s u g a r c o a t .

Is there a place where I can hide away? Red lips, french kiss my worries all away. There must be a sweeter place. We can sugarcoat the taste. sweeter place. There must be a sweeter place. PENELOPE GOLDWYN

[penelopegoldwyn]

Prissy 💬 Nell

Prissy: that could of been it. i know if i was your professor, i'd have taken pity on you

Prissy: it's not that i don't NOT like having fun, it's just that i haven't been feeling in the mood - probably cause winter always puts me in a bit of a funk. you don't have to worry, sis, i know my limits and i won't be persuaded to do something that i'm against. Lee and the others know that i'm not a drinker or much of a party person

Prissy: YOU KISSED?!?! and why am i just hearing about this now?

Prissy: it might not be easy to find someone who's tolerant of an infant, but the right person WILL come along, i'm sure of it. though my vote's for Benny, having him move in makes the most sense ;P

Nell: i didn't mean like doing drugs or drinking, pris. i just mean like... sacrificing your time to things that SHOULD make you happy but don't. winter's tough, and sometimes being in a funk, no matter what time of year, it's more important to self-care than push yourself.

Nell: yeah... we kissed... It's still such a blur. Like, a million feelings hit at once and i'm still flustered about it.

Nell: you don't think he'd think it's too serious?

[penelopegoldwyn]

Prissy 💬 Nell

Prissy: it sure does. science and math were easily my worst subjects, and nothing's really changed on that front. i still suck! he must really like kids or something, if he changed his tune at the mention of Molls, but it's good that he accepted your paper. hope he gives you a good grade :)

Prissy: my housemates are honestly amazing. they're all fun and outgoing people and i love them, it's just ME that needs to be more fun - less work and more play, and all that jazz. oh, i think you getting a roommate is a great idea! that way you're sharing half the bills, instead of everything being placed just on you, it makes perfect sense

Nell: maybe it was the bags under my eyes and he just felt really bad lol i look a damn mess 90% of the time i'm at school

Nell: i know you love them all. it's good you have them. but, it's hard to be fun sometimes. you've just gotta be true to yourself. don't push yourself to be some idea of fun if you're not actually enjoying yourself. i think a roommate could definitely be a good idea. i thought about asking benny but that might be complicated... especially since we kinda kissed a few nights ago.

Nell: whoever i ask, they have to be able to live with molly too.

[penelopegoldwyn]

Prissy 💬 Nell

Prissy: Aw, sorry things are still rough for you, babes. Hopefully things will start getting better for you. Oh yeah, I remember going to classes and boy did I sucked at chem, so I totally get that! I don't think I ever actually got over a C in that class

Prissy: Oh you know me. I'm pretty boring so nothing really exciting happens around me, so I've been fine. You'd think with four housemates I'd actually socialize with them more but apparently I'm too much of a hermit even in my own house, lmao

Nell: science just BLOWS. i did have to talk to one of my professors last week though. i turned in a paper late, and by the grace of god, he actually still accepted it. it was like as soon as he found out about molly he like suddenly felt bad or something.

Nell: you need funner housemates, pris. i've been considering looking for a roommate, actually. maybe it'll make things a little easier. i could charge them half rent, and cut my hours at work.

[bennyokxy]

penelopegoldwyn·:

There was an innocence that seemed to carry itself between Nell and Benny. She’d always chalked it up to the fact that they were parents, figuring out how to raise their daughter together the best they could. Conserved and nervous. But, this kiss didn’t feel that way. Over time, the two of them had shared so many different kind of touches. Fearful first kisses, to hesitantly shedding their clothes in what would later result as the scariest news of their life. But, this? They’d been through the worst, and it was as though every worry was freed from Nell’s mind in that moment, her lips pressing to his, parting with invitation, as her hand moved to cup his cheek, pulling him closer as she shifted slightly on the couch, wanting more. Less space, more Benny. Inhaling his scent as she pulled back to catch her breath, she couldn’t help the soft smile that tugged at her features. “Would it be a bad idea, to go to bed early?” 

benny didn’t have any other reason to be so hesitant except for the fact that they had a baby together and this could make things tense. other than that, he felt like nothing was holding him back and he wanted this with her. he really wanted this with her. he was surprised that she wanted it too. not because she thought they had any hard feelings or anything but it was mostly because the two of them hadn’t done a lot to go further in their relationship after they had their daughter. he smiled slightly against her lips and hummed into her mouth before his tongue slid in to move with hers once she parted her lips. as she pulled away, his eyes met hers and he almost wondered if he’d done something wrong. he raised his eyebrows in surprise and then slowly shook his head, “no. i don’t think so.”

[penelopegoldwyn]

Very few things were as frightening as the idea of giving somebody the opportunity to break her heart, or even worse, her daughter’s. But, she couldn’t deny the way she felt when Benny was around. It was like she was back in high school, stomach aflutter with butterflies and cheeks pink with blush, at the simplest of soft spoken words or gentle kisses. She was rarely so quick to suggest the bedroom, but then again, everything with him was different. She cared about him, and she couldn’t help but believe he cared about her as well. She knew that their daughter had always been the biggest complication, but what if being together only made her life so much better? What if they actually worked out? Stealing one last kiss, she then sat up, pushing off of the sofa and onto her feet, holding her hand out for him, inviting him to follow her to her bedroom, a path she was certain he already knew.

[penelopegoldwyn]

His hand resting over her own made her heart beat a little faster, as though the kiss they’d shared hadn’t already had such an effect on her. Her stomach was filled with butterflies, her skin racing with flushed pink color, and her mind was running a million miles a minute as she attempted to process the feelings she related to the boy next to her. Benny was the father of her child, which always made things complicated, but more than that, he was the first boy to catch her attention, and hold it, in ages, and nothing about that had changed since having their daughter. If anything, Molly only made it more apparent, seeing him be so sweet with the small girl. Her thumb ghosted over the flesh of his hand, and without much hesitation, she leaned forward, this time pausing at his lips, as though to warn him that she was going to catch him in a second kiss. “We don’t have to talk about what it means, right now.” She whispered, before pressing her mouth to his in a soft kiss. 

[bennyokxy]

the way penelope made benny feel almost made him feel like a teenager, like this was the first time he’d ever had feelings for anyone. which, it may as well have been. this wasn’t like all the other times. he had a baby with nell. this was more serious and he didn’t want to mess things up. he smiled slightly, his eyes scanning her face. she really could have him wrpapped around his finger, just because of the way she made him feel. he inhaled a deep breath as his body shifted a little closer to hers, nodding slightly. “okay.” he breathed out right before he let his eyes flutter closed and he kissed her back. he hoped that maybe something would come out of it eventually but she said they didn’t have to talk about it right now so he was going to try not to overthink everything. 

[penelopegoldwyn]

There was an innocence that seemed to carry itself between Nell and Benny. She’d always chalked it up to the fact that they were parents, figuring out how to raise their daughter together the best they could. Conserved and nervous. But, this kiss didn’t feel that way. Over time, the two of them had shared so many different kind of touches. Fearful first kisses, to hesitantly shedding their clothes in what would later result as the scariest news of their life. But, this? They’d been through the worst, and it was as though every worry was freed from Nell’s mind in that moment, her lips pressing to his, parting with invitation, as her hand moved to cup his cheek, pulling him closer as she shifted slightly on the couch, wanting more. Less space, more Benny. Inhaling his scent as she pulled back to catch her breath, she couldn’t help the soft smile that tugged at her features. “Would it be a bad idea, to go to bed early?” 

[profwilliams]

𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 || 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧

[penelopegoldwyn]

It seemed fitting that Professor Williams would have a daughter. One her own age, in fact. He always seemed to care about his students, and she’d noticed early in the semester that despite his somewhat quiet demeanor, it was clear that he was a kindred man, relating to situations where he could, and showing affection where it was allowed. However, she’d never truly placed the idea that it might be because he was a father, raising children the age of his students -- relating to them more than they ever could have realized. 

“What’s her name?” She asked curiously. “She doesn’t go here, does she?” Maybe she was being nosy, but she had shared about her own daughter, it only seemed fair, right? 

“Yeah, me too.” She offered with a soft smile. “Thank you, again, for accepting my paper. I’m really trying, and I don’t want you, or any of my other professors to think I’m slacking off or using my daughter as an excuse for lee-way.” She explained softly. “I’m just... trying to find my footing. But, it means the world to me, that you’re giving me a second chance on this.”

[penelopegoldwyn]

His hand resting over her own made her heart beat a little faster, as though the kiss they’d shared hadn’t already had such an effect on her. Her stomach was filled with butterflies, her skin racing with flushed pink color, and her mind was running a million miles a minute as she attempted to process the feelings she related to the boy next to her. Benny was the father of her child, which always made things complicated, but more than that, he was the first boy to catch her attention, and hold it, in ages, and nothing about that had changed since having their daughter. If anything, Molly only made it more apparent, seeing him be so sweet with the small girl. Her thumb ghosted over the flesh of his hand, and without much hesitation, she leaned forward, this time pausing at his lips, as though to warn him that she was going to catch him in a second kiss. “We don’t have to talk about what it means, right now.” She whispered, before pressing her mouth to his in a soft kiss. 

[penelopegoldwyn]

Prissy 💬 Nell

Prissy: Hey sis

Prissy: How's it going? Are your classes going ok?

Nell: Hey! Classes are kicking my ass, and I'm like 90% certain I'm barely going to pass my chem class, but somehow it's holding together by a thread. How've you been?

[oryoucouldstay]

[bettyjugheads]

[bennyokxy]

penelopegoldwyn·:

It wasn’t as thought she could tell him how she felt. How her heart raced when she was with him, or how badly she wanted to reach for his hand every time they were alone. Even when they weren’t alone, really. Anytime Benny was close, all Nell wanted was to be closer. But, she was terrified of what that meant. What it could do. Admitting that she had real feelings for him, confusing as they were, could ruin everything. What if she embraced those feelings, and he broke her heart? Or she didn’t have enough time for him? What if they started dating, and it ruined any chance of being coparents for their daughter? But… What if it didn’t? They could have been a family. She could have been happy with him. “I…” She was searching for the right words, but they just didn’t seem to want to form, her eyes stuck on his. More. Of course, she wanted to kiss him more. That’s all she could think about, especially in that moment. “I… could, if you wanted me to…”

benny knew why they hadn’t taken taken things further. or mostly. he assumed they were both worried that things might not work out and that this whole coparent thing would come to an end. he didn’t want the co parent thing to end and he didn’t want any negative feelings toward penelope. he cared about her a lot. a part of him though wanted to forget about their current worries and just go for it. he wasn’t sure though that she felt the same way. he took his bottom lip between his teeth, wanting to take in reaction of what he said but talking to her about his feelings made him nervous. he tried not to be an emotional guy but it was never that easy, not when he was here with her. “i mean,” he cleared his throat and shrugged, “i wouldn’t complain if you did.”

[penelopegoldwyn]

There were so many risks that came with spending time with Benny. And even more with the idea of acting on her feelings while they were together. But, clearly she’d crossed that line the moment her lips met his, worries of what this would mean for their daughter running through her being as soon as she’d pulled away. It didn’t feel like a mistake though. How could it, when her skin was hot and her heart was racing so quickly? “I wouldn’t... mind doing it more often.” She admitted quietly, peering up at him through wide eyes, her hand dropping to rest at his thigh. “I just... want us to be on the same page. For Molly’s sake.” She added, her voice still just as low, words hesitantly falling from her lips as she plagued the thought of asking him to her bedroom. 

[prissygoldwyn]

Lunch Date | Open

[prissygoldwyn]

penelopegoldwyn‌:

“I know I’m wearing myself thin, Pris. But, I don’t think dropping classes is an option, as far as Dad’s concerned.” She pointed out. Her sister knew better than anybody how overbearing their parents could be, and how high their expectations were set. Nell having a baby had never been a part of anyone’s plan, and her father made that quite obvious. It was as though she was trying her very best to do everything, just to make sure he was happy. Like working hard and going through classes could somehow solidify the man’s love and approval. “Sometimes I think about quitting my job, so make things easier, but you know Dad’s not gonna help with rent.” She sighed, slumping a little in her chair. “I’m sorry things don’t seem to be getting any better with her. I mean, getting out of the house is a great start, but it sounds like she needs to see a doctor, Pris. Do you think there’s any way to convince her?”

“When it comes to your health, you shouldn’t care too much what dad thinks, Nell. Let him give you hell for it. If you’re too stressed out with everything, then that’s just going to make taking care of Molly even harder on you.” Babies weren’t her area of expertise but Prissy did know that they weren’t easy to look after, and that they were especially hard if you had a million other things going on. She worried that Nell was taking on too much at once. Of course, she also knew that their parents - their dad especially - would likely come down hard on Penelope if she dropped out of school, even if it was just temporary, but sometimes, it wasn’t and shouldn’t be about their parents. “You’re a parent now, too, babe. You have to do what’s best for you and Molls, not what you think will appease dad.” Brushing some of her hair from her face, she reached for her glass of iced tea and took a small sip, “I wish there was a way I could help you out more. Even with a bunch of housemates all helping to split the cost, and me working two jobs, it’s just barely enough to keep grandma’s house.” It was a huge burden in a lot of ways, that house, and if it weren’t for her friends, she’d have likely moved out two years ago. There was no way Prissy could afford to help Nell out with her rent if their dad ever decided to revoke that privilege from her, as much as she’d like to be able to. She shook her head slowly, and gave a small shrug, “I’ve suggested it to her before but Leona’s way too dang stubborn to go. Honestly, I love her to death, but she’s easily one of the most frustrating people I’ve ever known.”

[penelopegoldwyn]

“I like having Dad in my corner, Pris.” Penelope explained. “I know that as long as I’m living up to his expectations, he’ll help if I ever need it, and with how things have been, I keep worrying that I’m gonna be late on rent or something else with go wrong, and I’ll need to borrow some money. I know it’s a bad reason, but I have to think of the big picture. I know I’m running myself dry, but it’s all for her, and eventually me going to school is gonna pay off when I’m able to get a decent-waged job. I want to give her a life like our parents gave us, and right now, it just... doesn’t even seem plausible without Dad’s help.” She let out a sigh, bringing her ice water to her lips, taking a sip of the cold liquid. “How are the housemates working out, anyways? Any chance of raising their rent or anything, to make it more feasible? You shouldn’t be burdening it yourself if you’ve got other people there.” She pointed out, tone stern. “I know it’s a nice place, but you can’t let those people leech off of you.” She warned. “Maybe ask her to go with you. Schedule an appointment, and let her see what it’s actually like inside?”

[profwilliams]

𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 || 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧

[profwilliams]

penelopegoldwyn‌:

“Yeah, I definitely thought she was going to like it a lot more than she did. Some days, I wonder why I even bother buying her toys. All she ever seems to want is her blankey, anyways.” She chuckled lightly. She’d gotten a tiny blanket for her daughter around the time she was born, covered in little ducks, and the little girl seemed to cry anytime it wasn’t near. 

At the mention of help, she felt her stomach sink slightly. Her situation with Benny was complicated, and while she knew she owed it to herself to figure out her feelings for the boy, she didn’t have the time or energy to think about a relationship or how much of her life it would consume allowing herself to indulge in such feelings. No matter how easy he was on the eyes, or how her heart raced when they were together. “My…. Molly’s father helps when he can. He’s in school too, so it’s hard, especially since we both work. My sister helps too, but… It’s hard sometimes. All the time, really.” She admitted, her tone soft. “I just miss sleep.”

–

Williams wasn’t a soft person, but this conversation dug deep into him and grappled his heart, shook it around like a piggy bank until the quarters came out of the pig legs. It was affecting him. At this age, he didn’t think he could get ‘baby fever’ anymore, but…

Molly…

He chuckled softly, handing the phone back to Goldwyn. “ It’s always the last thing you expect that they get attached to, ” The duck blanket was adorable. Everything about this little girl reached so far back into him, it must’ve been a long time since he got to know someone her age on a more personal level than seeing one in a stroller.

“ It takes a village to raise a little girl. ” I wish I had that myself.

Before the next thought came out of his mouth, he knew that this wasn’t the smartest thing to offer. It felt like breaking some odd rules between students and teachers- although he knew a student who often passed him off as her father simply because of the same last night- so perhaps…

“ If you ever needed someone to watch her, I don’t believe I have evening classes this semester, ” He tried to keep his voice from going too soft. He was a teacher, after all. “ As long as you don’t mind me grading whilst watching her. ”

[penelopegoldwyn]

Nell had prepared herself for the worst when she’d stopped by her professor’s office, late. She knew that the faculty didn’t owe her anything, just because she was having a hard time at home. But, being greeted with such a kind conversation truly went the distance. It made her feel like she wasn’t doing so poorly after all. At least, where parenting was concerned. 

That was something she took pride in. She’d dedicated every moment outside of work to her daughter, squeezing in homework while the girl was asleep, in order to truly give her daughter the life she deserved, even if it meant going without rest or time for herself. Giving up the chance of having any semblance of a social life. It was nice when somebody was able to make it seem like her sacrifices were paying off. 

“Do you have a daughter, Mr. Wiliams?” She asked curiously, his comment feeding her the idea that perhaps he’d been through this all before. 

She was surprised at his offer, and while she normally would have turned him away, the idea of anyone watching her child other than herself or her family absolutely absurd in her mind, she felt oddly comfortable with the older man. He seemed professional in every way. “I’ll definitely keep that in mind.”

[bennyokxy]

penelopegoldwyn·:

While Nell knew she was a pretty girl, she rarely found herself in the company of a man, outside of Benny. She saw her schoolmates and teachers, and her co-workers, but she didn’t share a child or a night of absolute pleasure with any of them. It’d been months since she could remember kissing anybody, but one thing was certain. The last time she had, it’d been with Benny. Somewhere down the line, he’d gotten close enough to break down barriers that others hadn’t even been able to touch. But this kiss was something else. It wasn’t a passion fueled touch or something of the sort. It was… natural, and nervous. It was a leap of faith, and a human craving. “I don’t know.” She answered honestly, her cheeks burning bright as her eyes found his. That was easier than admitting all of the confusing feelings in her head, wasn’t it?. “Should I…not have?” 

benny always had been attracted to nell and the fact that she was single was a mystery to him. of course he knew that she was just as busy as he was but he assumed that wouldn’t stop her from wanting a relationship. he inhaled a deep breath. he had never been so stuck on any girl. in fact, he tried not to let it show that she effected him as much as she did but it was hard when he was around her. i don’t know. her words echoed in his brain for a minute and he figured if he was going to be honest, it might as well be now while they were in this moment. “no, uh-” he stopped, trying to think of what to say, “no, that was fine. not fine but like, i enjoyed it.” he scanned her face and his eyes finally landed on hers, “and i’m just wondering why you haven’t done it more.”

[penelopegoldwyn]

It wasn’t as thought she could tell him how she felt. How her heart raced when she was with him, or how badly she wanted to reach for his hand every time they were alone. Even when they weren’t alone, really. Anytime Benny was close, all Nell wanted was to be closer. But, she was terrified of what that meant. What it could do. Admitting that she had real feelings for him, confusing as they were, could ruin everything. What if she embraced those feelings, and he broke her heart? Or she didn’t have enough time for him? What if they started dating, and it ruined any chance of being coparents for their daughter? But... What if it didn’t? They could have been a family. She could have been happy with him. “I...” She was searching for the right words, but they just didn’t seem to want to form, her eyes stuck on his. More. Of course, she wanted to kiss him more. That’s all she could think about, especially in that moment. “I... could, if you wanted me to...”

[bennyokxy]

penelopegoldwyn·:

It wasn’t the first time they’d kissed. They had a kid together, after all. But, it’d been months since they’d crossed any kind of physical line, and being too close to him made it far too difficult to pretend that those feelings didn’t stir in her stomach every time they were together. His hand at her cheek, she shifted slightly on the couch, her own hand dropping to his shoulder, pulling him slightly closer. She was certain he could hear her heart racing, but all she could think about was the way his cologne enveloped her completely. She didn’t want to pull away, afraid that when she did, she may never get the chance to get close to him like this again, but she needed to catch her breath, gazing up at him through wide eyes, but refusing to move any further away. 

benny couldn’t remember the last time they’d shared a kiss and so he’d be lying if he said the wasn’t shocked by her actions. of course, he wasn’t really complaining about what was happening either. he wanted this to happen but he wasn’t sure how much she wanted it to happen since their one hook up. his hand slid from her cheek to the back of her neck to cup it and tug her a little closer. it wasn’t that he wanted anything more than a kiss but he was definitely enjoying what she was giving him in this moment. he felt like he couldn’t breath. she literally took his breath away and he wasn’t sure he would ever be able to get enough. when she pulled away from him, he looked down at her. “so,” he paused, clearing his throat. “what was that for?”

[penelopegoldwyn]

While Nell knew she was a pretty girl, she rarely found herself in the company of a man, outside of Benny. She saw her schoolmates and teachers, and her co-workers, but she didn’t share a child or a night of absolute pleasure with any of them. It’d been months since she could remember kissing anybody, but one thing was certain. The last time she had, it’d been with Benny. Somewhere down the line, he’d gotten close enough to break down barriers that others hadn’t even been able to touch. But this kiss was something else. It wasn’t a passion fueled touch or something of the sort. It was... natural, and nervous. It was a leap of faith, and a human craving. “I don’t know.” She answered honestly, her cheeks burning bright as her eyes found his. That was easier than admitting all of the confusing feelings in her head, wasn’t it?. “Should I...not have?” 

[bennyokxy]

penelopegoldwyn·:

It felt right, sitting there so close to him like this. They used to be able to do these sort of things all the time, forgetting the reasons or the feelings behind something as simple as finding a place to rest her head. She’s missed how easy things had been before Molly. Of course, she wouldn’t have her life any other way; her daughter was everything. But… This was something, too. And, she was sure of that as his arm wrapped around her, pulling her closer and comforting her in a way she hadn’t truly realized she needed until that very moment. Peering up at him from the corner of her eye, she could see the smile on his face, and it made her stomach spin in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time. “Benny?” She spoke near silently, perking up a little to catch his lips in a soft, hesitant kiss. 

benny wished this would be more of a regular thing, her sitting so close to him and just laying on him and most importantly, spending time with him but he wasn’t sure if it would be between everything else going on. so, he was just going to live in the moment and enjoy what he was getting right now, even if he wanted more of it. he was trying to focus on the tv but it was especially hard with penelope leaning on him. he took in a deep breath and looked down at her as she spoke, “what’s u-” he was cut off by her lips. she was actually kissing him. the moment her lips met his, he swore his heart was going to beat out of his chest. his free hand came up and cupped her cheek softly, returning the kiss as he did so.

[penelopegoldwyn]

It wasn’t the first time they’d kissed. They had a kid together, after all. But, it’d been months since they’d crossed any kind of physical line, and being too close to him made it far too difficult to pretend that those feelings didn’t stir in her stomach every time they were together. His hand at her cheek, she shifted slightly on the couch, her own hand dropping to his shoulder, pulling him slightly closer. She was certain he could hear her heart racing, but all she could think about was the way his cologne enveloped her completely. She didn’t want to pull away, afraid that when she did, she may never get the chance to get close to him like this again, but she needed to catch her breath, gazing up at him through wide eyes, but refusing to move any further away. 

[prissygoldwyn]

Lunch Date | Open

[prissygoldwyn]

penelopegoldwyn‌:

Nell was almost always searching for an excuse to get out of the house, though she rarely followed through with her plans, in favor of getting a little extra sleep or spending time on the couch with her daughter. Not to mention, between work and school, she was drained - she hardly had the energy to do anything even when she wanted to. But, she always made time for her sister. That would never change, no matter how difficult life became. “I’ve been…. exhausted.” She admitted with a soft sigh, though she was certain Prissy had probably been expecting such an answer. The bags under her eyes were dark, and she was much quieter than usual. It was as though being a parent had both given Nell a new meaning in life, as well as drained any sign of life from her being, and some days it was more noticeable than others. “Benny took Molls for the day, a couple’a days ago, but I feel like I can’t catch up on anything. I had to turn in a paper late the other day, after half-assing it at work, I’m barely making it to the inn on time, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve had more than four hours of sleep in one day.” She confessed. “I love her, more than anything, you know that.” She pointed out. “But, I feel like I’m drowning lately.” She wouldn’t tell this to anyone else, but she trust Prissy with her life. “What about you? Tell me your week has been better?” She asked softly. “Are things any easier with your roommate? I know you mentioned she was having a rough time.”

Looking across at her sister, Prissy couldn’t help the small frown from forming on her face as she listened to Nell speak of how drained she felt. As naive and rather clueless as Prissy was in many ways to the world around her, one thing she knew with absolute certainty was her sister, and just looking at the older girl, she could tell how tired and wiped out she was. Nell didn’t even have to tell her; the way she carried herself these days, as if she had no energy for anything other what was required of her on a daily basis was a tell tale sign. “Have you thought that maybe you’re stretching yourself a bit too thin, too quickly?” she asked, her blue eyes sparkling with concern for Nell’s well-being. She did just have a baby six months ago, and honestly, Prissy was surprised at how quickly Nell jumped back into things after Molly was born. “I know you want the best for Molly, but perhaps taking a break from school, even if it’s just for a single semester, might help lighten the load a bit? School will always be there and it’s not like you wouldn’t be able to return at a later date,” she suggested, trying to find a solution to help ease her sister’s weariness. “My week’s been busy, mostly with the various art projects I have going on at the moment, but that’s how I like it, staying busy.” At the mention of Leona, her frown only deepened as she thought of her friend and roommate. “She’s…well, she’s up and about again, and that’s great, but she is so far from okay that I don’t even think she realizing how unwell she is.” She loved Leona dearly, having known the girl for well over ten years at this point, so it pained her greatly to see one of her closest friends deteriorating before her eyes like she was. “She’s got a drug problem, and an alcohol problem that I know of, and about a handful of other stuff going on that I can’t hope to understand…so, I’d say things aren’t going too great.” 

[penelopegoldwyn]

“I know I’m wearing myself thin, Pris. But, I don’t think dropping classes is an option, as far as Dad’s concerned.” She pointed out. Her sister knew better than anybody how overbearing their parents could be, and how high their expectations were set. Nell having a baby had never been a part of anyone’s plan, and her father made that quite obvious. It was as though she was trying her very best to do everything, just to make sure he was happy. Like working hard and going through classes could somehow solidify the man’s love and approval. “Sometimes I think about quitting my job, so make things easier, but you know Dad’s not gonna help with rent.” She sighed, slumping a little in her chair. “I’m sorry things don’t seem to be getting any better with her. I mean, getting out of the house is a great start, but it sounds like she needs to see a doctor, Pris. Do you think there’s any way to convince her?”