EVERY LITTLE BIT GOES A LITTLE OF A LONG WAY

I'm Jamie O'Brien, twenty year old art student at Ashton State University. Emmanuel Parker was my roommate, and I'm not giving up until we find him and the others.

[jamiejpaints]

sarah-houston​:

The door of the busy bar opened and a dark-haired girl was pushed onto the street by a pair of bouncers. “Hey, fuck you!” Sarah shouted, trying to make her way back over to continue fighting them. By the time she stumbled over, however, the doors were closed and Sarah was left alone in the street to kick the wall and scream. She saw someone in her peripheral vision and turned her head, throwing them a look. “Hey, what the fuck do you think you’re looking at?” She spat out. She was drunk, angry, and was riled up enough to fight whoever she needed to. 

@ashtontnhqstarter​

Jamie looked up, started at the commotion and froze with a donut still half-way to his mouth. “Um, I was just walking home from getting a late-night snack and I heard yelling so I just … looked over to see what happened?” he offered carefully. “Is everything alright?” he questioned, wondering what had gotten the woman so angry.

[jamiejpaints]

michael-e-wills​:

“That makes sense! You study art? That’s interesting. Sometimes I wish I was more creative.” Mike admitted as he nodded his head. “There’s no rush. Take your time. Your grades are important and one year goes by fast.” He tried to reassure him. “A new job and some family matters.”

“Everybody’s good at different things.” Jamie said with a small shrug. “Yeah, I’ve seen the faces of the people that tried to rush it and took five or six studios at once. I prefer not being a zombie, thank you very much.” he said with a laugh, “Studio’s are all doubles, three hours a class but still twice a week, and most of the professor assign like, ridiculous amounts of homework. “ he explained. “Well, we had some drama here before, but that seems like it’s over now, and other then that, it’s a pretty good little town.”

[jamiejpaints]

magnoliaquinn-m​:

“Oh, don’t worry. I said something. I threatened to break his arm,” she looked over at the man, shrugging. “He tried to grab me, so I twisted his arm and scared him. He stopped after that.” It was one of those moments where she was thankful for knowing how to protecting herself. “It’s the face they make too as they say it.”

Jamie grinned, proud of the woman, “That’s awesome! I’m sorry I missed that. I mean, I hate that it happened, but it’s really cool that you scared him off. I don’t personally think I’m all that scary myself, to be honest.” he said. “They’re dumb, cause as far as I can tell nobody ever likes it, so it can’t have ever worked in their favor.”

[jamiejpaints]

chiara--russo​:

“Oh what? This? No, it’s nothing, it’s hardly anything to really be considered art” She shook her head, quickly placing her hand over the sketch she’d been working on. “Especially in comparison to what you probably see…being an artist and all” She waved her other hand. “It’s just doodles”

“I think it’s art! It’s pretty good!” Jamie said with a smile, “And since in the philosophical 'what is art’ discussion in one of my classes last semester came to the conclusion that ‘art is whatever someone says is art’ … it’s art now.” he teased lightly.

[jamiejpaints]

chiara--russo​:

Chiara had always been fond of art, and good at it too, but not many people knew that about her. Even her own family didn’t know the extent of her abilities–mainly because she kept any sketchbooks to herself, feeling that most of the art was too personal, like a journal entry. But as she sat at the cafe, waiting for a date that she had accepted wasn’t going to show, she began doodling on napkins–mostly just quick sketches of the people around her. She only looked up as suddenly her light was blocked, her hand coming down quickly to cover the sketch. “Sorry, did you say something? Or were you just coming over her to act as a personal sunblock?” @ashtontnhqstarter​

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Jamie said, slightly embarrassed. “Sorry. I’m an artist too, I saw you drawing and I was just curious.” he tried to explain. “Art school brain, I guess. I’m used to everybody checking on each other’s work.” he said with a small shrug. Nothing was ever private on campus, everybody snooped on what the others were doing to give opinions and occasionally suggestions, or just encouragement - mostly depending on the time of day and when the project was due. 

[jamiejpaints]

magnoliaquinn-m​:

“I know it’s probably illegal, but if I get cat called one more time, I will make sure they regret it,” the redhead sighed as she looked over at the person beside her as they waited for coffee. “I probably sound crazy, but it’s just getting really frustrating. I don’t understand how anyone thinks it’s attractive to make crude comments to women.” @ashtontnhqstarter​

Jamie looked up at the words. He’d been lost in a game on his phone while he waited and was suddenly concerned he had missed something. “Who was doing that? Do you want me to say something?” he asked, looking around the room. “They’re idiots, as best I can figure. It’s pretty obvious nobody ever likes that.”

[jamiejpaints]

michael-e-wills​:

Mike chuckled at the other’s words, nodding his head gently. “I feel you on that. I’m not very picky when it comes to food either, which is probably why I’m having a hard time to pick right now.” He admitted, before he decided to just order a burger and fries. “I just arrived actually. How about you?”

“I’ve been here a few years now, I came for college and I’m a senior, kind of. There’s too many credits in the art program for me to graduate in the fall, so I’ve got another whole year.” he explained with a small shrug. “What brings you to town?” he asked, knowing it seemed like a lot of people came because of the schools.

[jamiejpaints]

violetelise-d​:

Violet couldn’t deny that when people mention spending time with family, she got a little jealous. She cut her parents off years ago and there’s times she questioned if it was the right decision. “Really? I don’t think many people actually say they miss it here. But I was born and raised, so maybe I just don’t like the town because I literally grew up here. At least everything is almost back to normal to where we can actually enjoy things now.”

“I mean, I really do enjoy my program at the school, and my friends are here. My best friend is back here now, even.” he said with a grin. “So, you know, I missed that. Even if it was nice to have a bit of a break from how demanding some of the art professors can be. You only have so much free time when your drawing teacher expects a fully completed 18x24 drawing for every day of the week and pretends you don’t have four other classes.” 

[jamiejpaints]

michael-e-wills​:

Mike didn’t really have any expectations of this town. He wasn’t sure what to think of all the things he’d heard about it and just wanted to make sure his brother was alright. Once he’d at least gotten some basic shopping done, he decided to take a look around. The sooner he got to know his new temporary home, the better. A small restaurant caught his sight and he figured he might as get some lunch. He took a seat at one of the empty tables, scanning the menu before he turned a little to the side, smiling at the person at the table next to him. “Is there anything you’d recommend? It’s really hard to decide. The options all look great.”

@ashtontnhqstarter​

Jamie sat in the restaurant slowly eating off plate of cheese fries as he looked through his textbook requirements for the upcoming semester. He looked up when he heard someone talking and smiled, “Honestly, everything I’ve tried is good, but I’m not that picky so I’m not sure if that helps much.” he said with a small shrug. “Are you new in town? I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.”

[jamiejpaints]

violetelise-d​:

Staying home and just staying on her own for New Year’s was much more relaxing for Violet than going out to a party. It wasn’t that she was antisocial by any means, but shew felt herself writing and not realizing how much time she spent doing so. Still on a high muse kick, the Latina decided to goto the park on a bit of a warmer day in winter, liking the idea of being around nature as she wrote in her little notebook. Seeing someone she thought she knew, she couldn’t help but smile as she tore a piece of paper and throwing it at him after crumpling it up. “It’s nice to see you today.” @ashtontnhqstarter​

Jamie smiled over at the woman as he looked up from his sketching. “It’s good to see you too!” he said, “I only just got back in town, I was back with my family for the holidays. It’s kind of weird but with all the craziness over I actually did miss this place.” he told her. He was still amazed at the weight that was off his shoulders since Emmanuel had been found and it was so nice to actually just get to relax and enjoy life again without the constant fear and worry in the back of his mind.

[jamiejpaints]

olivenotoyl​:

The Christmas Market was unavoidable for Olive, with it being set up so conveniently on her way to and from work she had to pass by it nearly every evening on her way in or out. Usually keeping her head down and walking quickly she made a point not to linger too much–holidays were always a sore spot for her; a reminder of what she had missed out on growing up when she saw all the happy families walking together.

For whatever reason though, tonight she decided to wander through the market a little, grabbing herself a cider as she passed through after work, a melancholy smile on her lips as she looked around. “Hm?” She looked to the source of the voice, nodding slowly in response. “Yeah…it’s something” She murmured softly, lifting her drink to her lips

“I think it’s just because there’s so much to celebrate this year.” Jamie said with a smile, “I mean, losing Xavier was awful. I don’t mean to minimize that. But for seven of the eight people who’ve been missing to actually come back alive? I know that’s way more then most of the town expected.” he said as he sipped at the hot chocolate in his own hands. 

“I just like seeing people happy again. This last year and a half were so stressful. It’s really nice to just … finally breathe and enjoy the little things again.” Jamie said, he loved capturing little moments or things in his artwork in the hopes of letting other people recognize the beauty that was all around them.

[jamiejpaints]

theanthonywilliams​:

“I am getting that feeling too.” Anthony replied, glad that things are going well. With the kids being found Anthony was feeling a lot better about his sister being here in Ashton.  He’d also been offered a job that made staying in Ashton seem like a good idea to him. “It’s actually starting to seem like Christmas time around here.”

“I’m hoping to find some handmade ordainments or something to send to my mother, but I keep getting distracted by the beauty of everything else.” Anthony replied. “I can definitely understand why you would want to paint this place.”

“I know! Honestly this whole last year was practically a blur. I mean, there were some good points … mostly Cameron. But other then that my whole life was just … school and trying to figure out what happened to Emmanuel. Now that he’s home and getting help and it’s all over it’s just … like this weight is off my shoulders and I didn’t even realize how heavy it had been.” he admitted.

“Oh, I’ve seen a lot of really cool ornaments! I should probably do the same thing, find something for my mom. I’m sure she would like it too. Half the time I’m so broke I just send her a painting, but I have a little extra money this year.” he said with a small laugh.

[jamiejpaints]

theaaronburke​:

“Yeah, it does seem like there is a lot to celebrate this year.” Aaron replied with a smile. The entire atmosphere has shifted since the students had been found. It was great to see how people seemed to be a lot less stressed now, especially with the holidays coming. “It is a pretty market, I’ll give them that. We never did anything like this back home. At least not that I am aware of.”

“There really is!” Jamie said, just having Emmanuel back was more then he could have ever asked for. Everything else was just the cherry on top at this point. “See, my hometown did Christmas lights pretty well, and the windows in the stores downtown were always done up, but we didn’t do a market like this either. It’s really cool!”

[jamiejpaints]

aubrey-m-pierce​:

“Are you sure?” Jamie asked, worried for his friend. “I still think we should call 911, they should know what happened. Whoever hurt you shouldn’t get away with it!” he told her, angry already about what had happened. “Plus, I’m not the greatest at first aid, honestly.” he admitted.

[jamiejpaints]

itsveritysinclair​:

 Verity was back at the Christmas market, seeing her and a group of friends had agreed to try out the snowball pitch together as a well deserved break from all the studies they had to do, but they had ultimately bailed on her. She was sipping off an eggnog as she head a voice speak, looking over at him with a soft smile, “Yeah, I guess that is true..” She said before looking around a little at his following words, “I guess you are right.. Might be worth taking a picture off it though, unless you have one of those photographic memories and can like recreate this once you get home.” She suggested. 

“Oh, I’ve taken like a million pictures so far!” he said with a grin, “That way I can get the best bits of each one into the painting. I’ll have pictures pinned up all over the house, drive Aubrey crazy.” he said with a small laugh. “How have you been doing?”

[jamiejpaints]

Christmas Market: December 4th, evening

Jamie felt like the weight of the world had lifted off his shoulders in the last week. It was almost like he hadn’t remembered what it was like to live without the constant fear and questions weighing him down. His best friend was home, and while he knew they had a long road to go, just knowing that Emmanuel was safe recovering with his family and that Jamie could text, or call, or visit whenever he wanted was amazing. 

He walked through the Christmas market sipping on an apple cider and beaming as he looked around. “This is going to be the best Christmas ever, there’s so much to celebrate this year!” he said, already half planning a Christmas party in the back of his head. “I’m gonna paint this when I get home just, the snow, and the lights … everyone looking so happy and relaxed. It’s beautiful.” 

@ashtontnhqstarter​

[jamiejpaints]

rosemaryaleah-r​:

Now that Rosie was able to actually sleep and get to relax, the blonde decided it was finally time to go to a club and just let loose. It was the first time in over a year where she was able to be herself without worrying about what was going on at work. Granted, she will still be on the case until they are sentenced, but she was finally able to sleep a whole night in her bed and take the day off. As she got another whiskey, the blonde turned to the person beside her. “Wanna dance? I promise I’m fun. It’s one of my favorite songs so I need a dance partner.” @ashtontnhqstarter​

It was the first time in nearly a year and a half that Jamie had actually been able to relax. His best friend was home, they were all home … except for Xavier. But they had caught the people responsible and as disturbed as Jamie was to know that he was right that they were people most of the town knew, at least they were going to pay for what they had done, and Ashton felt safer again. All that he had left of school this semester was finals, and he had ended up at the club to take a study break. When he heard the question he looked over, “Um ... yeah, sure, I can dance, I guess.” he said with a small smile.