You're just a mutt

//

Getting large and tasty cookies from a bakery was completely normal, as was the festival. Basil was having difficulty wrapping his mind around such innocuous things going on in a place which was also raising so many questions. The man and his child were giving no impression that anything was out of place. They seemed just the sort of nice people one would expect to find in a town like this. “Ah, I might have to sample one, then. Though I’m not sure I’d be able to put it away as eagerly as him!”

A museum was an excellent place to start, and if he was the tour guide, that would make it even easier. Being close to the town hall should make it easy enough to find, Basil decided. “Oh, thank you, I’m so glad to hear that. Even knowing there is a museum in the first place is excellent. I’ve heard so little about the town’s history I was beginning to wonder whether it simply appeared overnight!” Utter nonsense, of course, and he was determined to prove it. “No no, nothing pressing. I don’t want to keep you and your son from the fun of the festival. But I would love to drop by tomorrow for a tour.”

--

“I don’t think anyone can,” Paulo replied with a chuckle, looking down at his son fondly. Tonight was going to be a wild ride with the sugar rush that PJ was undoubtedly going to get, but Paulo was just happy that he’d be spending time with the toddler at all. Founder’s Week was one of the busiest times of the year for him and while he loved it, it was always hard to be away for too long.

Having people who were interested made that all a little bit easier though. With the promise of a tour tomorrow, he brightened. “Well, you’ll be interested to know that we have some legends in this town that claim just that!” He relayed eagerly, though didn’t elaborate, as he would leave it a scintillating tale for the next day. “You can call ahead or schedule online for a tour if you want but honestly, walk-ins are totally fine too. Either way, excited to see you tomorrow! Come with your questions ready and I’ll do everything in my power to answer them.” With that, he glanced down at his son, who was finishing his cookie and starting to become fussy for the next thing. “Well, I should probably take care of this one and leave you some time to explore the festival. See you tomorrow?”

-

The last time she’d seen Redwood Hollow, it was as she was looking out the back window when she was leaving town to embark on the next chapter of her life as a scouted model. Years passed, and it was time for her to return home. She’d missed her family and longed for her home town. It was a strategic move too. She would get to come home and also get to take the time to study for her degree. When she had returned to town, Paulo had reached out to her. Once old friends from school, Penelope was keen to catch up with him and also help him in any way she could. 

Her class had run later than expected, which caused her to be dashing frantically up the stairs to meet Paulo in front of the museum. “Hi! Hihihi!” she called out, waving her hands excitedly. “I’m a little rusty with the place since it’s changed so much around here, but I’d never forget the museum.”

--

He had to admit, he was a little nervous when she didn’t show up on time. Even though there were plenty of valid reasons, Paulo’s mind always seemed to go to the worst automatically. For a moment, he considered texting her, just to confirm that he got the right time and date. But luckily, before he could go down an anxiety spiral, he saw Penelope coming down the way. Just like he’d predicted (and ignored), she was totally fine and nothing was wrong. He gave a small sigh of relief, smile on his face as she approached. “Well of course, you can’t forget the museum. It was only the field trip we went on like five different years of school,” he chuckled. It was funny, if he had told his younger self that he would be someday working at this place, he’d probably laugh. Young Paulo was all sports all the time—no room for a lame career like tour guiding.

 He motioned her inside. “Has Redwood Hollow really changed that much? I guess I haven’t noticed,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair thoughtfully.

Task 8: Alternate Universe ⇒ Dungeons and Dragons

helen parr. chef. chauffeur. maid. mum. all the roles intertwined when it came to having three kids. thankfully, with the kids a little older now, she had some more free time to herself and with that she was determined to finish her studies. she was only supposed to take a year or two out with violet being born and net thing she knew, another two kids came and all three of them grew up before her very eyes. there also was the knowledge that bob despised his job, and she wanted to remove that some of that burden from him. he’d spent long enough hating his job, it was time for her to step up and let him settle in a job he actually liked. with the decision made, helen found herself at the library roaming the rows of books to pull out what ones she needed. satisfied with the pile, she checked them out and made her way to the front door when a book fell from the pile she was carrying. with her arms full, she let out a sigh in annoyance

“great”

@happieststarters​

--

Lately, Paulo didn’t have time for books. Becoming a parent had sucked away much of his free time, which he usually spent exercising or sleeping. He didn’t regret it by any means, but it was kind of sad that he had to let some of his hobbies fall to the wayside. Luckily, this was for work. He’d been sent out by the museum to gather as many design books as he could, so that they could start building new exhibits to replace the stolen old ones. He’d dropped PJ off in the kids section, where a librarian was reading to the kids. He knew he’d only have a set window of time before his toddler got fussy and was ready to go home.

As he waited to check out his books, a woman passing by dropped one of her books. He perked up, eager to help. “Oh! Allow me,” he said, shoving his own pile of books under one arm while bending down to pick up the one that had gotten away. As he went to hand it back to her, his smile wavered, looking over the precarious pile of books. “Do you need help taking these out to your car?” He offered.

//

Having just picked the nearest person to ask, Basil was quite pleased to hear that he was someone who not only had lived in the town his whole life, but also studied the history. It seemed he could not have picked a better person to speak with. “Indeed? How interesting! I am glad I have come at this time, then.” Nodding towards the child in the stroller, he said, “I take it the cookies are tasty? They’re certainly very large!”

There was much that he wanted to know, but to come right at his companion with a string of questions was hardly polite nor was it good detective work. Yet there was one thing Basil wanted to inquire at least. “If you study the history of the town, then there must in fact be history to study. I have not been here long, but so far I have heard decidedly little of the town’s history. So I suppose my biggest question is where might I learn more about that? Other than taking up too much of your precious time, of course.”

--

Paulo was glad to see that this person at least showed interest in what he had to say. Many people around this time took tours of the museum simply because it was something to do, rather than actually wanting to learn or see anything. It made it easier to put on this bright smile despite his exhaustion. His eyes followed the man's down to his son, which made him laugh. "They are indeed. Made by our local bakery! Usually I don't like him having that much sugar but...Founder's Week is a holiday to be celebrated!"

The question had him absolutely brightening and laughing more. "Well, it's funny you should ask. That would be our museum, located right by Town Hall! I happen to be the tour guide there, and we happen to be giving specialty tours for Founder's Week! Today's my day off but I'll be right back there tomorrow to answer any questions you may have. Unless there's something I can help you with now?"

When’s the last time you felt like you were floating? 

"Oh man well I had this really intense workout this weekend, like I pushed my limits in a way I haven’t for a long time. It was absolutely exhausting but really exhilarating at the same time!”

What’s a smell that reminds you of home?

"Cinnamon! My Mom uses it in a lot of her cooking, especially her desserts which are sooooo good!”

What is something (or someone) you’re in love with? 

There’s an offbeat pause before he answers, “Well of course I love my son! My family, my friends, my dog. There’s a ton of people I love!” And one man he’s still in love with, despite everything.

Describe the memory of the last time you felt true happiness. 

"Probably this morning! Lately, PJ’s been having a really hard time getting up and ready for the day, it can be a struggle. But today, he was very excited because we were going on a playdate in the park with his friends. He was so still and polite while I got his clothes on and brushed his teeth, he even said “thank you Papa”!! It was so cute!!”

Talk about one of your most cherished childhood memories.

"Well there’s so many but one in particular that stuck with me--every year, my family would have a staycation, just because my parents jobs didn’t really allow us to take a ton of time off. Either way, normally, we would set up a tent in the backyard and have a camping thing, but this particular year it was pouring. Me and my brothers were so bummed, because it didn’t feel like much of a vacation at all staying at home inside. So, my parents rallied us to build the biggest furniture fort ever. It had multiple “rooms” and we fit the TV in to watch all our favorite movies. We played games and stayed up late until we passed out. I remember waking up the next morning to everyone still sleeping in the fort and it was just...one of the best vacations I’ve ever had. I’m really hoping to build memories like that with PJ.”

Do you believe dreams have meanings or are they completely random?

"I think they definitely have meaning! I don’t know what the meaning is always, but still.”

What is something you own that is important to you? What makes it so important?

"My toolbox. It was given to me by my Dad the first time I was going to live on my own, which was also around the time I was transitioning. It’s not like I never built or fixed things with him before that, but...I don’t know, it was just really affirming. I’ve kept it this entire time and it’s been an absolute lifesaver!”

What is your favorite color? 

"Yellow!”

Do you feel more connected to the moon or the sun?

"Oh the sun, for sure. I love sunny weather and being warm, and also being bright and cheerful!”

Name a movie that makes you genuinely laugh.

"Ponchao. It’s my Dad’s favorite movie and he’s like, a really quiet guy, so when he laughs, it makes me laugh a ton.”

Do you believe in guardian angels?

"Absolutely! I don’t know how I would’ve gotten this far without them.”

What’s your zodiac sign? Do you think you fit the general characteristics of that sign?

"Oh my niece recently did a reading of my “star chart”? Like, from my understanding, there’s a lot of different zodiac signs a person can be depending on how the stars were aligned when you were born. I don’t remember all of mine...but the main sign is Libra. According to my niece, that’s what makes me so “compassionate, friendly, and chill”. So I’d say yes!”

Do you usually remember your dreams?

"Sometimes? A lot of the times, I don’t remember the whole dream, just certain details stick with me.”

Name a book you don’t mind reading over and over.

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? And considering PJ makes me read it to him several times a day, I have no choice but to not mind.”

What do you do to feel at peace?

ABOUT PAULO 🐕

-

“Don’t say that too loud, you’ll start a parent war in here and Phil will have a heart attack” he chuckled, shaking his head. PJ was a really cute kid, and he had an amazing nature. He’s comfortably outrank other kids with ease, except Dandelion. Like Paulo with PJ, Henrik was biased to his niece. “You got it. I promise I won’t wipe your kid out in the ring”

If Henrik was wondering if Paulo overheard him talking to his uncle, he was certain that he had now. “Aren’t things like relationships always complicated? It feels like that” And boy was his complicated. Valentines was a holiday Henrik never usually bothered with, it was why he always picked the shift up at the bar to allow other people to have it off. “College people know how to drink, but Valentines people? That’s a whole other level. It’s impressive how fucked up Valentines people can get.” He’s kicked out so many people over the years for getting too drunk on Valentines Day. “A quiet night in sound like a good one. I’m sure PJ is thrilled to have you around and Phil equally thrilled that you’d be back in here working the candy off”

--

Paulo couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Oh man, well I definitely don’t want to get on Phil’s bad side,” he agreed. There were very few people who Paulo could say he was afraid of, but Phil was one of them. If only because he held the keys to the gym which he so heavily relied on for his physical and mental health. “But thanks. Glad to know he’s got people looking out for him.

“Is that so?” Paulo chuckled. Even on his worst romance days, he never had coped with drinking. Drinking was always associated with fun for him, and he couldn’t understand those who drowned their sorrows in the stuff. Didn’t that just make them feel worse? Or maybe they were drinking because they were trying to get a Valentine’s. In that case, that was probably a more harrowing scenario. “Well, I don’t envy them.”

Paulo nodded in agreement, smiling to himself. As the conversation died down however, so did his smile. The guilt was gnawing away at him. Finally, he confessed, “Alright, I’m sorry. I was on the treadmill and I overheard you talking to your Uncle about Terence. I didn’t mean to, but my headphones died.” He shook his head. “I’m not going to pry you about it, but if you need someone else to soundboard off of, I’m here. I also had someone confess to me recently, so...we’re kind of in the same boat.”

~

Jim bashfully tilted his head with a smile. He had to admit that he did quite like his outfit…when he wore it in a different context. Far from people who had gone to school with him and remembered him as the cool, bad boy. Which, truly he was still living up to now.

“I’m just lucky that I already had it,” Jim shook his head, “There’s no way I could afford any of the outfits here, probably couldn’t even afford to rent them. Plus I’ve always preferred pirates to princes….now pirate princes…That could be another story, you know there was a pirate who gave up nobility to be one–”

Jim laughed.

“But I’m rambling, and you’re selling yourself short. You look great!”

--

Jim and Paulo were acquainted, having met each other at the park plenty of times where their kids played. Through PJ, Paulo had managed to meet a lot of other parents and it expanded his social network in a big way. “Oh you did? Was it like, a Halloween costume or something?” Paulo asked, curious. It was almost painful how genuine he was in what others might see as a nerdy or ridiculous context. There was very little that wouldn’t make him light up like an excited school boy.

“Ah thanks,” he replied sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck. The wealth disparity of Redwood Hollow had been ingrained in him from as early as he could remember, whether it be his extremely affluent founding family friends to these yearly town events. He never got to look as nice as everyone else, clothes wise, so he had to up his game by sculpting his body and manicuring his face to perfection. At least it seemed to be paying off. “I wish I could’ve been a little more on theme, but it is what it is.”

Not wanting to focus on it too long, he quickly changed the subject. “But hey wait, go back to pirate prince! I wanna hear that story! Is it from a book you read?”

“I’m going to look stupid.” Jim had told Morgan. Morgan had reminded him that if anyone was into make-believe in this town it was Jim.

Jim was lucky he had a friend like Morgan to talk him up into getting dressed up for the Hootenanny. They had helped him get everything from his hair down to some make up, and outfit in place, and Jim could not deny that Morgan was the master at what they did.

It also helped that with this year’s theme, Jim could repurpose the outfit he had been perfecting for renaissance faires for years, even if he had to drop some of the elements he rather liked for the sake of the event and formality.

The problem was Ren faire was in front of strangers or friends he had made there over the years, or who went with him. It was not being dressed up in front of the entire town.

Well, at least he knew he was handsome enough to make it work, even if people ended up thinking it was silly. Still, curiosity was getting the best of him.

“Ok so, looking at everyone else, do I look ok? Be honest. Do I need to turn around and go home or what?” Jim blurted out the question.

@happieststarters​

Paulo was taking a break from dancing, nursing a glass of water near the entrance as he watched everyone party away. He was having a fantastic time, but he really was starting to feel his age. A younger Paulo would never need something as silly as a break. But here he was, catching his breath.

It took him a moment to realize that he was the one being spoken to by a gentleman standing next to him. He blinked, letting the question sink in before blurting out, “What? No way dude, you look totally awesome!” He beamed, looking him up and down. “You went, like, all out for the theme! That’s so cool! Better than being generic, anyway,” he laughed, gesturing down to his boring vest and dress shirt combination. There was no fault, let alone any bitterness, to his costume choice. Many in Redwood had the means and time to create (or buy) something that both fit the theme and was elegant. Paulo was not one of those people.

“I think it’s super rad that you went in a different direction than everyone else. Most of the guys here are princes trying to woo hearts, but you’re here as a pirate. You’re gonna steal them,” he said with a grin.

Minnie LOVED events like the Hootenanny. The drama of it all, the elegant fashion of this year, it was all so romantic. She was riding the high of Into the Woods having gone so well, and now she knew she would get to thrive in her element. As long as she remembered everything her parents had taught her to do….and maybe learned some things from her more recent interactions.

So! Now came her true test of socializing. Making sure to spend at least a little bit of time with everyone.

“I love this song!” Minnie said out loud, “We should dance, it’ll be fun! I mean totally only if you really want-”

@happieststarters​

Paulo was so excited to finally have some time for himself. Not that he didn’t love PJ with all his heart and soul, but having a child certainly changed the way that he was able to enjoy the Hootenanny. In his younger years he would get happily buzzed and spend the night tearing up the dance floor with anyone and everyone that would have him. The last two years with a baby, however, had mostly been him sticking to the sides and having people tell him how cute his baby was. Which is TRUE and they SHOULD say it! But Paulo yearned to cut loose--he so rarely had the opportunity, let alone the energy, as a single parent.

So when his own parents offered to watch PJ for the event, he couldn’t say no. Now, entering Town Square on his own, he was aching to attack the dance floor. He only wished he had a partner to-- when Minnie, one of his best friends, appeared next to him, he totally beamed. “Of course I really want!!” With that, he hooked their arms together and dragged her out on the dance floor.

At least he’d grown enough that he no longer needed alcohol to act like a total fool as he began to dance. Spinning Minnie around, he yelled over the music. “How are you, I feel like it’s been ages!”

Hollow Hootenanny 2022

-

tate was on foster brother duties for the day and that resulted in him taking the kids to go to the museum to pass the time before the ‘into the woods’ show later on in the evening. he wasn’t the most cultured of guys, a trip to the museum might do him some good as well. there was no harm in brushing up on knowledge.

the museum seemed pretty empty. were they supposed to be this empty? the kids laughing and playing around echoed through the halls of history. tate stood with the handful of foster kids that came on the trip, listening to paulo give his introduction. the kids gave a hello of their own after tate prompted them to say hi and be polite.

with the question given by paulo, the kids all yelled out the parts they were excited for, which basically amounted to the whole museum. “i don’t know if you caught any of that.”

--

For this tour group, it didn’t seem to be anyone else but this man and his gaggle of children. A school teacher, perhaps? Though it was after school hours. Regardless, it did take a bit of the weight off his shoulders a bit. Nosey adults asking questions about break-ins were what he was nervous about. Kids, he knew how to handle. His muscles relaxed slightly at the onslaught of simultaneous answers, which brought a big smile on his face.

“Oh I did. Trust me, I speak kid,” Paulo responded with a grin. “Alright, well let’s get to it then!” He waved them along, the kids excitement energizing his own. He had a pre-calculated route for the tour that was more kid-friendly, sending them into the art room with various depictions of the towns myths and legends. Falling stars, apple trees, witches, and magic were reoccurring themes throughout all of them. As they entered, he gave them a moment to run around to their hearts content, looking at everything and shouting about all the different pieces.

“So!” He started, loud enough to draw their attention and hopefully bring them back. “I’m sure all of you have heard bedtime stories about this town, haven’t you? Which is your favorite?” He asked, looking at each of the kids before landing on the adult in the room. If they didn’t have a response, he at least hoped this guy would play along with him.

.

Moving to a new place and knowing virtually no one wasn’t something Abby was terrified of, but it did make it hard to navigate. Luckily, she wasn’t shy about asking for directions, or trying new things. Redwood Hollow seemed like a lovely little town, and what better way to get to know its history than attend the museum?

Stuck in the back of the tour group, Abby wiggled her way through a few people when she saw gaps in the crowd, making her way to the front. There was no better place to be, if you wanted to get the most out of a tour, and she could use all the information she could get. Their tour guide seemed nervous, almost like he was winging this introduction, though she didn’t mind all that much. As long as he knew what he was talking about, it should be fine.

When he asked what they were most excited for, not many people stepped forward to answer. Being bold as she was, Abby raised her hand. “I would have to say getting to know the town’s history. I’ve just moved here, so I’d like to know a bit about where I’m staying.”

--

Paulo’s nervousness about the tour only worsened as his question garnered little response from his tour group, who did not seem all that excited. He wondered for a moment how many of them were here to just gawk at the empty spot where the book used to be or were only here because they had nothing better to do. With nothing to work on, he was about to awkwardly segue into the first part of the tour when a girl finally pushed through and spoke up--even politely raising her hand!

In that moment, his smile became a bit more genuine and he began to relax. “Well that’s great! First of all, welcome to Redwood Hollow, we are always so happy to welcome newcomers. You’ve come at just the right time--Founder’s Week is the time where this town really gets to shine and show off its local delicacies and traditions. I suggest everyone go to Main Street after this and explore the many booths that are set up! We have amazing local businesses here to fill in anything you want.”

With that, he began to lead the tour. They made their way into the first new exhibit of the museum--the early history. The room itself wasn’t large and what it held wasn’t impressive--pictures of various areas around town that hardly looked more than wilderness, a couple old bones and pottery shards--but what really drew the eye was a display in the middle, with a rock on display on a pedestal. There was a paper trail hanging above it to look like a falling star, surrounded by other paper of other falling stars.

“So, many locals will know the legends of the town’s founding. That one night, the stars began to blink out and fall out of the sky. They landed here, drawing in the first people who would turn this land into the town it is today. Now, how much truth do you think there are to these stories?”

Still, this was supposed to be the museum’s big comeback. They’d opened a few new exhibits, as well as offered exclusive and private tours of the archives for those who called ahead. Security was upped, a social media campaign was launched, and the entire place had a renovation and cleaning to make it all look brand new. Despite all this, though, Paulo couldn’t quite quell his nerves.

“Hello and welcome to the Redwood Hollow Museum...!” He started as the first tour group made their way in, putting on his best winning smile. “My name is Paulo Martinez and I will be your tour guide today.” There was a moment of silence and he really wished that he had PJ here this time around. Unfortunately, he was too old to be carried around on his chest anymore, not to mention he was supposed to be on his most professional behavior. No shadowing babies this time around.

“Uhm, before we begin--which part of the tour are you the most excited for...?”

She didn’t particularly see herself ever finding that kind of love. You see, Belle thrived on her own, it was all she’d ever known. Her entire life it had been her and her father which was all she needed. To ever find anyone else to fit into that perfect picture of her life just felt wrong. How  could she find a place for anyone else? Instead of getting too deep into her own head Belle moved her attention to the man who had been so kind as to indulge in her musings. “I hope so, but we are only observers I suppose. So much is able to be left to our own imaginations.” 

“I am , well, in my free time which is few and far between these days.” Belle loved her work but she did long for her own time to write as well. “Mostly poetry but I have a soft spot for fantasy, I just can’t write it as well as  I wish I could. So I usually stick to reading it instead.” 

--

Paulo nodded along as she continued to speak, his eyes still linge ring on the couple. In some ways, he didn’t need his imagination. He thought he had that love, once upon a time. But he must have been mistaken. Although Paulo had a supportive family, a wonderful son, and an amazing group of friends, he couldn’t help but feel a hole in his chest where a romantic relationship might be. Maybe he was asking too much of the world. He should just be grateful for what he has.

With those thoughts in mind, he smiled at her. “Have you been to the Redwood Museum yet? We have a great collection of art and writing from the residents of this town, dating all the way back to the early 18th century! We also schedule private sessions where people can go through our archives and read from journals and other saved materials that aren’t on display,” he explained enthusiastically, always ready to plug his place of work at the drop of a hat.