Zoie Beiste

Ellis: Thank you. The door is open.

Ellis: This is okay?

Zoie: Very good. I'll be there in just a moment.

Ellis: If you wanna come, yeah, that'd be cool. I just... feel like shit this weekend.

Ellis: I uh... am still lost.

Zoie: That's okay, honey. You don't have to be.

And who says that’s a bad thing? Might be kidding too, depending on your answer. Yeah, it’s cool here. I wasn’t expecting them to bring a ton of animals in, so that was a nice surprise. It’s a really pretty campus too, lots to do and see. Frannie helped me get unpacked and stuff, so I’m all settled in on that front. I respect that, but… I am here if you need someone to talk to. No football for me though. It’s a cool sport, I guess. Just not really interested in it. You?

Certainly not me, though I’d wondered if you might. I hope you aren’t, in this case. I’m glad you’re liking it. Yeah, the Daltons do a lot of cool, fun things to make sure everyone is able to have a variety of experiences. Animals are therapeutic- talk to Dr. Fabray for ten seconds and you’ll learn all about that. So, it makes sense. Though, if she helped you unpack I’m sure you’ve heard about all of that already. She’s such a sweetheart. I’m alright, really. Just lonely, I suppose. Which is a strange state for someone such as myself to be in, let me tell you. I’ll figure it out, I’m sure. Yeah, definitely not my thing either. It would break my dad’s heart, knowing I’m not dressed head-to-toe in game day colors but...Here we are.

Hey, Zoie. Yeah, of course. Any time. I’m doing okay. Just trying to make the most of my time here. You’ve been better, huh?

Don’t go offering things like ‘any time’, you’ll be bringing a lot of coffee. Kidding, obviously. Kind of. Yeah, I understand. That really is the best thing to do. Are you liking things so far, at least? Getting settled in? I...Have. It’s alright, though. I’ll make it. I always do. So, are you planning to attend any of the football festivities today?

Aaron: Just alive? There are a lot of pets down there, I know it can get overwhelming. I wouldn't mind going down with you, if you want? I'll get us coffee on the way? I'd never pass up a chance to see everything again anyway, since they won't be there tomorrow.

Aaron: Hey, Zoie. I'm doing okay, how are you? Eve is doing awesome. Did you ever end up getting a pet?

Emotions

aren’t something to be feared, but a sign that you’re alive, and trying;

Numbness is a far far more dangerous thing.

This is great, Alexander. Writing is a fantastic way to express emotions constructively. I’m not sure we’ve met formally- I’m Zoie Beiste, member of the Counseling Staff here, and the campus Sex Therapist. How are you liking everything so far?

I’d like that a lot! I look forward to meeting you there. Snakes don’t get nearly enough appreciation. I’m actually strongly thinking about getting one too. Are you just going to look? Or are you planning on getting something?

I’ll look forward to the same. Anything to get me out of my office is definitely a positive. I can agree with that. It’s the fear factor. We’ve been conditioned to be afraid of them, but I think it should be less about fear and more about respect. That’s just me, though. I definitely think you should, if that’s what you want. I’m sure you’d enjoy it! I’m not sure. I think a companion would do me some good, I’m just not sure what to get. 

Maybe I’ll see you there. I’m going to be the one obsessing over all the snakes. I’m Aaron.

It looks like we will, Aaron. It’s nice to meet you! I’ve been trying to keep up with all the new faces around here, but clearly I’m falling behind here. Snakes are gorgeous, I can understand the obsession. Maybe I’ll come take a peek at them with you. 

I’m going down with Ellis. You’re more than welcome to come along.

Oh, that sounds excellent! Ellis and I had talked about meeting as well, so it looks like this is turning into a regular group affair! I’ll see you then, Sebastian. 

Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Well hello beautiful. We can go together, I’d like that. When are you free?