higher than the stars

zoeydeutch: 🎂 x 40. 🥰

Happy 40th birthday, babe! I’m so happy you were born, I have a whole day ready for us, and I can’t wait to tell you how old you are all day long. But with love, of course. Let’s start with a nice breakfast in bed.  Love you, Yours,  Zoey. 

I feel like it’s been ages since we last hung out, and I blame life for that! Either way, I’d love to catch up. See how it’s going on your side. How’s life going? I hear through the grapevine that you guys have goats? Or want to get goats? I want to hear everything. 

@zoeyfdtch​

I don’t know who I can blame for it, so I’m just going to say it’s all Ben’s fault. Which really it isn’t. Life’s going good! I finished filming something last week, so now I’m back in Bayview just in time for the camping thing. We do have goats, two to be exact, their names are Pancakes and Waffles. What about you? How is the little one?

True, the best outcome regardless was the fact that we raised so much money for charity, which has always been an important thing in my life. So, win or lose, that’s all that mattered in the end but the winning is a pretty great feeling! Think we have to deem it now that we can’t be on separate teams ever, for our own minds sake. We should hang out more often, and if the guys don’t want to we’ll just drop them off together and go hang out together ourselves! I’m not opposed to some good girl time in my life, those are pretty important moments every lady needs. The pet sitters and farm helpers, it’s loads of fun isn’t it? Making sure it all gets squared away! I have to do the same thing with my cows to make sure they’re looked after. 

It is! I was raised with the idea that you should always give back, and the fact that we do it while also having fun is such a great way to bring awareness to causes that are not always put forward. I would hate to be on a team opposing you, like sure make me fight my boyfriend, but you? Never ever. We should totally do a just us hang out one of those days! That way we don’t have to bring those two along. But I’m sure they’d feel so lonely without us, we might get back to a real disaster. I’m always wanting more girl friends, and when I met you I immediately knew we would be a great match. 

Wanted to send my apologies for being sucked into the life of being a mum, these last two months have been something else and now that I’m managing a little bit of sleep and know how to resemble a human being again, I wanted to say that I’ve been missing your face, and Archer has definitely missed his Aunt Zoey. I’m sure you’re going to be going on the trip that’s coming up this weekend but promise me that when you get back we’ll get together? We can go take a little walk in one of the parks with Archie in his pram, or we can maybe swing by and see the new place! I’ve heard there’s goats at the Deutch-Barnes home?!

Oh my gosh, don’t even mention it! You don’t have to apologize for nothing. How is being a mom treating you? Do you have some selfcare time? My offer to help with anything still stand. Even if it’s just like, coming for half an hour to watch the little one while you take a nap or a shower. I’ve missed yours just as much if not more, and I can’t wait to spend more time with little baby Archer! You’ve heard about Pancake and Waffle! Once we’re back from the trip you should totally come and meet them. Are you also on the trip or did you stay in Bayview with the baby? 

Sorta surreal, right? Two of the most important people in the world to you, but seeing them before you existed to them, kind of like you’re living on a different plane of existence. But it would make for a fun therapy session, I bet that he could pull some really interest insights out of the whole thing, too, if you let ‘im. It’s fun, right? I like it, I like bossing people around, getting to see everything from behind the scenes, it gives you a new appreciation of what you’re doing in front of the camera, too. Thanks! I was an asshole! But you know, it was kinda fun to play a character like that, too. You got it, I’ll either be first in line to watch the movie, or the number one viewer if it ends up being something on TV – or streaming. It was about a decade ago, so… close to that! But to be fair, if I was as smart as you at your age, I wouldn’t have fucked things up the way I did. We will, yeah, we’re gonna take the kids along, which should be fun and also maybe a little bit crazy. Maybe when we’re there, we can all get together? Do dinner one night, or something adventurous, depending on where we end up?

Exactly! Plus there are tons of pictures from when they met and when they were working, and it’s just, a whole other world that I will never know because I just didn’t exist. I mean it’s always weird to think that if my parents hadn’t met at the right time, I just wouldn’t be here. Talking about my parents, they’re in town petsitting for us while we’re here. As long as you’re not being a real asshole, that is all that matter. We all make mistakes, and we grow from them. I started working pretty young, otherwise I would have messed up a bunch more than I already have. Tell us when you two are free, and we’ll make it happen. I know we had a lovely time when you came over, so we’d never pass on spending some time together again. 

I followed him! So now I follow both of your parents – do you think that makes me their favourite son-in-law? I even follow Maybelle. I – you know what, I’m not against it. I know I can’t handle their account because I can barely take care of mine and you hate my amazing collage but you can do it. They deserve to get some instagram love, too. Perhaps they’ll try something new but stop as soon as they realise that no one is enjoying the new version of the app? You know, like Twitter and the stories they decided to delete eventually. Always, you will always be younger than me and I’ll just keep using my old age to avoid hiking from time to time. Although I guess I won’t avoid it during the summer trip since we’ll spend a lot of time outdoors, apparently! Love, your face is the picture perfect of many things but innocence isn’t one of them. I’m all for it! It will be nice to see your parents and at least I know that our furry mates will be in good hands while we’re out there.

Now you’re really officially the boyfriend, following my dad and all. Not that you weren’t before, but you know what I mean.It kind of sound like you have a crush on me. You have some harsh competition with Maddie’s boyfriend. I think you are both tied in first place. I don’t hate them, I love them and most of all, I love making fun of those collages. I don’t know, usually there’s no going back when people are frustrated they won’t just come back to the app. And it’s upsetting, I’ve build my work on Instagram, it’s not easy having that many followers. Did they delete them? I wouldn’t even know, I never go on twitter, maybe I should a bit more. But it won’t work, I think hiking just keeps you in shape and prevents old age from hitting too hard. I’m just saying when we get married, our wedding should be hiking themed. Am I not being too exhausting taking you to all those outdoor things? It is! How dare you! I’m glad you agreed to it, not all guys would be that comfortable with their girlfriend’s parents just invading their space so often.

Maybe I will someday. And of course, I’ll make sure to send it to you so you can read it and tell me all your thoughts. Absolutely! You think it would be the dinosaurs because they’re huge and wild but nah, the bad guy here is the guy who followed us all along. Cliffhanger. I felt so bad for Chrishell though, the way she learnt about the divorce at the same time as everyone else did. But she seems to be fine now! Oh it’s been such a long time since I watched the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for the last time.

I’d love that, I’m always here for it. Are you and Dacre on the trip? We should get together at some point and do something!

So I’ve seen way too many movies about the girl that moves to a new town alone, introduces herself to everybody by asking for sugar or directions and then turns out to be a psycho killer or a stalker, that I’m actually kinda suss about my own intentions for packing up my whole life and moving to Bayview. Hopefully, I’m not the crazy new neighbour but ironically, I did forget to pack sugar and coffee so I do already need to beg and fit into that cliche whilst hoping you all take pity on me and don’t run away scared. Hey Bayviewians, I’m Alison - your new resident crazy cat lady and not a serial killer trying to up her body count by befriending you all. Pinky promise. 

If you’re suss about your own intentions, I’m not really sure how we’re supposed to feel about it. It’s nice to meet you Alison, I think most of the town is away on the trip at this point, but I hope you ended up getting your sugar and coffee. I’m Zoey! 

It makes sense. You sorta dissociate the fact that the Ben on your television screen is the same Ben that’s sitting next to you on the couch, he just becomes the character, and that’s all that you can see, right? That just means he’s that good of an actor, obviously. That would be interesting, though – you could end up being really, really good against each other, or you would end up laughing a lot. Either way! That’s tough… I loved Matt because Vampire Diaries launched so much for me, but probably Cash on Friday Night Lights, just because of the whole experience of getting to work on the show. You got it! You’ll have to keep me updated on any movies or shows of yours that I can gush over, too, obviously. We were young and kinda dumb back then – well, I was. She was never dumb, but I think now that we’ve both grown, have kids, it’s a lot different, you know? At the time, I honestly didn’t even think about it – she looked pretty, I had one of those gut feelings of wanting to show her off to the world and… bam. There it was. Are you and Ben going on the big trip?

That’s exactly it! I mean, it’s not always the case. Like, it’s so so weird to see my mom in some movies, and while everyone adore Back to the Future - and I do too - it’s kind of weird to see her there, in something so iconic. Maybe it’s because I didn’t know Ben before I saw some of his work? I don’t know, would have to ask my therapist for his insight. I think it’d be a mix of both. After directing that one short movie in town a few months ago, I’d be interested in working directing him though, I think that would be more interesting and maybe less complicated. Friday Night Lights was wonderful, and you were amazing in that! I got to watch the show again, I’ll make Ben watch it with me. I will! I actually have a few project in post-productions, so I’ll tell you whenever they come up with a date for them to come out. You know how long that can take. How old were you? You’re gonna say you were my age I can already bet. I mean, you guys are just pulled back toward each other, that’s very cute. You didn’t? I overthink every single post I put out there. She does look pretty! You’re right. I am! Will you be there?

I’m glad you had fun, Zoey! It was a pretty good time, I had a lot of fun. It’s going to be a pretty wild ride as we get kicking right to the end of summer. But I’m excited. How are you?

Thank you for having us! How has it been going since the opening? I’m doing alright, getting ready for the trip and enjoying the summer in Bayview!

Not that I want to be that chick harping on how we absolutely kicked the other teams butts at the volleyball game – no matter how many ways they spin it being a ‘close call’ I like to think we were a pretty important part in making it a successful team. Plus I’ve honestly been meaning to reach out since you had us over for dinner because you’re absolutely amazing and I pretty much need someone like you in my life. Anyway, how’ve you been? Are you still basking in the glow of our win or has that already faded and you’re mentally preparing for this upcoming mystery trip I’ve heard about? @zoeyfdtch​

Oh we did. I’m so proud of us for doing that. Like it was for charity, so it would have been good no matter the outcome, but I love winning so...it was even better. It was so much fun to be in the same team as you! Oh we were so important, without us they would have lost. Please! I’ve been telling Zach how wonderful you were, and I’ve also talked Ben’s ears off about how we should hang out with you guys more often. I need you in mine! I’m mentally preparing, trying to get everything in order, with the pets needing petsitters and all of that.

Whenever you watch him in something where he gets to be a little dark, do you ever have a hard time looking at him for a little while? Like do you expect him to just be a badass, and it takes you a little bit to remember that he’s a teddy bear? You’re very welcome. I think that’s what it is, I’ve done historic war movies, then played a recruiter… it just sticks with me, I guess. I don’t mind, as long as the role is good, I’ll take it, you know? We’ll see! I’m not sure when it’s coming out yet, it’s one of those things they’re shooting for… something, like Hallmark or whatever? I don’t think they have a landing spot yet, so I’ll let you know. She’s amazing, and I’m lucky, but also I think we’re just good together, which is a really nice feeling to have, like knowing I make her as happy as she makes me, if that makes sense. You’ll be great, trust me.

I don’t because sometime when he gets dark like that in a role, I kind of forget that it’s him, and like, it’s just a whole different person from my Ben, you know? Like, I know it’s him, but it’s not? I don’t make a lot of sense, but it does in my head. I don’t know how it’d be if we worked together, since we’ve never done that. I’m not sure if that would be a good idea or not. I need to see your historic war movies! I’ve mostly seen you in shows, which I need to change asap. Do you have a favorite part you’ve ever played? Well, you tell me when and I’ll be watching! It’s the kind of movies I’m going to love, I just know it. As someone from the outside of it, it looks like you guys are good together. I’m really happy for you. Last time I worked with an ex...well we broke up a few months later. I was a big fan of your instagram post of her on the 4th! How did it feel going Instagram ‘official’? 

Do you think so? Maybe I could write a screenplay. Guess what, the dinosaurs aren’t the one who killed some us – the mystery guy did! The dinosaurs were quite nice, from the tiny things I remember about it. You’re pretty, smart and sneaky – that means you’re dangerous for some people but I’m all for it. You might be right. I mean, there was the whole drama about Chrishell’s divorce so there was content to use for sure. I spent it on the beach, enjoying the celebrations. What about you?

You should! I think you should give it a try. I’ve read quite a few, so if you ever want someone to look it over, I’d be up to it! No way! The mystery guy? What the heck. I’m actually very disappointed in the mystery guy. What a plot twist, it’s an educational dream, don’t judge a book by its cover, right? Oh please, keep the compliments going. I remember that cliffhanger it was so crazy. I mean, they were a weird couple. It felt very much like the first season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Pretty much the same!

That’s not fair at all but the what’s yours is mine argument is kinda valid so I guess that’s how it’s gonna be. He does?! Oops then it means I’m not following him – yet. Then I’ll have the entire family on the app, minus Waffle and Pancake. I had no idea they wanted to change and to highlight other kinds of content. It is pretty weird though because people joined Instagram for a reason and if they wanted to do more short videos, they’d be on Tik Tok instead. But I guess they know what they’re doing more than I do. See, now it makes me feel better about myself. Everytime I’ll feel like a grandpa I’ll remember that fact, thank you. Look, whenever you feel bad about growing old, I will sacrifice myself and make jokes about me being the grandpa in this relationship and you’ll feel better. You know, like those cards saying “Happy birthday, you’re still older than me!”. Zoey, I love you but we both know you’re not innocent. Your sneaky mind is always working.

It’s totally valid! What are you talking about, kind of? I’ll expect you to follow him before the end of the day, otherwise I’m telling on you - I won’t. He likes you, so I wouldn’t even attempt to ruin that. Not that it would ruin it, but he might joke about it so much until the end of forever. I think they should also get instagram accounts. After all they could get jealous of their sister who has one. I heard that the other day and I’m really annoyed about it, because like...I’ve worked so much on it for so long, for it to change now? You are very welcomed. You’re cute, I will use that when I need you to make me feel young. I will always be younger than you, that’s very much true. Look at my face, it’s the picture perfect of innocence. I have no idea what you’re even trying to hint at. I have no sneaky mind. Also, I’ve been thinking. What do you say my parents come and visit us right before we leave for the trip, and then they can just petsit for us. What do you think? You can say no! I won’t be upset, you’re allowed not to want to see my parents.

I ended up doing a little bit of a dance around town. I landed on the beach during the fireworks, then went for ice cream… somewhere near the pier, I think. Unfortunately, I called it a night after a while. How’d you spend your holiday around town? Also, I’m Misha. It’s a pleasure to meet you!

That sounds like a lovely way to get to know Bayview! I hope you’re liking it so far. Have you been doing anything fun since the fourth? I went to see the fireworks with my dog and my boyfriend - I should probably say with my boyfriend and my dog, but you know. But then my dog got scared of the sounds so we kind of had to go back pretty early on. It was nice though! Nice to meet you Misha! I’m Zoey! 

My mum thought I was jokin’ when I told her I was moving to the States, and now she won’t stop blowing up my phone. It’s like she’s forgotten that I’ve lived in the country before. She might also be worried I won’t have someone to help me wash my pants… as if I hadn’t been doing my own laundry for the better part of the last twenty years or anything. Despite what my dear ol’ mum might have you believe, I am actually very capable at doing my own laundry. We good, though, because I’ve got my brothers on it — maybe they’ll be able to keep her preoccupied… at least, for a little while so I can get unpacked.         Now, who’s going to tell me where I should eat and find a pint on my first week in town? @townofbayview

Are you telling me your mom doesn’t blow up your phone no matter where you are? Because I’ve lived in the States my whole life, and my mom has really never stopped, not even when she’s the same house as I am. I was worried for a moment that you couldn’t wash your pants yourself, and I really wasn’t going to ffer any helpf for that. You should be careful, she might just show up out of nowhere soon to check on you.