So…I kinda forgot what I had planned to write for this chapter. Y'know, since it's been a couple weeks since the previous chapter was posted. I read over chapter 45 again and I think I can figure out something. Actually, my original idea is kinda coming back to me now, but it might not be the same as the idea I planned out two weeks ago. #writerprobs!
Well, you know the drill. Anonymous reviews will be answered below. If you reviewed with your account, check your PMs!
Review Replies:
zzzeus11 (anonymous): I think very few readers envisioned the confrontation going this way. Well, more aftermath to come in this chapter.
Amy (anonymous): I would write a Hanson/Hiccup POV, but other readers seemed to dislike when I added those in, so I kinda swore that I wouldn't write them anymore. Maybe I'll sneak one in later. I dunno yet, though. Huh, I guess I haven't added Stormfly into the story yet. I'll have to see where/how I can add her in. As for Astrid going to Hiccup's house, that is actually going to happen. I have a great scene already planned out for that moment. It might even be in this chapter…or the next one.
Aiacco (anonymous): No offense taken. I'm the one who said it'd be boring, anyway. Although, I did write a kind-of "unreleased chapter" where Astrid and Valka talk about Hiccup. Maybe I'll post it in my "Outtakes" story someday.
Noctus Fury (anonymous): Well, that's kinda of the explanation he was trying to say, but he couldn't get past the whole "I didn't know how to tell you." line.
Clara04 (anonymous): Sorry that it's taken over two weeks. Even in the summer my life is busy. I'm glad that the characters match their original personalities. That's something I work hard at accomplishing in all my fanfictions.
Red-Knight (anonymous): You bet he did! Do we even want to think about worst case scenario here? It could be…brutal. Haha.
Rie (anonymous): Yes, let's hope they work through their issues soon! There's a project grade at stake for them! Haha. Here's the next chapter.
Psp reader (anonymous): Yep, that is the question. Let's find out!
Chapter 46: We Need To Talk
Click. Click. Pause. Click. Astrid clicked through the channels on the TV that she'd set up in her bedroom. She was trying to find something to do, anything that would take her mind off of her English project…and Hiccup. It's official. There's nothing on TV…again. What happened to the good TV shows that used to air when I was a kid? Astrid's eyes flickered over to her English presentation notes that sat atop her desk. She'd done as much as she could do on her own. Sure, she could probably technically make the visual aid, but it just didn't feel right. As angry as she was at Hanson, this was a partner project and it wouldn't be fair to take command of the entire assignment. At least, Astrid was hoping that, now that Hanson's "secret" was out, he would be more willing to take some charge and complete his part of the project.
Astrid turned off the TV. It was no use trying to find something worthwhile to watch. All the shows that were on right now had just started and so, in most cases, she'd have to wait at least a half hour before anything new would come on. As much as she hated to admit it, perhaps a Mocha from Starbucks would help. Starbucks solves everything, right?
It was still cool out. Winters in the town of Berk always seemed to last for double the amount of time that they should. Astrid was not looking forward to bracing the chill, but the only Starbucks on campus was located in the library lobby, so it would be a short walk. Was that Mocha really worth it? Yes. Yes, it was.
Astrid dressed warmly, but casually. A simple pair of jeans, sweatshirt, and winter coat would suffice for today. Before she left, Astrid placed her English project notes into the manila folder to take along with her. She did not really know why she decided to bring her project notes with her; she'd already completed as much of the individual part of the project as she could. Maybe Hanson would be at the library and they could begin working on putting their information together and creating their visual aid. Nah, the chance of that happening was so low.
Quietly, Astrid left the room and headed out toward the library. Campus was quiet today. Most students were in class and there were only few students walking the grounds. Many students probably don't want to brace this cold unless they have to be out, Astrid figured.
Or…maybe they're all in line for Starbucks, Astrid amended as she arrived to the library and saw that the line was already out the door. Well, I guess it makes sense, she told herself as she joined the line. Starbucks's Hot Chocolate sells pretty well at this time of the year. If I hadn't already convinced myself on a Mocha, I'd get a Hot Chocolate.
The line moved slowly. Why did the slowest baristas always seem to work on the busiest days? Astrid was glad that she did not have any classes to attend. She watched as some of the students in line in front of her fretted about the time. They constantly checked their watches before finally stepping out from line and rushing off to wherever they had to go. Astrid could not find it in herself to complain or feel sorry for these students; her wait time was shorter because they left.
When it was finally Astrid's turn, she ordered her Mocha. The barista asked for her name and Astrid spelled it out for her. It wasn't like "Astrid" was a hard name to spell, but, in addition to being slow, the baristas always seemed to have trouble with spelling even the simplest of names. It took several minutes for the barista to prepare Astrid's Mocha. No wonder there's such a line for this place! It shouldn't take that long to prepare! It's a fairly simple beverage!
Once her Mocha was ready, Astrid left the small Starbucks and headed into the library. Normally, she'd probably have taken a seat at one of the tables, preferably by a window so she could discreetly "people-watch" the students hurrying across the campus quad. Today, though, Starbucks was so crowded that Astrid decided to forego the usual. She had never been one for large crowds of people. The library ground floor was much more open and definitely less crowded. The library staff didn't care if students brought their Starbucks beverages in as long as they were careful not to make a mess and Astrid had no intention of spilling her over-priced Mocha.
Astrid walked through the library to find a place to sit, but, surprisingly, many of the tables and couches were already occupied. That didn't make much sense. There were still several months until finals. Why were there so many students hanging out in the library? As Astrid was contemplating this, she noticed Hanson (she just could not bring herself to refer to him as "Hiccup") sitting alone at one of the tables. He had not noticed her and he was deeply focused on the work spread out in front of him. I wonder what he's working on, Astrid thought. Quietly so as not to disturb Hanson and give herself away, Astrid stepped close enough to catch a glimpse of some of the papers on the table. He's working on our English project! she confirmed as she read a few words on one of the papers.
Five empty chairs surrounded the table and Astrid could easily slide herself into one of them. We really do need to work on this dumb project and now would be as good a time as any, I guess. Still, Astrid was hesitant. She still hadn't forgiven Hanson for hiding his secret. She was grateful, though, that he had not contacted her, that he had opted to give her the space that she had demanded. It did not matter, though, as long as the awkwardness between them lingered; they really needed to just sit down with each other and have a discussion before they continued the partner work on their project. Was Astrid ready to have that discussion? She wanted to understand Hanson and his reasons for hiding the truth, but she was nervous. Would things change now that she knew texting Hiccup was just the same as texting her English project partner?
Things could not forever be left as they were now. The due date for their project would arrive sooner rather than later. They needed to get the work done. Astrid sighed quietly. She could wait a thousand years and still not be ready for this talk. It was like that talk that mothers were supposed to have with their daughters…you know, about growing up and the changes of puberty and of practicing safe sex (or no sex at all). In a way, Astrid had gotten lucky; her mother could not be bothered to give her this talk. Instead, she'd heard everything from her fellow girl friends at school. What a shock that all had been! Enough about that, though, right now she needed to figure out what to do about Hiccup…Hanson. There'd probably be no better time to have this talk. He was right here now. There would be no need to track him down or arrange a meeting time. But only if Astrid acted now. At this very moment.
I'll never be ready for this, so might as well just do it now. Astrid walked over to one of the empty chairs next to Hanson. Setting her Mocha down softly onto the table, Astrid slid into the chair. Hanson, alerted to her sudden presence, finally looked up. Knowing that she had his undivided attention, Astrid began with a simple statement, "We need to talk."
Yeah, I know…after the last couple bombshell chapters, what do I give you? A set-up chapter. Well, it is essential, though. Without this chapter, I feel like…the story would be missing something. Hopefully you all understand. I promise to get the next chapter out as quickly as I can (like always, of course…I mean, I always promise to do that, don't I?).
Thank you all for reading and supporting Your Own Personal Savior!
Posted: June 28, 2016
