golden hour.

country singer & songwriter. 32. pisces. ☆

[marenwilliams]

FULL NAME: Maren May Williams NICKNAME(S): Mare, Marebear (but only ever by her father) AGE & DOB: February 22, 1990 (32 years old) OCCUPATION: Country Singer & Songwriter GENDER/PRONOUNS: female | she/her SEXUALITY: bisexual NEIGHBOURHOOD: Unincorporated ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Pisces

ABOUT:

tw: heart attack, death, alcohol, drugs, 

Maren May Williams was born with stars in her eyes –– or so her mother always said. America’s sweetheart, she was always popular and well-liked amongst her peers. Especially compared to her younger sister, who often struggled to fit in. 

Her parents, Thomas and Caroline, owned a beautiful farmhouse on the outskirts of town, and enough acres to support an organic vegetable farm and animals. While her father was in charge of the ranch, her mother had her own personal passion project –– a farm-to-table restaurant called The Well, where the siblings had worked all throughout high school.

Maren had always had an incredible singing voice and a talent for writing. From a young age, she was performing on stage in musicals, open mics, and talent shows. Though it was her performance at the Houston County Fair that changed her life forever. After winning first place in their singing competition, Maren was awarded the opportunity to open for Shania Twain on her cross-country tour that fall.

After making an impression on Shania’s fans, her single could be heard on every country radio station as it began to climb the charts, and at the age of twenty-one, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a career in country music. As a woman in the music industry, she was faced with many challenges and often struggled to prove herself worthy of her success and stardom.

Five years ago, her mother passed away suddenly, after suffering a stress-induced heart attack. Despite her father and sister’s pleaing, Maren couldn’t find it in herself to return home for the funeral. Instead, she drowned herself in her work even further, focusing on the tour rather than her own feelings of sadness and guilt. It was hard for her not to feel as though she could have prevented her mother’s death had she never left her parents to deal with the family business on their own.

After the tour came to a close, Maren found herself in search of another distraction, now turning to drugs and alcohol rather than facing her family or deep-seeded emotions. These unfamiliar actions caused an uproar amongst fans as the media began to publicize them. Many were confused by Maren’s sudden change in character, though she only continued to decline as the years went on. In addition to her change in behavior, fans had also noticed a sudden lack of consistency in the quality of her writing.

Days before the release of her album, news broke of an affair with her co-headliner, and Maren was soon labeled a homewrecker by nearly every media outlet in the industry. As the album tanked and her following diminished, the musician’s depression hit an all time high. With only eight months left in her contract, Maren’s label is threatening to drop her if she doesn’t get her act together soon. 

In search of inspiration and healing, the singer has packed her bags and returned home to Salt Flats, hoping to find herself and fragments of the life she left behind.

EXTRAS:

PINTEREST

WANTED CONNECTIONS

[maeve-ryan-deactivated20230706]

Maeve folded her arms over her chest almost subconsciously; even her body language gave away her discomfort. It was so easy for her to withdraw, to sink back within herself and just hide. So easy it was second-nature. "Didn't see him, sorry," the brunette muttered, gaze far-off and unfocused, as shame burned through her — both at her own sullen responses, and the very situation she found herself in.

The mention of surprise at Maeve still being here surprised her, for no reason in particular. She hadn't really had very big dreams to leave the place where she'd spent most of her life, beyond some travel plans that had been shelved, year after year. Seemed like tonight was just sensitive subject after sensitive subject. "Well, um, you surprised me and I surprised you, I guess. It just didn't happen for me, I guess. Not like it did for you, hm?"

[marenwilliams]

Suddenly it was as though every ounce of warmth had left the other woman's features. Regardless of what she'd said or done, it was clear that her company was no longer wanted. "You know, I think I surprised myself a little too. Funny thing is, as an adult, you realize that things aren't always what they're cracked up to be." With a half-hearted smile, Maren shrugged, dreading the fact that she thought to comment at all. And yet, her nerves pushed her to keep talking. "Do you have a dream job?"

[kimmivalle]

Being home was refreshing in more ways than one. Here, Kimmi was treated like a human being and her time and space was respected. She wasn't forced into selfies or had things shoved in her face with want of her name signed, cameramen didn't jump out of random places or follow her every move and shout the most asinine things at her. The other good thing about returning to Salt Flats at this time was hearing that Maren had as well. More than a few times over the years they'd run into one another for various reasons when their industries crossed paths.

And now, this moment, as the brunette looked up with a smile, they were reunited once again. "Honestly, I never really thought it would be me," Kimmi admitted with a small laugh. The surprise of seeing the blonde had a grinning Kimmi covering her mouth as her cheeks flushed with the excitement. "But, oh my gosh, Maren. Look at you!" Rising from her seat, setting her napkin from her lap onto the table, she extended an arm with an open invitation for a hug as they greeted one another. "You look so good."

[marenwilliams]

Maren could definitely relate to Kimmi's words. Never in a million years had she imagined leaving her life in Nashville behind. Permanent or not, it was a big change, and the very longest that she'd been in town since leaving at the age of twenty-one. "Look at me? Look at you! I've definitely seen better days." While the woman laughed, there was a hint of truth to her words. The past few years had worn on her more than she wanted to admit, and she had certainly worn more fashionable things.

Leaning in for a hug, she wrapped her arms around the woman's slender frame, enveloping her from both sides before retracting to take a seat at Kimmi's table. "Now, tell me, how have you been adjusting to it all? Do you plan on going back to Hollywood any time soon?"

[jordcnwiggins]

Chalk it up to the utter exhaustion she felt, but Jordan had absolutely no patience for this. "Okay, you want honesty?" she asked, arching a brow. "I think it's pretty rich that you think it's okay to not even try to maintain a lifelong friendship just because you got all rich and famous and then come back here and act like nothing happened." Jordan was too tired to even think about mincing her words at this point. "Just because we're not your fancy, A-list celebrities, doesn't mean you can drop us and then pick us up when it's convenient for you, Maren." When she said 'us,' she really meant 'me,' but she was too proud to admit how much the loss of Maren's friendship had hurt. She'd always heard that romantic breakups were the worst heartache a person could go through. But losing your best friend? A friendship breakup of this magnitude had felt devastating.

[marenwilliams]

The weight of Jordan's words had hit the woman like a slap to the face. While Maren had been expecting her old friend to mention the distance between them, it was everything else that had caught her off guard. As sudden as she'd snapped, Maren's expression grew pained, and she found herself taking a small step backward. "Listen, i-if that's what you think, then it's clear you don't know me as well as I thought you did."

Though she tried to maintain a sense of confidence, the woman's voice shook with every word. Was there any truth to what she was saying? Did Jordan really think so poorly of her? "I know it seems as though things have been nothing but sunshine and rainbows since I left town, you have no fucking clue how difficult things have been. Yes, I made friends in Nashville, but as far as meeting genuine people? I can count all of those relationships on one hand. Yes, I'll admit that I've been a shitty friend to you, but it was never because I thought I was too good for you."

[viviann-art]

Viv gave a nod, understanding, "I come here mostly for the memories. Kind of gives me a moment to relive it all. I'm really sorry about your mom. I should have reached out too but I didn't even know how to approach it." Viv was not good with those things, if anything she would just wind up crying over it all too.

Viv smiled taking her seat again and hoping Maren would join her, "Good, not really. I opened a dance studio but that's about it. I hope I don't face copy write claims for using a few of your songs." She laughed trying to help lighten the tone.

[marenwilliams]

At the woman's apology, Maren shook her head. There was nothing that anyone could have done differently and while she often struggled to believe that herself, it was easier to admit to an old friend. "I honestly don't even know that I would have replied. That I could have. It's taken me a really long time to get to a place where I'm finally willing to accept the truth. I hardly even spoke to my dad or my sister at that time."

Swallowing hard, Maren tried to rid herself of the small lump that had formed at the back of her throat. Now wasn't the time to let her emotions run wild. Now was the time to reconnect. "That's about it? Viv, that's huge! I'm so happy for you. Is business going well? Oh, please, you're always more than welcome. So long as I get to see the finished product."

[cormacbrcdyyy]

It had been years since Caoimhín had last spoken about Emma. Her passing had happened over six years ago, and those who knew of it knew not to ask him or were no longer in his life. He hated talking about it and tonight was no exception. He sat for a moment considering opening up but he couldn't. His throat felt like it had swollen and his eyes began to pool with tears, so he knew that if he tried to speak, then he would just break down and cry. His head fell and he rubbed his eyes on his forearm, coughing to clear the pressure in his throat. "I - uh... I think I should go," he mumbled, eyes looking around the room like he was a wild caged animal, needing to escape. Her touch burned and he pulled away like he had been scalded, jumping up to a full standing position. "Sorry, but I need some air..."

Suddenly the room felt like it closing in on him and Caoimhín leaned over and placed his hands on his thighs, trying to catch his breath. He knew she would try to comfort him again, so he bounced straight up again and made for the door, desperate to be alone. "Sorry -- I just. I have to go..." He wasn't really thinking clearly and was marching to the door, then realized he forgot his belongings. "Fuck..." he walked around aimlessly looking for his coat and his phone, then the wave of pressure came over him once again and he dropped to a squat and held clenched fists to his forehead, trying to regulate his breathing.

[marenwilliams]

It didn't take long for Maren to realize she'd made a mistake. From the look in Finn's eyes to the shakiness of his voice, she was suddenly sorry she'd asked at all. "You really don't have to go. I'm so sorry, I feel terrible. I promise I won't bring it up again." Even as he made a beeline for the door, Maren watched her friend in with concern, her heart nearly sinking as his body folded in half.

Springing up from her seat, the woman took a few hesitant steps toward him before realizing that distance would probably be most beneficial to Finn right now. After all, it had been her questions he was dodging. "Take your time, it's truly okay. I can go into another room if you need some time to yourself. But I want you to know that I'm here if you need it. Whether that's tonight or any night."

[leyasadventure]

She nodded, "Yeah, had a lot of fun. A lot of adventures too.. I guess my greatest adventure though was becoming a mom at sea." She chuckled holding up her phone to show a picture of Roux. "He's three. Technically sailed for four years, first year was build up to this guy." Leya shook her head, "nope, dad loved you. I'll have to tell him I ran into you. I would call him but I'll save you him talking your ear off."

[marenwilliams]

At the mention of her child, Maren felt her draw drop, eyes scanning every inch of the picture on her phone. While being a parent was something she had always wanted for herself, the woman found it hard to believe that Leya had managed to do so at sea. "You mean you gave birth on a boat.. without a doctor? You were stuck on a sailboat with a crying baby? " It was hard not to laugh at the questions left her lips, though they were genuine curiosities. "He sounds a lot like my father. Always been a talker. I'm sure they would get along great! You'll have to say hi for me."

[duttonremington]

"Seems like you're trying to convince yourself more then me." Nonetheless, he felt the words she spoke were full of doubt. At least he was honest. Though it got him in trouble most days now. Not that it bothered him but nonetheless he called it as he saw fit. "I'll find out how flexible I am. Surely it's better then to just sit here and do nothing." Remington didn't like waiting with these kinds of predicaments. But that stemmed from his attitude with not liking to rely on anybody but his own self. People let others down. He was all too familiar with that one. "Afraid I will leave you to fend for yourself? I imagine that might be in your better interest or so I would expect given what you probably still think of me."

[marenwilliams]

Nothing Remington said was quite straight forward. It seemed there was always some sort of joke or backhanded comment. In high school, the woman hadn't known how to defend herself, but now Maren was doing her best to make up for lost time. "Can you even blame me? You didn't exactly make things easy for me back then. Forgive me for keeping my guard up."

If Maren were to open up and be vulnerable with the man, she would have admitted to how much his words had hurt her. To how she'd feared running into him in the hallways. But it was far easier for her to be strong than it was to speak her mind. "Listen, we don't have to talk about it. We were kids."

[coltonatwater]

"You're right, it's not. It's not anyone's business except for mine now these days," she spoke, trying to sound sharper than she felt when it was only ever exhaustion that seemed to come out instead. Logan shook her head. "I can't fault you your curiosity." Not when there was so many others that were as persistent if not pushy when it came to wanting to know all the details of her relationship though didn't have the balls to ask until he was dead and buried. "I've been asked so many times that it doesn't even seem like anyone wants to hear my answer. They already have their minds made up about us, about me an' what kind of person I am."

She'd heard it all before, about how she'd been a part of the breakup between Tyler and June and how she was basically the other woman. No one wanted her side of things and even if they heard it, it didn't change how they felt or how they looked at her which Logan dealt with because in her heart she knew the truth. "Stick around here long enough an' you'll learn the truth too."

[marenwilliams]

It was easy to see that Logan was growing tired. And quite honestly, Maren couldn't blame her. Questions like this one grew old rather quickly, and while she wasn't being questioned by the press, those closest to you were often the harshest critics. It was hard enough to lose someone you care about, and then there was dealing with all of the aftermath.

With a small nod in the other woman's direction, Maren took off in the direction of the stables, reading all of the Logan's signs that she would rather be left alone. Sometimes it was easier just to walk away.

END.

[maeve-ryan-deactivated20230706]

It was pathetic, really, the way that Maeve had to fight a smile at the mere mention of her name by the other. The way it fell from her lips had the brunette reminiscing. Just like that, she was back to being that high-school aged girl, flustered and stuttering, in the face of the first woman she'd ever had a crush on. "Y-yeah, um.. It has, yeah. Been a minute."

And foolishly, of course, for even a split second, Maeve thought maybe Maren might want to catch up — or at least pretend like she did. Instead, they just barreled ahead. In hindsight, Maeve had realized the friendship meant a lot more to her than it did her counterpart. So, really, all Maren had done tonight was prove her right. A half-hearted laugh tumbled past Maeve's lips at the realization before she spoke again, gaze averted, tone almost rueful. "Who's your friend?"

[marenwilliams]

It hadn't taken her very long to notice the other woman's avoidance. And while her job was truly none of Maren's business, it made the singer wonder even more. In her eyes, those who chose this career path were often confident and unapologetic about what they did. But when it came to Maeve, she had to wonder if the woman had gone down this path out of necessity. Thinking for a moment, Maren paused before answering the brunette's question. "His name's Ryan. He's here for a bachelor party. We were supposed to meet up for drinks."

Glancing down at her phone, Maren checked to see if she had any new texts or missed calls, though the screen was still blank. "How have you been by the way? You know, for some reason I'm kind of surprised you're still in Salt Flats. Always thought you'd be the type to go away for college, but I think this place just seems to have a way of pulling you back in regardless."

[jaxtaylcr]

( — starter for @marenwilliams ♤. )

It was one of those rub your eyes, pinch yourself awake moments because surely it was anything but real. It was a dream; perhaps even that of a nightmare. The racing of his heart pounding in his ear became the only palpable sign that it could, in fact, be reality.

To think, it had all started with a rare pop in to the local record store. Music in general had become an enemy; too painful for Jax to revisit, to relive, ever since his band's demise. Music was ultimately, in his eyes, responsible for much of the pain and the loss endured in his life. But, every now and again, he'd find himself in that very record store.. reminiscing, immersing himself in the nostalgia of his past loves. He could appreciate all the classics, the bands and musicians who had inspired him, who had instilled in him a love for music that, no matter how much he tried to deny it, would never waver. He could even appreciate his one of his band's albums tucked away neatly in one of the boxes; though he wouldn't linger on it for too long. But the one record that caught his attention, was that of Maren Williams

Unable to tell how long he'd been staring at the record situated between his fingertips, Jax found himself lost in a daze. The emotions stirring up within him were becoming increasingly overwhelming as time bore on. He wanted out, but he couldn't seem to let go. Though it wasn't until he looked up at a seemingly familiar face that he genuinely questioned his own state of mind. It couldn't be... could it?

[marenwilliams]

Music had always been Maren's first love. Even as a child, her parents had recorded her singing along to Barney songs on a little pink microphone. And as a teenager, she had spent quite a lot of time at the local record store, browsing through CDs and vinyl, hoping that one day her face would be printed on an album cover of her own.

While those dreams had certainly come true, reality was sometimes a hard pill to swallow. Her first few albums had done exceptionally well on the charts, but the last had taken a significant hit from the critics and even received some negativity from fans. She had lost her spark, so they said. A spark that had come and gone with the death of her mother.

Although she often avoided her section at record stores, today's trip had filled her with curiosity. Did the store still stock her records? Had they sold well? Making her way through the country section, Maren followed the rows alphabetically until she landed upon the 'Ws.' Though to her surprise, she wasn't alone, and clearly hadn't been the only person looking for her name. She just hadn't been expecting her surprise 'fan' to have such a familiar face.

"Jax?" As her eyes studied the man's features, her heart sank and her mouth grew dry. While Maren had always known that running into her ex would be a possibility, nothing had prepared her for the devastation that came along with seeing the person she had never imagined would become a stranger.

[marenwilliams]

closed starter for @kimmivalle location: margaret's

Kimmi's arrival had been no secret. In fact, Maren was rather happy to hear people talking about anybody other than herself for once. Despite their differences in career, the two had lived very similar lives outside of Salt Flats. And now it seemed as though life was bringing them back to their roots once again.

Once she'd spotted the woman seated across the restaurant, Maren pushed herself up from her booth and made her way over to Kimmi's table. Though it was hard to say how the other woman would respond to her interruption, it was nice to think that the singer could finally talk to somebody who might understand all of the changes she was currently going through. "Well, well, well. Look who the cat dragged in. Who ever imagined that the two of us would end up back here?"

[viviann-art]

Viv had been a usual at The Well especially since she was younger. It was like a second home in a lot of ways and it filled the hole of missing her childhood friend.

That is until she looked up to see the voice that had been addressing someone and apparently that someone was her. "Long time no see for sure! I haven't seen you in forever!" She said jumping up to hug her friend before pulling back and shaking her head. "No, no not at all. I just got here myself honestly."

[marenwilliams]

Running into Viviann always brought a smile to Maren's face. Her old friend always seemed to exuded sunshine and positivity, which was exactly what she happened to need at the moment. "I know, I'm sorry. I would try to come up with some lame excuse, but my avoidance has been somewhat intentional. Just doesn't feel the same with my mama gone now."

Just as she always had, the blonde pushed past the rather somber subject to focus on anything but herself. While Maren had come to terms with her emotions, it didn't mean she enjoyed stewing over them. "How have you been? Anything new happening in your life?"

[jordcnwiggins]

Jordan didn't laugh at Maren's joke. She was too exhausted, too busy to have any emotional energy left to even try to find it funny. When Maren had gotten her big break, Jordan was nothing but thrilled for her friend. Excited that things were finally working out for the blonde. But the way Maren seemingly moved onto bigger and better things with no issue whatsoever at leaving Jordan behind, had stung. It felt like her best friend couldn't even be bothered to try to maintain their friendship once she'd made it big. Now to have her here acting like nothing had happened... Jordan nodded at Maren's explanation as to why she was back. "So you decided to come home and slum it with the rest of us?" she asked, though it was more of a statement than question. "I've been fine, Maren. Just fine." Maybe she was being cold, but she didn't have the energy to pretend things were peachy keen between them.

[marenwilliams]

Despite her best efforts, it seemed as though every attempt at friendship, or even civility, had been lost on Jordan. Despite their distance, it made Maren sad to think that there could be any bad blood between them. Jordan had once been like a sister to her, and the two were rarely seen apart. It wasn't that the singer had wanted things to change between them. It was just that the distance, along with her busy work schedule, hadn't spoiled them with the same amount of freedom.

"Could have fooled me. I know I've been gone for a while, but I don't remember this stick up your ass. Is it new?" Clearly, the woman had played nice long enough. And while she certainly could have been more understanding about how the other woman was feeling, there was nothing she hated more than being shut out. "If there's something on your mind, I prefer you say it instead of beating around the bush."

[duttonremington]

"I mean surely you're paying them to get you out of predicaments like this since that damn button seems to be useless." Remington mumbled back. He sighed hoping to anything and everything that this wouldn't resort of him being some makeshift firefighter. Lord knows the real one's here seemed to be slow asses and would take their sweet time. "Seems like you have already given up. Unless that claustrophobia is about to send you into a panic." Remington mused as he really hoped she wasn't bound to have some panic attack or something. "If so- I'll keep my commentary to a minimum." The least he could do right? Regardless, he sighed once more before moving to the door and tried to pry them open. Of course with no such luck.

[marenwilliams]

Taking a deep breath, Maren did her best to remain calm. She knew that any anger or tension would fuel her anxiety, though it was damn hard not to get annoyed when Remington made such comments. "I'm just trying to remain calm, okay? I know that we aren't very likely to get out of here before someone shows up to help us." Though she remained seated, the woman's eyes followed him toward the doors, watching with amusement as Remington took his best shot at prying them open. And admittedly, it was the first thing to make her laugh. "What exactly would you do if you did get them open, Einstein. You're assuming we're aligned with the exit, when in reality, I'm pretty sure you'd see nothing but shaft.

[wessondutton]

He glanced to her. A bit narcissistic, he thought to himself at her reply. "My wife left me last week and this week she's been seen around town kissing the guy who she swore was just a friend," he deadpanned. His wife that was involved in like, every aspect of town. Who was very well connected since she was a lawyer for the town. Their eyes were on him, even now, watching every move to see if he was a bumbling mess, which he wasn't. He was, however, pissed about it. The lack of ring spoke volumes to that. But he wasn't pissed enough to go fuck someone else. "Why do you think it's you?"

[marenwilliams]

Maren hadn't quite known what to expect, though it wasn't the blatant honesty she'd received. It was hard to know just how she should respond, especially knowing that her most recent media fiasco had revolved around a similar instance. "Oh.. I see," the woman paused, taking a long sip of her drink. "For what it's worth, I'm sure she'll come to realize she's made a mistake. And I'm sure it'll probably haunt her for even longer than the stares will last. People like to involve themselves in others' lives. They live for any drama that isn't their own. But the good thing is, that means they're always looking for the next big scandal."

Maren could tell that the man probably wouldn't want her support or sympathy, though she hoped he would know that her words were genuine. It was better that he didn't know who she was. In fact, she was rather comforted by the idea of being a stranger in someone else's eyes. "I.. I don't know. Just a pattern, I guess. People like to talk, but I'd rather we focus on you. How long were you married?"

[cormacbrcdyyy]

"Aye, you'd need the wine to make a stupid decision like that," Caoimhín joked. Long arms reached for the bottle and when she finished her sip, he topped the glass up. "So, get drinking!" Laughter followed and he clinked his glass against hers.

His brows raised with surprise. He had never considered the difficulty of dating with fame and he felt for her. It made sense. Men wanting to be with you just to get their two minutes in the spotlight - that must've hurt. Caoimhín shook his head with disgust and continued to listen, hoping talking about it might help her. "I'm sorry you've had to deal with that. How do you even fix something like that? Trust is the most important thing." He sighed and took a long drink, frustrated for her. "Oh, there is. I won't bore you with the details -- " he paused, as Emma came to mind. It still stung. His head was dipped looking into the darkness of the wine, pushing down all the feelings that just hit him. "I do know that it is effortless when it's right," he admitted, looking up at her with a half-hearted smile.

[marenwilliams]

With a loud chuckle, Maren shook her head. It wasn't that she needed to be intoxicated to find him talented, it was that she needed the liquid courage to make any kind of formal decisions about her next album. The pressure was on and her confidence was certainly lacking. "There is no fixing things, unfortunately. It's why most people end up dating other celebrities. It levels the playing field. Problem is, if they don't want something from me, they're usually far too cocky for me to put up with."

Tipping her head back, the blonde downed her last few sips of wine before reaching for the bottle to pour herself another glass. She could tell that they were bordering a sensitive territory, but what better inspiration for songwriting was there? "I promise you won't bore me. I want to listen." Extending her hand out toward him, Maren gave Finn's forearm a reassuring squeeze.