1. White denial - aka the denial of racism, systemic inequality, police brutality, etc. White denial comes in many forms; e.g. denial of fact, denial of awareness, denial of responsibility, and denial of impact. Denial of fact is exactly as it sounds, such as when white people refuse to acknowledge that white privilege is real or that American society was built on slavery and racist ideals. Denial of awareness is related to willful ignorance, where white individuals try to claim things such as "I didn't know racism was still around!" despite the continued existence of groups like the KKK, Neo-Nazis, etc. Denial of responsibility is the denial that structural racism exists; there is no question that the social ladder of America is climbable almost solely for white individuals (and always at the expense of BIPOC). Lastly, denial of impact is, "But I didn't mean it like that!" Who cares if you didn't mean to be racist? You still were! If you accidentally step on someone's foot, you apologize and watch where you're walking in the future; you don't tell them, "But I didn't mean to kick you!" White people, acknowledging our privilege and calling out white denial when we see it is crucial in becoming actively anti-racist; we must make anti-racism a daily practice in our lives. (Information condensed from soyouwanttotalkabout on Instagram.)
Bonjour vous-autres! Comment ça va? I hope you're all beaucoup bien! (Working on my LA French. It's quite a lengthy learning curve, lmao.) This chapter spotlights Ezran, because he deserves all the love and it's been too long since we've seen him in this fic. I hope you enjoy! :)
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Callum's phone started buzzing loudly in his pocket, the alarm reminding him that he needed to leave and pick up Claudia from her audition. "Sorry, guys," he apologized to his dad and brother, laying down his cards face-up. "That's my cue to exeunt." Even though he was the only one who understood the pun, it was still satisfying. And totally worth the weird looks given to him.
"Where are you going?" Ezran asked curiously after a beat passed, while Callum put his phone and sketchbook into his satchel. "You don't have any classes today, and you have no reason to go to the football game tonight because Rayla isn't playing."
"Ez, you know way too much about my daily life," Callum said, amused, pulling his satchel over his shoulder. "But if you want to know that badly, I'm going to Seton Hall. Claudia needs me to pick her up from her audition today."
"Oh, did she try out for Macbeth?" Harrow asked, shuffling Callum's cards back into the draw pile. "I know they're starting production for that soon."
Really, why did everyone seem to know KSU's theatre schedule except for him?
Actually, as head of the college, it'd be pretty embarrassing if Harrow didn't know. So Callum supposed his dad was a tolerable exception. "Uh, yes? I'm pretty sure she did."
Harrow nodded. "Good for her. She's no doubt going to receive an excellent part."
"Oh my gosh, Claudia would be the best Lady Macbeth!" Ezran gushed, clasping his hands together as his eyes widened and practically twinkled in excitement. "Callum, you have to take me with you so I can talk to her about her audition and what part she thinks she got. Pretty please?"
No wonder Rayla and Ezran got along so well. Callum still didn't understand the appeal of Shakespeare, and he doubted he ever would. "I mean…" He shrugged, glancing at Harrow. "Dad, do you need Ez to stay at home for any reason?" He wasn't opposed to his brother tagging along. At least then he'd have someone to chat with while he waited for Claudia to finish.
Harrow shrugged. "I guess not. I can go help Opeli in the office while you two are gone. Just make sure to text and let me know when you're heading back, okay?"
Callum nodded, and with that decided, he and Ezran soon piled into his car and were on their way to Seton Hall. Claudia had sent him the address that morning, though he remembered where it was located from bringing Rayla there on the day they'd first met. Seton Hall was pretty far into campus. At least when he was coming from his dad's house and not his dorm.
"So, do you actually like Macbeth that much," Callum wryly asked his brother when he had to stop at a red light, "or are you just tagging along to get out of the house?"
Ezran made a so-so gesture with his hand. "Eh. I prefer Shakespeare's comedies, for the most part. But I genuinely do think Claudia would make a great Lady Macbeth." He then glared at his brother. "More importantly, I'm tagging along because I haven't seen Claudia in ages! You guys are always either too busy to come visit as a group or you don't think to invite me when you all go out and do stuff together!"
Callum winced. His brother made a fair point. For most of the previous week, he'd been so distracted by his argument with Rayla and patching things up with her - not to mention trying to get everything submitted for the art showcase - that he hadn't made much time to hang out with his dad and Ez, much less consider inviting Ezran to hang out with him and their mutual friends. Oh, and of course he'd been consumed by the existential dread - dread that was both normal and an essential part of the college experience, according to Claudia - that had come with his midterms. "You're right. I've been totally scatterbrained the past few weeks, and I never thought about how you might feel excluded. That was callous and shallow of me, and I'm sorry."
Ezran appeared taken aback by his sincerity and immediate admission of his inconsiderate attitude. Callum had to bite his tongue to avoid snickering. "Wow," his brother finally said. "Have you been watching TED Talks about how to incorporate healthy, positive communication into your life? Because that was impressive."
Callum laughed as the light turned green. "No, but that's not a half-bad idea." Rayla would probably tell him to take notes during the talks if he ever did so. "Okay - how does this sound?" He pulled through the intersection. "Next weekend is the big rivalry game with Neolandia. Obviously Soren and Rayla will be playing, and I know Claudia would rather die than miss that game, so why don't you come with us? We can all go out and get food or something afterwards, regardless of whether we win or lose."
Ezran tapped his chin, as if deeply considering his brother's suggestion. "The game is after Halloween, right?"
"Uh…" Callum wracked his brain, trying to remember what today even was. "I think so. Halloween is this Wednesday, right? The game isn't until next Saturday."
"Hmm…" Ezran sighed dramatically. "Well, I would have preferred we all go trick-or-treating together, but that is admittedly too last minute to arrange, and I am not unreasonable. So yes, I suppose that's an acceptable compromise."
Callum snorted. "I'm delighted it meets your standards, Your Highness." He'd make sure to ask his friends if they were available for trick-or-treating, though he wouldn't mention it to Ezran yet, just in case the idea fell through and they already had plans. He was almost certain Rayla had nothing scheduled, though, mostly because he didn't think she knew what Halloween was.
Huh. He wondered if there was a Xadian equivalent to the holiday.
Ezran laughed - a sound that truly signified all was right with the world. "Hold on a second - how long have I been royalty?"
Callum shrugged. "Not a clue. Ask Rayla. She's the one who started that gag, calling me a prince and stuff." Out of the corner of his eye he could see Ezran pulling out his phone. "Wait, are you actually texting her?"
"You just told me to ask her!"
"I mean, yeah, but -"
"Message sent. It's too late to argue. Give up now."
Christ. People told Callum all the time that he looked more like their mother, but he swore Ez acted more like her. "Moving on," he said pointedly, before Ezran could try to drag the conversation on longer about Rayla, "how has school been lately? Anything exciting happen?"
"Uh… Well, I heard Dr. Willis had her baby."
"Oh, the art teacher?"
"Yep. Ms. Tillery said it was another boy."
"Good for her, then. I'm glad they're happy and healthy." Callum glanced at his brother. "But I was more referring to how school was going for you."
Ezran wrinkled his nose in disgust. "High school is awful. You don't need me to tell you that. So what else is there to say?"
"Come on, Ez. High school isn't all bad." Callum paused at a stop sign before turning right. "Have you made any other friends? Don't get me wrong, Aanya seems really cool, but you only have one class with her, so -"
"And several extracurriculars."
"Ez. Seriously." Callum tapped the steering wheel. "How about this - is there anyone else you talk to regularly, even if you wouldn't call them a friend yet?"
Ezran sighed, chewing his bottom lip. "Well… There's a girl in my English class, I guess. We're partnered together for the interview narrative assignment that Ms. Tillery gives every year. Her name is Ellis, and she seems pretty cool so far. She really likes animals."
"Oh, nice." A beat. "So… Would you call her a friend? Or just an acquaintance?"
Ezran rolled his eyes. "You and dad are exactly the same. Always worried about if I'm making new friends and if I'm socializing enough."
"Only because we care about you," Callum countered. His social anxiety had been at its worst in high school, though he'd thankfully been fortunate enough to have Claudia there only a grade ahead of him. He didn't want his brother to go through the same struggle he did when it came to making friends. "And besides, it's not like we have to be concerned about your grades or anything, so we can prioritize worrying about your social life."
"Because I'm a genius?"
Callum laughed. "I would have said because you're a good student and know when and how to study, but sure. That works, too." He paused, then suggested, "Okay, idea. Why don't you invite Ellis to come trick-or-treating with us on Halloween? That way you can get to know each other better outside of your narrative-whatever assignment." And as a backup in case Soren and Claudia couldn't join them.
Ezran frowned. "Huh. That's… not a bad idea." He gave his brother a small smile. "Yeah, I'll do that. Remind me later so I don't forget to ask her."
"Roger that."
They continued talking about how Ezran's classes were going for the rest of the drive to Seton Hall, and Callum silently respected his brother's wish to not discuss his social life further by refraining from asking any more questions about his friends. Really, he hadn't been able to talk so casually to Ez in - well, in forever. It was nice to just be able to chat without the topic being too serious or their dad - bless his heart - sitting in the corner of the room and reading the paper.
"Oh, look," Ezran said, pulling his phone out of his pocket and unbuckling as Callum backed his car into Seton Hall's parking lot. "Rayla answered me."
"Oh, really?" Callum turned off the car and pulled the key out of the ignition, unable to keep a smile off his lips. "And what did she say?"
"She says that I'm the crown prince," Ezran replied, snickering. "That means I'll inherit the throne before you do."
Callum rolled his eyes. "I know what the crown prince is, Ez."
"Hey, now. No need for jealousy."
Callum scoffed. "Rude. I resent the implication that I'd ever want to be crown prince." He then checked the time on his phone. 3:50. Claudia said auditions ended at 4, meaning they were a little early, but she'd also texted him just before her audition had begun that Ms. Secrest wouldn't mind if they came inside the classroom as long as they didn't disturb anyone or cause a commotion. Both of which were things Callum was very capable of not doing, seeing as he greatly opposed bringing undue attention to himself. "Do you want to go inside and see if we can catch the end of auditions? Claudia says we're allowed to, as long as we're really quiet and don't interrupt anything."
Ezran finished typing his message - presumably to Rayla - before he stuck his phone in his pocket and nodded. "Sure! Maybe we'll get lucky and see Claudia's!"
Alas - they did not get lucky.
Callum sat down in the back of the room, with Ezran taking the seat to his left. He sent Claudia a quick text letting her know that he'd arrived and was ready to go whenever she was. He also informed her of his brother's presence.
Claudia: I HAVEN'T SEEN EZ IN AGES OMG
Her message was followed with several shocked emojis as well as a gif of RDJ gasping, and Callum had to bite his tongue to stop himself from laughing aloud. How very Claudia.
Claudia: anyhoo
Claudia: i should be done soon!
Callum: cool; we're waiting for you in the back
Claudia: thx boo. also stop using semicolons or i'll kill you myself
Callum snickered and put his phone away, knowing he didn't really need to answer her. He was about to turn in his seat to ask Ezran a question, but was distracted by someone calling his name.
"Callum? Is that you?"
Callum turned around to see a familiar curly-haired boy standing to his right. "Hey, Felix," he said, surprised. Felix slid into the open seat beside him. "What are you doing here?" He raised an eyebrow. "I mean, don't you have a game in like, two hours?"
Felix gave him a sheepish grin. "Because we're letting second- and third-string players onto the field since the team we're up against is that bad? Yeah, I do have a game."
Callum blanched. "Uh - I - No, that's not what I meant! I didn't mean to -"
Felix chuckled, lightly punching him in the shoulder. "I know, dude. I'm just messing with you." He gestured vaguely to the front of the room, where a redheaded girl was reciting a monologue Callum was pretty sure he recognized to be from Hamlet. "I'm here to pick a friend up," he explained. "We share a theatre elective. He's auditioning for Macbeth, Banquo, and Duncan today, but he really wanted to come to the game afterwards, too, since I'll be playing basically the entire time, so Couch Zhou gave me permission to leave and get him." He pulled out his phone to check the time. Maybe Callum was imagining things, but Felix's face seemed flushed with a soft scarlet. "That said, if he doesn't get a move on, I will not hesitate to abandon his ass here and make him walk to the stadium."
Callum laughed. "Understandable." Rayla and Claudia had a similar mentality of time is an illusion except when it comes to the time of a football game.
"Anyways!" Felix leaned forward to look at Ezran. "I don't think I know you?" He offered him his hand to shake. "My name's Felix. I'm a friend of Callum's. I met him - and Rayla, actually - through Soren."
Ezran shook Felix's hand. "Yeah, they've mentioned you before!" He smiled at him. "I'm Ezran. Callum is my brother. And you probably know my dad, Professor Harrow."
Felix laughed. "I literally thought you kind of looked like Professor Harrow, but I didn't want to say anything in case I was completely off the mark." He returned Ezran's smile. "It's very nice to meet you, Ezran."
"You, too!"
They talked a little longer about the game that evening as well as about Macbeth - Callum really needed Rayla to give him a crash course on Shakespeare, which he knew she would not mind doing - before Felix was interrupted mid-sentence by his phone blasting Panic! At The Disco.
"Yes, my ringtone is 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies'," Felix said as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. "I will not be accepting criticism of that at this time or ever." He then winked at them before stepping away to answer the call.
"You seem to get along way better with Felix now," Ezran commented, smirking. "That's a good thing, right?"
"Yes…" Callum gave his brother a suspicious look. "You know, I don't like how much inside knowledge you seem to have about Rayla and I's relationship."
"It's not like you were subtle about your jealousy, Callum. Also, I know everything about anything and anyone. So you shouldn't be surprised."
Callum rolled his eyes at his brother's sass but didn't respond, instead focusing on sending a text to Claudia.
Callum: you almost done?
Claudia: oui! grabbing my bag now and headed your way
She followed her text with a thumbs up, and he responded in turn with one of his own. Emoji usage must have been contagious, because he swore that the more he texted Claudia, the more he used emojis, too.
"Sorry, guys," Felix said apologetically as he returned to where they were sitting. "My idiot friend went to my car even though I told him I'd be waiting inside." Despite the mock-frustration to Felix's tone, there was a familiar fondness in his eyes. Callum could have sworn he'd seen that gentle expression somewhere before. "Which means that regrettably, I must now take my leave."
They said goodbye to Felix before he left, and as soon as he'd walked out the classroom Claudia appeared next to them.
"Ezran!" she practically shouted, dragging him out of his seat to crush him in a hug. "It's been too long! Have you been eating well? Getting enough sleep? Drinking enough water? Is Callum being a good older brother? If not, you know I'll beat him up for you."
"Wow," Callum said, affronted. "First of all, I'm a great older brother, so I find it very rude of you to suggest I'd only be 'good'. And second, I am highly opposed to being beaten up in any fashion, thank you very much."
Ezran laughed at their banter before pulling out of Claudia's hug. "As tempted as I am to take you up on that offer, I am way more curious to hear about your audition. How did it go? Do you think you'll get Lady Macbeth?"
"Oh, I wish," Claudia said dramatically as they began making their way out of the building back to Callum's car. "There was this girl - Hazel, I think her name was? - who was literally the most incredible Shakespearean actress I've ever seen. She has such a clear, nuanced understanding of the language that if she doesn't get the part, then I will drop out of the show because that means there's some blatant favoritism going on."
"Do you think you got given a good role, at least?" Callum asked as he unlocked his car. He also stuck his tongue out at Claudia and Ezran as they both climbed into the backseat, leaving him alone in the front.
"Well, I feel pretty confident that I was at least cast," Claudia said after a pause, pulling down her seatbelt to buckle in. "But whether I'll actually have lines or just be in ensemble, I have no idea."
Callum watched in the rearview mirror to make sure Ezran had put on his seatbelt before turning the key in the ignition to start the car. "I feel like you'll have lines. Our dad seemed sure that you'd get a part."
"Aw, that's so nice of him!" Claudia cooed. "Not to sound too arrogant, but I really hope he's right."
As they drove away from Seton Hall, Ezran continued to pepper Claudia with questions about her audition experience, all of which she was happy to answer, especially when it came to gushing about the Hazel girl and a boy who'd apparently had an amazing audition for Macbeth - maybe that was Felix's friend?
Callum kept his focus on the road during the drive, though he allowed himself to glance back at them every now and then as they talked. He loved his new friends, it was true - probably Rayla more than most - but sometimes there was nothing quite like the nostalgia of being around people he'd known since childhood.
(And he knew Claudia would tease Soren endlessly after his game for not being a part of it.)
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The funniest thing about this chapter is that I've never listened to p!atd, lmao. Next week is actually the Halloween chapter, and tbh I wish my update schedule had lined up so the fic's storyline matched the months/dates irl (it's only off by one month!). Ah, well - pas grand' chose! I hope you enjoyed this (shorter) update, and thank you for reading! Au revoir!
