Simon seemed to be interested in the drawing, a fact that made Gloria feel happy. She liked it when anyone enjoyed her drawings, really. Especially friends. She knew that to truly improve as an artist, one had to endure the harshest criticism, but that didn't mean she couldn't be pleased when she he...

Gloria took the books back, sticking her receipt between the two front pages of the top book. She'd use it as a bookmark later...maybe even laminate it to keep it as a real bookmark; nobody'd ever done that before, had they? They should, Gloria thought. They made interesting bookmarks; Gloria had se...

"Huh? Oh, it's not a problem." "It's not?" Gloria looked up in time to see Simon pulling out his wallet, and her her widened. "N-No, you don't have to do that! I can pay myself, I just need-" "Just pick out some books and I'll pay. You can pay me back if you really...

Gloria let a real smile cross her face this time, her whole self seeming to light up from within. She knew she could count on Simon, she just knew it! He'd been one of the few friends that Gloria had left after "the incident." She hadn't told anyone about it, most would already find out in...

The girl swallowed and nodded a few times after Simon asked if she was okay. "Y-Yes...sorry...Was another guy out there, and I...got nervous." She straightened away from the door, one hand on her chest as she started to regain her breath. "I'm okay, though. Thanks," she smiled at...

((Continued from "Aden Alone" )) Gloria rushed into the library, holding her bookbag close to her chest. Her eyes were wide, and there was the definite evidence of a blush on her face. She looked behind her to make sure she wasn't being followed, then slammed the door shut and leaned again...

[[And introducing Gloria Benson]] Today was too good a day to be inside, in a classroom. Gloria stood in front of a window in the hallway, gazing outside. She took in the sunlight, the sky, the grass...it all looked so inviting. A perfect day for a walk, or to sit down and relax, or sketch a few dan...