Vivienne Stanhope-Calloway

VIVIENNE CALLOWAY.

☼

It’s a tale known widely around Catalina about how Georgina, at ten years old with broad hazel optics holding onto an abandoned year old Springer Spaniel after a rainy afternoon, knew everything she wanted for her future and a direct pathway to get it. Everyone, beside her immediate family, suspected the eldest Livingston must’ve lost her mind ─ even got struck by lightning on that downpour of an afternoon as it led her to speak with such reliance whenever someone asked her about what she dreams of being. The doe-eyed girl has always been someone who took the role of speaking for those who can’t laboriously. Starting with her siblings as they were far too young to ask for something, specifically a toy or change of television, but it was the stepping stone to where she is now. It’s something grasped onto with fulfillment, and not once, in all of her years, did she look over in remorse at where things turned out for her professionally. So, as these newfound friends begin to tread down a topic of conversation cozy to the veterinarian, each vital feature upon her complexion illuminates in happiness. “Thank you,” she speaks blithely, “Their names fit their personalities all too well.” As it isn’t an over-exaggeration, but the utter truth. “You should come over with Allegra one afternoon because all dogs need friends, and since her brothers aren’t around, it would be nice. We can even make it into a doggy-kiddo playdate, and since I love hosting people, snacks and any alcohol of your choice will be supplied.”

It was an idea that gripped her conscience due to the downcast of her friend’s azure rims, picking up on the dust of sorrow lingering throughout her words. But, rather than bringing up the pandora box of memories of Phillip, specifically in a place open and where vulnerability isn’t all that accepted, the chocolate-tressed women make a mental note to discuss the ex-husband elsewhere, for safeguarding purposes. It might even be an ideal opportunity in the upcoming gathering both mothers are talking about right now. “More of a reason to make this playdate into a play-afternoon for all of us, huh?” Silvery soprano range interjects the proposal with a steadfast beam as Geo’s head tilts to the side. “I know Asher would love nothing more but to get to know Presley.” Words flow effortlessly from her behalf, before her head nods to affirm she meant it. Of course, it’s the mother within her making these immediate assumptions. She knows Asher like the back of her hand, after all. Uniform in his passions just like her, the boy wants nothing more but to be surrounded by those who carry similar interests rather than deducing him. “Just give me a heads up if Presley wants to come over in a costume and which one. Have to make sure the boys don’t match but are on the same side,” A chuckle passes through, taking a second to catch her breath. “And might as well give you a heads up, but my Jojo will probably fawn over Victoria, so if we see her hovering over the little one, it’s good reasons.”

The first time since the server parted from their table, Georgina lifts the glass of water to her petals. Giving her a temporary interlude, right when Vivienne explains her family’s backstory with the frown going unnoticed. It only took her a moment to return the crystalline substance to the coaster, a hand resting upon the nook of her neck with infinite softness around. “Have you ever gone to England?” Questioning with curiosity, particularly for the reason to receive clarity for the unspoken side, Vivienne’s grandmother refuses to indulge. “For the reason to gather any information on the English side of your family?” She asks in the hope it stimulates an idea. Guidance turnovers into curiosity, hearing the details of the other’s past and the process of picking names out, which has comprehensible meaning to Vivienne as it pieces together. Finally, though, when the woman hears the name Philomena, all she can do is blink a couple of times, just to make sure she heard correctly. “Like after Julie Dench’s movie?” Perplexity submerges itself through her tone, having seen it once and hoping this is where correlations lie. But, there isn’t enough time to question any further; her friend throws a curveball which causes hazel orbs to widen into the size of tennis balls as posture adjusts loosens up. “Um,” Initially, all the brunette dares to say, having not thought about this question ever. “I wouldn’t be opposed to more kids, seeing as I don’t want my two to grow up anymore. But, I’m not seeing anyone, and I don’t see myself going to a sperm bank, so it may be out my future.”

☓

Being invited places was still a new thing for Vivi to experience. She always had a handful of friends at boarding school. Not many people could take her personality or humor, so the fact that Georgina wanted to have further get togethers with her and her children was different. Interesting and intriguing, but different. Even her friends from boarding school ended up going their separate ways and were all over the world with families and/or careers of their own. They barely spoke to each other, yet all of them managed to communicate with her once they heard about her divorce. She hadn’t been sure if it was genuine concern or curiosity that had brought on the influx of messages. She still wasn’t sure where they stood. “Thank you. That would be nice. Especially for the kids. They’re a lot more social than I ever was when I was there age. I think they get it from their father.” she smirked softly. “I like pretty healthy snacks like fresh fruits and veggies and as for alcohol, I drink a couple of different wines but not many. My ex is an alcoholic so I try to keep that away from the kids. I don’t want it to bring up any negative memories for them.”

Vivi chuckled softly as Geo explained their impending playdate with the kids and dogs involved. “This all sound really lovely, Geo. I’ll make sure to text you the costume Pres decides to wear and the one Pey chooses because if he sees his brother in a costume, he’s going to want to wear one of his. It’s a twin thing.” Her smile grew as she saw the image of Geo’s young daughter, fawning over Vicky. “Oh she would eat that up. Vicky is an attention seeker. I may have another rock star on my hands.” The dark haired woman took a sip of her water. “Vicky is actually trying to start walking so Jojo can help her out in the grass. I’ve been going out in the backyard with her to help her along and I move things out of the way in the living room to give her practice time too. She loves being in the rolling walker when the boys are home because she can race around the house with them until they run up the stairs and she can’t follow them. That’s usually when the screaming and crying happens. It’s literally a three ring circus sometimes.” Another chuckle rolls from her lips as this easy talk with Geo continues. Another shock for Vivienne. It had never been this easy to talk to people, yet Geo makes her feel extremely comfortable, even in their current setting. “Is there anything that I can bring to this gathering? I feel like you’re doing so much to make us feel comfortable and we’re just showing up like lazy bums.”

Vivienne nods her dark head before tucking soft tendrils behind her ear. “Oh yes. I have spent a lot of time there. I actually went to boarding school in Europe. Mostly in England, but I went to schools in Scotland and France as well.” Her grandmother wanted her to be well rounded and cultured in the European ways. As a good wife to a wealthy man should be, she used to say when she was young and asked why she couldn’t stay in America for school. “I’m aware of my English ancestors through some projects I did in school. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet any of my relatives. They were from my grandmother’s mother was from England and she left for France as a teenager. Shortly after, she met my great-grandfather who was from a well off family in France and they took her in. She fully immersed herself in the family and the culture and never looked back. The rest is history.” she shrugged softly. She believed her great-grandmother to be a very strong and brave woman. She secretly admired that as a young girl looking at portraits of Mary Saint-Pierre. “Do you know anything of your ancestry?” She knew it wasn’t the most typical question and she grimaced as she was reminded of the same question coming from her grandmother, but in a much more condescending tone than Vivi would ever have. 

Vivi smirked as she shook her head. “He would probably say it was after the Julie Dench movie, but I think because it was more synonymous with his name. To remind me of our connection always.” Her eyes went back down to the table again before Georgina shared her views on having more children. “Never say never. I thought I was completely done after the twins, but then came Vee as the little surprise that she is.” There were a lot of things that she had said never to that ended up happening. Vivienne learned the hard way to never say never. “Do you do much traveling?”

vivienne calloway​:

▬ 

“Oh, that’s great, the kids must love having pets to play with! And beautiful names that you chose for them,” Milena just shared a tender gaze while noticing the family bound between a mom and her children. It reminded her of Cecilia and all the moments they had together when it was just their family indoors, sharing how much they cared about one another, making Milena forget about the spotlight and the industry her mother was, actually part of. “I think if I was to have another pet in the future, it’d be a cat. But for now, it’s been a journey to have some company at home, I try not to get too attached to her or else Luna will miss me too much when I’m away.” Milena could blame over the fact that she was, in fact, clingy. And that was an issue.

“It’s really nice to meet you too. All of you,” her question was a reminder that she had been on the island for longer than Milena imagined she would be. Though it should be easier to continue with her life miles from California, strings kept her trapped in the same spot. It wouldn’t be easy to leave the one person she loved the most, her family was there and, now, she couldn’t see herself moving far away from them. At least, now while her mother needed her around.  

“I’m living here actually, it’s been two years but sometimes still feels like I’m going through my first month moving to Catalina. And well– they’re not wrong, it was one of the things I missed from growing up in California too.” A warm tone of voice expressed those words to her new company for that evening while Luna appreciated the company of children that were also excited to play with the puppy. “Honestly, you’re my angel now. I got one but she really hated it, her favorite toy is a small plush Monkey, but it didn’t help with the case. I’ll see what I can do.” Something would definitely work, it had to. “It’s been a little bit less than two years, I got her when I moved here. I was actually lucky because I adopted this cute little thing, my friend gave me Luna as a gift. How old are your dogs? They are probably really friendly so if we ever meet each other again, they can all play together. I’m sure Luna would love some new friends.”

✗

“Thank you. My grandmother would disagree because they’re not French names, but there can only be so many Maries and Laurents  in the world.” Vivi smirked with a roll of her eyes. Her grandmother and parents had pressed heavily on her when they found out she was pregnant with her twin sons to name them French names. Philip’s parents were fine with French names, but also wanted something to pay homage to older generations. Vivi wanted her children to have their own lives and to be unique. Thus, she chose her children’s names based on what she wished for them or the feeling it gave her to say them. The names responded to her in a way the same as music did and that was important to her. “That sounds awesome for you. I can’t stand cats which probably makes me a horrible person, but I just can’t. Perhaps because they were always mean to me growing up.” she shrugged. “Companionship is always a plus. I definitely appreciate my dog when the kids are away.”

It got so hard to tell vacationers and locals apart these days so Vivi felt some guilt when Milena told her that she had lived on the island for two years. “Well, you have an extra year on me. We’ve been here a year and about three months. I feel the same. I somehow haven’t found all the different places in Catalina to say that I know it like the back of my hand. I’m working on it though.” She was. When the kids were with Philip, Vivi told herself she would go explore a new place on the island. After the first time alone in the house with Allegra being so hard, Vivi knew that she would have to fill her time with something productive. What was better than figuring out the new place she was living in? Her eyebrows rose briefly as Milena mentioned growing up in California. “I was born in New York and attended various European boarding schools, but we lived in California most recently before moving here. May I ask where you lived in California?” Vivi hadn’t expected to leave California, but life had different paths for everyone.

“You sound like you’re on the right track. All good dog mom’s figure it out and you seem like a wonderful one.” she winked, before looking down at the kids playing with Luna, the air filled with giggles and happy yaps. “Adoption is amazing and she’s so lucky to have you I’m sure. We adopted Treble and Bass, but Allegra we bought. Well, my ex-husband bought her for me. An apology gift.” she explained before licking her lips softly. Though the break down of her family had been long coming, it still was painful for Vivi to speak about. “Treble and Bass are four and Allegra is three.” she replied softly, keeping a soft smile on her face before Milena asked if they could have a doggy playdate. Her glance fell on her children before looking back over to Milena. “Allegra is the only dog in Catalina. Treble and Bass live with their father in California. They see them two weekends a month. We separated about a year and a half ago.” Vivi looked over to see Presley moving to the monkey bars, she kept her eyes on him a bit longer, making sure he was safe before looking back at the woman in front of her. “Allegra definitely misses her brothers so she would love to have another friend, especially another girl friend. Do you walk Luna in this park often? Perhaps we could meet up here?”

VIVIENNE CALLOWAY.

☼

Softness in the form of a beam settles upon Geo’s corners, listening intently to her new friend explain their love for music and how it bleeds through them. Understanding the potency flowing through the other’s words at once and in a tidal wave. After all, it’s similar to how the woman feels about her own profession: being the voice of reason and caring for animals who can only capture their owner’s attention through a squawk of discomfort. A life without their respective line of work would be a challenge to function and something she never wants to lose ─ suspecting the same goes from Vivienne’s behalf. “Everything about what you said is beautiful. Stole the words right out of my mouth, but must be the producer within you,” Her silvery falsetto points out with a slight chuckle. Though fleeting in its eruption, her mouth shuts before a hand rests upon the sandy-tinted complexion. A wave of sorrow consumes her about how quiet her child-free days turn out to be. “I can understand that since my parents and siblings frequently take them for the weekend. I’m not entirely alone because I have the kids Beagles, Lilo and Stitch, but it’s different you don’t hear them rounding the corner.”

Allowing the emotion to settle upon her expression for a moment longer, hazel optics eventually shift to the sight of her crystalline water. Hand reaches forward to hold the glass as Vivi is jumping in with knowledge about superheroes. Something in this particular topic finds her relived and full of glee, aware that some of the mothers that Geo invited to Asher’s birthday party had a bit of a challenge abiding by the dress code regulations. Thankfully, someone else can understand the importance of hero figures. “I swear… where have you been my entire life!” Enthusiasm flows laboriously, returning to the glass to the coaster at once. Glistening array settling upon her multitoned eyes as a peal of laughter escapes at Presley’s form of play. “Okay, Asher hasn’t gotten to the point of flipping couches, and I hope it stays that way.” Or else the entire situation will land a panic state within her ─ wanting nothing more but to secure the kids from any injuries. “But the process of watching the movies took us a while since he wanted to read the comics first.” Though she couldn’t blame her son, the ashy-blond boy is a replica of her down-to personality, knowing his passion from a young age and prioritizing reading before any theatrical release.

Prior to reassuring Vivienne that nothing is bothering her, though the emotion lingered in her words, their server arrives for both orders. Rather than retrieving the menu in her possession, confidence excludes from her behalf as she politely asks for Italian Chopped Salad and tofu, on the side, if possible, before the interaction ended entirely before growing astounded by the peculiar resemblance amongst the parties. “Oh my god, you’re all named K’s,” As this isn’t her entire point, aware someone must’ve made this observation priorly, she uses the fleeting interlude to catch her breathe, “My siblings and I are all G names: Georgina, Gabriel, and Gabriella.” Which still gives the siblings a kick at how Sylvie and Jonathan thought long and hard about Gabby’s name. “Then, when it came to naming my kids, I broke the whole Kardashian letter naming route and now have Asher and Joanna.”

✗

“It’s a gift.” Vivi shrugged as a smirk laced her lips. She took a sip of her water, happy that she met another person that felt as passionately about their work and place in this world as she did. It felt good to know that there were people like that out in the world. She let out a breath of relief. While her and Geo’s situations with sharing their kids wasn’t exactly the same, Vivi could definitely see the similarities. “You have dogs?” she asked, brightening a bit again. Vivi had always been a huge dog lover. She had them as pets since she was a young girl. It always amazed her that no matter how long she was away at school, her dogs still remembered and loved spending time with her when she was in America. “Those are precious names. We had three dogs before the divorce. I have Allegra, our Yorkie. Philip got the two Lab brothers we had named Bass and Treble.” Her blue eyes casted down briefly. She knew he loved the dogs too, but wondered if it was her punishment for getting primary custody of their children. 

Her eyebrow rose softly as Geo asked where she had been her entire life. “Around the world in eighty plus days.” she smirked, rolling her eyes at her own lame attempt at a joke. “Hm, Asher sounds like my Peyton. He is the one that wants to know all the information before getting into something and he was the same way with the Marvel Universe. He wanted to read every comic there was before watching any movie. Presley, he’s impulsive and just wants to get to the bottom of things so, naturally, we had to secretly watch the movies while Peyton was asleep until Vee gave us away by saying Avengers assemble.” she chuckled softly. Victoria picked up on things very quickly which Vivi knew would be a blessing and curse as she got older. “I feel as though Asher and Peyton would make great friends though. I hope they have more opportunities to hang around each other.” Was it her lame attempt to get her son more friends? Yes, yes it was. Maybe now she understood how her mother and grandmother felt about her when she was younger. 

“No just Kitty, but we’re all named French names. My grandmother’s family is from France and England, but she claims mostly France for status reasons I believe.” Vivi frowned thinking of her paternal grandmother. They had always been at each other’s throats. She was glad that her grandfather never let it get too far. She knew it would get ugly on both sides. “Well good for you for breaking the cycle.” she teased tipping her clear glass to Geo teasingly. “Phil and I had agreed that the boys would be Ps and the girls would be Vs. So we had the twins and I had always loved the name Peyton and Presley was kind of a thing of ours. We got married by Elvis Presley in Vegas so that’s where his name came from. When I found out I was having a girl, he wanted to change and have all the kids have P names. He actually wanted to call Vee, Philomena which I instantly vetoed because...no, just no. I wanted her to have a strong woman’s name and who better than the queen of England who made very progressive reformations and lived a very long life, not cowering for one second.” Vivi realized she must sound crazy, but she was pretty passionate about Victoria’s name. There was so much chaos going on around her pregnancy. So much that was out of her control. She wanted control of something so she took it. “Do you think you’ll have more children?”

VIVIENNE CALLOWAY.

☼

Living in a relatively knit tight community has a plethora of advantages and disadvantages. People, specifically the PTA mothers, tend to run their mouths up and down the halls because it’s what they know best. It can be discouraging to newcomers and disappointing to natives, the latter in Geo’s optics, by the chatty behavior she came across upon her arrival at Community Day earlier in the day. Gossip is something the brunette despises for the life of her. Not only does it do no good, but it’s all sorts of wrong given the circumstance and how kids look up to their parents. So when Leanne, a known figure around the isle, began to pair people off, a part of the mother of two hoped she’d end up with Vivienne. Partially to protect the other from Leanne’s crew of gossipers, who will search for information left and right, but essentially for the reason the mothers hadn’t adequately met each other. And little before they knew it, the women indulged in a conversation and after plans as it not only celebrated the other’s birthday but their success of getting through the fair.

There’s a moment of silence weaving through the air, granting her the capability to glance over the menu and set it off to the side to provide the utmost attention to her guest. Her features remain tender, mimicking a feather floating through the air as details come alive, nodding softly as she takes everything in. “You’ve got taste. It’s been forever since I’ve seen any of those three.” Falsetto forbearing as silk admits in a beam. “It’s partially because I don’t know how just to sit down and enjoy things.” It’s an unfortunate vice that grips her whole ─ often determining her productivity by all of the marks off her to-do list. But, she’s been working towards taking control of her life once and for all. It hasn’t been easy, as small progressive steps have been monumental lately. “You might be disappointed because it’s nothing close to Amadeus or Mr. Holland’s Opus.” It’s a fair warning drizzling through a nervous tone, unaware of how the other’s reactions might turn out to be. “Paddington has been the favored film in the Livingston household, and Marvel is a close second because my son loves superheroes and comics,” she explains before nervously shifting in the seat.

But, gratitude is immediate in it’s suit as it thankfully forces Geo’s attention entirely from her lacking movie knowledge. A hand instant in it’s swift movement gashes through the air, admitting it’s the least she could do and this invitation comes due to the goodwill of her heart. “It’s your birthday! It’s the least I could do.” And if it meant safeguarding the other from these Phillies, who she suspects to be a name for the women’s former-lover, then more to it. Her steadfast twinkle, the one expression that she wears happily and comfortably, broadens at how spot-on Vivienne is in terms of reading her. “Who needs a knight when you can have a queen to rescue you?” Laborious jest glides through, aware the title of a queen is merely emphasis and nothing she could wholeheartedly relate to. “Being the eldest out of three built me up for this position, as well as nurturing others over the years, so it always came natural to me.”

✓

Leanne and her crownies had been the first set of people who greeted her when she first moved to the island. Vivi had obliged their invitation to an outing and regretted it afterwards. It had been a horrible experience of gossiping and parent shaming which she couldn’t be a part of. She was more than happy to be paired with Georgina. She had a completely different personality and energy than the other woman and Vivi could appreciate it. The dark-haired woman shrugged softly as Geo complimented her taste. “Music runs strong in my veins. If you were to cut me, I’d probably bleed musical notes and staffs. That’s what my head tends to fill with when I’m not looking out for my children so music focused movies tend to be my favorites.” Vivi took another sip of her drink, before nodding. “I definitely understand not being able to sit down for long periods with kids in the house. I guess my ex’s visitation days have helped with that. It’s incredibly quiet when the kids are gone with him. I find I don’t have much to occupy my time. I try to create music and I practice all the instruments I have, but...even that doesn’t fill the time.” she sighed, twisting her glass in a circle around the table. “It’s a little rough when they go away.”

Vivi chuckled, nodding. “Well then you hear all the talk about Thor and Captain America and the Hulk too. Peyton and Presley talk about Marvel all the time and Presley is always flipping off of the couch and trying to act out the movies. He would’ve broken his arm a few weeks ago if I hadn’t come in at the right moment and caught him in mid-air.” Paddington hadn’t been something she watched with her children, but maybe it would be on their next movie night. Her dark eyebrows dipped for a second as she noted Geo’s nervousness. “Is this a good place to be or should we pick somewhere else? I don’t mean make you uncomfortable.”

Her blue eyes rolled at the mention of her birthday. It was, in fact, her day, but Vivi hardly ever celebrated it anymore. “Thirty-six is a bit different from thirty-five, I can say that. And I’ll toast to needing a queen over a knight any day.” she smiled as she clinked her glass with Geo’s before taking a sip. The waiter came over and she gave him her order, waiting quietly for Georgina to give hers as well. Her eyes lit up a bit as the brunette shared that she was the oldest. “I am as well, but it’s only me and my younger sister, Kitty....Katherine, but she’ll always be Kitty to me.” she smiled as she thought of her younger sister. She was making her own way in the world now and was quite successful. “You said there were three of you? I have three children. My twin boys, Peyton and Presley, you’ve already met. I also have a nine month old daughter, Victoria, but we call her Vee or Vicky mostly. You must tell me all the secrets to growing up because I need to see what I’m in store for.”

VIVIENNE STANHOPE CALLOWAY.

☼

It isn’t unwonted for Georgina to lend a helping hand to the community. Whether it be among the lines of cleaning up the beaches on a childfree Saturday morning, volunteering at the island’s Animal Shelter, or being on alert when people may need her assistance, it’s something the brunette finds harmony in. So when Community Day discussed a fair for the entire day to teach kids the importance of earth day, she instantly signed up for volunteering ─ having no personal preference to what task she’ll be assigned to, but as long as her part is being played. After all, this particular afternoon is right up her alley since this is one of the plethoras of messages she’s been teaching her kids: the significance of recycling, using thermos flasks, and its purpose reusable bags (besides their puns) over plastic. Thus, the mother cleared the entire workday and was preparing to relish, potentially even endure astonishment, in a topic that’s near and dear to her being.

And astonishment is what she received. Not because the mother saw a child put a handful of compost in their mouth, which she’s seen happen before, but having the opportunity to meet Vivienne Stanhope-Calloway finally. Words, unfortunately, travel around the isle, as many women in this zipcode thrive in gossiping about others, but not Georgina. She may have heard about the women’s divorce ─ particularly about the affair, which she knows all too well about Tucker’s doing ─ but she saw past the gossip and always took the chance to get to know someone. So when hearty words passed from one to the other and the admittance of it being Vivienne’s birthday slithered its way into the atmosphere, there was only one way to celebrate the rest of the day: Bistro at the Atwater.

After taking a sip of her words, her left dimple indents itself in her sandy complexion. “Well, I’m glad you were able to adjust your plans for me today,” she says happily in her silvery falsetto. Not long after, hazel optics begin to scan over the menu for a vegetarian-friendly dish; Geo’s eyes fall upon an Italian Chopped Salad option as it causes her stomach to grumble. “What movie do you usually watch?” Curiosity of the other’s statement has piqued her interest, failing to remember the last time she watched a movie that wasn’t kid-friendly. But, before hearing a response, laughter finds her. “No, no, you don’t have to worry whatsoever! I took the day off, which is rare, but last I checked on my schedule, no guinea pigs with diarrhea or dogs with a broken leg, just the usual checkups.”

⒤

The fair was fun which surprised Vivi. She wasn’t usually one for large crowds, but since she had children, it was something she had to adjust to. She even got to see Peyton and Presley in action. They already had their own set of friends and seemed to be having the time of their lives at the fair. Meeting Georgina cased Vivi to have her own time of her life while at the fair. There had been so many stares and looks. She had worn a baseball cap to try to stave it off, but people were still people and once they saw her sons running up to her and talking a mile a minute, they couldn’t deny who she was. She had planned to follow her kids around a little once she was done at the booth, but a spirited conversation shared with the woman sitting across from her right now had diverted that plan in a good way. Now they were here at the Bistro, but she wasn’t upset about it. It was a good change of pace. It was good for her. She had to make a life for herself now. 

Vivi gave the brunette a small smile as she asked what movie she usually watched on her birthday. The love story between a young teenaged girl and a vampire played in her mind, but it wasn’t something she told people right off that she enjoyed and usually watched on her birthday. She just wasn’t ready for the reaction or the scrutiny. “Usually a musician movie like Amadeus or Mr. Holland’s Opus. August Rush is a good one as well. I watched that one a lot while I was pregnant and cried through the entire thing.” she grinned. Honestly, there were shades of the movie that had reminded her of her relationship with Philip so it hit differently. “Are there any movies that you enjoy?” Her eyes fell back on the menu as she scanned again and settled on the halibut dish with roasted asparagus. That would make a good birthday lunch. “Okay, because I wouldn’t the wellness of Catalina’s pets thwarted by a celebratory birthday lunch.” she chuckled. “I really appreciate you bringing me to lunch and the way you saved me from the Phillies.” Phillies is the name of Philip’s stans. It seemed very fitting from Vivi’s opinion and annoying. “Is saving people your thing or was I just lucky today?” she asked as she sipped some water.

vivienne calloway​:

▬

“That was definitely a mistake, I just hope soon I’ll be able to train Luna and we won’t need to use a leash, I’d love her to be able to walk freely still aware that she shouldn’t just run away from me,” Milena stated to the other woman while she could notice the young dalmatian sharing the same excitement as the child that soon asked Milena to pet Luna. “Of course, she’s a sweet little dog and won’t bite you, I promise.” At least, up until now, unless Luna felt she was in danger, she would welcome everyone to pet her and wave her tail at them. It wouldn’t be different with children, Luna adored children. “Still, I apologize, I’m just glad Luna didn’t scare your children!” There was always someone new to meet on the island, someone to talk to and get to know while worrying about her mother and trying her best to enjoy her new life in a new place. Though it had been two years, sometimes it felt close to her first month in Catalina. “What’s the name of your dogs?” She offered that question to the young kid that had been excited about meeting Luna. 

“And I’m Milena, by the way.” She offered both to the children and their mother. After all, she didn’t want the other woman to think Milena was just a stranger that didn’t know how to simply continue her path and decided to stop for a brief conversation while the kids had fun with the dog. “It was such a beautiful day that I knew Luna deserved to enjoy it too instead of being indoors for far too long, she absolutely hated it. Sometimes I’ll take her to my office with me so she can enjoy the walk out. It’s a good thing she stopped destroying my furniture.” Or else, she’d have to buy new ones faster than Milena wanted to. At least, Luna provided good company, which was exactly what she craved for while living by herself. 

⒣

Peyton didn’t hear anything after she said okay because he was already on his knees playing with the small puppy. Vivi smiled as she watched her son play with the puppy. Maybe she should get them a new puppy. Then they would have two when the were with her and visiting their father. The kids would probably enjoy it. Her head turned back up to the woman across from her as she asked about her other dogs who were with her husband. “Yeah, we have two Labrador brothers, Bass and Treble, and a Yorkie named, Allegra. We’re a musical family as well.” Victoria, softly played with Vivi’s hair as she looked down at her brother and the puppy wanting to get down and play as well. Vivi moved the almost toddler to her stroller and pushed her a little closer to the other two. 

“Nice to meet you, Milena. I’m Vivi. This is my daughter, Victoria, and my son, Peyton. My other son, Presley is on the swings.” she said pointing to the little boy who was a copy of Peyton. “Do you live on the island or are you just visiting?” Vivi’s blue eyes went over to make sure that Presley was still on the swings. When she saw his sandy brown hair, she turned back to Milena. “Oh yeah, I definitely couldn’t keep these three in on this bright, warm day. If the sun’s out, they all want to be outside. I blame it on growing up in California.” she smirked. Her eyebrows rose softly as Milena spoke about Luna’s need to chew on the furniture she owned. “Does she have those brain challenge toys? It could be that she gets bored and starts chewing. We got those toys that you can hide treats in but they have to work to get them out and it kept our dogs entertained for hours and exhausted them. I swear whoever invented them is a genius mixed with a saint mixed with an angel.” she chuckled softly. “How long have you had Luna?”

☀︎

Charlotte nodded in the most encouraging way possible, “I think it does! I’m sure if I went into your house I’d be able to put a name to your style and everything. Even people who think they have no clue in this arena know what they like for themselves, right? You know what you want to see in your house and what you don’t.” She noticed the woman running her hand along the coffee table and a part of her perked up. She couldn’t turn her design brain off if she’d tried and really, she never tried very hard to do it. “Are you looking for a new coffee table? Or anything specific, at all? You helped me out so I’d love to return the favor if I can.” 

Reaching out her hand with a smile, she introduced herself. “It’s great to meet you Vivi. I’m Charlotte and yes, guilty as charged.” She laughed softly as her grey-blue eyes met her beautiful blue ones. “I’d love to help you with your house. What are you working with right now? Was it a recent move to a new place or do we just need some updating?”

⒡

“If you came into my house, you would see dog toys scattered on the floor, sporting equipment going up the stairs, baby bottles on random surfaces, and music composing papers in every crevice in between. I think it’s a trend. Modern musical mommy chic. Something like that.” Vivi chuckled with a shrug. She wouldn’t change it for the world. She loved her kids and she had fought hard to have them primarily with her. Her eyes wandered for a few moments as memories of the trial floated through her mind. The dark-haired woman snapped her head back to Charlotte, staring at her for a moment as her brain registered what she had said to her. “Coffee table? Oh yeah...” she replied, tucking some hair behind her ear as she looked down at her hand on the table. “I suppose I was going to start with a new coffee table and see where it went from there?” she shrugged.

Vivi smiled softly as she shook the other woman’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you too, Charlotte. And thank you in advance for your help.” Vivi took a breath and blew it out softly as her eyes scanned the store. “Well, I moved here last January, pretty much in a rush. I have three kids and I had to make sure we were all settled and adjusting well so I took some stuff from my old house and a couple of new things and put them in the house, but it doesn’t feel like our home. I want it to feel like home.” Vivi had tried her best after she decided to separate from her ex-husband. Her first priority was her kids. She wanted her kids to be okay, most importantly the one who had been growing inside of her. She had been under a lot of stress while she was pregnant with Victoria, but the girl was developing appropriately so she supposed the little girl was in the clear there for now at least. “The house is beautiful. I don’t think I would change any of the bones of it. It’s mostly the wall paint, the furniture, the details if that makes sense. It still feels like I’m living in someone else’s home.”

@viviscalloway​.

LOCATION: little bird books / avalon DATE AND TIME: april 11, sunday / morning

Teddy’s never been much of a reader. Whatever free time he has is devoted to reading sheet music, and practicing not long after. Yet work at the orchestra has hit a relative lull over the past few weeks, and consequently, he finds himself with far too much time on his hands. That morning, Teddy decides to haunt the local bookstore. There’s a quaintness to the establishment with which he is particularly fond, so he lurks, lingers by the bookshelves, hands sifting through the titles, some of which have begun to gather dust. 

Eventually, he finds a novel that sparks his interest. Some Chuck Palahniuk novel about a death cult, of all things. It’s telling that that had been the book Teddy chooses to tuck away under his arm the moment he’d finished reading the synopsis. He’s about to join the queue of customers by the register when he hears the chimes to the front door. Against the bookstore’s silence, his ears ring at the sudden noise — and even more so when he realizes he recognizes the person who’d walked in. “Shit,” he says, mumbling the curse word under his breath. Not exactly the best place to start, though given his relationship with the woman’s ex-husband, he supposes her opinion of him has long fallen into disrepute. Would there be merit in starting now? He supposes there’s no harm in trying. “Vivienne,” he greets, courteously, while approaches her vicinity, “I didn’t realize you were based in Catalina now.” 

⒟

Vivi had a subscription service that delivered books to her house. She loved reading, mostly nonfiction books about musicians and composers. Peyton loved reading as well. Presley was struggling so she was trying to help him. Victoria loved to listen and pretend to say the words in her babble language. It was adorable to Vivi. Obviously, they were a house that needed a constant stream of books. It seemed that their current delivery was going to be a bit delayed so the dark-haired mother found herself on the way to the small bookstore on the island trying to get some good books for all the people in her family. 

Peyton wanted some harder fictional chapter books. Presley was getting into comics. They were short enough to keep his attention span and had tons of picture support when he couldn’t read the words. Victoria loved pictures as well and animal books where Vivi could make the noises when she read to her. And Vivi, well, she was looking for a good autobiography to get into. After a grocery store run, Vivi parked outside of Little Bird Books and walked inside staying near the front to look at some of the newer books. Her body cringed and her face crinkled at the sound of her full name. She absolutely hated her full name and it was usually used when her family was upset with her or wanted her to do something they knew she didn’t want to do but were going to guilt trip her into doing it anyway. She slowly turned towards the sound and set her blue eyes on a man she had not counted on seeing any time soon. “Theodore Carlson.” she said with a slight curl to her lips. “I see you still don’t listen when people tell you their preferred name.” she said raising an eyebrow briefly. “Yes, I am. Living in the same place of your addict ex-husband usually isn’t in the best interest of your family. California was no longer and option for us and neither was New York.” she said before turning towards a collection of children’s books. “So what has Philip told you about me? I’m an evil bitch or a cold-hearted slut? Those were the last ones I’ve heard from him, but I’m dying to hear if he has new material.” 

set: over the weekend location: neaby a park availability: closed | @viviscalloway​

It was a beautiful day, one that caused Milena to head outside with Luna so her dog could enjoy some time outdoors by the park. It was a beautiful day and both of them deserved to relax before Lena had to return back home for a shower and visit her parents, hoping that her mother would continue to get better with time and she wouldn’t have to worry about her constantly. Ignoring her thoughts and mostly focused on her path, Milena was a few steps behind her dog, when Luna didn’t notice that there was someone really close to her and Milena was able to anticipate the collision. She shouted the puppy’s name as loud as possible, and at least when her dog looked at her owner, it made Luna bump against the other person lighter than if the dog was reaching them full speed.

When Milena reached closer to them, she bit her lower lips, scratching the back of her neck. “I apologize for it, she loves being outside of the apartment but often ignores everyone else around her, but me.” She replied. “I hope you’re okay.”

⒞

“Presley! Let your brother have a turn or no dessert after dinner tonight!” Vivi called to her son who had been pushing his brother out of the way so he could go down the slide first every time they climbed to the top of the slide. Presley frowned and stomped his foot, but allowed Peyton to go down the slide first. He then made it a point to get on the swings. No line and no sharing on that one. Presley was strong-willed. A trait he inherited from his mother honestly. Vivi was just now realizing how much of a headache it could be, but he would need that to make it in the world. 

His twin, Peyton, ran over to her as she held her youngest in her arms. He tickled his little sister’s feet and giggled with her. Peyton always had a soft side for Victoria. He loved helping her take care of the baby of the family and tended to hover around her if they were all playing together. Victoria giggled down to her brother, grasping for his nose. Peyton let her grab it before kissing her tiny palm and letting her hold his finger for a little while. She was watching Presley swing on the equipment when she felt a light push on her ankle. Before she could look down, Peyton was already kneeling and petting the playful puppy that had bumped into both of them apparently. “Pey, you have to ask before you touch. It’s what we tell people about our dogs too.” she told him before seeing the owner run over. “You have to start with the small leash before you get the retractable kind. It helps.” Vivi offered. Raising three dogs on her own had helped her figure that one out. Philip ended up with the larger two, but she still had Allegra, their Yorkshire terrier. Her blue eyes looked on the face of her son then her daughter and nodded. “We’re all in one piece so I think we survived the accident.” she smirked. “Please excuse my son. We are dog lovers so he acts before he asks.” Vivi looked at Peyton, giving him a small grin and a wink which made him grin in return. ‘May I pet your dog, please?’ Peyton asked politely, twitching hands stuffed into the pockets of his cargo shorts.

Vivi wasn’t really one who celebrated her birthday with parties and tons of gifts. Truthfully, Philip had always given her tons of gifts whether he had been in or out of town. She had now realized it was all out of guilt because he knew she would be seeing a picture or video of him holding someone’s hand outside of a club or kissing another in front of a hotel that they would be entering. They were guilt gifts and Vivi could never believe that she had been dumb enough to think that he actually cared about it being her birthday. Maybe she was dumb to think that he had ever cared at all. 

She had planned on having a quiet dinner with her kids and a cake, mostly for them than for herself. Once they were all asleep, she would indulge in some Nutella and breadsticks while watching the entire Twilight Saga where no one could make fun of her or interrupt her. Maybe she would even get some practice in on her violin. Instead, she found herself sitting at a table across from another mother she had met while volunteering at Peyton and Presley’s school. Georgina Livingston was elegant, refined, and kind. She had been more than pleasant as they manned one of the Earth Day booths set up in the school gym and didn’t seem to only want to get to know her because of her name and former fame. She had even shielded her from some of the other parents who were clearly Philip Calloway fans and wanted to talk to her about her ex-husband and his new music. Vivi would forever be grateful for that. During their conversation, it had somehow slipped that today was her birthday and then the suggestion that they should go out and celebrate manifested and here they were. “I hope you know this is way more than I usually do or expect for my birthday.” she grinned. “I usually order French cuisine with the kids, we eat, sing Happy Birthday, I put them to bed and then I do a movie marathon with a can of Nutella and breadsticks.” Vivi looked over the menu looking for something she would be interested in. “Are you sure I’m not taking you away from a dog with a broken leg or a guinea pig with diarrhea or something?”

“That’s a great question. I believe it has changed over the span of time. Right now, the definition of success for me is seeing my children alive and thriving. Seeing their smiling faces. Hearing their giggles. I also think of it as feeling happy with yourself. I’m happy with myself. Just as I am. I think more people need to feel that kind of success in the world.”

“I guess this is a tear yourself apart, build yourself back up session then. Alright, my least favorite thing about myself would probably be my patience. I put up with a lot of stuff in my past. What I like the most about myself is my musical talent. I’ve worked hard all my life to make it the best I can and I don’t know who I would be without it.”

“It’s absolutely Autumn. I love watching the leaves fall. I love the crisp air. Autumn in New York is by far my favorite thing. I adored watching my sons play in the backyard of my house in New York amongst the fallen multicolored leaves as I sipped my tea from a chair not far away from them. So, between the colors, weather, and memories, autumn is my absolute favorite season.”

“Wow. That’s a great question. I’ve been all over the world between my childhood, schooling, and being married to Philip Calloway. However, Indonesia is on my bucket list because they have an elephant sanctuary there where you can visit with rescued elephants and see them in their natural habitat. My kids love elephants and my son, Peyton, found it on the internet and really wants to go. Maybe in a few years for him and his brother’s birthday we’ll take a family trip there.”

“Well, please remember I’m a classical music lover so the first classical music I heard was when I was three and it was the New York Symphony Orchestra. When I was thirteen, I saw the Smashing Pumpkins in London and I was obsessed. Ava Adore has always been one of my favorite songs. It played in the Vegas chapel where I got married. I thought it was a good omen, but we all know how that ended up.”