by the light of the moon

[pm] Yeah. Yeah, it is. Maybe I’ll do that. I’m sure the damn party store’s got something that’ll work. Think he’d be happy even if I just wore the hat.

Sure. Shouldn’t thank people, though. As a rule.

Sooner the better, yeah. If we need to get people out of town, we need as much time to get ahead of it as we can get.

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[pm] Is he a hat enthusiast?

Right, yes. I’ve been told that. I just like to be polite, but I was told saying “it’s appreciated” is still okay?

I agree. I just hope that people will listen, and will leave if they really need to.

You from around there?

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I was born in America, but my family’s from Turkey, so yes, sort of?

[pm] Muñeca means doll. It’s a term of endearment for people like you. Like, the ones you see as like […] a […] niece or something. I’ll help you, don’t worry. I want you to feel okay. Or at least, as okay as you can feel.

Aylin, I never think you’re trying to offend me. You’re too sweet to.

Got silver, yes. I’ll take it out to have it handy. Don’t worry, Aylin. I’ll do what you need to help you feel safe. We’ll take care of you. Let’s make some dulce de leche cookies. I’ll make sure the ingredients are okay for your diet too.

[pm] You think of me as something that important? Metzli, you don’t have to say this just because I am panicking!! I adore you no matter what, I promise. I appreciate that you’ll help me. 

Okay! I just want to make extra sure! Just because I know you’ve shared a lot with me recently and I don’t want to worry you.

Glad to hear it, kid.

[pm] Seemed pretty wild to me, too, when I figured out we’d gone back in time. My boyfriend loved it. Keeps trying to get me into cowboy boots.

You’ve got a lot more to offer than you think you do, I’m sure.

The one where people […] whisper shit to each other. I don’t know. […] Yeah. Yeah, nobody wants that. The town hall thing’s the way to go. Get everyone in one spot. Think it’ll be good. Or a goddamn disaster. Who knows.

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[pm] That is nice that you have a boyfriend! Love is wonderful! Maybe you could be one for Halloween? That could be fun, and I bet he’d like the idea of celebrating with you for that! 

Well, thank you, that means a lot.

It’s okay, I don’t know it either. But yes, nobody wants that at all. I’m talking to someone else who agrees about the town hall thing. He agrees that it’d be a good idea, so I guess the sooner we can do this the better??

[pm] Yeah, apparently. Crap - well that explains why whenever I used to research the town’s history things would always go quiet. I can’t even explain exactly what I saw. Except that there was a desert where the Common used to be. And it’s happening by the end of this year. 

I don’t know that I’d say that, but it’d be great to hear more.

You and me both.. ugh. But I can talk if I need to. This feels like something we need to talk about.

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[pm] Oh no. No, that is very bad!! By the end of this year? What are we supposed to do about school? I never thought I’d care about a college degree, but now I sort of want one. Sorry, that’s super unimportant but still. You know for sure it’s the end of the year?

Okay so we went back in time, and the people were not happy and went after us but we escaped and then went to a library place and read about the history of the town and I guess this has happened multiple times before. All the weird stuff and then poof, nothing. 

I agree. I’ll talk some, I just feel like maybe you should at least get stuff started maybe? If that’s okay!! I’m sure I could ask my aunt, too. But I don’t want to hold onto some information like this and not use it to help people. It seems like you think the same way.

I’m not much of a movie guy myself, but sounds like you have fun with it. Which is good. 

[pm] Guess it doesn’t anymore. Back in the day, though, there were a few. Probably less weird than some of that ‘other stuff’ that goes on here.

That’s good. Trying’s good.

Right. Like that game. Shit gets twisted, everybody gets the wrong idea, and all hell breaks loose. Better to just make sure everyone’s got the same information.

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Yes, I’d never seen them before but I am very happy I did!

[pm] That’s fair! Cowboys just seem wild to me is all. 

It’s about all I can offer to the world right now.

Which game? But yes, just like that. I don’t want to be responsible for someone being in dire trouble because they misheard information! 

[pm] Hey, it wasn’t so bad. I’m very good with monsters. Life is always going to go awry, muñeca. Just have to learn to go with the flow and breathe. One step at a time. I’ll teach you some exercises that help me when I feel overwhelmed.

I know, I know. It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. It’s scary, but you don’t have to do this alone.

You are. I promise. We’ve got wards up too. And salt. And iron. Pretty much set everything up to help the place out. They’re hidden under all the marigolds. You’re always welcome here and of course you can text Ceyda. It is your phone. I’ll text her too if it’ll make you feel better, my anxious bean.

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[pm] What does that word mean? I am trying the whole ‘go with the flow’ thing but I don’t know if I was ever super that way. I’d like to learn some exercises, though, thank you!

I just don’t want you to think I’m trying to offend you.

/

Right. That one of those ones with the guys in capes?

[pm] Figured. Had something similar happen to me a few weeks back. Wound up surrounded by goddamn cowboys. They weren’t happy to see me, either. You all right? Town hall’s probably a good bet. Get everyone in one place, spread […] whatever word needs spreading.

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A new friend showed me some of those - I think they’re called Superhero Movies! They are very busy but she loves them and taught me some facts about them.

[pm] Oh gee, cowboys? That sounds like a lot. I didn’t even know Maine had cowboys! But I guess most people wouldn’t think there’d be like... other stuff that happens here, so.

I’m not the best! But trying to manage! 

Yes, that might be good. Then people can ask questions and all know the answers so that we don’t get confused. Like passing information from one person to another person and then the information gets all messed up.

[pm] I went to the past not too long ago too, but I only ran into monster trouble. You’re not gonna leave the house? I mean, I get it, it’s scary. But Aylin, you can’t just stay inside. There’s life to live. And hey, I can go on walks with you.

I’ll try my best to be safe, but no promises. Danger seems to just follow me.

I’m always down for cookies. But we have to do it at my place. That’s my only condition. Get you out of the house and you’ll be safe with Macleod and I.

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[pm] Monster trouble????? That is also very stressful!! Um, no. Except for classes. Also, every time I try to live my life stuff goes awry and I’d like to stay alive and around here, so. Okay but bad things can happen even if you are around! 

Sorry, I am just stressed out. It’s not you, it’s just this town. 

But what if I’m not? I know you’re both super amazing and strong but - sorry. I can come over, if you’re sure you’d have me. Can I text Ceyda like every 10 minutes??

[pm] Wait- holy crap. You went to the past?? And something was wrong?

I thought I was going to sound completely crazy but me and some other people got sent to the future. And also saw something really bad. 

I want to call a town hall. They used to do it fairly often. Like in the past.

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[pm] Wait you went to the future? But yes, lots of things were wrong, like everything happening now? It’s happened before, and it doesn’t end so well. You don’t sound crazy at all. I’m - what did you see? I can tell you more, if you want??? I was actually thinking of asking for your advice because you’re very smart. 

Okay. Can you do more of the talking at that because I am pretty sure I’ll panic too much if I have to talk lots. Or I’ll just switch to Turkish which won’t be helpful except for like, my aunt and maybe a few other people here.

Not sounding very hypothetical, kid. 

[pm] What happened? I’m sure as hell not your answer to public speaking, but I can look into it. I’m not half bad at that.

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It was in a movie!

[pm] Okay, it wasn’t in a movie. I somehow ended up in the past with some other people and it was White Crest but like, from ages ago and the people were mad mad and I just - things are bad. Bad bad, and yes, if you wanted to look into it?? A friend just told me about things called town halls.

[pm] you too? What's go Hey, are you okay Aylin? What happened? How can I help?

[pm] People in the past are not fans of strangers just showing up. Just so you know. Uh - I am fine, I think? I’m back and pretty sure I might just... not leave mine and Ceyda’s home except if I really have to.

Stay safe as you can?? I am not sure what else. This is all a lot and I just have a bad feeling about stuff.

[pm] I remember having trouble with darkness after I was turned. I was a monster, am, but I was so scared after that. Can’t imagine what you’ve been through and I’m sorry. If you’re comfortable, we can start going on walks at night together to help. I also never sleep, so if you have a nightmare, feel free to call or text me.

Thank you, Aylin. I don’t know what I did to deserve your kindness. Feel free to make cookies if you want. My partner and I really did fight over them. The texture was perfect.

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[pm] I used to be so excited at the prospect of full moons, at the wonder of being connected to the night even with the meaning of my name, but yeah... I’m going to go ahead and guess that Ceyda’s told you what happened. I don’t especially like talking about it, but if you have questions, I could probably manage to answer one or two. I might like that. The going on walks at night, I mean. Except time is so weird right now and I do not like the unpredictable nature of whatever this town is up to. But yes - a walk or walks at night with you might be good, if you’re okay with literally starting with walking down a street and then right back. You sure about that? It happens quite a lot.

You exist and therefore deserve kindness??? I don’t understand why people think kindness is earned. I think it should be the default. I will absolutely make more cookies. I am so happy you enjoyed them in the way that you are most able. :)

See, my house is more food crops, but I did plant a little pollinator garden in memory of a friend. But like, it’s also a farm with some animals so… not all daisies. 

[pm] Me too. It costs $0 to not be an asshole. Well, admittedly I did skip town for a bit. Which I have some regrets about, but so it goes or something. Oh, really? That’d be great… it’s uh pretty niche these days with how wild things in town are. I think most of the internet things they’re like just really weird scripts. But my username is @benditlikebennett on there. […] Exactly. Though by some sort of miracle I’m the most emotionally stable person I know… which really isn’t saying a lot. 

Oh yeah, I’m not a big fan of horror movies. Even the action movies are a little much with how loud they are. Comedies and Disney are my jam though. The occasional RomCom is also good. Legally Blonde will forever be my fave, but that may have something to do with the crush I have on Reese Witherspoon. 

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That sounds lovely! I think using plants as a way to honor those we care for is such a beautiful thing.

[pm] Right! Oh? I’m sorry you have regrets about it, but you came back, so that’s nice! Yes! I’d be happy to! I might not watch every single video you post, but I will watch as many as I can, and I’ll comment on them too. I like your username - that’s for soccer, right? I think you are [ user has to Google for a moment ] likely much more cool than Mr. David Beckham, just saying. Oh - well, still, it’s something, and means others care about and look up to you.

Right? Way too loud, though I haven’t seen enough to really make a judgement on that. Reese Witherspoon is very pretty, and I suppose it makes sense to watch a movie because you are attracted to someone in it! I’m sure it makes the watch nicer, because you get to stare at somebody pretty.

[pm] I promise I value that trust. I’m glad I can give a sense of security. You deserve that. I wish things were much simpler than they are. I understand what you mean. 

If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I’m not sure I would believe it truthfully. I’m glad that offers some comfort. I don’t think, I know you are. […] I’m not certain If I was better it would be your mother here and not I appreciate that. I’m trying. 

I think it will be good. Help me wrap my mind about this a bit better. I’m not one to deny what’s in front of me, but you know the things we’ve learned about vampires our whole lives… given it was fairly limited as that was never meant to be our focus. I’m glad you’re making friends. Perhaps you could have this Orion over for dinner some night? 

Thai it is. Your usual? 

How was your first week of classes? 

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[pm] I know you do. You give me the biggest sense of security I think s possible for me right now. I wish things were simpler too. Like when I wrote in my journal when I was eight that I wanted to be you when I grew up. (Which is true, I wouldn’t ever lie to you).

I am glad. Your trying is super wonderful! I mean, in the best case scenario, my parents would be around with you, but you’re so super amazing, so I’m about as pleased with this situation as one could be. I don’t like any situation where you aren’t an important part of my life.

It was a bit limited, but yes. That makes sense. They are perhaps an exception to a rule, if such a thing is possible? It’s nice but weird to make friends. Oh, yes! I’d love that! Maybe we can make some classic dishes? I made some treats for him before and he seemed to like it, so I don’t think he’s super picky.

Yes please!

Oh, it was good! It’s been busy and I am still waffling around on what to do for a major, but all my professors are really nice. :)