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oh, if you couldn't tell we can always find the trouble, we don't need no help

Name: Ember Rae Russell Age: 35 Location: Amory Manor Occupation: Owner of SLQ Radio and DJ

“Oh god, have you heard enough? I’ve heard enough,” Grace groaned, taking Ember’s arm so they could both walk away from the two guys who wouldn’t leave them alone by the bar. “If I wasn’t gay before,” they teased and knocked back the rest of their drink before flagging down someone to get them another one. The kids were in the city with their grandparents so the house was empty and they felt like a teenager on spring break. So naturally they were going to get fucking wasted. “Is it too cold out to get some air? I’m feeling risky, you don’t have any cigarettes on you, do you?” @emberraerussell​

“I’ve definitely heard enough,” Ember agreed as they followed Grace, glancing over their shoulder to catch a glimpse of the men’s faces which only brought forth a snort of laughter. “Probably, but you know I’ve got you,” they replied, slipping the open pack of cigarettes from their jacket pocket and flipping the top open for them, holding it over. “I’ve got a light, too. Let’s blow this popsicle stand before we get accosted by more boring stories.”

“That’s why I loved NYC, it was never quiet. Granted my ER rotation was hell there compared to here but there was also a good taco stand nearby or hot dogs. Something to scarf down at all hours. That’s really all I need.” He nods faintly. “Probably could. I’m just trying to build up my seniority to be able to do so, not to mention the cash.” He chuckles, “That would be a lot of fun. I’d probably drag you all over. Paris, the beaches, the vineyards.” 

“Yeah, I can imagine... If you see a lot of crazies here, I could only believe it’s infinitely worse in a bigger city. God, could you imagine if we had a 24 hour food place here? I’d be eating all the time and my waistline would hate it.” Ember laughed. “Yeah, I get that; it’s expensive to travel.” A grin lit up Ember’s face at the mention of the adventures they could get into if she went to France as well. “Oh yeah? I may have to consider it... Let me know when you eventually book a trip out that way and I’ll see if I can make it happen.”

“Definitely not Superwoman. Snow keeps me on my toes for sure, but he’s a good dog. I’m glad I got him for the kids.” she grinned. Snow drove her crazy sometimes, but he definitely was a good addition to the family. When she worked crazy hours, Ángel was nice enough to take care of him as well as the kids. Her hours weren’t that crazy anymore since she didn’t work at the hospital all the time, but she was glad that she had free babysitting and dog sitting services. “I guess you’re right, Em, but it still doesn’t feel all the way right.” she chuckles shaking her head.

Candice scrunched her face and shrugged, her head dipping from side to side. “I don’t know. Me and dating someone right now. I just see it as a lot. I have a demanding job and two small kids. I feel like it’s a lot for anyone to take on. I’ll be good for awhile longer.” she nodded with a soft sigh. The truth was that relationships scared her at this point. And giving herself over again for her to fall completely and they just leave just felt like something to avoid. “What about you though, Em? What do you have going on in the dating department?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.

“I don’t know, I’ve never seen you and Superwoman in the same room before... Coincidence? I think not.” Ember lightly nudged Candice’s side with her elbow along with the slight tease. They listened as Candice spoke, nodding along to show they were listening. Ember, although they weren’t a parent themselves, could understand Candice’s hesitation. After all, not only would whoever she’s dating be courting her, but they’d inevitably have to court her kids, her family, and Ángel’s family on top of it all. It was a lot to ask of someone.

“Just... don’t rule it out if something comes along, okay? They do say love finds you when you stop looking for it.” Ember didn’t have much experience in that realm, but it was something they had heard repeatedly from other people. “Nothing really... I’m on Tinder, but it’s not something I’m actively invested in, you know? Nothing romantic, just having fun at this point with whoever’s interested.”

Alex couldn’t help but chuckle at their question. “Is it that obvious?” She smiles and nods a bit. “To be honest it’s almost been five months but I work a lot. I heard there was a great restaurant somewhere around here I just can’t seem to find. I’ve probably circled the block twice. I’m just lucky I remember where I parked my car”

“Only a little bit, don’t worry,” Ember replied with a snicker of laughter. “Finding restaurants can definitely be tough, especially since there’s, like... four distinct sections of town where it could be. Most of the good ones, I think, are here in this part of town. What type of food were you looking for?”

“That’s for damn sure.” Candice chuckled. “Well, you have to be a boss at one time or another in your life.” she teased them. Candice hummed at their suggestion. “I’m not really a cat person, but I could get some more dogs. I mean, Snow is fun when he’s not chewing on my shoes and stuff.” she grinned referring to her two year old white Husky that the kids had begged her for since their dad had dogs and it wasn’t fair that her house didn’t. “Dancing around your house when you’re alone is the shit. I do that all the time! I cook for myself, but then I end up making too much because I’m used to cooking for the kids as well and then I get sad. It’s a crazy cycle.” 

Candice chuckled over to Ember. “If you were too drunk to remember then it was a good time.” she grinned. She nodded as Ember explained about not kissing and telling and their dating life currently. “Same. I just have too much going on to date. I juggle a lot of stuff.” she nodded. “Ángel tried to convince me to get on one of those dating apps before, but they weird me out. I also feel guilty swiping left. Like I didn’t give the person a fair chance.”

"Dogs work too, though I hear they’re a little more high maintenance. If you’ve got the energy to deal with it after your shifts at work, then I might have to reconsider the idea that you are, in fact, Superwoman.” Ember couldn’t help but laugh at the plight Candice mentioned of cooking too much food. “I’d say that’s not necessarily the worst problem in the world to have. You get leftovers with whatever you don’t get around to, which is sort of like meal prepping in a roundabout way.”

Sending a wink in Candice’s direction, they laughed. “That’s my philosophy about parties, anyway.” They listened, nodding in understanding. “I get that. A lot of dating apps are really based on initial visual impressions, which is very superficial... But there are ones like Match.com that claim they match you compared on personality. Could try those? Might be better to know you’ve got some similarities already as a jumping off point for conversations.”

He chuckles amused by their response. They might not be wrong. His mother was still the same love sick woman she had been when she was younger. Every few months she brought up a new love she’d found. It was only followed by a tearful call a few weeks later when they broke up. “I haven’t been to Tokyo but I’m sure it’s great. It’s always good to set goals for the year, something to look forward to.” He sighs faintly and rubs his head. “A few years, I managed to go out when I finished med school I just haven’t been able to take the time since” 

"It looks like it’s one of those towns that never really sleeps, which is definitely right up my alley. Lord knows I’m up at all hours of the night doing hood rat things,” Ember snorted. “Makes sense... The hospital’s been keeping you pretty busy. Could you take off for a few weeks in advance so you could go out and see them? I mean, I don’t think you’d need to twist my arm to find a reason to take time off work to go to France of all places.”

location: anywhere

status: open @silverliningstarters

Alexandria was surprised that she could get lost in a city half the size of NYC. She’d always seemed to know the Big Apple like the back of her hand. Granted she had lived there for years and she was really only in a couple of the boroughs. Still she could swear she’d circled this block twice now just trying to find one place. Her eyes directed toward the storefronts as she turned the corner, she didn’t notice the other until she’d run right into them. “I’m sorry, I was not paying attention to where I was going” 

Stumbling before righting themselves, Ember looked up at the stranger and let out a light laugh in response as they shook their head. “Oh, hey, it’s all good,” Ember reassured the other person, a grin come to their face. “You look lost... You new to town? I can probably help you get where you’re going if you know the name of it. Lived here my whole life, so I got the place practically mapped out in my brain.”

“Ugh, then I’ll be an empty nester when they move out and I can’t even imagine what that’ll be like.” she smiled shaking her head. She wondered if she would still have trouble being alone when her children grew up or if she would have a better handle on everything. Maybe she would even celebrate in the down time. “Hey, never say never. If you told me ten years ago I’d be here, I would’ve laughed in your face for sure. Life takes you on a very crazy, unpredictable ride.” Party girl Candice would’ve never thought this was going to be her life. She had always wanted it deep down, but she was in no way ready for it at that time. Now, she couldn’t imagine her life any other way. She chuckled at Ember’s words nodding softly. “I’m working on that part. I’m really trying. It’s not the easiest for me.” she admitted softly. “Me time? Usually, wine or whiskey and Netflix.” she nodded. “What about you? What does your me time look like?”

Candice chuckled. “Oh no, we’re going big or going home. Those lights are going around the outside of the house and we’re having the dance party in the backyard. I think my baby daddy is rubbing off on me.” He always went big. “Ooooo, so you have the inside scoop! What’s the best piece of news you got from that party?” She chuckled and shook her head. “Yeah, I got a great kiss from my pillow and from Jaden’s hand when she smacked me in her sleep. We all fell asleep in my bed while we were watching a movie on New Year’s. We celebrated Noon Year’s Eve so they partied from noon until about two and then we carried on with our day. It was nice though. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” she smiled softly. “What about you? Who was puckering up to you?” she smirked.

“I’m not too surprised! Life’s unexpected. You can make plan after plan and none of them end up panning out. It’s why I prefer to fly by the seat of my pants most of the time, but it’s hard to run a business that way, so I can be responsible on occasions...” Ember laughed. “But hey, maybe you could get a cat or something. I hear that’s what a lot of empty nesters end up doing. Me time for me is listening to music as loud as I want and dancing around in my underwear. Maybe making myself some food, too, but that’s only if I’m feeling up to it.”

A grin spread across Ember’s face at Candice’s answer. “That’s what I’m talking about! We’ll get you all set up for next year.” They hummed as they thought back to the party. “Honest answer? I was drinking too much to really remember much conversation,” they laughed. “But if something comes back to me, you’ll be the first to know.” They winked. “Ever heard the phrase don’t kiss and tell?” they laughed. “Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who went kiss-less. I haven’t had any interest in dating lately, so I’m flying solo.”

Nicholas smiled and nodded in amusement. “that’s fair, although she probably does. I mean she was young once.” He sighs faintly at her words and shakes his head. “Unfortunately. Especially at night, as though its less dangerous with less people on the road.” He chuckles at her words. “Any places you are wanting to visit in particular?” He shrugs faintly. “Maybe get back home to see my mom. She’s been fussing with me to come home” 

“Pfft, nah. She was always how she is now,” Ember teased gently with a faint smirk of their own. They were certain their mother had had a wild side, but she had yet to find out about it. “I don’t have any places in mind just yet, but I’d like to see Tokyo sometime. Maybe I’ll add that to my 2021 to do list.” They tilted their head. “How long has it been since you’ve been back to visit?”

If there was anywhere you could always count on finding Tereik, it was a pharmacy.  He was on a decent collection of medications, but he was always injuring himself one way or another.  Thankfully the black eye from his last incident was fading and he didn’t look quite so mangled anymore and he was glad he could walk around without getting stared at for a reason other than the fact he went everywhere with a German Shepherd. 

“Hey,” he said, smiling back at her.  He pulled out his phone and showed her a picture of his new Maine Coon, “This is Sandwiches, my nephew named him and he’s actually pretty great.  He’s been a lot of fun to have, even if I’m still getting used to having something sleep on my chest every night.”  He looked back over the options, “Yeah, I had a favorite brand back in Egypt, but they don’t sell it here, so I’ve been trying to tough it out, but that’s not a good long-term solution, so here I am.  Thanks your help, I haven’t lived in the US for so long I have no idea what any of this stuff is.” 

“Sandwiches?” Ember repeated, a wide grin spreading over their face before laughter burst forth from them. “That’s the best name, okay. Your nephew’s a genius. But also that cat looks like those... what are they called, Lynx? Something like that, with the ears and whatnot. That’s awesome.”

Ember turned back towards the shelf and hummed softly, looking over the names of the various antihistamines littering the shelf. “It’s tough too since there are so many of them. Can you not order the one you take online or was it a prescription?” they asked. “I’d say go with this one, though, and if you don’t like it, you can try out one of the other ones,” they explained, handing over a specific package with a green label. “And for, like... emergency allergies, Benadryl is the way to go. It’ll probably make you drowsy, but if you’re already suffering pretty bad with sneezing and whatnot, I’m sure sleep’s probably the better alternative if it means you can breathe alright again.”

“Yes, I’ve heard many stories about how bad it can be. I’m very grateful for what I have.” Candice nodded, remembering horror stories from friends and colleagues about the fathers they had to deal with. She smiled genuinely over to Ember. “Thank you. That means a lot, Em. I’m still working on the treating myself part. I more get bored and restless when the kids aren’t with me so I try to fill my time as much as I can.” she told her honestly. It was always the hardest when the kids were away. It was why she picked up shifts at the hospital and being an instructor at the wellness center. She needed to not be alone. Alone just wasn’t good for Candice.

Candice’s eyebrows rose as Ember told her more about the lights. She would really need to get these next Christmas. She was sure that Ayden and Jaden would love them blinking along to their favorite Christmas songs. “You need to text me where I can find them because I may die if I don’t have them next Christmas.” she grinned. She put her hand on her chest as they mentioned that fabulous Christmas song. “I love that song so much. It’s so modern, but so classic at the same time. It’s so good.” she grinned. “How was your New Year’s by the way? Which party did you hit up?”

"I get that, especially when they’re younger because you actually get to do things with them all the time. When they’re teenagers and are out of the house more and more independent, it probably gets easier... but I’d have no idea since I’m not a parent or plan on being one any time in the near future.” They snorted. “But remember that you may be a mama, but you’re also Candice goddamn Riley and deserve some me time once in a while.” They nudged the woman with their elbow, a soft smirk playing on their lips. “Whatever that may entail.”

A laugh left Ember at Candice’s request and they nodded, pulling out their phone to make a note for themselves to go find the lights later. “You got it. They’re pretty awesome and you can either do your whole house in them like I did, or just have them on the Christmas tree or something so you can have a dance party in the living room with the kids. That’d be dope, too, I think.” Tucking their phone away, they smiled. “New Years was awesome. I went to a couple different ones, but I was at the Mayor’s party at New Years. Y’know, being a DJ means we’re like pseudo-journalists in our own way, so I was partially covering it and also playing music. It was a lot of fun. What about you? You have a New Years kiss or anything?”

Nick chuckles and shakes his head. “No offense to your mom but I’ve had tons of good things happen after midnight. And plenty of bad so it’s kind of a mixed bag. atleast its not crazy every night. More car accidents really than anything.” He smiles and nods taking the card to tuck into his pocket. “I’ll be sure to give it to them, I appreciate the offer as well. We tend to be lacking in supplies and that’s never good” Tucking his hands into his jacket pocket. “have any plans for the new year?” 

“Well, she doesn’t know about the partying and the sex and all the stuff us younger folx get into,” Ember laughed and sent a wink in Nicholas’ direction. “Which is unfortunate. You’d think people would learn to pay attention when they drive, but people are stuck to their phones. Not that I’m much better, but still, I can put it down while I’m in the car.” They hummed softly as they leaned back in their chair. “Nothing specific, honestly. I might do some traveling, so the sights and all that. Whatever the sights are.” They snorted. “What about you? Are you the resolution type?”

Ember Rae Russell ✦ ESTP ✦ @silverlmedia

rules were made to be broken 

Entrepreneurs always have an impact on their immediate surroundings – the best way to spot them at a party is to look for the whirling eddy of people flitting about them as they move from group to group. Laughing and entertaining with a blunt and earthy humor, Entrepreneur personalities love to be the center of attention. If an audience member is asked to come on stage, Entrepreneurs volunteer – or volunteer a shy friend.

Theory, abstract concepts and plodding discussions about global issues and their implications don’t keep Entrepreneurs interested for long. Entrepreneurs keep their conversation energetic, with a good dose of intelligence, but they like to talk about what is – or better yet, to just go out and do it. Entrepreneurs leap before they look, fixing their mistakes as they go, rather than sitting idle, preparing contingencies and escape clauses.

Entrepreneurs are the likeliest personality type to make a lifestyle of risky behavior. They live in the moment and dive into the action – they are the eye of the storm. People with the Entrepreneur personality type enjoy drama, passion, and pleasure, not for emotional thrills, but because it’s so stimulating to their logical minds. They are forced to make critical decisions based on factual, immediate reality in a process of rapid-fire rational stimulus response.

This makes school and other highly organized environments a challenge for Entrepreneurs. It certainly isn’t because they aren’t smart, and they can do well, but the regimented, lecturing approach of formal education is just so far from the hands-on learning that Entrepreneurs enjoy. It takes a great deal of maturity to see this process as a necessary means to an end, something that creates more exciting opportunities.

Also challenging is that to Entrepreneurs, it makes more sense to use their own moral compass than someone else’s. Rules were made to be broken. This is a sentiment few high school instructors or corporate supervisors are likely to share, and can earn Entrepreneur personalities a certain reputation. But if they minimize the trouble-making, harness their energy, and focus through the boring stuff, Entrepreneurs are a force to be reckoned with.

Tereik didn’t know a lot of people in Amory, but a friend had coordinated an interview at the local radio station and he’d met the owner of the station and the two had hit it off, which was nice, as he really needed some friends.  It was starting to get late and Tereik had just gotten in from spending a day in New York at the Natural History Museum where he worked part time as a consultant and occasionally gave speeches.  The museum provided him with a driver on the days they needed him, and he’d asked the man to stop at pharmacy so he could run in for a moment and he’d run into Ember while he was there.  Smiling at them Tereik looked over the shelves,  as he was used to Egyptian medications and he didn’t really know what he was looking at. 

“Hey, long shot, but do you know if any of these allergy medicines actually work?  I should have gotten an allergy test before I got a cat, but I’m too attached to find him a new home now.” 

@emberraerussell​

Ember frequented the pharmacy, if only because they could never seem to get everything they needed at the grocery store whenever they made a trip there. This time, they’d forgotten simple things, like more bandages to cover up the bumps and scrapes they got from running around all over the place. They always seemed to burn through them more quickly during the winter when the ground was harder.

Hearing a familiar voice, Ember looked up to meet Tereik’s gaze and grinned. “Hey, T,” they greeted, tilting their head some at his question. “Well, I’m sure the cat really appreciates it,” they replied with a light laugh. Making their way around to his side of the aisle, they looked over the options. “I think it depends. Sometimes medicines respond differently for different people, but I know I’ve always had good luck with Zyrtec. If you’re dealing with congestion, though, it’d probably help to get something more like Claritin-D with the decongestant.”

“Maybe someday when a position opens up. When I finished my residency the only available shift was the night shift. Which I don’t mind. Craziness make the night go faster and it’s a good crew. We’re all a little wild.” He nods leaning against the table. “They can, some places offer it for blood as well. Though that’s less likely during a donation run. I’m sure they’d like to get the word out though. I don’t think our local group has thought of putting together a radio ad for getting plasma donations. They’ve been struggling lately to get the word out” 

"That’s true. Like my mama says, nothing good ever happens after midnight, so I can only imagine what sort of weirdos you all see.” Ember listened as Nicholas explained and they couldn’t help but to grin. “Then it looks like today is their lucky day.” Fishing one of their business cards from their wallet, they handed it over to him. “If you want, you can give them my number and I’ll get something set up for them. I wanna help any way I can, and if it means getting them some discounted radio ads to help them, then I’ll do it.”

“Listen, I lucked out big in the baby daddy department along with his family. They’re all wonderful people. I’ve just been very independent for most of my life so sometimes they have to remind me that I don’t have to figure things out on my own.” she said with a soft shrug. The Emmerson’s were truly great people and they had accepted her so willingly into their family. She would’ve never guessed that she would find a family after so many years of doing it all by herself. 

“I definitely leave my decorations up until New Year’s Day and no one can stop me from doing it. I just don’t like to see Christmas end.” she shrugged softly. “Mom’s love me so I’m just giving you fair warning that we’ll absolutely be vibing out together, especially if her decorating is as good as you say it is. I have to pick up some things from her.” she chuckled before eating some more kettle corn. “Wait a minute, you have lights that will go along with music? Now, this I have to see? When is this happening and what time do I need to be there to see it?”

“True, you did. It could always be worse -- from what I hear from a lot of people, anyway. But hey, it’s probably a good thing you’ve got those people reminding you you can take some time to yourself. I can be part of that, if you want. I’m a huge believer in the idea of treating yourself.” Laughing, Ember shook their head. “I can just imagine, but don’t worry. I’ve seen some people leave them up all the way through January, and you know what? Sometimes the world needs a little extra shine, so I don’t mind.”

A grin spread across their face. “I do, yeah. You can find lights like this in a lot of places, but you have to connect it to your sound system, y’know? Then as the music plays, they flash on and off to the song. I love playing with along with Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. That song’s probably the most epic Christmas song to ever exist.”