Celeste Chen

“You can call me miserable but haunted houses are not for me,” he half laughed, looking across at the crowds of people. “What about you? Is it your thing?”

Looking up at the Haunted House, Celeste brought her arms to wrap around herself, rubbing the outsides of her arms as she felt an undeniable chill run down her spine. When the man spoke she couldn’t help but to jump a little, though she chuckled when she turned to face him. “Clearly, I’m in the same boat.” She laughed, blushing a bit. “I keep standing here as if I’m going to go in, but...I know damn well I’m not.” Grinning, she continued. “Really, though, I’m just enjoying the festivities. I take it you’re here for the same?”

Chris blinked at the woman he’d been seen walking with on occasion. He had wondered how she’d settled into Maple Creek, particularly with all the commotion of sales and fires going on. He began to walk towards his car. “Should i… ask what frou frou drinks are?” he gave her a puzzled look. 

Turning, Celeste followed the man, pausing momentarily to wonder if getting into a car with a stranger was really something she should be doing. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she shot a quick text to one of the few friends she’d managed to make and hang onto, giving a description of the man, along with a description of his car, where she’d met him, and where they were headed. Once satisfied with the divulged details, she returned her focus to the conversation at hand. Celeste laughed, tipping her chin up at his comment. “Should you? That’s up to you, I guess. You can though. They’re the specialty drinks, with all the flavors and whipped cream and add-ons. I have to admit, I didn’t coin the term myself- it’s what my grandfather always used to call them.” She smiled softly, extending a hand for the other to shake. “I’m Celeste, by the way. And you are?”

Chris had been so focussed on the work on the campsite and town hall restorations, he had barely had time to take in the sights of Maple Creek lately. Plus, with the weather getting colder he wasn’t exactly one to go out and freeze his butt off. He pushed the coffee shop door, groaning as it wouldn’t budge. “Closed? What do you mean closed?” he looked at his watch, it was still pretty early and somehow he hadn’t anticipated that coffee shops in Maple Creek weren’t open as early as in the city. 

“Looks like you’re going caffeine free today Chris.” he mused to himself, before looking at the person that was trying the door now he’d stepped away. “It’s closed.” he replied as if he had already known this fact before trying it himself. “I think the petrol station has a coffee machine… if you want a ride?” 

For the majority of her life, coffee hadn’t ever been a staple- or even a regular- in Celeste’s diet. As a child, her parents had refused to allow her even a sip, believing it would stunt her growth. By the time she reached the age at which her peers had begun including at least one cup, or one of the fancier Starbucks drinks, in their daily consumption, Celeste’s figure skating training had begun. Caffeine in any form was a complete and total ‘no’, with her parents believing the substance would rob her of the majority of the rest she truly needed. Though, since moving to Maple Creek, Celeste had slowly begun trying several new things- one of which was coffee. While she couldn’t say she necessarily liked or understood the attraction to the substance itself, she’d managed to fall in love with a specific coffee drink the local shop produced. 

Having awakened earlier than normal, Celeste made her way through her morning routine with one goal in mind- reaching the end, and rewarding herself with that very drink before heading to work for the day. Since beginning the routine she’d found herself lost in thought, a state which carried over as she made her way to the coffee shop. Finding the door locked, Celeste’s brow furrowed as she turned towards the other disappointed patron. “I think you’re right, but it isn’t just coffee I’m after sadly. As much as it pains me to admit it, I’m one of those ladies who loves the froufrou drinks.” Shrugging, she offered a soft smile. “Though, I could do with a few waters, if you’re serious about that ride.”

Harriet walked up to Celeste, stopping beside her. She gave a soft sigh, nodding as she spoke. She hadn’t been here during the last fire. She’d been in New York still at the time but she’d heard it all from her friends and family and now she was witnessing that feeling first hand. “I know it’s a strange feeling when it happens in your own town, it doesn’t feel real,” she agreed. “Yes, I think that’s the plan. I was talking to Birdie and she’s up for some community stuff too. Come together as a town to raise money. I was thinking of doing something with my art.”

Nodding, Celeste agreed, shooting a glance at her newfound companion before turning back to the sight before them. “You can say that again, you hit the nail on the head.” Despite Maple Creek not being her hometown, or even a place she’d spent a significant amount of time (in the grand scheme of things), she couldn’t help but to feel a sense of unrest, of discomfort, surrounding the fire. “Birdie- I’ll have to reach out to her as well. I don’t recall ever meeting her, but I’m looking forward to it, she sounds like a real philanthropist.” Celeste said with a soft smile. “You were? Really?” She asked, interest piqued. “What kind of art do you do?”

Chris had been avoiding making too many comments on the town hall, truth be told he hated the damn thing. But he was excited about the opportunity of improvement. He half smiled. “What’s a silent auction? Do we auction off people and we don’t let them talk to their dates?” He joked, folding his arms. “You should talk to Birdie, she always has a great idea. It’s a shame the new owner of the campsite can’t put their hand in their pocket for a nice fund raiser. Night under new stars.” He laughed dramatically. 

Celeste rolled her eyes playfully at Chris’ comment, shaking her head as a grin spread across her face. “You’re funny, has anyone ever told you that? You should go on tour.” Cocking an eyebrow, she shifted her weight on her feet, glancing back at City Hall before continuing. “Birdie? I think I’ve seen her around town- I know I’ve definitely heard the name. I’ll track her down, and see if she’s open to new ideas, or if she needs help with what’s already planned.” Nodding to herself, Celeste made a mental note to track down Birdie’s number before the day was out. “I know you’re being sarcastic, but that’s not too bad of an idea. Either of them, actually. We could do Date Auctions, or even something like what you just said out at the campground. Surely it would draw plenty of attention.” She mused aloud. 

Celeste sighed as she gazed up at the building- or what was left of it- looming above her. In a way, the sight made her sad. It wasn’t as though she had been particularly attached to City Hall itself, nor did she have a ton of positive memories there. Even so, having lived in Maple Creek for 3 years, she understood the importance of the building to a town like this one. A flurry of movement caught her eye, and drew her attention from her thoughts. “I still can’t believe it.” Celeste admitted, shooting a glance at her new companion. “I know they’re already taking up donations, but I keep thinking there must be something else we could do. We could organize an event- a town party, or a carnival even. A silent auction. Something. I know this is tragic, but I can’t help but to think we’re staring at a golden opportunity to bring the community together. What do you think?”

Jonah glanced over at the woman, he hoped she was okay. He’d always been that guy, worrying about other people. “It’s just… so real? When it’s in front of you like this. You never think it will happen until it does,” he sighed, unable not to think about the fire at his camp all those years ago. “Yeah, a fire like this… of course you mind feels like it’s suspicious. I’m with you on that.”

Raising her eyebrows, Celeste nodded in agreement, taking a small step closer to the man. “I know what you mean, and you’re exactly right. I think that has a lot to do with it, for me personally at least.” Pausing, she shot another worried glance towards the horizon before continuing. “I mean, you always hear about these devastating fires. But to see something like this play out in front of you, right before your eyes...It takes away that level of detachment.” Shaking her head, she brought the fingertips of her free hand to rest against the base of her throat. “It’s good to know I’m not alone in those thoughts. To be honest, I wasn’t here for the first fire- I only moved into town a few years ago. But, I’ve heard, of course.” Pausing, Celeste chewed her lower lip for a moment. “I wonder what they’ll do, if they’ll ask for volunteers, or help with cleanup. I’d like to do anything I can to help.”

Jonah’s soft eyes glanced over the girl’s face. He was feeling a lot himself, he was overthinking but he wanted to be there for the people in town. They all needed to support each other. “That’s okay, neither do I. My thoughts are everywhere.” He nodded. “No, this is not the first fire. But I suppose, fires do happen, right?”

Nodding, Celeste shifted her weight, wrapping her arms around herself as her attention was drawn between the fire and Jonah. “I’m willing to bet that’s a pretty popular thing right now. It’s just so...” Her voice trailed, breath catching in her throat as she searched for words that didn’t come. “Right, right, of course.” Agreeing, she gave a bit of a shrug. “But ones so...Big. It just seems odd. Or, maybe just...Unlucky.”

Staring at the smoke, Jonah could feel his heart racing. The smell was a reminder of that awful night ten years ago. “I can’t believe this is happening,” he breathed, looking over when he saw the other. “What do you make of this?”

The sirens had drawn Celeste’s attention, just as they had the attention of nearly everyone in Maple Creek. As she made her way out her front door, the thick scent of smoke stung her nostrils. Her heartbeat quickened as she tightened her cardigan around her frame. Stepping into the street, she made her way quickly towards a crowd gathering nearby. Slowing, her eyes widened as the silhouette playing out in the distance. She was lost in thought, so much so that she at first believed the man’s voice had been a figment of her own imagination. Realizing that was, in fact, not the case drew her from her stupor, and she shook her head slowly. “I don’t think I would know where to start. This...Isn’t the first fire on the Island, right?”

With his bad eye, his reflexes weren’t what they needed to be so to have Celeste’s sure and quick movement was a lifesaver. Any longer in the crowd and he might have thrown a swing or too, he wouldn’t readily admit it though, the only indicator was he deep sign of relief to be out of the crowd.

“I was more worried about you.” He said. “Good thing you got an iron grip there,” He said, smoothing out his shirt. “Gotta tell me what that training routine is.” Ben joked. 

Hearing Ben’s sigh, Celeste let out one of her own, not realizing she had been holding her breath. His admission came and she smiled, her cheeks blushing a bit. “That’s very kind, Ben. Thank you. It’s nice to know someone is looking out.” Laughing, she gave a small shrug at his words. “Thanks for that. I’m always happy to share my secrets with you. Apparently, a healthy dose of fear really does work wonders.” Smoothing her hands over her blouse, Celeste tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “At least we both survived though. That’s the key.” Glancing at the watch on her right wrist, she glanced over her shoulder, towards the parking area. “I was just thinking about getting out of here. I haven’t had dinner yet, I was thinking about going to the diner, if you want to join?” She offered.

@maplecstarters​

Ben had been looking for a particular stage, hoping for a peaceful night, but no matter how he turned the colorful map in his hands he couldn’t make out where he was. Ben was about to stop the nearest person for directions when a booming voice announced the next artist and the crowd swelled and pushed towards the stage. He held out an arm and tried to block elbows from striking the person nearest him.

“You alright?” He shouted over the noise.

After having hung around the festival for a little over an hour and a half, Celeste found herself debating taking her leave. The event had been fun, but there was no hiding the fact that the crowds were beginning to get to her. Celeste had been scouring the area for the nearest exit when the announcement came, and before she could react she felt her body being nearly swept away by the crowd around her, all bustling to get to the nearby stage. Turning, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure. “Ben!” She yelled, voice a mixture of panic and relief. 

location: music festival status: open @maplecstarters​

Shrugging on his leather vest, Enz looked around the festival. It was pretty surreal, freedom. Something he hadn’t had in almost 10 years. He could feel the breeze of the many people surrounding the area whipping around, it made his anxiety rise. Maybe he wasn’t quite ready to assimilate back into society just yet. Pulling at the collar of his cotton t-shirt Enzo heard someone speak to him. “Hmm?”, he asked trying to hide his visible anxiety.

“I’m usually right.” He joked, looking over the campsite. “People love the town they live in. It’s not a bad thing to be passionate.” He half smiled.

“Camping is just… part of growing up here. The trees are beautiful and so is the outdoors here in the town.” He tilted his head. “Is that not what it is?” He laughed, folding his arms at the image she was describing. “So I was totally right.” He pulled a face. “What’s the point of camping if you’re basically inside a house? Camping is about feeling the nature around you. Enjoying it.”

“Oh, well, excuse me!” Celeste teased, holding her hands up in front of her, eyebrows raising. “I’ll have to keep that in mind. You’re right though. Passion isn’t a bad thing generally. It’s great to have passion in life. Though...I do think that sometimes, people can get too wrapped up in it. Sometimes it can overtake other things in life. Other important things.” Her expression shifted slightly as she spoke, her tone dropping just a bit. She couldn’t help but to think of her own upbringing, and how in many ways, her passion had driven many other things from her life. 

“I don’t doubt it. Camping is pretty big where I’m from, too. Seattle, that is. I’m from Seattle. I just...Never went myself. Never had time, really.” Shrugging, she offered a tight-lipped smile. Though, as Chris’ musings came, Celeste couldn’t help but to laugh once again. “If that’s how you want to look at it, go right ahead. I’m kidding, of course. Things aren’t really covered in glitter, but it is very...Embellished. From what I understand of it, anyway. Believe me though, Chris, there are a lot of people out there who would agree with you. I don’t have enough experience with either to have a solid opinion, but...I can see where you’re coming from. Is this your favorite campsite, then?”

“Yeah, yeah. My show. I run the local radio. I also blog and do a podcast. Yeah, I’m that guy,” he laughed at himself. “I mean, I live on this Island, so I’m technically detached from the mainstream too. Or the mainland,” he said with a grin. “I mean, yeah. Yeah. I agree with you. I can get on board with change. I love travelling, I enjoy technology but I don’t think every part of this place needs to change. It’s the quirks and charm that make it so different,” he nodded. “Do I agree with what my dad does? On one hand, his money gave me a nice childhood so in that aspect. Do I sometimes think he’s selfish. Yeah.”

“Oh, wow. Impressive!” Celeste praised. “It sounds like you’re doing what you love, there’s nothing wrong with that. Personally, I wish more people were that lucky.” Marcus’ joke brought a bright smile to her face, and Celeste tipped her head back a bit as she laughed. “You’ve got me there, you’re right.” Cocking her head, she nodded as Marcus explained his point of view, considering each of his points. “It does sound like we’re on the same page. I definitely think there’s a middle-ground here, somewhere.  I don’t think it’ll be easy to find, mind you, but I do think it exists. It’s just a matter of getting others to see things from that particular perspective. Progress doesn’t have to mean total change. Just better use of what’s already here. What makes Maple Creek special.” In a way, Celeste found the conversation amusing despite the serious topic. She hadn’t been expecting to have quite this many thoughts on the matter, but the more she spoke about it, the more she found that perhaps she had more of a stance than she had initially believed. “It’s cool that you recognize that, though. We can recognize we’ve benefited from something while also recognizing that it wasn’t a savory situation. It takes a lot of self-awareness to come to those kinds of conclusions, so I commend you for that.”

“Exactly.” Jonathan agreed with a nod. “We do need more joy, we can always have a little more, I think.” He mused. “Thanks! Yeah, I joined the Navy when I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life. It provided a steady income and taught me a lot of valuable lessons. I did it because I wanted to help people. The same reason I got into being a firefighter.” He explained. “I guess for me it’s always the braun that outweighs the brain. I never was good in school or anything like that. So I could never be a therapist, so physically helping people is where I found myself the most useful.” Jonathan explained. “That’s cool. Do you ever miss it in Seattle?” He asked curiously. 

He thought to himself about how he had been the one rambling. “I should probably apologize for my rambling.” Jonathan explained. “What do you do for work? What are your interests?” 

“Exactly!” Celeste agreed with an excited nod. “I mean, there’s far and enough negativity in the world. I feel like every time you turn around people are arguing about something, or complaining about something. It’s tough. But,  it just makes that joy even more important.” She offered a sweet smile, nodding as she listened to what Jonathan had to say. “Oh wow, that’s really cool! I mean, it’s noble too, wanting to help people. But I think it’s great that you found something to give you that kind of opportunity. It definitely makes sese that you’d go into something like firefighting after.” Cocking an eyebrow, Celeste shook her head slowly. “Not being good at school definitely doesn’t mean your brains aren’t still prevalent. I think it’s sad that our school systems are set up to make people feel that way. But that kind of intelligence- book smarts, as they call it- isn’t the be all, end all.” Taking a breath, she blushed a bit as she continued. “I heard a quote once that really stuck with me. It said, ‘if you tell a fish to climb a tree, it’ll live its entire life thinking its stupid.’ I think it’s really true, actually, and I think it speaks volumes about something we really should be more serious about fixing. But, now I’m rambling.” Chuckling, she gave a slight shrug. “I do miss it, at times. It’s different here than it was at home. But, I do love it here. It’s gorgeous, for starters. Seattle is my heart, but Maple Creek is my home, if that makes sense.”

Shaking her head Celeste held her hands up between them. “No, no, not at all. Please, don’t apologize. I’m rambling. Please, feel free to say whatever is on your mind.” When Jonathan asked about her work, Celeste couldn’t help but to laugh a little. “Oh, well....I actually teach figure skating at the rink in town. So, if you’re ever interested, let me know.” She teased. “As far as my interests...I’m pretty boring, I think. From most peoples’ standards at least. I enjoy reading, and gardening. I’ve been trying my hand at crochet lately, as well. What about yourself, Jonathan? What are some of your hobbies?”

Jonathan nodded along with her. “I’m happy I changed my ways. But you’re right. I think it is engrained in us to judge or to not like things that are different from what we like. Or… People who are different from us. It’s kind of sad.” Jonathan mused. He was never the brightest in school, but the survival of the fittest comment did make sense. “Hey, the rambling is fine with me. I don’t really have anywhere to be right now.” He chuckled. “I’ve been here my entire life. Born and raised. The only time I left was when I was in the Navy.” He mused. “What about you? How long have you been here?” 

Smiling, Celeste couldn’t help but to be pleasantly surprised that Jonathan seemed to understand what she meant, and where she’d been coming from. “It really is. I mean, what’s the purpose? That’s what I always ask myself. It has become so cliche to say, but the world really does need more joy.” Shrugging, she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “I’m glad I’m not keeping you from something, at least.” Laughing a bit, she shook her head at herself. Of course, the moment she began to really socialize with others, she let her mouth get the best of her. “Wow, that’s neat! Both that this is your hometown, and that you were in the Navy. What made you join up, if I can ask?” She didn’t mean to pry, truly. She had a genuine and honest curiosity about the other. “Oh, I’ve been here for about three and a half years now. I’m from Seattle, originally.”

Chris smiled, he always liked when he won a debate. And this situation was no exception. “I can be very persuasive.” He replied simply, nodding towards a small gate to give her some idea of where they were going. “People will be angry at first, people always are. But I think when people see… how beautiful it could be they’d change their minds.” He smiled, already able to see the slight view as they approached. 

He raised a brow. “You’re not the adventurous type or maybe just not the outdoors type?” Honestly, as a kid he had been neither. But as he began to grow older he appreciated the beauty of the town he grew up in. Living elsewhere had changed his mindset greatly. “Money makes the world go round.” He sighed, knowing that she was right. The likelihood of the campground be bought by someone corporate was much higher then a local snapping the property up. He was beginning to hope Jonah made the decision to keep the ground. “I agree… oh glamping? What… is that?” He furrowed his brows. “Like… Glitter camping? I officially feel old.” 

Celeste’s cheeks took on a light pink hue as she realized what had happened. “I can see that, Chris.” Nodding, she couldn’t help but to produce a smile of her own. His nod indicated a slight turn, and she moved easily along with him. “That would be the hope, wouldn’t it? Anger is usually a passing emotion- at least it should be. Maybe you’re right. About how things could go.” Celeste’s eyes followed Chris’ gaze, and she gasped a little at what she could already begin to see of the view. “Okay, wow. Maybe I do get why people have such strong opinions.” 

“I don’t know that I would say either of those things.” She mused, tipping her head from side-to-side as she spoke. “I mean, I don’t know that I would say I’m an adrenaline junkie or anything, but I do like adventure, even if I haven’t had much of a chance to do it. I also wouldn’t say I don’t enjoy the outdoors. I’m not a survivalist by any means, but I’ve always thought camping would be pretty cool. I haven’t ever been.” Celeste admitted. For a moment, her expression dulled at his next words, and the truth she recognized in them. “You’re right. That’s what sucks, in my opinion. It makes everything so much less authentic.” Her thoughts came before she could stop them, and she chuckled a bit at her own words. “My apologies. I hadn’t intended to be so candid.” At Chris’ question about glamping, she couldn’t help but to laugh. Bringing a hand up, she attempted to hide her chuckle behind her palm, though she was sure she was unsuccessful. “I’m so sorry, I’m not laughing at you, I promise. It’s just the imagery of glitter camping. All I see is an RV just sparkling down the highway.” Shaking her head, she took in a breath to compose herself. “You’re not entirely wrong though. It’s not glitter caming, it’s a play on glamorous camping- GLAM-Ping. Camping but not. Like...In luxury tents with microwaves and televisions and blow up mattresses.” Her hands moved in the space before her slightly as she gestured during her explanation. “Is that...Did that make sense?”