Miles returned her smile, she seemed to have relaxed a little since first entering his store. Her smile a little more genuine. It was pretty.
"No, she's a sweetheart. Don't worry. She's polite, keeps to herself. Good kid." He nodded. Saying someone was a kid made him feel old... then he realised he was. "I'm glad she does, I love this place too. I am glad it can be a safe cool place for us nerds." He gave a laugh.
"I mean, there's probably a vegetable superhero somewhere but vampires seems to be the teen thing. Or is that still 2010?"
"Glad to hear it." She let out a sigh of relief, just grateful that she wasn't going to have to apologise for Maya. When Maya was small, the pair had been best friends. Lately, Viv felt like her daughter was pulling away. The comic book shop seemed like a window and Viv felt like she was looking into her daughter's world. But then she had uprooted Maya to a town like Holden. Perhaps, she deserved her little peaceful place.
"Mmm i think that was our era. But i won't judge you if you haven't thrown away your body glitter. But they like superheroes right... she took me to see all of those revenger movies"
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"You wanted to see me?", he walked over to where she was sitting in the small coffeeshop, a heavy stone in his stomach. It would be a lie to say that seeing her, even after all this time, went by without leaving a mark on James. Somewhere some part of him still cared deeply about her, always would. After all she and Maya were the reason for his return to Holden in the first place. But his return to the city had not changed that she kept her distance.
Too much water under the bridge, too much pain in all of their hearts.
Being back in Holden only seemed to add to that pain. But James stayed, pushed through for Maya. He had missed so much, he was not going to miss anymore. Which led to the worry now curling around that stone, around all those memories. "Is everything all right? Did something happen with Maya?" He had been surprised when he got Viv's call and of course his mind had managed to come up with all kinds of different horror scenarios.
Jamesâs voice pulled Viv from her thoughts. He walked over to her table in the small coffeeshop. There was that usual tension just beneath the surface. She could see it in his shoulders, the way his jaw clenched. Maybe he felt guilty. Maybe he should.
Viv didnât stand. She barely looked at him. Not because she didnât care but because she cared too much, and it was exhausting. Seeing him always stirred up something sharp and familiar. She hated that about him. She hated that about herself. It never really went away, no matter how many years passed. He was here because she had called. Because he would always be for Maya... and for her. That used to be comforting. She took a slow sip of coffee, trying to gather herself. Viv let James' question hang in the air for a moment, wondering if he might cut her off.
"She snuck out last night," Viv said her voice measured and tired. "Apparently, she went to that stupid bonfire at the cliffs."
James tried - and failed - to read his friend's reaction. Family was a strange topic for the both of them, one they often avoided and that justifiably so. So he offered an apologetic smile. "You must forgive me if I am harsh today. My mood wasn't bad to begin with, but I guess it took a turn now." Another sigh before he listened, more carefully this time. "There should not be need for that. Many in this town knew her. And it won't bring her back, nor will it help explaining what happened to her."
"I understand that.", James felt more than just powerless, he felt angry. "But do you think that feeling will get away when he print something about her? It won't make the lake any safer nor will it erase these letters. I wonder where they even got them from. Hidden in a box? Please." That felt like a question worth asking, not just why they were published but how it could even happen. "Maybe the police should check out that boathouse."
Ash half smiled, looking into the shop that was selling the papers before tucking one under his arm. "Don't mention it, I know what this town can do to you." The answer was drive you fucking crazy. But he didn't need to say that, not to James at least. "People like hope..."
He finally looked at James. "Boathouse?" Ash asked, his interest piqued. "The abandoned one or the fancy one?" He pulled his paper back open, this time scanning. "That's not far from me... it's not out of the question that i stumbled in looking for some oil." He felt like he'd just read his friend's mind.
Piper found herself going out early. She enjoyed the sun on her skin and relaxing when there was no one around. She loved being outside, she always had. She stepped closer, taking a deep breath. The smell of the morning air was calming, she needed that after everything.
She took her spot on the floor, opening her bag to take out some work. Looking over student papers didn't seem so bad in the sun. Lost in her thoughts, she jumped. "Shit, I didn't hear anyone, sorry."
Asher wasn't exactly popular in his family for his decision to live on a boat. In fact, his mother was pretty sure it would kill off his grandmother. He saw that as a challenge. The thought made him chuckle to himself as he stepped up on deck to have a smoke. A towel around his lower body. He stretched, breathing in the air. He laughed, glancing over to the shore. "Are you going to pretend you didn't plan this? You just picked the perfect spot to get the an eyeful." He chuckled.
Asher didnât say anything at first. Just ran a hand down his face like he was trying to wipe off the whole conversation. Offering to speak to his dad was a big step. He would be lying if he said he wasn't relieved that James had turned it down. "I'm not saying we... erase it. But maybe they could reprint a follow up... something good about her. I don't know i.." He sighed, knowing he was thinking like one of them. Like one of the Campbells and he quickly tightened his lips.
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"I like weird things, would make a good story," he replied with a shrug, though he was slightly lost in his own thoughts for a moment. "Right, yes, fantasy. That way," he pointed, keeping up his usual smile. "Oh wait, yeah, the girl. I know who you mean. Yeah, she's usually over here if that helps. She in here browsing a lot after school."
Viv blinked at him, then gave a sheepish smile. She couldn't tell if he was being forward or funny. God, it had been a long time since she'd had any sort of flirting. Was she now imagining it? "That sounds like her... i'm sorry if she's causing trouble." If she was anything like her mother she'd be dragging her friends in here and raising hell. But that wasn't really Maya. "She loves this place though. She speaks really fondly of it." She smiled, hoping her politeness was making up for the way she snapped at him before.
She glanced down at her list again, the ink running off the page." Something about a vampire⌠or maybe a vegetable? Any ideas?"
Miles kept his smile on his face. He had caught her tone but his soft nature didn't falter. "Hmm, I thought so. It wasn't raining rabbits," he rambled his terrible joke as he returned with a smile. His eyes followed her around the store, wondering where she would stop. What were her interests? Though her question broke his thoughts. His eyes fell to the paper, moving over for a closer look. "I mean just from experience, I would say fantasy."
"Now that would make me stop and stare" She mumbled, still trying to decipher the list with the torch of her phone. "Fantasy..." If one thing put her mind at ease as a mother, it was that her daughter was still in her bedroom reading about faeries, vampires or perhaps elves. She hoped that Maya could keep that innocence for just a little bit longer. "Right... fantasy and that is... this way." She pointed towards a stack of shelves. "My daughter gave me a list. This place is practically her second home. You may as well be charging her rent."
"It's bullshit, fabricated or not. Oh, and good morning to you, too." James did not like talking about Sophia. After his return to Holden he had missed the chance to reconnect with her - there were no romantic feelings left, after all, they had dated only briefly, but it was nice being around old friends. Facing all these regrets was hard, anger was easy. "Well, she never wrote me one, but I haven't really seen her in years. Hard to say what she did or didn't do. But she's dead, her family's still grieving. This is just", he shook the newspaper still in his hands, "This is just wrong. They shouldn't be making money off of a dead girl with some weird drama. It makes her look..." His voice trailed off. It made her look like she had been indeed losing it. And he hadn't been there to help.
Asher looked down at the paper, scanning it as his old friend spoke. He folded it back over as he offered his harsh opinion of it. Asher went to state how close the pair were - but decided better of it. Talk like that in times like this sounded like suspicion. Asher didn't suspect James for a minute, he doubted he was even capable of hurting anyone that way. "Crazy?" He clicked his tongue. "She wasn't. We both knew her.. like i said it's bullshit. Some young journalist." He sighed. "Look... you know how i feel about this but if you want me to talk to my sisters... see if maybe my family can pull the article." He suspected that maybe James was still doing some grieving of his own.
Miles tapped his fingers against the counter, it wasn't too long until closing time and the store had been pretty quiet for the last couple of hours. He could hear the heavy rain outside, hoping it would be kind and stop before he headed home.
He sighed gently, flicking through a comic, trying not to look at his phone. He'd seen the news circling about that girl. He couldn't believe those words had been public, whether it was real or not. He wasn't exactly close to his siblings... but he couldn't imagine that.
He jumped a little, though he quickly realised the sound was the door opening. "Shit it's really raining out there, huh?"
Viv hadn't read much of the paper. She had no interest in some apparent gossip, all she cared about was trying to keep that information away from Maya so that she didn't have to explain what exactly what the words on the page meant. She used the paper as an umbrella as she headed into the store, a list of things Maya had requested in her hand. "That is real rain, yes" She replied bluntly before reminding herself that she should probably use her outside voice rather then her internal voice.
She turned smiling gently at the stranger. "It's raining cats and dogs." She chimed trying to hide her awkwardness appropriately. She started to look through the shelves, cross checking a few things with her list that had started to smudge in the rain. "Do you think this said dynasty or fantasy?" She held up the now soggy paper.
After a long overnight shift at work, James had decided to take the long route home. He liked to start every new day with a walk, clear his mind and get the air back into his lungs after having been cooped up in the stale hospital hallways for so long. But today he instantly regretted that decision once he passed the first newspaper stand. The Holden Gazette's titel page stared at him with a familiar face, one he had not seen in years. And the old anger burned in his chest instantly. "You gotta be kidding me." James Whitley took one of the newspapers, eyes running over the lines. How could anyone publish this? "Her parents should sue them into oblivion."
Of course, Asher had seen James quite a bit since his return to Holden. Yet, somehow he still wasn't quite able to put on that happy go lucky fool so easily around him. Perhaps he was scared that he would see through the act and see what was really behind his eyes. Or perhaps, James brought out something real in him. An understanding between the two men who had difficult relationships with their fathers... and their father's wealth. Asher understood James... or at least he thought he did most of the time. But as he caught laid his eyes on the newspaper, on Sophia's eyes looking up at him. Asher was lost for words. "You think this shit is real?" he picked up a paper himself, opening up to the middle spread. "Come on... you think Soph was actually writing letters? Someone's fabricated the whole thing.. right?"
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Face claim:Â Phillipa Soo
Character pronouns:Â she/her
Age:Â 36
Gender:Â Cis Woman
Occupation:Â Lecturer
Neighbourhood of residence:Â Suburban Hills
Place of Birth:Â Holden, Pennsylvania
Length of residence:Â On and off
Vivian was always person of high seriousness and independence. As the only child of her parents who were both academics and spent their early marriage travelling the world. They were world class academics and Vivian felt the weight of immense expectations on her shoulders. It was assumed that she would follow in their footsteps and continue their legacy of scholarly works and presentations. Despite the pressure, Vivian found comfort in this path as it was a world she was well-versed in and passionate about. She revelled in new ideas, as well as the thrill of travelling to far-off places. At the same time, she cherished spending quality time with her parents in Holden. She loved when they were home and always wanted them to be home more. Upon starting her high school education, Vivianâs life took a positive turn. Her mother, in a selfless act of dedication, took a sabbatical from her career to ensure Vivian had a stable childhood. However, this plan was unexpectedly disrupted when Vivian met James.
James and Vivian were together for four passionate years, resulting in their daughter, Maya. But once Maya was born the cracks began to show almost instantly. Vivian had spent nearly her whole childhood travelling and being pulled in and out of school. She wanted her daughter to have a settled childhood and to be near her grandparents. This was something James made very clear that he never wanted. Although Vivian knew that he had issues with his family, she had no idea how strong those feelings were or the true reason behind his aversion to Holloway. James told Vivian that she would have to return to Holden without him if that was her decision. So she packed her bags, strapped her daughter into the car and never returned. Truth be told, she always thought James would give in and come running after them. Vivian and James have stayed in contact for the sake of their daughter, although the relationships have become more strained as the years have gone on.
Upon her return to Holden, Vivian dedicated herself to her academic aspirations by enrolling in graduate school and ultimately earning her masterâs and PhD degrees. Due to her parentâs esteemed reputation, Vivian was fortunate enough to secure a position at Holden University (with her father pulling some strings).
Face claim: Oliver Jackson Cohen
Character pronouns: he/him
Age: 36
Gender: Cis Man
Occupation: Works at Campbell Brewery
Neighbourhood of residence: Riverside
Place of Birth: Holden, Pennsylvania
Length of residence: His whole life
Asher Campbell was born in the small town of Holden. From a young age, his life mantra has been to âsmile his way through life and see what he could get away with.â Itâs a philosophy he still lives by today. Despite his laid-back, fun-loving demeanor, Asher comes from old moneyâhis family has long been one of Holdenâs wealthiest, and growing up with his two siblings, the Campbells never lacked for anything. In fact, they had everything.
Asher is romantic, flirtatious, and always chasing a good time. His charm and easygoing personality make him a generally likeable person. He rarely intends harm, though he can sometimes speak before thinking, which occasionally lands him in trouble.
In high school, Asher was the star quarterback with a promising future ahead of him. He was set to receive a full scholarship to college until a serious injury ended those dreams in an instant. That moment became a turning pointâhis fall from grace marked the beginning of what he jokingly calls his âfamily disappointment era.â
After high school, Asher settled into working at the Campbell Brewery, a family-owned business that has been a staple in Holden since the late 1970s. While many see him as coasting through life, those who know him best recognise his talent with numbersâhe can calculate figures and quantities almost instinctively, a skill that keeps the brewery running smoothly even if his heart isnât fully in it.
Raised in a family that loved the outdoorsâskiing, camping, and fishing were routine parts of childhoodâAsher was taught early on to never venture into the Holden woods. His father always blamed the decision on bears, but Asher suspects there was a deeper, unspoken reason. The Campbells were known for being superstitious, and over the years, the woods took on a near-mythic presence in their household. Even now, Asher follows that rule: never step foot in the Holden woods.
At twenty-six, Asher moved out of the family home and has since kept his distance. His relationship with his father is tense at best, and nearly estranged at worst. Still, for the sake of his motherâand the occasional pang of nostalgiaâhe attends family events and keeps the peace where he can. Heâs not looking to reopen old wounds, just trying to start fresh. He often omitts his second name Campbell and goes by his middle name Brooke.
Asher is focused on building a quieter, more grounded life. Heâs tryingâreally tryingâto stay out of trouble, keep his nose clean, and prove to himself that heâs more than just the Campbell disappointment. Underneath the flirtation and humour lies a man who wants to find purposeâhe just hasnât quite figured out where that purpose lies yet.
Theo had a quiet sort of confidence, he was talkative, warm but still slightly reserved. He had to be for his job. His work revolved around talking to people, listening to opinions and ideas and he loved it. He enjoyed engaging with others. He smiled, leaning on the wall gently as he approached the other. âOkay, quick question. What is the best show or musical you have ever seen on a theatre? Or TV? Or have you never seen one at all? I swear I will not judge you if you say you havenât,â he said with an encouraging smile.
Liz continued to walk, Theo walking beside her. "See, you ask that but your tone is loaded with judgement if i say i haven't seen any." She smiled, opening the coffee shop door with her back and holding it open for him to walk past. "I think my mom took me to see little shop of horrors when i was a kid. That was okay?" She laughed to herself. "I don't know something has always bothered me about musicals. Like... why can everyone sing? Why can everyone dance? I want to see a realistic musical where someone just opens their mouth and they're tone deaf."
It was in the norm for Patrick to find himself taking a late lunch at the small coffee shop. Especially now since they just debuted their holiday flavors. While Patrick had some constraint at Sweet Nothings, he indulged his sweet tooth everywhere else.
Blueberry scone already finished, he occupied himself like he always did - with his small worn out book of crossword puzzles. It was a hobby he could enjoy at his own pace, proven by how most pages were in different stages of being complete. Heâd only scribbled down two answers so far, in between sips of his gingerbread flavored coffee. The hit of caffeine no doubt failing him today.
Patrick stared down his glasses at the next clue, only looking up to offer a friendly smile of acknowledgement to the other patron as they took a seat near him. "Oh, thank God you're here. You wouldn't happen to know a four letter word for 'water container', would you? Ends with RâŚ"
Liz had done a degree in English back in the day and yet the man's question hit her hard. She'd settled down with some tea, typing her next blog post furiously when he had turned politely and asked the question. The longer she thought, the more frustrated she became. This one was going to bother her for a long time.
"R-ay-in." She paused, realising how ridiculous she looked. "Jar..." She laughed gently at her own stupidity in that moment. "Jars." She added. "I've got nothing." She lifted her tea, sipping it bashfully.
Parker gave the girl an easy smile, leaning slightly against his car as he spoke. âYeah, long day, but a good one. Just finished some stuff at the studio, lots of families seem to be getting their holiday photos done early this year. Keeps me busy, so I canât complain.â
His eyes glanced over her face, she was being polite, even when he'd disrupted her evening. âCan I help with anything?"
Liz smiled, nodding gently as the stranger spoke. She didn't always get people who spoke to strangers in the street, she'd much rather be hidden in her headphones. But she nodded politely nonetheless. "Holiday photos? Like... kids dressed as elves and candy canes?" She raised an eyebrow. "Oh... yeah... i was just waiting for my uber. I think it's delayed though."
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@heartfordstarters
Outside Ellis and Lillies Photography Studio / Heartford City Centre
Open to all
Parker let out a tired sigh, adjusting the strap of his camera bag over his shoulder as the cool bite of the evening air hit his skin. Heâd just wrapped up a late photoshoot and finished tidying up the studio for the night.
He thought about grabbing a quick bite from one of the nearby places but remembered he had some leftover stir fry waiting at home. Cooking always helped him unwind, even on nights like this when his legs ached from being on his feet all day.
As he stepped out and locked the studio door behind him, his boots hit softly against the cobblestones. Heading toward his car, he caught the sound of approaching footsteps. Parker glanced up and offered a friendly smile to the passerby. âHey there, just finished up work? Long day too?â he asked, his tone warm and easy as he unlocked his car door.
Liz wasn't often out late at night. If she was it was with a car that she had already called from work. Her life had changed a lot since she was a teenager and it was crazy to think that her opinions had got here there. Sure, it was just a seat on a local news show. But it was still more then she ever thought she'd amount to. Still, she'd had her earbuds in the whole way around the grocery store hoping to avoid polite conversation from the local busybodies.
She'd just reached her car when she finally got caught. "Oh..." She took one headphone out. "Sorry? Huh?" She blinked, not really because she hadn't heard him. But because her thoughts had been so far away that it took her a few moments to piece them together. "Oh... yeah always is." She smiled politely, bouncing as she waited for her uber. Yet, she got the impression the man wanted to be asked back. "And you? Long day at work?" She spoke with her hands.
Lucian had a long day at work and all he wanted to do was get home to his wife and kids. But he wanted to stop and get Kiara something first. She deserved it and besides this was just because. There were times that he often did this. Bringing her chocolates and flowers just because. It was one his many charms. Besides he wanted to do the small things for her.
Moving into Hearts and Flowers, he started to look around some. It seemed like they were out of her favorites. Which sucked but he would somehow make it happen to get her some different flowers and probably some chocolates as well. Maybe the seasonal flowers that were in stock. That was what he decided on getting her, and her favorite chocolates. At they had those. Which was perfectly fine. Walking out of the store, that was when he instantly bumped into someone. "Oi..I'm sorry." He told them. "Are you okay? That was my bad, I wasn't paying attention."
Kass wasn't one for flowers. But she'd got this note at her door saying she'd been delivered a bunch of flowers. Or rather, she hadn't been delivered a bunch of flowers. It was a joke. Even if she did like flowers she would always go to The Petal Pixie. At least she knew she was going to get surface with a very handsome smile there.
She sighed, not quite getting into the store before someone bumped into her. Although the quirk in her brows changed when she realised who she had bumped into. Her brother in law. A smile graced her lips. "Ah, in the dog house?" She asked, nodding towards the flowers. "I haven't been married for a long time, but i certainly only got flowers like those when he did something wrong."Â
