❝ persephone.

[camilagvrcia-a]

« ❀ starter for @maiafcrnandez​ »

       “I’m a FUCKING MESS is what I am!” A weighted sigh escapes her lips, her features completely torn up. By now she’d consumed several cocktails, four shots and was well on her way to being a literal drunken mess. Moonie’s was far too good for putting up with her drunken antics. Now, she sat at the bar, practically crying to her best friend. “How could I just turn thirty five? I wasn’t born to be this old, Maia! I’ve done nothing with my life but make flower bouquets and hit a few cars! What if my butt sags? And my face? What am I to do?!” 

[camilagvrcia-a]

« ❀ starter for @benholdcr​​ »

       “And like I was saying, I think I have a good ass for a tattoo.. I’ve managed to convince my friend, Warren. We’re getting butt tattoos — tonight! Can you believe it?!” Who in the hell she was talking to at this point was beyond her, but she was drunk enough to be the greatest social butterfly; of course, she was escaping any and all reminders of her age and simply immersing herself in being drunk and young, if only for a night. “And—oh my god..” Her gaze lands on none other than Ben Holder weaving his way through the crowd, a bright grin lighting up the entire of her features when she catches his gaze. “My favourite human! You’re here!” And wildly enough, in a rare sight of affection towards the eldest Holder sibling, she finds herself throwing her arms around him to pull him into a hug. “You came at the best time! I’m getting a butt tattoo!” 

[camilagvrcia-a]

« ❀ starter for @whereiswarrenwolff​ »

       “Okay, you know what I think is wilder than that time I made you sing all those songs on top of the bar?” A drunken Camila questions all of a sudden, completely wasted as all hell at this point, and there was no going back. “Do you remember? You sang some weird shit.. and we ended with Benny and the Pets. I mean—jets. Bonnie and the Jets. It’s my birthday, so just remember this when you hear my offer. I’m midway through my thirties and it’s making me sick.. just remember that so you feel sorry for me. I think we.. you, Warren Wolff, and I, Camila Flores Garcia... drum roll ploise..” She makes some tapping noises atop one of the tables at Moonie’s. “Should get TATTOOS. On our BUTTS.”

[camilagvrcia-a]

« ❀ starter for @elledonovan​ »

        Cam saunters in to the Moonie’s rooftop, internally praying that the sun would show itself again amidst the chill of the cool breeze. It’s my fucking birthday, give me a fucking break.. It was then she spotted Elle, sitting by her lonesome ploughing into a burger, clearly she’d been unable to wait for Cam’s arrival. So she was late by twenty minutes.. so what? “Elle, what the fuck are you doing?” She lifts her sunglasses, which she’d more so worn for effect, furrowing her brows in judgment. “We’re meant to be daydrinking! This is not how we get fucked up!” 

[camilagvrcia-a]

Maia. 

She nearly choked on her drink at Cam’s suggestion, laughing but unable to deny the truth behind her statement. “Truuuuuue.” she acknowledged, chuckling at Cam’s way of describing the situation. It felt so good to get back to their normal, to get to talk about boys and know that Cam was the one person she could talk about her problems with. She rolled her eyes at Cam’s need to call him Bean, but went along with it anyways. “I don’t know,” she offered with a shrug. “I can’t tell if I’m just making it all up in my head, imagining things that aren’t there. But I keep feeling like we’re having moments where maybe there’s something there, maybe something more than just friendship. Like after that whole thing with Erin, I thought we were definitely heading towards… well, something.” she frustratedly tugged a strand of hair behind her ear. “But then nothing happened. And I just… I guess the real issue is, I’m tired of getting my hopes up.” she admitted, probably for the first time out loud. 

-

       “When he rocked up to your apartment to apologise for getting in the middle of you both?” To Cam, it seemed that the guy was getting himself into a little too much trouble to be considered ‘innocent’, but she’d keep those notions to herself, and let her feelings reflect in an not so obvious way. But of course, Maia knew her too well. “First of all, I would like to remind you that men are fucking stupid and need you to spell shit out for them. But also,” a weighted sigh escapes her lips, shrugging her shoulders some. She wasn’t one for love advice, but Maia needed her to be there for her, and that was what she’d do. “Maybe he’s afraid of ruining the friendship, just like I’m sure you are, too?” 

[camilagvrcia-a]

Carina. 

-

                  A saint? Sure, Carina was organized and fairly responsible. She always met her deadlines, kept her word, and tried to stay out of trouble. She wasn’t like either one of their parents or even their other siblings, but a saint was pushing it. While Cam had her faults, she had always prioritized their family above all else, including her own happiness, hopes and dreams. For that alone, Carina could never compare. 

                  “I may have an order for you soon. I really want to do something special for the long-term patients who can’t be home with their families for the holidays. Hospital rooms can be rather dull and depressing, so since we can’t give everyone their own Christmas trees, I figure that a nice flower arrangement could bring everyone some Christmas cheer. Our director seemed to like the idea, so their allocating a portion of our budget to the cause. Plus, I thought it would be a great way to give back to the community by supporting a local business. Even if it’s yours.” 

                 With a small chuckle, the brunette playfully nudged the side of her sister’s elbow with her own. “But really, what’s up? I’m done pretending that I don’t know something’s wrong. I’ve come to sense these things after knowing you for all thirty years of my life, you know. It’s a sister thing.”

        “Like I said, you’re an angel,” she beams, utterly proud and impressed by Carina’s thoughtfulness, and in particular, her time and devotion to giving back and thinking about others. It was one of the qualities she’d always admired about her younger sister, and it only made her adore her more and more. “I’d love to be a part of it.. anything for you, but also.. I think that’s.. just a lovely thought. It’ll be a donation.. I’ve got all the support I need, and I’m happy to give back to those in need. You could use the budget for something else, maybe a selection from the local bakery? We could chat to Nora, if you’d like?” But of course, her sister could see right through her hesitation, and the subtle shift in energy on Cam’s end. They knew each other too well. “I’d question you if you didn’t notice.. but you’re right, I do.. have something to tell you, and I didn’t want to burden you but I think you have a right to know.” The brunette’s features fill with worry — worry over how Carina might take it, and even worse, if she differs in opinion from Cam.. not that she didn’t accept her sister having a different opinion but, she was far too protective of her siblings not to want to protect them from the woman that had brought them so much grief. “Mom’s out.. she rocked up at my door the other week.” 

[sick-tunes]

[camilagvrcia-a]

Jeremy. 

-

His head twists in the direction of the voice before he makes a face as if to think to himself, ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ before nodding. “Good idea. Great idea, even.” Chuckling, he eyes the shelves looking for the solar lights. “Probably more so pressured by myself. First christmas in a big new house.” He looks over at her and smiles. “Kinda cliche but I really want to give proper decorating a shot, although it seems like a pretty daunting task for one person so I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the only year it happens.” He looks back at the shelf again and reaches for a box, looking over the front. “You don’t sound like a christmas fan. At least not an insane one.” He quips playfully.

        “I’m full of them,” she shrugs nonchalantly, a smile forming. “Well, I take my hat off to you because that shit is exhausting. My coworkers constantly beg me to put up lights and decorations but, what’s the fuckin’ point? You’re just gonna take them down after a month. But I guess.. you’ve gotta try to know. They’re fun to look at, at least. —Yeah, I’m more the Grinch forced into celebrating Christmas.. plus this town is so big on it, it kinda drives me crazy sometimes. And snow is a pain in the ass, if you ask me.” 

[camilagvrcia-a]

Oliver. 

“Right. And good to know, I figured there was going to be a few angry contestants out there anyway, it was a big prize.” Oliver nodded, though a brow raised. That definitely wasn’t how most reacted when he asked about New York. “Ok, you have a point there. I can’t believe how many faces from there I’ve ran into since I’ve moved here.” Could he even count how many on both hands anymore? “You’re from here, then? I mean, being around a while now, I like to think I know a thing or two about Mystic. — Uh..sort of? It’s more that..I know of Ben. I work for Mayor Holder, and am good friends with his brother, Dean.”

        And there she is, jealous as all hell and quietly texting Ben, letting him know she’s found the winner. “Eh, it was okay,” she shrugs, trying not to raise too much suspicion. “So your girlfriend, is she sticking around, or?” Too obvious? Perhaps. “Unfortunately. Born and raised in this hell town,” usually she didn’t speak with such distaste for Mystic, but today she was as all hell pissed. “How long have you been in town? Don’t think I’ve seen you before.. oh, you’re his friend?” Eyeing Oliver with narrowed eyes, Cam couldn’t help but make her distaste for the younger Holder obvious. “Well, Ben is a good friend of mine." 

[dailymarvelcast]

Every time I’d get a critique or some redirection, I’d always just take it very personally. Now I have no problem with it.

[onetreehilldaily]

[camilagvrcia-a]

@arya-grey, @elledonovan, & @maiafcrnandez

[bellashdid]

I don’t put weight on fame, and having people around me just because I am famous makes me feel really bad about myself.

[camilagvrcia-a]

Carina. 

             With a mug of warm hot chocolate nestled between her palms, Carina couldn’t help but smile at the feeling of warmth and nostalgia it brought her. Sure, it wasn’t anything compared to the homemade cocoa they had made as children, but it seemed to bring her the same amount of joy with every sip of the sweet beverage. Christmastime had never been quite the same for their family as others, but Cam had always made it special for her and her siblings. Whether it was baking cookies, watching holiday movies or using what little money she’d had to make sure “Santa” didn’t forget about them. 

             It was never perfect and while she could have chosen to dwell on all that was missing, Carina had learned that it wasn’t about buying the fanciest presents or going all out for the holidays. Christmas was about spending time with family and being thankful for your loved ones. “You know, I really don’t know how you did it, Cami. You’ve always made this time of year special, even when it shouldn’t have been. Even when we weren’t easy. For that, you’re kind of a saint.” With a small chuckle, she briefly rested her head against her sister’s shoulder. “Are you sure you aren’t just looking forward to December because it’s our birth month?“

             Even with such casual conversation, Carina could tell that something was off. She could see it in her sister’s eyes and hear it in her voice the second she’d changed the topic of conversation. But rather than push or force it out of her, she’d learned to be patient. Cam would spill when she was ready. “Work has been good. It’s only about to get busier, though. Whenever the weather changes and the roads get icy, there are always so many more car accidents. Not to mention more drunk driving with the holidays upon us. It’s sad, but it’s the career I chose. How about you? I’m sure there has been a major influx in orders.”

       Christmas always felt like a foreign concept, no matter how much she tried to ensure her siblings’ experiences were filled with festive cheer. It always felt like, she’d never really had a proper holiday, the way most children did. The kind she saw in movies, at least. She’d paint herself as the grinch, and yet, there she’d be, humming along to All I Want for Christmas is You while making eggnog and Christmas cookies. Her siblings wouldn’t know any different, even if she had. And of course, just like every other year, Cam found herself roped into decorating her entire apartment in a bid to prep for the festive month. “Not too sure how many people would agree with that,” she smirks, referring to Carina painting her as a saint — far from it, if you asked her. “But, if it wasn’t for you guys, you know I’d stay far, far away from tinsel and fairy lights. —Hell yeah. An entire month of celebrations. Who needs Christmas when you have a Flores Garcia month of celebration?!” And, she’d choose to skip over the fact that she was ageing another year; a terrifying concept in itself. She attempts to joke, to seem interested, but Cam wasn’t one to hide her feelings. It was practically impossible; she was far too honest, and anything but fake. There it was, on the tip of her tongue. “I think you were wrong before. You’re the saint in the fam, Nina. I don’t know how you do it. I really don’t. —And uh, we’re.. busy, as always. Winter flowers aren’t as fun but I’ve grown on the dried flowers trend, so there may be a good market for that.” If only she could muster the courage to get it out. 

[camilagvrcia-a]

Jeremy. 

Holiday shopping season had begun and Jeremy didn’t really need to do it. That was something he kept in mind all year, collecting gifts slowly over time. Far less stressful than trying to do it all at once and he liked to keep as much ahead of things as he could, but this year was different with the move and the change of pace a much smaller city held. It was actually nice shopping, even at this time of year. He was all too familiar what it was like standing shoulder to shoulder with people, hurried and slamming into each other in the middle of the store. There were a fair amount of people in the department store, yes but still, far more manageable than what he’d been accustom to.

He was currently in the holiday decoration aisle. Their place was much bigger than it was in Chicago despite it almost being the same price. Another give-take situation compared to big city living. They had a house, a nice one which meant they needed a lot more decorations and furniture than fit in their condo before. He was actually excited about it, thinking about stringing lights and decorations outside their home and having a great big tree made him happy.

Jeremy was smiling as he looked at what seemed like an overwhelming amount of holiday lights before he sighs to himself and speaks to no one in particular. “I just want to know which one of these will last the longest.”

@mysticstarter​

       No matter how much she tried to paint herself as the GRINCH, a total Christmas killjoy, deep down, there was a part of her that loved the festive season and all that came with it — including decorations. She’d claim that decorating her apartment each year was meant solely for the sake of her siblings; that had always been her excuse. But still, she’d prance around town, complaining about Christmas lights going up too early, whining about the endless Christmas shoppers and the wildness of the season.. not to mention, sharing her absolute disdain for carollers. All a facade, in the end. “Probably the solar ones.. if that’s what you’re into. You finding yourself pressured by all the insane Christmas lovers into hanging up lights, too?” 

[cattt420-deactivated20200729]

Same

[benholdcr-a]

@camilagvrcia

[camilagvrcia-a]

Ben. 

“Relating to you because we lost? Living hell.” Ben huffed. Nevertheless, he did know well by now to let Cam rant on all she wanted until she was done. “You were actually in the game from the start, do you remember the name of that Barbie?” A brow raised as they began to potentially form some strategy to re-claim their prize the two deemed unfairly stolen from them of course. “You already have ruined a car of mine.” He mused before scoffing. “They are flowers though.” But then again, it was why she was enlisted for her help on the potential of choosing the best ones for buying. “Whatever.” He muttered, glancing around the perimeter of the shop again. “Where am I ‘helping’ you again? Some yards? How fucking far does this shop go, Garcia?”

       “You make fun of me all the time, and yet you keep coming back for more. I’d say you love our friendship. —Jojo.. Joanne.. something like that, not that I paid any attention to anything but the prize.” Laughter seeps into her chest, escaping her lips in a genuine manner.. amused at the idea of ruining yet another of the Holder family cars. “It’s my forte.. I’m just too good at it. And they may be flowers, but they’re not all here right now. Well—that depends. What are you here for? A lesson on flowers and plants, or would you like me to prepare something for a particular someone?” 

[camilagvrcia-a]

Oliver. 

“I didn’t say you couldn’t challenge the game results, just that you’d have to take it up with our host, not Josie.” Oliver nodded, probably doing nothing to help from the blatant disappointment from her tone and written upon her expression. “I do get it that any of us would have been disappointed not to win. It was a huge prize. So…I’m sorry that you..didn’t? — You’ve been? To New York I mean?” Though his brows remained raised at the further warnings. “See? You still had fun? And wait, Holder? I know of him. He’d the oldest sibling isn’t he?” At least from what he gathered working for the mayor, and being best friends with Dean.

       “What is there to challenge? It’s rigged.” Camila shrugs, taking a steady sip of her coffee as she arches her brows at him. “I appreciate your candor, but no need to apologise. After all, it was all a tease. Uh—” Once. She’d been once, and the mere thought of it triggered something inside of her she couldn’t bare the thought of dealing with. And so, as always, she shoves it right back down and presses her lips together, maintaining the same facade she always has. “Who hasn’t? Point is... wait—you know him? Ben Holder? Well, at least you newcomers actually know a thing or two about this town.”