Miranda Cynthia Brandao

“Wow we kind of need a life,” she smiled, letting out a small laugh. “I live alone or I would be sure someone would be sick of me by now. I think my dog is tired of me by now, though.” Violet smiled as she closed the notebook. “Do you want to grab food or coffee?”

Mira chuckled at her words. “I guess we do. “ She agreed with a faint smile upon her lips. “Do you like living alone? I never really thought about it but I’m pretty sure my aunt would be happy to have her place to herself again. Not that she would ever admit it because she’s just to nice to do so.” Miranda explained, shrugging her shoulders gently. “You have a dog? What kind? “ She asked curiously. “Yes, I wouldn’t say no to either one of those options to be honest.” 

“Yep, perfect” She nodded as she looked up to study her  for a moment before her attention turned back to her sketch. “They get snatched up before anything else….some people just camp out there all day too. I just am waiting for one of them to leave”

Mira shifted a little on the spot, as she didn’t want to interrupt her. “What are you drawing?” She asked her curiously, keeping her voice low. “It seems like they are. Probably because of the free wifi.” She chuckled, nodding her head slightly as her eyes scanned the room once more. “I think the guy on the left is packing so with any luck, he might be leaving soon.” 

Dogs made everything better, made the toughest of times bearable. They were also excitable, loved meeting new people, and had an attention span of about 6 seconds. So it was no wonder Vincent felt a great connection with canines. The two of them went over and said hi to the owners, but mostly the dogs, as they roamed free for the most part. “I’ve got three at home myself.” Vince told her as he picked up a rather rotund wiener dog. 

Mira always loved pets and wished she could have one of her own but unfortunately that wasn't the case. However she still had hopes that might change one day. Miranda started to play with the dogs once they were given permission by the owners, laughing at their reaction. "They're so cute!" She chuckled as two of them were practically all over her. "Three? What kind of dogs are they? I'm still trying to convince my aunt we should get one."

“I’ve been good. Just been hanging out at the house, so I decided to finally go to the park and be around people,” she smiled as she set the dark hair behind her ear. “How about you? How have you been lately?”

"You have read my mind." Mira chuckled, smiling at her. "Pretty much the same. I've been spending the days at college or at home so my aunt basically kicked me out today." Mira laughed and shook her head slightly.

“All good just take a step….that way” She motioned with her hand, adding a soft laugh before shrugging. “If there had been a window seat open I would’ve been there but alas” She smirked a little and went back to her doodles, working on the outline of the woman in front of her.

Mira did as she was told. "Here?" She asked once she'd taken a step to the side. Her eyes wandered towards the windows while Miranda nodded her head gently. "They seem to be the most popular tables. They're always the first ones to be taken." She agreed with the other girl.

“Yes. That little voice in our head is a real piece of shit, ain’t it?” He smiled at her. “I guarantee you, though, you’re doing just fine. Because ‘enough’ is another relative term. Enough to buy a mansion made of solid gold and pure diamond? Enough to save the princess from the evil dragon and his 12 Sons of Chaos? Probably not, but the day is still young. For what you are doing right now, where you are in your life, you are more than enough. With me, don’t worry about those insecurities, my friend. Because you won’t find a bigger mess than me. Besides, I don’t judge people like that. I judge based on character. And yours…well. More people like you would make the world a much easier place, I think.” He shrugged, but got snapped out of his preaching when he heard a bark from across the street. “Ooh, there’s a bunch of dogs over by the park! Let’s go there next.” Vincent started towards the mob of fur.

She looked at him a little bit confused, shaking her head slightly. "Uhm... I don't hear voices." Mira shrugged gently. His next words however got to her more than she was willing to admit. And maybe, or so she assumed, he had a point. It was just easier said than done. "I wish I knew how to stop worrying about them. It's not like there is a power button to shut the insecurities down." Mira chuckled even though it was the sad truth. "Easier or more complicated, it depends on who you ask. Although my brothers would say the world couldn't handle another me." She laughed. The brunette followed, nodding her head. "Yes! I love dogs."

Staying home and just staying on her own for New Year’s was much more relaxing for Violet than going out to a party. It wasn’t that she was antisocial by any means, but shew felt herself writing and not realizing how much time she spent doing so. Still on a high muse kick, the Latina decided to goto the park on a bit of a warmer day in winter, liking the idea of being around nature as she wrote in her little notebook. Seeing someone she thought she knew, she couldn’t help but smile as she tore a piece of paper and throwing it at him after crumpling it up. “It’s nice to see you today.” @ashtontnhqstarter​

Mira decided to go for a walk in the park to catch some fresh air. She’d been curled up in her room for too long and needed to get out a little and since she was still avoiding crowded places, the park seemed to be her best bet. She was lost in her own thoughts as she strolled down the path, not really paying attention to her surroundings until a piece of paper hit her. Mira looked over her shoulder, and her lips cracked into a slight smile as soon as she saw the familiar face. “Violet! It’s good to see you too. How have you been?”

“Yes. But the world is rarely that simple.” He shook his head. “I appreciate your optimism, but it’s not just my age I’m talking about. Lord knows I can’t keep my mouth shut. I’m sure I’ll say the wrong thing to the wrong person and end up bleeding out in an alleyway one night. Not the worst way to go out though.” At her next words, he let out a rather sudden and hearty laugh. “My dear girl. Let me tell you something:  every single person on the face of this fucking planet thinks exactly the same thing. There is no ‘everyone else.’ There is no fitting in, because there’s nothing to fit into. Not a single human being is ‘normal.’ Everyone has a different idea of what an ideal person would be. Some want them fat, others skinny, short, tall, brown, white, green, everyone, including me, has this picture in their head of what a normal person looks like. And the truth is, no one looks or acts like that. Sure, there are social norms, you know, we shake hands instead of licking them, we tip the waiter or waitress. We say please and thank you. But even those differ from culture to culture. As long as you’re not hurting anyone, and you’re trying your best, feel free to be as weird as you desire. You have my permission. Doctor’s note.” he smiled as he looked down at her, but his tone held a certain sadness she couldn’t quite place. 

Miranda listened to him speak, frowning at his words as she didn't want to imagine the scenario he just mentioned. "I hope that's never going to happen." She told him honestly, trying to push the thought away. Miranda stopped in her tracks for a short moment at his following statement, looking up at him before she shrugged. "I guess that make sense." She gave back honestly, however her insecurities still got the better of her. "I'm trying my best. I just feel like, most of the times I could still do better than that and it just won't ever be good enough, no matter how hard I try." The brunette admitted, a soft sigh following her words.

Chiara had always been fond of art, and good at it too, but not many people knew that about her. Even her own family didn’t know the extent of her abilities–mainly because she kept any sketchbooks to herself, feeling that most of the art was too personal, like a journal entry. But as she sat at the cafe, waiting for a date that she had accepted wasn’t going to show, she began doodling on napkins–mostly just quick sketches of the people around her. She only looked up as suddenly her light was blocked, her hand coming down quickly to cover the sketch. “Sorry, did you say something? Or were you just coming over her to act as a personal sunblock?” 

Mira was about to grab some coffee on her way home, as she entered the café and waited for her turn to place her order. It was packed, as always and she was not surprised at all since it was close to noon and most people were on their lunch break at this time of the day. Once she heard the unfamiliar voice, she offered a friendly smile. “Me? No. I’m just waiting in line.” Mira chuckled, shrugging her shoulders gently. “Oh uhm...I’m sorry about that.” She was quick to add as it wasn’t her intention to block the light. Taking a step to the side, as she apologized to her. 

Shawn was a little tipsy at this point in the night, not as drunk as he’d like to be and unfortunately hadn’t found someone to hook up with yet. The whole arrest-of-his-family had really ruined his reputation, not that he had a very good one to begin with, but no one wanted to sleep with a LaMontagne right now. He turned when someone fell into him and smiled a little when he saw the pretty brunette, “No harm done, I’m alright don’t worry. You alright there? You look a little upset, maybe we can go get you a drink and get your mind off whatever’s bothering you”

Her night had started out bad enough and the last thing Mira needed was to accidentally hurt someone on her way out to add to it. She was relieved to hear that wasn't case and tried to force a little smile although her eyes were saying otherwise. "I'm glad to hear. I didn't mean to hit you." Mira told him honestly, her voice still a little shaky from all the crying. She didn't know what to say to his next words as she was obviously not okay but also didn't want to dump her crap onto the stranger. "I um... - I don't know? I don't usually drink so I'm not sure if that's a good idea." She explained but she also felt like she kind of owed him and didn't want to be rude. "I mean one can't hurt, right?"

“People will always be judgmental. We naturally fear what we do not understand. An evolutionary trait that we, really, no longer need. And it’s not a new thing. If we’re not burning our enemies at the stake for practicing a different religion, we’re forcing them to resign because they said something not everyone agreed with on social media. I’m afraid that will never change. At least, not in any of our lifetimes. And I’ve got a lot less time left than you.” When they passed a trash can on the street, Vincent spit out his gum. “That’s good. You’re young, shouldn’t be thrown into the world sooner than needed. Especially not with everything you’ve been through.” 

Mira listened to his words carefully and she could actually relate to most of it. Offering him a slight smile, she nodded at him. "It's sad some people do bad things and harm others. If everyone would just stop being mean the world would be a better place." She told him honestly. "You can't know that. Maybe you'll get a lot older than me. Anything can happen." Mira shrugged as she didn't think you could tell who was going to live longer based on one's age. She was a little surprised by his next words but then again, she wasn't the best at hiding things so she assumed, since he was a doctor, he had to be good at reading people. Mira tried to avoid his gaze for a moment. "I just wish I was normal and could be just like everyone else."

Brendon nodded a little as she spoke, “That was really nice of you, I’m sorry you weren’t able to go home” he said with a small frown. “I usually spend my Christmas helping at the shelters but I didn’t get around to it this year” he said, since he was preoccupied with Carter he hadn’t even though about his usual traditions. It was obvious that Brendon’s priorities had changed over the past year

"It's the least I could do." Mira gave back with a soft smile upon her lips. She'd put everyone else's needs before her own any time. "It's okay. I will soon for sure." Miranda nodded, not sure if that was going to happen anytime soon but she tried to stay positive. "Did you enjoy it at least?" She asked him curiously, hoping he had a nice Christmas since he really deserved it.

“Journalism. A lost art, if you ask me. I commend you for it, then. My mother was an investigative reporter, so I know a bit about the profession. Although admittedly, I’m a rather horrid writer. Words just don’t come to me on paper the way they do in my head when I’m speaking. I can write a journal or whatnot, a recounting of events. I tried my hand at writing novels once, but that ended rather quickly. Doesn’t help I’m easily distracted. I’ve been told that’s not a very good trait for a doctor to have. Nor is my arrogance or impulsiveness. But I’m a head surgeon, and they’re not, so their words don’t mean too much from down there. Sticks and stones. No matter what you do in life, you can’t make everyone happy. Someone will always have some shit to say. You might as well just do whatever the fuck you want. But I digress.” He lapsed into silence once more for a bit until his curiosity and natural gregariousness got the better of him. “You speak fondly of your aunt. I take it you get along with her well?” 

Mira smiled at his reaction as she was used to people shaking their heads at her choice of career. Journalists didn't have the best reputation anymore but she didn't plan on becoming a reporter or paparazzi, she wanted to tell people's stories and help others. "It does make sense. I don't think I'm a good writer either to be honest. It's just easier for me to express myself when I write. I feel like most of the times I talk to people they just think I'm weird." She shrugged as continued to walk alongside him. "I guess that's true. I just wish people were less judgy and more tolerant. Just because someone is different or speaks differently doesn't mean they're a better or worse person. Unless they actually harm someone in purpose of course." Mira tried to explain." Yes, of course. She's my family. My aunt is great. She even offered me to stay with her so I don't have to worry about the rent and everything. "

“Perhaps you’re right. Come. Walk with me. No words, not for now, anyways. You can tell a great deal about a person simply by observing how they walk.” It was a rather nice day outside as the pair began to walk around town. The man had a steady pace, rather quick but not in any particular rush. It was almost childlike, though that wasn’t the right word for it. Speaking of words, he kept his own, and did not speak for a long time. He only slowed down to retrieve a piece of nicotine gum from the breast pocket of his suit. Every once in a while, he’d glance over at her, seeming to be doing that observing he talked about earlier. Although his eyes held no judgement, no discomfort that often comes to someone when they are being watched. He was just…there. “You have an idea for a career field?” 

"Okay." Miranda agreed, before he mentioned no words so she didn't say anything else afterwards and just followed him outside quietly. She didn't have any issue with the quiet, since she often felt like she wasn't the best at expressing herself anyway. Miranda liked going for walks, she just didn't go by herself because it didn't make her feel safe. Which was why she was always glad whenever she found someone who joined her for one. The silence between them didn't bother her at all as she enjoyed the fresh air. Once he spoke up again, she looked at him and nodded her head briefly. "I study journalism." Mira told him honestly.

Oliver continued to search the room with his eyes as he really was starting to loose his patience. He figured she might have picked up on his attitude and taken the hint that right now wasn’t the best time to be around him, but apparently not. He looked back at her when she complimented him. He was about to let out a sly remark, but instead he managed to let out a simple “Thanks.” in response, before looking away again. “No, not really. I don’t want to be cheered up, but you probably don’t see that.” He snapped back at her. “I honestly think the best thing would be if you just left me alone for the rest of the night.” 

Shifting uncomfortably on the spot, she tried her best to hold back the tears that were threatening to escape at his words. If he was sober, she wouldn't have any second thoughts about leaving him alone but he was clearly not and seeing him like this just made it seem like a bad idea to leave him. Mira shook her head and whispered. "I do. But I don't think it'd be a good idea to leave you alone like this." She thought about it for a moment, trying to find a solution for the situation. "Maybe you could call someone else to keep you company? I'll leave as soon as they arrive." She suggested, shrugging her shoulders gently as she tried to avoid his gaze.

Mira was just about to leave this place. She was trying to keep herself together after what had happened but she was failing miserably at it - as always. Rushing outside, she wiped her tears away and got lost in her own thoughts, tripping over at the stairs as she could barely manage to regain her balance. Thankfully she somehow stopped herself from falling but accidently brushed her shoulder against someone else. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. Are you okay?" She looked at him with a forced smile.

 Oliver was feeling restless, and in desperate need for another drink or two. Perhaps more, depending on how much he’d actually want to serve him. He let out a loud sigh when he heard her speak once more, “Not particularly, no.” He was quick to respond, the annoyance still clear in his voice, before letting his eyes yet once more wander around the room. He was feeling agitated and he didn’t like it. He felt as if he wasn’t fully in control. The news he’d received over Christmas had hit him harder than he cared to admit, or even was going to admit. 

It really hurt her to see him like this and not knowing how to cheer him up or make him feel better. Mira felt like she was failing at being a friend and she was desperately trying to think of a way to help him. All she knew was, she couldn't leave him alone like this, no matter how annoyed he seemed to be by her presence. "Okay." Mira whispered again, just below a breath as she gave him a weak smile. "You look very handsome in that suit." A compliment was probably the last thing he wanted to hear right now but the words escaped before she could stop herself. She tried to lock her eyes with his own once more, as if she was looking for an answer in the depths of his blues." Is there any way to cheer you up?"