I am the fire

Contrary to popular belief, I do have a soul. Meara. 26. Fashion Journalist. "I’m homesick all the time … I just don’t know where home is. There’s this promise of happiness out there. I know it. I even feel it sometimes. But it’s like chasing the moon - just when I think I have it, it disappears into the horizon."

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Perfect Illusion || Carrick&Meara

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carr-madd‌

“I have no idea what you just said but I’ll believe you.” He shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. Carrick recalled very little of whatever movie was playing when he went to see Meara, however, he did know about Ariel because his sisters used to watch a lot of Disney but who Merida was, he had no clue. It had been pretty much a long time since he had a tv in any living facility he was in and at the bar they only played sports, on the occasions he sat in a café, the tv’s were usually programmed on the news. Most of his co-workers over the years stared at him in disbelief when he mentioned not having a phone and therefore no social media account, and they didn’t believe him when he mentioned not having a tv at his place either, others thought he was cool for defying the modern world or whatever.

And now Meara mentioned his visit at her place, Carrick realized it had been a while since the last time he saw her, with Christmas and New Year he had been pretty busy at the bar, working doble and triple shifts some days and when his vacacation days came, the man decided to make a short trip to clear his mind, think about the latest events in his life. Which, of course, included Meara and how she was affecting him. 

“I am. Vacation helped a little, too.” He nodded at her observation. “Just jogging, was heading back home but I could use some food.” He shrugged and once she began moving, Carrick followed close. Using his half sweated t-shirt, he stretched the edge to wipe the sweat off his face. “Partied a lot during the holidays?” He asked.

“She’s from Scotland, but she’s a new princess in their realm. She doesn’t need a man to save her. She saves herself in the end and no one helps her,” she nodded, giving a small smile. “She does have an accent, but it’s not like mine. Scotland and Ireland are very different, even though people don’t realize it. It’s nice to visit though.” Meara gave a small nod as she thought for a moment. It was something she missed; traveling to Scotland and England to get away from Belfast. But she hasn’t gone back in years and those trips don’t happen anymore. She missed home more than she could imagine, but she was safe here and that’s all that mattered. Not what she missed. Being alive.

“Well, you look better and it makes me feel better that you aren’t all bruised and cut up,” she smiled at him, running a hand through her hair. “Good. I’ll buy since I invited you. It wouldn’t be right if you paid when I asked you to join, right?” Looking over at him, Meara shrugged as she thought for a moment in silence. “Not really. Didn’t really do much. Holidays aren’t really fun. Never really were, to be honest. So, I just kind of stayed in and ate a lot of take out. How about you? How were your crazy nights out?” She smiled as she gave him a small nudge, not really minding the sweat that he had on his body. “Have you ever had Irish food? Like full on Irish food?”

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scottxingram‌

“Games can only hold my attention for so long, as well. A book, though. I can keep reading for days. It’s usually what I wind up getting, anyways.” He was a simple man with simple likes, after all. Lips transforming into a smile, he looked to the toddler then back to Meara. “Yes, as long as it’s not a real one, I think she’d love it and it’ll be mother approved. Which, is what needed in order for her to keep it.”

“I can read or I draw, but car rides are too bump for drawing and it ends up looking absolutely terrible. Then I get frustrated because it looks bad,” she sighed as she looked down at the drawing pad in her hands. “True. Mum needs to approve for things. I’m sure there’s things Uncle Scott gets without mum’s approval. Like those noisy toys that will give parents headaches for days.”

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trinidavenport‌

“You’d be surprised. All it takes is some luck and the proper people advertising you. Someone with a reputable name in such tastes, perhaps.” Alluding to the fact she was one of said people. Given all her influential bases and connections, it’d be easy, if she so wished.

“I may work in fashion, but I don’t work with anyone that would have that kind of power,” she looked over at the brunette pausing for a moment. “Are you talking about yourself? You’re in the band that I saw perform. I just now connected the dots. Wow, I’m slow on figuring that out.”

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trinidavenport

“Darling, you’re in the right spot, then. I’m very decisive on almost everything. Just ask my friends and family.” Fans, too. Her fingers getting licked, she reached over to pet the dog again. “Just give me a selection. I’ll pick the ones out for you to display. If you want a museum, well, I suggest you pay for an art wall or exhibit type of thing.” Taking her playful notion to give her a smart business idea.

“I wish I was, but I always think of too many different ways to do something and then I can never make a decision. It’s a horrible trait of mine,” the redhead nodded as she took a drink. “Who would even come to see them. That’s just silly,” she rubbed her lip, letting out a laugh.

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scottxingram‌

“Not at all.” He assured, “We started the tradition of letting everyone open one present before we go up to our folks. That way we all have new toys to entertain us. Whether we’re driving or taking a plane. It’s pretty useful.” The man’s deep chuckle rang warmly while he nodded his head. “She’s brilliant, but she’s not up to full spelling, yet.”

“Oh, that’s kind of adorable, actually. And a really good idea. Would have been nice when I was younger to go to my grandmum’s. Ray and I literally would play tic tac toe and hangman. And after about five rounds, that got boring real quick,” she nodded in thought. “Okay. I’m definitely thinking a l-i-o-n. Not a real one, obviously. That would be terribly terrifying.”

[bane--lightwood]

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INSTAGRAM: mearacalin uploaded a new photo

Never take your neighbor to an event with you. He’ll try to act like he’s America’s Next Top Model and embarrass you. @hunt-del

❤ 364 likes | 💬82 Comments | View all comments

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Halloween

Meara as Merida

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scottxingram‌

“We won’t be around for the actual holiday, but you’re more than welcome to celebrate a portion of it early with Mia and I.” Thinking of the nearing vacations where he and his sister would trek up to see their parents. It was a sweet tradition. “Oh… Well, offer still stands.” Smiling softly with a nod of his head while the girl in his arms giggled and tried grabbing Meara’s hand when poked. “If I cover her ears, can I know what that is?”

“That would be nice, if it’s not a bother. I don’t want to intrude or anything on a family celebration,” she gave a small nod in thought as she ran a hand through her hair. “I really just celebrate Christmas day with Lexie’s family. They are very different than what I’m used to and I’ve been celebrating with them since I came to the states.” Meara gasped as the child got a hold of her hand, looking up with Scott spoke. “I can spell it and I don’t think she would know? Is she so smart she would know what I’m saying?”

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trinidavenport‌

“They do say seasonal changes makes for great opportunities for redecorating.” Chiming out as keen eyes made note of a few places artworks could be hung. “As long as it’s nothing like a shrine to your work, I see nothing wrong with liking it enough to have up.”

“True. Very true. Maybe you could help? I’m not that great at making solid decisions, to be honest. Probably a reason why the place is so simple,” the redhead nodded in thought. “Are you sure? I was thinking of having a room just all of my stuff and you walk in like a museum,” Meara joked, letting out a bigger smile.

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Perfect Illusion || Carrick&Meara

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carr-madd‌

Carrick had a last day off before he had to return to his usual shifts at the bar, as soon as he had arrived to his place from Meara’s, he asked his neighbour to use their phone and asked to be put in behind the bar, all the while he kept telling himself it was only because of him and not because of Meara’s pleading. His boss had no problem about it, however, when he got to the bar later that night he was immediately sent home with a few days off to heal completely. It had been a couple of long and boring days and he couldn’t wait for this last hours to come to and end and finally go back to work and keep his mind busy. Because those past days Carrick had been thinking a lot about Meara and how he drunkenly decided to go to her house and trying to remember all the things he told her. Pretty much he had been loosing his mind about that night and the day that had followed and it crossed his mind that he should have followed Trinity’s advice and avoid crossing paths with Meara.

However, even if he had tried, it seemed it wasn’t something possible because as he was running around the city already heading home, Carrick caught sight of a familiar red hair. He stopped some feet away from where she was posing for a photographer; she looked so youthful and breezy that he found himself almost smiling and quickly pressed his lips together. He had been seconds away from return to his activity when Meara noticed him and quickly walked towards him. As she got closer, his eyes travelled down her body, taking in the dress and her boots. “Thought the red hair was familiar.” He said with a corner of her mouth curved up. “I’m good. Feeling good and all healed. You were working?” With his chin Carrick nodded towards the stop she had been before.

Staring at him for a moment, the redhead took a deep breath as she studied his features, noticing how the lip and rest of his face was healed, giving her a sense of relief that he allowed it to heal. She had no clue if it was his choice or not, but she had a feeling that he wouldn’t have let it if she didn’t say something. Giving a small wave to her friend as the woman left, Meara moved her eyes back at him with a small nod. “What can I say? It’s pretty unique. For the most part,” she gently touched it as she spoke, setting it behind her ear. “It’s why quite a few people call me red. Including you,” she nodded towards him, playing with the cap of the water bottle. “I also get called Ariel, but her hair isn’t my shade of red. More of a Merida, the movie I had playing when you came to my place,” she rambled softly as she looked away for a moment.

When he spoke, she nodded as she scanned him again, as if she was double checking that he was all healed up. “Yeah, kind of. It’s not for my articles, just for a friend. She wanted my hair more than anything because of the clothes, so I did it. Got me out of the office and into a pretty kick ass outfit, so no complaints here,” Meara smiled as she looked down at herself. “I’m glad you’re healed. I’m guessing that means you kept to the promise you made because I doubt you would be healed this fast if you didn’t.” A part of her hated that she worried about him, but it was out of her control at this point. “Is it okay to ask where you were going? I was going to get some food, but if you are busy, I won’t ask. Nowhere fancy. There’s a food truck nearby that has Irish food and I really want some food from back home. If you’re busy, then forget I mentioned it or if you don’t want to come. Same thing.”

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@audreyd: I swear this time it wasn't me! lol

@mearacalin: As creepy as it is to say, I could tell it wasn't you, lol.

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@mearacalin: The last thing I wanted to see on a run through the park is two people having sex under a tree. #gross

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scottxingram

“I don’t know about them not caring…” The man mumbled. Her life didn’t seam ideal, but with a disabled sister (as unfair as it seemed), naturally that child would garner more attention for obvious reasons. Clearing out his throat, he spoke up louder for her to hear. “I’m always thinking ahead. You have to when little kids are involved. Be one step ahead to keep from having everything go over it.”

Hearing what he said, she sighed as she kept her eyes on the child, not really wanting to delve deep into her parental problems in front of a child. “True. I just usually get Reagan something. I haven’t celebrated Christmas in a long time. Well, my best friend’s family takes me in as their own for Christmas, so at least I have that,” she gave a soft smile as she poked Denise’s little belly, forming a smile. “I know the perfect gift I’m getting you,” Meara smiled brightly as she watched Denise’s reaction.

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Perfect Illusion || Carrick&Meara

With the last month being Fashion Week all over the world, Meara was finally throwing out articles about it, her brain having something to think about besides what was actually going on in her personal life. After she took care of Carrick, the redhead couldn’t help but worry about him the few days after, not knowing if he held up to his promise of letting his body heal. She moved along, though, going out to the bars and hooking up with someone that she wouldn’t be able to tell you their name now, not really caring much about it. She was slowly moving forward without him on her mind and she was actually content with it. 

Meara was asked to model for a friend’s article, the redhead taking the opportunity and here they were on the streets of Orlando, taking pictures with her in front of the camera. She couldn’t help but laugh and smile during the small experience, letting her guard down and just having fun with it. Seeing someone behind the photographer, she couldn’t help but see the familiar face, the smile fading quickly as she looked around the area. “Are we good?” She nodded to her friend, the redhead grabbed the bottle of water, staring at the man as he looked back at her. “If you could email those to me, that would be awesome. Thanks.” Walking towards him, Meara adjusted the dress as she raised her eyes to meet his. “Hi. You were staring,” the redhead tilted her head for a moment with a small smile. “How are you?” @carr-madd

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Meara

Lexie: If that's the case why am I hella single?

Lexie: Exactly right? The only girl whos allowed to blow up my phone is you... You promise you won't laugh...

Meara: Don't knock it. I am, too. We're just too good for everyone, obviously.

Meara: I blow up your phone a lot. Oops.

Meara: I'll try not to laugh.

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trinidavenport

“Very admirable.” She complimented before getting the dish on her own preferences. “Oh, I don’t think it full qualifies, but yes. I adore that film as well. Genuinely creepy without being over the top and all that.” A chuckle escaped her then. “Did you do any arts for Oogie? I’m surprised you don’t have much in the form of decor of the film up, if that’s the case.” Her green eyes flitting around the space again to be sure.

“It was one of those movies that you don’t realize is creepy until the very end. Freaks is pretty good, too. That movie had me up for months,” she smiled as she nodded. “I did a few drawings of the movie. The place is just mostly fashion themed stuff since I get a lot of it for free or for cheap through work. Makes the place a little fancy. Maybe,” she tilted her head in thought for a moment. “I feel like it would be a little cocky if I hang up my own art.”

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scottxingram

Scots brows lifted and eyes bulged over towards Denise who went to mimicking him. It was a reaction that had him cracking into a laugh that settled in a soft chuckle while listening further. “Sounds like you were still more of a bad girl than I was boy. Heh. I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with being a good person. You don’t have to be a rebellious jerk to be cool.” Speaking mostly in his defense as he’d often gotten teased about it from friends and some colleagues. “You’re giving me ideas on what to give you for Christmas with all this talk. For now, just remember that cliche description and know it to be true.”

Meara gave a small smile as she shook her head. “I loved that dog. He was her service dog, but he was kind of my comfort dog. Reagan and I were always together, anyway, so I spent a lot of time with him. Nothing is wrong with being a good person. I think that was my problem though. I wanted someone that wasn’t that good because maybe then my parents would have noticed. They did, but they didn’t really care.” She pushed her lips to the side in thought for a moment. “Christmas ideas? Already? I haven’t even thought about Christmas.”