
Life is unpredictable, and while we can't control every aspect of it, we can certainly plan for the unexpected. One crucial aspect of this planning is securing the financial future of our loved ones through life insurance. However, the complexity of insurance policies and the myriad of options available can be overwhelming. This is where the expertise of life insurance advisory services comes into play, guiding individuals through the intricacies of policy selection and financial planning. In this article, we'll explore the world of life insurance advisory, emphasizing the role of Assuredesk in revolutionizing this space.
Understanding Life Insurance
Before delving into the advisory services, let's establish a foundation by understanding the various types of life insurance. Term life, whole life, and universal life insurance each serve unique purposes, catering to different financial goals. Additionally, we'll explore the benefits of having life insurance in the first place.
Need for Life Insurance Advisory
With the plethora of insurance options available, navigating the nuances of each policy can be daunting. Life insurance advisory services prove invaluable in deciphering complex policies, providing personalized solutions, and assisting with broader financial planning.
Introducing Assuredesk
Assuredesk, a prominent player in the life insurance advisory landscape, offers a comprehensive suite of services. From simplifying policy comparisons to utilizing advanced algorithms for personalized recommendations, Assuredesk stands out in the crowded insurance market.
The Role of Technology in Life Insurance Advisory
In the digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in transforming traditional industries, and life insurance is no exception. We'll explore how artificial intelligence and online tools contribute to making life insurance advisory more efficient and accessible.
Choosing the Right Life Insurance Policy
Selecting the right life insurance policy involves a careful assessment of personal needs, financial goals, and health factors. Life insurance advisory services streamline this process, ensuring individuals make well-informed decisions.
Benefits of Seeking Advisory Services
Expert guidance, time savings, and maximizing coverage are among the key benefits of leveraging life insurance advisory services. We'll delve into real-life success stories to highlight the positive impact these services can have.
Real-Life Success Stories
Client testimonials and examples of policy optimization will illustrate how life insurance advisory services have made a tangible difference in people's lives.
Common Misconceptions about Life Insurance
Addressing myths and concerns is essential in dispelling misconceptions surrounding life insurance. We'll debunk common myths and provide clarity on frequently raised concerns.
The Future of Life Insurance Advisory
As technology continues to advance, the future of life insurance advisory services looks promising. We'll explore evolving trends, technological advancements, and the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in shaping the future landscape.
Conclusion
In conclusion, life insurance advisory services are a beacon of support in the complex realm of insurance. As we reflect on the importance of securing our financial futures, Assuredesk stands out as a trailblazer in making this process more manageable and efficient.
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UWG Biology Alumna Serves as Naturalist at Nature Center
Sources:
by Julie Lineback
June 22, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
You never know when inspiration will strike and change your life. For University of West Georgia biology alumna Joanne Wasdin ’19, it came in the form of a disabled gopher tortoise named Thomas.
Thomas couldn’t be released back into the wild, so he became an education animal. Wasdin aided in his recovery by taking him on walks. Today, thanks to Wasdin, Thomas is living his best life at the Tidelands Nature Center on Jekyll Island.
“That’s what got me back in school to study biology – realizing there’s a world of animals out there that are fascinating and need people to advocate for them,” she shared. “I fell in love with the weird creatures. I want other people to know how wonderful the weird ones are so there will be kids who want to help them.”
An Arizona native, Wasdin had recently moved to Georgia when she met Norma Lewis, current BCNC director and naturalist, through volunteering opportunities. With encouragement from Lewis and that special turtle, Wasdin became a post-traditional student at UWG.
“I was never really great at science and math growing up, but I wanted to work with animals so I went for it,” she said. “As an adult learner, one of the things I love most about UWG was its friendliness to people in different phases of their lives. Plus, many professors in the biology program specialize in wildlife and ecology. That was very exciting to me – it was affordable, nearby, and the professors were in similar fields I yearned to be in.”
With no background knowledge, Wasdin looked for any opportunity regarding biology. Her first research assignment at UWG was with Dr. David Morgan, a plant biologist, which resulted in her first scientific publication. From there, she earned a position in Dr. Andrew Edelman’s lab, where she participated in a project that analyzed wildlife images taken by hundreds of camera traps set up during a six-month span in Alabama. This allowed Wasdin to travel to conferences with Edelman, where she met future colleagues and leaders.
“I got to meet everyone I needed to know,” she exclaimed. “After that, I just said yes to any opportunity that presented itself. Every experience was super invaluable.”
Egyptian fruit bats
California kingsnake
Following graduation, Wasdin taught science full-time, her main occupation when BCNC opened in Spring 2020. Located at a site that housed another nature center until it closed in 2017, Wasdin was one of BCNC’s founding members.
As assistant naturalist, Wasdin is in charge of education and outreach. Some of her community visits include UWG’s Wildlife Club, where she introduces students to her line of work – including accompanying animals – and maintains connections with experts in the field.
“That’s one of my favorite aspects of my job,” Wasdin informed. “With community development, I work with people, both young and old. I’ve allowed them to touch snakes and experience wildlife up close. I love getting other people excited about nature.”
Wasdin said BCNC is moving forward fast. In the last year, the number of visitors has skyrocketed from zero to 2,000, and the center has hosted more than 50 programs and three festivals. BCNC is expanding, thanks to a grant from Fulton County that allows them to increase the quality of life for some animals and hire more employees.
For those who are interested in working with wildlife, Wasdin said there are many pathways.
“You never know where you’ll go, especially in the field of wildlife,” she concluded. “You could be curating in a museum or have an educational role, like me. You could do environmental policy or law. Some companies even want a STEM or science advocate because they want to be environmentally conscious. We need people who can translate what is actually making an impact. You don’t have to be a professor or skilled scientist to be part of the narrative.”
photography by Julia MothersolePrevious
Sources:Call of the wild: UWG Biology alumna serves as naturalist at Nature Center. Call of the Wild: UWG Biology Alumna Serves as Naturalist at Nature Center | UWG. (2023a, July 19). https://www.westga.edu/news/alumni-and-friends/biology-alumna-naturalist.php
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Student Visa Agents in Sydney: Your Pathway to Studying Down Under
Are you dreaming of studying in the vibrant city of Sydney, Australia? Navigating the complex world of student visas can be overwhelming, but fear not. In this comprehensive guide, we'll introduce you to the best Student visa agents in Sydney who can make your dream a reality. From the application process to visa approvals, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!
Introduction
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, and Sydney, with its world-class universities and multicultural atmosphere, is a top choice for international students. However, securing a student visa can be a daunting task. That's where Student visa agents in Sydney come into play. These experts specialize in guiding students through the visa application process, ensuring a smooth transition to life Down Under.
Navigating the Visa Maze
Student Visa Agents in Sydney: Your Ultimate Guide
When it comes to something as crucial as your education, it's essential to have the right experts by your side. Student visa agents in Sydney are well-versed in the Australian visa system, and they can help you navigate the complexities with ease. From choosing the right visa category to preparing a foolproof application, their assistance is invaluable.
Why Choose Sydney for Your Studies?
Before delving into the visa application process, let's explore why Sydney is a hotspot for international students. With world-renowned institutions, a diverse student community, and a high quality of life, Sydney offers a unique educational experience that attracts students from all over the globe.
The Application Journey
Embarking on your journey begins with the application process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how Student visa agents in Sydney can assist you:
1. Assessing Your Eligibility
The first and foremost task is determining your eligibility for a student visa. Agents will evaluate your academic background, financial capacity, and other relevant factors to ensure you meet the criteria.
2. Choosing the Right Course
Sydney boasts a wide range of courses and programs. Your agent will help you select the one that aligns with your career goals and interests, ensuring a fulfilling academic experience.
3. Gathering Documentation
A crucial aspect of the application is gathering the required documents. This may include proof of enrollment, financial statements, health insurance, and a valid passport. Student visa agents in Sydney will guide you through this process, ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork.
4. Completing the Visa Application
Filling out the visa application form accurately is vital to your success. Your agent will assist you in completing this paperwork, minimizing the chances of errors or omissions.
5. Financial Planning
Studying in Sydney can be financially demanding. Student visa agents can help you create a financial plan to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs, ensuring a stress-free stay.
Student Visa Agents in Sydney: Your Trusted Partners
When you choose to work with Student visa agents in Sydney, you're not just getting assistance with paperwork. You're gaining a reliable partner who will:
- Offer personalized guidance throughout the visa process.
- Keep you updated on the status of your application.
- Provide insights into Australian culture and student life.
- Connect you with other international students for a supportive network.
Student Visa Agents in Sydney: Insights and Expertise
Why Expertise Matters
Securing a student visa involves navigating a web of regulations and policies. Student visa agents in Sydney possess the expertise and in-depth knowledge needed to ensure your application meets all requirements. They stay up-to-date with the latest changes in immigration laws, making them invaluable allies in your journey.
Real-Life Success Stories
Still not convinced? Let's hear from students who have successfully obtained their visas with the help of Student visa agents in Sydney. These real-life success stories illustrate the tangible benefits of seeking expert guidance.
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Migrant spouses find acceptance hard to come by in South Korea
▲ Pictured: Lim Pyo Ra (centre) is popular among her Korean friends from elementary school but sometimes gets teased because she is of mixed race. Her Filipino mother married her father one day after they met. Photo: Claudia Chong
SEOUL — Ms Cecilia Flores works as a barista in a cafe in Mapo district, where she talks to her customers in fluent Korean. She can cook Korean food and is well-versed in Korean customs.
But her son was only six years old when he asked his mother: “Why are you Filipino? Why can’t you be Korean?”
Ms Flores, 30, moved to Seoul in 2008 after marrying a Korean introduced to her by her cousin, who also married a Korean.
Said Ms Flores of her son: “We would be happily holding hands on the street, but the moment we bumped into his friends, he would snatch his hand away and put some distance between us.”
At home, Ms Flores relishes the moments when her son lets her lay her head on his lap, or comes running with a glass of water and pillow when she is tired.
“But outside, he sometimes treats me like a stranger because his friends tease him for having a foreigner as a mother,” she said.
Her nine-year-old son is not the only one who makes her feel like an outsider.
When she first attended a parent-teacher meeting at her son’s school, she noticed how the teachers greeted every parent but her.
The Korean mothers too avoided her.
“It hurts. But I am Filipino and you can’t change that,” said Ms Flores, who also has a five-year-old daughter.
She is one of 273,198 foreign-born spouses, including naturalised ones, living in South Korea as of August 30 this year.
The figure has more than doubled from 124,971 a decade ago.
A majority of the 154,267 spouses who have yet to attain citizenship hail from China (37.2 per cent), followed by Vietnam (27.2 per cent), Japan (8.6 per cent), the Philippines (7.6 per cent), Cambodia (2.9 per cent), Thailand (2.3 per cent), Mongolia (1.5 per cent) and other countries (12.7 per cent).
About a third of those who come from China are ethnic Koreans who had migrated to northern China, close to the North Korean border, during World War II.
International marriages surged in the 1990s, when the migration of ethnic Korean women from rural to urban areas forced men in the countryside to take foreign brides.
Once a countryside phenomenon, the practice has shifted to cities as well, due to the societal pressure on Korean men to get married.
Seoul has the second highest number of migrant wives by province, beaten only by Gyeonggi, the most populous province.
In 2006, following the annual increase in the number of migrant wives, the government coined the term ‘multicultural family’ to describe the families that result from international marriages. It then introduced a slew of initiatives to help integrate foreign women into society, recognising their potential to boost the country’s ailing birth rate.
Multicultural family support centres were set up in major districts, offering Korean language classes, employment support and even activities like how to don a hanbok — the Korean traditional costume.
There are now over 200 such centres across South Korea.
Such policies have been effective in helping migrant wives have an easier life, said Mrs Nguy Thi Thuy Huong, vice-chairwoman of the Association of Vietnamese Women in Korea.
“Financial support is provided by the government for struggling families. Korean language centres help migrant wives overcome their language barrier — one of the major difficulties women from different countries face after coming to Korea,” she said.
SETTLED BUT NOT FULLY ACCEPTED
But some experts say that the government���s approach has been fixated on helping migrant wives, with less focus on getting Koreans to accept them.
“Their efforts are focused on settlement assistance for new members,” said Professor Park Kyung Tae of Sungkonghoe University, adding that these efforts are aimed more at helping the newly arrived brides adapt to Korea rather than to help Koreans understand people of other cultures and how to live with them.
Said housewife Lee Shim Bi, 37, a Filipina married to a Korean and a mother of one: “Although Koreans are quite kind, some think that if you live here, you have to follow the rules here.”
Mrs Lee, who has lived in Korea for the past 18 years, added: “Yes, they support multiculturalism by teaching us how to fit in. But we only accept; we never share.”
Despite a 2015 study estimating that immigrants would make up 10 per cent of Korea’s population by 2030, multiculturalism remains a new concept to many South Koreans, who grew up proud of their society’s ethnic homogeneity.
For private school teacher Choi Il Ok, 59, finding out she had to teach some mixed race elementary school children at a family support centre gave her the jitters.
“I was afraid because I had never met multicultural children. I didn’t know what to expect and I thought they would be difficult to manage,” said Mrs Choi.
“But I eventually learnt that they are not so different from ordinary Korean children. I’m proud to be able to teach them now.”
Ever since the government turned its attention to the families of migrant women, awareness of multiculturalism has grown.
A 2013 survey conducted by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies showed 67.5 per cent of respondents have a positive attitude towards multicultural families.
FROM WORKPLACE TO HOME
But not all Koreans are as positive as Mrs Choi though.
Vietnamese Tran Thi Hong Nga, 27, is indignant at the way Korean women at her previous company treated her and the other foreign wives working there.
Her ex-colleagues would shout at her and exclude her from conversations during group lunches, she said.
“They wouldn’t treat another Korean the same way. We decided we would just pack food from home and eat in the office, because we didn’t want to go out with them,” added Ms Tran, who worked as an office administrative assistant.
She eventually left her job because it got too tiring to take care of her daughter while working.
Such workplace discrimination is not uncommon.
Ms Zarifa Hagitova from Uzbekistan snapped when her ex-employer failed to pay her salary for the second month running, simply because she was a foreigner, she claimed.
The 27-year-old filed a complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labour, threw all her efforts into learning Korean at a multicultural centre, and now works at the government-run Danuri Helpline call centre where she counsels marriage migrants who face problems at home.
Ms Hagitova also had to put up with some tension with her in-laws. They forbade her from inviting friends home, “because they are foreigners, and will steal from our house”.
Dr Cho Young Hee of the International Organization of Migration – Migration Research and Training Centre said the surge in the number of multicultural support programmes has led some to accuse the government of providing more for foreigners than its own people.
For instance, 86.4 billion won (S$103.4 million) was set aside in this year’s national budget plan to fund multicultural family support such as language classes, job and entrepreneurship training and community meetings.
Domestic disagreements often stem from not understanding foreign cultures, said Mrs Cecil Park, 47, a counsellor at the Seoul Counseling Center for Migrant Women.
“The family cannot admit that (the wife) has her own culture and upbringing, and that it cannot change in one day or one month,” said Mrs Park. “She has to adapt to the way of living here, but the family of her husband can’t wait. And so the fight begins. They don’t understand that they need to adapt too.”
The counselling centre mostly handles cases of domestic violence against migrant wives.
According to Mrs Park, it receives one to three new cases every day — from minor issues such as domestic arguments, to major issues such as a wife who ran away to a shelter to escape physical abuse.
From 2006 to 2013, the number of divorces between Korean men and foreign wives rose from 3,900 to 7,600.
The number of broken marriages and cases of abuse resulting in the deaths of migrant wives prompted the Ministry of Justice to introduce stricter requirements for a marriage visa.
Since 2014, Korean spouses need to earn at least 14.8 million won a year. Marriage migrants have to prove a level of proficiency in Korean as well.
Divorce rates have fallen since then, but cases of discrimination continue to worry Mrs Park, who has worked at the counselling centre for 14 years.
She reckons that for every 10 marriage migrants, seven face prejudice in their new families.
The situation is compounded by the fact that South Korea has yet to introduce legislation regarding discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity and country of origin.
And it appears that children from multicultural families are not spared the intolerance, either.
In the neighbourhood of Daerim, eight-year-old Lim Pyo Ra began noticing a few years ago that the laughter at the playground would always be directed towards her the moment she spoke to her mother in English.
Her mother, Ms Glaiza Valdez, 32, said it has been a year since Pyo Ra started refusing to reply to her in anything but Korean — even if Ms Valdez insists on speaking to her in English or Tagalog.
The number of multicultural students in South Korea more than tripled to 99,186 in 2016, from 31,788 in 2010, prompting the government to open schools specially for them.
Multicultural family support centres also offer programmes to support the children’s language development, supervise their homework and encourage them to share their culture with neighbours.
AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE?
But observers say that more can be done to urge ethnic Koreans to be accepting of other cultures.
Last June, a government official revealed that the Korean army is expected to become multiracial by 2025.
The Defence Ministry has forecast that the annual number of male enlistees from multicultural families will reach an average of 8,518 between 2015 and 2031.
Up until 2012, men of mixed races were barred from serving in the military. The ministry has said that it plans to study soldiers’ perception of multiculturalism and develop ways to keep discrimination at bay.
Professor Park of Sungkonghoe University said for a nation so new to multiculturalism, South Korea is “not bad”.
“For instance, we don’t get a lot of cases of hate crime,” he said.
Social initiatives such as Cafe O Asia, which employs migrant wives across its 15 cafes in Seoul, have also sprung up in recent years.
It remains to be seen, however, which direction the government will take with its multicultural policies when it unveils the five-year plan for migrants in December this year.
Said Mrs Lee from the Philippines: “I think Koreans like learning, but some of our cultures are not properly introduced to them. Somebody must do more to support that. They must know what our culture is, and our beliefs.”
Claudia Chong, a final-year journalism student at Nanyang Technological University’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, did this report as part of the school’s Going Overseas For Advanced Reporting module. This is part of a series on South Korea that TODAY is running.
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