pretender.

Lexie raised an eyebrow at the area, noticing that the woman in front of her was definitely a newcomer–or just very rusty–at hosting, between the books scattered everywhere, the peanuts and–chips? This was definitely going to be an interesting evening. “Wow,” She nodded trying her best to put on a polite smile that didn’t come off as a grimace. “So,” Lexie cleared her throat a little, “When was the last time you had company over again? I mean, don’t get me wrong it’s a start, but so many more improvements can always be made, you know?” 

“in my defence...” you start, awkwardly shrugging your shoulder and scratching at your cheek, “i’m redecorating..? not the best time to invite company over, i know. but i wasn’t exactly thinking about that when i said to you.” you suck in your lip and offer her what can only be presumed as a hopeful smile. you know, you know, your place could certainly use a touch up, but you didn’t want to make a bad impression either. and defence, it seemed, was the way to go about that. “but i’m all ears for improvements. you want to share some of that knowledge? i could use it.”

Candice was glad that she had found a new friend in Cliodhna. They had many things in common and she loved getting to reconnect to her family through Cliodhna. It was the only way she could feel connected to her family especially now. She smiled as she saw the wine in her hands and ushered her in. “That wine is amazing. Listen, I know that I made the Irish coffees, but I honestly would not be offended if you would prefer the wine because that’s some good shit.” she grinned bringing her over to the kitchen table where she had set up some refreshments for them. She took the wine and added it to her table set up before pulling out her chair for her with a smile and then going to sit herself. Candice poured some Bailey’s into her own coffee before pouring some into Cliodhna’s as well as she shook her head. “Gosh no. You’re not late at all. Yeah, I should’ve thought of traffic when I told you this time. I’m usually asleep or preparing to go to work at this time because I work the night shift more often than not so there’s never much traffic when I go to work. I never think about the traffic patterns at other times. I’m sorry about that.” she said with a soft frown. “Hopefully drinks will help you unwind from the traffic. So how have you been? Settling into Monleon okay?”

looking down at the bottle in your hand and then back to candice, you feel your shoulders relax and a laugh begin to scratch at the back of your throat. that was one way to get out of it, “thank god,” you start, moving more into her place, beginning to remove your jacket. you were comfortable enough around her now to do it on your own, “because this is definitely preferable.” hanging it up, you roll up your sleeves and listen to her chat, head nodding at the commentary on traffic. that was one thing about america you’d noticed. or well - monleon. the traffic? it never liked to work in your favour. “must be nice. not having to work late tonight? do you often get the night shifts.. was i lucky enough to catch you at a time where you don’t?” you couldn’t imagine it. night shifts. bar work had been your only experience, and even then, it was nothing to that of the life of a nurse. candice had actual lives in her hands. you had two twenty euros and too many people crowded around you. “i’m hoping so,” you pause, “oh. i’m sorry. i must have given the wrong impression. i’ve been here a while. longer than i thought i would be. but i don’t know.. this past month or so - i just have felt like, finally, i’m beginning to fit in. bit sad, right?”

Ellie had been feeling a little better over the last couple of days, mostly thanks to Derek and Candice, both helped her but she also had to help herself and with a little help of her mom, talking to her for almost two hours through video chat, made her realize that she could not give up, not because of a man, let alone her ex. Slowly but surely she was coming back to her old self but also conscious that she would have to face Cason sooner or later, she just needed to get some strenght for when that time came. She was sending a text to one of her customers that was supposed to come to day for a reading when she looked up to see a blonde young woman there. “Hello, how can I help you?” When she mentioned the purple crystal, she nodded and stood up to walk to her. “That’s an amethyst. It can help to increase your spiritual awareness and psychic abilities. Also gives Inner peace and healing of body, mind and soul,” she finished saying. “Are you looking for something specific?” 

your smile lingers as the woman helps you with the stone in your hand, intrigue beginning to grow as she starts to rhyme off just what it might do exactly. you’re fascinated, in all honesty. about the potential of stones and gems. how they each have their own special powers that can help with spirituality. maybe you’d read one too many books on that specific journey, but you were willing to learn more. and with this particular rock, in this particular shop, you could do that. when she finishes telling you of this one - amethyst, to be precise, you drop your gaze and twirl it in your fingers, smile touching the corners of your lips once again. “beautiful,” you nod, folding your fingers around it and deciding that it would be amongst todays purchases. your eyes move around the room until finally, they land back upon her, “have you got anything that will help me sleep better? have found i need a little help when trying to relax at night.”

lily: i make the rules

      you find yourself watching the way she smiles, your own growing. you can’t remember the last time you smiled like this just hanging out with someone. you take a peanut and chuck at her when she rolls her eyes. “thirteen in a month? i’ve maybe read that in five years. if i’m being generous. does that make you judge me? what are you reading currently? do you like it?” you know you’re asking too many questions. it’s as if you’re a journalist, but you find her fascinating. her brain works differently than yours. “craic? do i need to ask irish translate what that means? can i use it? is it offensive if i use it?” your eyes widen as you dig our your phone. “how do you spell it? but a book club with wine and peanuts sounds ideal. why did we do this sooner?” you watch her eat and wonder if she’s had a real meal. maybe you can whip something up for the both of you in a little bbit. “just for me?” you pretend to swoon and flutter your eyelashes. “alright, drunk enough for you to dance on the table for me. you think it could? i don’t think so. but you’re the expert. i just like the way you say it to me. it makes sense when you recite it.” 

your lips part slightly as you begin to contemplate the idea of thirteen books in five years. what was that? close to two and a half a year? you stare a moment longer before he asks his next question and you quickly change the expression written across your features. taking a sip of your wine, you lick your lips and shake your head, brows crickling across your brow, “no. no of course that doesn’t make me judge you. each to their own, right? and right now? the priory of the orange tree. it’s massive. around nine hundred pages. but who doesn’t love a fantasy novel every once in a while, hm?” you laugh the, toothy grin working it’s way across your features before you reach for a peanut. “it’s not offensive. it really just means fun. or a good time. easily mixed up with various americans to mean something entirely different, i’ve noticed, but not offensive no. c - r - a - i - c. craic. pronounced like crack.” you swallow before leaning on your knees, looking him over, “i know, you’re very lucky to have your own private show.” you touch his chin then in jest before leaning back, “oh i know it’ll ruin the mood. i’ve been reading a modern poet lately.. courtney peppernell? she’s all i have in my head right now.. and a mood downer at that. so maybe, y’know, just a pass on it. for tonight.”

lily: i guess no cider then

derek: oh, i'll make a mini chef out of you yet. you believe in me, why wouldn't i believe in you in return?

derek: mr. strong man can be my new name in your phone if you want. just a suggestion. i was going to say i'm all hard, but perhaps not in the best taste

derek: yeah, is that lame to admit? did i embarrass myself?

derek: what does that mean????

cliodnha: what was it you were saying about not being soft? because that was very sweet

cliodnha: i'll think about it. as for that, uh yeah. maybe that wasn't the smartest thing to come out of your mouth lol

cliodnha: you could never embarrass yourself around me, ever. i promise

lily: those puppy dog eyes

lily: i think i just did. correct me if i'm wrong

lily: are you doing the eye thing you do?

derek: i get like a chef's discount. don't worry about it. i'll hook your place up. you can impress anyone that comes over. i can even give you a few easy lessons. i insist on making sure you eat and don't sustain yourself on crisps and peanuts

derek: i give good hugs. you should know this by now

derek: i'm not soft, clio. i'm like... really manly. i'll flex for you to show you.

derek: sorry thought about your eyes and got lost for a second. everything about you is great. what's the problem?

derek: seems unlikely

cliodnha: are you sure you wanna teach me? legend has it that i can't get further than boiling a pan of water

cliodnha: i definitely do know this, thats why im super okay with it

cliodnha: mhm.. okay. sorry, mr strong man. i take it back. not soft. at all. my apologies

cliodnha: oh.. you did? really?

lily: you're so hot and i'm not even being an asshole

lily: finally you're getting it, but don't worry, i'll be quick

lily: i'll order the pizza on my way. don't open the cider without me

cliodnha: you cant do this to me

cliodnha: there's no rush, promise

lily: stop talking about how hot you are or...?

lily: i'm finishing up an edit for a client. does an hour suit? can you wait that long?

cliodnha: im not, please stop this

cliodnha: can i wait that long? without you? why no. no i can't. every second you're not here is a second not worth living...

lily: i can pretend?

lily: have you ever looked in a mirror? swoon city. i'm sure they listen. you're some girl's crush for sure

lily: i did just now. you love it

cliodnha: fine fine, you can pretend

cliodnha: please stop talking..

derek: it goes both ways. i'm going to start buying you better equipment so i don't have to bring my knives with me. man, i haven't had someone say to that to me in a minute

derek: big bear hug incoming, but i will not crush your bones

derek: it's all good. i haven't been in a fight since my early twenties. i guess i had to shake the cobwebs up. should i start my life as an amateur boxer who cooks in the cold light of day?

derek: i get that. that's how i feel about you most times

derek: STOP THIS

cliodnha: no you're not?? i'll buy what you tell me to buy and that'll make us even. since you insist on making me food

cliodnha: y'know, im surprisingly okay with that

cliodnha: der, i love you. but you are way too soft to be an amateur boxer. and i mean that in the nicest way possible

cliodnha: what about me?

lily: i'll take what i can get. i can be humble

lily: you've always thought i was really cute? you know it's mutual right? if i had a teacher like you, i'd be the next shakespeare

lily: icb i gotta pout at you next time i see you

cliodnha: can you?

cliodnha: haha, really? i really think none of students pay attention to anything i have to say, so it'd be nice if there had been one