xp_logs | Angelo and Betsy (Reply)

They run into each other - literally - in the hallway, and he helps her carry her huge stack of books back to her room. And is oblivious to the fact that she'd rather be left alone.

Since the renovations, Betsy's office had housed most of her personal books. She'd finally forced herself to bring her private collection back to her room. So, she juggled with the stack of books piled well beyond her head and her keys. Somehow, she managed to lock her office door before starting the walk back to her quarters on the third floor. She didn't look forward to that trek at all. She should've roped Scott into helping her, but being the stubborn lass that she was known to be. She couldn't bring herself to ask him.

Angelo was heading in the other direction, out to the grounds to take Joyita for a walk. All his attention on the puppy bouncing around his feet, he didn't notice that Betsy was in his path until the inevitable collision happened.

Betsy was forced back, the books went flying in the air, and she tucked her head down as they came back down. "Shit," Betsy cried out. "For Christ's sake!" She looked up, realizing that she couldn't have simply run into a wall. Betsy caught sight of Angelo and his pup. "Angelo," she said quite flustered. She began gathering the books with more care than necessary. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean...."

Angelo had regained his balance quickly, but the puppy's leash had somehow got tangled round his feet, and she was "helping" him unwind it. Read: running around and making things worse. "No problem, Ms. Braddock", he answered distractedly, trying to make Joyita keep still for a minute. "I didn't see you either."

"It's alright." She nodded her head at him, almost absentmindedly. "Right, of course." Betsy pushed back her hair from her face, her hands shook slightly. "Yes, well. These books," she held onto her copy of David Copperfield, massaging the binding with care. "Have been in my family for some time. They belonged to my father."

Angelo winced, finally getting his feet free and restraining the puppy from launching herself at Betsy in friendly overenthusiasm. "Ah. They're not damaged, are they?"

"No, no." Betsy laughed, nervously. She placed the books up in a another harrowing stack. Damn, she shouldn't have been so damn lazy and made two trips instead of one. Betsy looked down at the restrained puppy, just waiting for her moment to strike. Play. "No, not today little one." Betsy sighed as Joyita let out a low whine, as she obviously understood the telepath.

Angelo scooped up the puppy, telling her quietly, "We'll go outside soon an' then you can play. Maybe we'll go see Bella later, too." Looking up at Betsy, he asked, "How have you been, Ms. Braddock?"

"Just fine, Angelo." Betsy said, alittle strained. "Been working on the curriculum for most of the summer, but nothing much really.

Angelo nodded, giving her a slightly worried look at the strained note in her voice, but not pushing it. "Good to hear."

Betsy stood up and focused her gaze anywhere but at Angelo. Her eyes caught the golden-lined pages and she let out a breath. Don't be so tetchy, Braddock. Betsy brought herself to look at the boy and his dog. "So, how've you been holding up?"

Angelo smiled. "Lots better. Guess a kick in the head was just what I needed."

"Oh?" Betsy asked, curiously. "How so?"

Angelo blinked. "...You didn't know about the whole post-that-wasn't-me? Ah. Well. Someone wrote a thing I would've preferred to keep quiet, I wasn't doin' so well for awhile there, but I've been thinkin' about it - an' I think whoever it was did me a favor."

"Oh, I knew of what happened. Even if it doesn't look like I'm around, Angelo. I'm at least aware of the happenings of this school." Betsy said rather irritably, her nervousness forgotten. "And it still doesn't make it right...what they did."

Angelo nodded apologetically. "Of course - to both. But the Professor's dealin' with punishment an' makin' sure it won't happen again, an' Samson says... the best revenge is to move forward an' be happy. 's not too hard - everyone's been more than great."

"Perhaps," she said sadly. Betsy knelt down and positioned herself in front of the stack. After a moment, she stood up with little difficulty, the books in hand. She could barely see Angelo in front of her, but continued speaking. "I'm glad to hear you're doing better, Angelo. Truly."

He nodded, smiling. "I really am. You need a hand with your books? Can put the puppy back in my room for awhile easily enough."

Betsy hesitated. If she kept moving, maybe he'd get the hint, she thought to herself. She sighed and tried to look around the stack at Angelo. "If you don't think it'd inconvience you much? I don't think I'm in any position to refuse your offer."

Angelo nodded. "Be back in five", and with that he ducked back to his room to shut the puppy in, before returning to carefully take the top half of the stack.

"Blast!" Should've moved the books at night, there would have been less likelihood of this happening at three in the morning. Betsy banged her head back against the wall. She was leaning against the wall, lost in her own thoughts when Angelo returned.

He was very careful in handling the books, now he knew how much they meant to her - going as far as to stretch out the skin of his fingers to get a more secure grip. "Where were you takin' them?"

She paused. "Um, yes. I was heading to my room. I didn't want to chance having the books damaged during the renovations. You know with all the work that they've been doing in the residence portion of the school...." Betsy laughed after picking up on her rambling. "Yes, we're heading to my room."

Angelo nodded, grinning at her. "Right, then. Lead the way."

They made their way up the two flights of stairs and onto the staff floor. Betsy stopped in front of the door marked, 313. "Here we are," she said with a rather deliberate flourish. "Well, thank you for your help, Angelo. It was much appreciate, but I can take it from here."

Angelo nodded, bending to put the books down outside the door. "Okay then -should get back to Joyita anyway before she eats somethin'. I'll see you around?"

"Right," the familiar tightness in her throat returning. "See you then, Angelo....and thanks."

He nodded once again and waved, turning to make his way down the corridor. "Welcome."