addie james @addie-james-blog - Tumblr Blog

after hours || adeline & parker

@parkerhalles

“Burgers and beer make me a happy everything,” he replied easily, sending a smile her way. “Some other time, then.” Sounded like the perfect date. He had never been particularly fond of luxurious restaurants, and was happier with fast food in hand than the gourmet plates usually found in the events and parties hosted by his family. Turning right when the car reached a corner, they finally made it to the main street and Parker entered the first available parking lot in search of a place to leave the vehicle. “I don’t blame her,” he admitted, in relation to the comment about Harper. “I’ve wanted to confront the police myself for ages. You didn’t have to, but thanks for being there for her, I guess.” If anything, his liking for Adeline grew bigger after admitting to helping his sister out, as she was one of the few people in his life he cared about the most. Finding an empty spot, Parker stopped the car and glanced over at her, hesitating for a second before speaking, “I apologize if I’m not at my best today.” With everything that was going on, he would rather be honest than disappoint her later on.

Addie found that Parker’s smile was easy, something she could return without wondering why. Why hadn’t she realized this years ago? “I’d…like that,” she replied, pleased at the thought that they would spend more time together after tonight. She nodded as he spoke, understanding that perhaps the police weren’t the best investigators for this crime. Like she’d told Harper, Addie wondered if perhaps the federal agents shouldn’t be called. But she didn’t want to bring this up to Parker – this was a date, after all. She bit her lip as she thought of her reply. “She looked like she needed someone,” Addie admitted. “I just hope I was able to help her.” She didn’t want Parker to think she had an underhanded scheme for helping Harper, didn’t want him to think that she’d done it to get at him. At Parker’s comment, Adeline almost started. Instead, she took a deep breath as she looked over at him. “Parker, you don’t have to apologize to me,” she murmured. The thought of him apologizing for his family issues didn’t sit well with her. “I knew what I was getting into when you asked me out. I said yes anyway.” She smiled at him, her lips curving upward as her head tilted to the side.

#after hours #p:parker

@missalexandriax

Alex noticed the guarded tone in her voice which threw her off a bit. “Well, that’s just lovely.” She replied with a quick smile which slowly disappeared as she turned her head to look to her sides. “Kids are wonderful aren’t they? I’ve always wanted one but I don’t really think I’m in the place for one at the moment.”

Addie’s next smile was a bit nicer than her previous one and she tilted her head to the side as she looked at Alex. “He’s a good child,” she murmured as she watched Tyler out of the corner of her eye. At the woman’s comment, Addie bit her lip and her brow furrowed. “No one’s ever in the place for them. But that doesn’t mean they don’t make your life...so much better. I had Tyler when I was 18. I wasn’t ready, but I can’t imagine anything different.”

#c:alex #alex1

parkerhalles

after hours || adeline & parker

addie-james-blog

@parkerhalles

“Coming here, picking you up,” Parker started listing, flirting back with a teasing smile. It was easy to do it all over again, he noted, but then again Parker had never been of a timid nature. If he thought something, he usually didn’t hold back. “That makes two of us. If you haven’t had dinner we could stop by the diner,” he suggested, giving her a quick look before turning his attention back to the road. The mention of Harper took him by surprise, and he paused. The events of the past week had really taken their toll on his family, including himself, and he had even considered cancelling their plans at one point, but eventually figured that a change of social circles would be beneficial. “You can tell me all about the gardening once we get there. … did she mention anything to you?”

Addie chuckled at his response, pleased that she was still enjoying Parker’s company after all that had happened. She looked over at him with a grin. “Burgers and beer make you a happy woman?” she said with a grin, teasing him. She shook her head. "I ate,” she said with a smile. “But thank you.” He seemed so kind and Addie couldn’t help but enjoy every second she was spending with him. She stifled a laugh at the thought of telling him about her garden and when he asked about Harper, she wondered just how much she should admit. After a moment, she spoke. “I think...she just needed someone to talk to,” she murmured. “A friend, you know? She was shouting in the street at the police so I took her to coffee. She’s...she’s going to be okay.”

#p:parker #parker2 #after hours

@soundslike-harp

She looked up as the woman spoke about her family and she shifted a little in her seat. She had never been very good with other people’s feelings. She nodded, knowing why the girl was telling her. They dealt with things in a similar way. “It’s difficult to deal with…” She sighed. “There is no body, but the coat…it’s…it is hers.” She looked down, finally admitting that to someone other than Shawn.

When Addie heard what Harper had to say, her heart broke just a little bit more. Poor Harper. Poor Parker. Their poor parents. She bit her lip and closed her eyes for a moment before moving her hand to squeeze the other woman’s again. “That doesn’t...it doesn’t mean she’s dead,” she said softly. “And if anything, maybe this can help you at least find out the truth.” She took another sip of her drink, sadness permeating her thoughts at what had happened recently.

#c:harper #harper2

@missalexandriax

Alex looked the woman up and down before putting up a, which seemed to be, a fake smile. “Well you have a beautiful little boy.” She complimented. Alex might have looked or sounded rude but it wasn’t her intention, in fact it usually never was. She just couldn’t help complexion sometimes. “How old is he? I’m guessing between six and nine.”

Addie wasn’t sure if the woman was being genuine or not and to be frank, she really didn’t care. She nodded briefly as Tyler moved to the sandbox to play. “Thank you,” she replied, her tone slightly guarded. “He’s 8,” she replied with a slight smile. Though Addie knew she’d had her son very young, she never regretted bringing him into the world.

#c:alex #alex1

@missalexandriax

A smile grew on Alex’s face when she noticed a little boy approaching her quickly. “Easy there little guy.” She said softly to him as she leaned down to his height. Usually she wasn’t as soft spoken but around kids she couldn’t help herself. “Where’s your mommy? Are you lost?” She asked him before hearing the blonde calling him. “I’m guessing he’s yours? Or are you the nanny?” She asked.

She had just stood up to go after Tyler when a woman called over, having seen him. For a moment, Addie wanted to be offended that anyone would think she was a nanny, but she supposed it was a compliment even if it rankled. After all, not many women were mothers to an 8-year-old by 26. So she put a nice smile on her face as she looked at the strange woman. “Oh, he’s mine all right,” she murmured.

#c:alex #alex1

@officershawn

Shawn laughed, enjoying her teasing more than he’d ever admit to. Addie was the mother of his son, his first love, she’d always be a part of his life in some way. And he was glad they could be friends. He nodded as she stood from the bench. The kid ran over, mumbling complaints about leaving the park, but Shawn pulled him into a hug. “I’ll see you later this week, Ty,” he smiled, squeezing his little shoulder. “I’m looking forward to it.”

There was part of Addie that just felt her heart burst at Shawn hugging Tyler. She knew that she would have lots of questions later, but for now she was happy to see them bonding. Her smile grew and she leaned in to press a kiss to Shawn’s cheek before they left. “I’ll see you in a few days,” she murmured before holding her hand out for Tyler to take before walking towards the car.

#end?#c:shawn #shawn2

parkerhalles

after hours || adeline & parker

addie-james-blog

@parkerhalles

Closing the door after her, Parker walked around the front of the car to settle into the driver’s seat. He took his keys and inserted them into the ignition, unable to stifle a smile at her comment. “And here I went through all this trouble. What is that supposed to mean, anyways? ‘Less high maintenance’?,” he asked as he turned on the heater, right before pulling back onto the road. At her enquiry, the recollection of the discovery of Madison’s coat came to his mind. “It was… eventful. But I wouldn’t want to bore you with my troubles. How did yours go?”

“All the trouble?” she flirted, her eyes lighting up with laughter. “I enjoy the more basic things in life now. Honestly, a burger and a beer and I am one happy woman,” she said with a laugh as she leaned back into the seat. His comment gave her pause. She should have thought of that. “Not boring me, but I understand” she stated, her voice caring. “...I ran into Harper this week, actually.” Honesty, Addie thought, was the best policy. “My week was fine. Work was quite good, actually and then the rest of it was spent figuring out my garden for this spring.”

#c:#after hours #c:parker #parker2

parkerhalles

after hours || adeline & parker

parkerhalles

“Thought we could head to Collingwood’s,” Parker suggested, walking down the path back towards the street. The local bar was not the most stylish place in town, but he liked it enough from the many times he had spent there with his friends. “Unless you can come up with something better, which probably won’t be too hard.” Flashing a smirk her way, he opened the co-driver door of his car to let her get in.

addie-james-blog

Adeline chuckled at his comment and raised his eyebrow when he opened the door for her. She settled into the seat before replying. “I think you’ll find that I’m much less high maintenance than I use to be,” she drawled. “That sounds great.” Truthfully, she was much more of a guy’s girl when it came to dating - she preferred burgers and beer to a fancy restaurant every single day of the week. “How was your week?” she asked him.

#after hours #c:parker #parker2

parkerhalles

after hours || adeline & parker

parkerhalles

“Thought we could head to Collingwood’s,” Parker suggested, walking down the path back towards the street. The local bar was not the most stylish place in town, but he liked it enough from the many times he had spent there with his friends. “Unless you can come up with something better, which probably won’t be too hard.” Flashing a smirk her way, he opened the co-driver door of his car to let her get in.

addie-james-blog

Adeline chuckled at his comment and raised his eyebrow when he opened the door for her. She settled into the seat before replying. “I think you’ll find that I’m much less high maintenance than I use to be,” she drawled. “That sounds great.” Truthfully, she was much more of a guy’s girl when it came to dating - she preferred burgers and beer to a fancy restaurant every single day of the week. “How was your week?” she asked him.

#after hours #c:parker #parker2

misselaw-deactivated20201001

Harper hadn’t really spoken to anyone other than Mary; her therapist. She nodded as the brunette spoke, she seemed similar to Harper. Maybe, just a little bit more grown up. Although it felt like Harper had aged ten years in the last year. “I…think that’s the best advice i’ve had.” She didn’t look at the other girl, she just nodded with an absent minded look on her face. “Thank you. Do me…I can do me. I mean who would i’m a teacher, I can fake confidence.”

addie-james-blog

She smiled at the other woman, her head tilted to the side as she looked at Harper. Truthfully, Harper reminded her of herself when her father had left them, acting as if his first family didn’t exist. “When my dad left, he basically acted like we didn’t exist for a good 6 years,” she admitted. “And I finally realized that I could either deal with it and be upset or just push it out of my thoughts until it was necessary. It might not have been the best approach, but it didn’t screw me up inside every single day.” She sighed. “I’m not saying...don’t deal with it, but if you can’t you don’t have to.” She shrugged, knowing it might not be the best thing to say but knowing that people needed to function more. “Yes, you can,” she said with a smile.

#c:harper #harper2

officershawn

Shawn gave a soft smile, Addie and Tyler would always be his family and that was a good feeling. It wasn’t perfect, but he wasn’t alone. Together they’d managed to raise their son, and he was a smart, caring little boy. He looked back to her and laughed. “I’m very respectable. Look at my badge,” he grinned. “Oh, I’m waiting for it. One day my boy will out smart the sensei.” He gave a nod, looking back over to Tyler. “Okay, well I’ll see you both when you drop him off this week.”

addie-james-blog

Adeline merely laughed. “Sure you are,” she teased right back and smiled, thinking of how far they had come. It was nice, really, to not be upset with him, nice to know that he had her back when it came to their family. She stood up., “Yeah, we’re meeting my mother and stepdad for dinner,” she said with a soft smile. “Tyler,” she called out. “Come give your dad a hug before we go to Nana’s.” She nodded. “Yes, you will. He’ll be excited that he gets to spend extra time with you.” She smiled.

#c:shawn #shawn2

@soundslike-harp

Harper noted how the conversation seemed to shift. But she didn’t comment on it. What was going on in her brother’s life was her business. Plus, she wasn’t entirely she wanted to know. She nodded as she spoke, sighing deeply. “No, No…it’s okay.” She nodded, rubbing her lips together. “You’re right. I have so much going on and…no one to talk to. Everyone is….so involved and invested. Sometimes it’s easier to pretend this isn’t happening.”

Addie took a sip of her coffee as she looked at the other woman. Was it strange to try to be Harper’s friend when she wanted to date her brother? Perhaps it was, though the blonde didn’t allow herself to think about it. She nodded at the other woman. “That makes sense.” She shrugged. “I’m not going to tell you what’s right or wrong. I’m just going to tell you that sometimes you have to do what you can for your own sanity, to keep yourself together. Professionals might say it isn’t healthy, but don’t fucking listen to them. You do you. And I’m here...if you need anything.”

#its taken me years to get my tagging the way i want #lol #c:harper #harper2

officershawn

Shawn smiled softly, glancing between Addie and their son. Things were far from perfect, but they’d managed to keep some form of friendship, and they had their beautiful healthy son. Even ten years ago, Shawn had never thought he’d be in this place, with people he loved and a steady life. And moments like these he felt grateful. “Good,” he agreed, before laughing as she shoved him. “I’d never encourage him. I’m a respectable officer. But, I do not deny him being my kid.”

addie-james-blog

Addie leaned forward, chin on her hand, as she looked out at Tyler. Sometimes, she was still shocked at how well adjusted he was. She looked back over at Shawn. At his comment, she merely gave him another look, eyebrow raised. “Respectable?” she teased as she bit her lip. “One of these days, he’s going to prank you so badly and I’m going to laugh hysterically.” She looked at her watch. “We probably need to leave soon,” she admitted.

#c:shawn #shawn2

@officershawn

Shawn’s eyes briefly looked over her, letting himself enjoy the moment. She would always be his first love, the mother of his son, the girl who’d shown him he was worth something, and had loved him too. He would always care for Addie, even if he didn’t say it out loud. “Okay, anything that could impact Tyler’s life, we talk to each other first. He’s healthy and happy. We did good.” He gave a nod. “Mix them in with some noodles, no one will notice,” he teased.

Addie ran her hand through her hair and enjoyed sitting on the bench as their son played in front of them. She’d wished for something like this so many times and though they hadn’t worked out romantically, she was content that Shawn was trying with her and their son. “Fair,” she said with a smile on her face. The blonde shoved him again. “Stop giving him bad ideas,” she said playfully. “He’d do it, too. He’s totally your kid.”