Mariah Kenmore

Mariah switched some buttons on her mobile sound board. She was working this Halloween event. She had already taken Sabrina here and she had the time of her life dressed up like a fairy. She had the time of her life during the day and was completely exhausted when she dropped her off at her neighbors’ apartment. Now, Mariah was covering it. “Can you speak more clearly into the mic, please? I want to make sure we’re getting everything you’re saying.”

@maplecstarters​  @maplehalloween

status: open ( @maplecstarters​) location: sidewalk outside of between the pages bookstore

Things since the fire had been up and down, to say the least. The air felt thick with tension and anxiety, and it was obvious between the lines of every conversation and behind every glance. No one could say for sure what had happened, but everyone had their suspicions, and no one seemed shy about hiding them. Shaily finished setting up an elongated plastic table just outside her recently opened bookshop, sighing as she bent to begin arranging several books atop the table. An approaching figure caught her eye, and she glanced up with a smile. “Good afternoon! I’m Shaily Carrera! If you’re interested, we’re running a special for the next two weeks- 35% of all proceeds will be donated to the City Hall Restoration Fund! It’s a store-wide special, so feel free to have a look around!”

Mariah had promised Sabrina a book about rocks and gems. She had been really into rocks after they visited the beach and she went searching for the absolute perfect rock. She still hadn’t found it but wanted to research it. That little bit of scientist trait in her Mariah planned to take and run with. She wanted to encourage it so she walked into the book store on her break from the radio station. She jumped a little as a woman bounced up from the table to greet her and smiled softly. “Sorry, you scared me a little.” She took a quick look around the store. “That’s wonderful. The town really needs that. I’m Mariah Kenmore. Nice to meet you, Shaily. Do you happen to have any easy books on rocks and gems. My three year old wants to research finding the perfect rock for her rock collection. I’m trying to encourage her.” 

Mariah was a bit frustrated. It always seemed the crew before her and Marcus always twisted the wires and messed up the sound board. She was currently on the floor untangling black wire after black wire. She had to do this before she could set the sound board correctly in order for the show to succesfully start. She heard the door swing open to their recording room and briefly looked up at Marcus. “They messed up the wires again.” she frowned with a sigh of frustration. “Hopefully, I can get them untangled in ten minutes and then fix the sound board. I can multitask if you want to review what you want to talk about on the show today.” she offered as she pulled at another knot in the wires.

@maplecstarters​

“With your support we can start on the hard work of restoring City Hall. It’s not just a building but our shared history and every little bit will help restore City Hall so that it can continue standing for our children’s children.” Birdie was proselytizing on the street in front of the City Hall. She’d been contacted by a few people who were working on a fundraiser. “If not the building then consider donating some money to the families of those who were hurt in the flames.” She said, ringing a bell to get as many people’s attention as possible.

“You’re going to donate, right?” Birdie said to the person who had approached.

The fire had been something on everyone’s mind in town since it happened. Mariah had listened to the whispered conversations and had even had to listen to Marcus talk all about it while she worked on his show with him. It was tragic and suspicious at the same time. Even Mariah had found herself down by the ruins looking things over. It just didn’t sit right with her and she needed to figure out why.

She was doing some shopping while Sabrina had dance class as she heard Birdie speaking to a small crowd of townspeople. She had seen and heard about the fundraisers people were doing to rebuild the town hall or help the families of those who were injured. Mariah believed that she should support the cause so she was more than glad that her feet brought her here.

“Yes...I...I was hoping to.” she nodded as she reached in her purse and picked up an envelope with a wad of cash inside. “It’s part of my rainy day fund, but it seems like the town and people need it more than me at this present moment.” she said handing it over to Birdie.

@maplecstarters​

Ray was sleep deprived. The official reopening date was coming up for the motel and he’d been working around the clock to get everything ready. So maybe he wasn’t in his right mind as he crossed the caution tape very early one morning after the fire. 

He wasn’t even a few steps onto the City Hall premises when he heard someone behind him. Ray put up his gloved hands, “I know this looks bad, just let me explain.”

Mariah wasn’t really sure what she was doing. She was supposed to be looking at the stars with her telescope down on the beach, but somehow her feet led her to the remains of the town hall. She had been curious for some time about it. There was so much mystery around the fire and so many conspiracy theories. Mariah just wanted to check some things out for herself. 

She ducked under the yellow tape and started walking around before she saw a familiar body ahead of her. When Ray turned around. “Huh, I didn’t think to bring gloves. That was smart of you. It looks dangerous, but I’m doing the same thing so I guess whatever I’m doing doesn’t look as bad either. What are we doing exactly?” she whispered before looking around.

Raphi looked on at her clear and clinical description, impressed. “Huh” he got out squinting again upwards. One  eye, then covering the other. “I kinda see the orange. But I’ve been told I’m a little color blind.” He told her, not sure if that was a true memory or an overall assumption he’d learned once about men in general or that he really did think it looked pinkish. “Where was that telescope? Don’t tell me, NASA?” His squint of curiosity back on her as she started walking as he took those couple steps to catch up.

“Well, for now. We just haven’t disturbed it yet…if it’s there.” he told her, a slight smirk at his lips because she was right. His excuses were clearly least amusing to her. “Well, I’m not so sure you’d want to hear exactly what led me out here in the first place but actual honest to god truth is I forgot about this spot entirely. All the memories came flooding back and I guess wanted to see if it still freaked me out the way it used to.” 

Mariah looked at the man and nodded. “Colorblindness is more frequent in males so that could very well be true. She had begun walking and stopped instantly as he mentioned NASA. Her heart beat increased and she tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “It was in fact at NASA. I worked at NASA as an engineer.” she told him a bit nervously before starting to walk a bit faster not wanting to get into the story. But maybe he already knew it. Maybe he knew a lot. She made sure to keep him in her peripheral vision. “Have you ever been to NASA or worked there yourself?” she tried to ask nonchalantly.

“If it lived in the Cavity, we would be in it’s territory and there for would be disturbing it. The bear would have just cause to attack. Besides, you’re a male. Bears don’t tend to like males in their territories.” she said matter of factly as she walked. She stopped again and turned to look at him as he said that she didn’t really want to know the reason he was out there. A small chill ran up her spine and she contemplated how quickly she could drop her stuff and run to her car before getting Sabrina and their getaway suitcases and get to Ferry before heading to the next town she could think of to keep her and her daughter hidden. “You...you grew up around here?” she asked. Jordan would totally find someone that lived here to fish her out and drag her and Sabrina back to New York. Especially if he had taken over. “Have you been gone long?” she asked taking a small breath to calm herself so she could think clearly. She knew this path well. She knew it in the dark. She could run it with her eyes closed and she would if she needed to.

Chris tilted his head, wondering just what Mariah meant by that. “Truth be told i’m with you on that. But my dad used to bring us and my mom wanted his kit out of the house.” He clicked his tongue. “i guess i’ll put it up for sale. See if anyone wants it.” he made a note to speak to Jonah about that next time he saw him. He chuckled, smiling gently at the woman and child. “Maybe next time she’ll find that perfect rock.”

“So he was killing two birds with one stone.” Mariah smirked a little. “What kind of books do you like to read? I’m assuming that’s what we both are similar in.” she said as she watched as light brown curly hair ran up to her with more rocks than she bargained for. “It is a water fun town so I’m sure someone will want them. Not me, but someone else for sure.” Mariah looked down as Sabrina held her leg as she watched the man who was talking to her mother. “I think she’s already found plenty of the perfect rocks forever.” she chuckled seeing all of the little girl’s pockets were full of them. ‘You can have this one.’ Sabrina smiled as she handed one to Chris.

Raphi agreed, he’d take even after getting a good glimpse of her setup she was tucking away in front of him, “Venus huh? Was she worth it?” squinting upwards as if he’d be able to see what it was she was talking about. “Ah- that her?” he pointed to the only other bright object in the sky outside the moon. “Thought she’d be all fire-y red. Or pink.” No shame in his lack of knowledge and only stereotypes. “I’ll take that guide, yeah.” He said, hands on hips as he looked her dead on before giving another glance over his shoulder at the cavity that if he thought hard enough could swear to hear it called like it was actually the basis for Pennywise. “I don’t know if that’s really any better, you know there’s bears in this area.” 

“Any celestial body on a clear night is worth the wait. Venus did not disappoint.” Mariah replied with a small smile as she finished packing up her things. She moved some hair out of her face as she looked up to where he pointed and smiled genuinely. “That is her. The naked eye does her no justice. The telescopes at my former job were the best on the planet. You could see every little characteristic.” She really did miss those telescopes. She also really missed her job, but she couldn’t go back there now. She had kissed that goodbye. Her lips frowned as he described his and many others opinion of what Venus should look like. “She’s actually yellowish orange. She reflects the light from the sun.” Mariah started walking, but turned when he mentioned there could be a bear in the Cavity. “You and I are both standing here living, breathing, and talking so I don’t think a bear is in there.” She turned and started walking back to her car. “So why are you really out here?”

“You landed on your feet.” he replied with a charming smile, his eyes moving to watch the small girl. “You want to know the truth?” he looked around, almost as if someone might over hear. “I think it’s the dullest thing i’ve ever done.” He laughed, beginning to pack away the fishing equipment. “Oh there’s hundreds, but don’t worry they’re small. It’s part of the charm of growing up in Maple Creek. You get real close to nature and eventually have no fear of anything like that.” He thought back to his childhood, memories of him and Julian in those rock pools daring each other to touch the crabs. 

“I always try to. Doesn’t always work out for me, but since moving here it has.” she replied with a slight smile. The people here were nicer and more understanding than people in New York City and New Jersey. It made things easier. Especially when people didn’t know about her past. She chuckled softly before looking down as he said that fishing was dull. “I thought so too when my father tried to take me when I was little. I’d much rather read a book.” Her eyebrows rose as he mentioned the amount of crabs in these small pools. “Sabrina! We’re all done! Come over here with me now!” she said with some urgency. The last thing she needed was a trip to the emergency room today. “Perhaps next time you’ll catch a fish.” 

When: dusk/night where: The Cavity  who: @maplestarters

“Alright, before you say it I’m well aware this is weird. But trust me I wasn’t scoping this place out by volition—I’ve had my share of summer nights here alright— I got lost.” Flashlight beamed in all directions even his own, to accent his seriousness, “But true as legend goes, I did hear something in there…a flash caught my eye.” 

Mariah always liked to watch the stars at night and near the Cavity was surprisingly the best place to see them. She was cleaning up her blanket and snacks when she saw the flashlight and heard the man once they met eyes. “I..umm...I wasn’t going to say anything. I was just cleaning up my stuff, but now that you say it does look pretty weird, but so does looking at the stars in front of it so I guess we’re even.” she shrugged as she put her things in her bag. “You can see Venus tonight. It rarely happens and I wanted to catch it.” she nodded before taking a breath. “I could guide you back to where I parked my car if you’re lost though.” Her eyes narrowed as he said he heard and saw something in the Cavity. “More than likely just a stray animal. Nothing to worry about.” she said with a shake of her head. People always said they heard and saw things but she knew it was just a way to scare the little kids so they didn’t come here and get into trouble.

“I hope everything is okay, with your friend.” He replied politely. He shrugged. “It’s supposed to be fun… relaxing.” He furrowed his brows. “Ah there’s nothing more important then the perfect collection to the kid. You might want to make sure she looks out for crabs though… they have quite the snip.”

“Oh yeah. He’s doing some renovations and needed extra materials and a talking partner. It got me a part-time job so I guess it worked out for me as well.” she said with a shrug. Her neighbors were more than happy to watch Sabrina the days she worked at the motel for Ray. They were excited for her to get out and be around more adults. “Have you found it fun or relaxing yet?” she said curling an eyebrow slightly. She nodded and chuckled softly. “You have described my daughter accurately.” Her eyebrows went down and she looked over to where Sabrina was crouching to get a rock. “How many crabs are around her exactly?” she asked curiously. Maybe they needed to get a move on a bit faster.

“Can’t argue with that logic.” Ray said, chuckling. “He was a nuclear scientist, actually. Big advocate on moving us towards more nuclear reactors and less renewable energy. I can see his point, but find the populace isn’t necessarily ready for that talk again.” He said, of his eccentric father. “He’s adjunct professor now, but helped study the radiation aftereffects in and around nuclear testing sites.”

“I’m sure she’s way ahead of her classmates, huh? Wish my dad had been helpful, but as a professor he really couldn’t talk to us kids to well until after we started forming complete sentences. He abhorred baby talk.” He chuckled, thinking of what his dad had been with his baby sister. “Well, throw some podcasts my way, I need something to pass the time as I work. Marcus is only so interesting while I strip paint.” He laughed.

Ray nodded, not elaborating much. At this point it would be years before he broke even, “Yeah, it’s certainly not hurting to have a couple of rooms still open.” He found the business side of things incredibly boring, a complete opposite of his husbands brain and training for it.

“It actually would be a great help, to have someone help at the front desk. We could figure out the hospitable hospitality together, I certainly need the practice until I get this place running a little more self-sufficiently. Then I can actually retire.” He said, a laugh turning into a groan as he rubbed his face.

“That kid is going to be the biggest nerd.” Ray teased, but of course. “You are both cordially invited to Ray’s Big Gay-me Night.” It would be funnier on the sign, he was sure. “And there are all sorts around here I’ve found. I think we’ll find some die-hards, no problem.”

“I’d always dreamed of being an only child, if only to not have to share the damn bathroom with seven other people. No I have 15 all to myself.” He laughed, between the five kids and his mom and dad, he wondered how they’d survived in the tiny house.

Mariah’s eyes widened as her eyebrows rose. “Nuclear science is serious stuff. He must be genius level. His students are incredibly lucky to have him as their professor. Did any of your siblings go into science careers?”

“Her teachers tell me she is very bright and she has moved to learning groups above her age level so it’s promising.” Mariah smiled as she was exceptionally proud of her daughter. “My dad says baby talk is overused. You’re suppose to talk to your children as if they are adults. It helps build their vocabulary. My parents spoke to me in full sentences very early on. I like to think it has helped my brain development.” she shrugged softly. Her smile returned and she nodded. “I will. I just hope you like deep space stuff like discussions about new galaxies and conspiracies about black holes and the like. That’s most of the stuff I listen to.” Extremely nerdy, but Mariah enjoyed it.

“I’m more than willing to learn together. Just let me know when my first day is and I’ll be here. Although, I probably can’t work every day so I hope that won’t mess things up too much.” she frowned softly. She wished she could but she was a single mom after all so she had priorities. “I think retirement is well deserved. My mom has been trying to get my dad to retire especially after she retired from teaching a couple of years ago, but he can’t let the call to doctor children go. We’re convinced he’s going to want his funeral in his office.” she said smiling softly. Hopefully that wouldn’t be something she would have to consider for a long time.

“We need more smart women in this world so I’m not upset about that. We’re happy to accept your invitation as well.” she grinned. Her face turned to a grimace as he described his childhood bathroom situation. “That sounds frightening. I...I don’t think I would’ve survived that. I think it would’ve been nice to have at least one other person. I enjoyed being around my cousins when we were given the chance, but I never had to share the bathroom with that many of them.”

Chris nodded. “Yeah, that festival really took it out of me.” he laughed, folding his arms as she seemed to dig her hole even bigger. He didn’t rescue her. He moved, giving the pole a tug and giving Mariah a look as if questioning if that was what she had meant. “God no… god knows what’s in this lake. Plus i don’t like to eat anything that i’ve seen swimming about in front of me. We have wallmart for a reason.” 

“Oh yes. I heard it was quite eventful. I only stayed for about half of it and then a friend needed me so I left.” she smiled softly, grateful for the subject change. Her eyebrows furrowed at his words. “Then why did you come fishing? And what do you plan on doing with the fish you catch?” She chuckled a little and nodded. “Well, WalMarts are everywhere so they have to have a use, right?” Her eyes went back to her daughter who was still looking for the perfect rock with her full attention. “Five minutes, Sabrina then we’re going home!” she called to her before turning back to the man in front of her. “She’s looking for the perfect rock to add to her collection. She is a bit of perfectionist. I have no idea where it comes from.” 

“I leave all the undiscovered scientific discoveries to the experts. I think it’s why I moved to journalism instead of sticking to the sciences like my father. The chase of the story, the human element of reporting I think appealed to me much more. “But certainly let me know of any good scientific discoveries, I still eat all of that up.” He told Mariah.

“Well, it’s not a full renovation, like from the ground up or anything but a lot of unforeseen fixes came up that I wasn’t anticipating. I might not get it down before the summer ends which was my plan. At least I didn’t shut it down completely. I have a few rooms available for locals who use the motel um… often.” He said, wanting to be delicate about the types of clients that used his motel, specifically coming from the Strip club across the street. “This place hasn’t seen the most considerate owners I suppose.”

“When I decide to make a few commercials, I’ll certainly give you a ring.” He said, taking a swig from his beer.

“Oh, yes.” Ray nodded. “Might need to hire a manager, considering my knowledge of hospitality is actually quite lacking. Even more so that construction.” He said a little bit exasperatedly. And maybe the renovations were taking so long because he was putting that part off, the part of ACTUALLY running a motel.

“Oh, well I’m sorry to hear that. I would be quite pissed off if my family hadn’t accepted Julian.” It was an understatement, he would have cut them off.

“You shouldn’t have said that.” Ray said, mischievously. “I will be inviting you over to play boardgames with me. Been thinking of asking the owner of the bar down the road to let me run a game night.” He said laughing. “We each have a different favorite game so we usually have to rock, paper, scissors to get to see who chooses for the night. I’m a risk kinda guy.” He said, proudly. “Cataan only if my elder brother is playing.”

“Well, it’s always best to leave it to them, isn’t it?” Mariah nodded. “Your father was in the sciences? What kind of science did he do?” She always loved hearing about other scientists and their careers and experiments. “It all seems very exciting be a journalist. It’s not something I can handle, but I bet you were very good at it.” she nodded. “I will!” Mariah smiled. “I watch space documentaries and listen to podcasts all the time unless Sabrina is in the car then we listen to nursery rhymes and classical music. It’s good for her growing brain according to my father. He’s a pediatrician.”

“It’s good start though, Ray. You’ll finish in time and like you said you do have some locals already using your rooms so you’re already making money, right?” she offered. She had made a note of the strip club across the street. She wasn’t oppose to those types of places. Her ex had been in a lot of those places and even took her to a few. She had been quite shocked by them, but it was part of the nature of his business. “I could help out sometimes. I used to host parties with my ex. I’m somewhat hospitable and it would help me grow. I’m smart. I can figure things out. My neighbors also say that I should do more things that involve other adults instead of being around Sabrina all the time.” she shrugged softly. Besides, the money she makes from it could help build some more survival money for her and Sabrina if they have to pick up and leave quickly again.

Mariah’s face dropped as she looked at her lap. “They did have a few good reasons in hindsight. I think I was a bit too naive. He...he was my first everything so...I didn’t see the same things they did I guess.” she shrugged. “I’d be happy to join as long as I can bring Sabrina sometimes.” she smiled. “Wow, game nights are very interesting. Do you think you would be able to find other board game lovers out there?” she asked before sipping some of her juice pouch. “Risk and Cataan wow....you guys are major strategists. I’m an only child so I got to always choose the game we played when I was little. That was a perk of being an only child, the con was sometimes having to play by yourself or your stuffed animals.”