WITCHY WOMAN

FROSTFORD IS IN MY HEART, BUT THE BAYOU IS IN MY VEINS.

[fionabalestrieu]

text | lils & fiona

lils: yes, that very makeover. i still don't know whether letting you do this is going to be a good idea.

lils: ummm none of the above?? is that an option?

fiona: what the hell are you talkin about, lils? this is the best damn idea you've ever had. it's about... six years too late, but i still gotta give ya credit.

fiona: ya know, if i wasn't so excited i might call you rude??? but fINE. what were you thinkin, then? it better be somethin fun

[fionabalestrieu]

text | lils & fiona

Lils: hey miss pageant queen

Lils: you know how you've been wanting to give me that damn make over all these years?

Lils: Think I'm gonna give in and say sure

fiona: you mean the makeover i've been BEGGING you to let happen since I was sixteen years old???

fiona: i can't believe this day has finally come.

fiona: what do you think? should we go full pageant queen to honor my teenage dreams, or can i make you my stevie nicks barbie doll? im up for either

[fionabalestrieu]

Looking up from his stool, Colton laughed. “Where’s the fire, Fee? We got all day for fun. Just gotta make sure to get my chores done first,” he replied with a grin, shaking his head as finished up milking one cow, and scooted to milk the next. “You know I don’t understand anythin’ about your cards, right? Are they tellin’ the future, or?” he glanced up again. “I could teach you how to ride a horse, if you wanna do that. Or we can go cow tippin’,” he teased. “Haven’t done it in years. We should probably avoid doin’ that though– unless you see death, in your cards. ‘Cause Mama would kill me, for sure.”

“The fire is in my damn heart, Colton, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say that you’re makin’ a mighty fine extinguisher today.” Fiona quipped back at him, raising an amused eyebrow as something almost akin to betrayal flashing in her eyes. Colt seeming to take no notice as he just moved along to the next cow in line, ready for milking. “How many times do I gotta explain the cards to you before you finally start to get it? It’s like... advice for the future. Not quite tellin’ you what will happen, but lettin’ you know how to get through it.” Fiona knew it was a bit of an open explanation, but she just shrugged her shoulders in the face of the question. Going to run a soothing hand across the cows big ol’ head while she tipped her own back in laughter. “Colt, don’t go jokin’ about cow tippin’ while Bessie can hear you -- it’s reason enough for your Mama to start pullin’ death cards on ya. Wouldn’t say no a couple hours on horseback, though! Haven’t been ridin’ since... How old was I that one Easter we spent here? Like ten?” 

[fionabalestrieu]

e-isfor-eleanor‌:

“Oh, no. I just can’t get into it.” Eleanor shook her head. “It’s way too early for me. Christmas starts the day after Thanksgivin’ in my family. Christmas movies and music any time before just aint allowed.” @frostfordstart​

“You’re kiddin’, right? I don’t think I could make it through the last couple months of the year if I wasn’t singin’ ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ the whole damn time. As far as I’m concerned, Christmas could start right at the end of July and I’d be happy as a songbird. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again -- those twinkly lights are a damn good distraction from the rest of the bullshit we gotta deal with. Why not want it to last as long as possible?” 

[fionabalestrieu]

“You’re saying hanging out with me isn’t fun?” Nick asked, affronted. “You saying you only hang out with me because I have cute younger siblings? That’s so mean you’re insulting me in my own house. I’m gonna cry myself to sleep.” 

To be fair, the cuter little kids was a better deal than the otherwise lack of literally benefits that any of his friends got. Fee literally gave and gave and gave and Nick couldn’t even think about the running tab he had open for her in his mind. Not that she’d accept a penny but God he’d die trying. “I think you and I could finish off this pie by ourselves and that would be a lot of fun.” 

“Didn’t say it wasn’t fun, Bailey,” Fiona waggled her eyebrows at the boy; an amused lilt of a laugh falling off her lips as she shoved a whole forkful of pie into her mouth. “It’s just not as fun as dress up with Harper... I mean, unless you plan on letting me doll you up like a damn Barbie?”  She just gave him a playful sort of wink before bumping her shoulder against his with a sigh; not moving an inch once she was leaned up against him. “My mama might kill me if she finds out I spent the whole afternoon eating pie, but I certainly can’t argue with that logic, can I? Throw in a pretty dress and one of Harp’s feather boas, and I’d call this a perfect afternoon.” 

[fionabalestrieu]

“Thanks, Fiona.” Maggie’s cheeks blushed at being called out on the obvious, though she quickly smiled as she sat down. “Are you okay after it? Luckily, I just got here, so I wasn’t trapped anywhere, but I had so many texts about it. I guess it was good that work kept me late. Where were you stuck? Hopefully somewhere interesting.” She looked down at the flask in her hand. “I’m kind of a picky drinker. Except for on rare occasions, I mostly drink those frozen things that don’t taste like alcohol, minus the burn.”

“Oh, I was stuck in the worst place of all... Activities tent.”  She scrunched up her nose, but the sarcasm was written over every note of her tone as she leaned toward the Duchanne girl. Eyebrows waggling in amusement while the grin spread like wildfire over her expression. “Forced into karaoke, and face-painting... we even had a pumpkin bowling contest -- pure tragedy.” Fiona just shrugged her shoulders - the grin spilling off her lips - while she pulled another swig off of the flask. The young woman hiding it back in the waist band of her skirt as she leaned across the table. “Suit yourself, Maggie May - Just means more whiskey for me. We could always go find you a drink with a little more pink to it, if you wanted? You know I never mind takin’ an adventure or two.” 

[fionabalestrieu]

kanevsky‌:

( ☆  CLOSED STARTER .  @fionabalestrieu​

          it was the logical next step to their conversation at the festival . they both had a great music taste ( at least fletcher thought so ) so what better activity for a chilly fall evening than karaoke ?? he was two vodka cokes in , the glass in one hand as he held a microphone in the other , flicking through the song choices on the machine . “ perfect !! “ he near squeaked , selecting ‘ everywhere ‘ by fleetwood mac just so he could display the talents they’d discussed merely a few days prior . he wasn’t the worst at singing but he certainly wasn’t going to be selling any albums soon , those russian roots meaning a few of the sounds came out a lot harsher than the queen stevie nicks had ever intended .

Fiona was unabashedly, unapologetically, drunk by the time Fletcher had finally taken the stage to perform -- but the nerves swinging through every inch of her veins couldn’t seem to take a break, even in the face of the liquor. Dreading what she was sure was going to be her turn after his time to shine had ended... But she just locked her gaze onto his as she cheered his name from the crowd; hands clutched around the beer that had been delivered to the table only moments before. “Do me and Christine proud, Kanevsky!” Fee called out with a lilting chuckle, the young woman practically falling out of her chair in the process. “You know I just might have to jump if there with you if ya don’t!” 

[fionabalestrieu]

@coltonrollins​ “How much longer are you planning on milkin’ these cows, Colt?” Fiona’s voice was little more than a high pitched whine - she knew how childish she must sound - but she couldn’t bring herself to care as she leaned up against the old speckled wood of the barn. Gaze narrowed firmly on the man as she practically stared at him like she was lookin’ through him. “I hate to get all nitpicky, but I was promised an afternoon a’ fun on the Rollins’ farm. And while I ‘appreciated’ the whole logistical walk-through of breakin’ down the Haunted House, and that riveting tutorial on how to drive the tractor... I don’t think I can stand here another second without losin’ my mind.” Fee moved toward him, arms crossed over her chest all the way. “There has to be somethin’ else we could be doin’ right now. My cards said there was excitement to be found today -- how about we go and find it before it gets away, Rollins?

[fionabalestrieu]

owenheine‌:

After taking Stella out to trick or treat with Daphne, Owen decided to show up at the fall festival since it was the last night and it’d be a whole year until the next one– and he was going to miss their special hard cider. He was heading towards the stall and stood in the line, glancing around and behind him when he saw @fionabalestrieu​ was standing in line behind him. He gave her a quick smile. “Hello,” he greeted, glancing forward to see that they hadn’t moved yet before turning around to face her. “Enjoyin’ the last night of Halloween? Feels like it’s been a whole month of it,” he joked.

Fiona wished she could think of something to say to the older man - she wished she could wipe the silly grin off of her lips - but she was capable of little more than a breathless stare as Owen turned ‘round to face her. A nervous sorta laugh bubbling up from her expression while she tried to get her lungs in working order once again. “Halloween is my favorite night of the year, didn’t you know it?” Fee finally managed after a silent moment, eyebrows raised toward the man in a questioning glance. “It would take a damn disaster to get me havin’ a bad time. How about you? Tired of feelin’ the spooky spirit already, Heine? The night has hardly even begun!”

[fionabalestrieu]

msdianahamilton‌:

“And what are you supposed to be?” Diana called out as she approached @fionabalestrieu​, giving the younger woman a bright smile and as she reached her, opened up her arms to give her a big hug. “Sorry if I get any green paint on ya– it’s everywhere and I don’t know how the hell I’m gonna wash it off after tonight. But It’s good to see you. Got so much to tell you, but I’ve been so busy lately at school and stuff goin’ on–” Diana shook her head as she wrapped her arms around her cousin. “But before we get into all that– we need drinks. It’s Halloween, we gotta do the night right,” she murmured as she pulled away. 

Fiona could hardly hear her cousin over the squeal that seemed to escape from her lungs as she spotted the woman - arms wrapped around her before she even had a moment to worry about the green paint that might rub off. How could she possibly bring herself to mind through the haze of the whiskey in her veins? “You really can’t tell? I spent all night on this damn costume and i’m starting to think I might have wasted my time. I’m the white witch -- Miss Stevie Nicks herself!” She twirled a few times as if it might make her attire a little more believable -- but before Diana could pull away another inch, she was fishing her grandpa’s flask out of the waistband of her skirt. Pushing it toward the other woman with a giggle loud enough to compete with the music blaring all around them, “Don’t you know I would never chance a bad night on All Hallows Eve? It’s like you don’t know me at all anymore, cousin - though, with as much time as we’ve been spending apart, I might be startin’ to believe you’ve forgotten all about me, Banana!” 

[fionabalestrieu]

“I reject that statement.” The male scoffed whilst doing his best to keep his face serious, he was a talented artist and he wasn’t going to be made fun of - well not until she saw what he had done to her face anyway, he was trying. Looking at the color pallet he carefully dipped his brush in the black paint before he moved back to her face. “Oh I don’t know if you want to do that, I don’t know what I was thinking when I ordered half of the stuff I did for that house, I jump and I know what’s in it.” He had been feeling particularly cruel this year when he had planned the house and the hayride it seemed. “But, you would probably be good at spookin’ the kids.” 

“Well, I reject your rejection, Rollins! You ‘oughta leave the face paintin’ to your Mama next year -- stick to what you’re good at. Givin’ everyone in this damn town nightmares.” Fiona was trying to stay still for Carson - certainly not wanting him to make any more mistakes than he might all on his own - but she couldn’t help but scrunch her nose up at the man. An amused giggle falling from her lips as she poked fun at the oldest Rollins son. “I’m gonna try and take that as a compliment, Carson! But I’m sure you’re probably right -- I’d fit right in with all those ghosts and zombies you got stowed away in that haunted house. Maybe I’ll just spend the rest of my days in there; hauntin’ you and the rest of your lovely family.” 

[fionabalestrieu]

maggiemayduchanne‌:

Although she didn’t like crowds, Maggie couldn’t let that keep her from enjoying the fall festival. It was something that happened once a year and she was not going to miss out on it. Luckily, she hadn’t been there the night that the lockdown happened. She spotted a picnic table and made her way through, dodging people not paying attention. “Is this seat taken?” she asked the person seated at the table, not wanting to take someone else’s seat. 

@frostfordstart​

"Does it look taken, Duchanne?" Fiona just winked in Maggie May's directino as she motioned toward the seat in question; a grin as wide as anything twisted over her lips. Hands tightening around the flask in her lap that she had hardly been trying to hie since all the hubbub had died down. "By all means, take yourself a seat. I could certainly use the company after that big 'ol scare we had tonight." Fee sighed, lolling her head toward the woman across from her. "You wanna drink? I got plenty to go around."

[fionabalestrieu]

            his eyes blew wide with interest , head bobbing in an agreeing nod . “ yeah , yeah !! fleetwood mac would be awesome . they need me to dj at some point — it would have the coolest eighties soundtrack in the world . honestly though , you could just play the entirety of rumours and people would be entertained . the chain is an absolute classic , god , that build up is amazing , “ his fingertips wiggled in the air as if he was playing piano alongside the melody in his head . talking about music with fletcher was a black hole that you’d never emerge from , he’d always have something to say . “ isn’t it crazy that they made so much good music when they fuckin ‘ hated each other ?? i guess it’s like abba , too .. all the best music is secretly angsty as hell , “ they ghosted into the queue of food , and the moment wafts of deep-fried air hit his nostrils the pit of his stomach growled again in protest . that one boy could eat enough food for the whole of frostford and still ask for seconds .

Fiona couldn’t help herself but giggle as Fletcher began to air-piano to what she could only imagine was some song by her favorite band; her expression twisting in amusement as she bumped her hip playfully against his own. “You’re like a walkin’ trivia machine -- you know that, don’t you? What else can you tell me about abba, Einstein?” Fee asked him as they approached the nearest stall selling food; her stomach rumbling just a loud as his did while they settled their way into line. “I don’t know who we’d have to bribe to get you out on the stage, but I’m definitely willing to bribe our way into it. You have no damn clue what I would give just to hear Rhiannon played on these damn speakers, Fletch.”

[fionabalestrieu]

“acemadd‌:

It had been a couple of weeks since his… somewhat tense conversation with @fionabalestrieu​, not that they had talked about a whole new topic yet it seemed that had been the problem; he didn’t mind being the for the girl, listen to her venting, however, that day he might have been a bit too fed up about repeating giving her the same suggestions over and over and they had parted ways to their places rather strained. Or at least that was how he felt. He had tried to send her an apology text but everything he wrote came out as sappy and Ace wouldn’t send that shit so he let the situation stay in the past. As an apology, he called her and told her to get ready and he’d pick her up soon and now he was parking at the Rollins’ farm for the festival — partly because it was the only event in town and it would be fun to spend some time out with her and partly because he knew Fiona’s mother would not approve of her being here and of course, he had taken her in defiance to the old bat. “So, where do you wanna start?” He asked.

It had taken more scheming to get out of the house than Fiona cared to admit - heart rushing in her chest as she sneaked out through the backdoor right under her Mama’s nose - but before she knew it, she was nestled comfortably in the passenger seat of Ace’s car. Howling out of the window like a mad woman as they made their great escape down to the Rollins’ farm... and she didn’t get much quieter once they had made their way into the thick of things. Fiona bouncing through the crowd like a little kid as she pushed and pulled Ace off into the direction of the ‘Activities Area.’ “Do you even have to ask? We’d be doin’ things wrong if we didn’t go and get our faces painted first, Ace!” The brunette tilted her head while she spoke, every word falling from her lips like it was a matter of fact. “Ooh, and then maybe we can get ourselves up to a little pumpkin bowling -- loser buys dinner?” 

Fiona waggled her eyebrows up at him for a split second, taking a playful moment to tug on his sleeve - before she was makin’ her way toward the face-painting booth. Ready to sit herself down and get to lookin’ like a butterfly for the fifteenth year in a row... but the commotion breaking out all around the farm stopped Fee’s plan in her tracks. “--Ace?” The woman called out over the crowd filing behind the makeshift line being set by the few police officers that had shown up seemingly out of nowhere. Panic setting in through her voice as she spun back toward where she had left his side; stumbling back toward him - narrowly avoiding the crowd all the way - before clutching nervously to his side. “What the hell is goin’ on? I know why we’re on a farm and all, but... I don’t exactly like feelin’ like a sheep bein’ sectioned off for shearing.” 

[fionabalestrieu]

carsonrollins‌:

“i don’t know what you mean, of course i know what i’m doing.” carson beamed as he lent forward, gently tracing the brush down the side of fiona’s cheek, he had only supposed to have been watching over the face painting stall whilst mary had nipped to grab something to eat, and yet here he was, testing out his very own artist skills. “i mean it’s not like we can make you ugly, even if i went horribly wrong, so just sit still.” @fionabalestrieu​ 

“Well, as much I appreciate the compliment, Rollins,” Fiona began with a laugh, doing her best not to move too much as Carson got started on her face paint. The woman already regretting picking out such a complex design as she watched him - playful judgement written over her expression. “I’m not sure I believe you aren’t ‘talented’ enough to get me lookin’ as ugly as some of the scarecrows you got lyin’ around this place -- but, by all means, make me your canvas. Worst case scenario, I can go hangin’ around in the Haunted House and get a few people jumpin’ at the sight of me, right?” 

[fionabalestrieu]

Maisie narrowed her eyes at Fiona and choked out a one word response. “Yeah.” She nodded and looked back down at the floor. She sighed and shook her head. “No, this is the first time I’ve actually been here… Since I left rehab.” She replied casually. 

The confession certainly took Fiona by surprise - it was strange she hadn’t heard rumours of it off the lips of her mother and her friends - but she didn’t let it show on her expression. Fi just holding her breath as she looked up to meet Maisie’s eyeline. “Well, I suppose we can’t get up to much comparin’ on the whole therapist thing yet, can we?”  The woman hoped her tone might help to ease the tension in the room -- but Fiona was never at her best in the counselors office. Her heart beating quicker than usual as she leaned back into her chair. “Rehab sounds like a fuckin’...” She just sighed, unsure of how to finished the sentence. .”Well, it doesn’t sound very fun, to say the least. Sorry you have to start comin’ here now, too. Lord knows I can barely stand bein’ here every damn week.” 

[fionabalestrieu]

            “ sorry to be a party-pooper , but yeah .. i was heading off . no one needs to be subjected to country music , out of all the places in the world we really had to end up movin’ here ?? “ if there was one thing fletcher never turned down it was free food . it was one of the reasons he’d come to this place anyway — for a guy living paycheck to paycheck the signs for ‘ all you can eat ‘ pie round every corner had drawn him in , even if the crowds made him want to run for the hills . having a friendly face among the chaos helped calm his thundering heart , and he gently nodded in relief at her suggestion . “ yeah , yeah . good plan . since you’re buying it’s only fair you choose what we’re going for , so what kinda food do you fancy ?? “ there were countless stalls around the area and everything sounded equally as good . even with the abundance of pie and free samples already in his stomach the young boy could definitely eat again .

“Sweet home Alabama, huh? It’s certainly not my favorite place in the world.” Fiona waggled her eyebrows up at Fletcher; a grin stretched wide across her lips as she settled in to the beat of the music. “And I can’t say I blame you for hatin’ the music so much either. I’d much rather be dancin’ around to Fleetwood Mac, but... It’s amazin’ what a few drinks can do for my ability to tolerate all the southern twangin’.” She just chuckled at the words that left her lips, already whisking the pair of them away toward one of the few food stalls that had been set up on the Rollin’s farm for the festival. “Oh, sugar, I think I could eat one of Colton’s horses at this point...but it’s only right we do this up festival style, right? Beer and a corndog?”