Photo Woes

Ashley is not happy. She's been attending Spruceville-Tyler University for a week and a half now, and the photographers following her around are starting to become a problem. It's not like they're constantly on her tail, but their frequent unscheduled appearances are making it hard for her to get out of her head and focus on classes. It's interfering with her attempts to make new friends too. People who don't want to be caught on camera shy away from her even when there are none around, and the people who do want to be on camera aren't necessarily friend material. If they would rather pose with her than talk to her, she isn't interested.

So far, the only students Ashley has gotten close to are the cheerleaders, who are as genuine as they seemed on that first day. They love pleasing a crowd and putting on a good show, but fame isn't what they're after. They really just want to spread cheer!

So it's no surprise they commiserate with Ashley when she complains about how being followed around by photographers makes her feel, and encourage her to take the matter to the dean. There has to be another agreement they can come to so the university gets its publicity without being a thorn in Ashley's side.

But Ash doesn't go in screaming and shouting. No, she calmly walks into Jessica Hyde's office, you and Tibby by her side, and politely asks to talk. And Jessica responds in kind. Soon everyone is sitting with a cup of coffee and doing just that.

"...it's simply too much," Ashley finishes her complaint. "The constant attention is stressing me out, and it's making other students uncomfortable too."

The dean nods with understanding. "Yes, I can see how that would be a problem. I should have been more on top of things after telling you they wouldn't be disruptive. Well I think they've had long enough to get their photos, so I'm going to tell them to pack it up"

Ashley looks relieved. "Really, that's it? It's done?"

"The unscheduled candid shots are done," Jessica corrects her. "We must have plenty of those by now, but we'd still like more staged shots. Like that study session scene you suggested."

"Right. Well like I said, it's been hard for me to make any friends. So if you're in a hurry to get that scene you'd have to get some student actors. I know the cheer squad would be happy to help, but I only have one class in common with them so it wouldn't be the most genuine interaction."

"No, that's fine," Jessica says. "There's no rush for that. In the meantime, some of our journalism students have asked me if you'd be available for an interview. If you're willing, I'll put you in contact with them so you can agree on a time."

"Sure, that'd be fine," Ashley says.

Dean Hyde gives her a number to call, wishes you the best, and the meeting is over.

"I guess it's a good thing you didn't take my advice," Tibby admits with a smile once everyone is outside.

"Hey, I know you meant well saying we should go in guns blazing," Ashley tells her and squeezes the catgirl's hand. "But the dean's alright, there's no need to make a row with her."

"Yeah, as ready as I am to kick someone's ass if they get in Ashley's way again, I don't think there'll be much need for that here," you chuckle before you head home together.

Ashley calls the number Jessica gave her the next day. After a brief conversation about what they want, she tells the journalists she can be there for an interview on Tuesday.

The days between now and then pass peacefully, the absence of photographers to hound her making the bunny feel much more at ease on her new campus. The novelty factor has worn off enough that the stream of students eager to take selfies with her peters out as well, leaving more room for people who would actually like to get to know her to approach.