fandomhigh | Dealing With Stupid People [Tuesday, July 10, 2nd period]

Josh was still not exactly comfortable with the whole "being outside" thing as he perched on a picnic bench and smiled at the students as they assembled. In deference to the ridiculously hot weather, he was wearing short sleeves and khakis. No tie. Scary, no?

"Okay, one of the most annoying things you will encounter in your life will be other people," he began, rolling his eyes. "Most of us -- in my universe, anyway, some of you might have other experiences -- can't kill them by using our brains, so we have to come up with different coping methods. We'll get to the more advanced techniques -- sarcasm, the strategic use of an eye roll -- later, but today we'll start out with something that gives you a lot of chance to practice before you send out the final product."

He pulled out a sheaf of papers and dropped it onto the table. "Writing back to stupid people!" he said triumphantly. "In this exercise you need to reply to these obviously deranged letters in a polite way without asking if they've thought to seek professional help for their delusions. There are five different letters so pair up with a partner -- it's better to double check your language against someone else, at least at the beginning -- and write back to these completely insane people."

Josh grinned. "Questions? Problems? I don't really care, but ask anyway."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Lana looked a little surprised. "I wouldn't want to hurt him. It's really not about him at all. He's upfront and clear about things and I respect that. It's just... I can tell you from personal experience that it's really easy to end up falling for someone even when you don't mean to and tell yourself it's not a good idea."

She sighed. "Especially when it's your first... everything. It can just make everything so hard. You're hurting and you want more than they can give and... It's just a mess. I'd hate to see that happen to you - to anyone really."

Savannah bit her lip. "I... I know. I don't think I'm ready for a few things just yet... but I do know that if I'm really upset or hurting, Johnny would be there to hold me if I needed him to. And if he doesn't have time to be there for me, there are a few friends I've made so far while I'm here."

She gave Lana a shy smile. "I'm only fifteen, Lana, and even though I feel a lot older sometimes... I hardly think Eve would let me even think about doing anything with anyone... girl or guy."

Lana nodded. "You can always come to me, too," she said seriously. "And yes, at 15, you're much better off waiting. Eve's smart."

She smiled at her. "And I'm guessing you are too."

Savannah smiled. "I really appreciate that Lana. Could you do me a favor?"

"Of course," Lana said. "What can I do for you?"

"Get Phoebe to understand that Johnny really isn't a bad guy? Eve may have her feeling a little protective and growly?"

Lana smiled. "I think the fact that he's taking such good care of me this week should help her to see that. But I can't blame her for being a little growly and protective. I'm sure I'd be the same way. As I said, more because of you than him."

"You'd get protective of me?"

"Sure, why not?"

Savannah smiled at her. "That's... that's a nice thought, actually. Makes me feel a little better about the whole lack of my usual people from home being around."

"Most people here are really nice," Lana said with a smile.

Dealing With Stupid People [Tuesday, July 10, 2nd period]

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3

Re: Letter #3