dreams are but wishes

[pm] I don’t think I have ever used speed dial in my life

[pm] You have the honor of being number one

[pm] So

[pm] You’re welcome

[pm] Prepare for me to call you every time something dumb happens

[pm] Because I will

[pm] Well, I would love to be number one. Thank you once again.

[pm] Are you blushing? Good. Perhaps that was my intention. You are, without a doubt, far more charming than any fairytale character. You’re always welcome to come and read in my office, you know. Though, I can’t promise that my employees won’t be nosy. 

You’re right, no one else would do as good of a job as you do. And I hope so. I try to. Don’t put to much stock in me, dearest. I’m afraid I’ll let you down at some point. You do that, make me happy and feel at peace, which is no small feat, mind you. I’m so rarely a peaceful person. I want to do the same for you, darling. Always.

[pm] I am. Well, as much as I can, at least. Come here and tell me things in person. If I must blush, I would much prefer to do it whilst you are around. I am pleased to hear this. Well I would like to come and read in your office. I suppose they may be nosy, but I can deal with nosy. I have for a good portion of my life, after all. Only if you are not bothered that they might be. Alain’s employees were also nosy, so I suppose this is just my life now

[pm] Specialy for kids, yeah. Were you a good actress? A proverb, right.

Oh, yeah…remember you mentioning that before. Sorry. Yeah. Can’t make up my mind about that We don’t deserve What if we are dangerous to hum Shit I don’t make sen Guess they all think they’re doing a good thing. People can be pretty dumb. Yeah, that’s probalby the only thing I feel comfortable doing. I wouldn’t mind that, maybe you’ll end up enjoying it again.

.

[pm] I think I was - and still am. Sometimes I worry I am too good at ‘playing human’, as it were.

[pm] God, I’m so sorry.  That’s just awful, Evelyn.  Was she… the same as you, then?  My parents would be disappointed in my lack of tact when speaking on the subject, if I’m being honest.

I think it’s pretty clear that we both dislike each other.  But I thought it would win her over if I brought her food… now I just feel badly stopping- she doesn’t seem responsible enough to remember her own breakfast.

[pm] She was the same as me. You do not know what I am yet, do you? Why? Do they not see things in the same light as you do?

[pm] Yeah! I used to enjoy school a lot more before I had a job and some other responsibilities and stuff, but it’s still cool to learn new things. I have a bunch of Gen Ed classes left, though. I got a little overzealous with my history classes the first couple years and neglected most of the entry classes. My gap year was… not planned. But I think overall it worked it.

Oh that’s nice! Wait… did you just compare us to- I mean, it’s not like the same thing. Because you two were dating and like that’s romantic. And I’m not dating Milo. He’s just one of my best friends. But like same idea. I just wanted to clear that part up. Plus, Milo is like a great guy. Super funny, super nice and caring. Definitely dating material. I’m not saying he’s undateable. He’s definitely dateable. But like we aren’t dating. Just friends.

I uh… hope that cleared things up.

[pm] That makes sense. I always enjoyed academics. I believe this makes me a nerd, but academics are fun. Well, history classes are lovely. Are there ‘Gen Ed’ courses you do not wish to take? Perhaps I could offer the school a sum of money so you can just take more history courses. I am glad it worked despite not being planned.

We are dating now, yes. Well, why are you not What do you enjoy most about your friendship? 

You know a lot about books, I’m assuming.  Oh, I have read so many over the years, I’m not sure I can name a favorite.  I remember being surprised by how much I enjoyed “The Well of Loneliness” when I first read it.  Have you… ever heard of that book?

You own a beach?  That’s incredibly impressive.  I suppose that’s the best way to make friends, isn’t it?  Through lovely accidents.  And none of them have ever turned on you?

I do, I think. I have not. Would you like to tell me why you love it? I always am looking for new things to read.

Oh, that’s good to hear. You have no idea how good that is to hear. Have you ever heard of BUG BUSTERS PEST CONTROL SOLUTIONS? Inherited it from my grandfather, and I guess it’s doing all right, especially a few weeks back when we had that “bee infestation” in town. Pretty good business for us, not so much an experience for homeowners.

Tell me about it. Another thing I inherited from my grandpa was his residence at the Outskirts. Place is pretty safe and all but weird things are always close by. You ever have weird things happen to you in this town?

.

Yes. You have mentioned it quite a number of times already, and I wrote it down and everything. That is good, I am glad you are doing well. Though yes, I can imagine it was not the most fun for homeowners.

[pm] I can see that

[pm] You’ll be the first person I call

[pm] I mean depending on the situation, obviously 

[pm] But if I ever need help or support or some shit 

[pm] As long as I’m not annoying you

[pm] I really appreciate the fact that you’ll be there

[pm] It’s totally our secret

[pm] I’m trusting you, Evelyn

[pm] No one can know

[pm] Well I would be quite honoured to be placed on speed-dial or just to be the first person you call. You shall not ever annoy me. I have quite a flexible schedule and I am quite good at getting out of difficult situations (both dangerous and otherwise), I think. 

[pm] I do say so. Maybe that’s why Cordelia the ghost moved me here. Good place as any for a possessed criminal to get lost in a crowd. What made you change your mind? About looking? I mean, if you find others, sure. I… wouldn’t mind knowing another empath. Maybe they’ve got this thing figured out better than me. Oh, according to my father, I was just the worst. So quiet yet soo argumentative. And because Shakespeare is cool, duh. I mean, you’re totally valid, but you were definitely dating a major nerd, and there’s no getting passed that, unfortunately. Well, hey, as long as you succeeded in your goal, I guess it worked out, huh? And you got a nerdy phone app out of it, so, like, win-win. Oh, if I ever disappear into a cave with books, I’ll make sure that I come out to see you. And half of what he makes unless that’s too much :/ It can be, yeah.

Indeed. I think Alain and I got along purely do to having dry senses of humor. Like I said, he was hip. You’d describe emojis to him? That’s kind of funny. No, no, I’m very stupid sometimes. Take my word for it. It’s the truth. I’ve never told a falsehood in all my days. It might be something to look into, to see if there are any videos of her. But, yeah, I like their sound. I really like rock in general, but Fleetwood Mac is the best of all genres. I’m surprised I’ve managed to keep Rhiannon around this long. I don’t think it’s because she likes me. A stuffed bear named Bear? That’s cute, though. Like, super cute.

Huh. I guess I do. I enjoy your friendship, too. And I’m glad you found someone that makes you feel lovely and smile when you do not mean to. I’m– It’s very new, and there’s a lot going on, but I like her a lot, I think.

Maybe I will. She might like it.

[pm] That makes sense - people here do write off odd occurrences as entirely normal. It is rather odd, but it works to my benefit sometimes. I know enough people who I care for, and I just - well, I do not wish to be disappointed. Okay. If I find another, and they seem worth your time, I will introduce the two of you. I was rather stubborn myself. Also quiet, except when I was out in the world, socialising. I mean obviously he is, I just did not know if there was another reason I had missed. I was dating a major nerd. It is quite alright, I was into it. It did work out, though I have also always been good at getting what I want. It is a nice application. I sometimes look at what it is like in France too even though it is the same sky, it is still a bit different, Good. I would like that. Yes, half of what he makes unless it is too much.

That is very fair. I can understand why you two got along so well. He was hip. Oh, yes. Such as this one: :/ is ‘colon forward slash face’. I think he liked when I sent him selfies though. He made one his background. I wonder if I should try that with Miriam I will take your word for it, but I will also disagree. There may be - I will see. Would you like to see them, if I find any? No pressure, just an offer. They do seem to not be confined fully to one sound, which I can appreciate. I am glad she likes you. Yes, a stuffed bear named Bear. I suppose some might call it cute but I am unsure if I would. :/

I am glad. Yes, it is a nice way to live one’s life. It is lovely that you like her a lot, and it makes sense that there is a lot going on. However, it sounds like a good thing, which you undoubtedly deserve.

[pm] Then I’ll tell you all the time. You’re charming. The most charming, really. Who needs a Prince or Princess Charming when there’s you? And perhaps we can change that, hm? I don’t plan on being gone to the store as much during the day anymore. I stay cooped up in the back of my office and do paperwork. At least, at home or at your place, I can stay cooped up, do paperwork, work on my projects, and see you. Clearly, the last of these is most important. Well, if it makes you feel any better, most animals find me quite strange. I think it’s the lack of heartbeat that throws them off. I appreciate that, though, dearest. You always make me feel welcome.

I think that I agree. No, no one else is helping me with such things. I’d hate you sad. In fact, that’s the last thing I ever want to do. If I’m not making you emphatically happy at all times, I’m doing something wrong.

[pm] Only if you wish for me to blush, Miriam! I mean, I know very little about these fairy tales but I will take being more charming than the protagonists. Yes, I like that so much. Though I would not mind coming and reading in your office whilst you work. I think the last of that list is most important, too. This is yet another way we work well together. Of course, and I am glad. 

[pm] I don’t want need to talk about it. I just…I’ll figure it out on my own. Thank you though, Evelyn. It was really beautiful there. Are you a nature person? Or is it all fancy marble and big houses for you?

Evelyn. My friend. You can’t make promises to a fae like that! I release you from that promise. Please, I don’t want to bind you into something that may hurt you later. Oh! I’m thankful she’s not your type, because she’s mine. And while you did sleep with her that one time, THAT WAS ONE TIME. You also slept with me.

Are you saying you appreciate your girlfriend for her personal merits and not her financial situation? Wow. Do I get to meet her? How did you two get to know each other?  

[pm] Of course. Should you need a sounding board, I am here for you. Of course. I am actually a bit of a nature person. I quite love stargazing and going for hikes and spending time outside. 

Right, sorry. I forget about this sometimes. However, I stand by it. I will still honor your request - is that better? I am glad she is your type, and yes, I did sleep with her but I do not think it was ever serious. Which perhaps I ought to be offended by, but I do not think I was bad in bed, she and you are just meant to be. Which is fine by me. I did not use to do serious attachments. Yes, I know we did. You are more my type than she is, though I would not wish to ruin your relationship. Did you know I also slept with Lydia Never mind 

Friday evening sounds great! Probably table if my friend says yes, bar if I end up going alone. How, uhm, not cheap are your bottles, if you don’t mind me asking? CEO expensive? Can a small business owner afford them?

Yeah, it’s really odd. The only thing that’s recently happened is I saved a girl from a swarm of sprites had a weird encounter by the Outskirts. Apart from that, everything was as they were when I was having the nightmares. Odd.

.

Yes, of course. Well, somewhere between, perhaps? We have some that are less expensive, but I do not do low quality anything. If you own your business and your business does well, you should be able to afford them.

Sounds like you have more experience than you think! At least, you’ve hit on some big names, and you’re interested, which is more than some can say. It doesn’t take much to love music. Art is just…universal. But there is a chance I’m biased.

Hold on, you own and operate a bar and you’re not well-versed in music? I think you’re secretly a music buff. Do you do karaoke? On any given night, how many people sing Sweet Caroline? Assuming the answer to the karaoke question is yes…

May I ask why “Artesian?”

At the risk of asking far too many questions all at once, what are the things you do consider yourself knowledgeable in? I think I’ve given myself away, as a music professor.

Perhaps I do. I am quite interested in it, yes. That itself is very, very much true. I do think art is universal, and given that I do have a fondness for dance I think a fondness for music can come along with such things.

Oh - no, we do not do karaoke. I just have a piano player. We are not that sort of bar - not that there is anything wrong with those, it is just not the sort of bar my place is.

I like the sound of it, and it is close to the word ‘Artisan’, which is someone who makes a high quality product in smaller quantities. It seemed to fit well.

[pm] I’m taking summer courses. Trying to make up for lost time. I sorta took a gap year right after high school? Unofficially.

Charming is one word for it. But yes! We are a good match. A friendship match. He comes over to my place all the time  so we definitely know each other. But I’m glad you know each other too! And it sounds like he was pretty lucky that you were there in time to save him from the uh… mime.

[pm] Are you enjoying them? I think that for some, gap years are a wonderful idea. I simply wanted to get out of my house and be on my own, so I went early, but I hope that your year was helpful for you.