no life, just stories.

24. Manager at Maelstrom Antiques.

[miloreed]

From the moment Tessa opened her sleepy eyes, to the moment she was out the shower, the girl knew today was going to be her day. She didn’t care if her hair was not agreeing with her, because there were always headbands for that issue, and used that as her motivation to smile even brighter today. Her nails were freshly painted pink, her lips were glossed up with her favorite clear shimmery lip gloss, and each step she took was with purpose even if the girl herself didn’t have an actual destination in mind for the day.

She found herself lost in the music blaring through her headphones, popping some of her favorite strawberry bubblegum, walking towards the Sea Life Sanctuary. When all else failed for Tessa, she always made her way to either ther or the beach. There was a pause in her music as her phone loaded the other song, which is what caused her to finally pay attention to her surroundings. A smile spread on her shimmery lips when she noticed where her feet had taken her. “Hmm,” She looked to see if she could find someone to make a quick friend with, “Psst. Hey you, yeah you. Are you busy?”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

Nellie smiled warmly as the blonde approached her, shifting the weight of the box in her hands. “Hi, Tessa.” She greeted the girl before looking down at the object she was holding. “I won’t be for long. I need to drop this off to a client a couple of blocks away. Will you join me? I promise to sign up for any plan you may have today.”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

@randall--boggs

She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and refused to look at the time, the library’s windows made it their mission to let her know it was already too late. Nellie looked around the work tables and with only a couple other people around, assumed her books and stuff would be safe for a bit. She made her way to the other side of the room and bought herself a granola bar; it was a pleasant surprise that the machine had given her two. Once back in her seat, Nellie took one of the bars and carefully placed it on the other side of the table, near to the guy that had been sitting there for as long as she had. “Machine gave me an extra one.” Was all she could say as an explanation, going back to her open journal as soon as she had said it.

[nellie-vanhelsing]

dark-sky-llewellyn​:.

Sky smiled, noticing her friend’s eyes warm up even more as she talked about her friend. “You’ve known him for a long time, right?” Even though she knew Victor and she’d hung around with him before, they weren’t too close. And hearing her describer the boy kind of made Sky want to work on getting to befriend him more too. “Does it? I’d never looked at it that way, but that makes sense. Like, most complications are either very superficial or just momentary horror.” She agreed. She looked down at their hands and intertwined her fingers with Nellie’s. “You’re very complex too and I love you.” She replied happily. “He’s hanging around the house somewhere, there’s a dark aura following him around since last week, he did meow to warn me it will probably rain later.” She updated her. “So even if it doesn’t look it, you should carry an umbrella if you can!” She nodded. “I’m sure they will and if difficulties present themselves he clearly has a good support system.” She grinned. “I’m almost never able to do that, so yes.” 

“Elementary school, we spent almost every minute together. I’m not sure what I would’ve done without a friend like him by my side.” There was a slight melancholy tinging her voice, but there was no denying the fondness written all over her face. Victor had been her very first friend and, much of what she came to be today, Nellie knew he had helped her uncover it. The only other times where she had felt so at home with anyone else had been when she met both Sky and Gemma. “Precisely; not many people welcome them as a way of discovering new shades to anything that’s set before their eyes. I believe it’s all a matter of perception and appreciation.” Nellie felt her heart fill with warmth at Sky’s response, it was difficult not to feel anything but comfort around her. “I should bring Persephone over, they could make each other company while the storm passes.” She thought of her dog and how she probably was sleeping on her bed– again. “Oh, noted. The last time I had to take cover under the newspapers I was supposed to use to wrap our old merchandise in.” She admitted with a bit of guilt, nodding along as her mind went on to the next thought. “Definitely. I’m not going anywhere– well, we are right now.” Nellie, elated, smiled and stood up from her seat. “My boss’ husband works at the Frost Science museum in Miami and set aside some tickets for me because I’ve never been able to visit. If we leave on the ferry right now, we can catch one of the planetarium’s shows and maybe lose ourselves in the mirror maze.”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

shenziwallace​:.

“Don’t say that as if you are ashamed of it. People will use that against you.”, she advised because after all that she has been through, she knows that having one’s weakness be known had bad effects on that person. “I don’t want to die of diabetes so you are on your own. Good luck.” She placed the straw that she was given back in the container then took a sip of her actual drink. “Definitely the toffee nut frappuccino. It’s the sweet kind that will make you feel like vomiting.”

Nellie looked down for a moment and mused over the girl’s statement. “I hope to never put someone in such a situation where they feel like they have to do that.” Though she knew better, with the other kids she grew up with, some people needed no reason to be awful. “Th- thank you.” She said through a slight clearing of her throat, perhaps drinking the thing wasn’t in her best interest nor her health’s– still, the smell lured her into a bad decision. She took a sip, then another... then decided it wasn’t as bad as she originally feared. “This probably has toffee in it as well, but it has a slight bitter aftertaste.” Nellie shrugged. “It works as a drinkable dessert; with what you’ve said, I take it isn’t your favorite choice.”

[princesselyonbrown]

“Is there anyone back there?”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

Nellie looked at the shelf and sighed, all of the new additions the owner had brought to the store had been fantastically unique but drastically incompatible with one another. Not pleased with her work, she was about to go at it again when a voice caught her attention; she peeked from behind the shelf and smiled at the girl. “Hi. Is there anything I could help you with?”

[highly-functioning-frankenstein]

“Well… I supposed that’s it for the day.” Victor murmured happily, watching the revived butterfly flutter away. He’d been able to bring it back to life, and he knew it had partly been just because she’d been dead for mere seconds. She’d wandered into his lab and passed there and he’d seen it as a signal. But still, she was back, his new method had worked at least once now and that made him very happy. He felt his heart soar along with it as he saw it go, taking only a couple of pictures. He was surprised to see the person standing beside him. “Oh, I didn’t know there was anyone else here.” He commented, a little shocked. It was quite late and he wasn’t used to finding people at the university at this hour. 

[nellie-vanhelsing]

“I was looking for you. Hi.” Nellie greeted Victor with a smile, she was holding a cardboard box with food and was ungracefully opening the door with a combination of her free hand and her hip; somewhat distracted by the beautiful butterfly that was just about to make its way out the window. “How did it go?” After catching a glimpse of the event, she knew the question wasn’t needed but she still wanted to hear every detail. “It’s shadow disappeared only after a few seconds... you’re perfecting your art.”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

dark-sky-llewellyn​:.

“Wow, That sounds… complicated. I mean, I feel like he’s made of opposite qualities then. That’s interesting.” She nodded in agreement. “I’ll run into him tomorrow, if Mr. Whiskers is right. Hopefully we can chat a little.” The blonde nodded calmly. Actually, what she’s seen of Victor’s future hadn’t been terribly nice, but it was a long time to come and she knew it could change. “It’s okay. Paths change a lot, that’s normal.” She tried to reassure her friend, noticie the edge in her voice. “It’s lovely, really.” The witch agreed. She couldn’t help but giggle. “I still enjoyed the whole thing immensely, though.” She replied sincerely. “That’s true!”

She took a moment before replying. “He is, I could argue that is in his nature. That’s what makes him wonderful.” Talking about Victor always made Nellie feel a mixture of emotions; he was her oldest friend and the most intelligent, caring person she had ever met– probably would be a fact throughout her whole life. She loved him dearly. “It takes a lot to be complicated in a world that can be so simple... to be unapologetically himself.” Nellie stated with great warmth before reaching out to hold Sky’s hand. “You’re complicated too, and I adore you for it.” She smiled, her eyes full with hope. “I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. Where is Mr. Whiskers, anyway?” She questioned as she looked around the area, trying to place the cat and to calm herself after hearing Sky’s words. “Good. I hope paths are kind to him.” Nellie replied with what she hoped was nothing close to nervousness. She decided to focus on the next topic. “I have an idea... do you feel like doing something mildly unexpected today?”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

bernie-berlioz​:.

Bernie was used to soft voices, as he had one of his own; however, the one that spoke to him at this current second was different. The voice sounded so soft it almost felt like a blanket or words coming to wrap themselves around him and comfort him. It felt like everything was in slow motion as he turned to face the direction the gentle voice came from, “I’m sorry.” He gently apologized, offering a warm apologetic smile. He didn’t have to look her over to know that much like himself; she was not in her element. Apart of him wanted to praise her for being here, as he knew how much effort it could take to step out of your comfort zone, but another part knew how weird that would be and so he just continued to offer a warm smile. “You’re absolutely correct. Experience is one of the strongest tools we have. It should be exercised as much as possible.” He softly agreed,  nodding as he spoke.

He had been about to suggest they ride something a bit less intense for her first ride here, but then he silently scolded himself. He had been about to treat her the same way people treated him. She was not as fragile as the softness of her voice may have suggested, or the body language she gave off from being outside of her comfort zone, she was stronger than that, and he knew it. He may not have known her for longer than a few seconds, but he knew she was capable of handling this ride and any ride that came her way. “Hi, I’m Bernie. Would you mind joining me for this experience? If you’re still up for it, we can feast on greasy carnival food after.” He offered, containing the urge to extend a hand out to her, “What do you say?”

She smiled softly, feeling the tension in her shoulders relax after his polite and cohesive response. There was a good-natured energy surrounding him and she was glad to have stumbled upon pleasant conversation– the one thing she wasn’t looking for or expecting to get in a crowded fair. “I should be somewhat embarrassed, speaking of experience when I haven’t dared go up there.” Nellie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and took a small breath before gaining enough courage to hold his gaze for more than a second. “I should be the one to apologize, I didn’t mean to invade your space of thought.” She offered with a little chuckle, wondering if she was able to help him make his mind up about the ride; from his gentle demeanor, it seemed like he would be able to make the most of it, even if the experience wasn’t as thrilling as it promised to be. “Nellie. Nice to meet you.” The look in his eyes was somewhat unreadable but there was a hint of something grand she wanted to stay around to unravel. “I think...” Nellie’s eyes focused on a grey shadow that lurked just around the base of the ride and, before she could worry about a worst case scenario of where that figure came from, realized it was only an old raccoon stealing food off the ground. “That would be wonderful. Thank you for inviting me.” She smiled, musing over the next part of his sentence. “Oh, there is a corn dog stand that is quite famous around here.” Nellie had once heard that one musician recommend it and she hadn’t had half the mind to visit the carnival to try it. “Another item to the list?” She offered, intrigued to know how two other paths had crossed. “May I ask, what brought you to the Carnival? Was it this particular ride?”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

tinker-tessa​:.

Life had a funny way of working things out and bringing two souls together. At this moment with Nellie, as Nellie spoke, Tessa could only look at the girl with a soft gaze and intrigued mind. She spoke like a poet, her words, the pen that was etching each word into  Tessa’s heart and soul. In a matter of mere seconds, she was in bliss. She felt as if she was hovering above the ground, subconsciously one hand reached behind her to make sure she wasn’t, and with every other word coming out of Nellie, she felt more and more intoxicated by her. She also felt a little bad because, at some point, the sentences the other girl spoke, and questions, all seemed to morph into a giant sentence. She was trying to keep up with everything the other girl was saying, she just wasn’t used to hearing someone speak so elegantly, and it made her a little jealous that she couldn’t do it. Maybe if she could, Peter would know everything she felt. “U-um..” she cleared her throat, smiling softly, “..I’d like that. If your taste in music is as amazing as the way you describe things, well, I think we will have a successful playlist that is sure to let Peter know how much I love him.” She unintentionally blurted his name, not noticing as she continued, “I think you’re right about the people that make their mark on your life and us leaving a piece with them.” She reached out to take Nellie’s hand in hers, gently giving it a little squeeze, “I think you’ve just made your mark in mine, and this beach. If you ever find yourself lost, scared, or just in need of a friend, come here. You’ll always find a piece of me here waiting for you.” She chuckled softly, gently letting Nellie’s hand go now. She made a mental note to find a spot for the two; one she could leave inspirational messages for Nellie to find whenever she chose to visit. This friendship between the two was unlike a bond Tessa had ever formed, and the girl had every intention of keeping it as close to her as possible. For once, she finally felt like she had someone she could talk to about anything. Including, perhaps, the part about her sexuality, Tessa was most scared to let anyone in on. Maybe, she thought, Nellie could be that someone. “Even if all you’re thinking about is the sand beneath your feet, I’d like to know.” She gently assured, “I’d like to know anything you think about, Nellie. You know what?” Tessa motioned for the girl to follow, “Come. We’re going to look for another seashell like Shelly. After all, how are we going to sense when one needs the other if we don’t have our trusty amulets to help us? Shelly the seashell needs to connect to another part of the ocean, you see.” She bent down and picked up a small little seashell, “Hmm. Nope. This one feels ordinary.” She said, gently placing it back down, bending down to whisper to it, “But ordinary is okay, too.” Then she looked back up at Nellie, “Anyway, the seashell would have to be found by you. Like Shelly was found by me. It’s the only way the magic will work.”

She let out a small sigh of relief, grateful that her words had been understood and met with such warmth. “I’m afraid I might not have an all-embracing selection of music, but I can offer you they’re heartfelt choices. I would be honored to be involved.” Nellie’s eyes were bright with genuine interest; she couldn’t quite place the last time she’d made a connection such like this, Tessa’s unique soul was invigorating and Nellie could only guess the depth of the stories and feelings that were buried beneath her skin. It was rare for her to get this excited about other people’s affairs, especially a stranger’s; Tessa’s life offered a completely new territory she had never dared explore and she was eager to be involved... perhaps as a confidant, in it. “It will be our meeting place. If we need one another, we will know to come here.” Nellie squeezed Tessa’s hand back. Growing up, she longed for the kind of friendship that occurred out of happenstance. While Victor had been her saving grace when she was only a child, and Sky had appeared to show her the kind of understanding she had been missing on; she could feel Tessa make her own way into her heart as a breath of fresh air in this stage of her life. “There is a place I would like to show you... I work at an antique store and there are some stories I would love to share with you. It is sort of a home, if I may be honest.” She replied with an eagerness that hadn’t had touched her voice in a while. “I was thinking of how grand it is for you to be able to experiment... to live through the feeling all of the greatest poets have lost their poise and reason over; it’s pure and it’s real. Through the whirlwinds and the spots of utter bliss, you are one of the lucky ones.” She focused on Tessa and smiled, not expecting the turn of events but sincerely enjoying the pursue of Shelly’s friend. “I believe that is a superb idea. Shells and people, we come in pairs.” Nellie chuckled, watching as a small wave took the seashell away from their feet and peacefully dragged it back into the sea. “Ordinary... Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life.” She sighed out the quote and smiled at Tessa, allowing for a wave of serenity to wash over her– just as an actual wave covered her feet and left a gift for her. “What do we have here?” Nellie took the seashell and inspected it; a faded yellow with a small crack on it’s left side, otherwise lovely. “I think we’ve found... Sandy?” She held out for the other girl to take.

[aurorahawthorne]

Harbor Carnival

Typically Bernie Berlioz was one of the first teachers at Ancora University to jot his name down for summer availability. He genuinely enjoyed spreading his knowledge onto hungry minds, and usually, his students were putting requests in for his summer courses. This year, though, Bernie did not jot his name down nor put any available courses up because he had decided this would be the summer he actually took some much needed time for himself and explored what Costa Serena had to offer. Of course, his students were a little disappointed, but after he promised not to throw any surprise quizzes at them (if they chose to take his course) next semester for three weeks, they were okay again. 

The first couple of weeks were miserable. It had struck Bernie in those weeks that he needed to be more social outside of his relationships with coworkers and students. His piano? That would always take priority, and he would never feel guilty for spending any time with it. It was, after all, the light in his life that brings him back from the darkness. Regardless of his initial struggle to find activities for him to do, he did eventually find his rhythm with everything. After that, there were many days spent at the beach, the movie theatre, day drinking, and he even tried yoga one week. Yoga, though, had proven not to be his cup of tea. 

Today, Bernie found himself spending the second part of his day at the Harbor Carnival. It had been on his “Summer Bucket List,” but either he was too worn out from the beach to go, or he got sidetracked with his buddies at night to remember to go. Luckily, tonight it was a different story. He was enjoying the lights that illuminated from all the rides, snack stands, and even some of the attendees with glow sticks here and there. He had been about to grab something to eat when he came across a ride that caught his attention, so he stopped to examine it a bit. It looked exciting, a bit scary, but overall something he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to try alone. Then, as if some unknown force had made his decision, a stranger came up next to him, and without looking over, he asked,” Do you think that it’s as fun as it looks or it’s just lying to me?” He chuckled a bit, “Also, do you think it’s something to ride alone, or should I just grab something to eat?”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

This time around, Nellie had decided to let her feet do the thinking as well as the walking. She felt as if she had already drained all of her usual spots from the energy and creativity she expected out of them whenever she took a stroll. For the most part, she always avoided the crowded places in town, especially if she was wandering alone and there was no reason to actually try to force herself to enjoy the whirlwind of energies around her. Of course, she cursed her earlier decision for her footsteps certainly drove her way over and out from her comfort zone. She had a change of scenery in mind, but not a 180 as much as a 90. After adjusting the straps of her backpack, she crossed her arms over her chest and began to walk aimlessly, allowing herself to get lost between the sounds, the screams, the smells and the pretty lights from all the various attractions around. She had never actually noticed how lovely some of the decorations were, especially the ones just outside the haunted house. “S-sorry?” Nellie jumped a bit in place, unaware of how long she had been standing in her current spot. “I couldn’t tell, never have been on this particular one– or any, for that matter.” She replied softly as she inspected the ride. “The only way to clear your mind from any doubt is experience. I would suggest an empty stomach as to avoid any accidents.” Nellie smiled.

[nellie-vanhelsing]

tinker-tessa​:.

Tessa’s smile brightened at Nellie’s words. She had not come to the beach today to make a friend or find a cute connection with little seashell, but Nellie had awoken something inside of Tessa Bell that had not been awakened in a very long time; warmth. She often felt it with her sister, of course, but to feel it with another girl who had been a stranger about an hour ago was something entirely different. She knew she would treasure this newly forming friendship now and even if Nellie got tired of her temper tantrums, or corny jokes, she would take it with her to the grave.“ Well,…” her smile brightened when Nellie kissed the little shell, “…okay! It’s a deal!” She tucked the shell back into her pocket before linking her arms with the other girl, coming in a little closer, “Okay. It’s a little lame, but okay.” She pointed to a spot that was a bit far from them, “You see that spot, right over there? Well, it’s kind of hard to see it because the rocks..but anyway..” she continued to look in that direction, “… that’s a special spot, one I share with…someone special to me. See, he’s stupid, cute, frustrating, did I mention stupid and cute?” She laughed a little, sighing softly, “He’s my everything, Nellie. I adore him so much…it can kind of suck from time to time. We break up and get together more times than I care to think or even admit. But, sometimes, when we are broken up..like now…I come to the beach to get as close to that spot as possible, because…” she shook her head, looking at Nellie now, “..I am a big doofus who wants to be around in case he needs it, no matter what, and I know he’ll eventually make his way here. So..I’ve been thinking of a way to create a sort of…mood radio…or…ipod? I don’t know. Who uses iPods anymore?” She laughed, looking back towards the direction of the spot, “but…I want to figure out a way to put my feelings for him into words, and music is the only thing I can think of, and also… isn’t that just cool? To have a thing, you just place your hand on and blam! It just knows the right music to play?" She looked over at Nellie, smiling,"  Sorry buttercup.What’s on your mind?”

Nellie had always loved stories, nothing filled her with more joy than forgetting herself and losing her mind into the life and stories from a soul completely separate from hers. Having a complete stranger turn into a friend in a matter of minutes already was a wonderful thing but, having that person pour out their heart to you with only the promise of keeping that trust between you? She was elated to have stumbled upon that sort of immediate connection. When Tessa pointed to the spot, Nellie’s focus didn’t falter, hanging on to every word that was being spoken. Every sentence that came out of the girl held a sense of melancholy that enthralled Nellie; she could feel how much Tessa cherished this person and, for someone who had never managed to make that kind to connection with another human, it moved her heart. “A mood radio– it reminds me of those mood rings; but playing the music your soul needs at any given moment so it can say the words you can’t better than you could? That would be a dream. Oh, perhaps a Spotify playlist would at least be a solution? I quite like putting them together for work and such, I’d be honored to help you find the right songs if you need them.” Nellie said wholeheartedly. “Tess, that was absolutely beautiful. We leave a piece of ourselves in the people and places we care for; if something is drawing you in to this particular spot, your energy is surely drawing the same vibrations in.” She took a small breath and smiled at Tessa. “The manner in which you describe things... stories are constantly writing themselves around us, you hold the pen and paper to keep them alive if there is something in you that tells you there’s still something to write beyond those points and ellipsis and page breaks.” She didn’t have any experience with relationships, but she did know her writing and the similarities were impeccable. “There’s so much devotion here it’s admirable; not lame, never lame nor corny.” Nellie shook her head and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh, n-nothing much, certainly nothing as engrossing as what you just shared with me. Thank you for your trust.”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

shenziwallace​:.

“Mhm. Hi, I’m Shenzi and likewise. I’d say I’m surprised that I haven’t met you before but I usually don’t talk to people much.” She reached for her cup of coffee and took a sip as her companion got comfortable in her seat. “For your sake, I hope you don’t regret it because I was told that some of the drinks in the menu taste absolutely horrible.” It was the perks of being a usual customer of the shop; the baristas rarely lied to her. “That depends. What exactly is it?”

“Neither do I.” She replied in slight embarrassment, more than sure that their reasons for not approaching people would be diametrically different. The girl seemed like a confident woman that could choose her company, not someone that is unsure of approaching anyone as to not wanting to bother them. “We’ll regret it together?” Nellie offered doubtfully, biting down on her lip as she took the cap off the cup and reached over to grab two straws off the service counter; she handed the extra one to Shenzi. “I remember there’s praline... perhaps it’s a Christmas-like drink in the middle of July?” She sighed before looking at the girl again. “Oh, which one was the worst you’ve had?”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

tinker-tessa​:.

“Oh, Nelle.” She happily sighed, looking back at the ocean, “I’ll tell you, but..you have to promise that no matter what happens you can not ever tell anybody else.” At this, Tessa reached into her pocket and pulled the little sea shell out of it, “You have to swear it on Shelly.” She said, extending the little shell out for her. 

To say Nellie was intrigued to know what coursed through Tessa’s mind was an understatement. The longing look in her eyes was indescribable– precisely the quality Nellie most cherished in people. “Tess, I’m a grave.” She replied soothingly, a smile finding the way back to her face as she saw the little shell appear once again into the world. Nellie took the shell with utmost caution and, inspired by Tessa’s earlier actions, also gave it a small kiss. “I swear on Shelly and I promise to you.”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

tinker-tessa​:.

Tessa’s gaze went back to the little seashell in her hand, she smiled at the other girl’s comment, “That’s an interesting way to look at it. I guess you’re right. It has little swirls, like my twirling about, and it’s a little lost..but it seems to have found a new friend to keep it from getting more lost. I think I’ll name it…Shelly. So clever, I know.” She chuckled and brought the little shell up to her lips, pecked a small kiss on it,  and gently tucked it into her pocket. She made a mental note about going home and turning it into a necklace or perhaps adding it to her scrapbook. “So, new friend, what can I call you? I’m Tessa, or Tess, whatever floats your boat that day.”

Nellie pondered over Tessa’s words, there was something enchanting about the lost and found dynamic that would make her fingertips itch until she was able to put it down on paper. “Shelly the compass that keeps you from getting lost? I think it’s a perfect fit.” She replied, her heart warming up at how gracious the other girl had been at accepting the gift. “It’s absolutely wonderful to meet you, Tess. I’m Eleanor or Nellie.” New friend. Nellie loved the sound of that. “May I ask, what is it that has you in such a great mood? It’s refreshing.”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

tinker-tessa​:.

“Wait. You saw me spinning like a goon and still thought it was a smart idea to come near me?” She tilted her head, chuckling, “You’re much braver than I am, at least in that sense. And yes, I was having a good time. I think I was having too much of a good time, in all honesty.” She smiled, shaking her head at herself. “Anyway, are you alright? No major damage?” She asked, glancing down for a moment, “Oh, hey…” she bent down and picked up a little seashell with red swirls mixed into its shell, “…I think you dropped this. It’s pretty.” She brought the seashell back up and held it out for Nellie, assuming it was even hers in the first place.

“Well–” She bit her lip in thought for a split second. “You seem to be the only person here doing something remotely out of the ordinary; I couldn’t help but be interested.” Nellie shook her head in slight embarrassment. “Hardly am. No such thing in such a weather.” She replied calmly; though she would trade the sunny warmth for an overcast sky any day of the week, even she had to admit the day was pleasantly breezy and not as obnoxiously bright. “I’m fine, are you?” She followed the other girl’s movements and gave the shell a brief look; Nellie smiled at her. “Keep it, please. It seems like it found its way to you; the pattern matches your mood.”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

dark-sky-llewellyn​:.

“Why peculiar?” Sky asked. She liked Victor, she had fun talking to the boy, but she hadn’t gotten to know him much yet. She had a feeling he liked to hold back from people. Except Nellie, they seemed very close. “I see something about him is different, like his future keeps shifting.” She commented. The blonde smiled. “I’m glad to hear that, because I speak from the heart when I talk to you.” A giggle escaped her as she was about to sip her tea. “I wish I could have more surprise visits, but I kind of always guess they’re coming.” 

“Victor– he, he has the mind of an accomplished scholar and the soul of a well-lived poet.” She explained as it was the simplest thing in the world. “Speaking to him is as if you’ve found a balance between diametrically opposed worlds. I’ve never met anyone like him.” Nellie nibbled on her cookie, stopping in her tracks. “It does?” She couldn’t help the slight strained edge that tinged her words, dropping it as soon as it had appeared as she focused on Sky’s next sentence. “Likewise. Few things are as grand as finding people you can be completely honest with.” She left the cookie down on her plate and smiled at her. “We all had to accept that the last two times we tried to throw you a surprise party.” Nellie chuckled. “As long as they’re pleasant non-surprises!”

[darling-tremaine]

Diana spent the last few weeks travelling the world, alternating between vacations and formal dinners meant to make sure the law firm’s clients were happy with how their cases were handled. It was easy work–her mother had always taught her how to twist her words so that people hear what they want to hear. Though, nearly two months away from her apartment was too much, and she was happy to have spent the night in her own bed, not having to speak with anyone. The next morning was another story as she didn’t have anything to eat or any coffee to brew, so she had to set out on the town to buy what she’d need for the week. Diana was leaving the cafe, ready to head to the grocery store when someone bumped into her, causing a little spillover from the top of her cup on to her dress. “You are lucky this dress is dark,” she seethed, looking down at the emerald dress now hiding the coffee stain. “It’s Dior.”

[nellie-vanhelsing]

Saying that Nellie was distracted was an understatement, her eyes were locked down on her journal as her feet marched on, scanning her vigorously penned lines from the night before. It had been one of those bizarrely productive nights, some fresh air wouldn’t hurt her after being locked in her room for so long. She made her way to the nearest place that would sell her a decent cup of coffee, ignoring her lightheadedness and everything around her– “S–sorry!” The girl squeaked out, pulled away from the pages and thrown out into the real world once again. “It wasn’t my intention to soil your dress.” Nellie, albeit relieved the woman was right and the dress didn’t show any sign of damage, couldn’t help but clutch her notebook to her chest. “Is there a way I could make it up to you?”