Isa Martin

[isamartin]

Name: Isa Valencia Martin Birthday: August 31, 1991 Hometown: Bronx, NY Pronouns: She/Her Orientation: Bisexual, Demiromantic Occupation: Temp Assistant Neighborhood: Kingston Length of Residence: 2 weeks Traits: (+) Sociable & Independent; (-) Defensive & Stubborn

Having grown up the child of a negligent parent, Isa learned very soon how to do things on her own. Her mother was always too busy living the life she felt she deserved and would otherwise be missing out on had she never gotten pregnant so young in the first place. As Isa got older, she would notice on her solo subway trips to and from school the interactions between children and their parents and never understood why that had been something lacking in her life. These observations would cause the girl to question the relationship she and her mother had, and when unsatisfactory answers were given, Isa would push her mother more for answers that made sense, but that only led to arguments. Over the years, Isa’s observations led to more complex questions that only led to pain and regret in the end. However, despite all the tensions that arose between Isa and her mother, she loved her nonetheless. She was after all the only family she had. However, one night when her mother came home on a bender, the two had the worst fight of their lives, and in the end Isa finally decided to give up on trying to make things work with her mother and moved out. Having the feeling of responsibility for her mother’s well-being at last falling off her shoulders gave her the ability to breathe an air of relaxation for the first time, and with this new found freedom, Isa is more than ready to figure out what she’s meant for. She still has no idea what that might be, but she’s completely ready to see where life will take her.

Her father is pretty much non-existent due to the fact that her mom slept around a lot (still does actually) and can’t remember who he might’ve been  

Hasn’t spoken to her mother since she left home, and changes her phone number every couple of years to make sure she can never get a hold of her.

Since Isa’s not sure what she’d like to do with her life, she figured using a temp agency to find her jobs was the best way she can explore many different work environments and industries.

No matter what the temperature, having a cup of dark hot chocolate sprinkled with pumpkin spice just about always puts her a bit more at ease.

Takes a long time to let people in, but once you’re in? She’d take a bullet for you.

Flirts more than she knows she should, but she does try her best to control herself if she knows someone’s in a committed relationship. However, if she’s been drinking? Well, sorry in advance?

[isamartin]

coltwinslow​:

Colt had an iron stomach. He was needing something quick - which generally meant that it some level of taco that wasn’t quite a taco. The restaurant was disguised as something akin Latin, but the thing was that it was actually El Salvadoran that tended to throw things off. Not bad, but they were trying to hit all the bases and it wasn’t really their native specialty. Colt knew what to get. Pupusas. Something that was relatively fast and easy. His eyes jerked to the woman. She was new. Everyone in this town basically knew each other or knew of each other. “Ah, Carlos is working today,” Colt said with a small, knowing smile. The youngest son - barely 18 - had yet to master the craft of cooking. “His father, Alberto is way better. The pupusas is always a safe zone. It’s their family tradition,” Colt said with a nod. “What’d you get?”

— 

Confusion took over the brunette’s features as her eyes rested on the man. A calm, reasoning response was not one she would have anticipated. However, to be fair, whenever Isa’s hunger was involved she wasn’t quite her usual self. In fact, had the two met under different circumstances, she would have wasted no time attempting to flirt her way towards an impromptu date, but alas hunger trumped everything when it came to the petite woman. “Burritos and empanads,” she replied.

She hardly took any time at all to consider his suggestion. Isa had never been a picky eater, but  considering her current experience with the restaurant’s cuisine, she couldn’t be certain of whether or not she truly did pick the wrong day to try the place or if the man was just simply too accustomed to terribly-tasting food. With skepticism in her voice she questioned him. “How do I know I can believe you?”

[isamartin]

thomas-kovac​:

Thomas smiled wide when the woman came closer to him and Sophia and he nodded. “Well I would love to take credit for some of the looks that she got, but her mother is also pretty.” He explained and then he felt like he didn’t need to say that and that she could have taken that the wrong way. “Well, we aren’t together or anything. she actually. Well, it’s a long story.” He said as he shook his head and he laughed at himself some before he extended a hand out to her. “Okay, let’s start over and whatnot. Thank you for your wonderful compliment. You look gorgeous yourself.” He complimented her as he waited for her to take his hand. “I promise I don’t always make a fool of myself like this, maybe it’s the child. She tends to make me act like an idiot.”

— 

Her eyebrow kinked and a smile began to creep across her lips as the man freely chose to share information that Isa would’ve cleverly tried to coax out of him over the time of their chance encounter. Either he was a very friendly person or this baby mama stuff was recent? However, she wasn’t too concerned with the latter since he decided to keep speaking with her. A small laugh parted her lips even further upon hearing the man’s reattempt at conversing. Extending her hand as well, she took another look at the small child and she admitted, “ Can’t say I really know what that’s like.” Shifting her gaze to meet his, she added, “But you could always tell me more about it over dinner sometime.”

[isamartin]

Thialarakczen​:

     There wasn’t much about Alara that fresh when she came from the ranch. Truthfully she smelled like aged hay and sweat, a full day of working followed by a couple of hours up there, teaching the kids stable manners. It would all be worth it though, one day. She took a trip downtown before heading to her apartment, heading to the restaurant to grab an enchilada for an easy dinner. There were few places in Heartsdale she could eat and with the bakery all but closed, this was pretty much her only option.

She was stood outside when another customer returned to the street, offering some advice that she would unfortunately not be able to take. Holding up her bag, Alara smiled and let it sink into a frown at the warning. “Already took the plunge—” The woman chuckled, looking down at the other’s disappointing purchase. “What did you get?” She asked, “This is one of the only places I can eat in town. It’s usually pretty decent.”

— 

Brown hues shifted to the item in the woman’s eye. “Oh, no,” Isa began to shake her head. In any normal situation, Isa was pretty good at keeping up with conversations and making sure to answer any questions asked of her, however, in moments when she was in a state of hunger, her focus was harder to maintain. Thus, the only words she could mange to respond with were, “There’s no way I can let you eat that.” Isa genuinely didn’t want another person to have to experience the ill received food she had. “You have to let me buy you food somewhere else,” she insisted.

[isamartin]

halimeadem​:

     Between meetings with clients, Halime sat herself at a sidewalk table with some mango lassi and a four-piece falafel in hopes that it would tide her over until she could get home and cook up some dinner. She’d missed lunch, going from her late morning inspection to showing property and the headache that was coming on had prompted a stop to put a little something in her stomach. Both items had been picked up at the halal cafe yet instead of sitting inside the brunette had gone for a walk. The hope was that it would clear her head some. Walking usually did that for Hali. And it wasn’t as though she were deeply troubled with anything at the moment, just too many clients and the need to strategically think out the best way to present the offer her buyers wanted to make to the sellers. They were coming in under list yet all cash and offering a quick close. Which, would be attractive to most sellers. The Addendales had been adamant when it came to their bottom line though, so… it was going to take some careful and sensitive wording on her part when she met with them later.

     As she was chewing her second falafel, Hali witnessed a young woman taking a bite of something from a bag then becoming immediately disgusted and tossing it into the nearest trash. Curious, her green eyes tried in vain to read a name from the bag. thinking of a place she’d likely want to avoid in the future. Though, the brunette had been fairly certain she’d tried every restaurant in Heartsdale. Thankfully the brunette spoke up to her without Halime having to question the stranger. Still, despite the warning, she decided to probe a little bit. “What did you get?” In attempt to clear her throat, she drank a sip of her lassi and offered the seat across from her. “I don’t think I’ve been in that place in ages,” she quickly tacked on, peering over at the establishment that was getting a bad review. 

     “Do you like falafel? I’ve got two more in here,” Halime pushed the bag a little toward the center of the table, “and i think there’s some dipping sauce if you like in there too. Otherwise, I could probably recommend some places to go if you let me know what you like or are in the mood for?”

— 

Napkins from the brown paper bag that once held Isa’s dinner worked their way across the top layer of the brunette’s tongue as she attempted to scrub away the awful taste her taste buds unexpectedly endured. “Empandas and burritos,” she replied between brushes. Isa’s movements stopped however upon hearing the woman’s offer. Napkin still in hand, she took a moment to take a good look at the kind stranger, trying to gauge how serious she might’ve been. After all, random acts of kindness back where she grew up typically came with some sort of ulterior motive, and getting used to the stereotypical 'southern kindness' idea was something that would take a long time for the girl to get used to. “Yeah, I like falafels,” she shared with a hint of hesitation in her voice, but feeling the rumbling in her stomach solidified her decision. “No, that’s fine. I mean, if you really don’t mind...,” she added as she walked towards the table.

[isamartin]

julia-simon​:

Julia locked her car as she walked towards the restaurant. Her phone buzzing in her pocket as her daughter sent through her order. They had been talking about coming to this place for a while and decided that since no one felt like cooking tonight would be the night to try it out. Julia had the easier side of teaching when it came to mid terms, there were no papers to grade just projects to organize and a classroom to prepare for the holiday crafts she planned on making with the kids. She pulled out her phone and went to yelp to check out the menu and reviews. The sound of someone talking to her pulled her attention and with the bad news she shook her head.

“Oh come on, really?” Julia sighed as she looked down at the yelp reviews she had out on her phone. Of course they were mixed but she liked giving places the benefit of the doubt. “Sorry, that wasn’t directed at you in the slightest. There just aren’t many good Latin restaurants in this area so I was hoping this one would make it. So far, Atlanta has had the better spots- but maybe I’m just not looking correctly.” Julia slipped her phone back into her pocket and looked over at the woman. “Thanks.” She said, turning to walk back to her car. “Actually-”Julia took a few steps towards her. “If not this place, would you happen to have any other recommendations?” She asked with a tilt of her head. 

—

Successfully convincing someone to steer clear of the place she just wasted money was something Isa immediately felt help over. However, the woman’s follow up question was not one she anticipated. "Uh...well, honestly? I’ve only been here like a couple weeks now. So, unless you’re in the mood for coffee and donuts, I’m probably not the one you wanna ask that,” she regrettably admitted. “Sorry,” she added with a grimace.

[isamartin]

thomas-kovac​:

closed starter for: @isamartin​

Thomas had Sophia out at the park and he was really trying to get her to stand more so that she was getting used to being on her feet. He was sitting on the bench watching his daughter with his sunglasses on since it was a particularly sunny day in Georgia today. He was minding his own business and scrolling through his phone while constantly keeping an eye on Sophia. He did lose track for a second though and the next thing he knew, she was running up to him with a dandelion in her hand and he smiled wide, “Thank you so much, cupcake.” He said to her as he took the dandelion from her and together they blew it out into the air. He looked out of the corner of his eye when they were done and he noticed someone watching in awe. He then laughed a bit and smiled at her. “I know it seems corny but she absolutely loves it.”

— 

Isa knew she should probably be spending her days off roaming around her own neighborhood to become more familiar with it, but the vibe of Downtown just felt more comfortable to her. If it weren’t for the fact she was trying to figure out where her career path lied, she probably would’ve chosen to live Downtown to begin with. However, settling for exploring places, like the park, on a beautiful, sunny day was nothing she had any complaints about.

She walked along the park’s path, no destination in mind, when she noticed a toddler picking plants from the ground all by herself. Isa couldn’t quite remember the last she felt that happy and pleased in life. Her eyes lingered on the small child as her pace slowed and a small smile unconsciously formed on her lips. It wasn’t until she heard the man’s words that she’d realized she was watching longer than she meant to.

“Sorry —” she quickly began to apologize. When her brown hues relocated their gaze to the direction of the male’s voice, the sight of him instantly made her feelings of regret fall away. “She’s really cute,” she stated while taking a step closer. “But it’s not hard at all to see where she gets it from.”

[isamartin]

Setting: Somewhere downtown, on a weekday, after-work hours (5pm+)

—

The grumbling monster, aka Isa’s empty stomach, was especially raging today. To say the day at her current temp job was hectic was merely an understatement. From the moment she walked in that morning, it was nothing but chaos. The company’s systems were down and they had a crucial deadline to make. Thus, the poor brunette spent the day practically running all over the office, attempting to help whoever she could in whatever way she was able to. It wasn’t until her supervisor told her to head home that she finally took note of the time.

Missing the food of the Latin restaurants back home in New York, Isa remembered passing by one the other day that had the same wonderful smells wafting through it, and aesthetics of places on her old block. Nostalgia guided her legs to the new-familiar place. The setup was exactly like the ones in her hometown, so she took no time ordering a meal for herself, and a few empanadas for her commute back to Kingston.

Outside the store, her hand quickly found its way into the bag of food and pulled out one of the savory pastries. However, the bite she’d taken was one of instant regret. “Oh my god—” were the words to immediately escape her lips before the food within her mouth followed. “What the fuck...” she grimaced. Maybe it was a mistake? Surely the rest of what she’d bought must be edible, right? Wrong. Her quick inspection of the bag’s remaining contents was led to nothing but major disappointment, and with an aggravated sigh, she walked over to the nearest garbage can and tossed the sum of $15 away. “God damn it,” she muttered under her breath. What she should do next was a plan she would have to come up with later, for the sight of an unknowing patron of the terrible restaurant pulled her attention.

“I’d avoid that place if I were you,” she warned the the stranger. Whether or not they had been planning to go into the establishment was of no concern to the brunette. She was so disgusted by the place’s audacity to call itself an eatery that she felt obligated to save the next poor bastard from making the same god-awful mistake she just had.

@heartsdalestarters​

[isamartin]

gabbysantos​:

open starter @heartsdalestarters​​

mornings as good as this one deserve an early rise. after enjoying a productive start of the day by going on a run for about an hour, gabby went back home only to get ready as quickly as she could before heading out to walk to her work place. her watch tells her she still has an hour left ( her only meeting in the morning wasn’t until later ) and so, without giving it much thought, gabby heads to legal coffee grounds. after getting her latte and a nice giant cookie to go with it, she leans back on her outside seat, ready to just… enjoy the morning, even if it’s a tad cold. of course, not everyone’s going to go along with that plan of hers. not too far away from where she sits is a couple fighting for the whole street to hear. lovers quarrel? business disagreement? family matters? gabriela didn’t know but she’s loving the show. “guess that’s one way of keeping everyone’s morning interesting,” she comments to any interested ears, “what do you think happened between those two?” her question comes laced with interest but her eyes don’t move from the scene as she takes a piece of the cookie.

—

"Oh! You have to try the Legal Coffee Grounds a few blocks away. They have THE BEST coffee you’ve had in your life! — And if I’m wrong? I’ll promise I’ll treat you to whatever coffee spot you want to make up for it,” Isa recalled her co-worker’s words as she waited in line to place her order for a regular coffee with cream and sugar. While she knew most people would judge her choice of simplicity, her thought process was she had to first find out if they could manage a basic cup of joe before being more adventurous with her caffeine spending.

Moving out of the line and to the waiting area, Isa’s attention was immediately grabbed by the shouting match going on just steps away from the door of the coffee place. Having grown up in New York, one might assume Isa had the keen ability of tuning out loud noises, which was true. However, considering her knowledge of small towns being more of a slow-paced, quiet lifestyle thanks to movies, the sudden burst of activity caught her off guard, and honestly a little thankful to feel like things in this town might not be so dull after all. She could only barely hear her name be called for her order as her eyes watched the strangers arguing.

“Thanks,” she distractedly mumbled to the barista as she grabbed her cup and slowly walked closer to the entrance, only being minorly conscious of her proximity to people moving in the cafe.

“Your guess is as good as mine,” she found herself responding to a woman whose table she happened to have stopped right next to. “But at that decibel, I’d imagine he’d fucked up bad.”

[isamartin]

mcdfoley​:

open @heartsdalestarters / at sonny’s laundrymat

it was beyond time to get a new washing machine, madison mused to herself silently as she put yet another load into one of the oversized machines at the laundrymat. this was becoming a habit - spending what little free time she had in the quiet, the only real company the sound of humming machines turning around people’s clothing. she should be making her sister take responsibility of it - but somehow, she didn’t trust the teenager to actually keep an eye on their belongings. 

“that machine is broken,” she said aloud to the person she saw going up to the one she’d tried when she first arrived over an hour ago. “i don’t know if the attendant knows yet, but it ate all my quarters and never turned on.” she offered them a small smile, “you’re better off using one of the bigger ones anyways. does anyone really separate their whites and colors anymore?” 

—

A weeknight with nothing to do? Isa had never known such a life. Having lived in NYC her whole existence — and with her mother — experiencing a quiet night all to herself was such a foreign concept. While she could easily chat up a stranger anywhere she went and steer her way to a night of events, she decided her (very) new life in Heartsdale could be her attempt at finding out firsthand what a life sans constant chaos could be like. Having no assignments setup for the rest of the week, she decided to spend her Thursday night at the laundromat she’d passed downtown earlier in the week. After all, the fact that the place looked a lot better maintained than the ones near her place in Kingston had to be a more promising result.

She scanned the room for the nearest empty machine, but just as she approached it and began to reach her arm out to open its door, a woman’s voice warned her otherwise. “Oh, shit. Good lookin’ out, “ she replied with a thankful smile to the brunette. Taking a moment to find another machine, she added with a laugh, “Nah, I don’t even have enough whites for that. I’ve always just put all my things together in one machine and hoped for the best — and it hasn’t gone wrong yet.”