Just A Small Town Girl

Hattie Walker. 26. Twin. Evergreen Heights RP

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Full Bio

[hattie-mayonnaise]

@windsorbaysocial

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Location: Walker Residence; Farmlands @honeybeawalker

Hattie stared down at the ring on the counter before taking the gold piece between her fingers and slowly twisting it around the tip of her index finger. "He really didn't want it back?" she asked, cautiously looking up at her sister across the kitchen island. She wasn't exactly sure what had happened between Honey and Ty to break off their engagement and she wasn't sure Honey would tell her yet anyways so she didn't ask. "I'm not surprised to be honest." she added, setting it back onto the counter with a soft clink. "He was always doing that kinda stuff" her lips tugged into a small smile at how she remembered him doting on Honey.

Having Honey living with her again was like a surreal dream, she'd thought once she moved away to finish schooling in LA that would be it, just seeing each other for holidays and occasional vacations. Hattie was happy to have her back, her first month or so without having Honey around was an adjustment- she wasn't sure she could cope without her sister and the amount of times Hattie had texted her over that period was evident in itself. But she had learned to be self sufficient however it did not put a damper on how thrilled she was to have her sister back.

She pursed her lips slightly, "So whatcha gonna do with it?" she asked after a moment.

[colexreyes]

The initial surprise after Hattie mentioned she'd only been in town for a few months, too, was hard to contain and hide and Cole's eyebrows furrowed. "For someone who has only been in town for a while, I must say you fit in right away. Have you by any chance lived in a small town before?" His own hometown wasn't the biggest, but it was still considered one of the biggest in California and though the neighborhood Cole grew up in was really tight-knit, he could never tell the serenity surrounding Windsor Bay was something he found familiar. Perhaps it was why he still stood out as the newcomer to some of the local folk. "Anyway, I'm looking forward to trying some of your local produce in the future." He genuinely missed the local markets back home, even if his mother was the one shopping and bringing all the good back then.

"I consider myself lucky, yes." He agreed. "Isabella has always been an easy child and ever since she learnt to talk, she's also become so thoughtful and considerate. Sometimes a little too much even for her own good, I think." He couldn't help but smile at her words about his profession, nodding. "Thank you. And yes, there is always a risk, but so far work has been different from anything I've expected. Maybe different from what it is in bigger towns, too."

[hattie-mayonnaise]

The blonde laughed a little at his surprise, nodding in response to his question. "Yeah, grew up in a small town in Georgia." She replied "My sister and I moved to LA for a bit trying to spread out wings and what nots, but after a few months there we decided to move back to another town in Georgia, not far from home." she rattled on like he'd asked her whole life story. A warm smile spread over her features at the comment "Thanks! I didn't do a lot of farmin' growin' up so I'm hopin' I kinda just know how to do it" she admitted. "Suppose theres internet for a reason though"

The woman continued down his list, picking up items and placing them in the basket, listening as he spoke. "That means you's doing a good job" she shot him a grin. She looked at him for a moment "Have you been a firefighter for a long time?" she asked

[jj-hayes]

"Adrian?" JJ's eyes grew wide as the other mentioned his friend's name. "Adrian Sinclair? I didn't know that the two of you were friends. How did that happen?" He asked, chuckling softly. In a town as small as Windsor Bay, this was not all that uncommon. He was not surprised that the other knew Adrian. He was just surprised by Adrian's generosity in recent days. He was so keen on helping others, and that was sweet. "Oh... So, what crops were you thinking? I'm not really an expert on agriculture, but I'm curious."

When she asked about Mia's pictures of with Santa, JJ was already pulling his phone out of his pocket. "Would you like to see?" He asked as he pulled up the photos of Mia on Santa's lap, turning his phone towards her so that she could see. "Oh, that's nice. Is she still living in sunny California?"

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Hattie looked at him as he pieced together that they'd known the same Adrian and smiled "Yeah Adrian Sinclair" she nodded confirming his thoughts. "Uhhh" she shrugged nonchalantly. "Dunno, he came into Farm to Fork one day and we just kinda hit it off I guess?" she exhaled a laugh, tucking blonde strands of hair behind her ear.

"I think I wanna start with something kinda easy at first, see how they take to the soil and stuff so I'm thinking maybe cabbages, cucumbers and snap peas for the moment. Then once I kinda get the hang of it move on to more variety" She explained, not that she was a master farmer or anything but she'd done a little bit back home and researched the best starter crops for the season. Hattie looked down at the screen, smiling at the photo of his daughter with Santa. "Oh my goodness." she coo'd "She's cute as a button." She looked back up at JJ "I'm glad she seemed to like him" she chuckled then her eyes widened at JJ's question. "ACTUALLY" she said with excitement. "She's moving down this way" she practically bounced in place. "Should be here in a day or so" she grinned.

[adriansinclair]

Adrian released a low breath as she approached. He adjusted his hold on the coffee cup and rolled his shoulders, as if resetting his posture. "Fair," he murmured. "That might just be me projecting." He glanced toward her then back at the water. In truth, he hadn't come to speak, he simply wanted air, room, and a place where his thoughts would not echo. But Hattie arrived without force and without crowding him. That restraint meant more to him than he often acknowledged.

"I'm okay." Adrian replied after a pause. "Just one of those moments where everything finally gets quiet and your brain decides that's the perfect time to check in." He set his forearms on the rail and followed the tide with his eyes. "I forget sometimes how loud things get," he added. "Work, people, expectations… all of it stacks up. Coming out here reminds me I don't actually have to carry every piece at once."

He turned to her again and gave a small, unguarded smile. "Thanks for asking," he said. "How about you? You just here for the view or did the ocean call you in too?"

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Her eyes slowly scanned over him before nodding softly. Her eyes following his towards the water. She hesitantly stepped closer, leaning against the railing beside him. She stayed silent as he spoke, taking in his words with a small nod of her head.

"That can be tough." she said after a moment of silence had settled between them. "I think that is important to remember... not everything needs to be carried at once." She looked at him quickly before letting her eyes flicker back to the water. "Its good you have someplace quiet though."

She let a small smile tug up at her lips as he asked her how she was."I actually spotted you and wanted to come say hey" she admitted "But I'm good" she said focusing her attention on him now. "Really good." she added. "My sister Honey moved in with me about a week ago." she said the words bubbling out of her excitedly.

[sverate]

[hcnnapcrk]

“I own Breaking Point and I also teach figure skating at Crystal Ice Palace.” replied Hanna as she described the work she had done in the Farmlands. “Smart girl, some people are just impulsive and think of their financial consequences later.”  Hanna had her fair share of moments like that, but luckily she was able to bounce back from them responsibly.

“Horses huh? That’s handy for the Sinclair ranch.” she pointed out as she mentioned the prominent family’s known asset in the Farmlands. “From the sounds of it, that is a solid plan for your future horse.” Hanna mused at first before nodding in understanding. “I know the feeling, your intuition is strong with that one.” 

After learning she’d been here for 3 months, Hanna tilted her head and asked, “Oh wow, how are you liking the place? Is it different from your previous home?” She then flashed her a reassuring smile and added, “You got this. With all that planned out, I’m sure you’re able to accomplish it.”

[hattie-mayonnaise]

The blonde nodded a little hearing her profession "Oh wow." She said with a smile "Thats the place you go to like smash stuff right?" she tipped her head, "Is it therapeutic?" she asked with a genuine curiosity. Hattie wasn't ever one to lash out, she couldn't remember a time that she got mad enough to.

A small smile spread over her lips at the compliment, "Thanks" she said with a huffed laugh. "I've definitely had my fair share of dumb purchases though- if i'm honest." Hattie's smile widened at the mention of the Sinclair ranch and she nodded "Yeah, Atlas ain't asked me to do no kinda training or nothing but I wouldn't turn away the opportunity."

"I love it honestly" she answered, glancing down at the two dogs walking in tandem. "It is different but also very much similar, especially with me living on a farm myself which is ya know comforting being so familiar. Everyone here is real nice though which is a blessin'."

[adriansinclair]

@windsorbaystarters location: oceanside park

Adrian rested his weight on the railing. The coffee in his hand had cooled while he watched the tide move forward and backward as if it lacked any other place to go. He had stepped outside to breathe, that simple intention shifted into silent reflection, something he normally evaded. He released a small breath then looked at the person who had paused close by. "You ever notice the ocean's the only thing in this town that doesn't care who you are?" he spoke, voice relaxed even though weariness showed at the corners of his eyes. "Sorry, that sounded heavier than I meant."

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Hattie had seen Adrian step outside and decided to say hello. She walked towards where he was leaning, his demeanor seeming lost in thought and she almost decided to leave him to it when he tossed a question her way. Her head tipped gently at the inquiry, in the way it often did when she was really trying to consider what was being asked, similar to a confused puppy. Her brows gently knit together before shrugging. "No." she answered truthfully, her eyes darting away for a second before landing back on him. Truth was she didn't care who people were, in the sense she thought he may be speaking. Not that of character but of status. A small smile tugged upwards at her lips, slowly closing the distance to stand next to him. "You alright?"

[prudencefleury]

mookmarked, downtown. @hattie-mayonnaise !

bookclubs weren't for her. she'd tried, but something about being on a deadline made her want to take her sweet time. "key word of a advice? don't do it," she warned playfully, having caught another looking at a flyer for the next club's meeting. it looked cute and inviting, but pru knew better. "tried it once. unless you're into having strict deadlines and your opinions torn apart." it wasn't always like that, she was sure, but the blonde wasn't exactly a team player most days. "plus, sometimes the selections suck and you can't veto it." that was another problem, but she much preferred mystery thrillers over the smutty pages the others never failed to want.

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Hattie's eyes shifted from the flyer in front of her to the woman who was speaking. Her lips parted gently, eyes widened almost like her comment had startled the blonde. "Oh" she said pursing her lips gently as the other went on about why Bookclubs weren't worth trying. "huh, really?" she asked, her brows furrowing slightly as she went back to eyeing the poster. "I thought it was like... you just talk about the books you's read and recommend it to others." she admitted, "Being forced to read something sounds awful" she agreed with a prompt nod. Hattie was all for exploring different books and genres but she preferred it be on her own terms where she could drop it if it didn't suit her. "I take it you tried one before?"

[jj-hayes]

Living in a small town for as long as he had, JJ found it fairly easy to recognize familiar faces just as he did when it came to identifying unfamiliar ones. It was something that he certainly took pride in, especially as someone who was determined to ensure that the newcomers in this town felt welcome. Hattie was definitely one of those people. "Man, it sure does... especially during the holidays!" He agreed with a laugh, listening intently to the other's words. His eyes grew wide when she mentioned that she was planning to get her farm going. He grinned. "Oh my God, that's amazing! So, does this mean you're... finally planning to get yourself that chicken coop? How's that going?" He asked curiously. "I've been alright. I've been very busy with work. My daughter had a really good Christmas. My whole family spoiled her rotten. But I'm just glad that things have calmed down, if I'm being honest. The holidays take a lot out of me, and now I'm easing myself back into my usual schedule at work."

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Hattie nodded excitedly, smile wide on her face. “Yes.” She stated. “My friend Adrian is gonna help build it. And a horse shade.” She explained, the words practically bubbling out. “I’ve got to wait for the ground to thaw some so I can churn the soil but I’ve got it all mapped out where I wanna put some crops.” She rattled off.

Her lips tugged up hearing his holidays were overall good and that his daughter had been spoiled. “That’s so wonderful,” she gushed. “How’d the Santa picture go?” She asked with a soft chuckle, nodding a little at his next statement “yeah, I feel you. I went to visit my sister for Christmas and New Years, the holidays themselves were good. But the travel was eh.” She crinkled her nose.

[adriansinclair]

Adrian smiled at her excitement. It was contagious in a quiet way. He liked that she'd thought this through, that she wasn't rushing headfirst just to prove something to herself. That steadiness mattered more to him than grand plans ever had. "Yeah," he said, nodding as they walked. "Big things don't stick if you build them on shaky ground." He glanced over at her, catching that grin, the way she almost bounced when she talked about spring. "Slow doesn't mean stuck, you're just paying attention."

Her reaction to his offer made his chest warm in a way he didn't comment on. "Really," he confirmed, amused. "And good, because I do have opinions. But I listen too, eventually." The tease came easy, comfortable. When she said she could handle bossy, he laughed under his breath. "Fair warning given, then."

As she talked about slowing down, he felt it land somewhere solid. She was right, he knew she was. The noise had been his armor for so long that quiet sometimes felt exposed, but walking beside her, it didn't feel like that. "I'm starting to see that. Turns out, if you don't rush past things, they actually get a chance to mean something." Her shoulder bumped his again and this time he didn't pretend it was accidental. "I'll take walking," he said. "Running's overrated." A glance her way. "And the company's better than decent, don't sell yourself short."

[hattie-mayonnaise]

"Well I don't know nothin' about construction or architecture so Imma need those opinions." She nodded. "As long as you listen as well then I think it's solid." She teased, throwing a sly grin his way. She smiled more genuiniely at his statement, nodding in agreement. "I'm happy your new year seems to be going well so far." She looked at him again, rolling her lips together. "I hope it stays that way." She paused. "I know its only the first month but heres to hoping at least."

She chuckled "oh no, You were the company I was referring to" she informed him. "I was teasing you." she tucked a blonde strand of hair behind her ear. "You think it's gonna snow?" she asked after a moment, looking around.

[colexreyes]

Soft chuckle escaped his lips and Cole shook his head. "I highly doubt it. I'm not much of a cook." He did try, though. If it was up to him and his ex-girlfriend, Isabella could have grown up on take away alone, despite that both wanted only the best for her and made sure each choice was nutritional and suitable for her age, but that didn't change the fact that both were equally bad when it came to homemade food. Luckily, his mother was around to prevent it from happening. "Thankfully, we're past the tantrums phase." Cole sighed with relief. "She's five and very sensible for her age actually." He clarified. "So, you're a farmer then?" He mused over her answer. "What type?" Before he managed to get an answer, her question countered his and it was only fair he shared a fact about himself in return. "I'm a firefighter. Recently joined the department. I think a guy retired last year ro something."

[hattie-mayonnaise]

She laughed a little at his admission “that’s fair, I’m also not the best cook, but I’m a pretty good baker.” Her brows lifted, impressed. “Oh wow, lucky you.” She said “I think I threw tantrums for a while…. If you were to ask my sister she’d say I still throw them.” She chuckled, shaking her head. The woman hummed softly trying to figure out how to answer his question. "Kinda.. well. I moved here like 3ish months ago and its been too cold to really do any actual farming but I'm planning on getting everything running this spring" she said with a smile. "Oh wow firefighter, that sounds scary" she stated, her eyes widening, "Well congratulations on the job" she smiled.

[colexreyes]

"She loved it." Cole chuckled softly. "She begs me to get it for her since, but stores don't seem to offer that combo." He hadn't got time to seach for it, but she didn't need to know that. Cole was never fond of lies but since becoming a parent, he'd learnt that white ones were okay. However, he tried not to make a habit out of them. "So," he rubbed the back of his neck, unsure of how to spark a small talk, feeling like silence would feel too awkward. Maybe offensive even, despite the way she'd dismissed his previous lack of desire to acknowledge her words. "Is this yours?" He wasn't sure whether he meant the booth or the products, or both. "I'm Cole, by the way, in case I've missed to introduce myself before." He most certainly had, it was rare for him to make friends with strangers.

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Hattie grinned softly as he spoke, "Is it something you could make her?" she asked thinking about it for a moment. "Could save you money and a tantrum" she chuckled, moving onto the next item on the list. Her brows lifted slightly, glancing over at him as he asked her a question. "The store?" she asked to clarify. "No, no" she exhaled a breathy laugh and shook her head. "I just work here." She paused for a second. "Hoping I'll get to sell some of my own produce's here one day though" she said, her tone hopeful. "It's nice to meet you Cole" she gave him a warm smile. "I'm Hattie Walker." She glanced back at the man. "So what is it you do?" she asked curiously.

[adriansinclair]

Adrian listened the way he always did when something mattered, quiet, attentive, letting her finish without trying to jump ahead. When she talked about staying busy to avoid the ache of old endings, something familiar tugged at him. Different lives, same instinct. Work until the noise dulls. He nodded once, slow. "I don't think it's a bad thing," he said honestly. "As long as you don't pretend the feelings aren't there at all, sounds like you just… chose something that keeps you moving instead of stuck."

The way she said it is gonna happen about the farm made him smile. "You've already decided," he said, amused. "That's usually the hardest part." He could picture it easily now—her out there, boots in the dirt, doing things at her own pace. It felt right in a way that didn't need explaining. When she brought up the rescue horse, Adrian slowed again, this time because his brain was already running ahead. Measuring lumber, thinking about posts and shade angles without meaning to. He liked that she trusted him enough to ask, liked it more than he probably should've. "A shade spot and a chicken coop?" he repeated, nodding like he was mentally signing off on a project. "That's… not too much at all. I'd actually like to help with that." He met her eyes. "Rescue horses deserve the good setups, and I'm decent with a hammer. Still mildly bossy, though. That part stands."

Her last question caught him off guard. He exhaled, a laugh escaping before he could stop it. Fascinating, yeah right. "Honestly?" he said, gaze drifting to the path ahead before coming back to her. "It’s quieter lately. Lucerna's steady, I'm trying not to overbook myself just to feel useful." A pause. "I'm learning how to sit still a little better, doesn't come naturally." He glanced at her again, expression easy but open. "Walking with you right now?" he added. "This is new, and good." His shoulder brushed hers again, unintentional but not unwelcome. "Guess that counts as something."

[hattie-mayonnaise]

"I have." she answered matter of factly, "I've been thinkin' about it since I got here, just hard to dive into something so big when you ain't got your feet on the ground yet- ya know." she glanced over at him again for a moment. "But- I'm taking it slow, one thing at a time, and by the time Spring rolls around- Things should hopefully be takin' shape." Her lips pulled into a wide grin, almost bouncing excitedly in her steps as he admitted to wanting to help her with the renovations. "Really?!" she asked. Hattie smirked softly as he mentioned being bossy again and she shrugged one shoulder lazily. "I can handle bossy" she said with a nod. "I doubt you're any worse than my sister" she teased.

She listened as he spoke, a small smile tugged the corners of her lips as he admitted to things being quieter, a few weeks ago, he was in her kitchen talking about how loud everything was. It was nice to see things had started to slow down for him. She nodded a little, acknowledging him. "Well, that sounds wonderful" she replied. "I think slowing down is good, you don't get to enjoy things when you's always rushin' around." She exhaled a scoffed laugh, causing a plume of fog to exit her mouth, as he said walking with her was good. Shoving her hands back into her pockets, her shoulder bumped into his and she could feel the heat in her cheeks. "I think it counts" she said with a nod that felt a little too quick. "I quite enjoy walking over running" she said, "and the company ain't too bad neither."

[marlowereyes]

Marlowe smiled. "That's honestly a solid read on yourself," she said. "Most of the things we build up in our heads shrink the second we actually step into them." She lifted her mug again, clinking it lightly against Hattie's in a quiet, unofficial cheers. "And yes, exactly like running," she added, laughing. "A perfect example of a 'thanks but no thanks' adventure."

At Hattie's comment about being a coward, Marlowe shook her head, amused but gentle. "I don't think that makes you a coward," she said. "I think it means your instincts are very good at keeping you safe. Maybe they just don't need to be on high alert all the time." A small smile followed. "You can always turn them back up if you need to." She settled back in her chair, relaxed. "What's a low stakes 'yes' you're considering? Something that nudges the fence without launching you over it."

[hattie-mayonnaise]

"Suppose so." she replied, taking a moment to think about it. A lot of the things she was afraid of ended up not being so bad, just like moving here and not tagging along with Honey after leaving Georgia. She'd spent a good few weeks in solitary confinement due to her anxiety but now, just a few months later, it already felt like home. "Although I will say, as much as I hate running, I do enjoy walking the trails. Its so peaceful out there" she smiled, "Have you ever been?" she asked curiously, another sip of hot cocoa.

The girl exhaled a chuckled breath and shrugged softly as Marlowe denied Hattie's claims to being a coward. "You're right" she said, hearing the option to adjust the bar as it needed to be. "I kinda wish I was more like my sister though, she's brave as hell." she laughed over her cup.

[colexreyes]

Becoming a single parent in a new town, especially with his working schedule and long shifts, was harder than Cole expected — there was only so much that he could predict with little things like grocery shopping and planning out meals coming up once he'd already made the big step. "Yeah, yeah," he replied, his mind wandering elsewhere while thinking the woman was simply asking if had any preference, which he didn't. Back home, despite that he'd moved out since he had turned 18, his mother still did most of the shopping and generally helping around the house. That was just how she'd been raised — that a woman's main priority was taking care of the children and the house. Though, Cole didn't entirely agree with it, it was the environment he'd been raised in, too. It was also one of the many small rifts in his relationship. "Sorry, I'm usually not this rude." Realisation of what her true intentions were settled in a little later. "I've had a long night and the last thing I want to do right now is do grocery shopping, but if I leave it for tomorrow it'll mean my daughter and I would have to live off of take out one more night and we've already done it twice this week." He'd accepted that it'll happen, but he still preferred to save it for special occasions. "Hey, haven't we met before? At the beach? I believe you were the one to suggest Bells that strawberry and melon combo she ended up loving."

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Hattie's lips pressed together into a thin line as he dismissed her small talk, it was fine. Not everyone wanted to chat, so she put the milk into the basket and moved on to the next thing on the list. When he spoke again, the blonde's eyes shifted towards him, giving him a soft shake of her head and waving it off "Oh its fine" she said, southern drawl sweet. She smiled softly at his confession and nodded a bit "That makes sense." she replied grabbing the next item and placing it into the basket. She couldn't say much for eating take out as she had gotten into the habit of picking up something most nights, she had enough on her plate so actual plates was something she could do without needing to worry about. Her gaze shifted to the man as he asked her if they'd met before, her brows furrowing gently, trying to remember. She hadn't been here long but she did remember that she'd stopped by the beach at some point within the last 3 months. "Oh!" she said as if realization hit her, "Yeah. That was me." she replied nodding. "That was me. I'm glad she liked it" she said with a soft laugh.