Once the girls where finally ready they all shared a taxi to the town centre to a club called Eternal where they had a booth booked. The guys where already there waiting for them and had managed to get a few drinks for the girls. Simon and Tammy where a couple as where Jamie and Megan while Stacy was getting close to Dorley. Ben was hoping that things might work out for him and Courtney and managed to talk to her a few times that evening. She was happy that she had a lot of friends around her and it was the best birthday that she had in a long time.
She was enjoying herself sitting in the booth with Jasmine, Shelly, Brett and Ben but in the distance she noticed someone. It was Taz and he had turned up with one of his friends.
'Why is Taz here?' Courtney said to the others.
'You didn't tell him that you were going to be here did you?' Jasmine said.
'He knew that it is my birthday but I hope that he is not following us,' said Courtney.
Ben's heart sank as he was enjoying spending time with Courtney and the last thing that he wanted was for her ex boyfriend to be hanging around.
'I might buy another drink. Do you want one?' Brett asked Shelly.
'I will but it will have to be my last one,' replied Shelly 'I am also going out tomorrow night as well,'
'Where are you going?' Brett asked her.
'I am meeting up with Sarah, Gareth and Darwin from my course,' she replied.
Now Brett was also anxious. He had sensed that Gareth was interested in her but he hoped that nothing would come of it.
At first Courtney kept away from Taz who had noticed her but had not approached her yet and was instead hanging near the bar. Ben had hoped that Taz might talk to another girl. The rest of the group where sitting at the adjoining both and Simon and Tammy had heard about Taz although they had never spoke to him before.
A few of the girls then went to the toilets together and when they returned Taz took his chance to make conversation with Courtney. Ben watched the whole thing but as the music was loud he did not know what was being said.
'Courtney needs to be careful of Taz,' Jasmine said to a few of the others 'he hurt her a lot,'
'He was with Humara once as well,' said Tammy 'she used to be obsessed with him when I was friends with her and then she started using other guys to get over him,'
'Taz is really controlling,' said Jasmine 'he tries to dominate woman and then when he gets bored of them he will just drop them,'
Taz and his friend Paul were then invited to sit at Courtney's booth but most of the group avoided them. It seemed that Taz was mostly showing interest in Courtney and they now seemed to get along. Jasmine was not impressed and neither was Ben. What has started off as a good night now seemed to be a disappointment. Everyone else in the group seemed to be enjoying themselves however and Brett decided to make a small move. He had suggested about swapping numbers with Shelly and she agreed. Brett could now hopefully get some more conversation before asking out for a date. The only problem that he now had was he had to deal with Gareth.
By the end of the evening everyone got different taxis back home while Jasmine was staying with Courtney. By now Taz seemed to be in full control and had exchanged numbers with Courtney and had agreed to text her at some point. Ben was heartbroken as he felt that his chances where now slim.
@king_of_simcity7 Does Courtney really surrender that easily to Taz??? She is stronger than that. C'mon girl! If he hurt you once, he'll do it again...
Maybe Ben can fly in and rescue her like a knight in shining armor!
@emorrill More will be revealed in time and some of it would be mentioned in my next update that I will post in a minute but it will be a while before we see any outcomes!
The next day Courtney was still left feeling confused over the meeting with Taz but she was suspicious that he was just using her. He texted her a few times throughout the day but she tried to avoid being friendly with him. Her friends and parents were worried about her when she broke up with Taz and Courtney knew that they would be concerned if she was talking to him again. Part of her missed hearing from him but she could not forgive him for how much her had hurt her.
Shelly had agreed to meet up with Gareth, Darwin and Sarah in the evening but she was tired from the night before. Brett had managed to text her a few times and was happy with the conversation but was disappointed that she was still going out that evening.
At first he was debating with himself about texting her as he did not know if she would even text him back but luckily for him she did. He liked hearing from her and he hoped that if they could text for a while then something could happen between them but Gareth was going to be an obstacle to get past first.
The evening with Gareth, Darwin and Sarah was relaxed and there was another protest planned for the following weekend.
'Are you up for coming out with us to the protest next Saturday?' Sarah asked Shelly 'We will have all day to enjoy it this time and hopefully it won't go wrong like last time,'
Shelley agreed to come along and Gareth was pleased that she would be joining them.
'We will be going out of town this time though,' said Gareth 'we will be going to London for the day,'
'How are we getting there?' asked Shelly.
'We will be getting the train,' replied Gareth 'we can all meet up at the station in the morning and can spend all day there,'
@king_of_simcity7 Looks like the girls had fun dressing up for their night out.
Sometimes your guys think too much, when they should just act and let the girl know they are interested.
I hope Taz doesn't cause any trouble.
Glad to see Brett get her number so they can chat together.
Ben...you snooze, you lose! Silly sim! Hopefully, she is not silly enough to trust him again...some girls are though. Duh.
The next week back at college Sarah was outside talking to Cassie when they saw Hana walk past. Cassie mentioned that she had seen Hana campaigning for The Lion the previous week and Sarah was not impressed.
'Why is she supporting him? Sarah said.
'No idea,' replied Cassie but Bianca's mum told them where to go,'
'I would have done the same,' said Sarah.
'The Lion has screwed everyone over,' said Cassie.
'Hana must me mislead,' added Sarah.
In the canteen during the morning break Shelly was sitting with Courtney, Hana, Stacy, Dorley, Ben and Brett when Gareth came over with Sarah and Darwin and tried to join in with the conversation. Gareth had been offered a new work placement working for a newspaper and was excited to start it.
'What is everyone up to this week?' Sarah asked the group trying to make conversation.
'Not much,' replied Hana wondering why they where sat with them as they normally sat on their own table.
'We are looking for recruits,' said Gareth 'anyone up for joining us at a protest in London on Saturday?'
'I will be busy,' said Hana knowing full well what they were doing.
'Shelly is joining us still,' said Sarah.
'Yes I am still coming,' said Shelly.
Brett was suspicious as it seemed like the group where trying to drag her out to help set her up with Gareth.
'You are going to a protest?' Brett asked her.
'I guess so,' replied Shelly.
'You can come if you want?' Sarah asked him 'we need as many people as we can get,'
'Not sure if it is my thing,' said Brett.
'What do you do then?' Gareth asked him.
'What do you mean?' asked Brett.
'Just wondered,' asked Gareth 'as you are on a different course to us,'
'I am on an IT course,' replied Brett 'I only come in a couple of days a week but I used to do the life skills course that you are all on,'
'Did you not get a job then?' asked Gareth.
'I did but it was rubbish,' replied Brett 'I work just part time now,'
'Fair enough,' replied Gareth 'I am starting a placement with the Guardian,'
'The newspaper?' asked Brett.
'Yes, it is something that I have always wanted to do,' said Gareth.
Brett was not happy with Gareth's patronising attitude and it seemed like he was trying to show off in front of Shelly. It came across as though Gareth thought that he was better than everyone else and Brett was worried that Shelly might be falling for it.
Afterwards as everyone headed back to class Courtney bumped into Taz and he again tried to make conversation with her much to Brett's annoyance. Courtney was still feeling confused by him and was not sure about him appearing out of the blue.
'So you doing much this week then?' Taz asked her.
'Not really,' replied Courtney 'I have to go back to my class though,'
'You could skive off if you want?' Taz suggested 'I remember when you used to do Social Care and you came and met me one time,'
'Yes I think I remember that,' said Courtney remembering one time she took and afternoon off college and went out drinking with Taz. He was a bad influence on her and she had wondered if she would have done better without him.
'Do you go to this college anyway?' Courtney asked him.
'No I might be coming back soon,' said Taz 'Find a course to do,'
'I didn't think that college was for you,' said Courtney.
'I liked it but you know me, I had to give it up for a while,' said Taz 'but I have sorted things out now,'
'That's nice,' said Courtney 'But I have to go back to my class now,'
'Okay, I will give you a text sometime,' said Taz as Courtney walked off.
Humara had noticed Taz talking to Courtney and was not impressed. She was with Damien and Cassie and started complaining about him.
'Funny how Taz is after someone else already,' complained Humara.
'Well it was you who ditched Nick for him remember?' said Damien.
'No I didn't,' replied Humara 'I wasn't even with Nick anyway.
'Yes you did,' teased Cassie 'and you had Simon before him so you cannot complain!'
Humara then went silent as she knew that what Cassie was saying was true.
'I bet that you regret it now,' joked Damien 'at least Simon has got a new girlfriend,'
Gareth was excited about starting his placement with the newspaper and they were also keen to take him on. He was working at a branch office where some online editing was based. It was mostly acting like an online blog with a magazine attached to it and was mostly relying on volunteers to keep it running.
When he arrived at the office for his first day he was introduced to a man named Tim Sweeten who did much of the editing and he also happened to have the same views as Gareth and classed himself as a modern radical.
'Well thanks for coming in today,' said Tim when Gareth was sat in his office. 'The main aim or our movement is to create as much interest as possible. We are straightforward with our views and say things as they are,'
'I am attending the protest this Saturday,' explained Gareth 'Could I write about that?'
'Yes!' replied Tim excitedly 'That is the kind of thing that we want. We want to be able to tell people about this and we are encouraging people to attend!'
By Saturday Gareth, Darwin, Sarah, Laura and Michelle met up outside the train station for Anta and Shelly to arrive to catch the train. It was a big day and the protest was going to attract a lot of media attention.
Anta soon arrived and was ready to protest. He had brought picket signs for everyone and had his hopes up that it would be a good day. Around town some of the local Lion supporters where campaigning and Hana was out with her parents and had gone to meet her sister near the train station. She was seen by Gareth and the group and Sarah mentioned that Hana was obviously out campaigning.
'She is a Lion supporter?' said Anta 'Isn't she a bit too young to support them?'
'I don't know why she does,' said Sarah 'but she seems to like them for some reason,'
'Strange,' said Anta.
'She is a bit odd,' agreed Sarah 'she seems to avoid us now as well,'
Anta decided to call her over and Hana looked surprised as she saw the group. She worked out that they were going to be going to the protest in London and she felt nervous.
'Are you a Lion supporter?' jeered Anta.
Hana did not say anything but she felt uneasy by the group looking at her.
'Hana, why do you support him?' Sarah asked her.
'Have you got nothing to say?' asked Anta 'no shame?'
'I don't know why anyone would support him after what they have done to people,' added Laura 'do you know that people are dying because of his policies?'
'No they are not,' replied Hana.
'Are you thick or something?' snapped Anta 'or do you just read your Tory papers that brainwash you?'
'Seriously, Hana, think about what you are doing,' said Sarah.
'Lion supporters do not think!' said Anta 'they are just brainwashed,'
'No need for that!' said Darwin who felt that Anta was taking too far.
'Why not?' replied Anta 'people need to learn!'
'I think that what Anta is trying to say is that people who vote for The Lion are being mislead and really need a reality check,'
Hana felt hurt and walked off while Anta was smirking.
'Strange girl,' said Laura 'I hope that she comes to her senses one day,'
'Probably not,' said Anta.
Shelly then arrived and the group greeted her before heading into the station to catch their train.
Darwin was not impressed with Anta and the way he had behaved towards Hana and he did not like that Sarah seemed to go along with it. She seemed to laugh at all of Anta's jokes and by the time they had arrived in London she pretty much ignored everyone for Anta.
The group made their way to the protest and there was a lot of people around chanting and holding pickets and banners. It mostly seemed calm but there was clearly some people there to cause trouble. News reporters could be seen and there was a lot of police on standby.
Anta seemed to be one of the more rowdy ones and Sarah was happy to go along with it. A couple of counter protesters has turned up and where jeered at while police would try and break up trouble. Darwin was now starting to question if he really wanted to be there. He somehow felt that he was not really part of it and he wondered if they would even achieve any thing.
By the end of the protest the group made their way towards a bar and would start drinking. By now Sarah was agreeing to everything that Anta said and Darwin would feel left out. He preferred her when Anta wasn't around but it seemed like she liked him and he was disappointed. Gareth took the opportunity to try and get to know Shelly more but he kept their attack on Hana quiet. Shelly seemed to be unaware that anything had even happened.
@king_of_simcity7 I'm caught up again on your updates. Sure seems like some folks just don't have any tolerance for someone having a different opinion. I kinda felt sorry for Hana as she is too quiet and nice to stand up for herself and give it back to that Anta je, rk.
Doesn't really seem like Darwin needs to be with that group either. Sarah has shown she prefers a je, rk over a nice guy.
I think Shelly is still not seeing the real Gareth. He is better at hiding it then Anta is.
Back at college on Monday Gareth's group where excited about the events of the weekend although Darwin was still disappointed that Sarah had ignored him for Anta. Hana seemed to be off that day which made things seem a little bit less awkward until Jean brought the Gareth, Darwin and Sarah out of the room and had them sit in the corridor so she could talk about something to them individually. Something was up and Gareth and Sarah felt nervous as they knew that something was up. She asked to speak to Gareth first which left Darwin with Sarah.
'What do you think it is?' asked Darwin but Sarah mostly remained quiet.
'I think that Hana must have said something,' Sarah eventually said. Gareth eventually came out of Jean's office but did not say anything as Sarah got called in.
'What happened?' Darwin asked Gareth.
'Hana said something,' said Gareth 'her parents have rang the college and told them what happened,'
Darwin had guessed that the college had found out about the incident with Anta at the train station and where trying to investigate it.
'What do you think will happen?' asked Darwin.
'No idea,' replied Gareth 'but they might suspend us,'
'Where is Michelle?' asked Darwin.
'She is at her placement I think,' said Gareth.
Darwin and Gareth remained quiet until Darwin was called into the office. He sat down and Jean asked him what had happened that weekend with Hana at the train station. Darwin explained his side of the story to Jean which turned out to be different to what Gareth and Sarah where saying. Darwin told her about Anta and the protests and Jean seemed concerned.
'I have heard of this guy named Anta,' said Jean 'I think that you need to keep away from him,'
'I don't really know him,' said Darwin.
'I think that he must be part of a radical movement,' said Jean 'We cannot support it here at the college. I cannot change people's views but you need to be careful in getting involved with groups like that,'
'I just went along with the protest,' said Darwin.
'Well I have been told that you where just present,' said Jean 'I have not heard that you actually did anything but you are only a witness,'
'Hana just walked past us and Anta started hassling her,' added Darwin.
'It is interesting as your side of the story matches what Hana was saying,' said Jean.
'What did Gareth and Sarah say?' Darwin asked her.
'I cannot repeat their statement,' replied Jean 'but it is clear that you and Michelle were not directly involved in it,'
Jean then sent Darwin back to class and then called Gareth and Sarah back into the office. Darwin wondered what would happen next but as he got into the classroom who had a sense that some of the others knew that something was going on.
Humara had noticed Taz talking to Courtney and was not impressed. She was with Damien and Cassie and started complaining about him.
'Funny how Taz is after someone else already,' complained Humara.
'Well it was you who ditched Nick for him remember?' said Damien.
'No I didn't,' replied Humara 'I wasn't even with Nick anyway.
'Yes you did,' teased Cassie 'and you had Simon before him so you cannot complain!'
Humara then went silent as she knew that what Cassie was saying was true.
'I bet that you regret it now,' joked Damien 'at least Simon has got a new girlfriend,'
Geez, lay off Anta! Just because someone doesn't have the same political views as you doesn't mean they are brainwashed. I think it's funny how everyone in one party expects people to listen and respect their views when...they won't even listen and respect other's views! Hypocritical!
Darwin...Sarah isn't worth your time if she's into Anta...
If I were Hana's parents, I would've done the same thing...Good for them! The way Anta treated their daughter was unacceptable!
Glad Darwin was honest. Not like he had any reason not to be. Maybe he and Hana should hook up?
Gareth and Sarah are gonna get BUSTED!
During the morning break it was revealed that Gareth and Sarah had been suspended from the college and Shelly was surprised as she had only just found out what happened. Darwin sat with Warren and Shelly during the morning break and he explained to her what he had witnessed at the station.
'I had no idea that went on,' said Shelly 'no one even mentioned it to me until I came in today and Stacy told me that Hana was upset about being targeted by Anta,'
Darwin decided to talk to Stacy who was sitting with Courtney, Dorley, Ben and Brett and explained to them what had happened. They were not happy that Hana had been hurt but they could see that Darwin was innocent. It was becoming apparent to Darwin that the group who he had been hanging out with where not quite as innocent as they seemed.
@king_of_simcity7 He was very lucky he did not get into trouble as well as the others. Gotta pick your friends carefully or your rep can be tarnished because of theirs. Hopefully Darwin and Shelly will both realize it and I hope they will talk with Hana when she returns to school.
I hope Darwin will apologize for not stepping in when Anta was giving Hana grief. He needs to learn to not just go along with the crowd and step up for what he believes is right and wrong.
Darwin later rang Sarah on the phone to see how she was but she was not happy with him. She blamed him for her being suspended from college and accused him of not being radical enough. She was with Anta and he spoke to Darwin on the phone and told him that he was no longer welcome in the group. Darwin was disappointed but also that once again Anta seemed to be in control of things. He now decided that it would be best that he would not be part of the group anymore and he would have to avoid them.
The next day he felt alone at college but now realising that he was no longer welcome with the radicals he decided to apologise to Hana and he had heard that she was back at college and at her placement in the canteen so he would see her during the morning break.
Hana was working in the kitchen and she looked surprised to see him at first but he made conversation with her and asked how she was so she agreed to talk with him.
They sat at a table and Darwin apologised for what had happened at the weekend but she said that it was not his fault.
'I know it wasn't you who did anything,' said Hana 'it was that Anta guy,'
Darwin mentioned how Sarah seemed to be following Anta around.
'I think that she might be brainwashed by him,' said Hana 'I know the type of person he is and he seems to be controlling. I have seen her met him here a few times and she just seems to follow him,'
Darwin was disappointed that things might not happen with him and Sarah but he knew that he had to stay away from the group.
'I am not welcome in that group now,' said Darwin sadly.
'It would be for the best,' said Hana 'they are Labour supporters and I don't trust them at all,'
'Why do you support the Tories?' asked Darwin.
'Because I like what they have done for this country,' replied Hana 'they got the economy going again after Labour bankrupted us after the last recession,'
Darwin had heard different stories but he respected Hana's view.
'What is happening with Gareth and Sarah?' asked Darwin 'will they come back to college?'
'They have been suspended for a week,' replied Hana 'they have been told to stay away from me,'
'I will keep away from them as well,' agreed Darwin.
'We are worried about Shelly as well,' explained Hana 'we have told her what happened and she is not happy with them,'
Comments
Once the girls where finally ready they all shared a taxi to the town centre to a club called Eternal where they had a booth booked. The guys where already there waiting for them and had managed to get a few drinks for the girls. Simon and Tammy where a couple as where Jamie and Megan while Stacy was getting close to Dorley. Ben was hoping that things might work out for him and Courtney and managed to talk to her a few times that evening. She was happy that she had a lot of friends around her and it was the best birthday that she had in a long time.
She was enjoying herself sitting in the booth with Jasmine, Shelly, Brett and Ben but in the distance she noticed someone. It was Taz and he had turned up with one of his friends.
'Why is Taz here?' Courtney said to the others.
'You didn't tell him that you were going to be here did you?' Jasmine said.
'He knew that it is my birthday but I hope that he is not following us,' said Courtney.
Ben's heart sank as he was enjoying spending time with Courtney and the last thing that he wanted was for her ex boyfriend to be hanging around.
'I might buy another drink. Do you want one?' Brett asked Shelly.
'I will but it will have to be my last one,' replied Shelly 'I am also going out tomorrow night as well,'
'Where are you going?' Brett asked her.
'I am meeting up with Sarah, Gareth and Darwin from my course,' she replied.
Now Brett was also anxious. He had sensed that Gareth was interested in her but he hoped that nothing would come of it.
At first Courtney kept away from Taz who had noticed her but had not approached her yet and was instead hanging near the bar. Ben had hoped that Taz might talk to another girl. The rest of the group where sitting at the adjoining both and Simon and Tammy had heard about Taz although they had never spoke to him before.
A few of the girls then went to the toilets together and when they returned Taz took his chance to make conversation with Courtney. Ben watched the whole thing but as the music was loud he did not know what was being said.
'Courtney needs to be careful of Taz,' Jasmine said to a few of the others 'he hurt her a lot,'
'He was with Humara once as well,' said Tammy 'she used to be obsessed with him when I was friends with her and then she started using other guys to get over him,'
'Taz is really controlling,' said Jasmine 'he tries to dominate woman and then when he gets bored of them he will just drop them,'
Taz and his friend Paul were then invited to sit at Courtney's booth but most of the group avoided them. It seemed that Taz was mostly showing interest in Courtney and they now seemed to get along. Jasmine was not impressed and neither was Ben. What has started off as a good night now seemed to be a disappointment. Everyone else in the group seemed to be enjoying themselves however and Brett decided to make a small move. He had suggested about swapping numbers with Shelly and she agreed. Brett could now hopefully get some more conversation before asking out for a date. The only problem that he now had was he had to deal with Gareth.
By the end of the evening everyone got different taxis back home while Jasmine was staying with Courtney. By now Taz seemed to be in full control and had exchanged numbers with Courtney and had agreed to text her at some point. Ben was heartbroken as he felt that his chances where now slim.
Maybe Ben can fly in and rescue her like a knight in shining armor!
The next day Courtney was still left feeling confused over the meeting with Taz but she was suspicious that he was just using her. He texted her a few times throughout the day but she tried to avoid being friendly with him. Her friends and parents were worried about her when she broke up with Taz and Courtney knew that they would be concerned if she was talking to him again. Part of her missed hearing from him but she could not forgive him for how much her had hurt her.
Shelly had agreed to meet up with Gareth, Darwin and Sarah in the evening but she was tired from the night before. Brett had managed to text her a few times and was happy with the conversation but was disappointed that she was still going out that evening.
At first he was debating with himself about texting her as he did not know if she would even text him back but luckily for him she did. He liked hearing from her and he hoped that if they could text for a while then something could happen between them but Gareth was going to be an obstacle to get past first.
The evening with Gareth, Darwin and Sarah was relaxed and there was another protest planned for the following weekend.
'Are you up for coming out with us to the protest next Saturday?' Sarah asked Shelly 'We will have all day to enjoy it this time and hopefully it won't go wrong like last time,'
Shelley agreed to come along and Gareth was pleased that she would be joining them.
'We will be going out of town this time though,' said Gareth 'we will be going to London for the day,'
'How are we getting there?' asked Shelly.
'We will be getting the train,' replied Gareth 'we can all meet up at the station in the morning and can spend all day there,'
Sometimes your guys think too much, when they should just act and let the girl know they are interested.
I hope Taz doesn't cause any trouble.
Glad to see Brett get her number so they can chat together.
Ben...you snooze, you lose! Silly sim! Hopefully, she is not silly enough to trust him again...some girls are though. Duh.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
The next week back at college Sarah was outside talking to Cassie when they saw Hana walk past. Cassie mentioned that she had seen Hana campaigning for The Lion the previous week and Sarah was not impressed.
'Why is she supporting him? Sarah said.
'No idea,' replied Cassie but Bianca's mum told them where to go,'
'I would have done the same,' said Sarah.
'The Lion has screwed everyone over,' said Cassie.
'Hana must me mislead,' added Sarah.
In the canteen during the morning break Shelly was sitting with Courtney, Hana, Stacy, Dorley, Ben and Brett when Gareth came over with Sarah and Darwin and tried to join in with the conversation. Gareth had been offered a new work placement working for a newspaper and was excited to start it.
'What is everyone up to this week?' Sarah asked the group trying to make conversation.
'Not much,' replied Hana wondering why they where sat with them as they normally sat on their own table.
'We are looking for recruits,' said Gareth 'anyone up for joining us at a protest in London on Saturday?'
'I will be busy,' said Hana knowing full well what they were doing.
'Shelly is joining us still,' said Sarah.
'Yes I am still coming,' said Shelly.
Brett was suspicious as it seemed like the group where trying to drag her out to help set her up with Gareth.
'You are going to a protest?' Brett asked her.
'I guess so,' replied Shelly.
'You can come if you want?' Sarah asked him 'we need as many people as we can get,'
'Not sure if it is my thing,' said Brett.
'What do you do then?' Gareth asked him.
'What do you mean?' asked Brett.
'Just wondered,' asked Gareth 'as you are on a different course to us,'
'I am on an IT course,' replied Brett 'I only come in a couple of days a week but I used to do the life skills course that you are all on,'
'Did you not get a job then?' asked Gareth.
'I did but it was rubbish,' replied Brett 'I work just part time now,'
'Fair enough,' replied Gareth 'I am starting a placement with the Guardian,'
'The newspaper?' asked Brett.
'Yes, it is something that I have always wanted to do,' said Gareth.
Brett was not happy with Gareth's patronising attitude and it seemed like he was trying to show off in front of Shelly. It came across as though Gareth thought that he was better than everyone else and Brett was worried that Shelly might be falling for it.
Afterwards as everyone headed back to class Courtney bumped into Taz and he again tried to make conversation with her much to Brett's annoyance. Courtney was still feeling confused by him and was not sure about him appearing out of the blue.
'So you doing much this week then?' Taz asked her.
'Not really,' replied Courtney 'I have to go back to my class though,'
'You could skive off if you want?' Taz suggested 'I remember when you used to do Social Care and you came and met me one time,'
'Yes I think I remember that,' said Courtney remembering one time she took and afternoon off college and went out drinking with Taz. He was a bad influence on her and she had wondered if she would have done better without him.
'Do you go to this college anyway?' Courtney asked him.
'No I might be coming back soon,' said Taz 'Find a course to do,'
'I didn't think that college was for you,' said Courtney.
'I liked it but you know me, I had to give it up for a while,' said Taz 'but I have sorted things out now,'
'That's nice,' said Courtney 'But I have to go back to my class now,'
'Okay, I will give you a text sometime,' said Taz as Courtney walked off.
Humara had noticed Taz talking to Courtney and was not impressed. She was with Damien and Cassie and started complaining about him.
'Funny how Taz is after someone else already,' complained Humara.
'Well it was you who ditched Nick for him remember?' said Damien.
'No I didn't,' replied Humara 'I wasn't even with Nick anyway.
'Yes you did,' teased Cassie 'and you had Simon before him so you cannot complain!'
Humara then went silent as she knew that what Cassie was saying was true.
'I bet that you regret it now,' joked Damien 'at least Simon has got a new girlfriend,'
Gareth was excited about starting his placement with the newspaper and they were also keen to take him on. He was working at a branch office where some online editing was based. It was mostly acting like an online blog with a magazine attached to it and was mostly relying on volunteers to keep it running.
When he arrived at the office for his first day he was introduced to a man named Tim Sweeten who did much of the editing and he also happened to have the same views as Gareth and classed himself as a modern radical.
'Well thanks for coming in today,' said Tim when Gareth was sat in his office. 'The main aim or our movement is to create as much interest as possible. We are straightforward with our views and say things as they are,'
'I am attending the protest this Saturday,' explained Gareth 'Could I write about that?'
'Yes!' replied Tim excitedly 'That is the kind of thing that we want. We want to be able to tell people about this and we are encouraging people to attend!'
By Saturday Gareth, Darwin, Sarah, Laura and Michelle met up outside the train station for Anta and Shelly to arrive to catch the train. It was a big day and the protest was going to attract a lot of media attention.
Anta soon arrived and was ready to protest. He had brought picket signs for everyone and had his hopes up that it would be a good day. Around town some of the local Lion supporters where campaigning and Hana was out with her parents and had gone to meet her sister near the train station. She was seen by Gareth and the group and Sarah mentioned that Hana was obviously out campaigning.
'She is a Lion supporter?' said Anta 'Isn't she a bit too young to support them?'
'I don't know why she does,' said Sarah 'but she seems to like them for some reason,'
'Strange,' said Anta.
'She is a bit odd,' agreed Sarah 'she seems to avoid us now as well,'
Anta decided to call her over and Hana looked surprised as she saw the group. She worked out that they were going to be going to the protest in London and she felt nervous.
'Are you a Lion supporter?' jeered Anta.
Hana did not say anything but she felt uneasy by the group looking at her.
'Hana, why do you support him?' Sarah asked her.
'Have you got nothing to say?' asked Anta 'no shame?'
'I don't know why anyone would support him after what they have done to people,' added Laura 'do you know that people are dying because of his policies?'
'No they are not,' replied Hana.
'Are you thick or something?' snapped Anta 'or do you just read your Tory papers that brainwash you?'
'Seriously, Hana, think about what you are doing,' said Sarah.
'Lion supporters do not think!' said Anta 'they are just brainwashed,'
'No need for that!' said Darwin who felt that Anta was taking too far.
'Why not?' replied Anta 'people need to learn!'
'I think that what Anta is trying to say is that people who vote for The Lion are being mislead and really need a reality check,'
Hana felt hurt and walked off while Anta was smirking.
'Strange girl,' said Laura 'I hope that she comes to her senses one day,'
'Probably not,' said Anta.
Shelly then arrived and the group greeted her before heading into the station to catch their train.
Darwin was not impressed with Anta and the way he had behaved towards Hana and he did not like that Sarah seemed to go along with it. She seemed to laugh at all of Anta's jokes and by the time they had arrived in London she pretty much ignored everyone for Anta.
The group made their way to the protest and there was a lot of people around chanting and holding pickets and banners. It mostly seemed calm but there was clearly some people there to cause trouble. News reporters could be seen and there was a lot of police on standby.
Anta seemed to be one of the more rowdy ones and Sarah was happy to go along with it. A couple of counter protesters has turned up and where jeered at while police would try and break up trouble. Darwin was now starting to question if he really wanted to be there. He somehow felt that he was not really part of it and he wondered if they would even achieve any thing.
By the end of the protest the group made their way towards a bar and would start drinking. By now Sarah was agreeing to everything that Anta said and Darwin would feel left out. He preferred her when Anta wasn't around but it seemed like she liked him and he was disappointed. Gareth took the opportunity to try and get to know Shelly more but he kept their attack on Hana quiet. Shelly seemed to be unaware that anything had even happened.
@king_of_simcity7 I'm caught up again on your updates. Sure seems like some folks just don't have any tolerance for someone having a different opinion. I kinda felt sorry for Hana as she is too quiet and nice to stand up for herself and give it back to that Anta je, rk.
Doesn't really seem like Darwin needs to be with that group either. Sarah has shown she prefers a je, rk over a nice guy.
I think Shelly is still not seeing the real Gareth. He is better at hiding it then Anta is.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Back at college on Monday Gareth's group where excited about the events of the weekend although Darwin was still disappointed that Sarah had ignored him for Anta. Hana seemed to be off that day which made things seem a little bit less awkward until Jean brought the Gareth, Darwin and Sarah out of the room and had them sit in the corridor so she could talk about something to them individually. Something was up and Gareth and Sarah felt nervous as they knew that something was up. She asked to speak to Gareth first which left Darwin with Sarah.
'What do you think it is?' asked Darwin but Sarah mostly remained quiet.
'I think that Hana must have said something,' Sarah eventually said. Gareth eventually came out of Jean's office but did not say anything as Sarah got called in.
'What happened?' Darwin asked Gareth.
'Hana said something,' said Gareth 'her parents have rang the college and told them what happened,'
Darwin had guessed that the college had found out about the incident with Anta at the train station and where trying to investigate it.
'What do you think will happen?' asked Darwin.
'No idea,' replied Gareth 'but they might suspend us,'
'Where is Michelle?' asked Darwin.
'She is at her placement I think,' said Gareth.
Darwin and Gareth remained quiet until Darwin was called into the office. He sat down and Jean asked him what had happened that weekend with Hana at the train station. Darwin explained his side of the story to Jean which turned out to be different to what Gareth and Sarah where saying. Darwin told her about Anta and the protests and Jean seemed concerned.
'I have heard of this guy named Anta,' said Jean 'I think that you need to keep away from him,'
'I don't really know him,' said Darwin.
'I think that he must be part of a radical movement,' said Jean 'We cannot support it here at the college. I cannot change people's views but you need to be careful in getting involved with groups like that,'
'I just went along with the protest,' said Darwin.
'Well I have been told that you where just present,' said Jean 'I have not heard that you actually did anything but you are only a witness,'
'Hana just walked past us and Anta started hassling her,' added Darwin.
'It is interesting as your side of the story matches what Hana was saying,' said Jean.
'What did Gareth and Sarah say?' Darwin asked her.
'I cannot repeat their statement,' replied Jean 'but it is clear that you and Michelle were not directly involved in it,'
Jean then sent Darwin back to class and then called Gareth and Sarah back into the office. Darwin wondered what would happen next but as he got into the classroom who had a sense that some of the others knew that something was going on.
^BOOM!
Tell her Damien and Cassie!
Geez, lay off Anta!
Darwin...Sarah isn't worth your time if she's into Anta...
If I were Hana's parents, I would've done the same thing...Good for them! The way Anta treated their daughter was unacceptable!
Glad Darwin was honest. Not like he had any reason not to be. Maybe he and Hana should hook up?
Gareth and Sarah are gonna get BUSTED!
Enjoyed your updates!
During the morning break it was revealed that Gareth and Sarah had been suspended from the college and Shelly was surprised as she had only just found out what happened. Darwin sat with Warren and Shelly during the morning break and he explained to her what he had witnessed at the station.
'I had no idea that went on,' said Shelly 'no one even mentioned it to me until I came in today and Stacy told me that Hana was upset about being targeted by Anta,'
Darwin decided to talk to Stacy who was sitting with Courtney, Dorley, Ben and Brett and explained to them what had happened. They were not happy that Hana had been hurt but they could see that Darwin was innocent. It was becoming apparent to Darwin that the group who he had been hanging out with where not quite as innocent as they seemed.
@king_of_simcity7 He was very lucky he did not get into trouble as well as the others. Gotta pick your friends carefully or your rep can be tarnished because of theirs. Hopefully Darwin and Shelly will both realize it and I hope they will talk with Hana when she returns to school.
I hope Darwin will apologize for not stepping in when Anta was giving Hana grief. He needs to learn to not just go along with the crowd and step up for what he believes is right and wrong.
The Cowboy and the Mermaid
Darwin later rang Sarah on the phone to see how she was but she was not happy with him. She blamed him for her being suspended from college and accused him of not being radical enough. She was with Anta and he spoke to Darwin on the phone and told him that he was no longer welcome in the group. Darwin was disappointed but also that once again Anta seemed to be in control of things. He now decided that it would be best that he would not be part of the group anymore and he would have to avoid them.
The next day he felt alone at college but now realising that he was no longer welcome with the radicals he decided to apologise to Hana and he had heard that she was back at college and at her placement in the canteen so he would see her during the morning break.
Hana was working in the kitchen and she looked surprised to see him at first but he made conversation with her and asked how she was so she agreed to talk with him.
They sat at a table and Darwin apologised for what had happened at the weekend but she said that it was not his fault.
'I know it wasn't you who did anything,' said Hana 'it was that Anta guy,'
Darwin mentioned how Sarah seemed to be following Anta around.
'I think that she might be brainwashed by him,' said Hana 'I know the type of person he is and he seems to be controlling. I have seen her met him here a few times and she just seems to follow him,'
Darwin was disappointed that things might not happen with him and Sarah but he knew that he had to stay away from the group.
'I am not welcome in that group now,' said Darwin sadly.
'It would be for the best,' said Hana 'they are Labour supporters and I don't trust them at all,'
'Why do you support the Tories?' asked Darwin.
'Because I like what they have done for this country,' replied Hana 'they got the economy going again after Labour bankrupted us after the last recession,'
Darwin had heard different stories but he respected Hana's view.
'What is happening with Gareth and Sarah?' asked Darwin 'will they come back to college?'
'They have been suspended for a week,' replied Hana 'they have been told to stay away from me,'
'I will keep away from them as well,' agreed Darwin.
'We are worried about Shelly as well,' explained Hana 'we have told her what happened and she is not happy with them,'
Good for Darwin, he doesn't need those two in his life if they're just going to bring him down... (not to mention them being horrible people!)
Yeah guys who are controlling are bad news...
Sweet that Darwin is curious about her political views and is respectful of them. 👍
Interesting...
I'm wondering what will happen next.