— miss me more

where: the beach/working the refreshment stand

what: beach clean up 

“Do you mind giving me a hand? I’m just getting a little overwhelmed with the people.” Safiye admitted, she continued to pour water into the recyclable cups that were in front of her. The minute she got one down someone was grabbing it. She hadn’t expected the refreshment stand to actually be this busy, but here she was drowning. “Shit—” she cursed as dropped the pitcher of water she had when someone went to grab the cup that was in her hands. “This is chaos.” 

There were plenty of things which brought a smile to her lips when she tended to find joy in almost everything but today her grin shone even more brightly. She was just endlessly happy that her event seemed to be a success with so many people showing up to help out and there was a spring in her step as she approached one volunteer with a shirt in hand. “One Beach Clean Up t-shirt just for you.” Tone was bright as she held it out to them. “Couldn’t get my hands on an red ones quickly but I think pink is definitely your colour.”

“Why thank you.” Safiye smiled as she took the shirt from Jasmine. “Don’t worry I wanted a pink one anyways I just didn’t have time to grab it before we set up.” She explained with a laugh. Pulling the shirt over her head, she tugged it down over her tank top. Shaking her hair free from the shirt, she tucked it behind her ear. “So how has this been going? Is anything looking better?” She asked curiously. “I got all the refreshments and snacks set up for everyone already.” 

“Sorry, did you say something?” Holly was pretty sure she was about to drop to sleep in her ice-cream, so when she’d heard a voice, she had to snap herself from her revere —- no idea if they’d even been talking to her anyway,

“I said you’re falling asleep in your ice cream.” Pointing to the ice cream, then her hair to show her how close they were. “Are you okay?” Saf asked. “Do you need a coffee? I can go get you one.” She offered. 

Sawyer usually had lunch out, regardless of where she was working that day. Whilst most her colleagues knew that Sawyer didn’t like to socialise at work she still avoided eating lunch with them just in case someone attempted to strike up a conversation with her. Standing in line at a little bistro Sawyer’s attention was mostly fixed on her phone as she replied to work emails. Her attention might have been fixed on the screen but she still noticed the person who cut in front of her. “Unless you intend on buying me my lunch and coffee I suggest you get to the back of the line.”

Safiye had been running late after her last meeting, she knew that she needed to get back to the office here soon. Especially since she still had so many receipts and plans to make. Walking towards the line when she heard a voice. “My bad. I didn’t realize you were in line.” She apologized before taking a step back so she was behind the brunette. “Have you been waiting long?” She asked after an awkward silence fell over them. 

“A smart one.” The corner of his mouth turned upwards at his quip, hoping that helped her see it for the joke it was. He knew she had far more morals that to ever con someone by getting them to do half the work and it was part of the reason he had been so quick to hire her again. “Good. I figure it’ll be easier for me to move the heavy things than you.” After all, he spent most of his days in a gym, weight lifting was something of a skill for him. Bern hesitated slightly, silence hovering between them before he spoke again. “There’s a lot of guys out there who didn’t come out of it as well as I did. Just want to give some support to those brothers who need it.” He shrugged slightly, downplaying his idea when it revealed a little more of his inner thoughts than he might have liked. “But I figure split it with something local to get more people in. Not an animal charity though, they’ve got that cute factor to help them out.” It wasn’t that he didn’t deem animals a worthy enough cause but he often felt that they got support far more easily than other people. Perhaps just because they were all ashamed that so many people needed help. It hardl reflected well on their society. “I’d appreciate that. I’ve looking into some before but all their data doesn’t always mean much to me.” He nodded at her suggestion. “Sure. I haven’t gotten around to trying that many. Be a good way to see what Santa Monica has to offer.” With a glance at his watch, he confirmed that he had at least an hour before his next client. “Do you have time now?”

"Always.” Giving a laugh at his words. It was rare for her to actually find herself joking, especially with a client. Most of her clients had been so uptight that she was barely able to breathe without upsetting them. That was the thing she loved about working with Bern though, he was relaxed— it didn’t have to be so serious all the time. “It would be. I mean I certainly look all muscle, but it’s just looks I promise.” She teased with a laugh. “I can attempt to help you, but I think it might be better to get one of your friends here to help.” Letting him know before hand that he would probably need help with moving everything around. At his words Safiye stayed quiet for a long moment, she bit down on her lower lip. “That’s understand. I can’t imagine what you would see overseas, it can’t be easy to deal with. We can make sure to give back to any kind of charity involving soldiers that you would like. Whatever makes you happy I want to do.” Looking at him with a smile, she was glad that he wanted to give back to something that mattered. She saw constantly where people just picked whatever charity and there was zero meaning behind it. It was all just something to make theirselves look better, bot about the charity. With Bern though it was something meaningful and felt like she was making a good change. “Whatever you would like. Honestly anything that makes you happy I’m up for. We can split it between local groups and soldiers.” Letting him know that she was willing to do whatever made him happy. “I can help with the data and making it make sense. It’s my speciality.” Smiling happily over at him. “It would be. Plus we have to make sure that you try all the best around. It’s not acceptable that you haven’t tried some of the best places around here.” Letting her words be a promise that she would make sure that she got him to all the best places around Santa Monica. “Right now?” Raising an eyebrow curiously. “Yeah— I have time! Well what are you in the mood for? Italian, Tacos, or Chinese?” 

It was times like this where Brooke would miss the security she had from her parents. Growing up she was handed anything and everything she wanted and even if she grew out of it the older she got, it still felt nice having a bit of financial support. “Yeah I told myself that moving here would bring major changes for me and the life I really needed to have and it’s times like this where I hate missing my old life to a point.” she shrugged, even though she knew deep down this was always the best choice for her. “I mean opening my own studio would be a dream come true but I’m okay with starting slow and just working at another studio and hopefully move on up.” 

Safiye sat across from Brooklyn and she waited for how she would handle the words that she’d said. “Well— you’re here so time for those major changes for you and your life. “ When she said she missed her old life to a point Safiye understood— she’d missed being naive and not knowing what she did now. Unfortunately, though the blinders had been ripped off and she knew everything now. “I understand what you mean, but just because you miss the security of it doesn’t mean you have to stop yourself from trying.” Speaking softly as she let the words sink in. “Starting slow is how the best start. If anything you can see if it’s what you actually like to do or if you want to go another path. Just because you love something doesn’t mean it’s always the best career field.”

Xo chuckled before nodding her head, “A good way.” Of course, no one wants to get the ‘bad’ gift ( based on perspective ), but she wasn’t really focusing on that. But beforehand, when everyone is together and all having fun and anticipating who gets what gift. At the end of the day, it supposed to be an event that was fun, right?  So there would be no point for Xo to take it so seriously. Nor, get upset with the gifts - its the thought that counts, right?  “Oh, I have a few in mind to drag to this party,” she laughed, “– Barnes?  Sorry, your last name just seems familiar.” She couldn’t tell why, but it was at the tip of her tongue, “I’m Xiomara Rivera-Aldridge.”

"I see.” Nodding when she realized what Xo had meant. Running a hand through the ends of her hair, she smiled sweetly at Xo. “The more the merrier. Honestly I love hosting as many people as I can. It makes life exciting.” She told her with a laugh. She loved more than anything hosting a good party— having those around her. “Yes, Barnes. It’s probably because of my dad or if you’re a Bachelor fan.” Admitting softly, even though she was proud of who she was there was something about having to admit who she was that felt shameful. Be it the fact her dad had pimped her out like a show pony for most of her life or that she’d put her love like on display twice now. “It’s really nice to meet you, Xiomara.” Extending her hand out to the other woman. “Would you want to get lunch?”

Sam tried really hard not to laugh at the persons small accident, and was actually glad they managed to come out unharmed after that hell of a fall, but she had to agree, it was one hell of a save. “Sorry, I just had to check if they were even alive,” the blonde teased, getting her focus back on the brunette. “Like I was saying, it would depend what your goal and aim initially are — I can give you pretty much anything you are looking for, but I would need you to be more specific.”

Leaning against the counter as she waited for Samantha to check on the person, she bit the inside of her cheek to fight a laugh. “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.” Waving off the apology with a flick of her wrist, she knew what it was like when a potential client walked in. “Goal and Aim? I feel like I’m back in college right now.” She admitted, she tucked her hair behind her ear. “It’s a charity thing so nothing too crazy? I’m thinking a classy, but maybe not floor length unless it’s a high-low?” She rambled on for a long moment. “Maybe pink or red?” Shrugged at the color suggestions she made, she wasn’t even sure if Samantha had any of those colors. “Does any of this help?”

“Me too, saves me from getting complacent. I will. We should plan a trip though? One of us is bound to have something coming up.” Although modelling had left her somewhat jaded when it came to fashion, shopping trips were far more about time spent with friends than the clothes. “I had a family thing. It was not what I was expecting at all but good on some levels?” The blond shook her head slightly, still not quite knowing how to talk about it all.

"Well we both make our own schedules so maybe we could sneak in a quick trip? Doesn’t have to be anything too long.” Reassuring her that they could do this, even if it would take some planning. “Well that sounds interesting.” Safiye commented with a raised eyebrow. “Care to elaborate more?”

location: ocean view park date: january 14, 2020 time: a little after noon @santamstarters​

Taking a brief jog through Ocean View Park was a daily routine for Rebekah Danvers - always accompanied by her pitbull, Frenchie. With it being almost sixty degree weather, Rebekah sported a light pull up running hoodie with dark capri leggings. Apple Airpods in her ear, the woman was pretty much drowned from the world as she listened to the latest episode of yet another self-help podcast. She took a stop at the nearest water fountain to take a quick break; it fell short when Frenchie pulled at her leash, forcing Rebekah to let go. 

“Frenchie!” Running after her beloved canine, the woman continued to call out for her dog to stop.

Safiye had just got done with her latest client and was walking down Ocean View Park when she heard a familiar voice yelling. Tuning into it quickly, she heard the name of Rebekah’s dog being yelled. Watching a pitbull come running at her full force, she bent down so she was eye level with the dog. Catching him as he came to a stop in front of her and she picked up his lease, held onto him tightly. “I got him!” Saf yelled as Rebekah came into view. “Come, let’s go to your mom.” She told them as tugged softly at the lease for them to follow with her. “Hey Rebekah,” Safiye smiled as she held out the lease. “Was someone being bad?” She asked with a laugh and looked down at Frenchie.

It wouldn’t take someone who knew him well to guess that he would be out of his depth when it came to this kind of thing and it was why he was glad he had Safiye there to make it seem almost easy. The first anniversary was still months away and it would have never occurred to him to start planning so early. “I’ve got the time if you change your mind.”  He shrugged slightly, still more than happy to lend a hand if it became necessary. “Can’t say I’ve got a lot of experience with it. Let me know nearer the time.” While it wasn’t something he thought he’d have much of a knack with, he was reluctant to be one of those people who just paid her and made her do all the legwork to turn their event into something amazing. “Sounds like we’re onto a real winner then. Do you know anyone from local charities? I’ve got a couple in mind but it’d be nice to give back to the area.” Head shook slightly when the ideas were better than something he would have come up with on the spot. “Nah I like them. Who doesn’t like a free meal?” The corner of his mouth flickered up slightly in a flash of something close to a smile before he continued, unsure whether his suggestion would be something feasible or not. “Maybe a raffle or something as well? See if anyone else local wants to sponsor something.”

"Seriously you’re paying me to do this you shouldn’t have to help. What kind of event planner would I be if I took all your money and your help?” She told him with a laugh. “I’ll keep your offer in mind though. Especially when it’s time to move the tables.” Giving him a wink before she picked up her notes, she put them in her bag. “I will I promise. It’s what I’m here for.” Promising him that he would be reminded the closer it got, that she had a handle on all of this. “Local? Maybe? I can maybe ask Jasmine what she has and if anything I’ll do some research.” She offered, knowing what it truly meant to give back to the community; she wanted to make sure that this event did exactly that. “Although I’d love to hear the ones you have in mind? It might save me bugging Jasmine? I’ll still research if you don’t mind, but mostly just to make sure that they’re actually giving back and not running a scam.” She promised. “Good. If you want maybe when you’re free we can go try out a couple places I have in mind for food? Whichever you like best we can have cater. Plus it might be fun going around town and trying food.” She suggested softly, she half expected him to just turn the offer down point blank. “Yeah, that’d be awesome. We can totally do that. If you want we can sit down and write all your ideas out? I’ll make sure your vision comes true.” 

Sam wasn’t one to eavesdrop people like that, or even spend too much time of her day just people watching, but things have been slow on the shop that day and she was bored out of her mind. She was just sipping from her tea when she just witnessed the best scene of her life. “Oh buddy…” she started, walking tot he person that almost fell on their ass trying really hard not to laugh at it. “Are you okay there?”

Safiye had been at the counter with Sam watching the events unfold, she cringed at the person who had practically slid in the shop. Watching quietly as Sam made her way over to check on the person, she stayed at the counter with her smoothie. Waiting for Sam to come back over, she gave her a smile. “I mean you gotta give them credit, it was a hell of a save.” Safiye commented, she looked towards the customer who was off in a corner. “So back to what we were talking about— what fun things do you have for Valentine’s Day? I need a killer dress for this event I’m hosting.”

It had always been a challenge to keep Gabriel’s attention but incredibly easy to catch it. There was a fickleness about him which meant that somehow his gaze always got drawn to what he considered the most exciting or entertaining thing in a room. The only person exempt from this treatment was his son when he always considered the young boy the best focus for his attention. Currently his attention was fixed on a couple having a blazing domestic in the middle of the street. There was an undeniable look of amusement on his face as he watched the scene unfold, unable to keep himself from snickering slightly as the insults grew louder. Shifting in his seat slightly, he leaned closer to no one in particular before speaking. “You think they get off on the attention? They gotta know that everyone’s zoning in on them.” 

Saf hated how much her ears perked up at drama, but after being in the bachelor franchise they basically had bat hearing for drama. She watched the scene unfold in front of them as she held onto her planner, she focused in only on them. It’d taken her over a full minute to realize she’d stopped next to another person who was also watching the drama with her. “Totally. That’s really the only reason people fight in public like this, they want the attention.” She’d watched it happen over and over, she knew attention fights. “While it’s entertaining we’re totally giving them what they want right now.” 

“I did, when I was younger. Now I just make small goals through out the year.” Elijah said with a shrug as he looked up from his phone and then glanced back down at it. “Maybe to you they are, but to other people? They definitely impact their lives.” He replied, pocketed his phone and shrugged once more. “I mean, its totally up to you. I can’t answer that question for you.”

“What made you stop believing in resolutions as a whole?” She asked curiously, she leaned forward on her elbows as she looked over at him. “Do they really though? I mean the average person gives up their resolution before February so how important was it, you know?” She pointed to to him. “Mhmm— I know, but I guess I’m just in a weird mood. Two thousand and nineteen was so depressing and just overall horrible and eighteen was barely better. I just want twenty to be something good that’s worth remembering you know? Something that screams things are on the right track for Safiye Barnes.” She tried to explain, but she knew it was rather corny. “Does that sound too lame?”

location: safiye’s apartment

time: january 9th

“Do you even believe in the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions?” Safiye asked as she leaned against the island in her kitchen and looked over at Elijah. “I know a lot of people start them for different reasons like losing weight or eating better, but I don’t know. It seems very much like a temporary change and pointless.” Despite how pointless it seemed she’d debated back and forth creating her own resolutions in the hopes that 2020 would be better than 2019. “I’m just not sure if I should eve waste my time, you know?”