1-2 Life Lessons

First day on the job and I almost overslept.

I grabbed one of those premade salad things out of the fridge for breakfast (Hey don't judge. I can eat salad for breakfast if I want.) and barely had time to wash my dish before running out the door. (Just because I'm a bachelor doesn't mean I'm a slob.)

A few weeks in and classes are doing fairly well. Most of the kids are great. You do get those who sleep in class, but a little paint spattered on them seems to wake them up real quick.

One day after school Sophie caught up with me to discuss a problem she was having with her project. We talked shop for a while before I excused myself.

After that, I kept seeing her everywhere.

She always seemed to be around when I went out. Now, it could that Enekjear is a fairly small community. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being followed.

Marie and I became fast friends.

We would often talked about her little girl, Janie, or Mark, her boyfriend. She really hoped that he'll propose and give Janie a real dad, but I was a little more skeptical. I'd heard the rumors of Mark's womanizing tendencies. It wasn't my place to judge though, and who was I to ruin Marie's happiness?

Some Nights we'd get together and talk about work. It was just a causal relationship, nothing more. I was in no way going to open up that can of worms.

The summer festival opened up and, of course, I had to go. It was a big event and even early in the season it was fairly busy. I introduced myself to the townsfolk I hadn't met yet and chatted with those I had. It looked like it was going to be a good day.

Marie waved at me from the roller rink. "Come on!" She Shouted. "Skate with me." I'd never skated in my life, but no way was I going to turn her down.

After only five seconds on the rink( I kid you not.) I fell flat on my face. Marie giggled and helped me up. "Ever skate before?"

"No" I replied causally, not wanting to sound as idiotic as I felt.

She smiled and held onto my hands. "Ok, then. I'll teach you." She shot me a playful grin. I couldn't help but smile back. Her soft round face lights up when she smiles. It did, in fact, turn out to be a great day. She taught me how to skate (Sort of) and I fell down a few more times (try more like ten) before I got the basics of it.

A few days after skating lessons with Marie, I bumped into Sophie yet again. (I discovered that her family's place was literally down the street from mine.)  "I need to talk to someone about this." She said, standing a little stiffly. "I thought, since we're friends, I could talk to you."

I opened my mouth to respond, but she waved me silent, a pleading look in her eyes. "Mr. Riverwalker - Jaime, please."

I nodded. "Ok. What is it, Sophie?"

"I'm..." She looked down and scuffed her shoe along the pavement before looking back up. "I'm pregnant." She wrapped her arms around herself and looked down. "I don't know what to do."

It took a moment for the shock to clear. I looked her up and down and could see the signs now I knew what to look for. "Sophie." I rested my hand on the barely noticeable bump. "Have you told the father yet?"

"No - and I don't plan to. the guy's an ass." She looked down at her belly, resting a hand on it lightly. "We were over before I even knew."

Now was the time to lighten the mood.

"What's that, little one?" I asked, talking to Sophie's tummy. "I should buy your mama some dinner and let her sit down for a while? I think you're right." Sophie smiled.

We headed off to the cafe for dinner and lighter conversation. Sophie was planning to go off to university and major in art. I gave her some advice on what to add to her portfolio. Over all it was a nice evening with no drama.

I walked her home and she hugged me tightly. "Thanks, Jaime. I really needed that."

"No problem. Take care of yourself. And tell your mom I said hi."

The road before Sophie wasn't going to be an easy one. She's a strong kid though. I was sure she'd make it through alright.

1-1 A New Life in Enekjaer

So today was the day. Relocation. Shipping out from Jericho to  the little island was a big leap. It was my older sister Mary's idea.

Mary, the older sister

 "You're a fully certified teacher now," She said. "You should go somewhere where you're really needed." And that's how I ended up here, in Enekjear.

Luckily, finding a place to live wasn't a big issue. The city was nice enough to provide me housing. It's not much...but it'll do I guess. here, let me give you the tour.

I live in an end unit in a small strip of three apartments right in the center of town.

Heading on inside we have an open area. Living room on one side...

and a kitchen/ eating area on the other.

Heading through the door we have my small bedroom...

and my ugly little bathroom. The place came mostly furnished and its pretty awful in places (I'm looking at you, bathroom) but I guess it'll have to do for the time being. Rent's cheap and I can save up for a bigger place, one I can actually hold parties in. The location's good though.

Work's very close by, but not right next door. Everything is in walking distance. I see now why so few inhabitants own cars.

 I decided to start off my day with a tour of the local art gallery, which happens to be just around the corner.

I introduced myself to a few locals and tourists that were milling around and bumped into one of my new students, Sophie Jenson. She turned out to be a pretty sweet kid. I wanted to have a little fun.

I decided I'd tell a ghost story. yes, a ghost story. In broad daylight, in the small art gallery. It actually turned out to be pretty fun. Sophie's reactions were so cute. You could really tell she was completely caught up in the story.

Later that day, I decided to hit the local bar for something to eat. That's where I bumped into Marie. She's the elementary teacher for the school. We ended up chatting for a while. I learned that she's a single mother with a daughter just about to become a teenager. You've got to admire a woman like Marie. Raising a little girl all on your own while playing mom to the rest of the island's kids as well/ It's pretty impressive really.

I decided to lighten the mood the best way I know how, dancing. She was a little reluctant at first, but she started to loosen up as she found the beat of the music. It's always a cool thing to watch someone fall into themselves and be swept away by the music. A bunch of people in one place surrounded by music, food and conversation is like a fine piece of art in which everyone can lose themselves for a while, forget the outside world and leave their troubles at the door. To an outside viewer, I'm one step up from a frat boy, throwing loud parties and living in the moment. In reality, I'm an artist of sorts, painting my pictures in people, laughter and music.

1-Intro: Enter the Founder

Jaime Riverwalker

Age: 24

Sign: Sagittarius

Current Occupation: Art Teacher

Since the day he was born, Jaime has wanted to be the center of attention. This hasn't changed much over the years. At first there were temper tantrums and needy whining, now there are constant parties and trips to the local bar. Why do they let this guy teach? Because, despite his party animal tendencies, Jaime is a good guy. He is a free spirit and, as the school's only art instructor, teaches his students to really put a piece of themselves into their creations.

This man has been chosen by fate (or the Great Watcher depending on your beliefs) to be the founder of a legacy that will span ten generations. To each generation a set of rules are given that they must live by. These rules will guide their lives until the next generation's heir comes of age. Jaime's fate is as follows:

Family Structure: Couple

# of Children: 3

Primary Income: education

Secondary Income: Artist

Gen. Goal: A Party to Remember

Misc. Fun: Fashion Diva

How will Jaime's story unfold? Only time will tell us.