Water Eyes

❝ Look to the future; that’s where our change lies.  ❞ 🖙 Rowan Y. Hosseini

background | relationships | wanted connections | plots | interaction breakdown  | 

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WHERE: winter island / waikiki beach 

WITH: @rhosseini​​

There were many reasons Dilan had come to admire the friendship she and Rowan developed over time, namely how she held a level of understanding that many in her life, siblings aside of course, didn’t. Another, was how she readily indulged whatever whim of an idea popped into the architects head, without question. Such as the one that now had them slipping cautiously – or about as much as someone could while already slightly tipsy – onto the beach, deciding to take their night of drinking for a small excursion. Normally being on the shore after hours and no lifeguard present was frowned upon, for good reason that under normal care of judgement she would adhere to, yet did little to deter them. ❝ Pretty positive the coast is completely clear for us. ❞ Stating with a triumphant cadence, while her gaze peered around at the lack of security by this particular secluded portion, plopping down on the cooled sand, a dimpled grin cast over to the other again. ❝ It’s not just me when I say – there’s something more appealing about being here late at night rather than during the day, right ? ❞

\\

Before Rowan could make any rational judgment, she and Dilan were already sneaking onto the beach way after hours, no lifeguard present, and not to mention the pair being in a fuzzier state of mind. Honestly, even slightly tipsy, she could hear her family scrutinizing her for making a bad judgment call. However, both Dilan and Rowan are adults and deserve some down, fun times. Both women work their asses off that, at this point, they deserve the fun that most would find rather idiotic. If nothing else, it is a damn good thing that Rowan is a strong swimmer. Though for the moment, the chill sandy beach welcomed their presence. Laughing at Dilan’s comment, Rowan instantly looked around them. “Shhh, you’re gonna jinx us.” Though the moment later, she followed suit with someone who she considers to be close. Words could never justify Rowan’s gratitude for Dilan, and honestly, she still ponders why the other often puts up with her. Leaning back on one of her palms, she glanced up at the sky before holding her index finger towards the other. “Definitely not. Especially with the full moon. Swimming under the full moon as well.” Rowan sighed dramatically. “It’s my paradise. There is just something so mysteriously beautiful about swimming at night.” Scrunching her nose, she looked over to her friend. “Did that sound as weird to you as it did to me?”

.

Secluded and safe sounded vaguely mysterious and Ryan’s interest was piqued at the suggestion. If there was trouble to be found, she wanted to be the one to find it. “Deal. I’ll go swim at the secret spot with you. How about next week?” Ryan threw a suggestion out about scheduling, though she and Rowan both knew that it wouldn’t matter. If plans were made too far in advance, Ryan would never show up to them. She was the person you had to grab the morning of and just drag her along before she found her own activities to keep her busy. “When is it going to get cold again? I hate the cold.” Ryan’s lips curled to a snarl at the mere thought of having to go through another winter.

Ryan’s eyes blinked for a moment at Rowan’s question, not fully understanding it. “What do you mean what kind of boat? A bigger one, like I said.” Ryan knew nothing about boats or types of boats or what she wanted in a boat, just that the bigger they were the more impressive they were. “I didn’t know you were interested in hanging out on the boat.” Ryan had never been great at inviting people over to her place to hang out. She had a gorgeous home on the water with the boat and everything she could need to entertain, but she absolutely never did. “Perfect. We can get a case or two of something good. There’s an ice chest on the boat for beer, so we’ll be set.” It didn’t take more than a few split seconds for Ryan to tip back her glass and down the rest of her drink, setting it back down with a loud clatter on the table. 

\\ 

Sucking in a smooth breath, Rowan looked away in thought. “Sure, I can maneuver some things around. Though it’ll probably have to be a Thursday or Friday, if not the weekend.” The benefit of doing school online, you can easily manipulate which classes to do, when you can do them, and so forth. Downfall, some assignments were locked until the professor said otherwise, and needless to say, it drove Rowan’s overachiever brain insane. Shrugging, she let out a breath. “I have no damn clue anymore. When you try to predict what the weather may be like, Mother Nature slaps you across the face with the exact opposite.” She said with slight irritation in her tone. “I keep forgetting I’m apparently the insane one for loving the winter and colder fall years.” She said, laughing more at herself than anything. 

Her eyes narrowed on the other before slumping just a little. “There are different kinds of boats, at least 20 of them. There are walkarounds, trawlers,  deck boats, cuddy cabins, sailboats.” She could go on. After all, her career would be on more than one boat, though the only reason she knew about boats is from mostly her father. “You could get a bigger boat and update the kind of boat you’re getting while you’re at it.” She simply said as she shrugged. “Though the choice will be yours to make.” Taking a longer sip of her drink, still keeping her ear on her friend. “Suppose you’re right on that one.” She answered, leaning her arms back on the table. “I’ve spent a good portion of my life on my father’s boat. Or rather his work’s boat.”  

“And snacks. I’m getting slightly hungry.” She said, eventually finishing off her drink. “I’ll pay and meet you outside?” She offered.

“I am actually! Kind of! I get to lea…ve early to… watch the meteor shower.” She explained, as excited as she was when she was talking about music. It wasn’t exactly an album, just three songs they’d released but the album was coming and she couldn’t wait. “Giants video isn’t out yet, but Can You Handle My Love is out! It’s got a lot of eggs in it. Nick in a pool, and some fun outfits. An all around good time.” As the song ended, the one Eva had just mentioned started. “You just….” She started to say, but it was broken up by another long pause of trying to get words out and her mouth and brain were on two different agendas. “You just… have to see it.”

\\

Rowan’s seen some music videos with different musicians that had nothing to do with the actual song and have since turned off music videos for her. The majority of them are sometimes overdone anyhow; she really enjoys the more simple ones of the artist sitting/standing and singing their hearts out. In so many ways, it made her appreciate the song more. However, that is just Rowan’s opinion, and opinions are much like assholes - everyone has one. Laughing lightly, she nodded her head. “I will take your word for it being an awesome video.” That was all that she did say on the matter. “I just hope the day goes by faster for you so you can enjoy the day more.”

.

Looking towards where Rowan indicated the incoming presence of the waitress, Ryan’s expression immediately changed to a pleased one. Of course the waitress was coming. Ryan was used to getting what she wanted and she’d very much wanted the drinks. “Brilliant. I really just need to start talking a little louder, make sure they hear me the first time,” Ryan mused, genuinely sure that somehow she had been the one to bring the drinks to the table with her own willpower. Pulling the beer over, Ryan started to sip at it, snorting at Rowan’s suggestion “I’d look fucking great in a tail, but I don’t think you’ll ever catch me in one. I’ll go swimming, though. That’s fine.” 

Ryan’s life kind of was paradise. She got to spend most of the year and most of her time doing whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. As long as she showed up for her public appearances and did her job with her fights, she was set. “I don’t know. It would just be bigger. I’d look good at the helm of a bigger boat, Rowan, that’s just how it works.” Ryan waved a hand in the air with an air of elitism about her. “But, fuck it. What are we doing sitting around here, then? If you want to go out on that boat, let’s go out on that boat. We can buy drinks on the way and just bring a case with us.”

\\

Rowan could only laugh at her friend’s remark about speaking louder. At this point in her life, she was used to both her family and friends being loud - it was just in the DNA of the people Rowan apparently surrounded herself with. Though as she huffed another laugh at the latter comment, Ryan made, her brows raised as she took a longer sip of her drink. “I know of a spot that’s pretty secluded and safe - so, whenever you want, we can go there and take a swim before it gets too cold out.” She said, leaning back on her arms against the table. 

Putting her hands up in defense, she left out a huffing breathe. “Alright - what kind of boat would you want to get?” She asked, generally curious of the kind of bigger boats the other would be interested in getting. “Well, you didn’t mention just hanging out on your boat when I asked if you wanted to hang out. So, I didn’t push.” She stated. “But okay, let’s at least finish these drinks, and then we can head to the store before going on your boat?”

-

“Yes, her husband was the one to break her out of the cell where she was,” Elaine said. “Some say that he gave money to the guards, others say that he used one of her spells to do it, but no matter what, they managed to scape jus before the sentence was carried out. They changed their names and traveled all the way to New York where they managed to go unnoticed,” she explained. “Sybelle worked as a seamstress and her husband as a butcher. They had three children and when the witch hysteria died down, they moved back to Salem.” Elaine smiled at her. “It would be no trouble, really, and how many can say that they had read the journals of a witch?” 

Then she nodded. “Perfect! I’ll tell my aunt, I’m sure she will be happy to meet you and see the jewelry!” 

\\  

Rowan continued to listen to the astonishing story of the other’s ancestors. She couldn’t hide her interest nor her enthusiasm, and why would she? The last thing she wanted to seem was uninterested in the story because that would be far from the truth. “Wow, I couldn’t even imagine the terror they both went through after their escape. Though with someone who is only trying to help others, I’m glad she and her husband escaped.” Rowan said sincerely. Her smile widened at the mention of getting the chance to read a real witch’s journal. Oh, she could see the look on her mother and godmother’s faces. “I mean, when you put it like that, yeah, it’ll be incredible.” Laughing lightly, she nodded. “I probably should just plan to spend a good chunk of my day here tomorrow.” She only half-joked at that response. 

“Thank you again for your help. I look forward to seeing you and your Aunt tomorrow.”

It was easy for Aless to steer the conversation into a realm where he could get the other person to speak about themselves at length. It was trick he had learned in the art of deflection, to get any of the heat away from himself whether it was just not being ready to speak on a topic or perhaps he had just felt particularly elusive that day and did not have much to share. With Rowan’s current gig, he figured there would be so much that she could share, but it came to the point where he found he had found the one person in town who didn’t like to gush about themselves, which put him in an unknown territory, especially as she had turned the conversation back to him. 

Luckily, he had easy and casual responses, nothing too in depth. “Me?” He questioned as he raised an eyebrow. “Depends on the day, but I do freelance photography whenever I’m booked or have a free moment, and my day job is tattoos.” Anything that revolved around art set his heart aflame, and these days he had been busy enough to keep his head on target to learning new techniques. “Do you have any tattoos?” He questioned, before he took another sip of his drink. As the conversation steered back to Rowan, he found himself immersed in her mention of traveling and then of course the topic of his full name.

 “Let’s see how many drinks it takes me to feel loose enough to tell you that shall we?” He teased before he ordered another round. “I imagine though, based on your background you might feel the same pain that I do. Maybe we’ll share that with each other at some point tonight,” He chuckled. His mind reverted back to her mention of travel and he casually asked, “What’s been your favorite place to travel to so far?” 

\\

Rowan had a million and one interests, art being one of them. Sure, she can sketch a bit, but to say she is the next uprising artist is far beyond the truth, which is why she is always impressed and jealous of those who had that more art talent strike, which the other apparently has. With her eyes widening a bit, she nodded her head slightly. “Do I have to bribe you to show me some of your work, or…?” She asked, slightly narrowing her eyes. However, she let out a nervous laugh at his tattoo question. “Me? No. Again, my family would have my head. Although there are a few, I would like to get - I cherish my head on my shoulders.” She lightly joked, but her godparents and parents already forewarned her about not getting tattoos because they are simply “tacky”. Clearing her throat as she took another sip of her drink, she looked back to Aless. “How about you? Any tattoos?” Which she couldn’t imagine a tattoo artist that doesn’t have at least one, but hey - you never know, right?

She could only laugh at his words, although she shrugged a little at the next thing he said. “I’ve heard some challenging names, some of them being my cousins. Maybe it’s because I’ve been around crazy and long names that they mostly don’t phase me much.” She stated honestly. “Though sure, it would be interesting to see how well you can hold your liquor.” She lightly teased, merely joking.  

“Uh, so far? An island in Greece. Mykonos, Greece. It’s honestly stunning. Although I would like to see Venice in person one day.” She answered, and she stayed silent before turning back towards Aless and asked. “Have you traveled?”

There wasn’t enough time to explain how much Eva loved this band. How they’d pulled her out of the deepest depression she’d ever been in and gave her a sense of identity. A casual explanation wouldn’t do them justice. “They’ve seen me through a lot.” She tried to sum it all up. “It’s a v….v-ery… l…long story.” It took Eva a moment to get the next few words out as her mouth sort of locked up. Words frozen by her sheer excitement. “Giants” Eva finally blurted out, “This… this is um… Th-” She had to stop herself from the repetitive speech that started. “Their so….song giants…. Just came out.” It was a few weeks old now but that didn’t matter. “And… I think it’s getting a music video too!”

\\

Rowan could see the other’s mood change ever so slightly; truthfully, Rowan wanted to ask if she is okay but knew it wouldn’t be the best question to ask the other. Thus, she stood by and allowed the other to say what they wanted in their own time. The smile never faltered on her lips. “I’ve got a musician or two that has done the same for me.” However, most of Rowan’s worries are left behind in the ocean. The water and music seemed to be the only comforts that can make her come to a better place in her mind. “I shouldn’t be surprised, but it’s a damn good song; now I have to go home and listen to their album and watch out for their music video!” She exclaimed excitedly. “I hope you get to go home soon so you can enjoy their album a bit more.”

.

For all Ryan knew, she could have lost it over the rail of the boat that morning. She wasn’t the best at keeping track of her phone and thinking on it, she wasn’t entirely sure where she’d seen it last. Regardless, Rowan’s words were met with a careless wave of her hand. “Now that’s hardly fair. I’ve got enough sense about me to not let my phone go flying off into the ocean somewhere,” Ryan scoffed, though she knew full well that was not at all the truth. Rowan had a point, though, with the drinks. A fresh cold drink was always going to be the best. Ryan just would have liked for it to be sitting in front of her right as she sat down. That didn’t feel like it was too much to ask. “Well, hopefully they hurry it up, I’m ready for drinks. It was hot outside.” Not nearly as hot as it would have been back in her old hometown, but Ryan still felt like she was entitled to complain about the heat. 

“Water was nice. Hot, but whatever. I boated around, got some sun, had a few beers,” Ryan shrugged. Boating and drinking probably wasn’t the best combo, but she hadn’t gotten all that drunk and had managed to drive it back safely to her dock. “I think I might buy a bigger boat.”

\\

Rolling her eyes, Rowan loosely folded her arms across her torso. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, מוֹתֶק.” A settle smile playfully tugged at her lips as she watched her friend, though as she shook her head at the latter of her words - she glanced towards the bar and saw a waitress coming with their drinks. “Oh, look, they heard you.” She said, motioning towards the waitress with a tray of their drinks. Thanking the waitress for their drinks, Rowan looked back towards her friend, taking a sip before asking. “You should go swimming with me sometimes - putting on a tail is optional, but I think you’d look great in one.” She poked. 

Nodding to what she said, she folded her arms and leaned them on the table. “Sounds like freaking paradise.” She commented before continuing to listen to her friend. “The hell would you do with a bigger boat that you can’t do with the one you have? Plus, you’re not allowed to buy jack shit till we go out on that boat.”

-

“Oh, that would be great, actually!” Elaine said to her with a smile. “I mean, I have no trouble in answering any question you have,” she added. “And trust me, I’ve heard weird questions so you’ll be fine,” she laughed. “Actually yes! My ancestor’s name is Sybelle, Sybelle Martell. She was known for helping people with herbs and ointments before she was seen as a witch by a woman who was jealous of her. Not to mention she lost the man she wanted as a husband to Sybelle, so…” Elaine sighed. “All the hysteria from the previous women made her the perfect target.” 

They even had her written statement about how Sybelle send her creatures to torment her in the night and she had her journals to know that she never did such a thing. “She only put some mushrooms in her food and that made her alucinate,” Elaine laughed. “I have her journals so if you ever want to read them or take a peak at her grimore to see her spells, I’ll bring it just for you,” she winked at her. “My aunt will be delighted to meet you, I’m sure. If you have time to stop by tomorrow, I’ll make sure she’s here.”

\\ 

Rowan listened to the other intently; she finds history - especially not “popular” history you can find in books. Those history stories that only the families would know. They seemed always to have such exciting twists. “Oh wow, so, did she escape with her husband? Or was their backlash waiting for him?” Loosely crossing her arms against her stomach, she stayed intrigued with the other’s stories and family history. After all, how couldn’t you be interested in a family history of Salem Witches? Though her eyes widened at the mention of the other bringing her ancestor’s journals. “Are you sure? I mean, I would love to read them.” Rowan perhaps sounded too enthusiastic. 

“Sure, I don’t have any plans tomorrow. So, why not? I’ll be sure to bring some of my other handmade jewelry.”

** 

Sometimes, Lachlan still wondered if he’d made the right decision moving back to Salem. He’d made a life in San Francisco, had people he’d left behind, and for what? A father he couldn’t have a conversation with without it devolving into an argument about their fundamental differences? Spending time with Rowan made him feel a little more secure in his decision, reminding him that Salem had been home to a lot of good memories and people too… 

He shrugged demurely at her compliment, taking it in self-deprecating stride. “I mean, it’s not saving the world, and chances are at least 80% of the students will be coming to me just hoping to score a prescription for Ritalin. But it’s something. At least I didn’t end up preaching fire and brimstone…” He didn’t often talk quite so candidly about his disapproval of his father’s teachings, but he and Rowan had an understanding. They could just as easily discuss the meaning of life as joke about Marvel superheroes, and switch between the two effortlessly. 

He put the first bite in his mouth, savoring the greasy goodness before the pain kicked in later. “The guy, his name is Alessandro something. He’s Italian, I guess. Like, legit Italian. From Italy. Seems nice. I’m meeting with him tomorrow.” 

\\

Rowan huffed a sigh at her friend’s modesty about helping out young adults. “You’re still doing something to help them; that’s more than what I can say I’m doing or anyone on this boardwalk for that matter.” She stated, still being impressed with what he does to help the young adults. Hell, she has one entitled teen cousin back in Iran that she can’t stand at times with her entitlement. She couldn’t imagine how many of those he may or many not have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. Digging into her food, she kept silent in thought. “Though speaking of your dad - I haven’t heard one of his preaching's in a while. How is he doing?” The relationship between Lachlan and his father is a subject that Rowan often estranged from - still, it’s been a while since the two saw each other, or even spoke, that the curiosity to know if he and his father still had a not so great relationship or not beat the best of her to know. She knows that her noisiness will be the death of her one day. 

The name of his new roommate sounded familiar, and it wasn’t till the second later he mentioned that he was Italian that she nearly choked on the cheese fries. “No, shit. I met him maybe a few days or so ago.” For some reason, It’s a Small World from Disney popped into her head. “He is pretty cool, though let me know how the first meeting goes.” She said, taking a drink. “Also, if you need any help with moving - I can offer my services for that as well.” 

Eyebrow raised in intrigue as he listened to Rowan explain that she modeled as well as had a hand in underwater performances. Then she named off a few places that he had passed in and out of over the past couple of months and it clicked almost instantly the more he looked at her features. “Oh!” He let out in a sustained a-ha moment. “I didn’t recognize you without your beautiful scales.” He began, not joking in the slightest. He was actually interested in the work that went into working on the costume and the mechanisms. He also wondered just how one got into underwater performing. “Your leg strength must be incredible unless the material is a little lighter? I haven’t a clue how it works but I’ll stand by this statement now, I couldn’t take my eyes off of you when you’re in the water, you definitely seemed to be in your element, unless it’s all for show of course.” He offered with a grin. 

He raised his drink to his lips and listened to her inflection of the native tongue, “Not bad at all, are you learning or is that another trick up your sleeve?” He asked. Another sip and he found himself looking over at Rowan with side glance, the introductions came naturally to him but he was glad to have a confirmed name to call her for the evening. “Rowan, it’s a pleasure. I’m Alessandro, but Aless is fine.” He took her hand in his own and shook, letting it steep for just a moment before slowly retreating from the handshake. Her hands were supremely soft.  “I’ve been told my full name doesn’t quite roll off the tongue naturally, but they should really take into account that that’s not even what’s fully on my birth certificate.” He had to laugh again. He took a look at his watch and said, “This is actually just the start for me so I have a lot to catch up on, what round is this for you?” 

\\

Rowan could only huff a small laugh at the compliment. Whenever she had that tail on, she knows that all eyes are on the tail than on her, which is honestly fine, and in some ways, she prefers it that way. Considering a lot of time and energy goes into making the silicone tails, which is one thing (along with the top) that Rowan doesn’t make that she wears in her performances. So, yeah, she much prefers the tails to get the proper attention and admiration it deserves - swimming is just something that comes naturally to her. Rowan was swimming before she learned how to walk. “I haven’t tested it, but I think I’ll just go along with your statement.” Sure, she had to be a strong swimmer before she slipped on the silicone tail and top - although she wasn’t sure if her leg strength is better or not. However, she couldn’t help the smile growing just a bit more at his compliment. “It’s a bit of both.” She simply answered though she felt weird as they continued to talk about her. “So, how about you? What do you do?”

After she took a sip of her drink, she folded her hands around her cup. “Just another trick up my sleeve.” She said through a small laugh. “No, I - I like learning different languages. Plus, it’s helpful whenever I travel.” Or whenever she planned on traveling with her siblings to other countries other than Iran. She shook the man’s hand and folded her hands back around her drink when they pulled away from the handshake. “Pleasure is all mine.” However, Rowan’s attention remained on the other as he continued to say that his full name didn’t roll off the tongue. Laughing, she narrowed her brows in curiosity. “Alright, now I’m curious to know your full name.” Plus, if she were to say her Iranian name, she would run into the same issue even though it is entertaining to watch people trying to figure it out. 

Straightening up, she looked down towards her drink as if that would give her the answer. “My second, third round.” She said as she looked back towards Aless. “I came here with my friends for a bit, so I just had an unfair advantage.” She simply said. “Although I’ll take my time so you can catch up.”

-

“I mean, if you wanna to go the museum, that’s great, but you have me right here if you want to make me some questions,” Elaine said with a laugh. “And you can ask anything, I won’t be offended or something like that. The Gods know that I’ve been asked a lot of weird ones by the kids in school when they need to interview some people around town.” It seemed that some teachers needed new forms to evaulate the students because every year there was a group of two or three students outside her shop or her mom’s house, asking if they could interview them for a proyect at school. She could never say no and even when some questions wouldn’t be too friendly, she answered them all the same because she loved to watch the kids reactions to them.

Elaine took a look at the ring on the woman’s finger ans gasped. “That’s really pretty! I love it. My aunt is the one in charge of the jewelry around the shop and she would love to talk to you, even if you just make it for your friends,” she smiled. “Also, since you work in the water, are you a water sign by any chance? Maybe your moon sign or rising?” 

\\ 

The other had a point, although - Rowan does enjoy looking at history and learning about more than one thing or family. Then again, she couldn’t deny the want to know more about the other and her family. Huffing a small laugh, she looked down at her hands. “Honestly, I’m at a blank for questions, but don’t be surprised if I came back with a long scroll of questions,” Rowan said through a laugh, joking lightly but was also being somewhat serious. “Do you know the witch’s name of who you’re related to?” Well, at least her mind came up with one question. 

Smiling a little brighter at the other’s reaction to her ring, she huffed a laugh before nodding her head. “I would love to talk to her.” She stated sincerely because the jewelry Rowan saw at Omen is stunning. Though at her question, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Actually, I am, but I’m not sure what my moon sign is or anything like that. Just know my zodiac, element sign, birthstone, and Chinese animal.” Rowan wasn’t one of those, well - I’m a cancer or anything like that, but she found some interesting things with the signs and shenanigans. 

.

Keeping a schedule had never been Ryan’s strong suit, so when she made plans with someone it was pretty unlikely that she would show up on time, if at all. Rather than getting herself ready and going out to meet up with Rowan like she’d promised, Ryan had instead been out on the water on her boat, pulling back into the dock once she’d grown bored. A glance at the clock told her she was most definitely going to be late for Rowan, but that didn’t at all encourage her to rush herself. She took her time to shower, change, and eventually make her way over to the tavern where she was pretty sure Rowan would still be waiting.

Walking inside, Ryan spotted Rowan pretty quickly and headed in her direction, taking a seat and kicking back with a yawn. “I don’t carry my phone with me, you know this. I think I left it at home. Or on the boat,” Ryan shrugged, waving a hand in the air. And, really, she wasn’t more than twenty minutes later than she’d promised she’d be there, which in Ryan time meant she was basically early. “Besides, we both know you don’t have anything better to do than wait for me. Did you preorder my drinks? They really like to take their time with service around here, huh?” Ryan had been at the table no more than twenty seconds, but in her world that was way longer than she should ever have to wait.

\\

Honestly, Rowan really should have known better - this is just who Ryan is, and in some ways, she reminds her of her older sister. Perhaps that is why at the end of the day, the two’s relationship remained strong. “How you haven’t lost that thing over the rail of the boat is beyond me, Ry.” She simply said as she sat back in her seat, though she was just about to speak out against what the other said before she abruptly stopped. Right now, the school was slowly getting started up, and she hasn’t been swimming nor modeling in a while just because the first few weeks and the last couple of weeks of school were the most challenging. It’s a routine that Rowan and her job are used to being on, that what Ryan said this time is accurate. There was nothing Rowan had to attend to at this moment. “I did, yeah.” However, she laughed at the next thing she said. “They’re probably making it now; besides, if they made it when I ordered it, it probably wouldn’t taste good by the time you got here.” She simply answered as she crossed her arms at her chest before leaning her arms on the table. 

“So, how was the water?” It’s been a hot minute since Rowan swam in the ocean, and now she craved to take a late ocean swim after this. 

Her eyes lit up, not at the thought of becoming her daughters favourite but at the thought of the excitement and fun it could give the little girl. Chloe deserved all the damn world, and to see this would be amazing for her. Equally, she was also curious and a little jealous at the woman’s job. It was a job she dreamed of as a child, and never realised that she could’ve been. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to put you out. Especially if you’re waiting on someone.”

\\

Seeing the other woman’s reaction made Rowan feel better about offering, considering she knew that a stranger offering to dress up as a magical being is just a tad weird. Though she sincerely loves her job and bringing some magic into the world - especially when it came to kids. The little lights of joy deserve nothing but the best, and if she could get some magic and happiness to them, she will never hesitate to give it to them. “He is usually late. Not to mention I much prefer bringing smiles to kid’s faces than having to model.” She simply stated. “Plus, I was the one to offer.” Rowan perked up a little at the thought of “performing” while she waited for her photographer. 

“Me! I’m in… well… not like… in charge… I got to pick the music today!” Eva felt like two sentences were trying to battle their way for supremacy as to which would come out first. “They j…just re….released a new song! I’ve bee…been listening to them all day. Every song. All of them.” They’d been opened for a few hours now thankfully they had three albums to cycle through. “I love them.” Normally her fidgeting popped up when she was nervous but in this case she was unfathomably excited. Someone she didn’t know was talking to her about her favorite band and this was the happiest she would probably be all week.

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“Oh, damn - your boss the best,” Rowan stated sincerely - granted she performs underwater as a mermaid, and last time anyone checked - mermaids don’t have headphones. Although if she could somehow disguise them and convince her boss to allow her to listen to music while she is performing - she would take full advantage of it and would probably be listening to Walk the Moon as well. “I haven’t gotten around to listening to their new music yet - I’ve been slacking majorly.” She knew she is a disappointing fan of them compared to the other, but at least now Rowan is prepping their new album to play in her car when she leaves. “I mean, it’s hard not to love them and their music. It’s easy to get lost to the beats and lyrics.”

-

“So you’re like a mermaid?” Elaine’s eyes widened. “That’s really cool! I’ve seen some of the costumes and they’re so beautiful that they really look like real ones.” She had seen a few shows here and there through the tv but nothing like a live performance and that could be simply amazing. “Do you have pictures of the jewelry you make?” she asked. “I would love to see it sometime.” Her aunt Eloise was in charge or making the bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces with the stones and crystals they ordered.

At her question, Elaine smiled. “Well, it runs in the family,” she shrugged. “I’m the descendant of one of the witches from the Salem Trials that managed to escape the sentence. She was helped by her husband and friends and wrote these journals so her future generations would know about it,” she said. “If you go to any museum you’ll see some pictures of me and my family.”

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Rowan tilted her head in thought. “In some ways. My father is a Marine Biologist, so I was born and raised in the water. So, yeah, in some ways, I’m part fish.” She joked. “But yeah, the costumes are stunning.” There were times when Rowan would instead put a tail on her wall rather than wearing it in the water and ruining/damaging the tail over time. Pulling out her phone, she moved to the photo of the necklaces, rings, and bracelets she designed with some of the gems she bought at Omen and others she found around the beach and in the ocean. “Sure.” She said, showing the other the jewelry laid out on a table in the photo. “Even the ring I’m wearing is one I created. All I did was manipulate a silver wire into a small wave - it’s straightforward.” She said, showing the other the ring on her left index finger. 

The information the other shared made Rowan look up and ‘stare’ in astonishment and slightly speechless. “Oh wow. That’s really interesting.” She said through a slight huff. “I mean the most of my family consists of, is a long line of Iranians - and that’s it, nothing too special about my family. But to be a descent of a Salem witch who escaped, now that’s exciting.” She said honestly. “Now, I have to go to the museum and find out for myself.”