Lana Scott's Story

As she woke up, Lana noticed two things: one, the room smelled faintly of pot and dirt, making her senses both pleased and offended simultaneously and two, her back ached from a spring that was jabbing her from her worn, tired matress. Even having been staying here for awhile now, under the kind generosity of Finn, she always felt like it was her first morning waking up in the shabby, yet charismatic basement. Lana could hear people around her; someone would leave the room, someone would come in. Someone started playing guitar, most likely Kieran, and then Gabriella was trying to wake someone, most likely Kim. It made her chuckle, Gabriella's eagerness in the morning, like a playful kitten ready to pounce on the first sight of any movement. Rolling onto her back, she stared at the ceiling thoughtfully for a moment. Thinking. Just simple thoughts that cleared and refreshed her mind for whatever the rest of the day may bring. She then sat up, smiling serenly at Gabriella across the room.

Lana pushed back the tapestry that served as her blanket. She found it once through her 'recycling' hobby and the worn cloth depicting the Hindu god Ganesha attracted her and she couldn't bring herself to sell it so she has had it with her ever since and it provides her a light layer perfect for summer nights and handy to have in the winter. Lana stretched to try and get some of the soreness out of her back. She considered investing in a new mattress but had other things on her list of priorities. Besides, she could live with a springy mattress, it wasn’t it’s fault its springs stuck out so horribly. It was the afternoon, she could tell without even a glance outside. She always had a knack for that, knowing what time it was. Figuring it was also sunny today, she left the basement but instead of leaving the building completely, she clambered her way to the roof. Sitting roughly in the middle of the buildings roof she crossed her legs under her and began meditating. It was sort of a routine for her at this point. Every time she woke up, no matter the time of day, she’d meditate somewhere. It brought a peacefulness to her mind and made her feel at one with the world around her. Especially in a city like New York, where everything was always thrumming with energy. The buildings and cars didn’t put her off but she saw them as just a different type of energy than nature, able to connect everyone just as much as it could isolate them.

When she was done she stood up and looked at the world around her, feeling like she was on top of the world despite the buildings that still towered around her. It didn’t matter, on top of that grungy little roof she felt like the strongest person in the world.

Lana made her way back to the basement, her back feeling better and her mind feeling vibrant and ready. She glanced around the room at the people who were still around, wondering what everyone was up to at the moment.

Gabriella was more than pleased when Kimberly showed signs of life. Despite being woken abruptly and without any real reason, Kim didn't complain and complied with Ella's request for her to get up. The patience that Kimberly had for Gabriella was saintly, and although she was too used to it to recognize its significance, Ella did cherish her sister. She was her world, really. There had never been anyone who cared about and for her in the way that Kimberly did, and even if she didn't fully understand how much the older girl had sacrificed to help her, she did appreciate her. Gabriella just showed that appreciation in different ways than others would.

When Kimberly reminded her to be quiet in case anyone else was still asleep, Ella turned her attention to her surroundings. Luckily, it looked like most of the others were awake. Kieran had started playing his guitar on the other side of the room, David was laying on his mattress but didn't seem to be fully asleep, Roman and Alex were gone, and Nala had just come downstairs. Besides Axel, Brooklyn was the only one missing, but she had been gone for weeks and Ella had gotten used to not looking for her anymore. It was certainly sad not having the blonde around. Gabriella was definitely not Brooklyn's favorite person and her negativity was directed at her very frequently, but her presence in the group was still essential. While Alex was viewed as the head of the group, it had been said that Brooklyn was actually the first one to be living here. Ella didn't put much thought into most things, so she never really worried about where Brooklyn was, but she would occasionally ask Kimberly about it. Her sister worked with her, so she normally would just get a reassuring response that Brooklyn was living somewhere else and would move on with a new conversation.

While Kimberly was dressing, Gabriella moved from her mattress to her sister's. She was tempted to approach Kieran and question him about what song he was playing, or tell Nala, for probably the tenth time, about the cute dog she had seen the day before, but Kimberly addressed her first. The library definitely was not one of Ella's favorite places since reading and being quiet were probably two of the things she was worst at. "Can I go on the computers when we go?" she asked after a slight pause.

However, the next comment about being able to get ice cream after the library negated any objections that she had, and she nodded in agreement. "Did you get a lot of money at your job yesterday?" was her next question. Gabriella knew what Kimberly did for a living to an extent. She knew that she got money for dancing, but in her naive mind, she imagined it to be more like a ballet or talent show, rather than her sister half-naked, hanging onto a pole.

"Mm?" Kimerly hummed as she fumbled to button her jeans. "Oh! Yeah, I do not mind. I am actually getting on the computers as well." The mention of the machinery at the library threatened to bring a frown to Kimberly's face as she remembered exactly what she was going to the library to do. At the memory, part of her wanted to just say, never mind. And not go to the library. Find another distraction. But she could not do that any longer. She had already procrastinated for a good two months.

The denial was strong in her mind and heart. It had been one of those ignore it and it will go away situations. Well, that is what she was hoping it would be. The pill was supposed to work! But she would be the one it had to fail. Kimberly had finally admitted to herself that she was pregnant-- for real and actually. Only because, she had begun throwing up practically each morning since last Saturday. She told everyone else that she probably had food poisoning. That was a fat lie. Morning sickness. She had Morning Sickness.

"Yep, I did. The most all month Ella! So I thought, why not spoil my baby sis a teeny bit?" Kimberly answered with a strained grin, attempting to force down the anxiety creeping up her stomach. She barely noticed when Axel returned to the shared basement. Only realizing it when he spoke up to catch their attention. The unease she had been trying to quell previously returned in full force as she slowly turned her head to face him.

Though, it settled as she became aware of the fact that he was instead speaking to Gabriella. Kimberly released an imperceptible sigh of relief and quickly slipped away from the duo. Slipping her sock covered feet into her one pair of Adidas slides, she caught sight of Lana. "Mornin' Lana." She greeted as she made her way over.

"Hey, uh, If you aren't busy, do you want to come to the library with us?"

Ella was glad to hear that Kimberly made a lot of money, but even if she hadn't, Ella wouldn't have really worried. Kimberly always took care of any bad situations they found themselves in, and it was never her job to worry about money. There were weeks when she wouldn't be allowed to get an extra piece of candy at a store they went to, but beyond that, her sister never shared how stressful their financial situation was. It was probably better that way, though. Even if Kimberly did tell her that they were flat broke when they were, Ella wouldn't have a way to help, really. She probably wouldn't even understand how bad things were. Even now, essentially being homeless and living in a dingy basement with an assortment of ragtag kids didn't strike her as horrible. She saw it as more of an adventure. The optimism and innocence worked in her favor though, since it made the experience easier for her.

"Remember that game you put on the computer for me last time? I want to do that one again," Ella said to Kimberly, although her eyes were wandering around the room. David had left and Axel had just come in and if he hadn't approached her, she probably would have went over to him. He was one of the ones that preferred to avoid her, but he was rarely inexcusably mean to her. In fact, his tolerance level seemed to be better with her than it was with some of the others. Still, when he approached and offered her a necklace, it seemed out of character. Ella didn't notice it though, and was more interested in the piece of jewelry he was holding. Her face brightened as she jumped up from the mattress and approached him. The necklace was pretty, especially to someone like Ella, who thought any gift given to her was worth a million dollars.

"Of course I like jewelry, Axel!" she exclaimed, allowing the necklace to drape over her finger as she examined it. "Did you buy it for me?" Of course he didn't. Even if Ella didn't really know that he stole to make a living, it should have been apparent that he wasn't going to spend whatever money he did have to buy her a necklace. Before she could hear his response, she was already moving on to her next thought. "Kimmy, look what Axel bought me," she said, her excitement obvious as she darted back towards her sister. She hadn't properly thanked Axel, but her joy was probaly enough of a sign that the gesture was appreciated. Besides, it seemed like Axel would probably be more grateful for her leaving quickly than sucking him into a lengthy conversation.

Again, she didn't wait very long for Kimberly responded before moving towards the stairs that led out of the basement. In a matter of minutes, she had went from being in a good mood to being in the overly-energetic mode that would probably last for a good few hours. Her thoughts were all over the place and she felt like she needed to keep moving so her body could catch up. "I'm gonna wait outside for you, Kim!" she shouted as she was already halfway up the stairs.

Lana smiled sincerely in Kimberly's direction. "I'd love to come, Kimberly. Thank you so much for asking." Lana was ecstatic that Kimberly had thought to ask her. Ever since being here she felt as though she should really get to know everyone. She knows most of them have the intention of someday escaping homelessness, Lana does as well- however she is content with where and who she is now. If, one day, an opportunity arises- or she feels she would like to manifest a way to find a home, she will. She knows the others are seeking now to manifest a way out and she would like to do whatever she can to help them. Lena is also concerned about the well being of the others, both physically and mentally and she hopes this will be an opportunity for her to get to know Kimberly and Gabriella more, and develop a deeper understanding of their characters.

Lana has been especially intrigued by Kimberly's situation. She holds great respect for Gabriella and how well she has coped with all of this, but also almost even greater so for Kimberly. The fact that she finds a way to be both a mother and a sister simultaneously for Gabriella is astounding and she truly appreciates her patience with Gabriella. In a situation as delicate as theirs Lana wants to be sure that she is there for them if ever they need it. She knows she can't offer much, but she will offer as much as she can even if it is simply her own advice.

"I've been meaning to go to the library too- I want to see if they have The Afterlife of Billy Fingers. It's supposed to be this amazing book about the true story of a woman who communicates with her deceased brother. It's a must read."

Lana felt so bright and so content in this moment. Curious as to what the rest of the day will bring, and joyful that she will be experiencing it with two wonderful people.

"I'll go meet Gabriella upstairs!"