Hey Mister DJ

Chloe: Then I will! Especially this morning. Alex always gives me the best wake ups. But it's hard to time it because we never know when Faith will run in to say good morning to us.

Chloe: How are YOU?! Have you decorated your place for the holidays??

Elliott: The hazards of little eyes in the house, ha. I’m not exactly the best with kids, or I’d offer to distract her for you some morning.

Matt: I don't understand why it got to that level with us. We went from having fun to things being very, VERY serious. And I know I don't have to remind you about the whole fucking mess at the start of the year.

Matt: I know it came down to her passion. She is a very passionate person.

Matt: Was. Was feels wrong to say even after all this time. But she had this ferocity to how much she loves someone.

Matt: You were being realistic. I had to remind her of certain things or why something can't happen.

Matt: I wish I had known she was up there. All that time I thought she was downstairs and outside. Part of me will always blame myself for what happened to her. That everything we've done led to what played out that night. I feel like shit whenever I see or talk to Amelia.

Elliott: Passionate’s a good way to describe her. There was just no moderation. That level of possessive, paranoid attachment? No way it could be sustained long-term, not like that.

Elliott: And if I’m wrong and that’s what love is? No thank you, I’m good.

Elliott: You thought she was out. Unless you physically locked her in a room upstairs, that’s not on you.

Chloe: Thank you!! I've always wanted to have a BIG family and it'll be great for Faith to have a little brother or sister. But I also know it's kinda weird whenever people talk about trying to have a baby because that basically means they're having a lot of sex. lol!

Well, I guess that’s how small towns go.  You know? Calm and easy on the surface and…chaotic under it all. But it’s nice to know that you’re not totally bored out of your mind by the place. Or the people. 

I’m definitely learning that, especially after the insanity of last spring. The people are the best part of it, honestly – I’d half expected more catty whispering, less genuine interest, ha.

[private] Agreed, he wouldn’t want anybody to know about such a thing. Very bad for the Smythe name. I am shaking my head, reading that. But It’s good to hear that Sebastian is pushing back. I doubt anybody knows their parents’ reasons for it, let alone others. No matter how long you lived here. – It does, or perhaps a bi-weekly thing to start with? 

[Private:] I’m going to be the son-in-law from hell, if he’s that worried about the Smythe name. I mean, I know my parents’ reasoning, but speculating beyond that is probably a lost cause. Bi-weekly sounds good to me – I’m gonna be in and out of Lima for some personal appearances my PR team has lined up, but I’ll make time as long as I’m in town!

Bas: You know me so well

Bas: I think you're very right. And I think you will be. And if they aren't willing to work with the real you, then they are idiots.

Elliott: Do I? Well, look at that, 😉

Wow. A Lima transplant. That’s quite the trick, you enjoying your time here?  I’ll admit we do all have a certain…way about us. 

I am, yes -- I needed some place a little more quiet and out of the public eye, and my manager had some contacts here, of all places. And I have to admit, it’s quieter, but it’s definitely not boring.

[private] Huh, so he has not as much sway within the counsel as you’d think he would have based on the fact that he’s the mayor of this town? That is what I always assumed. But what would he have gained from insisting that Sebastian would stay matched to a woman, other than Sebastian being utterly miserable?  I cannot believe I am saying this but I now can understand why my father insisted on sending me to a private school far away from all the mess that is upper-class Lima. Although I never understood why he signed not only me but also Em up, he was always very against this marriage law. Mother refuses to answer any of my questions about it. It’s frustrating to say the least.True, live music, good company, and a few drinks are a good way to end a busy week. 

[Private:] I think if he doesn’t have the whole town eating out of the palm of his hand, he sure as hell doesn’t want anyone to know it. My best guess? He gets to make Sebastian miserable. I don’t know why he seems to resent his own son so damn much, but you have no idea how good it is to see Sebastian push back. I know my family’s reasons for it, but anyone else’s motivations are purely educated guesses on my part -- and with limited information, since I’ve only been here a year. Sounds like we need to make this a weekly thing, hmmmm?

Bas: Now /that/'s the kind of attention I'm into

Bas: They can shove it. As long as you're happy with your career, then their job is to listen to you and shut the fuck up.

Elliott: I thought it might be, 😉

Private: I always wondered how random the entire process truly is. Is it exactly as they claim it to be, perfectly random or do they not so randomly assign matches. And are the couples that will receive a letter after the next letter already known within the Council. When Ellie and I got matched, I still believe that was truly a roll of the dice, but being matched to a Smythe, as a Stephens, it’s hard to not start thinking that there might be more behind it all. I would never have guessed that’s a way to your heart. Had I known I would have invited you along sooner. If it isn’t too much trouble, yes. I rather not walk all the way home. 

[Private:] I don’t know, I get the feeling the esteemed Mayor Smythe would’ve picked just about anyone else to match with his son – Anderson, for example, that would’ve been a hell of a match for consolidating power within the core families. Then again, they’ve got a golden goose on their hands with this Hummel-Anderson match, so maybe he took one for the team. I hate to think what that might have meant for Sebastian if there had been an odd number in the lottery – would his father made sure he stayed matched to a woman? Just about any live music is near and dear to my heart, but jazz being particularly mellow is a nice choice after a long work week. Consider it done!

Yay!!! You made me super giddy by using that word! I think I want to have a Halloween party next year. It was way too fun dressing up.

How are you, sweetie? We haven’t talked since the wedding which feels for-ev-er ago!

You should! Any excuse to dress up and have a little fun sounds sorely needed around here.

I’m hanging in there, can’t complain. Already working on a few songs for the next album, but that’s not terribly pressing – I‘ve officially been in Lima for a year now, so it’s nice to feel kind of settled, for the most part.

Bas: I just never have. Even as a kid. As much as I love attention, I don't need it just for being born.

Bas: Oh, come on. Paul McCartney is /still/ making music and he's well past his prime. Your career is far from over.

Elliott: I’m sure we can make sure you get plenty of attention for other things, at least, 😉