to be young

Nicole finished lacing her shoe and stood up, with a smile on her lips. He was what as a waitress they called a camper, he sits at the dinner she worked at for hours working and she would just keep refilling his coffee. He was alway deep in thought and writing away. She had been so frazzled by her car situation that it hadn’t fully clicked in who he was till now. “Well after this I will refill your coffee for as long as you’d like.” She told him, “But on one condition, I got know, what are you always working on?” She asked, it something as she always wondered.

He wasn’t sure when the habit of lingering inside the comfort of a diner began. Something about being there reminded him of a piece of himself he had lost many years ago. The only downside of it was that he often felt like a nuisance to those who served him. He made it a habit to tip well, but even that didn’t stifle the guilt. Jacob cracked a small smile at her question and he rubbed the back of his neck out of habit. “Oh that,” he started and shrugged casually. “Just writing. Or trying to, I guess I should say. Never writing anything too promising,” he chuckled, even if it was just modesty. In reality, Jacob was working on finishing a novel for somebody else. “Just more of a reason why you should kick me out more often.”

Her eyes frantically gave the apartment one final look over as she heard the knock at the door, making sure everything was in place considering she’d gone over the whole thing at least twice since getting up this morning. Whether Jacob decide to take her up on her offer or not to move, she still wanted to give a good impression. She was sure the place hadn’t looked this clean since she moved in, not that she wasn’t a clean person but she’d put more effort in on this occasion. She’d even given Jax a bath, not that he didn’t need one anyway, who was currently laid in bed eating a treat she’d given him for being so good through the process.

Just as she reached the door, the brunette gave the combined living room and kitchen one last look over her shoulder before a smile set on her lips before opening the door to Jacob. “Hey, come on in.” She beamed, stepping aside to give him the room. “You brought coffee?” 

The door came open and Jacob found his smile as he was greeted by Ade. He looked at the cups in his hands, admittedly almost forgetting it in that moment, and then handed her one of them. “Hey, yeah, I thought you might want one,” he told her sincerely before stepping inside. Wandering eyes took in the sight of her home and he found himself impressed. Then again, he was always impressed with anyone’s home that wasn’t just a mattress and a tower of books like his place in New York. 

“This already looks too nice,” he joked and smiled over at her. “A schmuck like me would ruin that.” In fairness, he was pretty tidy, but he liked to joke around a bit with her.

Jacob was known to lend a helping hand to those around him. It had been in his nature since he was a child growing up in the system. He was always the one people turned to, and though he took pride in that, he also didn’t think much about it. It’s just who he was. 

Sitting in the diner after consuming two cups of coffee already, he lifted his gaze to see Noami was approaching. He offered a warm smile and gestured for her to take a seat. “Now that you’re here, please make sure I stop ordering coffee like a mad man,” he joked and set his journal to the side. “I thought you might be flaking on me tonight.” Helping her study a language he didn’t know too much about often made him feel like he wasn’t doing much helping, but it was an intriguing experience.

When he told Emily of this new idea of potentially moving in with Ade, the woman seemed a little too ecstatic for his liking. It was clear to see he was beginning to overstay his welcome, though his sister would claim that he was always welcome. The first day Ade had some time off, he decided to go on over and give the place a look. 

Jacob pulled up to the address she had given him and made his way through the apartment complex with two cups of coffee in hand. Finally tracking down her apartment, he gave the door an awkward knock with his elbow.

JACOB’S MUSIC

grandpa music meets brooding tunes. jacob’s taste normally has a mellow mood or an old rock sound. he can’t deny that his favorite song of all time is something stupid by frank & nancy sinatra, yet you’ll often hear him listening to the black keys or the growlers. 

@eastcliffopens​

“Jesus,” Amelia gasped when she pressed on the gas in time for someone to stop in front of her. Tearing off her seatbelt, the brunette jumped out of her car with arms flailing. “I could have hurt you.” Truth was, she was more shocked than anything. Especially to know whether she had been in the wrong by not seeing them at the last minute or that they’d just walked out. “God, okay. Let me buy you a coffee or…. anything.” Whatever would make up for it. Especially since she knew she wasn’t the most adept driver around. 

Always so observant of people, not so much of his surroundings. One earbud was in his ear and his mind somewhere else, he hadn’t noticed the car heading straight his way. “No, no,” he assured her and shook his head. “It’s my fault, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention. You don’t owe me anything.” He let out a small chuckle and shrug. “If anything, I’d be the one owing you something... Again, sorry about that.”

She resisted the knee jerk reaction to insist once more that she didn’t need his help. Not only because she didn’t have many options outside of calling her parents for help -which she was desperate not to do-, but because she was curious about her old friend. “Okay, thank you,” Liv said, nodding and stepping aside so he could take a look. It wasn’t as if she knew anything about cars.

She leaned against the side of her car and watched him work for a moment, taking in the features that were still familiar to her, and the others that weren’t quite so. “So, how have you been? What have you been up to? I heard you got adopted, how did that work out?”

Happy she gave him the go, Jacob stepped in and began to inspect her car. His fingers brushed against familiar parts, black substance finding his skin almost immediately as he inspected the obvious points of usual distress. 

“Yeah, yeah. I was adopted. They turned out to be amazing. Which is annoying, because it didn’t really fit in to my whole brooding phase I was going through,” he joked. With his eyes still focused on the car, he continued to talk. “No, no, they’re really great. They’re from here, actually... But me? I’ve been out in New York since my twenties. I just recently came back to help my adoptive sister out.” Eyeing the issue, he sighed a breath of relief that it was something that wouldn’t be a ridiculous cost. 

He stepped out of the hood and wiped his greasy hands on the back of his pants before nodding towards the car. “The radiator hose is busted. I can replace it for you. They only cost about 35 bucks at the auto parts store.. I can drive you over to one, if you feel like leaving Lola behind for a bit. Besides, I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to on the drive over.”

She could understand where he was coming from in wanting a house, she’d originally had the exact same thought but at the time it seemed best to invest in an apartment. Not only because of the money but she was going into it alone along with the fact that she would hardly be there so having a whole house to manage on her own felt like a bad idea. “Cliffside have some nice houses.” She was a little bit bias considering that was where her parents lived and she’s grown up there from the moment they moved to Eastcliff.

“Well the offer is there if you want it, I’ve been looking for a house-mate for a while but I guess between having Jax and the fact I’m hardly there with work most aren’t too fond.” She shrugged it off, she’d had no feelings towards the people she’d talked to about moving in with her who had turned down the offer over the years. 

“You’re welcome to come by sometime to see the place, I mean if you want, just as an option. You are okay with dogs, right? He’s well trained, I promise.” She questioned, realising she’d mentioned Jax earlier but hadn’t really given any context behind it.

Neither he nor Emily ever imagined that he’d stick around after she got back on her feet. Truth be told, there wasn’t anything left for him in New York, despite how much he loved the city. Though his sister was more than grateful for the extra hand he gave in her time of need, he knew her well enough to know she enjoyed her space & freedom. Soon enough, he’d be imposing. Maybe Ade’s offer wasn’t the worst idea. Besides, it sounded like she could use a house-mate. 

“A dog is an added bonus,” he told her with a warm smile. “I think I’ll take you up on checking your place out, though. Maybe sometime next week, whenever you’re free. Or I should, if you’re ever free again.” He knew by the sound of Emily’s stories that Ade’s career kept her incredibly busy. Jacob admired her drive, but he had to admit he was hoping to see more of her more often. 

Jacob pushed off the counter and looked around at the guests at the party. With a lick of his lips and quiet contemplation, he then looked back at Ade. “You want to take a walk with me? It’s loud in here and I’d rather just keep talking to you.”

Once he was close to him, Torrin couldn’t help but embrace him. It was quick, but whole hearted. 

“For good or just passing through? You should come over for dinner at my place so we can catch up a little, if you have time, of course,” Torrin said, unable to help himself. “I’m living with my parents for the time being but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. They’d love to see you, too. Damn, how long has it been?”

Jacob smiled and gave the man a pat on his back before parting. Torrin was like a breath of fresh air. It’s a shame Jacob spent so much of his life running away from this town and his past self, when really it wasn’t so bad. 

“That’s a good question,” he mumbled then smiled. “I think for good.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets and nodded at the invitation. “Yeah, of course I have time. I’d love to... but please don’t let me think about how much time has passed. I live in denial that I’m already this old.” 

“Angela will love having her uncle around too, I bet.” It had been a while since she’d last seen Emily and Angela, it was hard trying to find time they were both free to arrange to catch up. They usually tried to get together at least once every few weeks but life had a habit of changing their plans, usually on Ade’s part more often than not. It was sort of the story of her life.

Ade was glad to hear that he was sticking around, nodding at his words as she relaxed against the counter opposite him. It was quiet in the kitchen, everyone seemed to be outside enjoying the BBQ and chatting between themselves which she was grateful for. She could just see her mom giving her the side eye now with how cozy they probably looked. 

“Here I thought you’d never leave the big city once you moved out there and come back to this quaint little part of LA.” Once again she teased him, gently reaching out to nudge his shoulder. “What are you looking for? There are some pretty nice apartments up for sale and rent in my neighbourhood or even around Em.” She paused for a moment. “I mean if you’re really desperate then I’ve got a spare room I’m looking to fill.” The offer had come out without much thought but she hadn’t regretted it.

Angela was his best friend, and though she was only ten years old, she often felt like his therapist. That girl was wise beyond her years and being her uncle was something he truly loved. So much so, the man had even gotten tattoos on his arm designed by her when she was only five. Being back in town with his sister and niece gave him a kind of comfort he hadn’t had in years. It felt similar to the comfort of talking to Ade.

“Yeah, I think I’m loving having Ang around more than she is,” he snickered. 

Jacob had never envisioned himself leaving New York, either. As much as he admired his family and some of the people of Eastcliff, he wanted no reminders of his past. It felt good to be on the other side of the country as he became his own person, especially after one too many grievances. But being back home felt like a fresh start, like he could reintroduce himself to everyone there. 

His brows perked up at her offer and he smiled gently at it. It wasn’t a bad idea, especially while he was getting acquainted to working remotely and balancing his new work life. “Well, I wasn’t too sure where to look first. I was thinking of an apartment, but I’m starting to just want to have a house… That’ll probably take a while, though. If Em gets sick of me here soon, I just might take you up on that offer.”  

Alivia couldn’t help but smile at him fondly. Many things had changed over the years. She had thought she had left her previous life behind and all the pain and heartbreak that came with it. But she forgot that there were bright spots as well. Bright spots like Jacob. She had gained as much as she lost, however. She had a family, a career, and… half a car. She was proud of the life she had made for herself, even though that life meant forgetting about what came before.

Her eyebrows shot up her forehead at his offer. “Are you sure? I mean, thank you, obviously, but you really don’t have to. I can have her towed somewhere… again.”

There was no way he was going to leave her there stranded, even if she insisted. “I used to be a mechanic,” he told her, realizing then that there was a lot that they didn’t know of each other’s lives. “Plus it’ll cost an arm and a leg between towing costs and putting it in the shop.” 

Giving her a reassuring smile, he moved to the front of the car to take a look under the hood. “I’ve got nowhere to be, anyways. Let’s figure out what’s making Lola so angry.”   

Whilst Jacob talked, Athena quietly sipped at her tea and finished off the cookie she’d taken from him earlier. “That sounds like a pretty interesting day to me.” Her interest peaked up more as he mentioned that he was looking to move out, with a wave of disappointment sweeping over her at the thought of him leaving. Sure she was happy to sit out alone and even sometimes with her brother but she enjoyed Jacob’s company and the fact he barely knew much of her past was a bonus. She felt a hit of normalcy around him, feeling just a little less broken. “Well I’m glad you’re planning to stay in Eastcliff, do you have somewhere in mind you’re thinking about moving to?” She asked before she shrugged. “Not a lot, it was my day off but Owen was at work so I just tided up around the house, went food shopping. I did go for a walk too, still trying to get my bearings around here but mostly just tried to keep busy, I’m not one for sitting still inside for long.”

Jacob absentmindedly grabbed a nearby shard of a shell that stuck on the steps and tossed it off into the sand in pieces. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t have a plan. It reminded him of being young again, back in the day he lived freely with no compass pointing him due north. Working remotely on his writing and editing, he realized he could do or live just about anywhere he wanted. A part of him fought the urge to get in his car and drive across America for the second time, maybe finally finish that book he started writing on the road. “I don’t know yet,” he replied simply. “Maybe an apartment somewhere around here. Or maybe I’ll finally look into getting a house.” A house sounded so permanent, but he had to admit that this was home. Maybe it was worth it. Jacob looked over at her and listened as she described her day. Even though it was just as mundane as his, he still enjoyed hearing her talk. “Next time you’re off, you should come find me. I can show you some hidden gems in this town.”  

“Thanks.” She muttered softly as she released her hold on the containers and followed him through into the kitchen. “Good, pretty good.” One of her eyebrow’s kinked with the information he told her about him coming home to Eastcliff, she’d overheard her mom talking about it with his a while ago but had merely thought it was just him passing through. “Yeah, my mom mentioned you were back home but I didn’t realise you were planning on staying. But I bet Em’s loving you taking over her place.” The brunette teased with a small laugh. “I’m jokin’, she’ll love having you home.” 

The blush she’d had moments ago flushed up against her cheeks once more as she learned he’d been asking about her. But it brought a wide smile to her lips at thought that he’d been thinking about her, even just in passing. “I honestly don’t have anything exciting to tell you, I wish I did but I’d say I live a pretty mundane life. I don’t think anything interesting has happened since you visited last.” As she talked, she helped him set out the food she’d bought with her once he’d set the tray down. “Are you planning to stick around?” Her curiosity getting the better of her.

He smiled and nodded at her joking. Even though he had moved in order to help Emily as she transitioned jobs, he was already starting to feel like he was crowding her and his niece, Angela. “She does, she does... Most days.” And it was true. It felt great to be around his sister and his niece, the two people he trusted most in this life. Even though his adoptive parents were often busy, it was nice to have dinners with them and get to actually see them for more than a few days on a holiday. 

Stealing some food off the tray, he leaned his back against the counter and ate a bit while looking over at her. God, it had been too long since he saw Ade. Let alone talk to her. He was almost distracted by that thought and didn’t hear her question. “Yeah, actually. I think I am... I’m looking at some places to move to around here. I guess you could say I actually missed the place... and the people. Who would’ve thought?”

Torrin nearly jumped at the sound of someone else on the dock. He had been humming to himself as he ensured that all of the boats were tied correctly, three times each to be exact. The humming often kept him in check as when he reached a certain point in his tune, Torrin has to force himself to start wrapping things up for good or he would be there all night if he let himself.

“Jacob Hart? If I’m starting to hallucinate, this is very convincing,” He grinned as he walked over to him. As much as it was a joke, it was half hearted. With the new treatment plan the man had been on, he was starting to expect the worst after his parents has torn it apart with every possible side effect.

“I’m flattered that I could appear in one of your hallucinations,” he joked and grinned at him. It was always good to see old friends, especially ones he was fond of. There was a time back in his youth he had made friends with people who weren’t... well, the greatest. Torrin wasn’t one of those people, luckily. “No, I’m back in town. I’ve been helping out my sister with some stuff, I didn’t think to see if you were still around these parts. It’s great to see you, man.”

The conjoined steps down to the beach that connected the two back porches had become a regular nightly meeting spot for Athena and Jacob over the past few months. Her brother often teased and questioned her about what they talked about so late into the night but in truth it felt like the best time to talk, it was quiet and calming to be out at this time. “I’ll be sure to say thanks the next time I see her and in all honest, Orion would’ve definitely taken the credit if those were mine. No doubt about it. But thanks for bringing them out.” She chuckled as she took one of the cookies from him before dunking it into her tea and then taking a bite. A quiet satisfied ‘mmm’ left her lips as she ate. “So, how’s your day been?” The brunette questioned once she’d swallowed.

Sitting back on the steps, his elbows greeted the sandy worn material and he looked out to the dark waters. It was comforting to hear the waves pull towards the shore under nothing but the moonlight. It was a sight and sound he could get used to, especially when he had the pleasure of having Athena’s company. “Oh, you know. Wrote a little, sent in a few chapters for this book I’m editing. Watched my niece while Em was gone today. Nothing exciting.” He reached for a cookie and took a bite. “I’m looking into moving out soon.” Though it was exciting that he’d be staying in Eastcliff, it was a shame that he’d be leaving the chance of having Athena as his neighbor. “I was going to go back to New York, but I don’t know. I think I’m staying here. For good.” He looked over at her and smiled lightly. “What about you? What have you been up to today?”