i want to be defined by the things that i love

✦ LILY COLLINS, FEMALE, SHE/HER ✦ MILLIE MONROE the THIRTY-THREE year old has been in Hidehill for HER ENTIRE LIFE and was a CLASSMATE to Jade Parker, the missing  first murder victim. Whispers on the streets are that they are a DANCE INSTRUCTOR AT ALL THAT JAZZ who lives in HIDE SQUARE. She is said to be COMPASSIONATE and INSECURE but I guess we’ll find out for ourselves. { SIE, 28, CST, SHE/HER. }

She immediately cancels her last class and leans back against the nearest wall and falls down to the floor. Images of them as kids having sleepovers, them running on fig beach, Danny grabbing her from behind and spinning her around in the halls of the high school, her first kiss with him, etc all flood her mind as tears roll down her cheeks. “He wouldn’t hurt anyone,” she whispered and repeated over and over again.

Twenty minutes later she wipes her cheeks and stands up with a newfound mission. She was going to head to the police station, so she locks up the studio and heads to the station without Ronnie calming her down. She wanted to give them a piece of her mind and she also knew their approval for clearance would be the only way she could get into the county jail.

The moment she walks up to the door she beelines for the receptionist. “I’d like to talk to the chief about seeing Danny,” she says and the nearest officier overhears and comes over.

“Miss Monroe, we can’t allow that.”

“Why not? He didn’t do this. You’ve got it wrong again. Danny wouldn’t hurt anyone,” she said as hot, angry tears rolled down her cheeks. “He’s…he’s not his father.” She paused before saying again, “I want to talk to the chief,” as she pushed past the officer. Millie didn’t get very far before the officer grabbed her and she screamed. “Let me go! I want to see Danny! Just tell the jail I want to see him!” She kicked and threw her arms around until more officers came and she ended up assaulting one in a vulnerable spot with one of her kicks.

x

Heather nodded as Millie spoke, the past tense confusing her slightly but she assumed the two must have had a falling out at some point that she didn’t remember yet. That was none of her business and not something she wanted to bring up to the brunette right now. She ignored it as she watched Millie place the balloons and vase to one side, a smile on her face as she thanked the other, “Oh, I do though. It was brave and not everybody would have done that. I don’t know why it happened, I’m assuming I was being dumb whilst drunk but it was dangerous and you could have gotten yourself killed too. So thank you, Millie. Honestly.” She needed the other to understand that she was truly thankful for her actions.

Heather’s brows furrowed at her next words.. the whole town? She was caught off guard by the sentence but she still wanted to know more about the night. “The whole town was looking for me?” She asked before coughing slightly, her chest still painful and felt as though it was burning with each cough. “Yeah, I’d like to know about it. I’m fine as you can see, well.. other than the whole memory thing. If you explain things to me from what you remember maybe it will help jog my memory? I don’t know.. I don’t remember anything and it’s a little frustrating but the doctors said it should come back to me eventually.”

Not everybody would have done that is a phrase she’s been told before recently and she still has a hard time accepting that she did anything special by being a decent human being. Her brows pulled together as Heather assumed she had been drunk, which was far from the truth. She truly didn’t really think of her actions as brave but rather reckless (as Heather said, she could’ve died too), but it all worked out in the end. Millie would’ve done the same exact thing over again for anyone else, but still, she smiled at Heather and nodded to indicate she understood that Heather was truly thankful. “I’m just so glad you’re alive.“ she uttered again as she felt if she looked away Heather would just vanish or something. Millie nodded again in response to Heather’s question about the whole town looking for her. The brunette had gone out and combed fig beach too in the early days as she knew the area well. “Try to save your voice, alright?” she pleaded softly. “I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be not to remember things. I’m sure the doctors are right and it’ll come back with time.” she tried to reassure the girl with a soft smile. “I’ll try to explain things the best that I can, but I’ve gotta warn you...it’s not pretty. This town has turned into a horror movie,” she sighed as she crossed her arms while leaning against the window sill wall. “So, please tell me to stop if it gets to be too much.”

Ronnie: We just gotta stick by his side

Ronnie: Well I hope they don't because it could be you they hurt, or Val, or anyone close to me and I don't want that

Ronnie: I just hope they find something to prove he's innocent

Millie: of course, we've always got his back.

Millie: i don't really want anyone else to get hurt. i just wish all of this would end.

Millie: i hope so too. i wish there was something we could do.

Ronnie: People will believe what they want to believe. They're all losing their minds tbh.

Ronnie: We know him better than anyone and we know Heidi, he would never be involved in anything like this. Ever.

Ronnie: The police are freaking out because they can't catch the killer so they're going in circles

Millie: the whole town has lost its mind.

Millie: you're right we do know them better than anyone and i know he wouldn't. he never would be. i don't doubt that for a second.

Millie: it's so ridiculous because while they're going in circles this killer is going to strike again. i actually hope the killer does so they'll see it's not him /again/.

Ronnie: Oh I just had a look at it all.

Ronnie: Heidi would never say anything like that about her brother and surely everyone knows that???

Ronnie: She loved her brother

Millie: right??? i don't understand how anyone would believe those messages??

Millie: he was a mess after the wedding. i don't know how anyone could think he's involved??? he's had so much to deal with.

Ronnie: Wait why are we assaulting police officers rn?

Ronnie: I'm good.. I think I'm a lot better than you rn I'm guessing lmao

Millie: i'm five seconds away from cancelling the rest of my classes and assaulting a police officer

x

Heather had already had a few visitors and though it was taking a mental tole on her she didn’t mind another one to her list. At this point Brandi had already informed her of how Millie found her so to finally see Millie she sighed in some form of relief. She needed to thank her, she had no idea why she was in that pool but all she knew was if Millie hadn’t found her then she wouldn’t be here now. She was just happy to at least one conversation she was having today didn’t have to be so confusing for her.

“I know you, you know Jade right?” She smiled with confidence, thankful she remembered at least something about someone that wasn’t her family. “I’m doing okay so far..Brandi Tay told me you pulled me out of the pool..” she sighed “Thank you for that, Millie. I don’t remember much of what happened or anything at all.. but thank you.. I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t have found me, I’m sure that wasn’t nice to see..” 

xxx

Millie was a little nervous to be seeing Heather after everything and she made sure with Maggie and Brandi that her visit would be okay. She didn’t want to traumatize the poor girl further, but she also wanted to see for herself how Heather was doing. It might bring her a sense of comfort to see Heather breathing and talking after the state she had found her in. The image was surely going to haunt her just like the image of Heidi’s body did. The first question caught her a little off guard as Heather talked about Jade in present tense. She had heard that correctly, right? “Yeah, I did know Jade,” she said carefully, smiling wider at Heather as she walked in and set the balloons and vase on the window sill before turning to face Heather. “I’m happy to hear that and you’re welcome but you don’t need to thank me.” she waved her hand, as she truly was no hero — just in the right place, right time thanks to the shadow’s game. “The whole town was looking for you, I just happened to be the one to find you. I...it’s complicated how I was even there and I can tell you if you want, but I’m glad I was,” she pauses briefly and sighs, “You’re right it wasn’t nice to see and I was so worried for you, but I’m so relieved you’re okay.”

The moment she heard that Heather had woken up, it felt like she could finally breathe a sigh of relief and stop holding her breath. She didn’t know if she had made it in time or if Heather would live with the condition she had found her in at the pools. The girl’s lips had looked so blue and she didn’t really stop to check for a pulse before launching into CPR. She was so happy to hear that Heather had survived though and that she wasn’t plagued by death once more because she was starting to feel like maybe she brought a curse with her when she came back into town.

Millie wanted to come check on Heather and see how she was doing overall, and she was sure that Heather might have some questions for her too. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t curious what Heather might remember but that wasn’t her sole purpose for heading over to the hospital with an assortment of flowers and get well balloons. It might be cheesy but she didn’t want to show up empty handed. She knocked on the door frame, smiling softly as she spotted Heather in the bed. “Hey, I’m Millie. The one that found you,” she explained since Heather probably wouldn’t recognize her considering the two hadn’t been close prior. “How are you doing?”

Her hair was still wet and there was a slight scent of chlorine that lingered around her but the new clothes she had changed into weren’t soaked anymore at least. She was still trying to wrap her head around everything — how did the shadow have Heidi’s phone? Why did they want her to find Heather? She never cared much for being the center of attention and now the news was calling her a ‘Black Widow’ and a ‘hero’. She wasn’t a hero but just a pawn in the shadow’s game, which was never going to end if no one caught them. She picked up her phone and had half the mind to text the number, Heidi’s number. Would they answer? Could she convince whoever was behind this to play a game with her and leave everyone else alone? A sigh fell from her lips as she put her phone back down on the counter and took another sip of her second beer. She was still trying to process everything and she needed to alcohol to numb the adrenaline that still had her amped up. She hadn’t told the police about the text when they questioned her as it just didn’t feel right to tell them after they showcased their incompetence again and again, and she was trying to figure out some way she could use the text. What she needed was a hacker.

Her brown eyes glanced over as her peripheral vision caught someone sitting beside her at the bar. “Please, for the love of god — just don’t thank me or call me a hero or offer to buy me a drink. I was just doing what anyone would.” Okay, maybe not everyone would run first into what could’ve been a trap or jump into a pool where there was always a chance she could’ve drowned too for a girl she didn’t know that well. Was that what the shadow wanted to test? Her morals? “I can’t believe this is happening and why? What does the shadow want?”

Ronnie: We will all get through this, I know we will. It's gonna be weird without Heidi around chewing my ear off about something to be honest. She always had a smart ass comment to make.

Ronnie: They wouldn't have arrested and wasted so much time on him if Sofia and Kat hadn't have gone to the police. I don't know, I know it's not their fault.. i'm just frustrated.

Ronnie: The letters were 'C' and 'N' so I don't understand why it was Heidi.. nothing makes sense.

Ronnie: I promise I will be okay.

Millie: Yeah, we just have to give it time but I think we'll always miss her. It's definitely not going to be the same without her.

Millie: I get it. I'm frustrated too for what they put Danny though and for so much time being wasted.

Millie: ...That's because I don't think it was meant to be Heidi in the first place. I don't know what any of this means either, but 'N' clearly means someone else.

[ From: Heidi ] let’s for go a swim

A swim? That wasn’t ominous at all but it was a clue and in this moment she could take action and do more than the police were doing. She immediately began thinking of all the places to swim in town. Fig beach or the Royal pools. The latter made more sense as everyone was combing fib beach. She knew she couldn’t sit around waiting on the police. No, she had to take action herself even if it might be reckless and dangerous. Huh, maybe some of Danny’s impulsiveness had rubbed off on her over the years.

She didn’t think twice before she grabbed her keys, slipped her tennis shoes, and grabbed a knife from the kitchen before running out of her apartment and speeding off in her car the moment she started it and put it into drive. Millie didn’t obey any rules of the road as she wanted to get to the pool in record time. She didn’t even turn her car off when she arrived but she grabbed the knife before she hopped out and ran to the pool. “Heather?” She practically screamed as she approved the fence and threw the knife over before she began climbing the fence to get into the pool area. Her adrenaline was running as she landed on the other side and picked up the knife and began looking around. “Heather?” She screamed again, her brown eyes darting everywhere in case the shadow was still there.

She went up to the pool when there was no response and that’s when she saw the blonde hair like a halo floating in the water. “Oh my god, Heather. I’m coming.” She said as she kicked her shoes off and placed her phone off to the side a safe distance before she dived in while holding the knife. Millie didn’t waste much time examining things until she was in the water and that’s when she saw the weight holding Heather underwater and the ropes tying the girl’s hands. She used the knife to free Heather from the weight and undo her hands too so she could wrap the girl’s arm around her and hold her as she swam to the surface with her other hand still holding the knife.

While Danny was at the top of her list of people she was concerned about currently, her list was also growing to include Ronnie and now Maisie too. The blonde had also been a bridesmaid and close to Heidi and while Millie hadn’t known Maisie prior, it felt like the two had struck up a small friendship at the wedding. Millie was certainly still happy to show Maisie a few eyeliner tricks, but she was more concerned about checking in and seeing how Maisie was doing overall. It was a hard loss to swallow and she still couldn’t believe Heidi was gone, and now there were two girls missing and one had just been found. 

She had been running more than usual all over town, trying to help the town with the search for Sofia and Heather while also hoping get rid of her restless energy and trying to exhaust herself into sleeping. It didn’t always work and that’s why she found herself out later than she should normally be and walking into Cadillac Lounge. In the back of her mind, she wondered if it was even safe to be out like this and she was worried for Maisie too. Did Maisie have someone to at least walk her to her car or home after closing up for the night? She saw the blonde behind the bar so she walked up and sat down on one of the barstools. “Please tell me you’re not working alone,” she says as she manages a small smile. She didn’t see a bartender but they might just be in the back. 

It’s the classes where she’s teaching kids that Millie loves the most because they’re all so excited and eager to learn. They might not be able to do the movements in the most elegant ways but they sure pour their hearts into the dance. She selfishly hopes to make one of them her little prodigy and see them go off to join a ballet company as she did, but that is the furthest thing from her mind at the moment. Given the loss of Heidi and Cami, it felt like nothing would ever be the same and her heart weighed heavily over the losses and she doubted it’d ever get easier. She had barely gotten a chance to reconnect with Heidi since she got back into town but she was grateful to be included at the wedding and she’d try her best to think fondly on such a horrific night, trying to focus on only the good parts.

Dancing used to be her escape from all of her thoughts and feelings of anxiety, but now she’s barely focused as she watches the kids. Her gaze keeps darting to the clock on the wall as she counts down the minutes until she can check her phone, as she can’t imagine she’ll ever stop worrying about her loved one’s safety now, especially Danny. Finally, time was up and she made sure each kid was reunited with their proper guardians. She liked to get to know the parents — not just for safety purposes but in case she ever wanted to talk about their kid or about the dance recitals. Rowan was a new student, so she was looking forward to meeting her dad and telling him what a wonderful student the girl was and she could tell Rowan really enjoyed the class.

As soon as Ledger walked in the studio, Rowan was all smiles as she ran up to him as Millie followed behind Rowan. “Hi, I’m Millie, the dance instructor for Rowan’s class,” she introduced herself with a small smile on her lips, “I just wanted to tell you she was an absolute delight to have in class and I can tell she really enjoyed it. I’m sorry in advance if it’s all you hear about over the next week.”

Nash laughs, shaking his head with a bit of an eye roll. “Don’t get too cocky. There’s barely enough room for my ego in this friendship… I don’t think we can handle it if your head tries to get as big as mine.” He walks along side of her, shoving his hands into his pockets. “It’s alright, it’s the things I’ll do for you that I won’t do for anyone else. So, if you tell anyone that Nash Von waits around for women outside their work place past the time they said they’d be out I’ll deny it to my grave.” He smirks. “Of course, it’s a scary movie. Scary movies, the woman always gets scared and ends up on top your lap… I always pick scary movies.”

****

“You’re right, it’s better if you remain the one with the bigger ego,” she laughs, “for the sake of our friendship.” Millie wasn’t normally the type to get cocky or overly confident, but it was a testament to their friendship that she felt comfortable enough to be around Nash. “Oh, I know I’m special compared to everyone else,” she teases before shaking her head, “but my lips are sealed. Although, telling women that as your wingwoman might score you some.” Of course the movie choice was a choice. “I hope you’re not disappointed because that won’t be happening. No offense, you’re just not the lap for me.” He never had been as the two were just really good friends and Millie valued their friendship too much to ruin it or make it awkward just to have that one night. 

♠

GETTING OUT to having fun was nice and odd. Elsa was having so a bit more of problems that she didn’t feel like telling Millie mostly because she does not want to their night to be ruined. The blonde was still a bit tense but trying to have fun. She made it to the place, so it is a big step. ❛ I guess I truly needed that break though. ❜  She slide on the booth, getting comfortable. ❛ As long as is not a dead song we can dance sure, we can have fun. So how is life treating you?! ❜ She also enjoying this moment to catch up with her best friend. ❛ Yes, I want neat scotch.❜ Drinking is something she doesn’t like doing, mostly because of her father…It’s not like one day will make become like him, right? She hardly goes out for drink anyway.❛ But today I’m open for trying news things, whatever you want I can also go for it. I want to see you try get us a round of drink from bartender.❜ She giggles, something she was terrible to do was flirting.

“It’s always good to make sure you have some breaks. You’ll go crazy if all you do is work or stay at home. Next time, I promise we can do something a little more relaxing like a spa day!” she said, knowing that sometimes the bar scene could be a lot. It wasn’t really a scene she frequented a lot but some dancing and a couple drinks was never a bad night out either. “Whenever you’re comfortable, we can dance! Life has been pretty good. I actually really like being a dance instructor,” she grinned. It had been a surprise just how much she enjoyed sharing her knowledge and love of dancing with others. “How are things in your life?” It felt like forever since she had hung out with her best friend and she wanted to know how the mom and married life was going. “I can get you a neat scotch, and oh god, I’m not sure I could flirt with the bartender well enough to pull off free drinks from them!” she chuckled.