better days will come

✩ FACE CLAIM: Victoria Pedretti ✩ FULL NAME: Adeline Bellandi (né Oldswell-Bayat) ✩ NICKNAME(S): Addie, Ads ✩ PRONOUNS & GENDER: She/her, cis female ✩ SEXUALITY: Pansexual ✩ RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Widowed ✩ BIRTH DATE: June 17th, 1990 (currently 31) ✩ BIRTH PLACE: Harborne, Birmingham, UK ✩ TIME IN TOWN: Two weeks ✩ HOUSING: The Coast & Pier district, staying with Maryam for now ✩ OCCUPATION: Substance Abuse Counselor at White Heron Wellness ✩ FAMILY: Gianna Oldswell-Bayat (mother), Joseph Bayat (step-father), Maryam Bayat (step-sister), N/A YET (older sibling)

✩ WANTED CONNECTIONS

✩ PERSONALITY: Adeline, referred to as Addie by her friends, is a bit of a handful. Needing to uphold the dignity of her profession, Adeline initially comes off as very kind, friendly and helpful to whomever needs it, but she’s also got a quick tongue, only using a snarky statement when desperately required. Most would consider her a wallflower because she’s got a watchful eye, capable of reading situations easily and knowing how to best handle them; a particular skill comes from working around teenagers her entire life. She isn’t the most extroverted person, but pretends to be, trying to maintain a good attitude during whatever outing she’s likely dragged out to when she would really rather just curl up in bed and read. She puts on the façade of being that person quite well and because of it, she’s become quite guarded. Adeline worries that once people look passed the person she has to be, they won’t like the person she is. She’s perfected the act long enough that sometimes she worries that even she doesn’t know who that person is anymore.

Alice made sure to reserve an RV for the weekend. While she wasn’t quite one who usually went camping, adventures were nice, and trying new things was also nice. It would also be a break from work, which she needed. Being away from her laptop screen would be a relief that she had been looking for. And at least there’d be a comfy bed.

“Soup and vodka, it sounds like a party,” Alice said, licking over her lips. So maybe in that moment her stomach decided to growl really loudly. She laughed a little. “Honestly, I did the same thing. I’ve got bug spray, sunscreen, and like four hats. And it smells delicious,” she said, with an eager nod. “Yes, please, ohh what kind of soup?”

Camping was something Thea was almost more comfortable with than being at home. She always felt prepared, in charge and just over all on top of everything when it came to camping, as if she were truly in her element. This trip wasn’t anything abnormal - packed with her tent, a backpack, and several snacks and cooking essentials, she felt like she was fully prepared. She had placed her tent directly in front of the rv station - she’d mentally told herself that it was strategic planning in the sense that if she were to need an RV she could befriend someone (or hopefully have a friend already in one) to stay with for the time being - and was quite proud of the situation she’d formed in her brain. 

As she began to walk around the campground, she was stopped by someone calling out, smiling as she waved in their direction. Moving towards them, she smiled when she realized that she’d met the other person at the coffee shop, making her wave more enthusiastically. “Hey!” she called, smiling as she heard her mention she’d brought soup and vodka and Thea laughed. “Did you know that soup and vodka are my two favorite camp foods? You did a great job.” she asked, looking at the other as she nodded, accepting the soup. “I would love some, thank you. I have some stuff at my camp site that will go great with vodka if you like mixers.”

a familiar face for once, finally, and one she’s quite happy to see. thea was someone she met at the coffee shop not too far from her and maryam’s, and what a great impression she made of adeline on the town. “hey you, it’s nice to run into you once again,” adeline greets her, laughing at her mention of soup and vodka being her two favorite camp foods. thankfully google did something right for her, at least, because it didn’t give much of an idea of what else you’re supposed to do when you’re camping. “thank you, i appreciate it. and mixers sounds absolutely delightful. i love vodka in any which way, so if you’d like company back at your camp site, i’m happy to come along and join you for any shenanigans you may get into,” she grins.

Rafael Bardales: notorious outdoorsman. Said no one ever, basically. But that didn’t stop him from heading out to rent an RV and then parking it in what he deemed to be the best spot in the entire campground… as the ass crack of dawn on Thursday morning. There was no way that he was going to miss out on having a water view, even if that water was just Lake Malory. It still sparkled and shimmered under the sun’s rays, and that was a sight to behold, especially in the mornings, he was hoping. None the less, he was there, parked, and setting up the canopy just off the front door so that he could have as nice of a space to relax in outside as he did inside… that was what it had looked like on the brochure, after all.

Hearing a voice, he turned to look over his shoulder, noticing someone somewhat familiar to him making their way over with a mug in one hand, and something else in the other. Ah, right, Maryam’s relative, the one that was recently new to town. The one that he promised his friend he would tease at least a little bit, until he coaxed her onto his side in their never ending battle of wit. “Did Google actually tell you to bring Vodka on a camping trip?” he asked on a laugh, brushing his hands off on his jeans as he hopped down from the step to admire his handywork, and then turning his full attention to the other person near the campsite. “You can admit that you brought it along to help you survive staying in that with your sister,” he pointed to the RV, a grin on his face. “I’m kidding, by the way. I’m Rafael, friend of Maryam’s. And I will gladly take the vodka.”

adeline nods at his question and can’t help but laugh herself along with him. “i know, i know.. can you believe it? i mean, it just said to bring good drinks, but..” she trails off, giving a suggestive look down at the bottle of vodka with a mischievous glint in her eye. “good drinks to me is vodka, so technically yes, google did say to bring vodka on a camping trip.” at the mention of her sister, though, her eyes squint at him a bit and she’s wondering how he’s aware of who her sister is and how he knows that she’s maryam’s sister, but.. then she’s reminded that he might have already seen maryam leave the rv some point earlier. “how do you and maryam know each other? i’ve met some pretty great friends of hers so far, i’m certain you’re yet another; the vodka tells me so,” she laughs, handing the bottle over and keeping the soup for herself. “don’t tell me you need the vodka to sleep through the night, i promise jelena can sleep almost the whole night now.”

Squinting against the sun, Cage turned towards Adeline, laughing with her when she mentioned the trails not being too hard. Was that hope he detected in her voice? Someone new in town, he could understand why they would be intimated – it was a lot of forest, which left a lot of time to get lost if they took a wrong turn or ended up stepping off the trail even the littlest bit. But Cage knew the trails like the back of his hand, and also knew that as long as someone was careful and picked their way through bit by bit, they were going to be just fine. “There’s a couple of them, but if you’re a beginner, I recommend the one that goes around the lake. You can’t get turned around, you just kind of follow the water,” he gestured, before turning back to her with a grin, “unless you’re up for adventure. Then there’s the trails by the creek, you can see waterfalls with those. I was kind of thinking the same, getting out on a hike, so if you want some company…?”

she takes a deep breath when he asks, nodding after a moment. as much as she would’ve certainly gone along the trail following alongside the lake, she wouldn’t turn down a bigger adventure if it wasn’t all in her lonesome. with someone more experienced than her at hiking these trails, though, she’ll take the path less travelled and with good company. “i would absolutely love some company, to be honest. i’m in for a challenge; i definitely didn’t come up here to take the easy way out and stay on the waterside. so i’m game,” adeline holds out her fist for a bump, “if you’re up for it.”

whenever she could, clementine enjoyed being able to go out of merrock. the young woman was so excited when she had heard about the camping trip and had immediately been on board. she could not remember the last time she had gone, so she had maybe over-prepped a little, and for clem that meant baking way too much to make new friends by giving out cookies and cupcakes around. 

so when adeline offered soup and vodka, clementine quickly accepted. “oh my god i’d love to. hopefully you didn’t put any vodka into the soup, or maybe that’s part of the recipe? and if it is, i might not drink too much of it, i never heard of getting drunk by having soup. but it could be a first!” she grinned before quickly turning away to reach for one of the packed boxes of cookies. “do you want one? i feel like it’s a fair trade.” 

Camping was something Ramsey would never turn down, growing up a country boy down south, it was in their blood. Depsite his grandparents working jobs that were demanding, they always had time for camping. Every summer it was practically a lifestyle, so after some careful planning with his job, and promising to be on call for emergencies if they really needed him, he was able to get the long weekend off to go explore more of Maine through one of his favorite things ever. Even though he had been in the state for a few years, those first few years had been mostly him just putting his head down and doing hours upon hours of work. After leaving the chance he had where he was slowly working his way up to being head of a department at such a young age, but could feel the burn out, he had felt like he let so many people down. It mean Ramsey had dedicated those first years in Maine to proving he had it in him, that it was just the specialization he had been in that was going to exhaust him, not the job itself all together. Now, after proving himself – or feeling like he had, he could let her walls down a little. Sure he had made a few friends like Darrius, his avid gym buddy but still, now was time to enjoy the town. 

Hearing a voice call out as he was moving along, his tent already set up and it was time to explore a little bit. Craning his head he saw a figure headed in his direction. She looked familiar, maybe he had seen her at town, he was always at the hospital and she didn’t seem like she’d be a nurse. “I mean it depends on the person I think.” Ramsey laughed, “But bonus points for googling to attempt to cover all bases.” The man spoke, “Liquor is always a good one and food is pretty important. Though if you’re willing to share I think I can put off exploring and go sit by a fire. Give you the break down on how good your soup is.” Grinning at the woman before gesturing in the direction where they could find a spot to sit. 

there was always the possibility of the person she approached being not so friendly despite her trust in the residents of merrock, but thankfully luck was on her side yet again. the friendly figure made her laugh with him and she nodded in agreement, “oh, most definitely depends on the person.. and don’t worry, i’d never be caught dead offering this to anyone i thought was underage,” she promises, making the form of a cross over her heart. “can i use those bonus points like raffle tickets to win a prize, or am i just holding on to them in the case that i may need them one day?” she quizzes him jokingly. “hopefully i won’t hold you off from your exploration for too long, but it’s my mother’s soup recipe so i’ll definitely be judging your reaction. no pressure at all, mate, just letting you know for complete honesty.”

in all honestly, adeline wasn’t so sure that so many people would be out camping when the topic of the weekend was brought up to her. it was something she’s only done a time or two growing up and, foolishly, assumed it was more popular in movies or books.. so she didn’t quite understand how it was so packed that she just barely found a spot for her and maryam’s rv surrounded by other tents, rvs, and campers. she unfortunately didn’t make enough soup to go around to everyone, so hopefully word doesn’t spread too fast around the camp grounds if she offers some to her neighbors. 

WHO: open for anyone camping!

WHERE: The Glen, countryside.

WHEN: April, 2022; Camping Weekend.

NOTES: capping at five replies! please message me if it reaches the limit and you’d like something private (on any character of mine).

This was the kind of thing that Cage loved – an entire weekend dedicated to being outdoors; fishing, hiking, cooking on the grill with Colton, he loved camping. Work was stressful, being a parent was stressful, life was stressful and taking a few days off from all of that to go out into the woods wasn’t going to hurt anyone. Glancing up as he heard the sound of snapping twigs, he saw a figure approaching as he stood at the edge of the lake, game planning his day, trying to decide between hiking, grabbing his fishing things, or just stringing up the hammock and taking a long nap. “Good weather for this kind of adventure, huh?”

adeline definitely enjoyed her fair share of sun and fun, but not much so with so many other people. merrock was such a lively place, everyone was so involved and into whatever was going on at the time, and she was already feeling like home there. and everyone was so nice... even someone just commenting on the weather when she just got to the lake, planning on her first hike there. she squints a bit as she looks over the lake and nods in response, “it’s definitely beautiful outside. i was planning on going for a hike, actually. i don’t really know the trail ‘cause this is my first time out here, but i’m sure it can’t be too hard, right?” there’s a bit of laughter with her words, and she hopes her nerves aren’t showing. “what about you, what’s your adventure of choice today?”

“I’m a pediatric nurse,” Didi explained before acknowledging the rest of what had been said. “I know your sister.  She’s just returned from leave.  I would have never guessed that you were sisters.”  She didn’t know everyone in the hospital but considering she was approaching a year of being there, she did tend to know a lot of people there.   She nodded in thanks at her order being paid for, leaving behind some cash for the person behind her.  She still had to wait for her drink but she could move aside and wait for that. She was definitely looking forward to her tea.  “I appreciate it,” she told the other girl. “We’ve been busy and a bit short staffed but we make do. I’m definitely looking forward to a day or two to rest. Where do you work?”

Nodding with understanding as she mentioned Maryam, and not wanting to overload her with a pet plus Jelena on top of things, he could absolutely see why that would be tough. A young baby plus a dog or a cat or any other animal? Hell, Josh only had an aquarium full of fish, and even he struggled sometimes with juggling the responsibility of feeding them, cleaning out said tank, and being an adult in all other aspects of his life. “It’ll be worth it to wait. You can always volunteer up there and get to know them – just don’t get too attached. Then you really will be coming home with a new pet, regardless of whether or not you want to add to the mouths to feed at Maryam’s house.” Somehow, he didn’t think the other woman would mind too much. Maybe.

“When you stick with the same thing, I think it becomes much easier for them to get it down pat. Next thing you know, they’ll memorize your schedule and everything, just have the drink sitting on the counter,” not that he had worked up to that just yet… but somedays he probably could. “Plus, I’m sure they appreciate the simple order. I’ve seen how complex people go sometimes!” Leaning his arms on the table to get comfortable, he smiled at her curiosity. “I went to school for the psychology side of things, went into private practice right after graduation, but ultimately wanted to do something a little more fulfilling, find  away to give back,” hence the community center. “My dad actually owns a bike shop, so that explains the other half.” And he loved them both equally, now. Perking up a bit when she mentioned working at White Heron Wellness, he nodded, “we might work together, then. Sometimes we refer people there from the center.”

“that’s very true, it’s always fun volunteering. especially with animals, they’re just so fun. i volunteered at a ranch, once, the only thing that wasn’t very fun was stepping in horse poo. thankfully, i have a feeling that pause for paws will be much easier,” adeline laughs, “but no, i definitely will be stopping myself from getting emotionally attached. no matter how cute they are..” and though she shakes her head, she can’t exactly say ‘definitely’ with absolute certainty knowing that she has a soft spot for dogs. but for maryam, she has to be strong, at least for now. she definitely couldn’t let jelena get attached to a dog just to take it away from her, that would make her the worst person in the world, she was sure.

“ooh, that sounds like someone’s familiar with that,” she gives a teasing wiggle of her eyebrows. “the complexity sometimes just shows what kind of a person someone is.. it means they’re either very fun, or very particular... with the latter, that’s where i feel terrible for baristas. people can be mean if they don’t get exactly what they want.” adeline takes another sip of her drink, features showing interest when he mentioned that he went to school for psychology. “well, from one psychologist to the other, we’re doing damn good, aren’t we? you’re doing what you love with your dad’s shop and helping people when you can, i’ve got to give my props where it’s due. hopefully we don’t see each other too much regarding work- if i had it my way i’d have no clients, but.. with the world we live in..” she trails off with a sigh.

Quin offered slight shrug with a smile tugging at his lips. “It takes one to know one.” After all, he’d been pulling that move ever since he was a child; acting as a mirror, reflecting back to others so he didn’t have to talk or think about anything going on in his own head. It was quite effective, he was quick to find out. Until, of course, he’d run into the rare case of someone else who had mastered the same trick. “Phoenix…” He repeated with a nod, already understanding to some extent how that could be fitting for the woman. Though he didn’t know her or anything about what brought her to that exact moment, he felt like there was a sort of quiet strength that she possessed.

“That’s always something that fascinated me,” he commented. “Their tears having healing powers… it’s really beautiful, when you think about it…” that immense emotional pain could be turned into something that brought someone else strength. “But at the same time, I wouldn’t want the phoenix to think they have to put themself in harms way for others - even emotional…” It felt like a delicate line. At this point, he wasn’t exactly talking about the woman or making any inferences; just thinking out loud.

“touché, my friend,” adeline murmurs empathetically, knows just how much of a burden it can be to be the one always taking and never quite giving... holding so much in never ends well. something she preaches often, though she really should think to take that advice herself after the previous months. his words ring very true, she thinks with a nod in response, and she couldn’t have said it better herself. except.. “well, i think it’s a testament to.. being in so much pain yourself, yet still putting others needs before your own.”

Ben had been working on a piece for a while before he noticed the woman passed out across the room. He started out just keeping a watchful eye over her and her possessions, but as time passed and more patrons entered the coffee shop, watching from afar didn’t feel like enough. He gathered his things and made his way over to her table. Quietly he pulled out the chair that was across from her and sat down. He typed away at his work while he waited for her to wake up. 

He cringed at the sound of the baby’s cry knowing it would disturb her peaceful looking nap. He couldn’t help but chuckle a little when she asked if she was drooling. Ben was amused by her. “I’ll introduce myself then. I’m Ben, and I’m sorry that your nap got interrupted.” He raised his brows, he wanted to learn more about this sleepy mystery woman. 

it was good to know that even if she didn’t embarrass herself by drooling, she surely embarrassed herself by asking him that. at least he seemed to be amused, so hopefully addie was doing something right; not that meeting someone like this was very common, but she is trying to make friends in this town, so she’ll take what she can get. “well thank you, ben,” she purposefully name drops him to ensure that she’ll remember it, “i’m a bit embarrassed that i nodded off here in the first place, so.. i appreciate that you didn’t take advantage of me being asleep to draw a mustache on my face or something.”

not even a second goes by when adeline’s remembers that she did not, in fact, introduce herself back like she was supposed to. she’s still half asleep, it seems, and resists the urge to facepalm by shaking her head slightly. “i’m sorry, again, i’m adeline.. you can call me addie.”

“So it seems,” he responded with a nod. In all honesty, he hadn’t quite known she had been the one he asked the question to, it was only until he fully turned to see the woman who had been so insistent on paying for his coffee. When she gave her answer, Kaden scoffed and shook his head lightly. “God, imaging myself at fifty sounds like a perfect way to spiral down a pit of despair.” He commented, a slight chuckle behind his words. In all honesty, it was hard to imagine anything that far out into the future. Predicting where he’d be a month from then was a stretch let alone several decades. “So did you throw away all your money trying to pay for stranger’s drinks, and now you’re here trying to drink away the sinking feeling of regret?”

“don’t like the idea of getting old, huh? try being thirty.” adeline can’t help the laughter that leaves her, immensely amused by his mention of spiraling into a pit of despair at the thought of aging. she’s only not worried from a psychologist standpoint because she’s really hoping it’s just sarcasm, but she can’t exactly tell with him. it takes quite a bit of patience with people like this one, and addie is no stranger to cases like him. though, she has to remind herself that he’s not one of her patients, and shakes her head at the thought. “yeah, actually, i did. is the next round on you?” addie plays along, “some guy blew all of my money ordering everything on the menu, can you believe it?”

Lately, life had been full of twists and turns; between nearly divorcing from her husband to then reconciling with her husband, and then fighting with said husband – well, to say that things had been a rollercoaster would be an understatement, and lately? Livvy just wanted to have some fun. She wanted to spend time with her sister and her friends and people she thought could be good friends, and luckily for her, she had found that in Adeline. Someone new to work, someone she saw in the hallways, or in the break room when they both needed a break from their patient loads. Eventually, she had managed to track the other woman down to ask if she wanted to go out for a couple of drinks, name dropping one of the local hot spots in town, and then feeling excited as she stepped out of her cab and into the familiar territory of Bonne Merde.

She was sitting at the bar, just nursing a water until her company arrived when she heard a familiar voice and perked up, turning to see Adeline approaching and feeling her smile grow. “Hi, you!” picking herself up, she leaned over to greet her with a hug, tapping the seat next to her to make some room. “Your uber driver is a spoil sport, trust me – but that being said, don’t worry, no comedy tonight, just a local band! I hope that’s okay, I figured it would be a good taste of Merrock.”

adeline was appreciative of the hug, a grin wide on her lips when they’re face to face after pulling back. “oh thank gods,” she’s relieved that he seemed to just be trying to spoil her night before it even began, sliding right into her seat next to olivia, “a local band sounds great. i’m thrilled to see just what kind of music they play, i like a bit of everything.” her stomach feels light with anticipation, and she hopes that her nerves aren’t too obvious. “do they have food here too? i’m dying for some chips,” adeline pauses, “fries, i mean. sorry, still trying to get used to calling them that now that i’m here.”

Somedays, they went to the dog park, meeting up with friends or making new ones. Other days, like today, it was a lot easier to leash up Walter and Gale and head right down to Cityview, only a quick walk away from where he lived, which made life pretty easy most of the time. And the dogs? They loved it, Gale staying close to Darrius’s side as they walked through the park, Walter trotting ahead, not worried too much about what his owner and canine brother were doing. And for the most part, everything was fine – until.

He had only stopped for a few moments to tie his shoe, something that he should have done before he left, but they had a mind of their own, he swore. “Stay,” he murmured to Walter, the bigger dog beginning to wag his entire body when he got the sense that freedom could be right around the corner. It happened very fast, then as he tore free from where Darrius was standing on the leash, almost causing him to stumble and definitely stealing a laugh from him as he lunged for the leash, missing it, and watching him run up to someone else. “God, I’m sorry,” he let out a breathless laugh as he approached, gathering the leash and watching as Walter ran circles around Gale. “I do have to claim him, yes, he’s the problem child, which I’m sure you can tell.”

“no need for apologies, when a dog gets the need to zoom, there’s no stopping them.” adeline laughs, leaning down to give a pat to the dogs. she’s entirely impatient, can’t wait to get a pet of her own, and she hopes she’s not looking too lovingly at this stranger’s dogs to where he thinks she might steal them. “the bad boys are always the cutest, though, aren’t they?” she teases, shaking her head with a little ‘tsk’ of her tongue against her teeth. though, then she notices one of his shoes are untied in her line of vision with one of the dogs moving behind his legs. “must have been a premeditated crime, he could tell you were immobilized,” she motions to his laces with a grin, “did you want me to hold them while you take care of that?”

There was really no need for any fuss. Darcy definitely wasn’t didn’t aim to take advantage of the kindness of others on any regular basis. She was raised to have manners and accepting over someone zoning out seemed so foolish. “Honestly, I’m just as zoned out  myself,” she admitted. “A few shifts at the hospital and I’m pretty much done for. It’ll be a good day for sleep.” She was desperate to get home and asleep honestly but she could at least manage to muster the energy for a little polite conversation.  “It’s honestly no big deal but I think starting a chain is going to be good karma for the day so if you have my bear claw, I’ll get whoever is next.” She offered a nod and a smile, giving her tea and pastry order, talking to the staff before focusing back on the other girl. “I’m Darcy but most people me Didi,” she said extending a hand to shake in greeting.