stuck in reverse

Wandering’s the most addictive drug there is, I think, and every hidden road leads on to a dozen more. Cami Ward / 29 / The Clothesline

[camillaward]

wardenerikson‌:

Thomas snorted. “I think you’re liked much more than I am, anyhow. Doesn’t take much to be liked more than I am. Which is how I like it. People leave me alone. Except when they’re makin’ more trouble for me.” He kept to himself and honestly, he didn’t have anything against anyone in the town, he just liked being left alone. “‘Sides, I don’t even buy name brand candy for myself, why would I spend money on it for somethin’ like this?”

“It surely isn’t for a lack of charmin’ personality,” Cami teased, unable to truly comprehend what it was like to actually desire solitude. Growing up in a small town had formed a sort of co-dependence in her; she loved being with other people and she absolutely loved chatter.  She laughed, lifting a shoulder. “Think of the kids, Thomas.”

[camillaward]

shironxgardner‌:

It took a lot to actually scare Shiron, he had never been easily scared. Especially not by jumpscares and silly things like that. So when he heard her words, he arched one of his eyebrows and hummed. “Yeah sure” he agreed, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at the house. “I have never really been a fan of haunted houses. I find them to be quite boring” he admitted, a chuckle leaving his parted lips.

“You’re soundin’ awfully brave for someone who hasn’t been inside yet,” Cami noted, taking a final pull from her cigarette before tossing it into the dewy grass. It fizzled out, but she stepped forward to crush the end, just in case. “In that case,” the brunette gestured towards the entrance, “You’ve gotta go first and tell me what’s waitin’ on the other side of that door.”

[camillaward]

rayclayborne‌:

            “I think they can handle the place for a few hours an’ if not, that’s just too bad,” he teased back as he swallowed another bit of a air to catch his breath with a crooked grin when she reached over to wipe against the edge of his lips. He knew that he looked a mess, with the way that his pulse was racing to the flutter in his chest and his inability to keep from smiling like a teenager. The last time that Ray thought he’d felt remotely close to this, it wasn’t like this. It didn’t feel this new and familiar in the same breath, like someone that he’d always had by his side but was finally able to let know how he kept looking at them even when they looked away. Camilla had always been his best friend, the one that he had against the rest of the world through all their problems to the best moments, but this was something new for both of them as he grinned. “But if Alo gives away our position, then I can’t be held responsible if someone comes up here lookin’ for me,” he told her gently even as he took the spot by her side and wanted to reach out and touch her which this time, he didn’t hesitate when his palm opened up towards her to take her hand with his own. “But the animals, they’ll never even notice that I’m not there.”

“We’ll put Napoleon in charge, he’s got the personality for it.” Cami looked up at the large beams that made up the ceiling. A spider was spinning an intricate web in the corner and the sun caught it at just the right angle to make it glisten, it prompted a smile from the brunette who lifted her chin in the direction for Ray to see. Small joys, she knew that he wouldn’t ever mind being shared them-- Camilla slipped her fingers between his and let out a breath, unwinding the tension that had lead up to their conversation today. “He just might, y’know how jealous that ol’ pooch can be.” She didn’t even have to crane her head over to know that the dog was likely sleeping, curled up obediently by the base of the ladder; just waiting for the two of them to get down. “Nonsense, when they start gettin’ hungry, they need someone to blame for it.” Cami laughed, bringing their intertwined hands to her lips, to press a kiss to his knuckles. “Place wouldn’t be the same without ya, I promise.”

[camillaward]

gcldcrownd‌:

solenn had spent the majority of her day at the farm, bouncing through each different attraction, and just having a fun time with friends, both old and new. if there was anything that helped in cementing her reason for wanting to stay back home as long as she had been, the festival was certainly one. with day turned night, the place took on a a more spooky facade, with the family aspect becoming a little more adult oriented. which meant the singer was treading a little more cautiously, since there was always someone ready to pop out and make her jump out of her skin. stopping when someone garnered her attention, looking over to see cami, smile etching onto her features, before glancing at the haunted house for a moment. ❝ can’t even blame you honestly, but sure why not, strength in numbers right ? ❞ she joked with a soft chuckle.

Cami laughed, looking back at the pop up haunted house. “I don’t know who had a hand in puttin’ this together, but they’ve got a career in set design or somehthin’.” The brunette didn’t like being scared, which was ironic considering her deep love for Halloween. Instead, she thrived off of adrenaline rushes of another kind-- she tipped her head and looked at Sol with a wider smile. “Wanna see who can get the best prize out of this place? Make it a little more fun?” It was a call back to a wild youth, racing through town with Ray and the others hot on their heels, surely, Sol wouldn’t be able to resist.

[camillaward]

edwardfitzxg‌:

Edward really wasn’t sure why he was here. He hadn’t exactly been a social butterfly since he’d arrived here, and to be honest he didn’t really see much of a reason to change that. Not that everyone around here wasn’t perfectly nice, but the encroaching holiday season only served to make him long more for isolation. Of course, just as this thought occurred to him, someone spoke out and invited him to join her in the haunted house. “Sure,” he said, with a slight smile. He didn’t have the heart to say no. “If it makes you feel any better, should this prove to be an actual horror movie situation, the grumpy old man would definitely get taken out first. So I’m a good choice to go in with.”

She beamed at Edward’s agreement, glancing back at the door. It didn’t feel as daunting with someone to go with her. “Mostly I’m aimin’ to get inside and get a selfie to prove I wasn’t too chicken to do it, but that means I actually have to-” she wrinkled her nose, “Get inside.” Cami laughed. “I’m not sayin’ that’s why I flagged you down, but it definitely factored in.” 

[camillaward]

alanzaxcarraro‌:

Alanza was happy to wander around, not really focusing on any particular activity, but rather people watching while sipping a latte. It was the perfect weather to enjoy a hot drink while strolling around aimlessly, and so she was doing just that. At least, until someone called out to her. She turned and grinned at the other woman. “Well, how can I say no to that? It would just be downright mean,” she said, with another grin. “It’s probably not that spooky, but you can hold my hand if you want.” This was accompanied by another playful smile and a soft laugh.

Camilla laughed, gesturing towards the house. “Usually I’d try and flag down the biggest lookin’ redneck to keep me from getting killed, but in this case-- most of ‘em are more scared than I am.” She grinned, reaching for the door to let them both in. “Lucky for us, you’re braver then all the other people I’ve asked so far. I hate bein’ jumped at, I never know how to act. When I was little, all I did was cry.” 

[camillaward]

juniperhunni‌:

“Me?” she questioned looking over at the woman before giving an excited nod, “Yes, yes absolutely. I love these things.” Juniper stepped closer towards the other, a sweet smile pulling at the corners of her ips, “I’m Juniper by the way.”

“Yes you,” Cami said, grinning wide as she tossed her cigarette towards the earth. The grass was still lush and green, she extinguished whatever was left of the flame with a crush of the toe of her boot. It was littering, but she also couldn’t bring herself to be terribly bothered-- not tonight. “Great, because I’m scared stiff.” The brunette offered her hand as she reached for the door with the other. “Cami.”

[camillaward]

Cami had spent the entirety of the day at the Rollins farm. There was a pumpkin somewhere in the collection of glowing faces that she had had a hand in carving an eerie smile into; and in the back of her car was a bushel of apples that she had picked earlier in the orchard. Now, with the sun having set over the scene and the children having long scurried home for bedtime and school the next morning, she roamed the grounds curiously. A cigarette glowed cherry red, extended from the crux of her fingertips, and a smile curved on lips painted a similar hue. Light eyes flickered between the entrance of the haunted house and an individual that passed by, before she finally spoke up. “Can you come in with me? I’m a little too spooked to go in alone.”  // @frostfordstart​

[oldfarmhousefallfeatures]

Photocredit: the_farmers @instagram

[camillaward]

rayclayborne‌:

Ray had promised himself, that night at the barn and again every time that he thought about their kiss that he was going to kiss her again. And again. He promised himself that he was going to kiss her every chance that he got, because he knew that every time was going to feel like the first with Cami and having kissed her twice, Ray knew it was true. It felt like that night all over again, but stronger and less hesitant about what she might be thinking as he felt the corners of his lips curl upwards in the slightest when they leaned in close. His entire being felt alive, recognizing every part that wanted to close the distance between them with his hands cradling the sides of her face to the way his body curved until they were facing each other as the kiss lingered beyond the slight burn in his lungs. Ray didn’t want the kiss to break, didn’t want to stop kissing her even when he pulled away to catch his breath but didn’t leave for too long before he stole another kiss after that one. A grin flickered into place when he took another kiss, greedy like a kid in a candy store as he leaned back enough to meet her eyes. “I told you that I would kiss you again if I got the chance.” No regrets.

She felt giddy, reacquainted with the same energy that she knew from a youth of jumping over fences and breaking the rules under the bleachers— he was just as exhilarating now, in this tender moment. Camilla laughed, her nose bumping against Ray’s as he pressed his lips back against hers. Her fingers brushed through the sandy coloured strands of his hair, then trailed down his cheek. There were lines there from smiling, from years in the sun— she was certain that her own face had signs of the lifetime that they had lived before this moment. Everything had brought them to now, she grinned widely; trying to recall a time that she had been so intensely happy. “Dunno how you plan on gettin’ any more work done around here,” she said, her teeth sinking into her own, swollen lower lip. While she leaned back, she could hear Alo’s whine down below and it made her laugh harder, reaching to wipe the smear of red lipstick that had transferred from her mouth to his. “Think we can hide up here for a bit?” The question was hopeful, Cami glanced over at Ray with her wide, blue eyes, before settling down in the straw and hay. She patted the spot next to her, letting dark hair fan around her features while she got comfortable. “The animals can mind themselves for a little while, right?”

[camillaward]

@zandrharris​

Cami walked away from Custard’s with three bowls, one vanilla that was packed up for Alo, one strawberry cheesecake for Ray and another of chocolate that she promptly popped the lid off of and began to greedily dig into. She was halfway to her car when she caught sight of a familiar face, one worthy of a full stop in her tracks. “Is that--” she began theatrically, squinting at the sun, “That can’t be my friend Zander Harris, could it?” The brunette walked over, the corner of her mouth hitched up in a grin. “Definitely isn’t, 'cause the Zander I know wouldn’t have gone this many weeks without poppin’ by to say hello.” Cami reached into her bag, holding out Alo’s icecream in offering. “How’ve you been? I bet Eli’s six feet tall now, it’s been so long since I’ve seen him.”

[camillaward]

elizathompson‌:

Eliza found herself wandering around the Rollins Farm alone. Having only been in Frostford a month, she had yet to explore this place. Wearing heels probably hadn’t been the best idea, but at least she a, looked good, and b, chose heeled booties. Besides, it’s not like she was out there trying to ride a horse or anything, she was just trying to find a beer. As someone walked her direction, she called out to stop them. “Hey, do you know where a girl can find a beer? Or does that not happen until the children leave?” @frostfordstart

“If we waited ‘til all the kids were gone, I think half of the parents in town would spontaneously combust,” Cami said, grinning broadly. She didn’t recognize the other woman, but she supposed that she’d been distracted in the past few weeks. Always determined to put on a show of southern hospitality, Camilla bent warmly, holding up her own cup. “I don’t have any beer up my sleeve, but I can hook ya up with a nice cider-- ‘Bama special, with some Fireball.”

[camillaward]

wardenerikson‌:

“If anybody cares to TP my yard again this year, I will be sitting in the dark, watchin’. I won’t have any treats, but I may have a few tricks up my sleeve for you.” Thomas was a bit of grouch, but he was tired of the town hooligans pissing him off. Once upon a time, he wasn’t like this, but then life happened and just continued to make him angrier and angrier. “This is your warnin’.”

Cami grinned, adjusting her totebag on her shoulder. As a teen, she’d been just as guilty as the lot of kids who raced by laughing at Thomas’ warning-- in later years she simply felt fond of their mischief. “Y’know,” the brunette said, looking over at the man, “If ya gave out better candy, they’d leave you alone. I’m aimin’ to station my dog at the front of the house with some fullsized Milky Ways. Never had a TP incident to date.”

[camillaward]

msdianahamilton‌:

Diana had to laugh, nodding– she understood that completely, after working in the service industry for quite a few years before she’d gotten her degree and started teaching. “Nah, it’s fine, I don’t think I’d wanna deal with him, after all. If he’s got the balls to steal my panties right out from my nose, I guess he can keep ‘em,” the brunette murmured. “–Very accurate. Depending on how cute you want them, you can buy them six pairs for like eight bucks at the Walmart, but if you wanna good bra you gotta fork over half a fortune,” she mused with a shake of her head. “Especially those real nice ones.”

“What I really wanna know,” Cami said loftily, hoisting herself onto the counter that she had been working on, “Is what he’s plannin’ on doin’ with all of ‘em. He’s been at it for months now, he’s gotta have quite the collection.” She snorted, “Maybe he’s an artist, makin’ something real thought provokin’ for the town.” The brunette nodded, “Then you’ve gotta keep ‘em nice. I know it goes against the service, but if you really wanna have ‘em last, you really should stop bringin’ yours here. Those washing machines’ll eat up anythin’ lace.”

[camillaward]

coltonrollins‌:

“There’s nothing to tell. I was sick, she came over with some soup, we talked and she nursed me back to health, and that’s it,” he emphasized, giving Cam a stern, pointed look. “I did not bring it up. I just said Annie brought over some soup and you started insinuatin’ somethin’ because you saw her car,” he argued, laughing slightly. “Alright, sounds good. That’s all the help I need. Lemme just get this thing started,” he murmured, gesturing towards the grill. “–He did, huh? Yeah, seems like he has. You good, though? You ain’t gonna carry a torch for him or somethin’, are you? Pine for him?” He was mostly teasing, but he was a little curious, and maybe a little worried for her as well. “–Lord. Have you named ‘em? You’d better, you know I love my eggs to be local. What made you decide to get chickens, anyway?”

Cami grinned toothily, not at all displeased that Colton realised her ploy and sidestepped it with ease. “Alright, alright, you convinced me. Nothin’ happened.” The brunette lifted a shoulder, stretching in her seat as she turned to face both Colton and the last licks of the fall sun. Alabama tended to stay warm, it was one of the best things about the place, she was certain. Pine for him? Camilla snorted, shaking her head. “No, I think it was a long time comin’. We’re both set on someone else, and I’m a good friend-- I’m happy for him.” She laughed, “I just saw that Cat Hollow looked like it needed somethin’ a little smaller than those calves that Ray’s got right now. I’ve always wanted chickens, but I don’t have the space.” The question about the names made her nod. “Not all of ‘em yet, but of of them’s named Napoleon.”

[camillaward]

rayclayborne‌:

How long had he been carrying this around in his pocket, the one next to his heart, and tucked it away behind a bright smile and plenty on his plate to ensure that one day he’d amount to something on his own two feet. Not just the kid that got dropped off by bus because he’d been too much of a handful for his parents, left to an aunt who took him on, and every other piece pf baggage that came along with him. He knew that when he looked in the mirror, that he still saw that scrawny kid that’d never amount to anything on his own rather than someone that could be good enough for the woman by his side. The one that he felt more for than simply friends, or even a hesitant kiss might come across when his feelings ran deeper than that because she was essential to his life. Without her, Ray knew that his life would be missing something that could never be filled as breathed out when she leaned gently against his fingers that didn’t stray away from the warmth of her cheek.

Instead, he stayed while she moved in closer, taking away the distance that’d grown between them in a mere week, leaving him gasping for air as he threw himself into his work to try and drive out every negative thought that he’d ruined things. That he wasn’t good enough. That he’d never be good enough for her to look at him the way that he constantly looked at her, seeing all the ways that she fit into his life and this place, all the parts that felt hollow and cold when she’d been gone. Ray knew his feelings, trusted in his heart, and believed that what he felt was more than a crush or a fleeting loneliness that sought to bring some sort of comfort. No, she had a part of his heart and he only wanted to give her all of it as he smiled across at her with a faint chuckle slipping out when she spoke. Her hands were soft. Her eyes were softer. And he knew that he’d never regret anything from this moment forward when he leaned in close to gently press his lips against hers, this time without fear or anyone else watching. A moment just for them.

The air was warm and sweet, like summer was clutching onto the tail ends of the days and warming it in its chest. She was glad for it, the hay in the bales under her hands made little noise as she shifted and the setting sun filtered soft light in strips as it drew in through the windows that made up the top of the barn. Everything about it was beautiful, like a moment that deserved to be frozen in time. Below them, the ranch continued on, unaware of what was happening above. Cami curved in towards Ray, revelling in a kiss that wasn’t stolen. This was something purposeful, something that that they had earned in all of their years of broken hearts and missteps. He was uncharted territory, a discovery made after simply opening her eyes.

Cami smiled against his mouth, she wasn’t drunk now but there was no hiding the glee that wound it’s way through her— like electricity, something new. The kiss was different than their first, this time her heart wasn’t pounding in her ears and she didn’t have the stain of vodka on her lips to feel guilty about after. This was an admission of something and the start of another that was new, her hand stayed on his jaw, her eyes fell shut. They had earned this, after all of this time.

[camillaward]

rayclayborne‌:

              “That’s just it, it’s you.” And there. He’d finally said it. It was only a few words but they were some of the hardest and heaviest ones that he’d been carrying around for as long as he could remember when time slipped through his fingers. There was so much that he wanted to make sure was right, better even, before he opened the door to something that had never happened between them. For most of his life, Camilla was his best friend. She was the person that he chased after when they were running from trouble, but with a laugh and a reason to smile but lately – he’d found himself wanting to be that reason that she laughed. That he wanted to be the reason she smiled, the fear was there that he would be the cause to make it disappear, which only silenced his thoughts and feelings until he hadn’t been able to keep to himself any longer.

Though when their fingers were drawn together, feeling her grip was strong against his own only settled him down the path that he’d taken them down with that night. There was no backing away or turning away, not when this was what he wanted but couldn’t put that want onto her – couldn’t push what didn’t exist, even as a simple smile flickered in response to her holding his hand. How he’d missed that. A simple act, but one that he felt grounding him as he glanced up and found her staring at him. No more hiding. Nothing left to stand between them and the distance that he’d thrown up in a last minute scramble to save something that mattered too much to him to ruin over matters of the heart. Camilla Ward was his best friend first, but it didn’t change that he’d wanted to be with her completely or the kiss that’d shattered whatever pretenses he’d been holding onto that they only worked as friends. “It’s been you,” he whispered as he reached out to brush back the hair that’d fallen over her shoulder with a honest and earnest look. “But I wanted to make sure that I was enough first before.. I let you know that it’s been you.”

It’s you. The sheer brevity of his words made her tighten the grip on Ray’s hand a little more; he was delivering them but he was also her source of comfort: an anchor to keep her steady. Her heart felt lighter, instead of the anxious beat against her chest, now it was soaring— there was the sheer joy of being chosen, of having her feelings reciprocated. It had been fear of rejection that had kept them apart, the fear of destroying something wonderful that they had already formed. Instead, it seemed that they were opening the door to something new to the both of them, fascinating and terrifying.

His touch was gentle and she leaned into it, letting her cheek brush against the fingers that tucked her hair away. She wanted now to be close to him, to reassure in the only way that she knew how. Ward women were cursed, her grandmother had told her once— they would never be chosen first; and she’d accepted that fate, to be alone, to eventually raise a daughter in a home that lacked love and to live the same shaky existence as all the women before her. Instead, Ray’s words were velvet, a promise that she was better than those before and they were a comfort. She could feel an ache in her chest at how genuine he was. “You’re enough,” Cami repeated, “You’ve always been enough.” The brunette shifted, her hand cupping his jaw. She often thought to herself how immensely proud of Ray she was, how he’d accomplished so much— gone so far from the scabby kneed boy who’d run through the banks of the Tombigee river with her. “You’re the most beautiful person I know, y’know, you’re the very best one.” Her smile curved and she felt the need to warn him, “If you don’t kiss me Ray Clayborne, I’m gonna end up makin’ the move.”