Nicknames: Ella, Ellie (only for family and very close friends)
Faceclaim: Gemma Chan
Gender & Pronouns: Woman, she/her
Age: 34
Occupation: Jewelry designer, owner of Glace Jewelry
TLDR: Eleanor Cai - a woman of drive, luxury, and ambition. She built her own custom jewelry business from the ground up, and it required most all of her focus and practically consumed her life. When she decided to grow her business, New York City was the first stop. There, she lost herself to the City, falling into a life of rebellion and chaos that still lives as mostly a blur in her mind. She decided to come to Parton to try and settle and figure out how much of her life can exist without her business, and maybe, just maybe, start to discover herself.
TW: cheating, alcohol misuse, obsessive thoughts
Eleanor Cai. A name that exudes luxury and the finer things in life. The youngest of her posh London family, beauty and extravagance were the name of the game. Her father, a fine furniture purveyor. Her mother, an art restoration expert. Her older sister, a portrait photographer. Things in her life were always pretty, well put together, and expensive. It led her for a taste for luxury that she never could quite shake.
Unfortunately, being in such a family meant that perfectionism was practically a state of mind. Everything in the Cai household had a purpose and a place. Everything always gleaming and spotless. And so, she grew to believe that was the way life had to be -- perfect. What started as a preference soon became an obsession - control and perfection were the two choruses of her life. She’d work and pine over something until everything fell into the way she wanted. Type A to a tee.
Arts were something she knew would always eventually end up a part of her life, and jewelry was the natural avenue. Gemstones came out of the ground raw, imperfect. Metal needed a hand to shape it. The pieces were nothing until they were expertly brought together. It was a dream job for someone like her.
Once her business began budding and booming, she knew that leaving London had to be done to expand it. And so the woman took a risk - something very outside of her personality, and moved to New York City to meet with investors and experts. Conferences by day, design sessions by night, New York was the home base as she travelled the country. Falling in love with a freedom and levity she’d never had before. Some of the nights remain forgotten, blurry, as Eleanor began to take the new journey by the horns - risk after risk, living the life she never had. Alcohol became a close friend for those early years, never too far behind. It made her creative, she said. Let her leave the rigid structure to the wayside.
Eventually, after those whirlwind years, she realized that the constant go-go wasn’t doing well for her or her psyche. She began to lose herself to her business. And while it was her baby, her everything, she realized that she didn’t want her entire life to be part of Glace. So Parton sounded like the perfect compromise, close enough to the City for her business and quiet enough for her to settle, and hopefully begin to grow a life outside of it.
Family is something that she’s always wanted, yet never taken the time to plan. Boyfriends were tied to phases in her life - university, building Glace, her first move into an apartment alone. And none of them ever felt permanent, they were there to support her dreams and many remained friends. However, none of them screamed “forever”.
And once Glace was built and born, she realized that maybe a family was something that she craved. Not a business. After all, her parents poured so much of themselves into their business - she always wondered, what would life have been like without the overbearing perfection and expectations? Could things have been different? The Type A is so deep in her personality, she knows it’s never going to fully leave, but Parton will allow her to finally explore some of the “what ifs” - of her life, herself, and everything in between.
It should have been her day off. In theory... but Eleanor couldn’t remember the last time she’d actually taken advantage of time off. Glace was on her mind from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep. “Hello Jason. What do you need?”
starter for : open
tagging : @voicenotesstarters
location + time : dustland spirits, late evening
working the second shift at dustland spirits gave her plenty of time to herself, which meant arin spent most of her time leaned back in the rickety old chair behind the counter listening to music, doodling, or scrawling out character ideas in her battered and sticker-covered composition book.
this particular evening had been particularly slow, so her surprise was doubled when she glanced up an noticed an obviously underage kid sneaking towards the door, a six-pack barely tucked behind his jacket.
glancing around the store to the only other person in there, arin called out to them: “ hey! grab the kid! ” before she could even think about it.
“Goodness.” Ella sprinted out of the way. In her near year in Parton, she could count on her hand the number of times she’d stepped inside of Dustland Spirits. Delivery or subscription services were her preferred wine ordering methods, it felt personalized, customized, everything that Eleanor Cai exuded. Something bespoke, not something plebian... but desperate times called for desperate measures.
Hand flew up in surprise as the sound of squeaking sneakers echoed, bumping the kid in the shoulder by accident. The startle caused him to drop the six pack and keep going, leaving her shoes surrounded by glass and lukewarm beer. “Do you have a mop?” Lovely.
As it was Valentine’s Day, Jake had taken it upon himself to stop by Willow Sweets before his shift to pick up some sweet treats for the nurses, just as a token of his appreciation to them showing up to work on the one day when people would act completely stupid in the name of love and end up in the ER. He had been waiting to pick up his order when someone asked him to grab the door for her, which he was about to do either way, but when he noticed who it was, he just sighed to himself. “Oh wonderful…” He muttered under his breath at the mere irony that he’d just run into ex once more, this time on Valentine’s day for crying out loud. But he held the door for her anyways.
Taking back her request was out of the question. The box was teetering in her arms, and she wasn’t about to ask him to not hold the door, or wait for someone else to come get the door for her. No, that would mess up her precious schedule. “Wonderful.” Vocabulary echoed his, voice dripping in sarcasm, “What are you here for?” Simple curiosity. Wanting to know if there was a special someone, or if she could continue with her narrative that she was the best thing to ever happen to Jacob Hartland.
Perhaps pain and jealousy was all Maya’s ever known. In truth, she’s grown comfortable within these feelings, as well as groveling. She couldn’t quite picture herself free from those emotions despite them bringing her pain. And maybe that’s what keeps her coming back to Eleanor. She’s found comfort in the way most martyrs do while in her presence.
Still, she listens and smiles, her expression soon softening. “So, you like controlled environments?” Maya asks, eyebrows quirking upwards just a tad. “I can understand that. I think events like this are good in small bursts, you know? At least that’s how I’ve always felt. It’s like, I come into them okay and end up leaving with a broken social battery.” She continues with a chuckle. “Why’d you decide to move here of all places? If you don’t mind me asking, of course…”
Ella looked at the world as a series of tiny steps. Little pieces that got her to the next point in her journey. Maya’s role in those steps hadn’t yet been determined, but the infatuation wasn’t lost on the other. Even if all she got was someone that held her name in high regard, it wasn’t a bad deal... Maybe she’d even get the younger into jewelry. It’d be her good deed of the century.
“Control and focus are different things.” A busy jewelry study was chaotic, but the noises, the sparks, the chaos all had a purpose. Measuring her social battery wasn’t a habit Ella possessed, though she understood enough to give a nod. “Yes, and at the same time, it being once a year means people pour everything into it.” Lips pursed, a question she often asked herself. “Rent is more affordable for the shop, and people in small towns like this tend to value quality.” Family heirlooms, prized traditions, all things that were perfect for fine jewels.
Jake could not help but roll his eyes. He had expected that remark from her, but that did not mean he’d still enjoyed it. “Considering that plenty of time had passed since our break up, I try not to think much about it. The memories aren’t great, but I’ve realized that it’s best to let the past be in the past and keep the good times close to my heart. It’ll do you wonders, believe me.” He stated, quite teasingly. “Oh don’t flatter yourself now. I grew up in a small town, and I’ve lived here my whole life. Running into my ex is not something that bothers me. You’re not the only ex of mine who happens to live here, you know?”
Ella simpered, nose scrunching and eyes crinkling in a silent ‘oh really?’. “I’d highly doubt you don’t think of me now and again.” That wasn’t exactly what he said, but she knew what she needed to hear to make herself feel better. “Positive thinking generally is touted as doing good things for the brain, yes.” Did she di it? No. “No, actually, I didn’t know. What are their names? Maybe we can start a club.”
Walking into Willow Sweets, Ella scooped up a platter of cookies and treats that she’d gotten for her staff. Valentine’s Day was predictably one of the busiest days of the year, also one of the most lucrative. People rushed in to pick up custom orders and last minute gifts, there were customers fluttering about from open until close. A cupcake or cookie was the least she could do as a thank you to them. Yes, she had high expectations, but she wasn’t (entirely) heartless. Picking up the large bag, she began out of the bakery, nodding towards the door, “ Excuse me, can you grab that for me?” Eyes looked over at the other customer before realizing who it was. The world was just hilarious, wasn’t it? She could finally check ‘running into your ex on Valentine’s’ off her list.
closed @jacobhartland
——“ I WOULDN’T SAY i was brave enough so much as a great circumstance fell into my lap and i took the chance. ” but she didn’t need to know the grim details about his parents divorce, and that he chose to leave with his mother instead of stay here and endure his father any more than he already had. instead he shrugged, “ and shitty circumstance brought me back. my dad died. kind of had to oversee the services. ” but that was that, and he very obviously didn’t feel too harshly about it. instead he let his fingers comb through his hair, “ at least the music is better than it was when i was a kid. ”
“Well, that’s probably one of the best reasons to do something. Getting the push from the world to do it.” It’s why she landed in New York in the first place, why she went for building her own business instead of just supporting someone else’s. “Ah, well, my condolences.” There was nothing else to say with that one. “What was the music like back then?”
A deep sigh is taken in as Maya attempts to weather the storm of her nerves. She couldn’t fight the way her anxiousness kicked into high gear when she was in Eleanor’s presence. She wanted nothing more than to be liked by her, as pathetic as that desire was. Anyone else might have given up the chase by now, finding it too exhausting. But a part of Maya enjoyed it, the part of her that was hopelessly cynical and a bit of a martyr.
“Not your scene, huh?” She questions then, head canting to the side. In truth, it was strange seeing someone like Ella at an event like this. Sure, the small town atmosphere of Parton was hard to deny. It was charming and endlessly endearing, but Eleanor seemed like the kind of person who wanted or, well, deserved more. She belonged with monarchs and dukes, people who wore expensive clothing and had sharp tongues. Maya wonders what keeps Eleanor here. “I’m not having a terrible time, by some miracle. Usually events like this make me sweaty and anxious but I’m actually having fun. I’m a sucker for sweet foods and rides.” The brunette says, a laugh weaving through her words. “Do you like it here? In Parton?”
Solar panels gathered their energy from the sun’s rays, only when they were visible though, not in the clouds. That was how Ella felt about Maya. The insecurities and the clear groveling (in her own words) powered her up. Gave her confidence unknown boost. Why else would someone grovel if they weren’t intimidated by you?
“No, not really. Festivals have quite a lot going on, and events where there’s a clear focus, a clear reason that you’re there, those are more my speed.” Galas where she got to schmooze and network. Trades shows where she got to speak to other artists about their wares. Not this. “Lovely. I’m glad that you’re not.” Sweat, the best conversation topic. “It’s different than London, than New York, but I’m coming around to it.”
“You’re not wrong.” If teenagers were good for anything, it was that they were loud and stupid and reckless. Jay would say the same of his son, no matter how much he loved him, because it was just inherent in teenagers. He’d yet to meet one who made good decisions, himself included. “You and I can both agree on that. It’s certainly…very loud.” Not all of the bands were awful, in fact he’d seen a number of really decent bands. They just all had the same volume. “This really isn’t my kind of thing, no. You don’t exactly look like you’re having the time of your life, either.
“I will never understand how they’re the most sought after influencers in the world are fifteen year olds. We should protest,” Ella laughed, shaking her head slightly. Maybe she wasn’t cut out for a family... Or would all this resentment fade once she had flesh and blood of her own? “The stands are nice, it’s refreshing to see all the little boutiques outside of their regular walls. Maybe next year I could get one of my own.” Then she’d have something to do. “No, I’m not a very good spectator, to be honest. I need to be doing something.”
“Careful, Eleanor. Someone might mistake you for a local,” Alex jokes lightheartedly as he slips his hands into the pockets of his jacket. Everyone has their reasons for moving somewhere new and starting over, but he couldn’t fathom how someone like her could end up in a place like this. On the other hand, it made sense for him. He was born here, raised here with generations before him established in Parton. But not her, not Eleanor. “Lucky for you, I have decades of Parton Festivals under my belt. Sometimes the acts might be better a previous year, but yeah. This is pretty much sums it up. Are you enjoying yourself? I won’t tell anyone if you are. Your secret is safe with me,” He says with a widening smile.
“That, quite honestly, sounds like one of my worst nightmares.” It wasn’t anything against the town, it was the entire premise. Eleanor Cai wasn’t a simple person. She had clawed her whole way up to make sure she screamed luxury, poise, everything that Parton wasn’t. Alex was a good friend, someone that also appreciated art, and yet? He also tended to pull her into situations that she wouldn’t find herself in otherwise. Sometimes that was fun, sometimes that was enjoyable... Other times regret slammed back into her face. The ‘party girl’ had been left behind in Manhattan, she had to grow up now, and Alex wasn’t good for that growth. “It’s. Alright. I wouldn’t say enjoyable, but it’s better than I expected. The food is fabulous... Is that what you wanted to hear?”
she has his attention in her grasp for as long as she wants it, a little grin already on his lips. eleanor fucking cai, man. “ they’re pretty much the same every year. ” he states, hands occupying his jacket’s pockets. “ this is my … fourteenth time ? ” he calculates, though he has no idea how many of these festivals he’s actually been to. “ they’re still fun, though — and this year’s does have a little extra somethin’. ” jays head will nod, smirk in place as he refers to fatal attraction’s set later this evening because obviously who wouldn’t be going to watch them ??
That smug look was a better introduction than his voice, his swagger telling her exactly who this was before her eyes even processed the face. “Hello, Jason.” That was his name, right? A quick run through her head of the math as she tried to put together his age from that, still far too young, still had the mentality of a teenager. “Oh, does it now? And what is that?” Was there more than one gold medal winning pie or something?
“So far it’s pretty on par with last year’s to be honest. I highly recommend stopping by Miss Joanne’s to get one of her lovely bouquets. She has a wonderful collection during this time of year.” Leilani always found it wonderful to meet new people. She loved this town and it was always easy for her to brag about all the wonderful things it had to offer.
“Oh, I do adore a flower arrangement,” Ella laughed. That wasn’t even facetious, it was true. Whether for her own table or for the cash area at Glace. “Ah, this may sound presumptuous, but I think I recognize you. Do you work at the salon?”
Andy hadn’t planned on coming to the fest, tired from a long shift the night before, but her mother had insisted. It’s the only reason she’s there now, waiting for Rosa to finish making a purchase at an art stall. Even though Andy tells her she doesn’t need another serving bowl, Rosa insists, leaving her daughter lingering by the entrance when someone speaks to her. Glancing up from her phone, Andy gives a warm smile, congenial as ever, before she shakes her head.
“Oh, I’m not the best person to ask – this is my first one too. It’s cute, though.” She gestures around, “and, I think, a bit par for course where festivals are concerned?” Between New York and California, she’d been to more than she can count, and there’s always some consistency. “I am a surprised by how many people have turned out,” she adds, shifting from one boot-clad foot to the other, stuffing gloved hands into her coat pockets. She hadn’t even realized there were this many people in town really.
“It’s cute, that’s a nice way to put it.” Cute, said by Ella with that sneer and nasally tone signal that it wasn’t cute. It was quaint, in a very non-endearing way. “Yes, I think this is my first time seeing most of these people, it would be a good place to meet the others.” Damn, she should have brought her business cards. “It explains why everything feels shut down.” The streets quiet, the shops shuttered. Even if she opened Glace for the day, it would be a waste of time, more money would be put into keeping the lights on than what she’d earned. “Where did you move from?”
“That I am, born and raised.” Jake nodded with a shrug of his shoulders, offering his ex one of his charming yet polite smiles that he knew she might have become immune to. Not that he cared, really. “Why? Does it really suck that bad that you have to see me around here?” He had to ask, considering that she had moved to his hometown of all places after living in the city for a while. If it were Manhattan, the chances of running into your ex multipe times a week was highly unlikely. But in Parton, that certainly wasn’t the case.
Maybe it was foolish ignorance. Okay, definitely not maybe. It was foolish ignorance. She hoped that Parton would be a little oasis. A place where rent was cheaper and she could grow her business, have a larger space, have a house. Have a life. And she hoped that Jacob’s job would lead him to not be around much, not be someone that she’d see everywhere. “It’s not pleasant. The memories aren’t great. Why, do you like seeing me everywhere? I don’t blame you.” Yes, she was going to make herself an angel child.
——HIS MEMORY OF the festival was foggy at best, the last time he attended well before the year he moved away from the little town. his father almost always had work, and while his mother had the best intentions to take ira and his brother, it didn’t always work out. apology was written across ira’s expression before he even spoke, lips pressed into a thin line before he parted them. “ honestly? it’s been … almost thirty years since i’ve been to a festival. it’s definitely better than it was then, if only because technology. but beyond that, i’m not help. sorry. ”
“So you were brave enough to leave Parton and you came back,” Ella inferred. What was it about the magnetic draw of this town? Would it be the place that her life decided to settle down? Sooner or later, she’d unlock the mysteries around that. “That’s one festival more than me, at least. What made you come back this way?”
