hopeless thing

Gwendolyn Moreno. Twenty'5. 2nd Grade School Teacher. Mother. Widow. Daughter. "They say that water fixes everything. No matter what could be going on, water was always the answer. Now as you sit at the oceans edge, pleading for a wave to pull you out to feel something, you wonder if Holy Water might've been the answer."

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

[female & she/her] Welcome to Aurora Bay, [GWENDOLYN MORENO]! I couldn’t help but notice you look an awful lot like [CAMILA MORRONE]. You must be the [TWENTY-FIVE] year old [GRADE SCHOOL TEACHER]. Word is you’re [POLISHED] but can also be a bit [MELANCHOLIC] and your favorite song is [FLOWERS & MILEY CYRUS]. I also heard you’ll be staying in [SEABROOK QUARTER]. I’m sure you’ll love it!

warnings: mentions of car accident, death, grief, depression

Gwendolyn was born and raised in Aurora Bay for most of her life until she went off to college. She lived in the same house on Sutton Street with the same red front door. Everyone grew to know that it was the Moreno’s house and that door was always welcomed to anyone who needed their help. It was also known as the pastor’s house since her father, Maximo, was the pastor of the local church down the road. 

The grass was always kept short and there were no toys left in the yard. Gwendolyn had her small group of friends and she knew they could only come over if her studies were done and her room was cleaned. She wouldn’t say her parents were strict but more so that things had to get done in order for her to be able to do what she wanted whether it was to hang out with friends or go out shopping at the mall. 

She went off to college with her mindset on becoming a nurse. Instead, she found herself being called towards teaching. Maybe it was because of her father and his influence on her life or maybe it was because of all the times she tutored the younger kids back at school. Or it could’ve been because of the boy she helped with his math test that was in one of her classes. Gwendolyn found herself smitten with him as she foolishly stayed a little later in class for him to catch up to her as they walked out together. 

That boy did turn into something more and eventually a husband even if the marriage was quick and almost unexpected between the two. She could only imagine the rumors being spread around back home as to why they married so quickly. But to be honest, they didn’t have any reason not to get married after graduation. 

They moved back to Aurora Bay with her starting a job at the elementary school and him a position at the news station. They settled into a nice routine and everything felt as it should be. She felt good as a wife, a teacher, and a soon to be mother. It would only make sense for it to go downhill. She got a phone call late one night. Her amazing husband was in a bad car accident and it didn’t look very good. She was six months pregnant at the time and the stress alone of losing her husband nearly caused her to go into labor at the hospital. 

Gwendolyn moved back in with her parents after selling the house. It didn’t feel right to live in a place that reminded her of what she used to have. Her beautiful baby girl was born a few months after that. Her grief was momentarily shifted as she learned how to raise a baby and leaned on her parents for help. It was a new normal and one she welcomed with open arms. However, the pin is still waiting to drop when it comes back crashing down again.

[frankblackwood-deactivated20241]

"Running social media promotions is a great side business if you're interested in their products. Typically, all you have to do is make a post on your social media, tag the company, and review the item." She had been asked to do that for many companies due to her sudden rise to fame and fortune. However, Ren was very particular; she wouldn't promote any company or product unless she was a regular user of it.

Her boyfriend? And a child too? "Oh, so cute. I love a family outing," she said, trying to keep her composure. If this was really where things stood, then Ren would not interfere. This was the future she thought she would have had with him, but their paths diverged and it seemed like there was no turning back. "Oh, just me. I brought my siblings here earlier, but they met up with their friends. It's my first time back here in a few years, so I wanted to take it in solo."

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

"Oh." That didn't sound too terribly bad. Gwen didn't know when she would have the time for that. Or if she did have the time. And then there was actually using her Instagram account instead of it being her access on being nosy around the neighborhood. "Maybe I'll give it a shot one day. I don't think I have anything recent from them, but maybe I'll try something new. Autumn is the best time for clothes." She couldn't stray far from anything cozy, and the fall fashions were all about that.

"Oh no, not really that. No." Family outing made it sound more serious than where it felt. She did want that -- to become a family with Rhett, but that felt like rushing things, and they both agreed on taking things slow. It took nearly this long to just admit feelings. Talk of family could cause things to go downhill fast. "I mean... My boyfriend and my daughter as two separate, not related people. My daughter is from a past relationship. Her father, um, died." A mood killer for sure, Gwen just knew it would happen when she said it.

"Anyway, this is a pretty good start into coming back with the end of summer fun. Did you check out the carnival yet? I was hoping to grab a funnel cake at some point before this all ended." @renzunino

[giorgiawhighan]

CAMILA MORRONE, July 18, 2024.

[archivist-goldfish]

[carter-harris]

Carter hadn't known Gwen for long, but what he'd learned about her in recent times was just how sweet she was. Truly, it took him by surprise. He'd been around his father for so long that kindness that didn't have to be earned was something he didn't know much about. In fact, he only seemed to get that kindness from his mother but sometimes it was hard for Carter to spend time around her now because he knew he was going to miss her terribly and it was always hard to see someone you love hurting so much. It made Carter feel selfish, which is why he was trying to get over his anxieties about spending time with his mom while she was sick. And maybe spending time with her while Gwen and Harris were around would make it easier.

"I- I've never learned how to braid, no." Carter couldn't even come up with something sarcastic to say like he normally would because the gesture was too sweet. "Painting finger nails can't be that hard though... right? So maybe I can do that."

@gwenxmoreno

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

Gwen couldn’t help the grin that overtook her when it became apparent that Carter not only wanted to help, but to also be a part of what she had planned. “It’s not hard. You just start off with small amounts of polish first and slowly build up the color. I can show you before you start.” She sat the dishes down on the drying rack, the bubbly water momentarily forgotten as she looked around for the bag she brought with her supplies. “I have only a few options, so I hope that’ll be alright. My mom never let me have any wild colors, so it’s mostly shades of pink and red.” She was rambling now. Maybe out of excitement or nerves, she didn’t quite know.

“Are you ready now, or do you want to wait for when Rhett comes back? I don’t mind waiting. I wonder what he’s getting for dessert.”

@carter-harris

[archived-sorenxdavenport]

Closed starter: @gwenxmoreno

Where: the market place

Raelynn was a huge fan of summer but fall was something she looked forward to every year. Seeing the fall decorations and pumpkins in the market place made her excited for the coming month. “Has Beatrice ever carved a pumpkin? We could do that.” She said as she picked up one of the biggest pumpkins she could find.

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

Gwen walked through the different aisles with Raelynn, her temptation in wanting more fall decorations almost getting the best of her as she looked at the ceramics of two little squirrels - one with a pumpkin and one with an acorn. She was trying to decide where it would go when Raelynn got her attention. "She hasn't carved one yet, but we have painted a few. We usually do a big one like that one, and she helps by getting all the seeds out. But maybe this year she can have her own little one and pick out the design. Do you see any good ones in there?"

@raelynnxyun

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

closed starter for @thelizaxlevin

location: the carnival (summer bash)

Gwen and Beatrice were currently playing one of the little kid games. Beatrice held a pole in her hand that has a string and a magnet on the end of it, while Gwen looked at the ducks that were currently going around the circle of the conveyor belt pond. They had one plastic duck with a red circle underneath it, and they needed two more reds to get the Olaf plushie. "Try to get that one." She whispered in her daughter's ear, pointing to one of the ducks.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a familiar looking blonde. Or, well, she hoped it was who she thought. "Which ones do you think are the red ones? We have one and need two more."

[devilsbrokerank]

[frankblackwood-deactivated20241]

"Well, you're super pretty," she commented. "I'm sure they'd love to use you as a brand ambassador." So, so pretty. Why couldn't he choose a one-eyed banshee? Not that Ren was one who got jealous or territorial. Or at least she thought she didn't; this was strange territory. "The fire is nice. It brings me back to the bonfires we used to have back in high school." Lots of good memories, but they were clouded with her ex. Who was supposedly dating this brunette."I'm Ren," she said, extending her hand to the other. "Are you here with friends?"

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

"Oh gosh, thank you. I certainly don't know what all of that means, but I don't know just how comfortable I feel with their shorter shirts. I'm definitely a comfort girl over fashion any day." Gwen especially loved her well-worn articles of clothing since they were always the softest. "It's sort of comforting in its own way -- the fire. I think my high school days were mostly filled with studying, but we did have a lot of fires in my family's little fire pit during the fall time." Gwen easily took Ren's hand, a gentle shake, as she never knew the exact proper rules of handshakes. "Nice to meet you. I'm Gwen and I'm here with my boyfriend." The sentence alone had her cheesing just a little too hard. "Well, my daughter and boyfriend. She went with him to get the smores kits they had in the booth. What about you?"

@renzunino

[frankblackwood-deactivated20241]

Closed for Gwen Moreno (@gwenxmoreno) at the beach party.

She should not have done this, but Ren couldn't help herself. The moment she caught wind that Rhett was dating someone, she felt the need to do a little investigation. Ren had no claim to him as she had lost all rights and privileges to her drummer boy. However, she still wanted him to have the best. According to the internet, Gwen was a beautiful brunette and a teacher. It wasn't like she was intentionally seeking her tonight, but the moment Ren spotted the brunette sitting by the bonfire, the singer decided to approach her. Taking a seat on the log next to her, she smiled and said, "Oh my gosh, I love your outfit. Where did you get it?"

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

Gwen had been sitting out at the bonfire waiting for Rhett's return with their drinks and one of the smores kits that could be used around the fire. It had turned into a beautiful end to an even better day that she certainly wasn't expecting any other company until someone sat down next to her. Maybe she was foolish to be in her own little happy bubble, but it was nearly impossible not to be when it's all what she wanted. "Oh, thank you. I think my jeans are from Target and this is an old Abercrombie sweater from at least a few years ago. Are you enjoying the fire?"

@renzunino

[samucl-kane]

There is nothing but pride that Sam feels in that moment, but not so much for himself. As his eyes roam over the garden boxes and the plants within, handpicked and cared for by all of the club members. 

“I couldn’t have done it alone. Wouldn’t be much of a club if that were the case, but everyone deserves credit.” From Lorna and Cricket, who help organize, all the way to Keo, who offers Sam a set of helping hands for a very small, easy price. “Bird baths would be beneficial. I would need to talk with someone about our funding to make sure we can spare the expense.”

It’s a great idea. Birds are pollinators too. “But what’s a pergola?”

@gwenxmoreno

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

"That's true. You all deserve all of the credit. It wouldn't be this beautiful without them." Gwen smiled at the thought of everyone getting together for the same cause. It brought her happiness, knowing that there were more people like her and Sam out in the world. Those who did things for the sake of being good and having good things.

"What if you accepted any donations of bird baths? Not the fancy kinds with the running water, but just the stone ones you see in gardens. I might have one I could donate. I'll need to freshen it up, but it can be a start. I could see if anyone from the church has anything they could donate too."

"A pergola is sort of a shaded area that's made from pieces of wood. You have at least four beams running up vertically and then you can create a sort of slatted look across the top of the square you are essentially making. We have the small one where our patio is. I can take a picture and show you. Or you could always come over for dinner one night if you'd like. Maybe we can make something with any vegetables you get?"

@samucl-kane

[sullivanxshaw]

“ that’s a good way to think about it. I don’t even think she remembers anyone raising her other than me. “ a thought that made sully sad cause he knew it meant she didn’t remember their mom, but it also meant he was the only parent in her life and the one she considered her dad. “ I can’t even imagine how things must be when it’s the end of the year and you have to say goodbye to them. I don’t think I could do that. You’re amazing for doing that “ he noted giving Gwen the praise she deserved. “ thank you. I get so nervous around this time of year now, just cause she didn’t have an easy time last year. “ he noted before a small smile appeared on his face. “ I told Sage I was still in love with her and we’ve gone on a date” he admitted bringing up his ex @gwenxmoreno

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

"It's the way you should think about it from now on. Your siblings will continue to look up to you so it's a good rule to have in that they'll reflect what you give them." Even if the ages were drastic from each other and Sully thought differently since not everyone got along at times, Gwen was sure that they still looked to him for everything. "Well, thank you. It is hard, but I can only look forward to seeing who I get the following year. That's how you get through it in my opinion. You give just a little bit of your love to them so that you always have some for whoever comes next."

"I think she'll get the hang of things pretty quickly. Don't get me wrong the first few weeks will probably suck, but once a routine is set and followed through, it'll get easier. She might have a hard time at first, but as long as she makes friends I think it'll get smoother."

Gwen couldn't stop the smile at Sully's news. She truly believed that things would get better for him, even if he didn't see it at times. They were very similar in that aspect of not thinking a light would be seen. And yet, things were turning around for the both of them. "Wait, really? Oh my gosh, that's amazing. Oh, I'm so happy for you." She easily wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "So, how did it go? What was the date?"

@sullivanxshaw

[dancingdanvers]

At the news that Rhett had asked Gwen to be his girlfriend Sloane let out a little shriek of excitement, unable to stop herself jumping up off the chair despite being mid pedicure and giving her friend a thrilled hug. “Babe I am so happy for you, this is exactly what you deserve. Took the boy long enough, but at least he finally got there.” Returning to her seat she settled again, lifting her champagne glass. “A toast, to the two of you, and you finally getting treated like the queen you are.” Clinking their glasses before she took a sip. She’d thought the other was glowing but now it all made sense. “So when did he ask you? What did he say?” @gwenxmoreno

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

The splash of water had Gwen concerned for her friend on the account of both slipping and knocking over glasses, but she still hugged back. "Please be careful and not letting this moment turn into a trip to the ER. We don't need everyone to be seeing our nails." She teased, not hiding both the smile of happiness and maybe heated cheeks in the comment of Harris taking his time. Which it probably was because of both of them not entirely figuring it out until now. "Well, I probably didn't help him at all either, you know. I didn't even really fully figure out my feelings until they spilled out."

She took a sip of champagne before diving into the story. "So, he invited me over to his place because he wanted to talk about something. Now with his current situation, I mostly thought it was about his mom or his family. Instead, his brother's ex had made up a lie that they slept together, and he didn't want it to get around to my ears because he didn't want me to believe it and not see him anymore. The weirdest of ways to figure out feelings, but I guess it pushed him to ask me to be his girlfriend because he didn't want me thinking he sleeps around with people."

"And so while he was explaining all of that, I guess it sort of hit me that I wanted to be that person he could rely on. I don't know really how to describe it, but I wanted him to be in my life in a way that was more than friends. And I guess a part of me was just scared because you know how the church is, so that hindered everything. The craziest part is that when we both admitted our feelings, the sun casted him in a sort of glow. I think it was the sign I needed from both my doubts and maybe even Andrew in a way."

@dancingdanvers

[callme-harris]

“ you’re spoiling all my surprises “ Harris replied with a small smile as soon as Gwen mentioned coffee and a donut. He had his own morning routine and comfort items that he would indulge in when it was early and he liked how his own tended to align with Gwen’s. He still was surprised someone like her had feelings for him. Because to him, Gwen was perfect

“ did you manage to get out okay?” He asked knowing that any thing done without Beatrice could involve crying. “ we can always take her to the carnival together? I’ll win you guys bears “ he smiled softly as he moved to open the passenger side of his truck for her. “ You look really pretty” @gwenxmoreno

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

"Oh no, I'll promise to not spoil any more surprises for today." Gwen couldn't help that they both had a sweet tooth and could probably not survive unless a cup of coffee was had. "Well, I'll try to not ruin any more of them. That sounds easier since I don't know what you all have planned." She didn't mind the surprises. In fact, she liked them probably a lot more than she let on.

"It wasn't too bad this time. She was still a little sleepy, so it was easier for my dad to rock her back into a nap and I could get out the door quicker." She knew at some point Beatrice needed to get through this new fear or phase of hers. She tried not to blame herself in having Beatrice around her so much and not being on her own by herself a lot. Gwen could only assume it was a growing pain, just like sleep regression. "Oh, that sounds like a lovely idea. I wouldn't mind going to the carnival, and she'd certainly love that. Can you imagine her on the little kid rides? We definitely need to go now."

She hopped into the truck, hoping her hair covered most of the blush away from his compliment. "You keep that up and I'll look like a tomato. But thank you. You look very nice too."

@callme-harris

[callme-harris]

Closed for @gwenxmoreno

After things had become official between them; Harris had been counting down the days until September. Her comments about doing fall activities with his now girlfriend had been something he’d been dying to do. He wanted to make sure to do a mix of things with just Gwen but also things with Beatrice. Harris knew how important it was to include the little girl in many things because Harris wasn’t just dating Gwen he was proving also he could be a positive figure in a child’s life.

Today though he wanted to take a small road trip and promise to go to the nearest orchard he could find. Harris parked his truck and walked to Gwen’s front door to wait for her till the door opened. “ hey beautiful, ready for an adventure ?”

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

The smallest of chill in the air had already sent Gwen into lighting her apple cider candle. She knew better than to dress for the occasion, considering the sun would eventually come crashing her cooler weather dreams into being another hot summer's day. Still, that didn't mean she couldn't at least put a few cute tortoise colored barrettes in her hair. The smallest of hints of her wanting continued colder weather.

With the knock on the door, she kissed Beatrice goodbye before her daughter put two and two together. The quicker she was out the door, the quicker the meltdown would come to an end. "An adventure? As long as coffee is involved and maybe a donut." || @callme-harris

[sterlingxlevin]

"We love beach days. Maybe we should have one together sometime!" Sterling hoped her suggestion wasn't a strange one, considering she was Harris' ex. Sterling needed more mom friends and Sunny always loved making friends, so it just seemed like a good idea.

"Summer is my favorite too. I do love the fall and winter for the holidays. Us Levins are big in the holidays." Sterling laughed softly, thinking about how every Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were huge for the Levins and Driscolls.

"Gosh, don't remind me. I cried all day when she turned five and now I've been crying off and on as I've been getting her things together for kindergarten. Kindergarten. I can't believe it." It didn't help that Sterling was now pregnant and she kept getting emotional about many things lately. "I'm gonna cry thinking about it now!" She laughed. "How much longer does Beatrice have before she goes?"

@gwenxmoreno

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

"A beach day would be lovely. We could do a fun little picnic and maybe bring a book to read while the girls splash along." Of course there would always be an eye on them between both Gwen and Sterling. The idea of them two warming up to each other and becoming friends never really crossed her mind, but it wasn't a thought she completely hated. If anything, she wanted the best for Sterling, even if she was Harris' ex. To her, that didn't really matter. She should feel the more awkward one with her husband being gone since that's a topic no one is ever really prepared for in figuring out about her. "Maybe I can convince my dad to do a fun barbecue for dinner and we'll eat outside."

"I mean, who doesn't love the -ber months, you know? Summer maybe have the worry free care free attitude we all love to enjoy, but those months really bring us back to what's important -- family and all the nostalgia to go with it."

"Beatrice has a couple more years to go before Kindergarten gets involved. I probably won't be anywhere close to being ready or prepared for it. If only they could be little forever. I'm sure Sunny will do amazing in school, though. She's already a very polite and nice young lady." || @sterlingxlevin

[willow-thomas-deactivated202504]

Willow: yeah, i just didn't realize how awful they could be. Willow: please tell me you don't have to deal with that all the time.

[gwenxmorenoarchive]

Gwen: Oh no, not all the time. Sometimes I have a few students who are having a bad day and they tend to be a bit more on the mean side.... Gwen: Thankfully, with first grade there's a bit more excitement to school rather than with the older ages. Gwen: I think this year I might try something new with like a cool down corner.