Meet the Cast #3: The New Kids
Two weeks have gone by and we haven't been hit by any cars. Wales is becoming familiar. The hatchbacks, the wind, the pasties, the wind. We've learned to bring our rain gear every where, and that there is no correct side of the path to walk on during class changes - this must be where the Disney World stroller moms are trained.
I'm sitting on my springy twin bed. Brenna has texted me. The "new kids" are here.
We of the pre-sessional have been referring to them with scorn for the past couple of days. The 20 or so of us in my British Politics and Culture class have bonded over course work and wine street. Knowing the dynamic is about to change, we are wary of the newcomers. We've already realized the ridiculous number of doors in the Hendrefoilan Student Village, the absurdity of paying for public restrooms, the cheaper produce, the smoother ice cream. We worry that we'll be lumped together with this huge number of new students, that no one will recognize how much we have already grown to love this country. Like most fears associated with study abroad thus far, the worry is unfounded.
I leave my bed and make my way through the five (yes, five) doors separating me from the adjacent flat. I text Brenna and she lets me in. We start down the hall, talking over the approaching deadlines for our course, but my mind is on the approaching kitchen. Who might be at the stove, who might be washing dishes? I'm growing expectant. Brenna has briefly mentioned her new flatmate, Bracy, and I'm under the impression that she's nice, easy to get along with. I wonder who she is beyond that. We push through the door. I pull my face into a smile, ready to wave energetically. The kitchen is empty. All is well.
Brenna and I resume our conversation, and before long, Disney music is blaring from her phone. Cue dramatic song and dance montage. We're serenading each other, readying our armies for battle, and belting power ballads like misunderstood young women forced to marry against our will. Amid this scene of exquisite overacting enters Bracy.
I'm embarrassed at first. I haven't sung like that in front of anyone for years. But Bracy joins in. She knows the words. All of them. A song change and we're back to belting. This is great. More nerd friends! Nerd friends who sing! But wait, there's more! I'm melodramatically clasping my hands when I notice a set of silverware. These aren't your typical spoons and forks. They've got the same basic components - handle, food collecting end. The difference? They're just a little bit more... sonic.
"You guys?" I say over the music. "You guys."
Brenna turns. Her eyes widen as she notices the fork in my hand. Bracy makes an excited high pitched noise. The kitchen door opens and another girl walks in. We stare at her.
"Are you a Doctor Who fan?" I ask, hands out, braced against some invisible wall.
The other girl eyes the fork clasped in my hand.
She grins. "I am." There's lots of screaming before we chatter off excitedly. Eventually we get around to names.
Amanda Scheifle
This beautiful butterfly is also born of Canada (like Connor, who is Canadian), though we do not make nearly as much fun of her. Amanda is probably the biggest book worm I've ever met. It makes sense then that her double major is English and Medieval Studies with a minor in History and Film (we're looking to her for future free museum entrances) at the Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario (which is in Canada which is where Connor lives because Connor is Canadian). She will read anything she can get her hands on and (bonus) will discuss it with you. She is obsessed with Newsies - both movie and musical (I'm not kidding, it's unhealthy. I mean I know all the words to all the songs, but this woman is a whole new level). She too, loves to sing in the kitchen and has a great selection of movie scores on her phone - hello travel buddy! Speaking of, Amanda and I shared a bunk/room the entire trip through Europe. In addition to being a reader, Amanda is a writer. She has an extensive (and I mean EXTENSIVE) and well thought out (guys we're talking binders of information) fantasy world in which she is basing a story. We've had coach journeys' worth of discussions over our respective stories, and I love acting as a sounding board for her potential plot lines (because fictional politics are rad - I don't care what you say, Amanda). While we're on fantasy worlds - I couldn't describe Amanda without mentioning Narnia. It is her Harry Potter. I'm pretty sure it molded her being. It's totally not cool that she lives so far away (and so does Connor because Connor also lives in Canada with the Majestic moose that she trained herself). I see plot-line discussion Skype in our future.
Bracy Heinlein
And last, but certainly not least: the Bracling. This one's a goof - if you couldn't tell by the picture. Bracy is a fencing master and will take you down (no mercy) in a stick battle. She is the Madama Presidante of the UNCW fencing club - yes I get to keep her for two more years. Bracy is an Environmental Science and (possibly) journalism double major who we all hope to see in a National Geographic magazine one day. If we pass a dog on the street, Bracy will make it her mission to approach and pet, usually while making small crying noises. She is a massive animal lover and generously feeds the little tortoiseshell kitty outside our flat (her name is Tortellini and she's adorable). Bracy is my fellow Gryfinndor, and we make it our mission to thwart Jordan's evil Slytherin regime (usually by way of bird). The little sister of the crew, Bracy is never afraid to kick, poke, or snuggle her way up to you. I'm learning quickly what it is like to have a bunch of siblings. When Bracy gets angry with someone she will take them down (looking at you condescending guy in the Innsbruck train station), and there's frequently a bit of southern twang that slips out in the process. She will do anything to protect her people, so don't get on her bad side if you want to avoid being skewered... or tickled. I recommend everyone have a Bracy. Find them at many reputable dealers.