62 years young. Big hair, pant suits, all the glam. Always dressed like a Jackie is her lord and savior
Peaked at winning Miss Oregon in 1979 and will talk about it any chance she gets
Has absolutely no filter
Momager and biggest fan of her kids
Wife and mother, Aurora bay drive dweller
Hearts in the right place but often misguided
Loves to gossip, will do anything to stay on top when she wants something
Friendly, loud mouthed, abrasive
Tries her best to be helpful
Loves little fluffy dogs and gin
Grew up on a farm and knows how to birth lambs and milk cows. Can do so in heels
From the time she was a child, Daphne knew she was destined for great things. Born on a farm to Irish immigrants in Oregon, Daphne learned early on what it meant to work out in hard for something you truly wanted. For her, it was to get out of that little town and be somebody.
The somebody she was meant to be.
Pageants, she discovered it was some thing she was quite good at, charming the judge is with her whit and blowing them out of the water with her River dance number. She spent hours perfecting her routine, and working on her dresses by hand, as did her mother. All of her Hardwork eventually did pay off, for she took the crown in 1979 from his Oregon and found herself at the Miss America pageant in 1980. She came in second alternate, which, till this day she argues is due to the fact that she twisted her ankle during the talent portion - misstepping on a dance she’d done a dozen times.
Afterwards, she went on to compete and other pageant levels while attending collage and eventually settling down and marrying a lawyer from California. They moved to Aurora bay in the mid 1980’s and started a family. Daphne begin working at the local weather station is the morning meteorologist.
Axel was waiting in line for his morning coffee. Things had gone somewhat back to normal now after the storm. Keeping his hands in his pockets, he waited for his turn to order. "Large Black Coffee.... if you have any Guatemalan blends, I'll take that.. if not, whatever else is fine." He said assuredly. He knew what he liked in a cup of coffee. "Axel." He replied when he was asked for his name. Once he paid, he got out of line and decided to stand to wait for his drink. Ignoring most everyone in the little coffee shop he pulled out his phone to look at the schedule Emira was currently reminding him of with notifications.
Daphne’s head snapped up from the email she’d been reading when she heard him speak. “You.” Daphne’s hushed voice dripped with venom as she strode over with the poise and confidence of a well respected monarch and slapped the man silly without so much as batting an eye. If her hand stung from the impact she didn’t let on, her eyes were a flame as she bore into him. “God. I’ve been dying to do that.” She smirked. “You’ve got some fucking nerve, you know that? You string my girl along and then allow her to be subjected to verbal abuse that is not true, by the way.” Daphne would go after anyone who hurt her babies; and she refused to let Salone’s name be dragged through the mud no matter how true or false things were in the situation. “You need reign in your girlfriend; if she says anything else I will be paying her a visit which she will not enjoy. Furthermore; stay the hell my daughter unless you plan on breaking it off with what’s her face. Salone doesn’t need you confusing her or taking advantage of her in the state she’s in.”
"Think you can manage some hot cocoa? ” Daphne’s voice was off as she rapped on her daughters bedroom door, knowing her anxiety from the storm she opted to try and get a little something in her system. Daphne had tried to leave her be to rest and process but in all honesty she’d been hovering since the storm. She more than anyone knew how dangerous severe weather could be and not knowing where her child was during one of the worse storms Aurora bay had seen in years still had the meteorologist rattled. She’d wrapped her up in a fierce hug when they were reunited and hadn’t let her go the whole night, going so far as to make her sleep in her bed. She knew Solane had been equally terrified and hearing what she’d been subjected too while holed up at the lounge had her blood boiling and her heart aching. How dare that woman say those things to her baby and what she’d been put through. Salone had suffered enough lately she didn’t that on top. She had some choice words for her and for Axel when she ran into them next. “How’s my little gem feeling, today? Is it a Disney movies day or do you think you might feel up to a little walk on the beach. I’ll even brush and braid your hair. I don’t want you to let what they said get to you, your not any of those things; you know. I also came to warn you, the men just arrived to lay the new hardwood where the water damage from the storm was so it may get a little loud so your beauty sleep is gonna have to wait. "
“How’s my girl, Hmm?” Daphne had part herself and planted herself down next to Astrid, hand stroking through my hair. “I’m still jet lagged from your birthday. I do hope you managed to have a little bit of fun after I left?” She’d had to depart early, but as promised she’d come over with the rest of her gifts. She also wanted to check on her, the storm had left her more cautious and with everything going on between Cris and Jude she knew her little starling was going through it. “How did it go? You talked to Cris right?” She’d felt the tension at the party but hadn’t had the time to get the full story out of her, she also hadn’t wanted to ruin the mood. Being in a situation like that couldn’t be easy, and Daphne wanted to fix it but unfortunately she couldn’t. It was a real mess. All she could do was listen, offer supper and advice and hold her close, reminding her she was loved and she’d get through it. “I brought you some gifty’s and my world famous hummingbird cake. It’s been known to alleviate the most stressful of situations.”
"No, I think I'll be okay. The school year is almost over, so once that happens I should have a lot less work to do," Daisy replied. The last couple of months were always the most stressful. However, it was her second year teaching so she had a better handle on things this time around. "Thank you, I'm glad we came to an agreement on that," Daisy said, a small smile appearing on her face. However, that smile quickly faded when she heard what her mother had to say next. "Frumpy? What is that supposed to mean? I work a full time job and am a single mom so I'm not sure what you're expecting me to look like." Daisy knew that she and Daphne needed to have a conversation and put everything out on the table. She had been putting it off for too long, and she felt like it was now or never. "Mom, would you be able to come over later so that we can talk about something?"
“Of course, honey.” Daphne smiled, placing a dismissive hand on Daisy’s back. She knew when to press and when to let her daughter think she was in control. She considered herself winning by letting daisy think she had the upper hand in ruby’s pagent future. “Oh, sweetie. I didn’t mean it like that, it’s just.. sometimes the clothes you wear don’t flatter your figure.” She only wanted daisy to look her best. “Your such a beautiful girl, I want people to see you like I do.” She explained. “Of course. I’ve got a lot to do at the station, but I think Tuesday I’m free. Does that work for you?”
Thea wasn't all that keen to 'adult' that day. She was annoyed that her client had cancelled on her last minute as it left her with nothing much to do for the entire morning. So, in search of something to occupy her time, Thea began to wander down the street away from the tattoo shop. Finally deciding to duck into the Oceania Bookshop, Thea thumbed her way through some of the titles, stopping at a section that seemed dedicated to self-improvement.
Picking up a particularly amusing title, she turned to the person close to her and held up 'Better Sex Through Mindfulness' as she asked, "If I were to give this to my ex's new girlfriend, is that funny...? Or am I being mean?"
“No. Not at all.” Daphne shook her head, a smirk creeping over her face as she thought before adding. “In fact, I’d make a care package out of it. Throw in some wine, editable panties and one of your old shirts. Seeing as she’s taking your hand me downs I’m sure seeing her in something of yours might get him in the mood. Oh and I’d have a signing telegram deliver it.” Daphne chuckled darkly, her eyes full of fire and mischief. She’d been known to be petty when provoked, and she did it with a dazzling smile and well kept hair. She hadn’t gotten as far in life or won so many pagent titles by playing it safe. “But that’s just me.”
"I've had a lot on my plate lately." It wasn't exactly a lie. She was rather busy at work, and she was in the process of publishing some research papers. It wasn't that Daisy didn't love her mother, she just had some boundaries in place until a realization was made. Honestly, she did want to have a conversation with her, hopefully they would be able to do that soon. "Okay, fine. But the second she seems disinterested, she will be done. Can we agree on that, at least?" She asked, willing to compromise. In response to the question, Daisy shook her head. "No, I haven't changed anything up. I've just had more time for self-care since Ruby is getting older, so if anything I've been more consistent."
“Really? Care to share, maybe I can help?” Daphne turned her attention towards daisy as she shut the car door lunch bags in hand. Her eldest seldom came to her with problems anymore but she wanted her to know the offer was still there. “Deal. The moment she decides she doesn’t like it, it’s over.” Daphne nodded; her pearly whites shining with sincerity. She’d just have to make sure Ruby never became disinterested. “I’m glad. It’s important to take care of yourself. Your parents reflects how people see you, and how they respect you. I was worried you were getting a bit frumpy me for a moment.” She’d even discussed a possible intervention with Salone.
Getting caught up in the storm wasn't great, but Harley was pretty lucky so far. The rain had ruined his sketchbook, and that sucked a little, but it was the thick paper and hard cover that had given his cochlear implants more protection from the pouring rain. He could always sketch out more art, but he'd be in bad shape if his cochlear implants had been destroyed. Now, he just hoped the rain would let up soon enough that he could go home and sleep in his own bed tonight. Suddenly, there was light and a voice talking to him. Harley squinted as he processed what they said, his eyes adjusting to the brightness a second after that. It was a woman, someone he'd seen around the campus but hadn't really talked to much. "Yeah...I'm good. How are you?"
“Sorry.” Daphne lowered her flash light as she came closer. “Good. I’m okay. A little damp but I’ll dry.” She attempted to joke. The boy seemed familiar. “I’m Daphne. I cover the weather usually. I lost signal right before the power went out; but we should be safe in here. The structures perfect for weather like this. ” She nodded. “I’ve got some snacks and an extra blanket if your hungry or cold?” She offered, her mother side kicking in.
Daphne had no fucking idea how grateful Astrid was to have her in her life and to be basically adopted into their little family. She looked up to Daphne and loved every single thing about the older woman. So seeing that both of them were stuck together in this storm made everything seem much better. "Daphne!" She said literally running to the woman and hugging her tightly "I am freaking out! I can't reach anyone and I don't know what's happening! I thought I was alone." She said letting out a sigh of relief as she looked at Daphne. "No, I didn't hear from anyone..."
Daphne smiled reassuringly at the young girl, that she wasn’t sure if Astrid could see her face in the darkness. “Hey, princes. I gotcha.” Daphne rubbed her back gently. “No need to do that.  the winds, probably knock some thing into one of the powerlines. Hopefully the back up generators will be kicking in soon. Until then, here.” She handed her a flash light. “ I’m not gonna let anything happen to us. We’ll be just fine. You know storms are my forte.” They we’re safe inside the collage, of that Daphne was sure. “Internet and phone lines are down. I couldn’t get through and I lost my signal to the station. The storm should be directly over is soon. Depending on how fast it moves we may be in for a long night which is probably not what you wanted to hear. Cris is somewhere safe, I’m sure. when did you speak to him last? He knew the storm was coming right?”
Sloane: Mom?
Sloane: Shit these things aren't going through
Sloane: This fucking storm
Sloane: Mom, are you at home?
Sloane: I got stuck in a god damn bar
Sloane: Oh thank god they're going through now, mom, are you there?
Daphne was wondering down the hallway, trying to see if there was anyone else here sheltering from the storm. Being a Meteorologist, she never traveled without a few days worth of emergency supplies. Good thing too. The storm was only getting stronger and headed for the coast. The power was out; lines were down. They wouldn’t be going anywhere for a bit. God she hoped her kids were okay. She was used to storms but normally her family was always in a safe area. Not knowing was killing her. Rounding the corner she spotted a figure and shined her light towards them, relieved not to be alone. “Hey. You okay?”
aurorabay collage || Open event || @aurorabaystarter
Daphne knew she shouldn’t have left the station. The storm was only going to get worse and yet she couldn’t stop herself from going out to try and find her youngest daughter. She wasn’t worried about daisy, She was smart enough not go out in this but her youngest had talent for putting herself in a dangerous situations and today was no different. After driving around for an hour in the worsening storm she realized she wasn’t going to be making it back to the station to contine covering the storm in this and she couldn’t stay on the road so she pulled into the nearest building; the collage. At least it had a sturdy foundation and a basement. She grabbed her disaster bag and laptop from the car and hurried inside. She was hoping to track the storm remotely but half an hour after she’d set herself up in one of the classrooms her internet service went out. “Damn. That’s not good.” Stay calm; it’ll be fine. It’s going to pass. At least they weren’t right in the line of fire. Yet. She thought she'd have more time online. She puffed out her lips; opening her bag to get one of her flashlights out and headed into the hall with a handful more. “Hey, anyone out here?? I’ve got extra lights. I don’t know how much longer we’re going to have power..”
There had been a time when Daisy was a mamma’s girl. Back then, she would have done anything to make her mother happy and that was why it took her a while to decide to leave pageants and make her own life choices. All Daisy wanted was for Daphne to understand why she did what she did. It wasn’t done to hurt her. It was done because she was miserable and she wanted something different for herself. "Okay, we do have to go soon though. I have to finish grading some papers." That was a lie, but she didn't really need to be around Daphne for an extended amount of time. "She's a baby, of course she likes shiny and sparkly things. I don't think she's old enough to actually determine if she likes it or not."
"I'm sure those papers could wait a bit. We don't get much family time these days." It was a stament more than a request. Daisy seemed to have been dancing circles around her lately and she was determined to have some time with her girl. "Exactly, for now, she seems like she likes. If she has an opinion on it when she's older then I'll back off, okay? Until then, let me have my fun. She's a natural. God your big eyes." Daphne gushed with pride. This was hwo she showed her love, parading her beautiful children and grandkids. "You look really good. Have you changed up your skin care?"
Sometimes Astrid wished that Daphne was her real mother. She was more of a mother to her than both of her mothers ever were. She was always there, and know how much she loved and cared about her. As she entered the kitchen her eyes met with Daphne's "You know everything, god." She said laughing as she hugged the woman tightly and lovingly. She adored her and everything she ever did for her. She then sat down beside her, looking at her with a true spark in her eyes. "Well, I've been dating someone for the past few months..." She knows it could be a total shock since it's been quite a while since she was in a real relationship rather than something casual. "He told me he loved me...and I love him. I truly do."
Daphne beamed with pride as she enveloped her. "Of course I do. I'm a mother, we see everything." She smirked, moving back to size her up. "Your hair looks gorgeous. You should wear it like this more." She caressed her cheek affectionally before settled back to listen. "Wha! You? Dating? like really dating. Why am I just now hearing about this?!" Daphne gripped her chest, eyes wide. "Sorry.. I just can't believe I didn't notice. Go on." She'd somehow missed this little development and wanted to kick herself. "Wow. Already? That's a big step." Daphne was delight but of course cautious. "What happened next? Did you say it back?! Your sure he's the one? He's good enough for you? Tell me about him. "
As the storm got worse, Astrid couldn't help herself but freak the fuck out. She couldn't call Cris, Amaya, or anyone really. She didn't know when she'll get home and she didn't have enough battery in her phone to keep the flashlight turned on. She was all alone for all she know. She knew that there were probably other people around, but she was too fixated on freaking out. She sat in the hallway, trying to keep herself calm and stop crying. Then, suddenly Astrid heard footsteps approaching her way. "Who's there?" She asked in a scared tone flashing her phone at them.
Daphne had taken it upon herself to make rounds through the collage halls and make a list of of everyone to be able to send word of who was safe when the lines went back up. The howling winds and heavy rain didn’t phase her. She’d expected this; had been tracking earlier at the station and knew she wouldn’t make it home in time so she’d stopped here.. “Astrid? Baby? It’s me. It’s Daphne. your okay. I’m here..” The older woman was at her side in an instant kneeling and passing her an extra flash light. “I’m so glad your alright.” She couldn’t stress this enough as she pulled the young woman close to her in a fierce embrace. At least one of her babies was okay. She had no idea if her texts to Daisy and Salone had gone through before the lines went down but she hoped they were safe. “Have you heard from Cris or your sisters?” She asked worriedly. “Daisy should be with ruby and dad. Salone was out.. I told her not leave in this but she’s too stubborn..”
