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Solveig: “… And as the third element I took pictures with your old camera and used those for that collage, too. I could feel how it added to the meaning, and changed the meaning of the cloth and the painted bits. It’s definitely something I’ll explore further. I have to say, this mixed media project was rather intriguing for a change. I didn’t expect Mr. Cramer to come up with a project like this. Not that my work made it into the exhibition. He decided to pick three rather boring works but they had big titles. One was called ‘Peace’, all blue and doves and feathers, one ‘Exploring me’, she used nudes of herself for it, can you imagine that? I wouldn’t be surprised if he had jacked off on it. And I forgot the title of the third one. Mine was just called ‘A Study in Black and Red’ because that’s what it was. But it was so much better than the ones he picked.”

Malte: "I’m sad I missed the exhibition. Sounds like we could have had a lot of fun there. Will you show me the picture when we’re back home?”

Solveig: “Sure, no problem. I can also show you some other stuff I made since you were here last time.”

Malte: “Yes, please do, I’d love that. But there is one other thing I want to hear about. Mom said the school called again?"

Solveig scoffed: "Oh, I knew it. Are you going full big brother on me again?"

Malte didn't reply, so they walked in silence, with the only noises being the sound of crunching snow and an occasional bird’s call.

After a while Solveig started to talk again. "They said I might fail this year and not get the recommendation for Art College."

Malte: "What happened?"

Solveig groaned. "I just hate it. I just hate everything. And now you are gone, and I hate that, too. Everything bores me and I'm just so angry all the time. The others in my year are mostly busy with calling each other gay or gossiping about who is doing it with whom. Or dissing each other for the most stupid shit. The other day Henrik told Line she was just as gross as her sister. You know, the one with cerebral palsy? I know I should have used other means to convey my averseness to this display of dumbassery. But I couldn't help it. And the biggest fuck? The dean told me afterwards that he feels Henrik had deserved to get his face smashed but of course blablabla."

Malte: “What a jerk. Are you still seeing Dr. Poulsen?”

Solveig: “Of course. And she is amazing, and it does help, and it got much better. I'm good, usually. And yes, we talked about it already. It’s just… it was ok when you were traveling, I knew you’d come back. But now… you’ll probably not. So I’m stuck here. And… it doesn’t make it any easier.”

Malte just nodded. She had been struggling with impulse control all her life and he had to pick her up from the dean’s office more than once in the past. She was her father’s daughter after all.

Malte: “So what’s the status now?”

Solveig shrugged. “I don’t know. Mom talked to the dean, he wants to have written confirmation I see a therapist regularly and I had to apologize to Henrik. And if anything else happens until the end of term they’ll expel me. “

Malte nodded. “That will be a long term for you then. Just one more term, Solveig… Do you think you will manage?”

She took her time with an answer. “I have to, don’t I? If I fuck this up, I have nothing. Mom is looking at me as if I had already failed. And her constant questions and offers... I know she cares, and I wouldn't want to miss it. But it’s not helping.” She grimaced.

“I’ll talk to Mom. And maybe we can arrange more sessions with Dr. Poulsen, like, two times a week?”, Malte asked. “I’ll help with the bills. Also, mom told me there was a new art school in town with an interesting program, maybe one of the classes would be something for you?”

Solveig nodded. “Yes, we already talked about that. Everything away from home and school is good." She grimaced again. "Man, this sounds so bad. I love them, you know I do, right? I just… I feel so trapped and I don’t want to hurt them.” She hesitated. “You know, I'm all happy for you, and I can't wait to meet Rachel, but can't you live here? Or, maybe I can come and live with you?"

Malte smiled. "You know the answer to that", he replied softly. "Also, Mom needs you, even if she is much better these days, and Anne-Lis does, too. And you need them just the same if you’re honest. At least for another while. But things will change, inevitably. And you'll do all the things you dream of, I know that. You can start right now, at least with some of it. You don't have to wait until some distant future happens."

Solveig: "I know, I know... Your footsteps are just so big, I can't walk in them."

Malte: "Solveig, you don't have to. You'll make your own, and they will be beautiful." He hugged her long and tightly. "And remember, I'll always be your pesky big brother, just a phone call away."

Solveig snuffled a bit. "When did you grow up, Fishhead?"

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They haven't quite figured out yet how that water ballet thing works.

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Bedtime

Malte: "Time for bed, Anne-Lis. Why are you still up?!"

Anne-Lis (tries not to yawn): "But why? I'm not tired at all."

Malte: "Off with you, and don't forget to brush your teeth."

Anne-Lis (moans): "Maaaaan..."

Anne-Lis: I'll try the other sibling...

Anne-Lis: "I don't want to sleep yet..."

Solveig: "Let's see...."

Anne-Lis: Yes! Party time!

Solveig: "... and so, after all this time, he finally made it home."

Anne-Lis: "... But why didn't he just ask for directions?"

Solveig: "Because then this story wouldn't exist."

Anne-Lis: Why is this bed so comfortable...

Solveig: How does she always end up in my bed?

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A letter home (4/4)

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A letter home (3/4)

Solveig: "Hej, Fishhead, we just read your letter. How did it go?"

Malte laughed. "I should have placed a bet on you calling immediately! Hej, Solveig."

Solveig: "Of course I had to call immediately. Mom is still fussing about the heating. You can tell me about that later, too. But now, why did you have to meet at the library? Why not go somewhere exciting? And is that the girl you told me about?"

Malte: "Yes, that's her. I'm glad you believe I'm capable of meeting more girls. And you surely remember, I met her at the library? She obviously loves books. So what is a better place to meet than a building full of books? Also, it's a safe space for her. For all she knows, I could be a serial killer."

Solveig giggled. "No one in their right mind would think you're a serial killer, you softie. Go on, how did it go? Did she really show up?"

A grin appeared on Malte's face that wouldn't vanish. "Yes, she did show up. And what can I say? It was amazing. We talked like we had known each other for a long time. It felt like ... meeting with a friend. Well, more than a friend, actually."

Solveig: "My, Fishhead, you’re not gonna dive headfirst into this, are you? And change gears from snail to turtle?"

Malte laughed, it sounded very happy. "No, she is rather shy. And she does have quite a few admirers, so I have to be at my best. But I really.... I just want to see her smile."

Solveig: "I'm actually somewhat impressed, Fishhead. You really sound like you have a crush on her... I never thought I'd see the day! I'm so happy for you! So, Rachel it is! What did you talk about? Is she a tea or a coffee girl? And most importantly, when will you meet again?"

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A letter home (2/4)

Joëlle: "Malte wrote, it sounds as if the heating will be switched off again, for some maintenance work. At this time of the year! And something about a date and a letter he wrote to Dahlia? I don't get it. I need my glasses. He really could put a little more effort into his handwriting."

Solveig: "Hand it over, I'll read it."

Solveig (reading): "Dear Anne-Lis, Solveig, Joëlle, Hope you’re all doing well! How is that bruised finger, Anne-Lis? The property manager called this morning about the heating... blablabla, wait, where is the part..."

Anne-Lis: "Does he say when he'll visit again?"

Joëlle: "Don't skip everything, chérie. I want to know that!"

Solveig: "We can read the boring stuff later. He won't freeze to death in the meantime."

Solveig: "Here. (Reading) ... when there are much more exciting things to share. Your hopeless case is going on a date! A real date! Yes, Solveig, with a real girl! There’s this student who often comes to the library and I really like her. And I found her profile on Honeyfinder! I have to thank Dahlia for insisting I check it out. She's going to rub this in my face as long as we live! Anyway, I explored the site and found her profile. I messaged her. And, surprisingly, she replied… We’ll meet at the library tomorrow afternoon! I’m super excited and a little freaked out. My heart hasn't pounded that much since Solveig fell through the ice. But, of course, it could turn out that we don’t click. Or have nothing to talk about. Well, you can be sure I’ll keep you posted. By the time you read this letter, it’ll already be over."

Anne-Lis: "That's boring. Can I have some juice, mom?"

Joëlle: "What is Honeyfinder?"

Solveig: "Am I the only one who is excited about this??? Please excuse me, I have to make a phone call."

She handed the letter back to her mother and stomped to her room.

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A letter home (1/4)

There'll be an English version at the end :)

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Solveig: "You know, reading all the time won't get you a girl. It only gets you wrinkles."

Solveig: "Go out, look around, meet someone!"

Solveig: "You know, I only want your best."

Solveig: "And my best. Talking about books is boooring, talking about your girlfriend is not. You don't want to go to bed with books only for the rest of your life, do you?"

Malte: "Actually..."

Solveig: "Whaaaaat?"

Malte: "No kidding..."

Solveig: "I can't believe it."

Solveig: "You sneaky little Fishhead, tell me all about it!"

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He cannot stop thinking about a certain someone... and look at that happy face, blissful even I'm tempted to say!

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OC Deep Dive Questionnaire Tag

A set of 20 questions to get to know your OC!

It's been a while since @nocturnalazure tagged me to do this again. Life took over for a while, but here we are, after all. Thank you for tagging, my dear! ❤️ Upon your request, here's Rachel!

I was actually hoping to post the next chapter today, which also centres around Rach, but I need two more days to get that sorted. So consider this your Rachel-fix to pass the time. 😉

What uncommon/common fear do they have?

Rachel has a fear of heights and things that go at excessive speeds.

Do they have any pet peeves?

When people comment on the fact that she's quiet, talking on the phone (especially when it can be texted).

What are 3 items you can find in their bedroom?

Books, her diary, and a collection of hairbands.

What do they notice first in a person?

If they have kind eyes.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how high is their pain tolerance?

Maybe a 6? She can handle some pain, but not too much. She's also afraid things might hurt.

Do they go into fight or flight mode when under pressure?

This totally depends on the situation. Rachel would fight if she feels passionate about something, but when it's something less important to her heart, she wouldn't.

Do they come from a big family/are they a family person?

Rachel comes from a very warm, open-minded, and accepting family situation. She doesn't have a big family, but her parents, her brother and her sister are hugely important to her.

What animal represents them best?

A golden retriever. Loyal and helpful.

What is a smell that they dislike?

Rachel is not a perfume girl. She dislikes most perfumes and artificial smells in general. She picks showergel with a natural smell and non-perfumed washing detergent for her clothes.

Have they broken any bones?

She broke her underarm when falling off a slide as a kid.

How would a stranger likely describe them?

Quiet, shy.

Are they a night owl or a morning bird?

Rachel loves her sleep. She likes to go to bed at a reasonable hour and sleep until she wakes up naturally, which is usually around 8.

What is a flavour they hate and a flavour they love?

Rachel is vegetarian. When there's meat in a dish and she didn't expect it, she immediately notices upon first bite, and it literally leaves her nauseous. She loves avocados!

Do they have any hobbies?

Reading, writing, yoga, ballet (although she hasn't done that in a while).

Boom, surprise birthday party! How do they react to surprises?

Not too great. Well, she wouldn't show it, but those who truly know her, know she likes to be prepared.

Do they like to wear jewellery?

Yes! Earrings especially! But always understated, never big or flashy..

Do they have neat or messy handwriting?

What are the two emotions they feel the most?

Compassion and insecurity

Do they have a favourite fabric?

Wool and cotton

What kind of accent do they have?

No noticeable accent, but she can speak very softly. Sometimes so quietly that it's hard to understand.

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A day at the playground

A day at the playground