FULL NAME: Diana Moulin
NICKNAME(S): Di, Dee
AGE: 41 | October 31, 1980
GENDER & PRONOUNS: Cisfemale, She/her
FACE CLAIM: Minka Kelly
EYE COLOR: Brown
HAIR COLOR: Brown
HEIGHT: 5′5″
OCCUPATION: Principal at Fallbrook High School
HOMETOWN: Fallbrook, NC
NEIGHBORHOOD: Rosewood Hills
SECRET: Her second child is from an affair she had on her then fiancé.
Quick Facts:
Born and Raised in Fallbrook, her father was the mayor and her grandfather is a WWII Vet.
Her mother is still a professor at Cooper University.
She’s been in education for nearly 19 years having started not too long after finishing college.
She has two children, one is 23-24 and her son is 16.
She was promoted to principal in 2015 after 12 years of being a teacher.
During her time as a teacher, she was also the cheerleading coach and LGBTQIA Alliance Club Assistant Leader.
Diana often provides baked goods to her family and friends, especially new neighbors.
Having focused on her career for the past few years, she’s essentially cut off contact with the man she was cheating with.
Her parents don’t believe the whispers about her around town and it kind of breaks her heart knowing she’s living a lie to their faces.
Diana was born to a very Christian family right in the Bible Belt city of Fallbrook, North Carolina. Her mother was a kind woman who worked as a professor at Cooper University and her father, while he was strict, was a very caring man and he worked as a lawyer for most of his daughter’s life. She was an inquisitive child, everything she witnessed, she always asked ‘why?’. From a very young age, she knew she would want to be an ally for all those who were treated differently for one reason or another. Her uncle Stan was a gay man, as well as mixed race and he faced a lot of criticism. ‘Why’ came to mind a lot when she saw how people treated him, because to her he was a normal person. So what if he kissed other men? It confused her to see all of the nasty words hurled his way. She was sitting with him in church the day he took his life, everything seemed fine. Later that day, she found her uncle passed out with a bottle of pills next to him and she was so innocent, she simply told her parents he was sleeping and wouldn’t wake up. It wouldn’t be until she was old enough to understand that she found out what happened to him.
Most people would think this would turn her into an angry young girl, but she was actually kind to everyone around her. Even those she knew treated her uncle terribly, she killed them with kindness. There was a particular woman she had it out for, but she had to uphold her sweet girl image in the meantime. Her plan was long term though, she didn’t want to react right away. It started by dating this woman’s son in high school. Was it terrible? Of course. They were seen as high school sweethearts to the world, so in love, so young, and so into one another. The truth was, she had always planned to hurt him, but the longer she was with him, the more she was actually starting to fall in love with the boy. But when the root of her interest in him was based on revenge, of course it was hard for her to make any real romantic connection with him. That didn’t stop her from having a child with him when she was going into college.
All along, the true love of her life was there and she didn’t know what to think about herself. She was seen as sugar sweet to the world, but this long term plan she had made her kind of evil, no? Not to mention, she cheated on her than boyfriend multiple times with someone who was supposed to be her friend’s boyfriend. It wasn’t her proudest moment, but when things came to a head, her friendship was ruined. She remained in a relationship with the father of her child, but things were getting rocky. After college, she started working at the high school and lo and behold, she was working with the man she had fallen for in college. The relationship they once ended would return to normal behind closed doors and eventually she’d fall pregnant by him, but she allowed her fiancé to believe the child was his. Of course, as an adult, she felt terrible about what she was doing, all to get revenge on a woman who maybe contributed in some facet to her cousin’s suicide. He had nothing to do with the things his mother said or did, but she had nothing but vengeance in her heart when she was younger.
After twelve years of teaching English, she was promoted to Principal of the high school. She had built such a close bond with her students that the current class at the time as well as alumni came together and petitioned for her to be the new principal. This was probably the happiest moment in her life, second only to the births of her children. Of course, when her boss offered her the position, she happily accepted and was happy to be even more involved in the lives of her students. Her wedding was soon after, but instead of going through with it, she left him at the altar completely alone. Everyone wondered what was going on, but she couldn’t go through with the marriage knowing full well she didn’t love him. Was this the revenge she had been yearning for? Because if she was being honest, it didn’t feel good. And it would take years for her ex to even utter a word to her again, understandably so.
These days, she’s trying her best not to be the toxic girl she was in her youth, making amends with her past and working up the courage to be honest with those around her about what happened. She knows her youngest child will never forgive her when they find out and she’s willing to face those consequences when the time comes.
Diana didn’t need to speak for Leanne to know she understood her better than most. They’d both been through tough times and we’re doing the best they could to hold their families together. “Thank for you listening to an old woman’s ramblings, and for this.” She nodded to her plate as she ate more. Having a listening ear and the smallest gestures of kindness went a long way. “I’m sure things with you and Jude will get better. If I can patch things up with my Maggie, you’ll be fine.” Leanne had tried hard to be a good mother but she’d made many mistakes along the way. “I’ll make you girls lunch as a thank you.” She was happy to return the favor. “Maybe we can go to Williamsburg and go shopping afterwards too? I can invite Maggie along so Jude’s not feeling left out.” She offered, thinking a girls day for them might be nice. “Those Levitt boys are something.” Leanne grinned, knowing full well by the pink in Diana’s face she was still smitten. “What happened between you two before?”
...
Diana loved allowing Leanne to let loose every once in a while. The truth was, they were so similar in a plethora of ways and they relied on one another more than most others they had around them. “You’re not old, Lee. You’re still hot.” she retorted with a playful grin, reaching over to give her arm a light squeeze as she looked her in the eyes. “I know it’s been tough but you got so much life ahead of ya, Lee. Momma always speaks highly of you, she knows you’re an absolute star, in all aspects of life.” Sometimes she felt like her home was so empty, even with Jedd still being a teen and living there. He never left his room, though. He barely spoke to her and he made her feel terrible all the time. It was nice to have Leanne around. “Let me help with lunch? You gotta let me.” she then chuckled a little as she placed her hands on the table, interlocking them with one another as her eyes looked toward the ceiling with a sigh. “Jedd didn’t like him... so he wanted to call it off. I honestly don’t blame him.”
Harper was glad that they’d moved past the colder months and were slowly getting closer to summer. She had never liked the cold, and often wondered if she’d be better off moving somewhere that never got cold. She sat on a bench in the park and was sketching the scenery when she heard a voice nearby. “Sorry, did you say something?” Harper asked the person that she now noticed had shown up while she was not in her drawing.
...
Diana was out trying to get a little fresh air, mulling over the various aspects of her life that just weren’t going the way she’d planned. She knew that nothing was perfect, not everything in life could have been set up for success no matter how much thought went into it. She was on the phone when she approached the bench, but she was just hanging up when Harper spoke. Smiling to the other, she let out a light sigh. “Sorry, I was actually on the phone. How are you?” she questioned Harper with an inviting smile.
Bryan lifted his eyebrows in surprise when she agreed to getting coffee with him. “Really?” The word fell from his mouth before he even thought. The man chuckled nervously again and moved his gaze to the book in his hand. He just needed a moment to think clearly. Bryan’s gaze lifted back to Diana and he smiled at her. “I’d like that too.” He said, feeling lame at not having a better comeback. The male was never a lady’s man, so flirting and relationships were so foreign to him. The barista then asked for their order, Bryan’s eyes moving to look at the young female behind the counter. He ordered a large Americano and glanced at Diana for her order. Bryan wished he could have purchased their coffees, but still knew it was wasted time to fight over it. With their order in, he lead the way to stand and wait for their names to be called. “So, how has work been? Have I asked that already? Sorry, I’ve been away from socializing behind ‘any questions about your medications?’ lately…” He trailed off and gave her a small smile.
...
It was nice to have a bit of normalcy in her life when it came to her interactions with men. No more of the shouting matches with her ex or the sneaking around with ‘the other man’. Bryan was a good man that she wanted to do right by, even if they’d agreed to remain friends after their last conversation. Now that they’d ordered, she stood off to the side with him and nodded her head slowly, a smile playing on her lips. “You know, sometimes the kids can be difficult but I love ‘em all. And with Jedd... he’s always causin’ problems in class. Ever since his father and I split..” he was such a difficult teen but she loved him nonetheless. “How has work been for you? I can always come down and help if you need. I mean I’m not a pharmacist or nothin’ but I can always help stock shelves..”
Jude brushed her tongue along her lower lip as she put the device face down onto the arm of the couch, her eyes focusing on the woman in front of her. Sometimes a part of her wondered if her mother would have been happier if Fawn was her daughter and there was that small voice in the back of her head informing her that was the only reason her mother had paid a visit. She placed her hands on her lap as she cleared her throat. “Sorry,” she swallowed. “Go ahead. What did you need? Everything okay? Is it Jedd again?”
X
On the contrary, Dian saw so much of herself in Fawn that she feared that Jude would eventually lose someone she considered a close friend. She cared for all of her daughter’s friends, but she wasn’t too keen on seeing her daughter fall prey to the friendship she had given once in the past. She was never nearly as mean as Fawn, no, but that desire and need for male attention. It would only come back to haunt her one day. “I just want to have a conversation with my daughter who seems to be too busy for me lately..” she spoke softly, pursing her lips as she exhaled softly through her nose. She missed having her daughter around and she simply worried.
“My kids were like that too. Used to drive me crazy. I’d buy them new clothes then a week later they’d cut them up to fit a trend and want a whole new wardrobe.” Patrick specifically. She rolled her eyes and took another bite of her food. “Until they change their minds, you are more than welcome to any of the vegetables I’ve got left in my garden.” She smiled, thankful for Diana’s kindness and empathy. She would gladly return the favor in a heartbeat. “It’s not so much the grief of missing him at the moment, it’s his ability to fix everything. Not just around the house, but with the kids..” She laughed weakly, her eyes welling up as Diana help her hand. She’d moved past his loss a lot, but her kids were taking it harder than ever. “I’d like to have one family dinner that didn’t end in tears or doors slamming.” She looked to the younger for advice. “You and Jude are real sweethearts. Tomorrow okay?” She wanted to get it cleaned up quickly. “Enough about me and my problems, what have you been up too lately? Any new romances?”
x
Diana remembered the days when her children were small. She wasn’t in the happiest of relationships, but what kept her going every day were the smiles of her little ones. They were so full of life growing up and with every growing issue between herself and her ex, the children felt that. No matter how hard Diana tried to keep it from them, their loudly whispered arguments, lamps being thrown and the crashing sounds. Jude had found her mother crying more times than Diana could count on her hands and she would always have some weak excuse as to why she was sobbing the way that she was. She wasn’t innocent at all and she knew that, so it hurt her even more to know that the relationship overall just wasn’t good. “Tomorrow is perfect.” she answered quickly with a smile before looking down at her hands, cheeks flushing with a hint of pink. “I was seeing Bryan.. Bryan Levitt. We kind of ended things but I recently ran into him again and.. I’m not sure where it’ll go, but it’s nice having him around.”
Jude had been on and off the phone with one of the event coordinators for the country club and the bride who came from Ohio to get married in the southern small town her grandmother grew up in was raging over something the people she hired to cater the event did. Somehow it was supposed to be Christina’s problem. Groaning, the brunette walked over and plopped herself down onto the couch, glancing over at her mother when she realized she was talking about something. “Wait what? I — sorry… I wasn’t listening.”
x
Ever since Jude moved out to be on her own, Diana felt a little piece of herself missing. So naturally she’d gone over to not only visit her daughter and drop off some groceries for her. Her friend Fawn reminded her so much of her younger self that it was concerning at times, but it didn’t bother her because Jude remained true to herself even throughout their fallouts. Eyes falling on her daughter in complete silence for a moment, she let out a stressed sigh and leaned back onto the couch, shaking her head. “Can you put that thing down for one minute and have a conversation with your mother, Jude? Is that too much to ask?”
“Well, in that case.” Leanne smirked before shoveling another bite into her mouth. She could feel Diana’s eyes on her. She knew her god daughter well enough to see she’d invited her over because she was worried about her. Leanne was a great actress, and had several decades of experience in carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, so it was easy for her to fool most people, but not Diana. From the time she was a little child she’d seen past Leanne’s facades. “Wait.. I thought they were pescatarians?” Leanne couldn’t keep up. “Terrible.. absolutely terrible..” She put her fork down and took up her napkin when she felt herself get emotional. “He was.. the love of my life, my rock.. He would know how to fix everything if he was still here. I feel like I’m doing my kids more harm then good.” She was trying to hard to keep the peace and help maggie overcome her drinking problem.. “I need a vacation.” She laughed, taking a sip of the wine in front of her. She knew it wasn’t a good idea but she needed to relax. “I would love that, if you don’t mind? Maggie offered to help me replant the flowers but she also took out part of the garden fence..”
x
Having Leanne as a godmother and sister figure was truly a blessing to her. They were truly two of the same person when Diana sat down to think about it. Had they not been placed in one another's lives, Lord only knows where the two of them would be. “No, that was last week. This week they’re Vegan. Next week... maybe they’ll want an all meat pizza, honestly.” she smiled to herself softly, shaking her head at the thought and letting out a soft sigh. Those kids were going to be the end of her one day, but she loved them dearly. She reached out to place a comforting hand on Leanne’s thigh softly, giving it a gentle squeeze and nodding her head slowly. “I know, Lee. He meant the world to you but I want to make sure you’re allowing that time to grieve... it’s okay to be a little weak..” she informed her with a smile, knowing she always wanted to come off as the strong one. “Of course.. I’ll ask Jude to come help, too.”
MS. MOULIN REMAINS TO BE ONE OF HAL’S FAVORITE TEACHERS when he was in high school. not only did she keep her students engaged in class, but she was also very kind, always checking up on them even when they weren’t taking her classes anymore. she was also a big help in him coming to terms with who he was after showing, albeit discreetly (or, at least, his attempts at discretion) interest in the LGBT Alliance Club, later coming out to her and then his friends, though that part of him remains hidden from his family. “have you been to florida, miss moulin?” he asks, taking the now finished plate of whatever appetizer she’d ordered and placing it on the tray. it’s slow this afternoon that he can afford to stop and chat to the bar patrons if he so chooses. “i’ve been… okay. just working, mostly.” he nods. “how are things at the school?”
x
Diana prided herself in being that motherly figure at the school, even when she was teaching, but even more so now that she was principal. Hal was someone she looked after at all times. He was so special and she’d seen herself in him almost. He came to her when he was young, showing interest in the LGBT Alliance she was spearheading at the school and she knew from that moment onward, she would need to protect him from all of the things in the world that would try to hurt him. “I went to Miami with my kids just last year actually... my daughter got a little too drunk...” she didn’t want to go into further detail on that, instead she just laughed to herself and looked off for a moment. “School has been amazin’,... so glad to see so many dedicated students, you know?” he seemed to be doing well for himself and that was all that mattered to her.
Bryan felt like it was needed at least. He hated closing the only pharmacy in town down for a day, but the male needed some time to himself. He noticed her chewing her bottom lip. He remembered how she did that when she was nervous and wondered what she felt nervous about. “Don’t we all need some time to process life, y’know.” Bryan muttered with a small grin. He wanted to insist that he pay for both of their coffees but knew how stubborn she was, so instead shrugged and smiled at Diana. “Alright, fine. I owe ya one then.” The words implied them getting together again for coffee and Bryan realized that after speaking. He nervously released a chuckle. “I mean, I uh, I’ll have to like buy ya a coffee and send to the school or somethin’ y’know… Surprise repayment.”
x
There were various scenarios that played in the woman’s mind. Scenarios that would allow for the two of them to be happy with one another, but she knew more than anyone that the disconnect after her son had made things awkward was far too strong. Diana’s mother was someone to look up to, at least when she was growing up. Even in the 90s, her mother remained the traditional wife and mother that people had sought after in much earlier times. Turning out the way that she did, with somewhat of a scarlet letter attached to her name was surprising to so many people. “Mmm yeah..” her brown eyes fixated on him for a few short moments as she adjusted the blazer covering her torso. “I would love to get coffee with you, sometime..” she said, despite him trying to back peddle on his words.
“This is delicious, Di. You didn’t have to do all this on my account.” Leanne commented, shielding her mouth which was currently full of food. She savored each bite, not realizing how badly she needed this. The last days consisted of quick bites and take out. She was used to doing for people, not being done for, so she struggled with accepting kindness in return. It was enough to make her emotional. Diana was her god child and and quite frankly didn’t give a damn what other people thought about her life choices. Everyone in this town head secrets, Leanne included. No one around here had any room to judge, to be quite honest knowing her mother Leanne had seen Diana’s rebellion coming.
Her eyes drifted to the wine Diana so graciously placed in front of her. She had half a mind to drink it. Depending on how the night turned out she still might, but for now she chose to resist the urge and push it slightly off to the side. “Oh..” The question and caught her off guard. Was she doing alright? She wasn’t too sure at this point. “My kids are odds, The front yards destroyed. I had to threaten my daughters ex to sign the divorce papers.. yesterday was my husband‘s birthday.. So I’m holding on the best I can..” That was just scratching the surface. She let out an awkward laugh as her right hand inched closer to the wine. “How about you?”
X
“If it makes you feel better, Lee... I made it for the kids as well. And they decided they were vegan tonight, so they’re not going to eat any of it.” She was always so supportive of her daughter and son but they would often follow trends at the drop of a hat, even if it was something that should be taken very seriously such as a lifestyle change. Having Leanne over for dinner was a no-brainer as she wanted to really get to core of how she was feeling. She knew how Leanne mothered nearly everyone in Fallbrook, and she also knew how tense things had been around town from what she’d seen and heard.
The wine was more for decoration when it came to Leanne, given there was already water sitting there for her. She wouldn’t pressure her to drink and was aware that temptation wasn’t the best idea, but she didn’t want to treat her like a child who needed to be monitored. “My word, Leanne... how is all of that? And I know how much he meant to you..” Reaching out for her friend’s hand, she smiled warmly and gave it a light squeeze. “I’m here for you if you need anything at all, Lee... I’ll even help with the yard. You know I love gettin’ my hands dirty.”
The pair had only dated briefly but it was enough of a bond that Bryan found himself forming that fear of being betrayed once more. Especially as Diana had shared some of her personal history with him. Not many people know Bryan’s ex-wife had cheated on him, but it had scarred him enough to not want another marriage anytime soon. Diana’s son not liking him was an excuse enough for the two to break it off. Even with that fear though, Bryan found himself missing Diana at times. “I’m doin’ alright. Just uh, takin’ a day for some,” he paused and figured confessing the truth to her wouldn’t hurt, “Some much needed me time.” Bryan had shared how he lost himself in his previous marriage at one point so he figured Diana would understand how important it was for him to be himself. “Can I buy ya a coffee?” He offered her with another smile since his take to order was coming up.
x
Diana had always been painfully aware that she didn’t make the best decisions in life, starting back to getting with the father of her children when she did. There was absolutely nothing behind that decision, just the idea of revenge and he honestly didn’t deserve any of what she did to him. Her son not liking Bryan was difficult for her, because she knew a lot of it had to do with the fact that he was not his father. Her daughter on the other hand seemed to love Bryan, she even told her mother on numerous occasions how much she could tell her mother found the one. “I’m glad you’re finally doing that... you need it.” she bit down on her bottom lip as she thought to ask him if he was seeing anyone, but instead she shook it off and adjusted the bag on her shoulder. “Oh.. oh no. Let it be my treat.” she offered in response, smiling as she pulled her wallet out.
Bryan rarely took days off during the week, but the male found himself needing a mental health day. Lucky for him, he was his own boss. So, he had merely posted on Pharma-C’s social media as well as on the door to the business that they would be closed for the day. Thus, he found himself waiting in line at the popular coffee shop downtown for some much needed time to relax. Under his arm was the newest sci-fi book he had been interested in and he planned on reading and enjoying some caffeinated, hot drinks. However, he wasn’t planning on running into his ex, Diana. It wasn’t like he could hide being the 6′3 figure that he was, so he instead gave a small awkward wave and smile. “Hey, stranger, how are ya?”
x
Diana on the other hand was in between meetings at the school, this time around she wad discussing the behavior of a problematic child. Ever since she’d entered education, she never wanted to simply give up on a student, no matter how difficult they could be. She had just finished a phone call where she informed the secretary that she would be at the school in ten minutes tops when she heard someone speaking and she looked over with a soft smile. “Oh, hey Bryan..” the corners of her lips immediately pulled into a smile. He definitely made her happy when they were together, but the issues of trust and her son not liking him drove such a wedge between them. Looking at him became increasingly difficult with each meeting, but she held her head high and wore that million dollar smile that hid her true emotions oh so well. “I’m doing great, how are you?”
For as long as Diana could remember, Leanne had always been a nearly permanent fixture in her life. Her own mother saw Leanne as her little sister and Diana eventually would teach all of the children Leanne Rhodes would grow to take care of one day. She remembered when she was in high school and the Youth leader at church and Leanne gave her extremely helpful pieces of advice that she clearly didn’t take. Instead of enjoying her youth, she was too focused on feigning love for the ultimate revenge plot that she would end up pregnant with her first child just after senior year. This would also be a turning point for her because many people who knew her from church would slut shame her from that point forward. Cheating on the father of her children didn’t really help either. Her youngest child’s paternity always came into question, and rightfully so, but she would never admit that there was another man in her life. Everyone knew, but without her confirmation, she felt no one could say it matter of fact.
Having spent a significant amount of time on crafting the perfect Southern meal for herself and Leanne to enjoy, she waltzed her way back into the dining room with two glasses of wine and a smile on her face, placing Leanne’s in front of her and finally settling herself down with a light sigh and tilt of her head. “How’ve you been, Leanne?” she felt not many asked this question as Leann was always the one looking after others. When was anyone checking on her? She grew up with Leanne somewhat a mixture of an older sister and aunt given their twenty year age difference. Even through all the rumors, Leanne was there for her and she appreciated that so much that she couldn’t express it properly most of the time.
“I’M JUST SAYING, FLORIDA DOESN’T SEEM LIKE SUCH A BAD PLACE TO LIVE IN,” hal tells the other as he surveys a map of the united states he’d borrowed from the library earlier. “i mean, it has disney world,” he adds and trails off for a moment, blanking on the conversation until he’s untethered from the idea completely. he blinks, like a sudden return to consciousness. “florida isn’t such a bad place to live in.” had he mentioned that already? but just to be sure… “it has disney world.”
x
Diana had taught Hal back when he was in high school and he was just as precious as he was back then. Her patience knew absolutely no bounds when it came to interacting with her former students, she still saw them as her second children almost. “That’s right, Hal. It has Disney World.. and it ain’t such a bad place to live.” she agreed, smiling sweetly at him as she continued transferring her written notes to the laptop in front of her. “How ya been, sweetheart?”
