Amerie Celestino

"Don't worry, this isn't me caring, this is me being bored," he corrected with a wave of his hand. He and Amerie had never been on good terms, really, but that didn't stop him from holding a small sense of concern for the woman who had become his neighbor all over again. "But, yeah, I've got a whole playlist saved and ready to go for a random night. Total chaos vibes." His smile lifted back to his lips again, hands splayed out in front of him in a motion to signal his innocence in the moment. "If we're talking I have to keep the music down so I can hear you, so there's that. And in my defense I don't think anything I say is obnoxious."

@ameriecelestino

Amerie gave him a long, unimpressed look, arms still tightly crossed as if she were physically holding back the urge to throttle him. "You being bored is somehow more dangerous than you caring," she muttered. Still, she didn’t walk away. Her eyes flicked back to the seat, then to his smug expression, and she let out a sigh that sounded like it came from somewhere deep in her soul. "What about me coming storming out here, asking you, no-" She corrected herself quickly, "Begging you to turn the music down because my baby is asleep inside gives you reason to think I am going to sit down?" She asked, fishing the phone out of her back pocket to check the camera. Luckily Shane was still passed out, for now.

beatrizxsouza

"Yeah, that one is vanilla." She said, a smile on her face. "I don't think we've met." Beatriz responded after the other woman took a cupcake. She wasn't entirely surprised. There were a few people that tagged along to her birthday party with some of her friends. "I'm Beatriz," the brunette moved to set the tray of cupcakes down. "Birthday girl," she laughed softly, partly embarrassed to admit it but wasn't sure that the other woman would know who she was either. @ameriecelestino

Amerie blinked in surprise, then laughed softly, the cupcake already halfway to her mouth. "Oh, happy birthday! I should’ve guessed," she said, giving Beatriz a slightly sheepish smile. "I’m Amerie. I kind of got roped into coming by a friend, but I’m glad I did, this place is beautiful." She glanced down at the cupcake, then back at Beatriz. “And clearly, you have excellent taste in desserts.”

#beatrizxsouza

At this point, the sound was a statement and Knox was sitting there with an utterly pleased expression as Amerie's anger level skyrocketed with each passing moment. There were just some people in his life that pushing buttons was too much fun to pass up and Amerie was one of them. "Oh, not the foot stop. That's almost better than a hit of crack," he retorted, hand to his chest as he soaked it in. He let the loud music linger for a few more moments before he graciously turned it down to a more reasonable level. "Why aren't you sleeping well?" he asked, once again patting a hand to the seat next to him as an offering of peace.

@ameriecelestino

Amerie stared at him for a second, her hands dropping from her temples as the volume finally lowered enough for her to breathe. "Thank you," she muttered, though it sounded more like a warning than gratitude. At his question, her eyes narrowed, skeptical of his sudden interest in her well-being. "Why do you care?" she asked flatly, crossing her arms again. "So you can blast some playlist titled ‘Sleep-Deprived Chaos, Vol. 3’ just to match the vibe?" Her tone dripped with sarcasm, but she didn’t leave, at least not yet. Instead, she glanced down at the offered seat like it might bite her, then back up at him with clear suspicion. “If I sit, is it going to be five minutes of peace or five minutes of you saying something obnoxious?" @knoxwallace

lorenzocelestino

Lorenzo: Do you mind if I come and stay with you and Shane for a few weeks? Just long enough to heal. These stairs aren't exactly crutches user friendly.

Amerie: Of course! We'd love to have you! Amerie: Just, the stairs might not be your biggest problem here, sleep might at the moment. Amerie: I think Shane is teething again, or growing.. Or both.. But if you are okay with that, sure!

#lorenzocelestino

aindreisblythe

Aindreis offered to Amerie a seat on the couch or the counter. It was more a question of where she'd rather sit, of maybe comfortability levels, than room choice, since the room they were in was all at once the entrance, the living room and the kitchen. He smiled as he listened to her. "You'll say hello to Shane then!" He never wanted children of his own but he was really good with children, which he assumed was due to an awfully big family. "Working. Summer is quite a busy season and I'll have to go back to half time when I'm back at school for my last year." @ameriecelestino

Amerie set her bag down and gave a thoughtful glance between the couch and counter before choosing the couch, curling one leg under her as she settled in. "You’re nearly there, huh? Last year," she repeated with a small proud smile, resting her elbow on the arm of the couch. "That’s huge, Andy." Her voice was warm, sincere. "You’ve been juggling so much, and now you're on the home stretch!" She leaned back slightly, her gaze drifting around the cozy space before landing on him again. "I’ll definitely make sure you see Shane again soon, he is honestly growing up so quickly." she sighed. "I’m glad we get to catch up like this. Feels like it’s been longer than it actually has." @aindreisblythe

#aindreisblythe

dean-walker

closed starter || @ameriecelestino

Just as Dean was starting to feel a little bit settled into his life, the world needed to throw a wrench in any progress that he had made. He had his family, Logan had been back in his life, and his son was almost a year old and he hadn't done anything to hurt or ruin either of them. He was feeling pretty okay, and then of course an earthquake strikes that brings up all of his unresolved issues all over again. Thankfully he had been with Logan when everything started and he knew she was okay, but he couldn't stop thinking about Shane. Once he was sure that his sister and his home were okay, he rushed to his car and drove over to Amerie's place to make sure they were okay. A normal person probably would've called first, but Dean didn't think about it ahead of time and just drove over. Everything he did felt like a blur, driving entirely too fast, parking without worrying about being inside the lines, rushing out of his car and to her door before knocking repeatedly. "Amerie? It's Dean, are you guys okay in there?" he said, his voice sounding just as frantic as he looked.

#dean walker #earthquake tw

Being a teacher, Amerie knew what to do in case of an earthquake, having received training for it. It wasn't the first time she had felt the shaking grounds of Kismet Harbor, but still this time it had still felt different. She had Shane now, which made it seem all the more scarier. The moment the ground had started to shake, she had picked up the sleeping baby from his bed and rushed to hide in under her mothers old desk, hushing the baby that started to cry by the sound of breaking glass and heavy tumbles around them. When it finally stopped after what felt like forever, she peaked her head out and looked around the livingroom. It was a mess. Books on the floor, cupboards leaning over furniture, glass from broken frames and decorations scattered. Crawling out from underneath, she rocked her baby boy who was still crying. She didn't move at first, not sure if it was going to happen again or not, before she dared to move towards a chair to sit and calm Shane down. Just as she did, a loud knock sounded, and so did the voice of Dean. Walking over carefully, she opened the door, feeling extra heavy as she had to push some stuff out of the way. "We're okay." She told him, "He is okay." She added, knowing well enough that that was why he was there. @dean-walker

makaylahoffmann

Mack let out a soft laugh, "yes ma'am, though they get a bit more self sufficient as they get older. Way before eighteen." She shrugged, her nose scrunching up as she chuckled in response. Nodding, "the first year is exhausting. So I get it, I did that with twins the first time," she let out an exhale as she gazed upon the baby girl in the stroller before her the infant sleeping soundly. "Absolutely, the fresh air helps and helps them too," nodding towards Shane in the other's stroller, "that would be wonderful. A way to offload on life too." @ameriecelestino

Amerie's smile was warm and grateful, the kind of smile that came from feeling understood. "Twins your first time around? You really dove into the deep end," she said, eyes wide with playful sympathy. "I’m honestly in awe. I work with babies and kids, but having one on my own has really changed my perspective on things." She glanced down at Shane again, who was still snoozing peacefully for now, and gave the stroller another gentle nudge. "And yeah, I think you’re right. Just being outside helps—like a tiny reset button." Her gaze lifted back to Makayla, her smile brightening. "Let’s definitely make it a thing. Sanity walks, coffee, and maybe the occasional rant session. I think we’ve earned it."

#makaylahoffmann

lorenzocelestino

Lorenzo: Hey sis. Just wanted to let you know I'm settled in the apartment. Sort of. Lorenzo: Those steps are annoying though, and well, I have a favor to ask if it's not too much trouble. @ameriecelestino

Amerie: Hey Enzo! :) That is great. I really did mean it when I said make yourself at home. Amerie: Of course! What do you need? @lorenzocelestino

#lorenzocelestino

aindreisblythe

He'd been really ashamed to show himself this way to his friend, who he'd invited there on her first trip to Scotland, but Amerie had been such incredible help that day, and the rest of the time there that in the end, he'd been glad to have done it. And now, knowing he wouldn't be celebrating this milestone without her, he was happy to be able to celebrate with her. "I'm doing alright, really happy to see you!", he said, letting her in. "How about you? And the little one?" @ameriecelestino

Amerie smiled genuinely, stepping into the docked boat, before handing over the stuff she had brought over for him. "Thank you for having me! As you can see, I am child free for the moment as Shane is with his dad, do I am all yours." She chuckled softly. "I am good, yeah. Busy now that I am back at work and all, but overall it's been good, except the sleep, but you know what they say-" She said, stopping herself and brushing it off as she was trying hard not to let becoming a mom become her entire personality. "What have you been up to?" @aindreisblythe

#aindreisblythe

jasonxamato

A smile rested on his lips with her words, "You make it hard not to be grateful for you when you say things like that," Jason countered as his smile grew. He'd been waiting, for what felt like so long for him and Amerie to get to this point. Though, he knew it could have never happened and he would have been her friend, he was certainly glad she was giving him a chance. "Ah," his smile slipped into a grin, "you must have forgotten the hiking retreat," he teased her with a gentle nudge of his elbow. "The morning light on the trail is so serene. It makes you feel like you're in a whole different world, just for those few minutes as the sun comes up." @ameriecelestino

Amerie felt the familiar tingling sensation touch her cheeks as she let her lips meet with the edge of the mug in her hands, taking a sip off of the warm content to try her best to conceal it. Flirting had never been her strong suit, but it seemed that it felt a lot easier with Jason than it had with others in the past, which made her confident that she was taking the right steps with him. She laughed softly, blushing again. "In my defense, Shane hasn't been sleeping well lately because of his teeth, so if my brain is foggy, that is why." She chuckled, "But yes-" A smile on her lips. "It really does, and I can't wait to experience it all again with you." @jasonxamato

THE END

#jasonxamato

"Off the dresser? You should probably secure that thing. Baby monitor seems important," he nodded back with an obliviousness about him. It didn't even occur to him for a moment that it could actually be his fault that things about the neighborhood were, in fact, rattling. Hands up in the air as if he were being very generous, Knox grabbed his phone to scroll over to something more top 40s pop. "We can compromise, we're friends here, I can be reasonable," he grinned, not turning the music down at all, just letting the new tunes blare out into the air around them. With a bemused smile, Knox reached over to pull his cooler over, patting at it to offer Amerie a spot. "Come, take a sit, hang out, it's too nice of a day to be grumpy, Ams. There's a beer in there too if you want one."

@ameriecelestino

The way Amerie had to bite her tongue around this man was unlike anyone else she'd ever interacted with. She much preferred spending time with her ex-boyfriend over seeing the face of her neighbour. "They are-" She told him, "And I would not have to, if you could just turn the music down." She spoke through gritted teeth. Since he had moved in, Amerie had managed to avoid Knox as much as possible, but then there were days like these. "Then why can't you just turn the sound down?!" She uttered in frustration, stomping her foot on the gorund, "Please, Knox!" Both hands pushing against her temples for a second. "I am already sleeping bad enough as it is, I do not need you to give me a headache on top of it all!" @knoxwallace

beatrizxsouza

starter for anyone (capping at 2)

location: starlight ridge country club

Though her birthday had come and gone a few weekends ago, Beatriz had only just managed to secure a spot at Starlight Ridge Country Club. Now, the celebration was taking place and conversation hummed around her. Drinks clinked gently in hands and servers weaved through the crowd. There were small appetizers on silver trays and long tables held a variety of food in warming trays. Her cheeks were flush from laughter and cocktails as she plucked a tray of cupcakes. Beatriz felt like she were finally having her moment since returning to Kismet Harbor. "Cupcake?" She said, holding the tray up and offering them to guests.

Amerie had been dragged along by a friend to a birthday celebration at the Country Club. She had never been before, though she had heard the other kids talk about it when she was a child for their birthday parties, or as an adult by some of the parents at the daycare from time to time. It sounded as fancy was it was. A smile shaped on her lips when someone approached with a tray of cupcakes. "Oh um-" She smiled, "Yes, please, I'll have this one." She said, grabbing a pink frosted one. "Is it vanilla?" @beatrizxsouza

#beatrizxsouza

makaylahoffmann

Mack sighed and felt the same as Amerie, that shared exhaustion only a new parent could sympathize with. "Good," she nodded offering up a sympathetic smile, "thanks." Her own daughter sleeping soundly in the carriage, a stark contrast to her not doing so at home. "Tell me about it, I'm pretty sure it lasts the first eighteen years. Or so they tell me. Unfortunately I'm up to year ten with the twins," she hooked a shoulder in a shrug and smiled again as Amerie smiled at her daughter. The sun was high and warm and the fresh air was in fact very nice. "Absolutely, and getting in some exercise too," if she couldn't work at least going for walks helped ease that extra energy. @ameriecelestino

Amerie let out another soft laugh, shaking her head in mock horror. "Eighteen years? You’re really not selling this whole parenting thing," she teased, though there was an unmistakable fondness in her voice. "Shane’s quickly approaching a year, and I already feel like I’ve aged ten years." She adjusted the strap of her diaper bag on her shoulder, glancing down at the stroller as if her son might chime in with his own commentary. "But yeah, the walking helps. Keeps me sane—and makes me feel slightly accomplished even if the rest of the day is chaos." Her gaze flicked back to Makayla with a grin. "We should make this a regular thing. Sanity walks with coffee, maybe?" @makaylahoffmann

#makaylahoffmann

jasonxamato

"Okay, popcorn for a snack." Jason leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before he headed into the kitchen. When it came to Amerie, he wanted to do right by her. Jason hadn't been in a relationship in some time, but since the two of them had met at a camping retreat, he hadn't been able to get her out of his mind. And then there was the unplanned pregnancy that stalled the start of any sort of relationship between them. From the moment she suggested they go on their first date, Jason had been doing anything he could for her. He wanted to show her that his heart was fully hers. Jason busied himself in the kitchen, the popcorn popping in the microwave while he worked on their drinks. It wasn't long before he returned to the room where she was sitting so comfortably. "Here we go," Jason adjusted the table in front of the couch closer to them so that they could more easily reach. "Shall we work on the trip more?" @ameriecelestino

Amerie looked up as he returned, her smile softening at the sight of him balancing tea and popcorn like it was the most normal thing in the world. It warmed her in ways she wasn’t sure she had the words for yet. "You really do make it hard not to be grateful for you, you know that?" she spoke gently, her voice quiet but sincere. She took the mug from him with a grateful nod, fingers brushing his just briefly before settling it on her lap. "Yeah, let’s—" she said, pulling her legs up onto the couch. "I was thinking we could maybe drive up early? Like before the sun’s up early. That way we catch the morning light on the trail." Her eyes sparkled slightly. "Unless you’re not a morning person, in which case I guess I can settle for sleeping in." @jasonxamato

#jasonxamato

tomasxcooper

He was happy that he could get Jovi out and about like this. "I do get out for time served," he joked as he looked at Amerie. "Aw, the best age." he loved babies and kids, really young; it was a great time to him. "Right, I know we have not had her too long, but she's growing fast." At that age, her being just over two years old, it was going quick. "Ah, he's gonna be out running you soon he laughed. "Easy on you, not on me anymore," he joked. @ameriecelestino.

Amerie chuckled softly. "Time served—I’ll remember that next time someone asks how long I’ve been on stroller duty," she said with a soft laugh. She rocked the stroller gently as Sean babbled to himself. "Honestly, I’m bracing for when he figures out how to sprint. The day that happens, I’m investing in new tracking shoes." Her eyes moved back to Jovi, who was still standing close to Tomas. "She looks like she’s already halfway there. You’re in for it soon," She teased lightly. "But it’s the good kind of chaos, right?" She smiled again, then added, "Nice to see you both out here. Makes the day feel a little lighter."

#tomasxcooper

Reaching over to grab his phone, Knox scrolled through his Spotify with a twisted lip. "Ah, shoot, you know, I don't know that I have a lullaby in here," he reported back with a shake of his head. "Music is made to be loud, Amerie. That's how you feel it." He was speaking with his hands, his gestures wide as he hyped up the music. Most of the music he listed to was loud and noisy, something to bang your head to and get lost in. "For real, what kind of music do you listen to, though? You a Swiftie? You look like a Swiftie." He was talking after her as she walked, ready for company even if it came in the form of a neighbor that hated him.

@ameriecelestino

Amerie paused just long enough to glance over her shoulder towards him. With one brow arching as she shot him a glare. "If by ‘feel it’ you mean that it is rattling the baby monitor off the dresser, then yeah—mission accomplished." Her voice was cool, edged with that particular brand of neighborly annoyance that had clearly been building. "And no, I’m not a Swiftie. Though at this point, I’d gladly take ‘Shake It Off’ on loop if it meant you turned that chaos down a few notches." She didn’t wait for a reply this time either, just kept walking towards him, "Honestly, new street—new address, same headache." She sighed as she eventually stopped once she was close enough, arms draping across her chest. "Turn it down Knox. I mean it."