Yay! Chapter 10 I hope you guys will like this and the theories mentioned in this chapter are actual theories in the social sciences
Pearl went to the library together with Steven, they agreed to meet there with Greg. She grabbed a few books on social science, while Steven looked for some of the books that Connie recommended to him. They took a seat on one of the tables. The two of them started reading their respective books. They discussed their respective readings every once in a while.
"So how's that book Pearl?" Steven asked.
"It's fine. It just explains the structural functionalism theory."
"Okay. Uh...What's that?"
"It's a theory in sociology that states that a society is made up of different parts interacting with one another. Apparently all of these parts are crucial and if one part were to stop working the entire society will be subjected to instability." She stated.
"Uhh, sooo it's like... a human body. If one of my organs stop working I'll get sick?"
"Good analogy, Steven." She praised him.
Greg suddenly rushed towards them and pulled out the chair next to Pearl. "Hey guys, I'm really sorry for running late." he apologized.
"It's fine, Greg. We haven't been here for long." Pearl said.
"So, what have you two been up to?" He asked.
"Pearl's been teaching me about structures? Structure functions?" Steven looked at Pearl for confirmation.
"It's structural functionalism." She corrected.
"Well, its good that you're learning more about us." Greg smiled.
"Not really, I've read books about this before. I already know about this." She sighed.
"Maybe it's just that book. Here, try this one." He said handing her another sociology book.
Pearl took it from him and looked at its cover. " This one's about symbolic interactionism. It states that each person's perspective and views are developed through interacting with society and his or her view on the world is based on their social definition which has been developed through social interaction..." She stated as she placed the book down the stack.
"Maybe we need to change the subject." Steven suggested.
"Right, son. Here Pearl, how about psychology?" Greg said as he handed her the book.
Pearl took it in her hands. The book was entitled Freudian Psychology. Upon reading the title she gave it back to Greg. "Yes, I know about Sigmund Freud. I'd rather not discuss his theories." She said as a slight blush formed on her cheeks.
"Wait! Can you tell me about symbolic interrelation again?" Steven asked in a happy tone.
"It's symbolic interactionism and don't see how this can help but alright. It states that each person's perspective and views are developed through interacting with society-"
Steven cut her off "That's it!"
"What's it?" She asked.
"You shouldn't be cooped up in an old quiet building with your nose buried deep in books. You should be out there- interacting with society!" He announced proudly.
"He's right!" Greg agreed.
"I guess that's true... But I don't know about this maybe I'll get it somehow if I read enough..." She replied, a bit hesitant about Steven's idea.
"C'mon Pearl, it'll be fun!" Steven said in trying to persuade her.
"We're going to take this slow. Don't worry." Greg reassured her.
"Alright then. I'm in." Pearl said with a confident smile.
"Before that. Can I borrow some of these books?" Steven asked as he pointed to the books he got for himself.
For the next few weeks after their agreement at the library, Pearl, Greg and Steven have been hanging out with each other every weekend. On Saturday mornings they would continue their sword training together with Connie then in the afternoon and on Sundays they would see a movie, dine at a restaurant, go to fairs, theme parks and anything that Steven deems to be fun. Sometimes Amethyst and Garnet joins them but usually it was just the three of them. One day, Steven decided to spend the entire weekend at Connie's place. After bringing him to Connie's house, Greg headed straight towards the temple. Despite Steven not being there, they continued their usual routine.
"You know, its not the same without Steven." Pearl stated while sparring with Greg.
"Why? Don't you like spending time with just me." He teased.
"Oh, it's not that. I've grown to like you Greg. You're a good friend." She admitted.
He was a bit distracted by this statement. "Y-you l-like me?" he asked as his cheeks turned a bit redder.
Pearl managed to knock his sword off of his hand then she aimed her own sword directly at him. "Yes, I like you and I also think you need to be more focused." She said triumphantly.
"Yeah, I need a bit more practice." he admitted.
Pearl withdrawn her sword and stored it back in her gem, while Greg picked up his and placed it back in its scabbard.
"Let's take a short break." Greg requested as he took a seat at the edge of the arena.
"Alright then." She said as she sat next to him.
He wiped away the sweat from his forehead before taking a big gulp out of a cold water bottle. Pearl just looked at him, feeling a bit awkward about the question she intends to ask him.
"Uh Greg, can I ask you a question?" She asked shyly.
"Yeah, what do you need?"
"What can you tell me about dating?" She said a bit awkwardly.
He was taken aback by this question. He never saw her as the dating type. "Dating? Why?" He asked her in confusion
"Well, I sort of have a date for next week." She stated.
Upon hearing those words, he felt slightly upset and annoyed. In fact, he sort of hates her date, even though he doesn't know who he or she is. He was jealous, extremely so but he would never admit that to anyone, even himself.
"Really? Who?" He asked with a sense of urgency and anger in his voice.
She sensed the anger in his voice but this confused her. There was no reason for him to. She thinks that he was probably just shocked by this news and refused to believe that anyone would want to date her. This slightly offended her. "Why are you being so aggressive? Did this news shock you? You don't think anyone would want to date me?" She asked him angrily.
"No, it's just that I didn't know you would want to do this kind of thing." He said in defense.
Pearl heaved a deep sigh and looked down. "I really don't..." She admitted.
"Then why are you doing it? And who is your date anyway." He asked in confusion.
"I don't really know who he or she is. Steven set me up on a blind date. I was reluctant at first but he said it will be good for me and I-I can't really say no to him when he does his cute face..." She told him.
This shocked Greg even more. He slightly felt betrayed for some reason."Steven talked you into this?" He asked.
"Yes, you really seem shocked about this. Do you know anyone else I can ask about dating. I really don't know what to do." She said, a bit disappointed by his his unwillingness to cooperate.
"No, it's okay. I can help you with this. I-I'm really sorry." He said sincerely.
Pearl perked up and smiled. "Alright then. What can you tell me about this dating."
"You're just going to spend some quality time with a person. You know, just enjoying each other's company. In your case though... You're going to spend it in trying to get to know the person." He told her
"That's it?" She asked, a bit shocked that's all she has to do.
"Basically, yeah. Maybe wear some formal clothes if you're going to a fancy restaurant or something. Just be yourself. It would be better if you let your date know who you really are. That can avoid uhh complications."
"I guess I can do that." She said.
"So, how about a rematch?" Greg offered.
Can you guess who Pearl's date will be? ;)