[Steve Hamrick]

1830
Alpha Site
Men's Locker Room

It had required some creativity and a stand-down day trip to a friendly trade partner, but Steve had a costume. He was not going to a Halloween festivity without a costume.

Blake was leaning against a locker bank, his arms crossed over his chest. "I am just fervently hoping we aren't the only ones who actually scrounged a bit to do costumes, Steve."

"Remember that year we went to Coco's Halloween party, not the first year, the second one." Steve had tried on the pants before buying them, and they'd been a tight fit but tight in all the good ways and none of the bad ones as he tore the velcro and unzipped his uniform top.

Blake laughed. "That costume only flew among our own kind. It was perfect anyway that you shorten 'Stephen' to 'Steve' for that costume. And we got fig leaf garlands from the craft store."

"And you only had to dive into your own clothes, kitten." Steve tossed the uniform top and pulled off the wash-worn black T-shirt under it, sniffing it before tossing it into a laundry bag and pulling the rougher homespun style shirt he'd gotten for his costume on.

Blake sniffed. "Can I help it if both me and my favorite TV doctor have impeccable fashion taste? Besides, nothing I had quite matched for my costume either. Whereas you look like you bummed some clothes from Wolfe's crew."

"Hey, space pirate. Unfortunately, I didn't see anyone that looked as good as Captain Tight-pants the last time they were around." Steve changed the rest of his clothes. His combat boots didn't quite go, but they were close enough.

With both their costumes in place, not perfectly on the characters but close enough for your average Browncoat to recognize, Captain Mal Reynolds and Dr. Simon Tam left the locker room, headed for the party in the mess hall.

<<Tag Robert "Bobby" Oxford Jr , Isabelle Cooper , Azalea 'De' Andre , Daniel Jacob Asher , Lequana Ka'ti of Partho , Makes-Eternal-Everlasting >>

[Billie Jean Witwer]

1830
Alpha Site
Quarters

This was just dandy, Billie mused as she got ready for the party. Who in their right mind would wear this? She held up the outfit that was send to her. And who did she have to kill back for it? It would have been so much easier if it was a ‘Barbie’ outfit. At least this way, she had a theme with her callsign. If the outfit had been pink. It would have been a double theme. But no, this had to be a joke.

She glared at the Cleopatra outfit. And there was no way in the world she was wearing it. It was just not going to happen. She, threw the garment on the chair and scowled. She might as well as go wearing what she was; her BDUs. Wearing that was not happening in this lifetime. Bribes were not going to work on her. She would hold strong on that front. Even if it was cookies. She would hold her ground. Once she found out who send it to her. She was going to slowly and painfully harm the person.

Opening a bag of cookies, she munched on one after sitting crossed legged on the bed. Throwing dirty looks at the yet to be worn outfit. She was certain that Az would be here any minute to see if she was ready. She had to wonder what her friend was wearing. Certainly, it was likely to be more modest than what she had right now. Turning she buried her face in the pillow. Missing the party was also an option. It wasn’t like anyone one would notice a missing member for few hours.

Tag: the party people

[Azalea 'De' Andre]

1825
Alpha Site
Hallway to Quarters

Halloween was an interesting time of year. The time of year where people got the thrill of scaring the crap of each other. Back on earth, scary attractions popped up everywhere with everyone trying to figure out what was the biggest and scariest one to go to. Shopping malls and stores had thousands upon thousands of costumes to choose from, with candy and buckets to choose from for the big day. Parents went through the endless trying decision making with the kids of what they wanted to be for the big day. It was a day of fun, but for Azalea Andre, it was just another day for kids of all ages and sizes to be something they weren't. There was never really a thrill for halloween growing up. Maybe it was because by the time that time of the year rolled around, the brunette was always at a different foster home. Holidays growing up weren't anything special. Going from foster home to foster home, there really wasn't a need to celebrate. It made this time of year really dull and grey. Even still to this day, there wasn't that much excitement. Now having a niece, it made some of a difference, but still in the back of the mind, she didn't see the point.

If it wasn't for the convincing of Billie to go, the Lieutenant wouldn't even be going to the Halloween party. Yeah she did make a few points of it was a way to get to know other personnel on the expedition, but still to this day, parties weren't something to be excited about. Back at the Academy, parties were always something Azalea really tried to avoid. If it wasn't for the endless convincing to Billie, she would have never made an appearance to even one of them. This one was no different, but before the word could even be uttered of not going, Billie already said that she was. Thanks Bills. Thankfully Destiny had sent some costumes along with her for such a time as this. Holidays were a special something for much expeditions in the Stargate program; something to be prepared for. She was grateful to have some costumes, and even more grateful for being the same size as her sister.  After finally choosing to be Donatello from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the young woman made her way down to the best friends quarters. Hopefully she was ready because the sooner the two headed down to the mess hall, the sooner they could leave.

1830
Alpha Site
Billie's Quarters

Letting out a sigh, Azalea gave a small rap on the door, then stood back waiting for it to open. "Hey Bills, it's me. You ready to go? Still time to back out. We could stay here and watch a movie. I'm game for that," grinned praying the blonde would give in but knew she probably wouldn't. Back at the academy, Billie was usually the one more for the parties than the brunette. Usually there was about fifteen minutes of the two going back and forth of Azalea trying to convince Billie to stay back, but Bills never giving in and basically dragging Azalea down to the said party. This time probably wouldn't be any different. Adjusting the costume, the Linguist made a face while doing it. How did Destiny stand wearing this? It felt so constricting and as if she was going to have a wedgie all night long from it. Not only that, the heels were starting to dig into the feet. How do girls wear these all the time? Definitely not worth it. Yeah the heels were soon going to have to be the first things to go. Costume completion or not, they were not worth the pain of wearing all night long.

Tag: Billie Jean Witwer, everyone else

[Isabelle Cooper]

1830
Alpha Site

After learning that she really did not have a costume in mind, Hamrick had nicely let her in on what he and Blake were going as, and since there were more people to the group, it gave Isabelle the chance to join in on the fun. It had been a while since she had seen the show they were using as inspiration, but she did remember one of her favorite characters and knew that she could recreate something like the costume on the show. All it took was borrowing a jumpsuit from a base engineer and using what little sewing skills she had to use and she had enough of a costume to pass. 

After getting dressed she looked at herself in the mirror, the outfit was actually very comfortable and actually hid the baby weight she had been gaining nicely, but there was one thing that was off about the entire outfit, Isabelle ran a hand thru her hair and went digging in her bag for hair ties and bobby pins, after a moment she had her dark hair twisted up in a way that she knew her character inspiration would like. Looking at herself in the mirror again, Isabelle smiled and finally headed towards the mess hall. 

[Steve Hamrick]

1831
Alpha Site
Quarters headed toward Mess Hall

Blake was walking behind his partner for one reason, or maybe two depending on how you counted. "On thorough secondary consideration, I think I hate the pants. There's already enough women on this expedition who talk about how unfair it is that you're gay. They almost make me jealous."

Steve blinked, well and truly puzzled by the idea. He'd never noticed anything of the sort. "There are? Really?"

Blake shook his head as the two men kept walking and the anthropologist just let himself enjoy the view. And that was why women hitting on Steve just didn't set off his jealous streak, because the Marine was utterly oblivious to womanly flirting.

Steve turned a corner, near where some of the other visitors from Vedas were bedding down in the guest quarters. And Andre was standing outside Witwer's quarters. "You know, he was always my favorite turtle, Lieutenant. I think you've met him, but humor me with proper introductions. My partner Dr. Blake Warren; Blake, my new second Lieutenant Azalea Andre."

Blake gave her his awkward wave. "It's nice to see you outside the science labs, Lieutenant. And we have to go link up with our Kaylee at the party."

<<tag Azalea 'De' Andre , Billie Jean Witwer , Isabelle Cooper >>

[Azalea 'De' Andre]

1832
Alpha Base
Quarters

Azalea stood outside Billie's guest quarters for what seemed like hours, tapping her heel, still picking at the costume. Why Bills wasn't answering the door right a way was a mystery. Parties were her thing. It was the Lieutenant who hated them. Before anything else could be said, Colonel Steve Hamrick's voice broke the silence. She froze praying he didn't see the picking at the costume part. Just what she needed. Her CO catching her struggling with an uncomfortable costume. "Mine too. He seemed to have it the most together," smiled looking at the pair, giving a nod to Dr. Warren, and the proper salute to Hamrick. "You as well Doctor, and please both of you, call me Azalea off duty. I really don't like the formalities and try to avoid them as much as possible off duty..." She paused giving a slow look to the Colonel. That was probably not something to share with a higher ranking officer. He very well could be, or could report such things to the even higher ups for disrespect. There was still a lot of learning to do about her new teammate. "With all due respect Sir."

Okay Pinkie, any time you want to make an appearance would be very helpful right about now. Probably making a fool of myself to my CO and his significant other, thought praying the door would open anytime now. God where was Billie any way? She usually didn't take this long. "Sorry for what you're about to hear. It may hurt the eardrums. Plus don't let me stop you both from getting the rest of your group," smiled before turning to face the door sternly. "Pinkie! Don't make me come in there! You know I will if I have to. Get your arse out here!" shouted almost glaring at the door like it did all of this to her. Glancing over the shoulder, the Linguist gave a sheepish look. "Sorry you both had to hear that." What was Billie hiding? The brunette started racking the brain to remember anything that Billie might had given away, as a hint, as to why she wouldn't be opening the door. It had to be a dang good reason that is for sure.

Tag:Billie Jean Witwer ,Blake Warren , Steve Hamrick , anyone else

[Billie Jean Witwer]

1830
Alpha Site
Quarters

When Az’s voice came filtering through the walls Billie could only groan and whine mentally. She was in no shape to face her friend. For one simple fact, Billie’s love for parties was now coming to haunt her and not in a good way. She was sure that Az would drag her kicking and screaming or give her pep talk. Both were not a bright idea and not right now. She was not wearing that bed sheet. If one could call it that. Billie wouldn’t even call it a costume. Of course, in the past it had been Billie who would drag Az out for any event that Navy Lieutenant was going to attend. It didn’t help that she adored Halloween for its wacky costumes on could wear. Sweets were another factor.

The idea of a movie was appealing at many levels to her. The only trick was which one they both could watch. Her sister had send few good movies her way. She had missed the Guardian of the Galaxy: Volume 1, now she had the DVD of that to watch. Maybe, she looked at the cookie, she could convince Az to join her in watching Groot dance, while the team of misfits did their day job of saving the galaxy. She was now looking forward to the second one. With a sigh, she set the bag aside and got out the bed when she heard Hamrick/Warren voice into the mix as well. Well that was just dandy.

Slowly, the Naval officer made her way towards the door when the sternness from Az’s voice made her wince. It was not often that her best friend lost her cool. When she did, Billie wasn’t the one on the receiving end. In the past, she had been amused when receiver made a face, but right now it wasn’t funny. In fact, she didn’t like it. Next time she might be more sympathy to the ones Az blew up at. Turning the knob ever so slowly, Billie poked her head out, “Donnie has a cool head,” her big eyes looked at Az, “You wore the wrong Turtle in that case. Ralph is the short tempered one. Mike’s the fun one.” She like Mike better, he was funny one and always with a pizza. She could remember much about the last of them.

Facing Hamrick, “Sir, Doctor Warren,” she tipped her head at the CO of SV-3 and the member of SV-1. Captain Snark wasn't around. She wondered if he was joining the fun. After all, this was more of his scene as well. As long there were drinks, “Nice costumes. Pardon me, but I’m gonna steal Donnie. Objections?” She looked at Az, “Movie sounds good to you?”

There had to be more to her being reluctant to wear the outfit. Az could shed more light on this for her. Witwer was either overlooking or over stressing about this. But isn't what the best friend was for? To smack some sense when none was around.

Tag: Steve Hamrick , Azalea 'De' Andre and the more party people

[Steve Hamrick]

1831
Quarters Corridor

"Hey, us geeks rule the roost, ask anybody." He ignored Blake's snort next to him. Steve knew physically he didn't look like anyone's vision of a geek, but he had the heart of one.

Blake shook his head in an apologetic blush and his Dixie showed through when he talked. "I'm not real good at getting off the formalities, but I'll try."

"How long have you worked with Captain Oxford and Harper and you don't use either one's first name, do you?" Steve didn't get too bent out of shape on customs and courtesies, which was probably lucky for Andre. "Maybe later on and when it's just us, Andre. Good luck getting Blake to not use your title. And then he'll switch to 'ma'am.'"

"My mama raised me with manners. And you still call Isabelle 'Cooper' after being friends for a year."

"That's different." He had to laugh as she, just a bit desperately, yelled at Witwer. "Pinkie?"

Blake stepped in to complete the discourse on the Turtles. "And Leo has the unenviable job of keeping everybody else in line."

"Yep, can't have any fun when in charge. It's work all the time. You do get to wear the tight pants though." As Witwer all but dragged Andre in, Steve figured the two obvious friends needed a moment. "You're pardoned. And we'll see you at the shindig in a bit."

It was on the way to the mess that their group costume got a little more complete. "Cooper!"

Blake nodded and gave her a thumbs up. "Perfect. We could almost crew Serenity right now. I oughta have talked Sergeant Harper into being Jayne."

<<Tag Azalea 'De' Andre , Isabelle Cooper , Billie Jean Witwer >>

[Isabelle Cooper]

1832
Quarters Corridor

"Cooper!"

She immediately recognized the voice and turned to face the opposite end of the hallway, seeing the other two members of the "crew" she could not help but smile, when Blake gave her the thumbs up she gave him a little bow in return. "Perfect. We could almost crew Serenity right now. I oughta have talked Sergeant Harper into being Jayne." 

"Captain, Doctor." she said with a smile, "I don't know anything about engines but this outfit is sure comfy, I am going to hide some snacks in my pockets." she could probably hide an entire meal in the pockets of the of jumpsuit and no one would know. 

TAG: Steve Hamrick, Blake Warren

[Azalea 'De' Andre]

1833
Alpha Site
Guest Quarters

Azalea didn't mind politeness and respect. She just didn't want people to think that she was all about the rank; that wasn't who this woman was. Rank was just that, a rank. Sure it showed how much more experience there was in the military, as well as more responsibility. There was that dislike of how some in the military, unfortunately even in the program, treated the civilians. Like the military personnel, the civilians were specifically chosen for a reason. Not only that, but the civilians were sometimes higher ranking then some officers; like Dr. Warren. If he was in command over her, the Lieutenant would have to follow his orders as if he were an officer. The civilian ranking he had was above her, but unfortunately there was still some that didn't care about the civilian ranking. Some thought only the military rank was what matter, but for Azalea it was a different story.

Listening to the two, Azalea had to chuckle. The banter back and forth with each other showed trust and an easiness that came with years of being together. For a moment the brunette thought back to a time of being with a certain significant other, but was saddened knowing there was none of that banter. In the four years of being with Sean, the couple never grew to that point, because the couple never grew. At times the young woman thought it was four years wasted, gone down the drain, but then again, there was also times she wished they could have another chance. After being in the Advanced Individual Training, a lot of light was shed on the relationship, and Azalea ended. It was the hardest thing she ever had to do, but it was the best in the long run. Watching Steve and Blake gave her hope that maybe one day, she would be that lucky too.

When Billie opened the door, Azalea jumped not expecting the best friend to open the door that quickly. "Maybe I fit Ralph, but Donnie was always my favorite," stated, before looking over at Warren and giving a nod. "You do have a point there. The poor guy did have a time doing that. As for the Pinkie part, I'll have Witwer explain that one to you some day Colonel." It was an interesting call sign, and one that she was pleased to have been the one to give the blonde. God what she wouldn't give for one more day at the academy; without all the work that went with it. That was definitely not something she missed.

Before being able to say a goodbye to the others, Azalea felt herself being pulled into the room. The brunette stumbled giving the best friend a weird look. "Wait, you want to stay behind and watch a movie? How many times have I tried to pull that trick on you and it never work? You know I'm always willing. I hate parties, but you, you almost crazily adore them," replied giving a confused look. Something was up with her best friend and it wasn't sickness. Hell even if she was it, the brunette would swear Billie would still go. "What's going on Billie, and don't you dare tell me nothing. Something is up. Do you not have a costume? Destiny had two ninja turtle costumes, but this doesn't seem like a costume issue." Billie had this young woman worried. Billie did have her moods, just like the Lieutenant did, but this was beyond that. Something else seemed to be going on. She didn't mind figuring it out. It would prolong them going to the party any way. She was all for that.

Tag: Billie Jean Witwer, Steve Hamrick, Blake Warren, anyone else

[Blake Warren]

1833
Quarters Corridor to Mess Hall

Steve nodded. "You look perfect. Andre and Witwer will be along in a moment, they needed some time. I'd guess helping Witwer with her costume?"

He thought the women knew each other from training, maybe. Another look at Andre's service record would answer that, but that was for tomorrow. Blake laughed. "My mama taught me never to get between a pregnant woman and food, Isabelle. As for snacks, the mess hall should have plenty of those."

Their costumes weren't spot-on, of course, conditions didn't allow for that. Most everybody else's was similar, as close as could be done under conditions. Blake was looking around to see what sort of costumes the two field-grade Oxfords would be putting on. And maybe the Admiral too? "Well, mine's here. Any idea where yours is, Isabelle?"

<<tag Robert "Bobby" Oxford Jr , Isabelle Cooper , Azalea 'De' Andre , Billie Jean Witwer >>

[Billie Jean Witwer]

1833
Alpha Site
Guest Quarters

She wasn’t telling the tale of how she got her callsign tonight, some other time might be suitable, but not tonight. She threw a smile at Hamrick, “Long story,” she told him, before she tugged Az into her room, “Sir. One, I might share some day.” Her other callsign of Barbie was widely known around the base as it was. As it was the one on the file. Even how she got that name was another story for another day. Since both held meanings for her and parting with them wasn’t an option at all.

Closing the door, she faced her bestie and before Billie could say a word, Az was already on her case. Leaving her to nothing but squirm where she stood and it was something Billie rarely did or at all. The normally confident Navy lieutenant wasn’t very confident at the moment. How the heck she supposed to tell her friend that wearing the outfit she had wasn’t option. Even the turtle one was going to be out of question. “Yes,” she replied rather quickly, “I mean I do have few movies to catch up on, so why not? Besides,” she walked around her friend, and picked up her outfit, “this is going to turn heads. The slit comes right up to here,” Bills placed a finger on her thigh where it met her hips, “I’m not walking out wearing this or that,” she waved her hand towards Az’s outfit.

She was certain that someone would tell her to turn around and change. Or stare thus making her feel awkward. These were the people who had tended to her when she had been a child. She wasn’t sure why she felt like this. Then there was Harper and having him on ‘dad mode’ was the last thing she wanted. The guy had merely given her markers and as child she had been glued to him for that. At least he had been more fun than others. But as she had come to her proper age, things were slowly going back to normal, unless, someone pointed out what she had done as a 5-year-old around them. No one was going to let her live that down, especially Captain Oxford, “And it’s a costume issue......partly. Sorta. Kinda. Overall it’s nothing is wrong.” One the flip side everything was. Why did she feeling like digging a hole and burying herself?

Tag: Azalea 'De' Andre , Steve Hamrick , Blake Warren , Isabelle Cooper

[Azalea 'De' Andre]

1835
Alpha Site
Guest Quarters

Azalea could count on one hand how many times Billie was ever this way. It didn't happen often whatsoever, but when it did, it worried her. One of the reason the two were best friends was because of how Billie carried herself. The confidence that the blonde had was contagious. It was part of the reason the brunette was the person she was today. Sometimes she wondered if Billie knew the impact she had on their friendship, especially after sharing intimate details of the past. It was still a shocker the blonde didn't run for the hills hearing everything. Actually it was the exact opposite. For a little bit, Azalea felt like Billie's project back in the day. Her mission was to get Azalea to see the good, not only in people, but life itself. Even if there was times she joked about being annoyed at the positiveness, or 'seeing the bright side of things', that Billie always seemed to look at, Azalea was grateful. Who she was today, their friendship had a big part to play in that. So seeing Billie not so Billie like was very unsettling to say the least.

Seeing the costume, Azalea's eyes went wide. Now it was partly starting to make sense, but only part. If this was the true cause of the issue, then why not choose another costume. Avoiding the party was still not like Billie. No there was still more to this issue. Taking time to figure it out was perfectly fine with this Lieutenant, but that only meant they had to go to only to make a point. Well crap. "I can see why you don't want to wear that. Even Shannon didn't wear that revealing of a dress and she like wearing dress that were pushing it," commented thinking about the only other real female friend she had. Mental note to write a letter to the other brunette. It was about time for that. "What's wrong with my costume, and what. You don't want to be the Mikey to my Donnie?" Arms were crossed as the young woman make a joking smirk, trying to let some of the tension go, but probably wouldn't work. If she had know this was how it was going to be, cookies would have come along with her.

Hearing Billie do her version of rambling, Azalea raised a brow with an amused look. "Really? Then why not simply choose another costume? One to your liking? That's what you did back at the academy. What makes this time any different?" asked, trying to figure out exactly how the two got here. How did the tables get turned that she was trying, in a round about way, to convince Billie to go to a party. "Didn't one time you had too many costumes to choose from?" chuckling remembering that said party. It was always amusing watching the blonde run around getting ready for a party, but that particular time was even more so. Seeing her trying to choose what not to be was entertaining.

All silliness aside now. Something was eating up her best friend, and it was time to figure out what. "Billie, what's really going on? If this really is about a costume, we won't go. You know I'm always up for ditching a party, but this really isn't like you at all. What's eating you up right now?," asked seriously, giving a deep look of concern for her best friend. Part of the mind was still off on a bunny trail, thinking the blonde would make a cool cookie monster - since she had a thing for cookies. It would make perfect sense, but that comment would come out later.

Tag: Billie Jean Witwer, Steve Hamrick, Blake Warren, Isabelle Cooper

[Billie Jean Witwer]

1835
Alpha Site
Guest Quarters

Lack of confidence in the blond woman didn’t suit her when she really needed the most. Normally Billie was far from short of having it. It was something both her parents had instilled in their three children they had grew. So, Billie had never been short on it. It seemed her tank was now emptier than she realised. What she needed was a weekend in the cabin with her father and few words of wisdom from the man. But it wasn’t like she could call him and plan it for next weekend. She was across another galaxy for god sake. If he knew what she really did, Billie was sure her father would lock her up in the basement of their house and never let her leave. The person who had been short on it one time stood before her in a turtle outfit. Az had come a long way from the first Billie had met her. Seeing the growth in the Air Force Officer had done was nothing to short of a pride that they were friends as well.

Seeing the reaction, Billie nodded. Yet it was only the tip of the iceberg. There was a bigger issue with the outfit or outfits. She had reason, rather reasons not to go. Some made sense, while other didn’t. At least not to her at the moment. The only thing that made sense was avoiding the party. She knew what az meant on Shannon. While the two had never been close friends, they had been friendly to have a chat or meet up with Az when the woman did a girl’s lunch or a movie. Or just have a quick chat when they bumped into each other. She made a face when Az asked about her own outfit, “I did love to be your Mike,” she really did, “I really do, but…. It hugs.” She screwed her face up. Especially in the right places. Someone was bound to hand her a jacket to cover up, even if she was covered up in a sense.

Seeing the look, “Stop looking at me like that,” she whined, as she sat down, “If I was back on Earth, I have no shortage in picking an outfit, but here I’ve limited choices.” Running her hands through her hair, “Difference is that I’m in another galaxy. Not exactly, skip and a hop away from a store.” Thing was Billie did have too many too choose from on any given day, but not at the moment. It took her hours to decided which one to wear then coordinate the jewelry along with shoes, even down to the right shade, not to mention the hair styles to suit. Even that took weeks to get it together. “I did, I knew forgot to pack something.” She tired to make a light of the situation.

When Az hit the mark, she looked at her friend. Az had learn to read her over the years and this time it was no different. Billie always had been an open book. But right now, it was more than the custom issue. She hadn’t exactly spoken to Vanessa, yet. And it had been month since the incident, “I don’t know where to begin,” she tucked her hair behind her ear, and sighed, “I got turned into a child. A kinder-gardener of all ages.” Then dived into the tale of what had happened, how it got started and everything. “And to think I threw soo many tantrums.” She had been purely a five-year-old after all.

Tag: Azalea 'De' Andre

[Azalea 'De' Andre]

1837
Alpha Site
Guest Quarters

Azalea slowly started taking off her heels knowing they weren't going to be heading anywhere any time soon. It was interesting when it came to getting the truth out of either of the two. Both seemed to like to beat around the bush, and both knew how to eventually get it out from the other. It was still shocking that this time it was Billie who needed the nudging. De could count on one hand how many times Billie did something like this. It was very few and far between. Another reason that she admired Billie so much. The confidence the blonde usually had was very contagious. She was wise beyond her years, that sometimes Azalea picked on her about it, but deep down was always grateful. At the same time, it was also nice to know that her best friend seemed to sometimes struggle with the same issues she did - just not all the time or what use to be all the time for Azalea. Thankfully most of those days were in the past.

When Billie finally started in on the tale, Azalea took a seat on the bed giving her fullest attention. Okay so she had heard of a lot of interesting things when it came to the SG program, but this had to take the cake. The hardest thing about it was not wanting to say anything to upset Billie even more. It was pretty funny to picture her calm and cool best friend as a kindergartner. How many countless times did she get hyper off of cookies as an adult? Turn her into a kindergartner, that had to be even worse. Note to self, ask later about any pictures that were taken and funny stories that happened, thought trying hard to refocus and not burst out laughing. That isn't what Billie was looking for right now. Right now she needed that level head, that shoulder, that best friend to help her through this. Later would be the time to poke fun at it - after a good amount of time had passed.

"Well first off, from what I've been told about kids, they do that because they can't express in words what they are feeling. You might have known that something was off and couldn't say anything about, or didn't know exactly what it was," started to explain hoping this was the right approach, still trying hard not to say something stupid that would make matters worse. "Are you worried they still see you as that or think back to that day? Is that mostly why you're scared of going to the party in any costume right now? Thinking they will pull back to when you were chewing on crayons with the only care in the world of if you got a snack or not?" Hopefully that wasn't too blunt in it of itself. The main question she really wanted to ask was, were you potty trained, but knew that definitely wasn't the question to be asking right now. She wanted to be as sensitive as she could be to Billie's thoughts and feelings, but sometimes that was the big difference between the two best friends. Azalea sometimes was known for really not thinking before speaking, or having the best filter. Thankfully Billie seemed to have learned how to deal with it over the years, and even put her in check every now and then.

"Have you had a talk with any of them since that day? Even if there isn't an elephant in the room for them, there clearly is for you. Maybe you need to address it to them before you can move on?" asked again trying to be as sympathetic as possible. "Have they been looking at you any different for you to be feeling this way?" It was a lot of questions at once, but the more that were asked, the sooner they could get even deeper to the root and help her out of this. As funny as the situation may be, Azalea didn't like seeing her best friend this way. This wasn't Billie, and she would do whatever she could to get her back.

Tag: Billie Jean Witwer