— EG.

ESME GREY; TWENTY-SEVEN — Third Grade Teacher at Mystic Elementary School, Owner of Dusty's Records and dog-mother to Mello the Polarbear.

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TASK 01 — ABOUT ME ✨

Her return to Mystic was supposed to be temporary and that was the plan yet time has flown by and ESME GREY (CHRISTIAN SERRATOS) has made herself more than comfortable in her hometown. Esme is the daughter of Vincent and Clara Grey. The family left Mystic, when Esme was 14, and relocated to LA when Clara received a job opportunity she couldn’t pass up. After graduating high school, Esme attend college in Europe and then moved to Japan to teach English for a few years. Coming back to Mystic reignited some old memories that reminded Esme what she loved so much about the town. She started off as a substitute at the Elementary school but now teaches a class of her own as a full-time teacher. (read more)

 CONNECTIONS — PINTEREST — BIOGRAPHY

[brookheimers]

[andibear]

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scott lopez​:

OPEN starter — ( late evening, anywhere that serves alcohol in town )

Boyfriend, an actual word that had spilled from his teenager daughter’s mouth, thirteen years old and already dating — He wasn’t naïve, this day was coming sooner or later, but with nobody at home to logically discuss such a milestone, brooding alone in a bar seemed like the most rational option. Maybe it was the three, back-to-back nights shifts that had the cogs in his mind grinding together, creating a storm that wanted to release on this boy, or maybe this was how all parents felt, when their kids started dating. Either way, if it wasn’t for the bartender dropping a pint that sent a glass flying to the other side of the bar, he probably would’ve stormed out and hunted him down.

Thankfully, the incident also made him forget momentarily that Rosa was going out on Saturday night, with a boy named Ryan. Alone. Together. “What were you doing at thirteen years old?” Scott asked the person next to him, knuckles turning white as he gripped onto his glass. “And what does the name Ryan say to you?” Maybe an outsiders perspective would ease his anxiety.

@mysticstarter​

Not wanting to turn on her stove or try out a new homemade cocktail recipe, Esme ended up at Moonies with her eyes glued to the menu and a cocktail with a sophisticated name placed in front of her. Upon hearing the question the person sitting next to her asked, Esme put the menu flat on the counter and looked at him. “Uh...did my parents send you here to ask me that?” She initially responded in a joking manner. “Uh, wow. What did I get up to when I was thirteen years old? I was either nose deep in a quality fantasy novel or serenading my Orlando Bloom poster, it was a very one-sided relationship” All jokes aside, Esme was assuming he had some sort of cause to ask her such a question - perhaps he had a 13 year old of his own? 

“Ryan...sounds like a like a nice person” Esme began and decided that withholding her true opinion and experience with someone of the same name would probably not help matters. “Are you having a Ryan related situation?”

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STARTER FOR: @johanna-malcom​ TIME/DAY: RANDOM AFTERNOON IN THE WEEKEND LOCATION: PAWS VETERINARY CLINIC

After Mello’s routine check-ups with the vet, Esme would always schedule a grooming session as a reward for his good behaviour. Until Johanna came along Mello would dread the sight of a grooming table but would now happily co-operate with his favourite groomer. Esme waited until the customer before her left before entering Jo’s workspace, Mello tugged on his leash just so he could sniff the other dog who was on its way out. Once he was satisfied, Mello followed Esme’s lead and greeted Jo with a happy bark. “Well, someone’s happy to see you. I hope it’s okay that I’m a little early?” 

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kara o’brien​:

The beach is dark save for the moonlight as Kara sits with her feet in the sand and a cigarette in hand. She’s been staring at the waves coming and going for so long that the cigarette in her hand is almost gone and she’s barely touched it. Three in the morning and this is the only place she can be where she feels like she can actually breathe. It’s funny how the loveliest of places can be the loneliest. 

Head tilts to the side in a curious angle as she spots a figure walking a bit ahead, bringing her cigarette to her lips only to realize there’s nothing left of it as she buries it in the sand and reaches for the bottle of Jameson instead, taking a swig.  ‘I thought I was the only weirdo who’d be here this late.” She says loud enough to get their attention over the sound of the waves.

status: open where: the beach

The two walks Esme had taken her dog on earlier in the day was clearly not enough as she still had plenty on her mind not a soul under her roof to tell it to, well, besides Mello. She couldn’t believe the time when she checked her clock after rolling around in bed, and cutting in and out of sleep, all night. Her third walk through town felt strange, it was nearly a new experience to witness Mystic at 3am. She ended up at the beach only because she realised that she wouldn’t be alone if she stayed but also wanted to be considerate to the other person who probably came there to be left alone. Esme barely heard the other voice over the crashing waves but their words manage to make her chuckle. “I guess weirdos come in twos now” Esme shrugged in defeat. “I was just wandering around town and ended up here...” Her eyes fell to the bottle of Jameson and her mind drifted to the bottle of wine she had been meaning to open. “...Do you mind if I sit?”

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amber shirley​:

Status: open / Location: anywhere in Mystic / Time: anytime / @mysticstarters

There was a reason Amber walked everywhere. It wasn’t that she enjoyed the fresh air or even the daily exercise. It was for the simple fact that her car was an old jalopy. That day it came down in buckets, a flood of near biblical measure coming down the roads in front of her apartment. And Amber had errands to run. Fuck. The old Toyota started without a problem (she should have known…) and as though it was an omen, broke down halfway between her apartment and the radio station. Amber managed to pull over to the side of the road and the car stuttered pathetically to a halt. It gurgled for another minute before finally going kaput.A few attempts to reignite the engine were unsuccessful and Amber resigned to the fact that she wasn’t going another mile. She knew what her only option was. And still she stayed inside the car, reasoning with herself. If she only waited a few minutes… Amber could barely see outside the windshield, colors and shapes blurry through the rain. Fuck. Fuck. Another car passed. Then another. Potential help: gone. Finally, Amber conquered her weaker self, wrapped her semi-waterproof coat around her and stepped out into the wild spring weather, waving at cars that passed. When one stopped, Amber leaned into the window. “You going downtown? AJ’s maybe?”

Being the owner of a very unreliable car, Esme has had more than her fair share of breakdowns yet for some reason she still remained quite attached to the vehicle. The heavy rain made her worry about whether or not her car would make it to the end of her journey, plus the heating system meant that she had to drive with her window cracked open just so the windows didn’t get too foggy. Through the semi-fogged glass and the rainfall, Esme just about spotted a small figure waving down passing cars. With Mystic being a small town, Esme tends to see the same group of faces, so the woman appeared familiar enough for her to pull over. “AJ’s? Yeah, definitely. I can give you a ride so they can get a recovery truck out here? I think I need to pay them a visit myself,”

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camila garcia​:

       “I KNEW it. As long as it isn’t Ainsley Jones isn’t a favorite, I’m okay.. but knowing I’m the favorite..” She smirked happily, wiggling her brows. The mere thought of the parent that was head of the PTA made her shudder.. she’d had far too many fake and bitchy encounters with that woman, let alone when her daughter began starting shit with Sage. “God help me.. I guess I better get used to the fact that I’m going to obsess over Zac and Vanessa for the next few months, then.” She remembers when Sage decided to bring in an old necklace of Cam’s, one her grandmother had given her when she was young. There wasn’t a lot that Camila had kept of her childhood, but that was particularly important. How in the world she’d trusted her eight year old daughter to carry that, she wasn’t sure.. but Sage had brought it home safely. A necklace that would one day belong to her. “It’s so weird to think of a walkman as an old heirloom.. when in the world did we get old?!”

“Actually, now that you mention it, she might be my favourite. It’s always handy when a parent tells me how to do my job because sometimes I just forget” Esme rolled her eyes dramatically at the mention of, perhaps the most irritating, parent she has had to deal with since she started teaching at the elementary school. “I’m not looking forward to her feedback about the High School Musical teaching that was cloaked as a History lesson, still worth it though” As the teacher, Esme had to bite her tongue in a lot of situations with difficult parents, and just nod her head and simply say ‘okay’. This job taught her a lot about restraint and channelling her stress into more productive things, like filling her apartment with pretty flowers. “What a throwback, right? You’re welcome!” She laughed and started to wander around the store, eyeing up the variety of flowers. Still, she listened to Camila and followed the conversation, “I know it’s scary, now I know how my parents felt when they were showing me stuff they grew up with” She picked up a single stem and held it up for Camila to see, “This one is really pretty, what’s it called?”

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lachlan mueller​:

Lachlan preferred to busy herself with wine and an old record on the nights her temptation to make a mistake was high. Which, lately, seemed like more often than not. When she wasn’t watching over Camden or bugging Braedan, Lach made a point to blast any record she possibly could, even if she went back and forth flipping the same one all night. “I think my biggest find was a Tracy Chapman record. It was priced wrong and I basically got it for free. Perks of going to college in a big city,” she grinned, having missed the various record stores she’d frequented. That, and the cute clerk never failed to spot her a discount when she always promised a date she never followed through on. “I’ll have to remember that. I think the last time I got a recommendation from someone, I ended up falling in love. I have no doubt I’ll feel the same about this one.”

Since running the record store, Esme had most of her music stored on an ancient looking ipod that her mother bought her secondhand as a graduation present. The old thing was still holding on but Esme was slowly making the transition to streaming services and now, records. She likes to say that it’s the influence of being in the store when in reality, she didn’t have much of a choice as her old ipod was not up to date with the current technologies. “Oh, neat! Actually, speaking of Tracy Chapman, I think I spotted Crossroads in the sale crate. Someone returned it with the sleeve a little torn” Esme told her, already going to the sale crate to dig out said record. “You will definitely fall in love with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, it’s such an amazing album and plays really well as a record” Esme managed to find the earlier mentioned record and held it up for the customer to see. “Here it is...a little dented in the sleeve but still worth all the love”

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TASK 03 — PLAYLIST 🎶

This playlist is a mix of songs that tends to show up on Esme’s ‘most repeated’ playlist quite a lot. A few are kind of a soundtrack to where she’s currently at in her life while others hold a very sentimental meaning for Esme and they are listed below:

Caught In The Middle - Paramore,  20 Something - SZA, My Love Is Your Love - Whitney Houston, Cranes In The Sky - Solange, Everything Is Everything - Lauryn Hill, Don’t Let Go (Love) - En Vogue.

 My Love Is Your Love by Whitney Houston & Don’t Let Go (Love) by En Vogue

The majority of Esme’s music taste was introduced to her by her mother, Clara, and these were two songs that stood out to her the most in her childhood. Esme can recall sitting in the passenger seat of her mother’s car after a long day at school and work, and singing these songs at the top of her lungs with Clara. Even though, at the time, Esme didn’t have much knowledge of the true meaning behind these songs they would always ignite a fond memory of hers.

Everything is Everything by Lauryn Hill

This is the song for Esme whenever she feels overwhelmed and needs to clear her mind. It’s a reminder that things will have their time and pass and, a lot of the time, it will be out of her control which is something someone like Esme struggles to wrap her head around. Once this song start playing, the weight of her worries lift off of her shoulders long enough for her to figure out a solution.

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carina garcia​:

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          At the mention of a spa getaway, Carina grew excited. While it would certainly be a late celebration, the chance to relax seemed like something both girls could use to combat their daily stresses and busy schedules. “My secret is, I’m a robot-human hybrid,” the nurse laughed. It definitely felt like it was true at times, although the exhaustion was quite real. “Back to that spa trip, though. We should go! I can drive, so you don’t have to worry about your car. Plus we can spend some more time together and force our bodies to finally slow down and relax. What do you say?” 

         Although it wouldn’t be instant, the trip was something the two of them would have to look forward to. And maybe, just maybe, it would help to strengthen their bond even more. “Yes, I would love that! I’m in no rush, so take as much time as you need. I’m happy to catch up anywhere.”

“Would it sound too coincidental to say that my bags are already packed?” Was Esme’s response to Carina’s offer for a spa get away. Even though her birthday had passed she still felt like she needed some kind of break regardless of the occasion. “I was combing through Groupon last night and I found some crazy good deals, I guess I’m just too chicken to click ‘book’” She added. It was safe to say that Esme had always planned to go on some kind of break away from her busy schedule but just never had the courage to actually do it. “Every time I go to do it, I think about all the work I’ll have to catch up on when I’m back. Maybe I’ll bring my laptop just so I can keep tabs on things…”

Esme unlocked the latch under the counter and lifted it, “You just got yourself exclusive access to the coffee machine!” Using her free hand, she dramatically motioned for Carina to pass through.

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will holder​:

       “I just have a lot of feelings about Matilda, alright?” A chuckle escapes his lips, then, shaking his head some at the mere thought. “No kidding? So you’re officially twenty eight.. congratulations. Least you’re not in your thirties.. You know, if you need someone to help you crunch numbers cupcakes wise, I’m your person!” Of course he offered, how could he not? He was a dessert fanatic. It was probably one of the many reasons he adored Nora so much.. her talent in creating amazing desserts; all of which his sweet tooth self couldn’t stop thinking about. Taking a bite of said delicious dessert, Will’s eyes practically rolled back in delight. Amazing, as expected. “God she’s good.. oh, and do you want me to sing you happy birthday? Although, I can’t promise I won’t make you cringe though..” He makes a face, then, acting as though he didn’t have the voice for singing; when he really was at least somewhat skilled in that area. “Oh, so you’re related to Arya, huh?” Putting all of the pieces together, Will pauses mid-bite, then, widening his eyes some as he awkwardly found a way to explain. “Uh—friends is a relatively subjective term..” Will tugs at the collar of his shirt.. albeit it being a tee shirt, with no collar. “I mean, we were neighbours. And.. building some sort of a … connection, I guess you could say. Yeah.” 

“Well, you and your feelings are very valid” Esme laughed. Even though Esme wasn’t usually the type to focus so much on her age and the thought of ‘getting older’ but this particular birthday felt much different than the rest, and she still had quite some time to go before she reached the end of her twenties, so just saying her current age out loud just confirmed it all. “It is official, indeed. Really? There I was thinking your thirties are supposed to be the best years…well, there goes my plans of being 30 flirty and thriving or however it goes, 13 going on 30 made it look so easy” Esme’s movie references definitely surpassed her knowledge of the record store’s inventory, perhaps she was in the wrong profession. “Oh, don’t worry, now that I know the cake was a hit I’ll be bringing in the cupcakes too” Esme told him, her fridge was beginning to be her childhood dream—full of cupcakes, she just wished she had the stomach to consume it all on her own. “Uh, no, I’m good…” She assured him, although she didn’t want to cause any offence. “…maybe next year?” At the mention of her cousin, Esme fell quiet and nodded in response to his question. “Yeah, I’m her cousin, Esme. I’m just watching the store while she’s away” She didn’t miss how he fidgeted with his shirt and then the answer that followed, this was probably going to be an awkward conversation. “A subjective term, huh?” Esme eyed him skeptically. While she didn’t want to pry into Arya’s personal life, Esme’s curious nature always got the better of her. “Building a connection…like a neighbourhood watch or a book club type of thing?”

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lachlan mueller​:

open starter for @mysticstarter​​

location: dusty’s records.

Between balancing things at the firm and helping out with her nephew, it was hard to do anything for herself. Even if she wasn’t at Whitmore & Co. in the flesh, she was always doing something to contribute to the workload. It was a rare occurrence when she had the day to herself and truth be told, there was only one place she’d been aching to turn to, and that was the record store. Fingers brushed against the tops of each album, none being exactly what she wanted in the moment. “Sometimes I think Fleetwood Mac ruined me,” she exhaled, only glancing over to the person at her side before focus returned to the records before her. “As much as woman loves to spin Rumours on repeat, I need something else. I don’t think that old record can stand another night of being flipped back and forth until I fall asleep.” While never directly asking, she hoped the person to her side could offer up some kind of suggestion. If not, she had all day to dig through those vinyls until it was time to scoop her nephew up from school.

Esme was gradually getting better at knowing the record store’s inventory well enough to be able to provide the customers with some kind of well-informed advice. Balancing her responsibilities at the store with her main job wasn’t easy but she always made time for the store whenever she could. The record store was fairly quiet which allowed her some time to get on with some marking in-between her store duties so when she spotted a customer browsing through the records, Esme kept her distance until she felt like she was needed. Esme’s method of memorising the inventory was by actually going through it, organising it and making sure that it was in a neat and tidy order for the next customer. She was beside the other woman when she first spoke, Esme smiled at her as a means to acknowledge what she was saying. “I hear you,” Esme chuckled. “I found a Lauryn Hill record the other day and I have been playing it non-stop, to the point where I keep catching myself humming Everything is Everything” She filed away the few records she was holding to give her full attention. “I do highly recommend it if you’re looking to try something different” 

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camila garcia​:

       “Crap!” The word flies out of her mouth before she can help it; truthfully, it’s the story of her life. “Sorry,” she apologises to the brunette, feeling bad for her sudden outburst; not at all realising she was coming face to face with her child’s teacher. Truthfully, she really likes Esme, even if she was one of the only teachers Cam could seem to get along with. “Hey, at least you know you’ll always get it straight from me. Not sure about the other parents, but I’m sure they won’t complain. Too much. And you just know how loyal of a member I am to that PTA committee.” A hard lie. “I’m sure I’ll find out the juice soon enough. —If I’m being honest, though.. I just really don’t want to admit how catchy those songs are.” 

Even though Esme didn’t feel at all offended by Camila’s outburst, she felt that it was probably too early to tell Camila just how much she actually enjoyed that little moment of nostalgia. Esme considered it a teacher’s perk to throw in some classic pop culture knowledge even if it meant that the parents would be on the suffering end of the stick. “And that’s why you’re my favourite parent” Esme winked at Camila then smiled. “They are very infectious, I had to ask my mum to send over the DVD set from my old room. Just a heads up, we’re watching the second one next Friday” She told her. “It all started when I ask them to bring in a family item like an old photo or a precious heirloom to talk about and one of the kids brought in their mum’s cassette...and a walkman! That’s when history lessons became important, and also age appropriate, pop culture lectures”

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will holder​:

       “Matilda? Don’t remind me of that atrocity. Bruce Bogtrotter is my hero.” For cake, he’d risk just about anything. “That’s where you’re wrong.. you should’ve kept it all for yourself. Mistake number one. No kidding? It’s the thought that counts, right? Or the cake. But also, happy belated birthday.” A warm smile grows on his features as he follows her gaze down to the cake. “Since it is your birthday cake, it’d be rude to say no.. and it’d also be rude if you didn’t eat with me. So I guess we’re having cake,” he smirks, picking up a plate of his own. This was just like him.. out on a mission for something serious and.. ends up eating cake to celebrate the bitthday of someone he’d just met. Priorities. “Do you uh.. own this place now?” 

“Alright, I feel like you’re a little too close to this” Esme laughed although if she were in the movie, she would have been one of the first to get up on a chair and cheer for Bruce. “Well, a major reason for not being able to keep it was because I don’t have any space in my fridge because of the tray of cupcakes my mum sent me...twenty-eight to be exact but I have given myself a little goal to get them down to eighteen. And thank you” Even though her birthday had long past, Esme still had a table full of gifts to go through and people to send thank you notes to. “Don’t mind if I do” Esme chirped as she cut a slice for herself and then another for him. She took a forkful of her slice straight away and hummed as she chewed. “Uh...yes and no?” Esme responded to the question with great uncertainty as she wasn’t at all too sure herself. “It’s a family business and I’m just taking care of it until Arya comes back..” Again, further uncertainty because Esme was not entirely sure when her cousin would be coming back. “Were you and Arya friends...or?” 

[briennesjaime]

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[taiturner]