we'll take this way too far

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Ryan couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled up and past her lips at the naked mole rat comparison, turning the phone towards her to view the offending photo. With her nose scrunched up and laughter still spilling past her lips, the blonde shook her head. “God, you’d think men would learn that just because they have a dick doesn’t mean anyone wants to see it. Especially in bad lighting.” Deleting the text and blocking the number, Ryan set her phone down. “Ugh, that’s such a shame because Pat knew the exact cheese to pickles ratio I liked on my burgers. But I doubt I’d get only the meat I requested if I ordered from there again so… what’s this place in Avalon called?”

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“It’s like a cat bringing you a dead animal. You can tell they’re very proud of it, but you don’t want any part of it,” she agreed. Reason number eighty-nine why she was eternally grateful to not have a pet. Dead rodents weren’t the sort of thing she like to keep on her porch. “It’s called Sunnyside Up, or something like that? They have a fried egg and bacon cheeseburger that’s to die for. You get to pick your cheese, also. I get it with pepperjack and it’s amazing.”

Starter for: Open ( 4 / 5 - to not overwhelm myself directly) Where: Carmichael Roses, Ice Rink When: Sunday morning @catalinaroleplay​

When the news about the ice rink at the banqueting hall had reached her household, it had been hard to deny Diane a trip down to the ice rink. Whenever they had visited her mother and Julia in Boston, they often would go down to a local ice rink there in the winter and it was something that Diane was pretty practised in by now. She knew how to skate around on her own, something that Amelia was in awe of because she was not able to do that herself. Every time that she was standing on ice, she felt like Bambi who was learning to walk for the first time. So she was now standing outside the wooden fence that was dividing the ice from the walking path and watching how her daughter moved all over the rather quiet ice as if it was something that she was doing every day.

“Sometimes you would wish that you were still as young as she is. Well, either that or just being able to have the ability to do that,” Amelia said with a chuckle to the person standing next to her as she nodded in the direction of the little girl moving fluently over the ice.

Imogen had begged to go ice skating, only for Dinah to be told to stay on the other side of the partition. Instead, the little girl gripped the walker to push herself along and Dinah found herself wanting to leap over the fence to pick her up when she fell. 

And fall, Imogen did. Repeatedly. Ever her mother’s child, Dinah could only watch as she pushed herself along and found her footing on the ice. 

“It’s so stressful. I know she wants to do all that, but it’s really hard to watch her do it,” she replied to the woman standing beside her. 

WHO: @catalinastarter​ WHERE: honestly, could be anywhere.

“I need you to look at this text and tell me if it’s a dick pic or not.” With no pleasantries, Ryan slid into the spot next to the unsuspecting person, sitting unusually close as she held her phone out towards them. “My sister’s in surgery and this is kind of life or death, ya know? I need to know whether or not I can keep ordering from my usual burger place or if I have to start all over and find a new place. Pro tip, don’t let the creepy delivery guy see you naked.”

Dinah leaned over to hit ‘view’ on the text and her nose crinkled. “Oh, yeah, that’s totally one. It’s not even impressive. Kind of looks like a naked mole rat,” she responded, pretending to gag. “I’d get a new burger place. There’s one in Avalon that’s way better and is sans penis.”

Even in her wildest dreams, Taylor would’ve never imagined she’d be living this kind of life when she came over to Catalina. She wanted to live teaching ballet, doing her work and spending her time doing what she loved. She never imagined what she thought one afternoon of babysitting would change her life forever. Now, she couldn’t see herself without Imogen hanging on her arms every day, spending afternoons running errands with her for Dinah, sharing lunches as if they were family… Because that’s what they were, in the end. Family.

Dinah always made it home at the crack of dawn, so Taylor had developed a whole routine to make sure Jenny, if she got up early, wouldn’t wake her mother. But still, it’s like that little girl could sense that her mummy was around. She’d been up for a few hours, doing a bit of cleaning downstairs in the kitchen, when Dinah came down for coffee “Good morning” She said, giving the blonde woman a smile “Oh yeah, of course! Do you want me to get her ready while you get some caffeine in you?”

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From the time Jenny had learned how to open doors, Dinah was in trouble. Even child-proofing had been to no avail. And there was no stopping Jenny once she set her mind to something. In the back of Dinah’s mind, there was her mother scoffing by saying Jenny was her revenge.

Judging by the way Imogen wrapped herself around her mother’s leg and sat on her bare foot, it appeared as though she wasn’t interested in letting go. “I’m thinking if we bribe her with a...candy cane, she might race to get ready, yeah?” The candy was spoken directly with a lowered gaze and immediately, Imogen brightened. Dinah looked up towards Taylor. “Honestly, I won’t be more than fifteen minutes to get ready and we can get some crappy diner coffee when we get there. She’s been bugging me to let her wear that blue sweater she loves.”

☼

Loosening into the comfort of the outdoor furniture, hazel optics quickly attempting to find Jenny and Joanna as they roam through the vast backyard ─ engrossed in their reunion. A chuckle escapes from her mouth, tucking a loose strand behind her ear as she focuses on Dinah, “Oh, tell me about it. Whenever I make some cake, the kids come running because they love to lick the bowl afterward, but it looks like we’re in the clear since the girls are far too occupied. I can only imagine what they’re saying to each other. Probably promising never to leave each other ever again,” she points out in a beam as Geo’s hand lifts. She points out the smaller figures in the distance. 

Although, there’s a brief moment when the woman eyes the box of twinkies. She can’t remember the last time consumed one of them. It must’ve been before she became a vegetarian and went hyperactive with searching online what’s acceptable to eat and what’s not in this new way of her life. Twinkies did not make the list, but the kids love it.

Helping herself to the bottle of wine, Geo pours them both a hefty consumption before passing off the glass to her companion. As she listened to Dinah talk about Aspen, her mouth corners are steady, and every once in a while, she nods ─ knowing it’s been quite a while since she has taken time to go hiking, let alone a trip. “Wow, that sounds like a dream come true.” A sigh of brief jealousy slips from her lips, lifting the wine to her mouth for a sip. “Maybe I can plan a trip to Aspen in the new year. Probably around the kid’s spring break… it would be a nice change compared to Catalina,” she’s mostly speaking to herself, but it doesn’t sound like a horrible idea. It would give her a chance to travel, which she did while growing up, but lately, it didn’t even cross her mind. 

“Do you have any recommendations in terms of rental units? Or maybe even in the one you stayed out last time?” Just then, her body further adjusts it’s positioning toward Dinah, clear the circling in her mind. 

.

There were times Dinah couldn’t help but marvel at how rapidly Jenny grew. It still felt like only yesterday that she was the squalling newborn in her arms. Then she grew into a precocious toddler and now this independent child with her own personality. It still astounded her. “Jenny’s the same way. She told me the other day she thinks not being able to eat brownie batter is fake. She’s almost five and she’s got government conspiracies down,” she joked. A good mother let the kids lick the beaters, but a great mother turned them off first. Or so said the meme. 

It was exhausting enough as it was keeping up with slang and memes to shield from the bitter truths of the outside world. Dinah was a little too intimately familiar with why the world wasn’t a perfect place. 

“I honestly think she might never speak to me again if we ever move from here. I think Catalina’s stuck with us for the foreseeable future,” Dinah laughed. Of course, the way to her daughter’s heart was through her stomach. Out of all the fine food Imogen had eaten in her life, she took more pleasure in something like a Twinkie versus anything else. 

“I stayed in one of the lodges they had for rent. It was kind of tucked up in the mountain but still close to town so we could hike there and back if we wanted to. I think the best time to go is the week of New Year’s. It had some great amenities, like this really nice soaking tub. Snow-shoes are a great thing to invest in, just practice before you set out because I think I fell on my ass more than I actually walked. Jenny got a great laugh at my expense.”

When Dinah had put out her wanted ad for a personal assistant/au pair, she had simply expected to have an employee and nothing more. What she had never bargained for was having someone become part of her little family. And become part of the family, Taylor had.

It had been nearly sunrise when Dinah made her way home and the sun was happily in the sky when she rolled out of bed. Coffee had been a must after Jenny hopped on her in bed and demanded attention and pancakes. “Hey,” she greeted Taylor. “Jenny’s wanting to go out for breakfast. You in?”

☼

All Georgina can process right now is the noise coming from both of the young girls now. One second, the mother believes she sees them wandering nearby. Then, another second, their squeaky voices are far in the distance, going on and making up for the last time. Either way, the girls’ lightening movements from the gate, briefly by Joanna’s playhouse, to the side of the lawn where Asher hides with his comic books makes her beam merrily. 

A soft chuckle escapes her lips, head tilting to the side at the mention of Twinkies. “You’re in luck. I just went grocery shopping so, the twinkies are restocked and ready to be demolished.” There’s a little hilarity dancing through her raspy falsetto. Although before heading inside, her hand glides to the outdoor furniture so the other could get comfortable. She’s intrigued to know how Dinah and Jenny’s trip to Aspen went. Sadly, there are many places that Georgina has yet to explore. Though, with Asher and Joanna growing up, it seems like it’s time to start taking trips and to explore all of the beauty lingering outside of Catalina. 

“What can you expect? You show her the island and then whisk her off elsewhere,” Her voice teases from the kitchen, making her movements of grabbing the snacks along with wine glasses and a tray in a swift motion, not wanting to leave Dinah too long. As someone who loves to host people, the need to be present and be perfect consumes her. “I have yet to visit Aspen,” she begins, laughing. “Actually, I have a list of places to visit. But, Aspen is high up there.” Just then, she returns to the vast backyard and her companion. Setting down the tray of belongings, putting the wine glasses on the table, Georgina makes sure to inch the twinkies toward Dinah.

Finally, sitting down, resting her hands in her lap, a brow arches toward the other, “How was your trip beside Jenny wanting to get back home?”

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Maybe Gina Linetti had it right. Toddler Tinder would be ten times easier than playing a game of chance and having her daughter get along with one kid and Dinah wouldn’t get along with the mother. Weirder things had happened. 

(If she heard one more person tell her that they couldn’t be a single parent and she was so ‘brave’ for being one, she was bound to whip them with a car antennae.)

The confirmation of the Twinkies had Dinah relaxing into the seat, one leg tucking beneath her. “I think if we’re fast, we won’t have to share with the kids for a bit. You’d think I don’t feed my kid, she’s just got this hollow leg. Like a Gremlin but cuter.”

It had to be against the Geneva convention to celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving, but alas, Jenny had gotten into the Christmas spirit early this year. 

Dinah accepted the Twinkies box and tore into one of the packages with her teeth. After a month of eating nothing but healthy food, it was time to indulge. “Aspen was beautiful. I don’t ski or snowboard, but it was so much fun to go hiking there. The Rockies are absolutely gorgeous for the sunrise. I really think you’ll enjoy it if you ever get the chance to go. There’s so much to do.”

who: @dinah-palmer where: farmer’s market

Despite the fact that it was already November, Lex needed only a jacket and oversized hat to make the trek to the farmer’s market. Granted, the latter was more a preference than anything though she could hardly be judged for being precautious. With its relative proximity to LA, the Catalina Island made her nervous. It was the most conspicuous ‘hide-way’ she’d ever been to and that was saying something. After all, she has ‘vacationed’ in Turk and Caicos. Unmoving, she surveys the open air market and its various colorful stands; her sponsored pair of high waisted jeans perfectly visible from a particularly suspicious shrub. She has half a mind to throw caution to the wind and a sample of smoked cheese when the windblown tresses of a child catch her attention. It’s then she sees the modelesque blonde approaching her.

Lex smiles, removing her sunglasses for as she holds her arms out for a hug. It was so nice to see a familiar face among the cloud of strangers. “Dinah, darling. You look incredible. Clearly the island breeze agrees with you!” Lex leans in to kiss Dinah’s cheeks, her attention shifting to the child at her side. “And this cutie! How are you doing, Miss Imogen? The last time I saw you, you were just a itty bitty baby.”  

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There were those who said that children were a grandparent’s payback and no greater example could be shown Imogen Lavinia Palmer. Putting down roots hadn’t taken any time at all and leaving for any length of time resulted in the silent treatment. Of course, in four-year old speak, it was bare minimum and attempting to play outside the entire time. 

It had taken a trip to the farmer’s market to achieve full forgiveness. Bright arrays of fruits and vegetables stood out in wooden baskets. While some children stuck up their noses at vegetables, Imogen loved them. There were times Dinah had to persuade her to eat her meat. 

Being so wrapped up in the farmer’s market, green eyes lift to rest on a rather familiar figure standing before her. “Lex, hey!” she greeted, leaning in to accept the hug. “I just got back from Aspen, actually. How have you been? It’s been so long!”

Her fingers absently reached down to ruffle through Imogen’s hair with a small chuckle. “She’s a little shy right now, I’m sorry. Get her going, she won’t stop.”

Who: @dinah-palmer​ Where:Dinah’s house When: Saturday November 7, early afternoon

Daphne had the weekend off, so had decided a playdate between Dani and Jenny was called for that Saturday. It would also give Daphne a chance to catch up with Dinah before the madness of the holidays started. Settled on Dinah’s couch with a glass of wine, she flipped though the Christmas movies available to watch on Hallmark. “Which of these sounds most appealing?” she asked her sister. “The one about the overworked lady who returns to her hometown and discovers true love and the meaning of Christmas, or the one about the overworked lady who goes on vacation and discovers true love and the meaning of Christmas?” Honestly all these movies had the same plot. But there was something Daphne found oddly comforting about that.

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While Dinah had always been a staunch believer in ‘no Christmas before Thanksgiving’, reconnecting with family had gotten her in the spirit of the season a little early this year. Jenny’s obsession with it came out in full swing and she practically wore reindeer antlers every day for school. It helped her settle in. 

“How about ‘generic white people find love’?” she joked from her spot on the chaise section of the sectional. “Wait, that’s not narrowing it down much. What about the one with the precocious kid and the single parent? Or is that not helping either?”

☼

Joanna is always alert to her surroundings. The majority of her time is spent in the backyard, fiddling around in her kitchen playhouse as she pretends to be the next Joanna Gaines. She wants her own Magnolia Market in Catalina ─ even though the Metropole exists. However, as a mother and firm believer in her children’s passions, Geo stands firmly beside them and tells them to shoot for the stars. Mimicking the parenting methods that she grew up with as her parents wanted their kids to be happy and loving what they do. 

So here she is crouched down at her daughter’s kitchen playhouse, order an exclusive Magnolia coffee and handing off her fake money, when her daughter hears something. Within a bolt, giving Geo what feels like whiplash by that action to process, a pair of squeals enhance in sound. A turn of her head, the sight of Jenny and Joanna hugging each other, makes her beam uncontrollably. The girl’s connection is instant and something they cherish deeply. When Dinah told Geo about her trip out of town, there happened to be many evenings when the mother had to inform Jo that Jenny would be back. 

There they are, speaking at what sounds like five hundred words per hour, as Geo finally makes her way across the lawn to the fence. Asher is up in his treehouse reading and will be there for quite a few hours. It sounds like he may even be speaking to his Uncle Graham over FaceTime, but either way, she knows he’ll be okay. Her son isn’t at the stage of climbing trees and living on the edge, but it could be likely with more of those comics seeping into his conscience. 

When her hazel hues eye the bottle of wine, Dinah happens to be her saving grace. “Yes, please,” it comes out in desperation, a hand waving the other woman to come into the property. “We’re going to be here all night, so I have more once we down this.” A soft chuckle escapes her lips. “Want me to grab some snacks, or are we going full wine mode?”

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One would think the two girls had been apart for years rather than a few weeks with the way with the way they chattered excitedly and ran for the backyard. Part of Dinah wished it was that easy to make friends as an adult. With kids, one could have one or two things in common with someone or like their shirt and friendship was cemented for the foreseeable future. 

And it was nice that Imogen had been able to find someone so willing to help her settle in. Being begged for a dog or a cat at any given moment during the day slowly took its toll.

Gently tossing the bottle, she cast a grin in Geo’s direction. “This is a very nice bottle of wine and should only be enjoyed with the greatest of Twinkies,” she responded. “And I could probably graze. I thought Aspen was going to be good for us because it’s been so warm here, but all Jenny wanted to do was come back. My little jet-setter is all grown up. Where does the time go?”

It wasn’t the first time that it really struck her that her daughter was rapidly finding her independence, but it was perhaps the most pressing. For the first time, Imogen actually picked a friend for herself and was now branching out.