he stood in front of the water tower, staring up, lost in thought. he was trying to see if he felt like climbing it to get a better view of the stars or if he’d instead just do his stargazing from the ground tonight. another part of him was also thinking about who he could possibly call up right now to join him for a late-night smoke and some stargazing. but no one really came to mind. “ah, fuck it,” he whispers, thinking out loud, making his way over to the ladder that leads up the side of the water tower. just as his hand reaches the second step, he hears the sound of leaves crunching, the footsteps of a stranger, and his attention turns towards the direction of the noise. the only thing he was nervous about was the possibility of now not being able to stargaze at all, which would sadden him; it was the only way he found some peace in his mind. 

“uh, hey. heh. you wouldn’t happen to be here because you’re also thinking of climbing the water tower to stargaze from up there, would you? because, you know, if you’re not and you’re up for an adventure with a scrub like me….” he trails off, laughing a little, “i promise to keep you safe, though, if that helps.

@claystarters​

Astrid had lived in Claybourne all her life and even as a teenager she’d shyed away from climbing the tower. “I was just going to say i brought you a coffee....” She held out Nathan’s regular drink order. 

She sat down, sipping her own coffee. “Are you keeping me safe from the cops or from impending death?” She raised her eyebrows. “Ok... if i say yes, it’s only because i’m trying to broaden my horizons. And because i bet the view of the lake is amazing up there.” 

Astrid smiled, almost enjoying their attempt to cover up the fact they unsubtly hated the dress. She glanced over the window again, tapping her chin. “Ok. If you had to pick any of these dresses out for me what would you pick? And then i might consider telling you what the dress is for.” 

“When I went to college, I used to go to all the fancy stores out there. I just enjoy the special treatment. Like yes, my family have money. But you don’t always want to buy everything,” she laughed at herself. “But you, right now. Yes, treat yourself to that dress.” Amy smiled. “Oh, I tell people I look good. No shame.”

“I think what you’re describing is a shopaholic.” She smiled, pulling her friend’s shoulders. “We know you look good.” She touched the fabric of the dress, trying to assess if she liked it as much up close. “I suppose i’ve lived the sulking life for long enough... it’s time to go back out there.”

Astrid laughed at her new nickname, giving Kai a show of jazz hands. “Why not? I’m sure you’d get some form of Claybourne scholarship and i have connections.” She tapped her nose, trying to wink but it coming out as a prolonged blink. 

„Ah thank you“, he smiled at her, stepping a little to the side so their shoulders bounced together. „It is very good to see you, too, Astrid. And if I may say so, you look splendid. This sleepy little town apparently does you some good.“ Vihaan tilted his head to the side and smiled. He had been nervous about this meeting but now that they were talking again it was almost as if no time had passed at all. “There is a lot of things I was never into, like this place to begin with. Yet I am here again. So”, he pointed towards the dress in the display window, “Will you get it?” There had been a time in their lives when he had considered to surprise her with a gift like this, but it was no longer his place to do so. And Vihaan kind of disliked that. 

Astrid tilted her head, finding it strange to have Vihaan beside her after such a long time apart. She’d packed her bags and come back to Claybourne, thinking that distance would make it easier. It didn’t. Nothing could make it easier when you were grieving the loss of a relationship, a partnership. She took a deep breath, her eyes glancing over at him. “I look fantastic.” She smiled gently, knowing that he brought out a confidence in her that only he could. She thought about questioning him, demanding to know why he was back in the small town. But then it didn’t seem like her place anymore. Suddenly the silence between them seemed to be extremely loud. “I think so, i’m sure I can make an occasion to wear it... and I think i deserve to treat myself after this semester. I had a student who tried to use Schrödinger to explain where his unturned paper was.” 

“I’ve known him for as long as I can remember. He is a nice guy, I know that much. He’s kind to people, goes out of his way for them,” she nodded back at her. “Yeah? You seem to light up when you talk about him,” she laughed lightly. “Aww, that is sweet of you.”

Astrid smiled, it was nice hearing nice things about the man she was seeing. Particularly from a woman like Belle, she was fairly certain that Belle would tell her the truth... whatever that may be. “I don’t know about lighting up... I think i’m a little old for that and i’ve done the whirlwind romance before. I’m taking things slow, using my head. But i do like Parker a lot.”

Astrid smiled, her eyes not leaving Parker as he chatted to her. Sometimes she forgot he was even related to the Halles or tied up in all the drama happening in town. her thoughts flitted to Hana for a moment and then drifted back onto the date. “Okay... i’m sure we can organise some sort of date.”

Amy smiled over at her friend. “The key is to look interested, try things on and then say you’ll think about it. Then you never have to buy it if you don’t want to,” she laughed. “Aww, thank you. I do care about my appearance. I always have. So yeah, I know it.”

Astrid laughed “You seem like a pro at this?” She raised a brow. “I suppose I don’t treat myself as often as i should... and I am going out a bit more again now.” She was the quiet type, but she enjoyed going out with Parker. “I wish i had your confidence. I know i look good. But you just aren’t afraid to... tell people you know it. I love it.”

“I’m saying you should do what you feel you should do. I’m a big proponent of heart before head. The head talks us out of what we really want all the time,” he smiled, flashing his teeth. “Ah! There you go.” Yousef gave a sharp nod. “Now, I’m not a materialistic person or anything. At least I don’t think I am. But we ought to have things that make us feel. Besides, maybe now that you have them, you’ll do things you wouldn’t have. Would I have gone to a square dance before having a cowboy hat? No. I would have looked ridiculous.” 

Astrid smiled gently, Yousef was sweet and that was showing clearly when he spoke to her. She laughed at the comparison of a cowboy hat. “So the dress is going to open me up to new experiences?” She folded her arms, pausing to think. “Do you go square dancing?” She blinked, trying to imagine it.

ryan looked the other up and down, grimacing slightly. “you really shouldn’t ask questions you don’t wanna know the answer to…” he shrugged slightly and held up his hands. “but hey, if you want it, you get it.”  

Astrid paused, stepping towards the door and then stepping back to the man a few times before finally giving in and facing him directly. “Ok. No. I want to know. What’s wrong with the dress? Lay it on me. I can handle it.”

Hana made an Ohhh sound, as soon as Astrid admitted that she and Parker were still a regular thing. She adored the both of them and new that this connection could bring them happiness. It was a good thing, some not so dire news amidst the sea of chaos that her life had become. “Ah yes, the famous Booster club. Did you know that I never got the chance to lay eyes on them while I was at the fair? It is sad, really, I would have liked to ask them some questions.” Hana tilted her head to the side, again looking at the dress in front of them. After the lifeguard had disappeared she had considered stopping with the shaking of trees. But they had promised each other a happy ending to all this drama, and she was still determined to see that through. “But yes, from what I have seen of Claybourne there is probably going to be some masquerade ball or fancy dinner around the next corner. This city sure loves its festivals. And who knows?”, Hana looked at Astrid and winkled her eyebrows, “Maybe next time the only drama will be that I find a date, too.” It was a weird thought, but she hoped it would reassure the friend beside her, that way too often worried about Hana’s work.

Astrid raised a brow at Hana’s words. “It’s probably a good thing... I’m not sure Ms Evans would take your questions that lightly.” She knew people in this town well enough to know they asking questions seemed to get their backs up. “I think it’s tradition... it’s nice. Comforting almost and hell with everything going on. I suppose it makes sense that people are leaning on those traditions more.” She picked up her coffee. “Oh shush... love hits you when you least expect it. Trust me. Me and Vi... well that hit me like a ton of bricks.”

“Thank you, and you’d like her. She’s a smart woman.” He smiled gently, keeping his eyes on her. “Hmm, well it must be working for me. I got you to go out with me. You do look beautiful though.”

Astrid nodded, rubbing his arm softly as he spoke for his mother. “I enjoy going out with you... I think we make a good pair. And thank you, you don’t look bad yourself. I have a few weeks off work I was thinking we’d spend some more time together.”

Kai kept his dark eyes on the brunette, she was amusing him right now. It was sweet and he didn’t hate being treated that way… even if she was drunk. “Hmm, so I need to tap into my potential and let it take me to far away places?” he laughed, patting her hand before taking it in hers. “I’m amazing, huh? I do like being called amazing. I do not make excuses. This is where I work and live.”

Astrid’s giggles drowned out the noise of the bar and Kai was carrying post of her weight. “No one said anything about far away places... maybe just...” She looked around the dark bar. “Maybe just brighter horizons.” She yawned slowly, feeling the alcohol getting to her. “And do you live for the work or work to live?”

“What do I think of Parker?” she repeated, smiling at the older woman. “He’s nice. My parents have been friends with his for years. And he was always nice to me when I was a kid. And now too. He’ll come in my cafe and have a coffee and he’s relaxed. He’s a good guy,” she nodded. “Hmm, well, I am a female and a business owner. We can do anything.”

“It matters to me what my friends think and you’ve probably known him longer then me.” Astrid half smiled, glancing at the girl. “I think so too... i suppose why i’m attracted to him.” She laughed gently. “Now that i’d agree with that, you’re amazing.”

Astrid Pradhan - Aesthetic Moodboard

“She’s okay, for now. She gets tired a lot. I make sure she doesn’t push herself,” he nodded, it wasn’t often he spoke about her. But he trusted Astrid. “You are most welcome.” He smiled at her response. “Ah, no, you’re beautiful.”

Astrid half smiled “I’m glad to hear that...” She tilted her head, listening to his words, shaking her head slightly. “And you’re too charming for your own good Mr Halles.”

Ximena tilted her head, examining the dress in question. “Is it honesty you’re after?” She pointed to a different dress, “The green details would make your eyes pop. Of course, it only matters if you let it. I think it’s important to look in the mirror and be proud. That dress,” she nodded towards the first one, “is not the cutest. In my humble opinion, but we’re all different and so are our preferences.” She winked, “Find what matters,” she joked, waving a fist in the air, “Don’t let the dress define you!” she laughed.

Astrid raised a brow, considering the suggestion for a moment. Even looking at it, she wasn’t sure what to say or think. She huffed, looking back at the first dress before holding her arm out to the other woman. “The only solution is to try them both on... come on. I”m going to need an unbiased opinion.”