People had considered me 'the most depressed person in the planet'.

And those were the ones saying nice things to me. Oh, I've heard worsts, but I know that if I repeat them in my head, I will get depress for real and I refuse to do that to myself... at least, on purpose.

But, I'm not depressed. I'm cynical, which is a completely different matter. Paraphrasing a dictionary's definition, a cynical person is that who 'doubts that things will go the way one wants'. And, considering how many things happened in my life, I rather be cynical than optimistic and living in a pink bubble all the time.

"Until tomorrow, Ms. Hart!" The bell and the kids greeting me 'goodbye' snapped me out of my absentminded thoughts. I smiled at them, as I love to teach kids, but I try to encourage them as much as their lives allow it. I cannot promise kids something I can't do. Sighing, I grabbed my things and headed towards the teacher's lounge.

"Oh, Melissa!" I got greeted when I arrive, placing a fake smile. God, Sarah is too perky for my taste... "We just were talking about you..." Great! New blind match making! Note the sarcasm "I met this guy over the weekend, that is a total nerd, I mean, he loves video games and stuff, but it's not a bad thing, not my type, defenitely-"

"Sarah, I don't care what you gonna say, but I don't want another of your blind dates!" I had to stop her before she could go on. Everyone at school was aware of Sarah's need to matchmake everyone according to what she liked. Even Mrs. Gardner, who had been married for like four years and with a young girl! She's not God!

"But, Mel-"

"But, nothing!" I snapped at her. I was getting fed up with her and someone had to stop her. Unluckily, that task fell on me, as no one had the heart of breaking Sarah's illusions "The world isn't pink and unicorns don't fart rainbows!" I blushed at the word of a bad word. I know I'm a prude there, but cut me some slack! "You cannot play matchmaker and decide for everyone and, I want to be alone!! I'm not in a rush, and I definitely don't wanna be push by you of all people!!"

Everyone was silent around us and Sarah looked like she was about to cry. Reality hurts. Great, now I'm the bad guy...

"She's right, you know..." I turned to the door and, right behind me, was Mrs. Gardner, with her brown hair pulled up in a bun. Her face showed a tired person, but her green eyes showed determination. I don't know who she was talking to, but I doubt it was to me "Sarah, either you start setting some boundaries about people's lives or I'm gonna recommend you get transferred to the library" Sarah gasped, obviously scared. She hates not be able to talk.

Soon, everyone was on their way and on their business. Mrs. Gardner is quite scary when she wants to.

"Thank you" I thanked her, nodding. She simply waved her hand.

"No need to..." she replied, smiling "I actually wanted to put her in place last week, but husband convinced me to give her time... You just beat me to it, as I couldn't hold it longer..." We chuckled at that statement. It was a known fact that Mrs. Gardner was very bossy, though she was trying not to "What I do wanted to ask you is if you had plans for Carnaval..."

"Well, I normally go home and watch the parade online..." I admitted, shrugging. It was my dream to travel the world, but I never had the money for it. And when I did got the money, I was deep into work "You know, the Brazilian one... Plus, with the hour difference, I can watch it in the afternoon and have the night for me..."

"Well, if you're interested, my husband wants to throw out a party with our friends because or Carnaval..." she explained, shrugging "We actually know a couple of latinos, so we can make it kind of accurate- or as accurate we can..."

"You're not weaving anything, Mrs. Gardner?" I asked, chuckling at her. She simply smirked.

"Not my plan, but... you never know" she continued to smirk at me, before leaving the school.

I have to admit I was intrigued all week, which forced me to cancel my cuddle plans and put on my finest winter clothes to go to the party. in my head, I was begging that Sarah wasn't invited, or I'd never lived that one down. I looked at my clothes while I was standing at the Gardner's door. A simple long jacket with a scarf over some jeans and comfy boots. My favorite long-sleeve shirt was hidden underneath and my dark chocolate hair was hidden under my favorite beanie.

The door opened and I was greeted by the owners' four-year-old. I've only seen her once, and she couldn't walk, much less talk.

"Daddy!! Fomeon'f at the dur!!" she yelled inside, before being scooped up by a young man of Mrs. Gardner's age. He had curly brown hair and blue eyes. Something warned me not to give this guy my wallet. Or my purse. He was smiling while tickling the little girl "Daddy!!"

"What's Mommy's first rule about the door, Rosie?" he had deep voice, which didn't match the glint in his eyes.

"Don't if I'm alone..."

"Very good. Now, go help Aunt Lou with Morgana..." he placed her down and she rushed into the house "Sorry about her, she's very independent on her own..." he apologized, before inviting me in "You're Melissa, right? Melissa Hart..?" I raised an eyebrow, impressed by his memory "Travis Stoll, Rose's father" It was my turn to frown while shaking his hand.

"I had assume you and Mrs. Gardner were married. I mean, she uses 'Mrs.'..." I blushed at my assumption. He simply chuckled.

"Yeah, everyone thinks that... Our family don't care much, but we're gonna do it for Rose very soon..." he winked at me, like if I was part of a big secret. He excused himself to help in the kitchen while I looked around the house. It was filled with people and kids, who were rushing around the house. Food was in different tables and someone behind a bar was making cocktails and fruit punches for those who didn't want alcohol. Or the kids.

The ceiling had been glittered and samba music was heard in the background. A couple was dancing, or trying to, while kids were goofing around them. People were clapping and laughing at them. One guy even was wearing one of those suits the Scolas do Samba have. I was staring at him, mainly because he was brave enough to wear little clothe in this weather! Even with a heater on!

"That goofball is my brother, Leo" I heard from my side and saw a guy who was wearing a simple pair of jeans and a blue shirt "What's good about him is that saves us money when kids are around... He's a clown by itself" I giggled, mainly because he's right. He's carrying a kid on his shoulders and the rest of the kids is following him, shaking their bodies like in a comparsa.

"Well, he knows how to entertain, that's for sure..." I agreed with him "Sorry, I'm Melissa. Melissa Hart" I offered him my hand and he shook it.

"Jake. Jake Manson"

"Manson?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. Before he could reply, someone interrupted him.

"Alright, people!! Carnaval will start soon! So gather a seat or go to the bathroom, because there won't be any breaks! I mean..." Travis corrected himself in the end, after Katie (have to remember myself to call her that from now on) smacked the back of his head. People chuckled, as if it's a normal thing.

"Would you like to choose a seat?" Jake invited me. I found myself feeling blushed all of the sudden.

"Yeah, I'd like that..."

----

Hello, guys!

First of all, Happy Easter everyone! I hope you all have a good Sunday, no matter how you celebrate it or which is your religion. I'd love to hear about your special celebrations, if you don't mind about it ;)

Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I've been sick lately (allergies, unfortunately) but I managed to wrote a few chapters for you. And to tell you something VERY important...

I made a mistake.

I was recounting and realized that Urgent! Inspiration: Needed will be over BEFORE Mortals: Meet... 2. What means that we have less than 7 chapters for that story to be over! :o

The main point is the same. Until I'm not over with both of them, I won't start any new one. Which means you still have time to vote in my two polls, those are in Facebook...

Back to the chapters, today I'll be updating Mortals: Meet... 2, Urgent! Inspiration: Needed and Percy Jackson, son of Chaos. I'll try to update the rest of Mortals: Meet... 2 by the end of the week, leaving me with Urgent! Inspiration: Needed, Mortals: Meet... the In Laws, Garden Wall, Percy Jackson, son of Chaos and Rise of Ouranos to update before the month is over.

Also, I ask that, if you want to request any chapter or anything, be patience as I have too many delay... I'll fulfill all and every one of them, if I can.

Like I mention all the time, thanks for your patience!

Enjoy Easter! Eat lots of chocolate eggs! ;)

xoxo, SilverHuntresses