Trying To Connect [OPEN]

”Thanks.”

Kristen nodded to the librarian and made her way to the section where she’d find different books on fighting styles. Honestly she loved kickboxing, but she did want to check out a few others. For all the great size of the library at her new university, Kristen still wanted to check out the library in the town in case it had anything else. She figured the books at school would be much better, but who knew? She could end up finding a hidden gem. Although when she located the right section and turned into it, she ended up finding someone else rather than a gem. Even without an empathy related power, Kristen could tell that the woman seem worried or frustrated over something. Kristen stole a glance at the book she was holding as she slowly and almost cautiously approached.

”Somehow I doubt you’re getting frustrated over an aikido book.”

Kristen couldn’t help but be blunt because honestly should wasn’t ready to believe the woman was upset over a book to learn a fighting style.

”Although you could argue it’s none of my business.” Kristen added, looking over the books to search for one herself. ”Still, I’ve got a blunt personality. I promise I don’t mean to offend you at least. Only make a remark.”

"Oh, ah... well, the language is a bit difficult for someone who's never been in a class.”

Kristen smiled a little since what the woman said was pretty true.

"You're right, it isn't any of your business, but I happen to be rather blunt myself on occasion and don't mind. Truly, I don't feel offended in the slightest. Getting emotional over a book in a library is worth a remark at least I'm sure.”

Fortunately for Kristen, she appeared to have found one of the rare types of people who wasn’t offended by her bluntness. It was a nice change for her, not being told off or getting a sour expression as a response. Already this woman was ahead of a few others Kristen had run into after moving to Corinth.

”It’s a nice change to have someone not bark at me for speaking freely. Also, yeah you were pretty much asking for it.”

Kristen knew she was being a little sassy as well as blunt, but she truly couldn’t help it; it was her nature. Besides, she didn’t think she was being too sarcastic with the woman.

"Although, I'm sure an old woman's problems aren't something you truly wish to listen to. You're trained in martial arts, though?”

For some inexplicable reason, Kristen had a feeling she actually would want to listen to the problems the older woman had. However it was obvious she wasn’t going to talk about them, so Kristen didn’t push. She wasn’t in the mood for it today.

”That’s right. Kickboxing is my main thing.” She admitted with a shrug. ”Are you looking to take up some martial arts?”

”I have a feeling you aren’t lying.” Kristen responded with a smirk of her own. ”Besides my mama always said ‘actions speak louder than words.’”

It was a motto Kristen tried to live by whether she realized it or not. Besides, she really wasn’t one for chatting much anyways. Although this woman was doing a pretty good job wringing a conversation out of her.

“Kickboxing? Impressive. As for me, though? I might take up some form of self-defense eventually but truth be told, it is my daughter who is far more interested in such things. She was trained in Aikido from a young age and has branched out into other martial forms since.”

Kristen’s interest grew a little when Kat mentioned her daughter. Right off the bat she had to wonder if the girl attended Olympus Falls, although even if she did the chances of Kristen running into her was low.

“Selina was always the explorative type… forgive me, that’s her name. Might I ask yours?”

Kristen made a mental note of the name “Selina” in case she found anyone with a similar appearance to Kat by that name/ Although knowing Kristen’s luck she’d forget it even if she did meet the girl.

”Kristen. I’m pretty new to town so don’t expect me to know your daughter, although if I meet her I’ll say hi. Can I ask your name?”

”She’d agree with you. Humbly of course.”

There was a grin twisting Kristen’s lips up as she made the remark. She loved her mother dearly but she knew that woman could be quite the confident little thing whenever she felt like it.

“I’m Katerina, though most call me Kat.”

Kristen simply nodded at the name, giving the woman a smile.

”Pleasure to meet you Kat.”

Although Kristen was thoroughly distracted from what she’d initially intended to do in the library, she was increasingly glad for the unexpected company.

“New in town? Want to grab some food? It’s on me, and I can show you around.”

Genuine surprise grew on Kristen’s features at the kind offer. They only just met yet Kat was already willing to be a guide. Maybe Kristen had underestimated the kindness of the people in town, or the kindness of Kat in particular to a stranger. Still, it was a sweet offer that Kristen figured she might as well take. Besides, she was honestly enjoying the older woman’s company. She offered Kat a smile.

”I’d like that. I haven’t had much time to explore, although everyone swears it’s beautiful here. So far I haven’t seen anything to prove them wrong, but I don’t think I’ve really been trying.”