Wave After Wave - Open

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan was glad to get away for a while for lunch. He had a few visits to do that afternoon but nothing pressing, mostly just the follow up consolations that he had taken a special interest in for the local shelter. Now however he was simply happy enough to be sat on a bench looking out at the beach after being confined indoors all morning. He had never done well with that but at least he could escape this afternoon and get a few onsite visits done.

He set out his lunch in front of him, the plastic box that housed two halves of a ham sandwich, an apple and biscuits as he pulled out the bottle of water from his bag. The view was honestly second to none and the waves crashing against the shore. It was better than any CD could provide to relax, people just needed to get out more he thought. Then again it was the city so how much outdoors time could people get, it was filled with tower blocks, working and desk jobs.

Logan had no idea how people could be confined for eight hours a day and not want to climb the walls out of their work. Still he guessed he was lucky to have what he wanted to do and it gave him the perfect excuse to get out into the city or the suburbs if he needed the escape. That morning he needed the escape of the beach to quiet his mind of practically everything that seemed to be happening. He had lost a dog that morning and had to tell its owner who spent half an hour crying.

It was heart breaking and then he could hardly help but cry himself which annoyed him further given he did usually wear his heart on his sleeve. Not exactly the best job choice but then it was what he loved to do. Yet all he was there to do was gather his thoughts and take a trip that afternoon to the shelter and see what he could do there. Relaxing maybe not but he had the rest of his lunch to get through before that.

[Aria Campbell]

Aria walked along the beach, enjoying the quiet and calmness. Occasionally, the water would reach her feet, but the teen didn't mind. The water was cold, but it wasn't freezing so it felt nice. Besides, it wasn't often that Aria ventured out to the beach, and she would hate herself if she didn't leave without playing in the water at least a little bit.

The sixteen year old continued walking along the edge of the beach for a few minutes, lost in her thoughts. She stopped however when she heard the familiar sounds of seagulls squawking. Looking up, Aria noticed a small group of seagulls about ten feet in front of her, just waddling around. Aria watched them for a couple of seconds before smiling as an idea came to mind. Unable to rid her mind of the idea, the teen decided to just go through with it. Without hesitating, Aria ran straight towards the seagulls.

As expected, the group of seagulls flew away once Aria got too close. The teen let out a laugh as she stopped running, watching as the birds let out squawks of annoyance from being disturbed. She would never do anything to intentionally hurt the seagulls, but that didn't mean she wouldn't chase them.

That was fun. Aria thought as she sat down, still smiling. The entire time she had been chasing the seagulls and splashing around in the water, the teen had failed to notice Logan was there. Aria was used to the beach being empty during this time of day since most people were either at work or school.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan’s attention was caught by a flock of flapping seagulls. It was hardly an odd find at the beach as there were loads of them though he saw what had set the group off into the sky and landing again nearby. A girl, she appeared to be a teenager as he remembered those years well enough. Logan watched her for a moment hearing her laugh as she ran toward them and they would fly off. Logan found himself chuckling as he watched the girl until she sat down.

It was nice to see another person enjoying the beach as much as he did, not that he chased seagulls as a regular thing but the idea was nice. The beach was generally a quiet place given work took over for people and getting those few minutes in a day to escape were rare at the best of times. Logan took a breath as he wondered what the girl was doing out of school, he could hardly age her accurately but teenager about summed it up and most teenagers were required to be in school. He saw no parents heading along the beach in her direction as he wondered what had her out at the beach.

Logan peeled off the top bread layer of his sandwich as he glanced over at the girl. “Hey, why don’t you try feeding them with this.” He said as he held out the piece of bread to her. “You might be able to get a little closer to them with food.” He offered not wanting to appear creepy as he got up and placed the bread on one of the stones on the beach before retreating to where his lunch was.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"Hey, why don't you try feeding them with this."

Aria looked up and over at Logan when she heard his voice. She hadn't noticed that there had been someone else on the beach. She figured most people would've been at work, though Aria supposed that Logan could've had the day off, or maybe even been on break, assuming he even had a job.

"You might be able to get a little closer to them with food" 

The teen did like the sound of that. While she enjoyed chasing the birds and watching them fly away, it would be pretty cool to get close to one. Aria waited until Logan had set the piece of bread down before picking it up. "Thank you" she said before returning her attention to the seagulls that had landed a few feet away.

Slowly, Aria approached the flock of seagulls, her hand outstretched. A few backed up some, but there was one that looked at her curiously. "Come on. It's okay" Aria said, smiling a little. She watched as the seagull continued to watch her. "I'm not going to hurt you"

Aria continued trying to coax the seagull toward her for a few more seconds. She was about ready to just set the piece of bread down and leave it at that, when the bird actually took a few steps forward and snatched the bread from her hand before returning to its flock. "Now was that so hard?" Aria called out to the seagull, laughing a little as it finished the bread.

"Did you see that? It took the bread from my hand!" Aria told Logan, giving a small smile. Sure, Aria had fed animals before straight from her palm. But those had been cats and dogs mostly. The only time Aria fed birds was if she dropped some food on the ground and watched them. She had never tried to feed one by hand until now. "I didn't think it would. I thought I was just going to have to toss the bread to get it to eat"

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan just smiled at her and nodded when she said thanks, well it was a way to talk to her and figure out what was going on. If there was anything as Logan hardly had the best senses when it came to things like that, his brother however was great with working people out. It was simply the differences between the two brothers though watching the girl approach the flock of seagulls with her hand outstretched she seemed like a natural at it.

He knew most might have taken a run at the flock and scared them off but no this girl seemed to know what she was doing as he chuckled hearing her talking to them. At least the flock could take the bread willingly without having to steal it from people’s lunches or the scraps of what had been left. Hearing Aria call out to the bird he grinned as he nodded at her. “I sure did, you’re a natural with them. Anyone would think you’ve done this before.” He complimented her as he took a bite of his sandwich.

“Oh these guys no they will steal bread from right under your nose, turn your back on your lunch once and it’s gone before you know it.” Logan explained having learned from experience of a sandwich taking flight thanks to a hungry bird. “Take a seat if you would like to, the birds are going to be firm friends of yours now. Keep coming back and they will get closer once they are used to it.” Logan said grinning as he glanced into his bag.

“So are you down here often?” He asked Aria as he took out a spare bottle of water. Old habits he had of carrying a few bottles around. He was off his regimented training for the football league but the habit was still there. “Take a drink if you want too, I’ve got plenty spare.” He offered as he placed the bottle on the edge of the table he was sat at. Before moving back to the far side of it where his lunch was.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"Anyone would think you've done this before"

Aria smiled and shrugged. "I have, but with cats and dogs on some rare occasions. You just got to be patient and let them come to you. You can't rush them or they won't ever trust you"

When Logan offered a seat, Aria came and sat down. She wasn't surprised when a few seagulls followed her, hoping to get another bite of food. "Seems like some trust me now. Maybe I can get an army of seagulls eventually" the teen joked as she watched the birds.

"Are you down here often?"

Aria shrugged at this, taking the water bottle. She didn't open it right away, instead choosing to examine it first. It wasn't that Aria didn't trust Logan, he seemed friendly enough. It was just that Aria knew looks could be deceiving and she wasn't about to get drugged. Noticing that the bottle seemed okay, Aria opened it and was relieved when the seal broke, indicating that it hadn't been opened before. Aria then took a sip before finally responding "Not really. I usually prefer to stay inside the city. But there's times when I need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, and the beach is the best place for that. Especially at this time, when it's generally empty because people are either at work or school"

She liked it when it was quiet. It was relaxing and despite enjoying moving and doing multiple things at once, there were times when Aria liked the quiet. "What about you? Are you here a lot?"

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

“Spoken like a pro at this, all animals have their own minds but believe it or not they know who the good human beings are. So they must really like you to do that.” Logan said smiling at her, well he had to believe that animals knew the good ones from the bad. Just like humans did themselves, there was a sense or way of knowing and they just usually knew. Logan chuckled when she mentioned the army of seagulls, he had no doubt about that the way they were following her.

“Trust me, bonds are for life and those birds know you will feed them when most might shoo them away.” He added as he watched take the water bottle. He could hardly help but notice the way she looked at it and examined. Even that action said enough to know that she had little trust which given he was a relative stranger was good though perhaps the way she looked at the bottle of water, maybe something worse had been done to her via an offer of water.

“Yeah I like it here when it’s quiet, this time of year too not too many people are making that break for the beach like in summer. Quiet and peaceful and a great place to eat lunch before the day starts back again.” He explained not wanting her to think he would just hang around beaches and wait for teenagers. No that was a whole other sort of person and he was as far from that as anything.

“I try to get down here as often as I can but it depends on my work. Today is a quieter day and after lunch I’m off the kennels to lend a hand there for the afternoon. So I might even be back with a few dogs in tow later.” He said not entirely sure what his tasks would be for the day other than looking over a few new recruits they had at the kennels. “So tell me, why are you here today and not in school?” He asked her trying to gauge her age but then he guessed her answer would tell him as much.

“Not that I will tell anyone but school is important.” He explained knowing that if he had failed to do his school work and let the NFL take over, the day he had been retired he would never have been able to do what he did now.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"So tell me, why are you here today and not in school? Not that I will tell anyone, but school is important"

Aria should've known that the question would've popped up, it was a common question. Truth was, Aria had dropped out of school. After not showing up for so many days, the teen had decided that it was the best choice. She'd been lectured about it numerous times before, given the same speech of 'You need a high school degree', and 'What job can you get now' followed by the typical responses of no college would take a high school dropout.

They were the same lectures, and Aria didn't want to be lectured about it again especially by someone she didn't even know. There was only one way to avoid the lecture, and that was to come up with an excuse. Claiming to be skipping would probably cause a lecture still, and Aria couldn't say she wasn't feeling well either because she was at the beach. The teen could say she was suspended for a few days, but that would probably bring on more questions. That only left one choice.

"I graduated early, and am taking a year off before I attend college" Aria finally answered, hoping Logan wouldn't catch on to the lie. Maybe he'd believe that she was smart enough to graduate at sixteen and leave it at that. "Focus on earning some money, spend time with family and friends. You know, take some time for myself before I devote the next four years to more education"

Aria was rambling now, and she knew it. She took another sip of her water and silently prayed Logan would believe her and drop the subject.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan was hardly in the lecturing business but then he figured the question opened enough doors to try to figure out what was going on with the girl. School to him was important simply because his career had ended and if he had left school then he would be the drop out. Not that there was anything wrong with it because school could be a nightmare at times but even learning at home was better than nothing at all.

“That is great news. So what are your favourite subjects?” Logan asked her not sure entirely about her answer but then he was a relative stranger to her so asking her a million questions. It was hardly a god thing to do. “So what are you going to study at college? The money side and family and friends is a great idea. Always good to figure out you before getting to college and four years of homework.” He said with a grin, he knew how that went. Four long years of study, homework and trying not to go to too many parties.

“Or you can tell me the truth but either way, I’m not going to tell you what to do.” Logan added as he took a drink of his water. “Life is far too short for that but I think you’d be good with working with animals. Is that something you’ve thought about?” He asked her not sure if she had or even what her plans were though he knew enough to see that the truth might be a little bit of a tough subject for her. “Oh and I’m sorry for being rude. I’m Logan.” He added as he held out his hand to her though he was far enough away that he his arm was entire stretched. He knew he would never hurt the girl but at least with an outstretched arm she had nothing to worry about.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"Or you can tell me the truth but either way, I'm not going to tell you what to do. Life is far too short for that but I think you'd be good working with animals. Is that something you've thought about?"

Aria stopped drinking her water at that and glared at Logan. Of course he would be able to spot a lie, but she wasn't about to admit to anything. "That is the truth" the teen practically snapped, suddenly getting defensive.

"And if you must know, my favorite subject before I graduated was band. And yes, I count that as a subject because it taught me more then any other class could teach me." That much was true. Prior to dropping out, Aria enjoyed band. It was probably the only thing she looked forward to when it came to school. It was also one of the only things she missed when she thought about school.

Now college, that was a different thing all together. Perhaps there had been a time where Aria had considered college, and maybe would've gone. Now though, it was highly unlikely. "As for college, I don't know what I would've studied. That's another beneficial thing about taking a year off. It gives me time to figure that out too" Aria continued, not realizing that by saying 'would have' she basically revealed that there was never any intention to go to college.

Aria continued to glare at Logan for a couple of minutes before trying to calm down some. She had made her point about the topic. Now came the other part: working with animals. Aria had never considered it. Sure, she had a love for animals, but who didn't? They were some of the best companions for people, but maybe that's why Aria didn't consider it.

As distant as Aria could be towards most people she met, it was to protect herself. She was shuffled around too much, and because of that she didn't like to make connections. Animals was a different story though. They weren't people, but they still had emotions and could feel too. They were also easier to connect with in Aria's opinion, which could become a problem if Aria ever decided to work with animals. She'd grow too attach to them, want what's best for them, and then end up heartbroken if something were to happen to said animal.

"As for working with animals, no I haven't considered it and for very good reason. I'm not about to become attached to an animal, only to have my heart broken the moment something happens to it and I can't save it" Aria said, slightly calmer now. She had already been through enough heartbreak and didn't need anymore.

"I'm sorry for being rude. I'm Logan"

Aria stared at Logan's hand, debating on what she should do. After a moment though, she took it. "Aria" the teen responded. It was the least she could do after going off on the guy just because he had caught on to her lie, a lie she was still trying to pass off as the truth.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan tried to smile a little while Aria glared at him. He was only point out the obvious about her mistruth. He might have been a heart on his sleeve sort but that hardly meant he could have the wool pulled over his eyes. “It’s a version of it.” Logan replied when he heard her get defensive and snap. It was the sort of truth that you had when you were accused of liking someone at school, the more you denied it and insisted it was wrong. The more right people knew they were.

“Band is a class as the world would be a much sadder place without music in it.” Logan added though it was easy to see that she enjoyed it simply because anyone who said a class had taught them. They enjoyed that class the most. Logan loved sports over all other classes beyond biology, then that lead to veterinary school which practically gave him a new least of life. After his football career was gone Logan had been lost and it was the world of animals that had saved him. A world he now threw himself into daily no matter what was going on.

The one issue with lies, you had to keep it up which about failed when Aria said would have studied which implied a problem with college of some kind. “Nothing like having it figured out but the good thing about it, is that at your age you don’t need to have life figured out. Most adults don’t even have that figured out.” He said trying to be friendly about and not have her angry about what he now knew to be true. After all it was her choice though he wondered what her family thought to that.

Logan found the letting go part of his job the most difficult, once you got to know an animal it was no longer just a dog or a cat. It was a family member or best friend and the more time spent with them the worst it got if tough choices had to be made. “The way I look at it is that no animal is beyond saving and you need to do what is best for them. Sometimes to let them go it is the best option they have. Too much suffering is tough on them as well as the humans.” Logan said though he understood what she meant by it.

He was glad when she shook his hand. “Nice to meet you Aria.” Logan said as he took another bite of his sandwich. “So have you had lunch already?” Logan asked her as he wondered if she wanted to tag along with him later. Was it weird to ask? Maybe but then she had a year off if he believed her to try new things and figure it all out. Taking her to the kennels to see the dogs there, it was an experience. “And how would you like to go visit some dogs this afternoon? I’ve a date with the kennels to see if I can help out so the extra hands would be welcome.” He offered trying to make up for annoying her earlier.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

Aria listened while Logan talked. He had a point about her lie being a version of the truth. She probably would've argued more about the subject, but decided against it. She didn't need to slip up and reveal more than what was necessary.

"So have you had lunch already? And how would you like to go visit some dogs this afternoon?"

Aria nodded. She'd eaten prior to coming to the beach. "I have. I ate before leaving the house to come here" she responded.

The next part was slightly trickier. Aria would love to go visit some dogs and hang out with them. However, she wasn't too sure about doing it for two reasons. The first being, she didn't know Logan very well or his intentions. Sure he seemed nice, but looks could be deceiving. On top that, Aria also didn't want him prying into her personal life too much. The second reason being Aria was scared she would get attached to one of the dogs there and that wouldn't be good. It would mean she would want to visit it every day, or even bring the dog home.

At the same time though, Aria loved dogs and animals in general. So hanging around the kennels for a bit did sound nice. It'd be good for her too. So maybe going and spending some time around dogs wasn't a bad idea.

"I have nothing better to do anyways, so spending time with a few dogs sounds nice" Aria said, shrugging.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan nodded when she said she had eaten, well he just wanted to check simply because being hungry was no fun. He knew himself if he was he became that insufferable guy who snapped and just had no patience what so ever for anything. In fact in no short words he became a bear with a sore head without food. Now he hardly ate as much as he used to but then again he was hardly running around all day on a football field.

“That is great news, I am sure they would love to meet you. New faces around there are always welcome and I can see about getting you added to the visitors list you wanted to be?” Logan offered, sure helping out there from time to time had to have it’s perks. Logan hated to get attached and then for something bad to happen but then what was life without risk and heartbreak. It made people who they were and Logan was sure that animals were far more healing than heartbreak.

“I know it’s sort of odd to ask you that but I am a vet, you can check me out. Ask around the kennels to see what kind of person I am.” Logan offered knowing it was hardly the conventional thing to do but then again, if Aria needed something to do then he could at least set something up for her on her year off. “If you wanted to help out there more often, I know they would welcome volunteers with open arms too. It’s not paid work but consider it work experience for your year off.” He said deciding not to bring up that issue again for her.

Logan was nothing if not a person to pick their battles. Arguing with her over education was one thing but he hardly knew her and her personal life was well personal. If she wanted to tell him then he wanted her to know she could but then considering they had just met a heart to heart was likely a far flung thing.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"You being a vet makes a lot of sense" Aria said as she looked up at Logan. It would explain why he was concerned about animals and their well-being, and why he spent so much time around them. It was part of his career, and probably part of who he was. "You care a lot about animals, probably more than a lot of people would"

She still hadn't answered the question with regards of adding her to the vistors list. Truth was, Aria wasn't sure if she wanted to be added to it. She had originally intended only going today and then not returning. That way she wouldn't get attached to any particular dog and could avoid being hurt over it. However, the thought of being able to go back was nice. Not to mention the help was needed, and Aria could offer that help. So was having the ability to go back whenever she wanted a bad thing?

Logan also had a point about it helping her gain experience for her 'year off', a break that was actually permanent. Not that Aria was going to bring that up. She had already voiced her reasons and opinions on the subject. Even if she wasn't paid for it, the experience would still be there. That's assuming she continued to go. Even if her name was added, it didn't mean that Aria had to show up again.

"As for adding me to the vistors list, I wouldn't mind that. It'd be nice to go whenever and help out" Aria responded.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan chuckled as she mentioned being a vet made sense. “Yeah I guess it does, or I just really like hanging around the dog kennels on an afternoon.” He joked though sure it was a past time for him as much as his job was. Logan never felt it was a job really, he loved what he did most days and yes there were the bad ones but there were the good ones and great ones too. More often than not it was being at the kennels to see a dog get a new owner for the rest of their lives.

“Well I might be crazy but every animal is a person to me, they all have their own personalities just like humans do so if you care for one. You care for both though I’ve never really understood those who dislike animals.” Logan explained never really understanding that from the start, take his brother. He hurt people for his line of work, Logan preferred to turn a blind eye simply because family was family but he had never seen his brother raise his hand to an animal. It was another one of those differences between them, his brother was far from an animal lover. More like an animal to tolerate sort of guy.

Logan smiled and nodded when she said that she would like to go and help out. “Well thank you on behalf of them already because I know they could use the help. Plus I am sure there would be lunch in the offer too, or breakfast or dinner depending on when you wanted to go.” He offered knowing he would leave word there for her if she wanted. “Can’t have people think you’re working there for nothing.” Logan said grinning, “Besides if you wanted and you liked it, you would be more than welcome to come around to my work if you wanted to? See what happens when I’m not outside helping out.”

So Logan had the bleeding heart thing down, he was trying to help her out without being obvious about it but in turn. Sure he was being a little obvious about it but still, it was entirely up to Aria if she wanted. The offer was there and considering he owned half the practice, he was sure his boss of sorts would be okay with it. After all it was hardly as if they were short of things she could help with or do, even keeping the animals calm was a great job done.

Aria Campbell,