One Love

[thetownhq]

“No worries,” Nadia chirped, waving a dismissive hand, not wanting the other female to feel bad. “It was worth a shot. I don’t need to find a place urgently, it’d just be nice to have a proper home, y’know?” A small laugh was emitted from her lips, of which curled up into a gentle smirk. The offer of a shower was no doubt a kind one, but somewhat double sided– did it look like she hadn’t bathed in a while? Perhaps so. “Thanks, but there’s a communal bathroom at the hostel I’m staying in.” She exhaled, long and slow. “I’m afraid I’m nothing as thrilling as a serial killer. Just your average girl, really. I mean, I did stab someone in the hand with a pen once, but it was self defence so I don’t think that really counts.” 

The news that the stranger worked in a diner was responded to with an eager nod, shrugging the bag from her shoulder to take out a handful of posters. “Here– if you’re sure? That’d be great.” Nadia closed the rucksack once more with an audible zipping noise, allowing it to dangle from one handle as she held it in hand. “Is there anything I can do for you to make up the favour?” She gave a small nod towards the grocery bags that the other was holding. “I’ll help you carry those back to wherever you live, if you want.” As someone who enjoyed helping others, it was the least she could do. Besides, knowing a few more people around Eastbourne could hardly be a bad thing. “I’m Nadia, by the way. Nads for short.”

[abbyxpearce]

“Oh I know, there’s nothing like your own bed and your own shower, and don’t overestimate the power of having your own closet instead of keeping all your clothes in a suitcase” She laughed too, understanding her situation and feeling grateful for having her own little house waiting foe her. “Well the offer is still up, just in case you decide you want to have a private bathroom for a change” Maybe she trusted too easily but Abby couldn’t help but offer. She liked to think she would like to be in the opposite place and get this nice offer from a stranger as well. “Pens are really dangerous, does this mean you’re running from justice? Maybe I should Google the pen serial killer, your picture could be up there” She joked.

“Yeah, definitely. A lot of people visit the place and they won’t have any troubles with me putting them up there” After all, she was still one of the owner’s favorite employees, even when technically she didn’t work there anymore.  “Could you? You would be really helpful, I like to look and act strong but my arms are already sore” She confessed. “I don’t live far away, you could have breakfast with me and my daughter. “I’m Abigail, Abby for shorts” 

[thetownhq]

The jarring, electronic noises that came from the printer set Nadia’s teeth on edge as she watched the final sheet of paper disappear into the machine’s mouth, its blank expanse returning with still-wet black text. Collecting her posters in hand, she gave a small sigh at some smeared ink and thanked the hostel owner who had agreed to let her print for free. Stuffing them into a backpack, she slid on a pair of sunglasses and made her way outside. The streets were quiet as Sunday morning’s charm fell over the city, most people still rubbing sleep from their eyes as they boiled the kettle for a cup of tea. Overhead, seagulls screeched noisily, met by the distant sound of waves.

Laces untied and her hair a mess, she wandered around the corner to a small cafe, unsurprised to find it closed. Very carefully, one of her posters was tucked into the handle in the hope that the owner would put it on display somewhere. Four more attempts were made before Nadia decided to take a break, sitting despondently upon an old bench that creaked even under her slight weight. Having to advertise her lack of home was nothing new to the frequent traveller, but Eastbourne had not proved itself to be very welcoming of yet.

As the shadow of another passed by, she spontaneously leapt up after the passer-by, stopping them in their tracks. “Hey, sorry– listen. I’m in need of a room to rent. Nothing too big or fancy, just a roof over my head and running water is all I really need.” She gave a sheepish smile, offering them one of her posters. “If you know anyone, could you pass this on to them?

[abbyxpearce]

Abigail had decided to surprise Ingrid with a big, yummy breakfast, something to start the day in a different way and hopefully make her baby girl smile since the moment she opened her eyes. So while she was still sleeping, and making sure it would only take her a few minutes, she had walked to the closest grocery store and bought a pie she knew her daughter would like and some fresh oranges to make some fresh juice out of it. She was excited, but it was how she faced every day, with an optimism that was far normal for a girl in her situation, or at least that’s what she usually thought.

A voice distracted her when she was in her way back to her house, and she couldn’t help but stop and hear the stranger. “Sure, I actually don’t know anyone with a spare room” She said feeling bad for the stranger. Her house was very small for the two girls living in there, but she knew how it felt to need help and not getting it. “I could borrow you my shower if you promise you’re not a serial killer looking for some pet to play with” She said looking at her. She looked harmless, but didn’t all serial killers look like it?

“I used to work in this diner not too far from here, I could leave them some of these if you give me some more” She offered.

[havengabriel]

“Not always.” He chuckled lightly. He stretched lightly and gave another small sigh. He gave her a small lopsided smile and tilted his head at her. “Can I kidnap you and Ingrid? Just keep you guys at my place forever? I’ll make you home cooked country meals every day and the best deserts you’ve ever had.” Now that he’d gotten more than one proper hug in a short period of time all he wanted was more.

“I know. It’s just … It’s been a while since either of us have said it. We used to say it all the time and give each other hugs all the time. But lately..” He trailed off and looked away his ears burning red. He wasn’t ashamed to admit that he and his dad were affectionate, though he was embarrassed to admit that they hadn’t been affectionate lately.

[abbyxpearce]

“I wouldn’t say no to that but you must know we are not that great after a long time together. We are cranky and don’t like sleeping too much and Ingrid is very demanding, more than you could ever imagine” She warned him with a smile “But hey, you’re always invited for dinner at our place, you should do that more often” It was never a bad surprise to have Haven as company so she hoped he really took her words into consideration.

“I can imagine but... try it, one day, you know” Before it was too late for him to say it. Abby thought in silence. “Okay let’s get going I have a child waiting for me”

[abbyxpearce]

How would you classify the place you live? Is it an apartment? House? Condo? It’s a very small house.

Is it paid off or do you pay a monthly mortgage or rent? If so, how much do you pay? I pay rent, monthly, around £120,000 

Describe the layout and size. How many rooms are there? Floors? it has one floor and two bedrooms.

Do you have any pets? Nope! Ingrid keeps asking for one but we can’t really give a pet the attention it deserves.

How long have you been living there, and do you plan on staying long? We’ve been living here for eight years and if I can keep paying it then I hope we stay for a long time.

Do you have any roommates? My nine year old daughter.

Are you close with your neighbours? I like to think I am, after all, we have to look out for each others, right?

What does your daily routine look like? Do you spend a lot of time at home? Not as much as I’d like. We get up early in the morning, I drop Ingrid at school and then head straight to work. My mother stays with Ingrid during the afternoons and I only get home later in the evening.

Do you keep your house very tidy, or do you prefer a more relaxed, “lived in” appearance? Very relaxed, definitely! I like it to feel like home, more than the place where we sleep.

Do you usually cook and eat at home or prefer to go for take out instead? I cook, I looove cooking. We sometimes go for take out when we can afford it but I like healthy and homemade food.

Of your belongings, what’s your most treasured item you own? Probably all of our pictures and everything Ingrid has done for mother’s day and my birthday.

What is your best memory since living there? Ingrid learning how to walk, definitely one of the most precious moments in my mind.

What area or room of the house is your favourite and why? The living room. Because that’s where me and Ingrid spend most of our time together.

How would you describe your decorating style? Would you say it accurately reflects your personality? It’s a little of everything, I guess we don’t follow a style, so it definitely reflects us because it’s a bunch of things that we like, and it somehow looks very warm?

Is this the place that you can call home? It is, and I hope we get to call it like that for a long time

[jackxpearce-deactivated20150623]

Locked Outta Heaven | Pearce Siblings

[jackxpearce-deactivated20150623]

“I already teach her chords when were together alone so you aren’t there to distract her.  She does good for her age if you ask me.“  He sighed at her, knowing she was just worried, but he hated she worried over him.  He was older, he should be the one that always worried while she lived a life of calmness with Ingrid.  That was what he wanted for his girls.  “It’s fine, Abs.  My mind and body is fine, over worked, yes, but still fine.“

Jack had no idea she thought so deeply into his future to think of a family, but he shouldn’t be surprised by it.  “What about it?  Maybe one day it will happen, but I just don’t see myself actively looking for her.  I have all I need with you two.“  He could see it in her eyes that she was thinking it over.  Probably how many nieces and nephews he could hand over to her, and the idea of a wife and kids was nice and all, but it was still and idea to get adjusted to.  It wasn’t that long ago his life goals was to be a music star and, just like now, a love life was on the back burner for more important life goals.  It seemed like Jack just always found a reason to keep his heart guarded.

“Oh yes I am.  I have the money to spend on you, and some for Ingrid too.  She needs new shoes I’m sure.  She likes shoes.“  As if on cue, Ingrid was a squealing mess, begging for sandals for the summer.  He knew if he dragged Ingrid into it he would win.  He wasn’t dumb when it came to getting his way, not after this many years of being Abby’s brother.

[abbyxpearce]

“I cant believe I missed that!” With her schedule at the diner and crazy shifts for extra hours, she missed a lot of things in her daughter’s life, and she wished to have been there and maybe take a picture of them playing the guitar together. Ingrid was a very talented girl, and she liked drawing and painting a lot, but lately Abby could hear her singing during the day when she thought no one was looking at her. She wondered how much of that was due to Jack’s influence in her life. “You sure? Absolutely sure?” 

She smiled, happy to hear those words. Jack’s unconditional love made everything easier. Whenever she felt down, sad or depressed, just one of his smiles or hugs would make her feel much better, feel like there was nothing they couldn’t do for as long as they were together. “Well don’t wait too long, I want to be a young and fun aunt just like you are now, don’t make me wait until I’m sixty, please” She warned him, not wanting to see him alone for too long.

“You can buy Ingrid whatever you want, but I can take care of my own clothes” She insisted, because she wouldn’t say no to anything that involved Ingrid, but herself? She had a lot of pride, after all. “How was work? You haven’t done anything too stupid, right? Like running after an armed man or putting yourself in front of a bullet?”

[abbyxpearce]

We Move Lightly |Max & Abby

[rombachii-deactivated20150726]

The expression on the girl’s mother’s face worried him a tiny bit –– he looked, perhaps, a bit lost? But he wasn’t sure as to the reason why, and he didn’t want to push her. He got that she was worried about her child’s health, and he hadn’t thrown any medical terms at her yet. Max wasn’t the kind of doctor who would just tell her what the child was, write her a note with expensive prescription drugs and leave her to test her luck, like many other doctors he knew. “If you need me to repeat anything, m’am, don’t hesitate and let me know. After all that’s why I’m here for, to help you girls.” His signature million watt smile made an appearance as his eyes set on the blonde, then on the smaller blonde. If anything, all he wanted to do is reassure her, perhaps diminish whatever it was she was feeling that was keeping her so nervous. “Alright, so it most definitely was the burger your grandma fed you, then?” He nodded, until he realized something new. “A pie and cupcakes, hm?” He asked her, before turning his head back on the little girl as his stethoscope fell back on his chest. “Did you, by any chance, lick batter off any spoon? Raw egg could be causing this, raw egg is not recommendable for children, but it’s not the worst thing you could eat, either. Unless,” now he looked back at her mother. But he let it go, giving her a hand gesture that meant something alone the lines of ‘never mind’ as he picked up the clipboard with Ingrid’s medical history, going specifically to the allergies section. No, she wasn’t allergic to diary, so he could cross that out. Anyway, an allergic reaction would have been much worse, he thought. “Well, I am almost certain we’re dealing with gastroenteritis here, Ingrid.” And now directing to Miss Pearce, he smiled. “A mild one, trust me. She’s going to be fine.”

[abbyxpearce]

God they didn’t deserve such a nice doctor but whatever the reason why he was checking Ingrid instead of her usual doctor, Abby was grateful. He was too nice and even when she had felt dumb a few seconds ago, his words made her feel more calmed and relaxed. She hoped everyone who had a job that meant interacting with people were this nice, it would make everything more bearable. “Thank you, doc, you’re too nice. Please don’t call me m’am, I’m probably younger than you anyways” She wasn’t good at guessing ages but in order to be a doctor you had to study a lot of years, right? So he couldn’t be younger than her, she assumed.

His words caught her curiosity. Unless what? Should she be worried about what he wasn’t saying? Or should she just ignore it? “Unless what?” She decided to ask, seeing as how approachable he seemed to be she didn’t think he would keep something from them. “Mom doesn’t let me eat what’s not really cooked” Ingrid explained with a sigh, the girl always wanted to try everything before it was done. When he said she would be fine Abigail couldn’t help but smile, probably the first smile in a while, since she had been really worried about her little’s health. “You really think that?” She asked looking for some reaffirmation of his words. “Did you hear that? You’ll be fine” She said kissing Ingrid’s head. “Should I buy her some medicine?”

[havengabriel]

Haven gave Abby the sweetest smile he could muster and a small nod. She was one of the sweetest, strongest people he’d ever met. He was sure some people probably wouldn’t expect that of her because she was so small and was a single mother but he knew better. He knew being a single mother only made her stronger and he admired that about her. He couldn’t resist leaning forward and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Thank you for being my friend.” He murmured softly.

“So mean!” He playfully whined at her, his spirits feeling lighter now. She was right though, he and his dad would have to speak about Leila and Marissa at some point. “I a feeding hi as I should! He’s the one that thinks french fries count as vegetables!” He protested with a smile though he felt his face flush when he couldn’t remember the last time he told his dad he loved him.  “Not nice at all. Scary is what it is.” He mumbled with a snort. His smile brightened a bit and he nodded, setting some cash down on the table, being sure to leave an extra big tip knowing he’d been a bit of an ass to the waitress who’d been there before Abby had showed up, he even scribbled an apology to her on his napkin and set it down by the money. “Ready when you are.”

[abbyxpearce]

“You shouldn’t thank me, you make it really easy” She assured him with a smile. Friendships shouldn’t be hard, forced or feel unnatural, and with Haven that never happened to her. She felt comfortable around him and she liked him even when he wasn’t at his best. And that was what real friends were for, right? Not only to be with you at the brightest moments but also to be there in your darkest, and Abby liked to think she had been in both, and would hopefully still be there for a very long time.

“You know he loves, you right?” She suspected not every man was really open about his feelings, and she could only wonder if Haven and his dad talked about what they felt for each other or just assumed the other knew about it. She hoped they could at least say it a few times, it was always nice to hear when someone cared about you. “I am now, it’s been a long day, so let’s get going”

[roleplcyheaux]

One of the reasons Eliza suspected she liked the Abigail and Ingrid so much was because they reminded of her of her relationship with her mother. Or well the relationship that she use to have. Ingrid was such a happy child, always so quick to help and even quicker to love. And while it was true that she didn’t know Abigail nearly as well, she felt the same kind of aura from her as well. No one who loved their daughter as much as Abby loved hers could be a bad person, it was impossible. Her only wish was that they’d stay this close unlike she and her own mother. “Did you really? Well you’ll have to make me the same frame for Babysitter day.” Eliza countered to Ingrid an easy smile playing on her lips. “I want sparkles and lots of hearts and it needs to be purple because you know how much I love purple.” Turning back to Abby, Eliza’s smile stayed, “I’ve been busy. The art show is less than a month away now so it’s crunch time. But I like keeping busy. How are you? How’s work and Jack and life in general? Catch me up.”

[abbyxpearce]

Ingrid’s eyes widened at the mention of babysitters day, the girl probably not knowing that the day even existed. “When is it? Mom! Mom we need to write that down!” She claimed to her mother, who just nodded with a smile. “Definitely, we’ll write it down in our calendar and we won’t forget it, we promise” Abby told her daughter, who nodded feeling more calmed, but Abby knew better, she was probably planing the gift already, trying to remember if they had sparkling materials back at home. “Please let me know when it’s opening, I’d love to attend if I can make some time from work and mother duties” She liked supporting her friend, specially the talented ones as Eliza. She was sure she would learn a lot just by looking at her work. “I’m good, finally quit the diner. I’m working as an assistant now for this business man at Burke and Reed Group, so I’m very excited. Jack is doing well, I’m making sure he eats some healthy food as usual, and trying to set him up with the woman of his dreams. Are you by any chance interested in going on a date with him?” She knew Jack hated when she did that, but how else would he meet lovely women if his sister didn’t set him up?

[jackxpearce-deactivated20150623]

Locked Outta Heaven | Pearce Siblings

[jackxpearce-deactivated20150623]

“Haven’t had time to play, Abs.  And I don’t know, if I take vacation time, I’d rather take you and Ingrid somewhere for a real vacation, not just lounge around the house and be lazy.“  He chuckled at the comment.  “Well, I have to go home sometime, Baby Girl. I’ll always see you again.“  He told the little girl who was now picking into the chicken herself without her uncles help.  He grinned at her actions before looking back to his sister.

“Yes, you did.“  He answered her honestly, never one to skirt around things with Abigail.  “I understand what you want, but I have you two when I need companionship, and I have a woman for the other spectrum of needs.  I don’t need a girlfriend or wife.  It’ll just be too much work.  She’ll want too much of my time and that will take away from my family time with you two, so I’m fine with how things are now.“  He really meant it too.  He had a fuck buddy or two, and he had his family.  A girlfriend felt more like a wrench into the mix than a nice thing.

He smiled at the kiss he received, looking at his sister as he kept eating with his niece.  “I’ll help you buy some new clothes to fit the job.“  He said, not offering, but stating it as a fact.  He had a bit of savings he could dip into to help, and a check coming in two days.  “I want you to be comfortable doing your job and not feel awkward if your clothes feel too old.“  He said as he got a napkin and wiped Ingrid’s greasy mouth off.

[abbyxpearce]

“You can teach Ingrid how to play the guitar, and being lazy is a great way of having some rest, Jack, you just like doing things, all the time, you’re always with something in your mind” She missed those times when she would find Jack just laying around, playing his songs and singing for her. He seemed more happy when he was doing that, and even if she suspected he really liked his job, she wished music was a bigger part of his life. Every time she saw Jack interact with Ingrid she felt her heart bigger, and if she didn’t know that she would worry her brother if she started crying right now, she totally would. But they would be tears of happiness, of joy at seeing how much they adored each other.

“What about kids one day? Having your own family, giving Ingrid some cousins and some nieces and nephews I could spoil?” She knew he had it all figured out, but the love the both of them gave him would never compare to the love he could feel for his own kid, or for the person that he’d like to spend the rest of his life with. Jack could think Abby wanted him to find a girlfriend, but what Abigail really wanted was for him to find the love of his life. It was only fair that he got to experience that feeling, because she was sure he would make a woman really happy if he decided to give himself the opportunity to love.

“No, you won’t” She was decided to not be a bother, to stop being a burden to her brother. She loved him with all his heart, and she appreciated everything he did for them, but she was an adult and was more than capable of buying some new clothes, she just needed to find some good deals. “I won’t feel awkward. I’ll do my job and I’ll be the best at it no matter how I look. I’ll buy what I can now, some next month, I won’t even notice and I’ll have a whole new closet soon”

[roleplcyheaux]

Eliza hadn’t looked up to see who she was asking but she found that she didn’t need to once the oh so familiar sound of Ingrid’s squeal reached her ears. “Ingie!” The brunette squealed matching the girl’s excitement with her own as she reach over the small space between their chairs to hug the lovely nine year old. Ingrid was one of few children that Eliza sometimes baby sit for a little extra cash. And unlike most of the other children, Eliza adored not only the little girl but her mother as well. Picking back up the art piece that she had set down to hug Ingrid, Eliza shot a satisfied beam at Abigail. “That’s exactly what I was going for! Thank you so much!” Her father definitely didn’t deserve a good art piece but she didn’t necessarily feel like spending money on him either. So she compromised by making a halfassed piece for Father’s day. Sure he would get it two days after Father’s day and maybe he was allergic to feathers but she had at least gotten him something this year. “I call it, “you put minimal effort into my life so i put minimal effort into your present.” 

[abbyxpearce]

Ingrid was a very easy loving kid and Abigail loved to see how that love she gave so easily away was reciprocated.  They both liked Eliza a lot, her bright personality always surprised her little one and she spent hours just trying to imitate her accent after every meeting they had. It was a nice way for Ingrid to get an image of the world outside Eastbourne, specially since it wasn’t on their plans to ever visit a country that was so far away. “I think it looks quite good, then, the name fits it very well” Abigail agreed with a wide smile. “I did a frame for a picture that the school took me!” Ingrid didn’t like to be left behind so of course she would share what she had done as well. “She gave it to my brother Jack this morning and it was adorable, but I’m biased, of course” Abby confessed. “How have you been, Eliza?”

[roleplcyheaux]

Father’s Day, the one day of the year that Eliza had dutiful ignored for the past couple of years. Her father was a douche after all, and watched with docile eyes as his wife suffered depression. Far too busy with his multiple mistresses to offer the woman who loved him with every inch of her broken heart a helping hand. But she found herself sentimental this year. if the last couple of months had taught her anything it was that there were worse father’s out there. “Be honest. Do this look nice or like garbage?” She questioned the person nearest to her as she glued on the last piece. 

[roleplcyheaux]

[abbyxpearce]

Abigail hated father’s day. Not only she didn’t have her father around, but Ingrid didn’t have hers and she tried her best to make this day the most fun Sunday ever, so her little one didn’t feel like someone was missing. Of course, they had Jack, the only father figure Ingrid needed, but she suspected there would be a day when he wouldn’t be enough and the little one would start making questions. She was just glad that day wasn’t here yet. So taking a stroll around town, Ingrid was peacefully eating an ice cream when they both heard a voice they could easily recognized. Ingrid squealed, of course, she loved Eliza, and Abigail just giggled because she looked like she was too focused and concentrated in the task she had in hands. “Honestly? Like a very nice piece of garbage”

[abbyxpearce]

↳lackluster loyalty → abby & wrenly

[exiledburkx]

Wrenly had gotten whatever he needed and so he was done with the interaction. From the start the interview had simply been a formality rather than an actual interview. It was a way for him to confirm something that he already knew and that was that this woman would for sure be what he was looking for. The one who wouldn’t sell him out because maybe she wasn’t looking to climb the social ladder. Those who knew they were qualified could have those aspirations and it would be justified. Even he could understand Christine looking to get into a higher position because with her qualifications she may as well have been. But the blonde before him looking like a girl dressed up for her first day of school or for going to church, her aspirations were far smaller. They were getting enough money probably to take care of herself and her child. It was paying the bills on time without having to fear how she was going to make ends meet. They were two different lifestyles suited for two different people. The first met the corporate world’s needs, the second, his.

When she spoke, Wrenly didn’t bother looking away from his files. It was an intelligent thing to do, ask to take a form of the contract home and make sure he wasn’t having her sign her soul over to him. Though the contract was a generic one, he could appreciate the sentiment, so the man simply nodded. “Please do. Consider today your day of training. Bring the signed contract in on Monday morning if you wish to work here. Otherwise, I will begin my search once more.” It was direct and straight to the point but Wrenly wanted to make it clear that she was easily replaceable. Without that qualification, the woman may begin to think she was special in some way for getting the job with little to no merit. Putting the pen he had in his hand down, he pulled out yet another file, leaving through the pages quickly before placing this before her.

“This here is a list of everything your job entails. It goes from bringing me coffee to managing clients and hospitality services. You may not be familiar with all but you said you learn fast, so we can go ahead and see how fast that is. If I get any phone calls from my father, do not put him through and say I’m in a meeting. On the off chance I get anything from any of my other family members, you are to do the same. Only person you put through to me is Tevia Burke. Anyone else who is not family, you ask me first and I’ll tell you whether to put them through or not. Apart from that, anyone wishing to make an appointment to meet with me must first submit a proposal, so do not schedule any meetings unless they have submitted the proposal and it has been approved to come through me. If someone does come to see me, please inform me first and then I will tell you whether to send them in or not. That is all.” Having finished, the man gave her one more look up and down before returning to his papers.

[abbyxpearce]

She already had a pretty good idea of the man’s personality and she was confident she could fill his expectations and actually be useful for him in the position he was looking to hire a woman for. Taking care of those duties he named sounded not easy, but definitely doable. She was sure she would mess it up a few times, but only practice would make her perfect, and she was someone who learned fast, it was only time to prove him her words were honest. As long as she did everything he asked, she was sure she would keep the job. He didn’t look like someone who expected for her to take the initiative, the total opposite, she was sure that if she ever did something out of his rules, he would fire her in a blink of an eye.

“I will see you this Monday then” She wasn’t worried about forgetting all of his words, mostly because he had said it was all in a list, and she was good at following instructions. She would make sure to take the weekend to learn everything, read carefully every word and come prepared by the beginning of the week. She needed to impress him, but she doubted she would be able to do it. She didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard, so she figured the best she could do was following everything he had written, word to word, and just don’t mess it up so soon.

He was dismissing her and she didn’t expect him to say anything else, she also didn’t want him to think she expected anything from him, so as quietly as she walked in, she walked out, feeling very excited about this new job and promising herself she would give her best.

[havengabriel]

“Absolutely. Couldn’t ask for a better best friend.” He said with a small grin. He was thankful for the day he’d met Abby. She’d made Eastbourne feel a little more like home because of how she treated him. On the good days she made the ache of missing his mother and sister disappear completely because she reminded him of them, and on the bad days like today she was able to lessen it to where he could actually think clearly again. She was in no way a replacement for either woman, more like a soothing balm for his broken heart.

He opened his mouth to tease her a bit, before he paused and stared at her with wide eyes. “D-Did you just middle name me?! How did you find out my middle name? Did dad tell you?! That traitor!” He groaned and buried his face in his hands. It wasn’t that he hated his middle name, it was just as a kid whenever kids found out his middle name he got teased for having a “girly” “angel” name. “I’m gonna tofu him to death for that.” He grumbled. “Jack, huh? I’m going to have to meet him sometime.” He chuckled at her last words though. “Not jail! I’m too baby faced! Do you know what they’d do to me in there?!” He cried playfully. “Don’t worry, I will be a perfect gentlemen around you.” He chuckled.

[abbyxpearce]

“I feel exactly the same way” She said with total honesty. The thing with Haven was that she never felt judged, never felt any less because he would never allow himself to put her down, like some people have done in the past. The day Haven hurt her would be the day Abby would stop believing in people, because he was simply one of the purest men she had ever met and she was really thankful to call him her friend, and Ingrid’s too. She was thankful her daughter had his presence in her life and she wished she could learn a few things from him. 

“I did, young man, and I have more where that came from so don’t doubt I will play dirty if I have to” Her conversations with her dad had given her certain ammo that she wouldn’t doubt before using, mostly because his face in that moment was priceless. “No you won’t, you’ll feed him as you should and tell him how much you love him” She ordered. “I have an idea of what could happen to you and it’s not nice” She couldn’t help but giggle when she said it. “Like you’ve always been” She agreed. “Ready to go?”

[havengabriel]

Haven sniffled and rubbed his nose once more., trying to get himself under control again. He hoped that one day he’d be able to talk about Leila and their mom without it hurting so much, some times it did and sometimes it didn’t but he couldn’t wait for the day when it wouldn’t hurt as much. “Looking forward to it.” He rubbed his mouth, an old habit that helped calm him more. He chuckled lightly at her words and nodded. “Of course, you two are the brilliant masterminds, I’m just the nerd that let you guys get to him.”

Haven missed hugs. It wasn’t that he and his father didn’t hug anymore, it was just that their hugs weren’t what they used to be. They weren’t like this, their hugs were now stupid quick one armed hugs that were over in seconds. As if they thought if they hugged too tightly they’d shatter in each other’s arms. “Well thank you.” He smiled faintly but was actually glad that Abby had been there to stop him from going home with someone. He gave Abby a small teasing smile and quirked an eyebrow at her. “Why, Abby, all you had to do was say something!” His smile quickly turned into a confused expression as the rest of her words registered.“Brother? I didn’t know you had a brother. Or did I?”

[abbyxpearce]

“I’m glad you know the value of your father and, of course, the value of the best friend you’ll ever have” She wasn’t the type of girl who would think too high of herself, so whenever she made comments like these, everyone knew it was just a joke. She adored Haven and loved to know that he was actually taking her advice and considering college in his plans, something she could never do and that until this day, she regretted. Maybe her life would have been very different if she made herself the time to go to school, but she had a decent life now and she couldn’t really complain.

“I am a lady, Haven Gabriel! I do not ask men to walk me home, because I’m an independent gal who can do it by herself” She laughed at his words, shaking her head with a playful look on her face. “I do have one, his name is Jack and he’s a police officer so you better behave around me or I’ll send you to jail” She warned him in a humorous tone. “I have influences in town, so watch out!” She laughed as she said those last words.

[kindofaprivateeye-deactivated20]

Run Juliette Run//Abby & Juliette

[kindofaprivateeye-deactivated20]

Juliette had to laugh. She couldn’t help it. It was such a normal conversation in such an un-normal situation. At the very least Juliette had to guess that Abby wasn’t used to these kinds of situations. She hoped anyway. No one deserved to be used to these kinds of situations. “Uh yeah I’m figuring it out,” she replied still chuckling. She appreciated Abby, her help and the fact she hadn’t asked questions. Juliette guessed that it was still coming. “It’s not too complicated,” she added with a shrug. 

When the owner came back she turned long enough to order a coffee and a chocolate type cupcake. It was a small luxury. One she used to buy for Annie whenever she could managed it, something that didn’t happen often. It tugged at her heart, but she was practiced enough at keeping her emotions off her face.  

[abbyxpearce]

In all honesty, Abigail was too excited to have found a new possible friend to even worry about the reasons why they were sitting in that place in that specific time of the day. Whenever fate brought people on her path, she didn’t question it and instead, she embraced it, making sure to find the best in every single situation she faced. After all, she had been lucky and during her life in Eastbourne, she had made some incredible friends. Who said Juliette couldn’t be one of those?

“It’s a very small town after all, don’t be scared when everyone wants to befriend you and show you around. I’m afraid you’ll find more people like me who will invite you to eat cupcakes for no reason” She warned her with a smile. The people around were mostly nice and warm, at least those who Abby had met.

[havengabriel]

“Sounds like a smart man.” He whispered. He sniffled lightly and rubbed his nose before clenching his hands into fists to try and get them to stop trembling. Her smile caused him to smile in return and gave her a small nod. “Strawberry shortcakes, sound good?” He felt his face flush at her other words and gave her a shy smile. “Actually I’ve been looking into schools, to try and find one with a good program for teaching. I haven’t told Dad yet, with … with tall of th-this.. I just haven’t found a good time. But hey, if you and Dad still want to talk about it I would love to look after the squirt. I’ve missed her.”

He gave her another smile before hugging her once more, it was stupid but there’d been a small part of him that had been afraid that Abby would’ve laughed at his admittance, which he knew was stupid because Abby was much too sweet to do something like that. “Am I dodging a bullet?” He asked, a small joke but he was trying to make himself feel better. “I’d ask for you to let me walk you home instead but somehow I feel like this wouldn’t be a good idea right now.”

[abbyxpearce]

“He was, the smartest of all” Every thought of her father made her smile, because even when she still missed him, she had learned to live with the pain and she focused in the good memories, the nice stories she told Ingrid, the memory of him that was still alive inside her heart. “Sounds like we have a date” She smiled back. “You have? Oh trust me, we will, we will discuss it all and of course, let you participate, after all, you’re the going going to school, we are just the brilliant minds behind it” She joked, tapping his shoulder.

She loved hugging him and she loved the fact that this time, he was doing it first. She liked to think he was feeling better, and all she hoped was that Haven would remember this day and maybe, maybe realize that feeling sad wasn’t a bad thing, and that talking about his emotions could help. “You are, but she’s missing the chance to meet a great man. It’s her loss, definitely” She assured him. “Hey, this will be the first time in ten years that I go to a man’s house in the middle of the night, someone who’s not my brother of course. Let me enjoy it” She joked.

[jackxpearce-deactivated20150623]

Locked Outta Heaven | Pearce Siblings

[jackxpearce-deactivated20150623]

“I’m getting enough, honest.  I’m just tired from the day is all.“  He didn’t like it when Abby worried.  She had enough to worry about.  She had Ingrid, and that should be her only concern.  That was why any extra cash he made went to her bills and wants.  He wanted his girls to be safe and not worrying over the rent or the power.  He hated it when Abby called him over a bill.  It made him feel like he was lacking in helping her.  That he wasn’t giving her enough.  “A vacation??  Where in the world would I even go?“  He chuckled, the tighter hold Ingrid gave him answered that question.  “See, Ingrid doesn’t want me leaving.  And days off means vacation pay, it’s not as much as normal pay.“ 

Ingrid gave her uncle cheek kisses as Abby went on about him needing a woman.  The thought made him sigh as he smiled at Ingrid and kiss her forehead.  “I have all the girls I need right here.“  He ran a hand down Ingrid’s hair.  “Isn’t that right, Doll?  You and Mommy are all I need, huh?“  Ingrid was nodding and giggling away.  “Besides, I don’t want a woman who acts like a babysitter, and that’s pretty much what you described.  I eat when I’m hungry, and sleep when I’m tired.  I don’t need someone to tell me when to do that, Abs.“  He smiled at her.  “You are too concerned with me getting a girl.“

Jack reached out to open one of the Chinese boxes, giving Ingrid a bite of chicken before he got one for himself.  “Assistant??“  He questioned before swallowing.  “Hey, anything that brings in more cash sounds great.  I’m proud of you, Abigail.“ He reached over and hugged his sister, kissing the side of her head.  “That’s definitely something worth celebrating, isn’t that right, Baby Girl?“  He asked Ingrid who nodded and babbled on about wanting more chicken.

[abbyxpearce]

“Anywhere you’d like, or nowhere, to be honest. You could use some time to yourself, sleep as late as you want, play some music. You haven’t played for us in a long time” She opened the boxes of food, not really wanting to set the table up since they would probably end up eating right where they were. She liked that, how comfortable they felt, they were a family, and whenever they were together, the place felt like home. “Ingrid doesn’t even like when you head home, so it doesn’t count” She warned him, suppressing a smile. It was well known that Ingrid loved her uncle more than anyone in this world, although Abby was sure she had the first place in her heart, Jack liked to think there was a tie, something that Abigail would never admit out loud.

“Did I describe a babysitter?” She asked genuinely surprised, and after going through her words in her mind one more time, she realized that was exactly what she did. Her brother was an adult and he certainly didn’t need someone taking care of him. “You need a partner” She concluded but he was right, she concerned to much. She just wanted to see him happy, and everyone knew that love made people happy. So why would Jack be the exception? “I just want to know there will be someone waiting for you at home. That’s the nicest feeling of all. I have my baby girl, and you have us, of course, but it’s different” She shrugged, hoping he would agree to her words one day.

She hugged him back, feeling really proud and glad to finally making improvements in her life. For the past ten years all she had done was struggle. Struggle with money, with the house, with raising a child, with being a single mother. It wasn’t easy, but they were happy, and that was all that mattered. Ingrid just giggled while eating, and Abby kissed her brother’s cheek. “I’ll be the assistant of a fancy and important businessman. Might have to buy some new clothes everything I own belongs to the past century” She joked.