Professor Dane Ward

Dane Benedict Ward was the oldest of the three Ward siblings. As with his younger brother and sister, the dark hair and blue eyes were a staple of the Ward family genes. All beautiful and friendly, Dane always made sure his brother and sister were safe. At the age of 16, he met Lydia. They dated for three years and then got engaged. Life was meant to be good, but behind closed doors, Dane was struggling with Lydia. She was manipulative and gas lighting him. Since Dane suffered from Diabetes, she would mock him when he had brain fog or feel unwell. Thankfully at that point, Dane was accepted into Browns university to study History of art and design. This caused a fracture in the relationship and with Dane being away, Lydia became possessive and volatile. Eventually, she drove to see him and humiliated herself thinking he was having an affair when really he was presenting a lecture to get him into the masters degree program. With the possible threat of losing his career because of her outburst, he ended it with her.

There weren’t many people that knew Finn was back in town yet, or that he was the voice they were hearing nightly on the local radio station and he preferred it that way. At least for now. He was working on hiding his accent so as to not give himself away but he knew that the residents were smart and would soon figure it out anyway. Not that he had anything to hide, it was just the fact that there were certain people, or rather a certain someone, that he didn’t want to see yet. He wasn’t in a place where he could handle that kind of reunion. 

Dane was one of the few who knew his story. They had bonded quickly over a mutual love of mythology and the paranormal and everything else had seemed to fall into place after that. He loved being able to share his nerdy side with someone who actually knew what he was talking about was refreshing. He had laughed when Dane told him he couldn’t figure out how his bbq grill worked and had offered to come over and get it set up so long as he could stay for dinner. He was all smiles as he showed up at his friends house, knocking on the door. “Of course. Someone has to keep you from burning this amazing house down.” Finn teased, stepping into his home. 

- Dane let out a laugh as he walked through his home to the courtyard garden. “ I did work hard doing up this place. When I bought it, it was an absolute mess and was falling down, so I got it cheap and renovated it. I took out some walls and added some beams across the roof and then built a hot tub area and  with the help of a few friends and family members I restored it.” He said  with a smile as he opened the door to the yard.

 “Its funny because I have a PhD  yet cant work a BBQ. How ridiculous is that? “ He chuckled and pointed to his new BBQ. “ I have no idea how to switch it in let alone cook on it.” Dane admitted. “ Want to take a look at it while I get us both a drink? What do you fancy? wine? beer? tea? coffee or some weird fruit juice my sister is trying to get me to drink to be healthy? I have steak, kebabs, burgers and sausages for the BBQ but we don't have to cook them all now.” Dane said as he lent against the door watching Finn with the BBQ. 

Text to Dane

Daniel: Hello, brother. Yeah, I’m free. I’ll come around after work!

Daniel: Well… what are you making? I just tell mom I’ll get married when you do and then she gets off my case *shrug emoji*

Text to Dan

Dane had bought a cat. It was his proudest moment of the year so far, which meant that although his career was flying, his social life was pretty non existent. He had no one but himself to blame as he was always tucked away in  his office, his classroom or the local library. But with the summer months coming it meant he had more free time and as much as he loved taking the summer off to chill and relax, it also meant that he realised how empty the house was. He had bought it with the intention with the house to be a home for him and a partner and a couple of kids. Instead it was him and a few plants. And now a cat called cher.  Now that he was a cat dad, he had to figure out what to feed cher. He walked along the pet store reading labels and looking thoroughly confused as the cat meowed with discontent in her carrier.  He eventually bought some food which was overpriced and headed outside and placed the carrier on the floor as he tucked his wallet away when he saw someone. “Hey, hows things?” He asked with a smile as the cat meowed a hello. 

Dane: Hey, You free later? I need help moving my oak bookshelf from the bedroom to  the office and its a two man job.  Dane: In return I will  make us a dinner and field calls from mom about why neither of us are married with kids yet lol

Dane had finally taken a weekend off and he was enjoying it. He had mowed the lawn and been to the gym and helped out at the pet shelter and was now the proud owner of a cat who had a resting bitch face. He had text Finn as he was in the mood to try out his new bbq and needed someone to be there to help him out. He was an academic, but bbq king? the jury was till out on that one.  Dancing around the house with a penicil behind his ear and the cat sitting on the window ledge looking at him with a mixture of confusion and amusement was now the norm and after a text to Finn a few hours back, he smiled  when he heard the door. Dane walked through the  palatial Spanish style house to the thick old wooden door. “ Hey,” He said with a bright smile as he saw Finn. “ Thanks for coming over. I have no idea how to use the bbq so today will be an adventure.”

“Oh, so do I. My entire motivation is usually food related,” Liv laughed. She definitely was a self proclaimed foodie and could always eat, especially lately. “He’s almost two and is getting to be such a big boy,” she said, looking at her son and running her hand through his blonde hair. “Yes, we are both fine I promise. Thank you for double checking, that’s very nice of you.” Glancing down at her rounded belly, she smiled. “Just about fourteen weeks. Twins though, that’s why I look further along than I actually am,” she explained. “Hold on, let me stop my other kid. Finn, come here honey!” Liv called out to the older child who came back to her side. “You were a guest speaker here? That’s fancy. What do you do?” Olivia asked him curiously. Then she saw the origami duck. “That’s adorable, that’s crazy that you just made that. I wish I could do more things like that but all I can do artistically is dance ballet and then I paint a little bit in my free time.” 

- “I can relate to the wholeheartedly. “ Dane chuckled and smiled at the little boy. “ Soon he will be running around all over the place.” He grinned and then gave a small head nod. “ Honestly, it was totally my fault. Sometimes I feel like there is not enough hours in the day and if my family knew I skipped lunch I would be in trouble.” He said showing off his medical bracelet. “ I’m diabetic.” He then smiled at her bump. “ Ahh the glowing trimester if I’m not mistaken. Are you having any cravings or is that just the first trimester where things are not that great?” He asked and watched as another child appeared. Dane made Finn another paper animal, but this was a rabbit and handed it to Finn “ Yes I was, I just spoke of Postmodern art.” He let out a small laugh. “ I don't think its that fancy. I spend most of my evenings hunched over a computer writing speeches and researching art.” He chuckled. “I’m currently writing a book on mythology. I teach art and mythology at the university” Dane stopped and sighed.” Sorry my manners are all over the place today, I’m Dane Ward.” He said with small nod of the head. “ You may of heard of my brother Dr Daniel Ward?” He then placed his hand to his tie and smiled warmly I loved the ballet when I was in New York. I used to watch it all the time.”

     eunji had no idea how she got to where she was. one minute she was just making friends with people in the art gallery out of boredom, the next she was an attendee in some sort of big, fancy event. it was speech-y- not exactly eunji’s pace.      when she finally got out of the art museum. she sighed. a large window across the street reflected back at her. she cringed at her outfit.      why am i trying so hard to look all art-sy in this?i don’t belong- i don’t even know what i’m doing here… i don’t even know what i’m doing in this town!!      a shove to her side made her gasp. she tripped, caught herself, and spun around. her face started reddening. she lifted her foot to stomp. then, taking a closer look at the stranger, as quickly as she angered, she softened.      “you look like clark kent with those glasses.” she mused, dreamily, as if she was seeing a real life superhero in front of her!      she popped up, her posture perfect, and her ponytail bounced. she stuck out a prim, proper hand to shake. “i’m jin eunji.”

- Dane’s eyebrow’s raised and he let out a surprised chuckle. “ If you think I look like Clark Kent, you should meet my brother, he really does look like Clark Kent, I’m more a Ken doll .” He said with a smile. “ Dane Ward.” He said with a nod as he shook her hand. “ I just did a speech on Post modernism here.” He explained. “ And I’m a professor or Art history... What do you do?” He asked  with genuine interest. “ Are you an art lover?”

…

Becky was in the middle of scrolling through her endless list of emails when she felt a pair of broad shoulders nearly take her out. Thankfully, her phone hadn’t fallen, but to say she was fuming would be an absolute understatement. “Watch your freakin’ step, Quasimodo.” she spewed almost immediately before realizing who she was speaking to. “Oh…” she chuckled a little nervously, pursing her lips. She knew her family wouldn’t be pleased with her speaking to someone so well respected by the in such a manner. “Sorry… I’m… fine.. yeah. You good?”

-  Dane smiled at her first comment “ Easy there..” He chuckled. “I’m fine. It was totally my fault so I am sorry for bumping into you.” He admitted ands then laughed. “ Also the first time I have ever been called Quasimodo before, my brother will probably find that funny.” he admitted with a smile. “ Are you ok though?” He asked with a genuine tone. “ I didn't hurt you did I ? I get so clumsy when I’m hungry,”

-

Estelle loved art. It wasn’t something she often talked about or expressed because it was in fact something she enjoyed to take in alone. She wasn’t sure why, it had been a habit she adopted in college and one that she never wanted to stop. However, on this particular day she found herself getting caught up in some otherwise unpleasant memories. By the time she’d walked out the door, she thought she even saw her friends face across the street, causing her to halt mid exit. “Oh my gosh, yes–I’m fine. I’m so sorry, I’m just. A bit of a mess right now. You’re um–Professor Ward right?”

- Dane smiled. He was also a bit of a mess too. “ Totally my fault I wasn't looking where I was going, too concerned with trying to get a bite to eat as I haven't eaten all day. Memo to me, must pack a lunch when I have a long day.” He chuckled. “ Yep that's me,  Are you in my classes?” he asked trying to recall if he had seen the young woman before.” You sure you are ok? I’m so clumsy when I’m hungry.”

Olivia loved art, and it was one of her hobbies. She had always been the artistic type, seeing as her mother was a Broadway star and she was a ballerina herself. Painting was something she did on the side that few people knew about. While her oldest son was at school, Liv headed to the art museum with her middle and youngest son. Her middle son Finn loved art and loved to draw, so she figured the art museum was something fun for them to do. She was pregnant again, so she wanted to make sure she spent quality time with each of her children before the twins arrived in the fall. Letting her five-year-old run ahead, Liv followed him with her almost two year old on her hip. “No worries, you’re fine! I do the same thing all the time,” Liv said when someone apologized for bumping into her. “No harm done, I’m completely okay I promise.” 

-

Dane smiled apologetically, “ I get so clumsy when I am hungry.” He admitted with a small chuckle. He smiled down at the small child on her hip. “Awww how old is this little one?” Dane loved children. it was a shame he had none of his own as he would make a good father, but he never found the right person to settle with. “ Are you sure you are both ok?” He asked with a worried frown and noticed her bump. “ How far along are you?” He asked softly. “ Honestly I am terribly sorry, I have worked all day with no food and then I had to do a guest speaking event here and now I’m a little lightheaded due to the lack of lunch.” He admitted with a small chuckle. He grabbed a piece of paper nearby and folded it into a origami duck for the small child. “ Here.. it’s not much but its an apology for being a clumsy old man.” He chuckled. 

Finn was not an art expert nor could he name more than five famous artists but he could appreciate beauty in its simplest, and more complicated, form. So why would someone like him want to spend time at an art museum? For the ambiance and the quiet. If it got him away from the hustle and bustle of the renovations happening at the diner, he would take it. Plus, he was looking for a piece to add to his accent wall at his house, the final chapter to his story. With this piece, he would be officially moved in and could focus more on the diner. He was checking his phone, shaking his head at the incompentence of his contractors when he collided with someone, his phone slipping from his hand and landing in several pieces on the sidewalk. “Yeah I’m fine. I can’t say the same about my phone though.” Finn said, wincing as he grabbed as many pieces as he could. 

-  Dane quickly helped to pick up the pieces of the now broken phone. “ I am so so sorry. I didn't see you there.  I was desperate to get out to the garden and get some food, I haven't eaten all day then I had to guest speak at a art thing here.” He admitted and stared at the phone. " Is it completely wrecked?” He asked feeling really guilty. “ I feel awful. I can get you a new one if you’d like.” He suggested. “At least let me take you for a bite to eat as an apology for destroying your phone. Maybe grab you a new phone on the way?” He suggested. “ Or I could just stop talking because I have done enough damage.” He murmured as he looked up at him holding the broken parts of the phone. 

Where :  Outside the Art Museum.

Dane had just finished being a speaker at the art museum and although he had enjoyed speaking on post modernism, he now needed to just take some time off and grab a bite to eat and something to drink.  He finished chatting to the people who had come to the event and then excused himself and left to head out to the garden French restaurant. As he walked out the door he bumped into someone and turned round to apologise and smiled. “ Sorry I didn't see you there, probably best I put my glasses on.” He said and pulled out his glasses from his chest pocket of his suit and slid them on. “ You ok?”

Daniel had spent the day handling the clinic and patients on his own. It took him the last few years convincing his father to only work Mondays and Fridays, their busiest days. Once Daniel had finished charting on his last patient, he was the last one in the clinic. Per usual, he allowed the nurses and receptionist to leave once the last patient left the building. Normally, Daniel stayed to finish his charts. Daniel grinned at his brother as he walked around switching the lights off in the building. “Big bro, it’s like you read my mind. Work was steady, had a few new patients which take a bit longer to chart y’know..” He muttered, thinking how much he was craving some caffeine and food after his long day. Daniel turned to lock the door of the office once they stepped outside and fell in step beside his brother. When Dane said his crazy ex’s name, Daniel looked at him with a confused expression. “I thought you had her blocked? What the hell. Well, just block her, man. She has caused enough drama for you.”

-

Dane tilted his head, “ Need any help?  I could contact the university and see if  I can get some medical students to come and help out and do the admin.” He walked along and sighed. “ I know, you are right, but I feel like if I block her She might just show up in person one day and at least this way I am prepared.” He admitted and put his hands in his pockets. “ Anyway, what should we get De? I  was thinking of giving her something like a spa day.”