Grayson Smith

status: open location: cup o’ joy (before the smashed window)

The storm rattled on and those who were just wanting to get their caffeine fix were now stuck at the small cafe.  Grayson tried to remain calm, he was just more anxious being around people outside a professional setting.  Hearing a young woman speak, he lifted his shoulders in a shrug.  “Not sure, but good question.”  After all, his latte had been devoured awhile ago and he was feeling another warm drink would be beneficial for nearly everyone inside the place.  Although, he was not sure if the workers were still working or merely stuck  just like all of the customers.  “I say we ask, I could use an espresso and maybe something to eat if the place is still taking orders.”

OPEN | Kara Sykes @ Cup O' Joy

Little did Grayson realize the weather was going to take a turn for the worse.  The man had been told numerous times he needed to get out more and enjoy the town.  It was why he ended up at the local cafe ordering a latte and ending up in the corner with a book.  Time passed exceedingly fast, because by the time he lifted his eyes up he noticed Kara trying to exit and nearly falling back with a light glaze of snow upon her.

@grayson-smith

“Of course my dear sister, order whatever you desire.”  Not that he could have stopped her even if he wanted to.  Grayson was glad though to watch Neylani step outside her comfort zone, it was a nice side to see.  Perhaps one day, he would follow suit but for now he was content with egg white scramble with veggies and ground turkey.

“Agreed,” Aisley nodded, glad he seemed just as intrigued as she’d been when the idea came to her. While she loved history, she knew many students could see it as dry and not meaningful to their lives. However, seeing how it shaped the societal viewpoints, expectations, and dreams as shown in the literature of the time, could often help them understand how society balanced on such interconnected weavings – and history often proved to be prophetic, with authors being the oracles conveying the messages. Look at Jules Verne. “Every generation thinks there is a way to conquer the world, whether through exploration or the controlling of nature itself,” she pointed out. “I’m pretty sure I could find literature to fit any number of historical time periods . . . and considering our lives so often spiral and echo our ancestors, the lessons would easily apply to today.”

Not often did academic minds come together to accomplish such a feat, Grayson felt honored Aisley would include him on this proposal and the two navigate this together.  “Absolutely, literature illustrates the times and common practices.  It is a glimpse of how life was for many back then, while history often just wants to rely on facts when there is so much more to the story.”  Grayson nodded, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” he commented quoting Santayana.  “Would you want to get together soon, perhaps over an academic dinner and flush out the details?  We both can marinade on this for a few days and write up some things and share our ideas over dinner?”

His smile deepened for a brief moment, the hint of a dimple on his cheek as real amusement flashed through him. “Sisters do enjoy wanting to have their way, don’t they?” Willow had insisted on introducing him to people since she’d found him, and he’d let her do it, despite his discomfort with crowds. At the reminder, he nodded in agreement. “Willow is all . . . or almost all . . . I have, so . . .” His words trailed off, and he shrugged. “Maybe once there’s a big event without any drama, I can relax, but I need to see it myself.”

“Absolutely, I think Neylani is used to getting her way being the oldest and being the only girl out of the four of us.”  Grayson gave a simple nod, he understood the need to protect and watch out over your family and others.  “I certainly hope tonight goes well without any drama.  I simply do not have the patience or energy to deal with it.”  He admitted.  “Willow is lucky to have you, you truly seem to care for her.”

he nodded but, said nothing more on the matter, not wishing to dredge up what would surely be unpleasant memories. there'd been people val grew up with who'd followed a similar path, though they'd been more deadbeats with little else to focus on in life. he suspected most of them were dead now.

“An honest living,” Grayson commented.  As long as someone was working, putting food on the table and providing for those they love, Grayson found that honorable.  

One thing that he did that a lot of people seemed to judge a lot, was dipping the french fry in ice cream, but honestly, it was one of the best things that he tried. For those that judge, he will say, don't knock it until you try it. He used to find it weird too, before he gave it a try. He's not saying that he only ate it like that, there are times he only ate the french fries, but without the ice cream, wasn't as good, at least in his opinion. The exception was french fries with cheddar and bacon, those no other fry could ever top, "Don't look at me like that, it's actually really good," he told the person who was looking at him. He wasn't sure if it was for that reason, but he decided to playfully answer anyway.

It took a moment for Grayson to get comfortable, the prosthetic hitting the cushion a certain way causing some discomfort.  After several moments of moving around trying to be discreet he managed to get comfortable.  Just as he was about to reach for the menu, a curiosity came about by witnessing a man dip his fries in ice cream.  Grayson had heard of his practice but never seen it done in person.  Something about the salty and sweetness being a good combination.  “Not judging, just merely fascinated by the combination.”  Grayson commented, wondering if he should be a little adventurous today or go with his usual grilled chicken salad.

There was a strange feeling Anitta was holding back things, but Grayson figured after a few meetings with each other she would feel more at ease divulging certain information.  

~~*~~

Having that understanding drew an actual smile – if a small one – to Warren’s face. Sisters did indeed have a way of concerning their brothers, bringing them to places and plans they would never have pursued otherwise. He glanced at the other man. “I . . . don’t honestly think she’d mind if I skipped and went home, but seeing her in the hospital . . .” His voice trailed off and he shook his head. “I’d rather be the weirdo hanging around then be somewhere else if something happens.”

There was a pleasantness between the two men, the understanding that sisters no matter their age would always have some hold onto their brothers.  “My sister would mind, she sees it as her innate responsibility to make sure I go out and enjoy myself.  Although, I prefer the comforts of my home where I can relax.”  Still, he knew Neylani meant well and that she was just doing what an older sibling would do, try and make sure their younger siblings aren’t missing out.  “I get it, the last time something brought the town together the disaster that followed was devastating.”

"can i say thankyou for your service or, you got complicated feelings about it?" val questioned honestly as the two walked, knowing that it wasn't all a walk in the park. there was a double edged sword to protecting that the hunter was only too aware of, having walked its knife edge all his life and recently found himself stumbling off it.

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”  Truly, he did value those who acknowledge his service in gratitude.  “Price of freedom is high,” he softly commented thinking back to those who were lost and those who came home broken like himself.

“I’m actually open for either,” Aisley replied as she leaned back in her chair. “It might be good to start with the latter and get a feel for our different rhythms before considering moving to full-on merged course. However, I’ve found that one of the first things I have to do with almost every class is walk them through understanding the work from the time frame in which it was written.” Not to mention reminding them that they couldn’t judge the past by the lessons learned in the future, but that no doubt came up in history as well. “I’m certain they would appreciate the literature better when they understand the culture and the time frame – the overall historical context in which it was written.”

The proposal piqued Grayson’s interest, the man did enjoy literature nearly as much as he enjoyed history.  Having a combination of the two would be fun, especially since he respected and enjoyed her company.  “I concur, we should start off with something small like a few lectures each and if we work well together on this project we can propose a merged course.  Of course, the literature students you would grade and the history students I would grade to maintain fairness.  I am just trying to think of something that we could take to the Dean of Liberal Arts to get the ball rolling.  Best to go at it while we have momentum.”

“Oh the commentary that could be made,” she chuckled, amused at his turn of phrase. Giving a mock sigh of disappointment, she nodded at his warning. “The dean’s office does enjoy ruining our fun, do they not? But I have to agree – if they put this much effort into some actual research and creative work, I might actually be teaching their books.” Aisley leaned back in her chair giving him her most charming smile. “While I’m certainly glad I could be a bright point in the day for you, I did want to make a proposal about doing some combined lesson and projects for our students.”

“Indeed, I have never found the purpose of all the bureaucracy.  Especially in the field of education,” Grayson commented.  Although, he probably should keep some of his views private.  “Well, they are young and many of their frontal lobes are not fully developed.  I suppose we shall have to take it somewhat easy on them.”  As he peered over towards her, he waited for a response.  Curious as to what brought her into his office.  “Interesting, is this a merge course you are proposing?  Or, just merely a lecture or two with a project you had in mind?  Either way, I am interested.  Always nice to spice things up for the students.”

~~*~~

There was a strange feeling Anitta was holding back things, but Grayson figured after a few meetings with each other she would feel more at ease divulging certain information.  

Warren should have guessed someone would talk to him sooner or later. A lot of people had seen him, watched him – a few had even observed him for several minutes, likely to determine whether or not he presented a danger to someone. Anyone. Which he likely did, even if he had no intention of causing any problems. Still, he could have figured out that someone might have chosen to speak with him.

Grayson stood there quietly, gazing over the taller man trying to size him up.  Currently, he did not appear to be a threat but he still wanted an answer.  Once he received one, he merely nodded.  He himself was not exactly a social butterfly either.  Instead, he wished he was home near the fireplace reading a book.  But his sister insisted that he make an appearance.  Sisters had that effect on their brothers.

Back in the kitchen, things were coming along.  Still some things to go through, but he had been just tossing everything.  When his sister walked in though, his concentration on the task had been ruined and he focused on her.

She made a face at him. He was such a stiff sometimes. Way worse than she was! It was like, after her brother came back he was a changed man. No longer as light or playful, not as many smiles or laughs anymore. Ney wondered how different their time serving must have been -- she'd gone into the aviation side, whereas he was boots on the ground. Had to come back with literal pieces of himself missing. It wasn't like Ney had been spared any horrors of wars, but their experiences in the Marines were not the same. They hadn't been affected in the same ways.