antisocial artist

Karna Joy Keenan || 38 || reclusive artist || Owner of your arts desire || Mother

[karnajoykeenan]

character name: Karna Joy Keenan age: 38. June 5th 1984 gender & pronouns: Cis woman, She/Her place of birth & time in Bridgeport: Native. Born and raised, though shes done her fair share of traveling District: Downton Bridgrport occupation: Owner of Your Arts Desire art supply shop faceclaim: Ashley Madekew

TWs: teen pregnancy, adoption, drug addiction, homlessness, abandonment, overdose

PAST

Karna wasn’t given a great start in life. Her mother was an addict who worked at the local strip club. She had no idea who Karna’s father was.Some guy she slept with to get a hit. For as long as Karna could remember she was on her own, raising herself. The other girls at the club watched her sometimes, and occasionally she’d get a proper meal and sleep in a warm clean bed when her mother was at odds with her grandmother. At age ten her mother would use Karna to run drugs. She got into selling to support her habit. It was a scary, dangerous life. They were in and out of drug houses  and homeless at times. She used to cry herself to sleep and wonder what she’d done to deserve a mother who didn’t care about her, only about her habit. She’d have to go out and find food, making money when she could for her art and stealing too. She got very good at stealing. Karna was a talented artist, she often wonders  if she got that talent from her father, whoever he was or someone on her mothers side. She has no real idea of her family history. That all went when her grandma died. 

At age fourteen she got involved with a boy at school. He was an artist like her from a decent family. She spent a lot of time with him that summer after freshman year. She was in love, and for the first time in her life things seemed to be going well for her. She was almost practically living with him. His family was nice, they bought her clothes, took her on vacation with them. She did her best to fit in, to act accordingly, but she never really did. It was a huge shock when she found herself pregnant at the start of her sophomore year. The boy wanted nothing to do with the baby or Karna anymore. His family gave her an envelope of cash and told her not to bother them again.  She was afraid and so alone. Her mother had gone off weeks before with some man and hadn’t come home. Not a huge shock. Her mother had run off and left her before. This time though, she didn’t come back. Eventually Karna had to dip into the money the baby’s father’s parents had given her to take care of herself. As much as she loved the baby inside of her, she knew she couldn’t keep her. She was barely fifteen. She was heart broken. Her mother was gone, she was homeless and had nothing. So, dropped out of school and went off in search of her mother. She was in Utah when she went into labor and gave birth to a gorgeous little girl whom she named Harper Ivy. A name was all she could really give her, and a necklace that had once belonged to her grandmother. She spent the night holding, kissing and telling her how much she loved her before she made her leave from the hospital in the middle of the night, leaving baby Harper with a note expressing how much she loved her, but that this was the only way she could give her a real chance in life

PRESENT

Karna never did get over losing her daughter. She drifted from town to town,eventually catching up with her mother. The two ended up back in Bridgeport where Karna finished school and helped care for her mom best she could. As much as she wanted to help her mother, but old habits die hard and she ended up overdosing when Karna was only nineteen. After that she threw herself into her art and worked hard to get the shop she has today. Art was her only constant in life, her safe space. She spends most of her time at her shop. She also paints the windows for business’ in town and occasionally the school. She’s reclusive and honestly doesn’t find much happiness  these days. She knows she needs to get out in the world, but that all feels too hard most of the time. She wonders about the child she lost and what things would be like today if she had the means to take care of her then. 

 HEAD CANNONS

Doesn’t trust anyone. keeps her heart closely gaurded

goes to public events to show people she is infact still alive then leaves after ten minutes

Likes vinella flavored moon pies

Has a tattoo on her wrist of little ivy leaves to honor the daughter she gave up

Has won several art competetions 

loves reality tv

Is a really good cook  

perfers the rain to sunshine 

[karnajoykeenan]

annistyngates​:

“Yeah, it gets a little chaotic when everyone is trying to do something but, I couldn’t imagine it any other way.” And it was true. Growing up, Anni was never sure she even wanted kids, much less three. And yet somehow whenever she’d met Rowan and saw just how amazing not only of a kid he was but just how great her wife was with him, she knew that it was the only thing she wanted in life, was to experience parenthood in the same manor her wife had gotten to do with Rowan all those years alone. “We do, we really do. I’m so thankful for her and I don’t know what I would do without her. She keeps me grounded, that’s for sure.” Anni had been a bit of a wild woman prior to meeting Sylvie and while sometimes she missed that stage of her life, she knew she wouldn’t give it up for anything in her. “That’s what I keep telling myself is that I’m a better person when I give myself even five minutes of a break.” she admitted. “I’m not so sure it’s the right choice sometimes, but, I know that at the end of the day if I can at least be a decent human being because of it than I did something right.” she shrugged. Taking a sip of her own drink as she looked at the other she nodded. “I can’t imagine the kind of strength, courage and selfless love it takes to do what you did for her.” Anni nodded. “I see it every day - mother’s who put their babies up for adoption - and I know just how they’re feeling. I’ve cried with many of them and just know that making that sacrifice to do something better for her will always be more than enough.” she smiled, offering the other a tiny smile. “Tell me about her? I’d love to hear how you guys rekindled your relationship.” she took another sip of the drink in front of her and offered her a tiny smile to continue. 

“I’d imagine you eventually get used to the chaos?” Just like anyone got used to their life routine. “Sometimes I wish I’d had that. Other times I don’t know how I could have managed. Maybe if I’d had someone in my life like you to guide me though.” Having a child at alone at sixteen with an absent mother addicted to drugs and men made things feel impossible for her. She spent the last several years trying to overcome it, but a part of her would always be damaged by the trauma she felt growing up. “That’s good that you balance each other out. I can see how much you love her, your face radiates when you talk about it.” It was nice, seeing others in love. She didn’t think she’d ever feel that for anyone other than Harper. Maybe time would surprise her though. “ I think you’re completely valid for needing some me time.  I can’t imagine life stops when you have kids. You still feel all the same emotions, with children on top of that. I think you taking a break to decompress before going home means you’ll have patience to see read them three stories and do both time. I know I’m the worst person to say this to you. I didn’t even raise my daughter.” She hated herself for it, but in the end, it was what was best for Harper.  It wasn’t like her to cry either, but when Anni spoke about her, being courageous and brave a little to your slipped out. “I’m sorry. No one’s ever said that to me before. I’m not used to.. compliments I guess. I left her at hospital.. I just walked out, no note. Nothing, I was young and afraid. A hospital seemed safe. ” More like kindness. She’d had none growing up. “ Oh goodness, I don’t know if you wanna open that can of worms. We might be here all night .” She laughed, the idea of talking about Harper openly was so wonderful though. “She is a spitfire. Gets that from me. Her good nature and kind heart, though, that’s all credit to the people that raised her.  She could have had better adoptive parents. That makes the choice a little easier, but it still hurts. I wish I’d been able to be there, to see her growing up she’s so talented. She paints. You’ve probably seen her work up around town. She does a lot of the Murals.  She is without a doubt my greatest accomplishment in this life.”

[karnajoykeenan]

theharperphillips​:

“They really are.” Harper replied as she knew that it took a special type of person to bring someone else’s child into your home. It was something her parents had done three times, and made each of those children into a family. “I have a dog back home, but I don’t have any pets here.” She replied as her parents had always had dogs while she was growing up. Harper had loved having furry companions. “I am sure there are pictures somewhere so I will have to find them.” Harper replied as her parents were the type of people to take  pictures of just about everything. Which might have been annoying when it was happening, but was something she was thankful for now. “I think it was more of a phase than anything.”

“What’s you’ve dogs name? I’ve thought about getting a studio cat. Maybe you can help me choose one?” A dog seemed like a little too much maintenance for Karna, not that she didn’t love the animals . She just didn’t want to own one. “You seen like a great judge of character.”  A lot of that must’ve come from her adoptive parents. Sometimes, Karna would try to find the similarities between her and Harper.  Not just the physical. they both like dart, and seemed quite passive, but most she had to tribute to her other parents. The ones who raised her to ge such a brilliant young woman. Hopefully, though, she could pass on some of her treats, now that they were together. “ yeah, I’ve had quite a few phases in my life too. Like wearing UGG boots and infinity scarves in the 2000s.” She admitted with a laughm “What should we do for the holidays this year? I’d love to have you for dinner and maybe you could stay over for presents too? I still haven’t decorated my tree. I could use some help.”

[karnajoykeenan]

theharmonyjones​:

“I guess it’s in my blood.” Harmony joked with a chuckle. She could understand not being a fan of the cold though. To a certain extent she wasn’t sure that anyone fully loved being cold. “I guess that makes sense.” Harmony replied as movies in general could be pretty expensive, so when you were hard on cash they were an easy thing to cut. What her family lacked was time mostly, not money. “I am sure that you did what you thought was best.” Harmony replied as while she couldn’t fully relate, she figured that Karna hadn’t missed out on her daughter’s life out of malice.  “I have been really busy with the theatre lately. I haven’t had much time for anything else.”

“That’s right. Your not from here. You moved down from New York? Aren’t the winters there the same as year?” Karna might even argue they were worse conserving they were right on the water here in Maine. “It’s hard, somethings, when I didn’t get to do any normal things as a child I don’t know how to do them with Harper.” She admitted, feeling a bit out of element. “ I want to be the best mother, I can be, but sometimes it’s hard. I feel like I’m failing her.” She sighed, taking a sip of warm tea from her  thermos. “That’s right. I think I’ve seen posters. Their putting on A Christmas Carol right? Which part are you?”

[karnajoykeenan]

theharperphillips​:

“I know they don’t have to like you, but it would be a lot easier on me if they did.” Harper replied as  she knew that she wanted Karna to be part of her life, but she also didn’t want to cut out the people who had raised her. It would be better if her parents liked Karna, or at the very least were willing to tolerate her for Harper’s sake. “You are right, we are definitely going to need a recipe.” She agreed with a nod of her head. Harper didn’t own any actual cookbooks, as she tended to look things up on the internet instead. But the idea of shopping for a physical cookbook with Karna was exciting to her. “It was something I always knew I wanted to do. So that I’d be able to tell you that I was happy, and that by giving me up you were able to give me a good life.” Harper replied as even when she’d been younger she had thought it must have been a hard thing for her birth mother to do.

“I agree. I only meant that I didn’t want to force it.” As hard as all of this was for her, she had to stop and think about Harpers adoptive parents. How they might take everything.  And a perfect scenario, she would like for them to get along and become one big blended family, but they would have to want that too. All she could do is put her best foot forward and hope. “I think wellerman’s might have what we’re looking for.” She never stopped to buy one, but she had noticed a fairly good selection of cookbooks there. The idea of picking one out together for the first time with Harper was equally exciting for her. After losing so many years with her daughter, the idea of doing something as simple as choosing a cookbook meant the world to her. It was special, a core memory. “Your wish came true.  You got to tell me which lifted a lot of burdens off my heart. I’ll always have regrets, and guilt, but knowing how amazing you turned out, and what a good family you had is the best news I could have ever hoped for.”

END

[karnajoykeenan]

annistyngates​:

“I do. I’ve got three.” she spoke, looking at the other with a slight nod. While only Hallie was biologically hers, and June and Rowan were both biologically Sylvie’s, they were just as much hers as they were Sylvie’s. She’d been there for most of Rowan’s life growing up - or the better part of it anyways - and she loved him just as much as she did the girls. “I don’t mind the loudness, I wouldn’t trade my family for anything; my wife’s a rockstar for staying home with them. But, sometimes I just need a little pick me up, a little something before I go home, you know?” she sighed, looking back at the other with a small smile. She couldn’t relate to what it felt like to be adopted or to have your child adopted, but she appreciated the other sharing her story with her. “Oh, I’m sorry that you two had to go through that, but, are you guys building a relationship now?” she asked. “Is that too much to ask?” Anni didn’t want to overstep, but she was curious about the other’s story. “Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, so it doesn’t feel it. Mostly because we just stay home for a few days.” she shrugged. “But, it is busy, yes. Usually noisy with all of the new toys or games that they got.” Taking a sip of the drink in front of her before she looked back at the other. “Our oldest has decided he’s too old for Halloween - granted, he is sixteen, but, sometimes he dresses up for parties with friends and I don’t think he even did that this year. Our middle child was “Mama” for Halloween, which means she was a ‘baby doctor’ as she says. I’m a gynecologist, but all the four year old knows is that Momma helps with babies. And our youngest - the eight month old - was a lamb.”

“Three? Wow.” Karna couldn’t imagine. From the way the woman spoke about her wife and children though, it seemed rewarding. “I’m glad you’ve got a good partner. It sounds like you two have things worked out nicely.” Which was very important and making things work. “It’s OK to be overwhelmed though, sometimes.  It’s good that you’re taking a moment for yourself.  I’m sure your wife and kids will appreciate it when you get home.I feel like so many people lose themselves when they have children, and it’s important to remember who you are outside of the family. No matter how much you love them.”  When the other question her about Harbor, Karna took a sip of a drink before nodding. “We are, and no it wasn’t too much. It’s honestly nice to talk about it.  I don’t have a lot of people I can talk to about it.”  she looked down at her hands, picking out her nails.  Karna didn’t have too many friends, and her mother had passed away a little while ago. Not that she was much of a mother to begin with. “ I still worry every day, that I’ll mess things up for that. I’m not good enough for her. I’m happy she was adopted by a really good family though. She had the life that I wanted for her but couldn’t give at the time.” Listening about the children’s Halloween costumes and how noisy it could be on Halloween, Karna smiled. “ I bet it is. I see why you wouldn’t trade it for the world though. They sound like some great kids.  Obviously you’re doing something right if your little one wanted to dress up like you.”

[karnajoykeenan]

“It’s not too bad.” Harmony replied because she was used to chilly weather. Growing up in Canada had prepared her for the cold, although she was realizing that Maine got pretty cold as well. “This does seem like the type of place to bring a car full of kids when you need a break.” She pointed out as Harmony knew movies had always kept her entertained when she was young.  “I have only been to a drive-in a handful of times honestly. It just wasn’t something my family did.” 

“How? You’re wearing less than I am.” Karna pointed out, unaware of her  Canadian origins. “I’ve never really been a fan of the cold.” She had to admit, pulling on her leather jacket as she got situated. “Same here. We didn’t really have the money for this sort of thing. I didn’t start coming till a few years ago, I guess I’m making up for lost time.” She’d been doing that a lot lately, now that harper was back. “You’re right about the car for the kids. It’s just hard for me to see sometimes, because then I feel guilty for leaving Harper and missing out on so much with her.  What about you, anything exciting going on in your life? Any shows are beau’s?”

[karnajoykeenan]

theharperphillips​:

“My parents are sensible people.” Harper replied as she knew that they never would have done anything to put her in harm’s way. Ever since she could remember they had her best interest in mind. “I think something like a cat would be fun. A classic thing, but you don’t need to cut in too many things.” She added as she knew that she’d done a cat a few times when she was younger. Now she was doing more elaborate things.  “I am sure that you’ve got this.” She added as Harper knew that Karna was talented. While carving things was hard, it was still the effort and patience that made or broke the project.  “I was a pixie one year. I thought I was so cool with my little wings.” Harper replied as she was sure that it was a costume that she was never going to forget.

“They sound wonderful.” There was no malice to her town, but a little bit of sadness. The more she got snow, Harper, and hear about the life she had the harder it made things for Karna. She was glad they’d been so good to her baby, but at times felt like she would never be able to measure up to the perfect adoptive parents that Harper had grown up with. “A cat sounds perrrfect.” She couldn’t resist the pun. “I’ve always wanted a cat honestly. What about you, do you have any pets?” Something else she realize she didn’t know about Harper. “Oh my gosh, I bet you were adorable.” Picturing, Harper, much younger, running around with wings on it was enough to bring tears to the woman’s size. Though she tried to hide them from her daughter. “ I liked pixies when I was younger. Are you still into wings?” She asked, trying to think if she seen any pop up in her art before.

[karnajoykeenan]

halexsinclair​

‎

      He found himself feeling anxious in a crowd —almost claustrophobic, if he concentrated on them for too long. It took a special set of mind for him to deal with it … the morning talk show he’d done when he first came out about his novels and the live audience there, nights spent mentally preparing himself for the social battery required. Sudden crowds, ones that sprang on him, were met with his back as he disappeared. “ I can call ahead and ask, but I’m almost certain she wouldn’t mind. She would jump to conclusions immediately, though. It’s in her nature. ” Especially after his loss —if Hale showed up with anyone at all his mother would be prone to assuming they were a new interest, even if it was as distraction. Even if his new speaking compatriot was joking, which they most assuredly were, it was a fair point to make. “ Celebrating for someone else is appropriate, I think. My wife was a very big Christmas person. I played along for her. Even wore a Santa hat. To see how happy she was? It was worth it. But … if I hear Santa Baby one more time I might pull my ears off. ”

“You okay?” Karna was usually pretty perceptive given that she was an artist. She could tell the man didn’t fill in his element here. “Do you want to go outside and talk?” She moved to stand up. “ I haven’t been on a date in years, so should be in for a real treat. Though it would be pretty funny to watch her try and catch us in the act.” Karna chuckled, pushing her hands into her pockets. “ I wouldn’t mind joining you for dinner though, if that seriously on the table. Apart from my daughter, I don’t have any family so I haven’t been to the proper Thanksgiving meal in years. I don’t even know what they serve at those things. Besides Turkey.” She shuffled her feet, trying to make light of the fact that she didn’t have anyone to spend the holidays with until recently. “Sounds to me like you were both very lucky to have each other. The fact that you put on a Santa hat and everything.” Hearing him talk about his wife is precious. She could hear the pain in his voice. “I think it’s important that you have good memories like that to keep you going.” Hearing him talk about Christmas music her whole face lit up. “They really do drive it into the ground. I don’t blame you. Did your wife have a favorite Christmas song?”

[karnajoykeenan]

theharmonyjones​:

“I can’t say I have made it to that many of the bars, but I’d argue it’s not the same vibe.” Harmony replied as she knew there was something special about an actual dance like this. It seemed a good way to spend her birthday, so she was happy to be here. “I guess that depends on what you do in your spare time. I have been on Broadway for the last decade. I am just taking a bit of a break at the moment.” She explained as Harmony couldn’t be sure if that was where Karna knew her from. She never knew who actually knew her, and who just had seen her around town and knew her from that. Being famous on Broadway wasn’t the same as being famous on mainstream media. “I have not made my way over to the food, but you’ve peaked my interest.” 

“Sort of. This place seems happier.” Bars we’re full of sadness and people drowning troubles. Tonight it seemed like nothing could bring down the mood. Perhaps it was too cheery for Karna, she wasn’t used to letting herself be happy. Seeing Harper with her sister and friends though was nice. “ That’s where it was, the theater downtown. I’ve seen you there. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a Broadway show, but You must be good if you if did it that long..” Which would make sense, giving her Broadway background. She wondered if she knew Leanne. Given they were both on the stage, it was highly likely.. “Well if you wanted a break, you’ve certainly come to the right place. Nothing much happens around here. You’ll probably be bored pretty quick.” She joked, taking another drink. “ I highly suggest it. You won’t be sorry.”

END

[karnajoykeenan]

theharperphillips​:

“I would hope.” Harper replied as she did want for things to go well. In many ways she had thought that finding her mother was going to be the hard part. But now Harper was constantly feeling like she would say something to make the other woman look at her differently. There was a pressure there that she hadn’t expected.  “That could be fun, and I do agree that our earliest goal should be keeping the house in one piece, and then we will go from there.” Harper said with a chuckle, but she didn’t think she was that bad. She just didn’t know how to cook that many things personally. The woman had never really to be learn. “I guess that is a good way to look at it.” She replied as she knew that her parents would be shocked that she’d come out here to find Karna, but she also knew they would understand her need to know. Harper had often asked questions as a kid, ones they hadn’t been able to answer. Her father had always said it was natural to want to know where she came from. 

“I’m glad we’re on the same page.” She laughed, a hint of nervousness in her voice. “They don’t have to like me. We don’t have to be a big happy family, but I’d like for us to be on common ground. Bottom line, harp. We all love you dearly.” It was the one factor they shared. Harper. Obviously, she’d like to get along with her family but she couldn’t control that. The ball would be in their court. “We better start practicing.  In order to do that though, we must first find a cookbook.” She pulled Harper towards the direction of a store, excited to be sharing these moments with her child. “I’m not sure there’s any other way to look at it.” She stopped, holding Harper’s face in her hands. “You were theirs, and you’re mine and we all love you. I feel so lucky that I get to have you in my life. All these moments I never thought I’d have, thank you for that. For finding me, baby. I’m sorry I had to let you go, but seeing you now and hearing about your wonderful life. I know it was for the best.” 

[karnajoykeenan]

Big Al’s drive in @theharmonyjones

“I’ve got extra blankets if your cold. The cocoa should warm us up though.” Karna smiled, moving her seats down so they could sit comfortably in her back seat to watch the movie. “Let’s hope no one decides to show up with a car load of kids next to us.” She chuckled, stretching herself out. “I haven’t been to the drive in since I was s kid. I’m usually always working. Maybe I’ll start doing this more often. Mental health days are a common thing these days, right?”

[karnajoykeenan]

therosemaryrhodes​:

“I am a pretty big fan of Christmas time myself. Although the holidays in general are great.” Rosemary replied as she enjoyed the leadup to Christmas that always seemed to start around Thanksgiving time. She was just big on family events, and there were a lot of them centered around December.  “I did go to the dance, and had a pretty good time.” She explained as it was fun to be able to enjoy herself again. The last few months had been filled with so much stress. “Candy is always a bonus though, I won’t lie to you. It’s great to go out and get it all on sale afterwards.”  

“I’m not surprised. Christmas is in your blood, isn’t it?” Karna didn’t get out much but she still knew the Rhodes took the festivities to a whole other level. “I bet your dad’s going to be Santa in the parade. Is your mom recruiting elves for the market this year? Maybe I’ll send Harper her way.” She teased. “I’m glad someone did. The way your smiling id say someone else enjoyed it with you?..” The holidays always reminded her of what she never had, but now that Harper was here she hoped to have happier memories. “See. You got me with a good sale. Maybe I’ll pick some up for my shop.”

[karnajoykeenan]

-

      “ I uh, like Halloween the best. Because of the horror? But the social aspect of it always had me a bit shy. ” Hale offered a slow roll of his shoulder, a slight shrug, while he nursed at the same Guinness he’d ordered twenty minutes prior. He wasn’t much of a drinker, but every so often he got the urge. “ Thanksgiving is nice. My mother used to make peas this certain way … they were so savory and delicious. I’m considering going back home just to have them again, this year. ” The family aspect was rough on him, though Hale kept it to himself. He was always more likely to share a smile —something warm that reached his eyes and lit them up. “ Just not Christmas. I’m not a Christmas person at all. ”

“You’re in good company then. I don’t really do crowds.” She was more of a loner, or small group setting. “I’m not a big fan of the horror. I don’t like loud things.” She wasn’t afraid, it just wasn’t her style. She was content with being locked in her mind while she painted and listened to jazz music. “ you’re really selling me on those peas. Does your mother mind an extra guest?” She laughed. It was hard for karna, she grown up in such a bad home environment and never celebrated any traditions so she never had any fun stories to add. “I don’t know if I am. This is the first time I’m celebrating anything, and that’s for my daughter. Seems over rated anyway. Maybe we should have a little anti- Christmas party?”

[karnajoykeenan]

annistyngates​:

“I don’t know what quiet is anymore.” Anni laughed, taking a sip of the drink in front of her. She didn’t frequent this place often - not as much as she would’ve back in the day - but today had been a day that it just felt necessary. She’d delivered what felt like baby after baby, she just needed something before she came home to her own family. “But, the atmosphere for this place has never disappointed. I do like it a lot. It’s the place to come when you need a drink but just need the quiet, I come here.” As the conversation continued, Anni nodded. “I love Halloween because my kids dress in cute costumes, and they’re just so cute, but it is really chaotic. I’m thankful it’s only once a year, that’s for sure.” she laughed. 

“So,you’ve got kids?” Karna couldn’t relate. Her daughter was grown and she hadn’t raised her, but she could sympathize. “I have the opposite problem. It’s too quiet at home. That’s why I’m here. Perks of having your child adopted and not knowing them until they’re an adult I guess.” She tried to make light of it, staring into her drink. Truth was though, it was her biggest regret. She was so happy that Harper had found her and that they were growing their relationship. “ I can imagine Christmas is even worse then? I’m sure they’re cute little faces are worth it though.  I’m not sure I would’ve been very good with Harper when she was little. What were your kids this year?” 

[karnajoykeenan]

theharmonyjones​:

“I guess that makes sense. There just isn’t a lot of chances for dances as an adult I guess.” Harmony replied, or at least there hadn’t been in her life. She had done plenty of dancing on Broadway, but that wasn’t the same thing as an organized dance such as this one. “I do think I might have seen her around earlier. It gave me a bit of early 2000s nostalgia.” Harmony added with a chuckle. “It is hard to deny a cha-cha-slide, I must admit.”

“No, their really isn’t. Unless you count some of the bars down town.” She smirked, taking a sip of her rum filled party punch. “This is going to sound so weird, but have I seen you somewhere? You look so familiar. Like when you see a person who’s on tv and you wonder if the person your passing on the street is them.” She explained, scratching her temple as she listened about Harper. A smile appeared on her face. “Yea. She’s something. Her sister is dressed as the opposing team. I’m glad she can have fun, I was worried about finding food and a place to sleep at her age.” Being tipsy made her lips looser. “Right? It tells you the steps too. Have you tried any of the food yet? I heard someone raving about the spider nachos.”

[karnajoykeenan]

theharperphillips​:

“That works for me.” Harper replied as she knew it was a pretty big deal. She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do if her family didn’t get long with Karna, or Karna didn’t get along with her family. She wanted all of them to be in her life. So it was complicated to say the least.  “I can’t say I am a master chef by any means, but I will do my best.” Harper replied as she ate more frozen dinners than she wanted to admit to. Then again maybe that came down to time and money more than anything else. “I believe things work out how they are supposed to.” Harper told her mother as she was glad she’d ended up where she was. She had a good childhood, and she loved her family fiercely. Harper couldn’t imagine what her life would have been like without any of them in it. “I mean, I’m not perfect. But I think that I turned out pretty alright in the end.” She added as she knew that nobody was without flaws. 

“I bet we can scrounge up something with besting between the two of us.” She smiled, excited to do these things with Harper. Simple, everyday things she wished she could have done if she was able to raise Harper. “ i’m not the greatest either, but we can learn together. Maybe that could be our thing? We could work on a new recipe every week or some thing. I can’t promise we won’t burn down the house, but it’ll sure be fun trying.” She smiled excitedly, filled with a new sense of hope and joy since having Harper back. “To me, you are. Always.” She stopped and turned to her. “I’m still so amazed that this little tiny thing I made grew up to be such a beautiful, intelligent independent young woman. I wish I could’ve been there to see it, but we have now and I’m very grateful to your parents for doing what I couldn’t. i’d like for us all to be one big blended family. You deserve to be loved from all of us.”