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Tell me about it.

...Kids my age shouldn't be forced to go. But you can help.

[ Miko looks the kid over to try and gauge her age. ] Let me guess you're not even in high school yet. Like I'd help you, but I'm trying to wiggle my way out of my own mess.

And that means not letting my sponsor family know about me ditching class to do far more cooler things with my time.

[She's small, maybe eleven on a good day. Not yet. Do you have your notes written already? What grade are you in, because you might be able to get a community service pass, and say you're out helping someone less fortunate. Colleges love stuff like that but you might need fake papers from an official looking program.

And you have to worry about absences showing up on report cards, that's why you always show up enough for attendance.

I'm just a freshman, so I'm not too worried about looking into colleges right now. Of course, my parents and host family are... [ Miko puts a hand to her chin, and man she doesn't like the idea of being out witted by a little kid. ]

But you know that sounds like a great idea! This way I can get a little extra time doing other things besides sitting in a boring class. [ Because hanging with giant robots and getting shot is far more entertaining. ] And I can just have them email me my assignments!

Whoo-hoo! [ Miko tosses her hands up in the air in jubliation. ] You just solved my problems, now I'm not sure how that is going to work out for you.

It looks really good if they think you're in college mode. But you get the idea. You might even get extra credit if you play your cards right.

I'm still in elementary school, all I really have to do is play sick or cry about not having a good home life. When that doesn't work I have to find someone to sign me out.

Things are lot different in high school, I mean it isn't that much different but there's sooo many other responsibilities. Like getting ready to go to college. So all I got going for me is playing sick.

But if you think I'll be able to sign you out, I think we've got a deal. [ Miko extends a hand. ] Name's Miko by the way. And if you think we're gonna hang out and be bffs ... You're a bit too young.

I'm not going to college, but I'm going to pretend to take college prep after school so my Mom won't bug me about it.

They'll let you sign me out, I'll just add you to the form after my Mom signs it. [She happily shakes Miko's hand] I'm Lynn, and you're way too old to be my bff. I need to settle for someone a little younger for now.

I'm kinda looking forward to college, but I just want to enjoy not having adult responsibilities while I still can. But yeah, I can help get you out of school if that is what you want, Lynn.

I got things to do and school just gets in the way. It's gonna be like that when I'm older too. Mom wants me to be a scientist but I can't. Thanks for your help.

Tough. I'm ready for the park to not be overrun with other people's spawn.

Good for you! I'm not going to go to your stupid park.

Good! We're agreed then. Now quit your bellyaching and do your time like everyone else.

I don't need school. I've got more important things to do than sit around in a classroom with a bunch of preteens and learn stuff that I already know. But I'm not going to the park. That's for little kids.

Oh, you know everything, huh?

Everything I need to know. I'm not stupid.

I didn't call you stupid. Just maybe not as smart as you think you are.

I can read, write, do math and get all the answers right even if I just show up for tests. Everything else I need to learn in real life.

Well, it doesn't matter either way because your little ass is back in school soon.

I'm going, but I'm not staying all day. I can't waste my time in a classroom.

What else do you have to do? Go to work?

No. I just do favors for my friends and try to watch out for my Mom. What do you do all day long?

Favors? What kind of industry are you in, kid?

Just stuff they can't do, but never anything that'll get me into too much trouble.

Hm. Well, do you at least make good money?

I used to but school and my Mom found out and I had to give all the money back. I don't do favors for kids anymore. My new friends just give me stuff like cookies and dinner and weapons.

But do you want to be a scientist? My parents wanted me to be a classic pianist, but I'd rather play guitar in a punk band.

No. I hate science. I want to be in the CIA or work for a mercenary company so I can catch the really bad criminals and warlords.

Oh, just like the guys on tv!

Yeah! I'm going to be really good at that job.

What? Are you homeless? Who works for food? Get a boon at least.

We used to be poor, but my mom has a good job now but her cooking is terrible. I'm not saying I won't take money, but it's better to have people owing me. Then I can collect when I need something and my Mom won't find a box full of cash in my room.

Edited (Hit reply too soon.) 2015-08-17 12:39 (UTC)

So you do collect boons? Good. For a second I was really questioning what the public school system is teaching you kids.

Public school is a joke. I learn most stuff from my friends. Some of them have been around for a really long time and know more than teachers.

I'm usually available for jobs, if you have anything.

I didn't go to public school. I had a tutor. Maybe you should get one.

I don't even know what I would hire a kid for but if I think of something, you'll be the first person I call.

I will, one day.

My Mom and my friends taught me a lot, so I'm better at getting things done than most kids. We'll look out for you just in case.

We?

...I didn't say we. [Lies, all lies. She knows exactly what she said] I'll look out for you, when I'm not being a kid and getting in trouble for kid stuff.

[There's a slight suspicious narrowing of her eyes but she lets it go.] Thanks.