♡♡♡
the 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖘 in my brain
versus the 𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 in my heart
♡♡♡ julia cohen / xxxv / pharmacist
& billie haynes / xxiv / bassist, cashier, ghoshunter
Lavender stands outside the flower shop she works at, no sign of her usual smile on her face. As someone passes by her, Lavender picks up a single white rose and holds it out to the person. “Flower for Henry?” she offers. “We’re keeping him and his loved ones in our thoughts during this time. A flower isn’t much but it shows our love and support.” Lavender tries for a smile but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. @mistystarters·
𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄’𝐒 𝐍𝐎 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐏 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏 as she strides along the sidewalks of misty hollow. she’s always walked by lavender’s shop on her way home from work, though it made her route longer; there’s something comforting about the smell of flowers, even on days where she’s pricked with dread. she’s torn from a far off place when the woman talks to her, accepting the flower as though it were made of glass. ❝ that’s such a beautiful gesture. ❞ she feels awkward saying it, like she’s trying too hard to get her feelings across. she tucks the flower in next to ear, where it stuck out against dark locks. ❝ i, um, i’m sure his family really appreciates it. your flowers are always so pretty. ❞
it was hard enough being back in misty hollow. jillian was staying in her childhood home and as she tried to sort through the belongings of her parents, she purposefully stayed away from the shrine that used to be jack’s room. assoon as she returned back, a child went missing. “is this some sort of joke?” it hadn’t taken long for her thoughts to be unclear, for worry to set in that it was all happening again. while she couldn’t remember living through it, her parents had spent years instilling their own memories in her and indeed fictitious memories of her brother. “please tell me it’s not true…” her plea was to no one in particular, she just felt the need to say something. this couldn’t happen again; she needed to get back to los angeles as quickly as she could.
𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖, a tragedy becomes inescapable. everyone is shaken, rightfully so, and it’s not hard to read the atmosphere. who could have done this, and who is next? a nightmare of a boogeyman chasing you — only you can’t wake up. that’s how julia feels, anyways. ❝ i’m afraid it is. ❞ red lipstick stains the end of her cigarette, it’s her second of that morning. she avoids meeting jillian’s eyes. ❝ nothing’s been … declared yet. maybe he’ll come back. ❞ optimism makes her feel as though she were lying.
the public library in misty hollow should have had a built in, underground bunker for colton hartley; evidently, it was like a second home to the young journalist. most of cole’s research took place in the tranquil atmosphere the building provided, whenever he was feeling imprisoned in his own apartment or in dire need of fresh air ( the latter being the current case ). and what perfect timing to peruse the old newspapers, covering the misty hollow murders, than now, during the beginnings of a missing child search party. a sigh emitted from dry lips, tip of his tongue poking out to quickly swipe over his lower lip, before only then discovering the presence of another at the large table cole occupied. blue hues silently sized up the other. the library may not have been considered a hot gossip spot, but that never stopped the brunet before. “ so … you know anything about that missing kid ? ” he leaned forward a bit, his voice low; speaking barely above a whisper. “ i mean, you think he’d be the type to just wander off, or … ? ” an open ended question, but he certainly didn’t want to be the one to tether any sinister outcomes to the kid.
𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄’𝐒 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘. pretentious to say but true, many flock to quiet spaces to feel safe. while some chose churches for comfort in trying time, billie chose the likes of fitzgerald and austen to keep her company under sunken in wood. she’s circling the table with a stack of books tucked under her arm, although it’s always unclear if she actually reads any of them or if she just likes to look at their pictures. ❝ are you trying to victim-shame a child? ❞ eyebrows crinkle but her interest is peaked regardless. ❝ or are you a cop or something? ❞ she overenunciates the word to portray it as an insult. he reminds her of the journalist from scream, if she were less punchable but just as gossipy. ❝ i dunno what to tell you, man. everyone was pretty drunk. he could have wandered or … got swept up in the crowd. ❞
✎⌠margaret qualley. cisfemale. she/her⌡❝ — well, look who’s just arrived ! if it isn’t the one and only billie haynes. though, around here they’re known as the escapist. don’t tell ‘em i said this but the twenty-four year old bassist / cashier at a dime a dozen kinda has a reputation of being aloof and indecisive. but y’know, they can be imaginative and peaceful too. typical scorpio. anyways, welcome home and stay safe billie ! ❞
ok guys… hear me out…. a character based off the riot grrrl movement of the 90s but with margaret qualley’s face…. that’s billie
full name. billie renee haynes.
nickname / s. bill, ???
birthdate. october 27th, 1995.
age. twenty-four y.o.
star sign. scorpio, babey.
gender & pronouns. cisfemale, she / her.
sexual orientation. bisexual.
occupation. bassist / cashier / wannabe ghost hunter.
place of birth. misty hollow, connecticut.
backstory.
billie’s life was always a little chaotic, tbh ! she was the youngest to kim and elijah haynes, the only sister to two older brothers. she spread the rumor that she ate her twin in the womb in middle school, but unfortunately that was just her lying to seem more interesting.
her house was the kind of small where there’s no privacy. she shared her room with her brothers her entire life which was … a nightmare ! so surprising to no one she was more of an outside kinda girl. always exploring, always finding an excuse to get out, typically barefoot. y’know the type.
winona ryder vc always a fan of the strange and unusual. her and her mom would watch murder shows on id together all the time ‘nd those ghost specials on tv were literally billie’s jam growing up. she’s known she’s wanted to be a paranormal investigator from a young age.
her parents were both huge stoners ! both of ‘em never bother to hide this. their entire family had a 70s vibe to them tbh…. lmao.
billie was never stupid, but she never applied herself in school, either. was always a sweet kid and never got into too much trouble aside from talking a little too much and playing rough with her friends. was very anti-drug as a child, too … ironic isn’t it ...
anyways, she thought there were more important things in life than school so she just never… bothered.
rebel girl plays in the background she started getting into the punk scene when she was thirteen… tho that was more of an emo phase. then she started learning guitar, learned she can’t sing for shit, ‘nd transitioned to bass. started smoking pot around fifteen with the permission of her mom… got really into stick ‘nd pokes… the type to ditch class ‘nd smoke under bleachers in an 80s movie… thought she was Cool™ .
got recruited into rosie’s band and she’s been the bassist ever since!! misty hollow’s own tall ‘nd gay hex girls .. love to see it !!
did one year of college ‘nd flunked. lied to her mom for an entire year ‘nd then got caught oop!! her mom gave her the option of getting a job or getting kicked out. since ghost hunting with shitty equipment wasn’t exactly getting views on youtube, she started getting part time jobs all over town.
she got fired from a lot of jobs over the years. since her band and ghosthunting expeditions are her main focus, she shoves any other job aside.
anyways, her mom eventually kicked her out, but she’s secured her job the thrift store w/ nothin’ but her charm, babey. she lived in her car for her a while, but now she’s found a shitty apartment that she can only afford thanks to her roommates. *👀
personality ‘nd stuff.
she seems tougher than she is. she’s v sensitive, gentle, the type who wouldn’t hurt a fly. at the same time, she gets drunk on stage ‘nd screams at hecklers while the adrenaline is pumpin’ so … love a girl who is dynamic !
loves her friends more than anything. always willing to go out of her way for absolutely Anyone who needs it and is probably one of the least judgemental people ever… but...
she’s also… v annoying. tends to zone out in conversations … always encouraging people to do dumb things in order to ~learn~ … she can never make up her mind about who she is and has no sense of self but u kno that’s just relatable. takes things too personal sometimes nd won’t confront the person but will just cry abt it!
innocent in the way she seems to b carefree ‘nd awe of the world… like she doesn’t know consequences or worries… just gettin’ drunk ‘nd living life… a Dream
rlly thinks she’s going to grow up and have a show like buzzfeed unsolved while also being a bassist in a very well known ‘nd respected band… the delusion.. lov that for her.
always looking for something to put herself into. creativity is everything to her and without it she’d probably drive herself crazy. her mind is always buzzin’ ‘nd she’s always looking for an Out !
her style influence is v much d’arcy ( image ) ( image )
tries to leave as much waste behind as possible… walks everywhere… wants to hitchhike even tho people are getting murdered... is her mother’s nightmare tbh.
believes that the ghosts of misty stranger’s victims haunt misty hollow and honestly thinks she’s gonna be the one to prove it… out of all the professionals in the town…. whew honey
also… is terrified of ghosts and demons. she’s the ryan bergara to her bandmate lou’s shane… she probably cries during 80% of their ghost hunts
wanted connections.
friends. outside of her band!! give her someone to share conspiracies with, or someone who is the total opposite of her, or someone to smoke w… platonic goodness pls!!
a fan. okay… or maybe they’re pretending to get on her good side bc the band’s not exactly popular … that’s up to you!! regardless, she’ll try really hard to stay on this person’s good side.
exes. she’s been in misty hollow all her life, but long distance could be a thing too if ur muse isn’t from here!! good terms, bad terms, idc give me it all.
people who know her thru her family?? her dad’s been a chef at the diner forever and her mom’s a teacher. her older brothers also lived here their whole lives so connections based around them could be fun too, they’re npc so we can plot some stuff out!!
roommates. [ 0/2 ] people she can annoy by practicing her bass all hours of the night… but she loves them! mostly.
idk, i’ll take anything!! just like this and i’ll hit you up for some plots!!
she hums in feigned consideration of her question, head tilting slightly for added effect. ❝ i can make sunday work, ❞ frankie answers with a bright smile, a GLINT of playfulness in her eyes. ❝ for my vows i’ll list the top ten reasons why i love you and i think number one is gonna be your willingness to maim children for me, ❞ her smile disappears and she looks at julia with a serious expression, brows raised a little as she gives a solemn nod. though all jokes are pushed aside at the mention of the diner owner and frankie rolls her eyes instinctively. ❝ nothing. and then he TURNED it into something by deciding to announce it to the whole town — through a weekly special, ❞ the brunette gives an exasperated sigh, ❝ honestly, i should’ve known better. ❞
𝐒𝐇𝐄’𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃, as most people would be. she likes to believe in the best in people, sebastian included. she also believes he could be a dumbass. with frankie being in the line of fire, this offense hits too close to home. she feels a profound sadness, for both of them. ( or maybe it’s just a thing called empathy. ) ❝ asshole move. but that’s all on him, don’t you dare blame yourself. ❞ she knows she’s putting it lightly, tip-toeing around saying anything slanderous against mister amer. ❝ i would say he was trying to be funny, but that sounds like i’m excusing him, doesn’t it? ❞ she raises the joint to glossed lips, pondering that as takes a long hit. ❝ i know this town is small, but sometimes it feels like everyone i know is sleeping together. ❞
❝ You really are making your campaign for favorite aunt, aren’t you ? ❞ Rachel teases as Daisy excitedly starts exploring the toys. There were absolutely no intentions for the little girl to roll around in the sand today, but who was she kidding ? By now her clothes had been swapped by a bathing suit and a warm, fluffy bathrobe so she could have some fun in the sand and be tired enough that Rachel would simply put her to bed when time came. ❝ Thank you so much … I would say you shouldn’t have, but judging by how she’s entertained for the next hour — at least, then I am just going to say thank you, ❞ the brunette grinned at the other, heart always warmed by how her daughter was loved and appreciated, no matter what. ❝ And since you brought Daisy toys, I brought a little something for us,❞ she puts down the thermal bag with some of Daisy’s food and water and pulls two plastic cups and a bottle of wine.❝ Ever had wine in plastic cups ? ❞
𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐓, 𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓. ❝ it’s nothing, really. i’m sure you would do the same for my cats if they didn’t hiss at daisy every time you come ‘round. ❞ julia only wishes she had thought of bringing a towel for the little one, but even she can’t foresee everything. ❝ i can’t say i have, but i love your ability to improvise. ❞ she pulls out a chair for her friend, sinking into the one beside it. ❝ how’s it been down with the dead? ❞ she could never handle rachel’s job, she’s confident she would faint at the sight of a corpse. ❝ i’m torn between wanting to support you whilst also hoping that business is slow. ❞
brown hues follow her hands to the cooler that sits in the sand, only a few feet away and frankie focuses her gaze back on her friend, a light, dreamy smile on her lips. ❝ marry me, ❞ she states simply before heading over to grab herself a drink. the brunette laughs at julia’s words and pulls up an empty camping chair next to her ( sorry to whoever’s the owner, but ya snooze ya lose, it’s international LAW ). ❝ you should be afraid — children are terrifying, ❞ she retorts before facing julia with a sly smile, ❝ are you sure about that ?? ❞ with a quirk of her brows, and her gaze turning to the far-off group of twenty-something year olds, frankie’s insinuation couldn’t be any clearer.
𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 she wouldn’t in a heartbeat, the smile lingering on her lips like a ripple lingers in a pond. ❝ does sunday work for you? ❞ she thrives in this environment — with frankie by her side. ❝ i have my pepper-spray ready this time. they wouldn’t stand a chance. ❞ eyes wander and catch a few familiar faces, though she’s not trying to attract the attention of anyone in the crowd. ❝ gotta love it. ❞ she remarks about nothing really in particular; maybe the town, or the people, or just the celebration in general. maybe a combination of it all. ❝ while we’re on the topic of awkward situations, what happened between you and seb? ❞
There were two things in Rachel’s mind in that particular moment: entertaining her daughter and avoiding her ex-husband. It was no easy feat and it also meant she was going against their agreed family time, well, family time sounded like a joke right now. As her eyes swept over the place, quickly landing on a known head of brunette hair, Rachel made her way over, Daisy mumbling in her arms and noticeably excited they would get a little bit near the water. ❝ Hi, do you mind if we totally avoid my ex-husband here ? ❞
𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐋’𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐘. she relishes in every minute she gets to spend with the woman, particularly when it includes the little one in her arms. or heavy liquor. either one is good. ❝ say no more. ❞ it’s a switch, she’s suddenly alert and … excited. there’s something up her sleeve, well — her beach bag, actually. she digs through it to reveal a handful of sand and bath toys, just cheap ones she picked up on the way over. ❝ i was hoping to run into you, actually. i, uh, i brought these for daisy. ❞
In all honesty, Kaeden hated social gatherings and such were the part he hated the most about his job. Chewing on the edge of a half-smoked cigarette each time it touched his lips for another portion of the poisonous smoke to slip into his lungs, his dark eyes roamed the beach, looking for anything remotely disturbing. The echo coming from somewhere near the docks brought old memories to his mind; once this was him, a kid that didn’t care about anything. To be honest, not much has changed since then other than that he was no longer a kid. He was no longer going to be given the warning since now he was the one giving it.
A gasp left his parted lips as the flame touched his fingers, burning them. Tossing the leftover of his cigarette aside, the sheriff reached for his pocket. At least he could afford not to wear his uniform tonight, instead he switched it with black jeans and black leather jacket. Pulling up the box, he was unpleasantly surprised to find it empty. “Shit.”
𝐀 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐒; she’s unable to help it. there’s an atmosphere to the bonfire that makes grins contagious and even she can’t be immune. frowns stand out more, particularly on already brooding faces. she approaches the sheriff with caution, as though afraid getting too close would warrant an arrest. ❝ all out? ❞ her voice is soft, it helps downplay her sneaking up on him. ❝ i didn’t realize you were a chainsmoker. ❞
what was once perhaps her favorite day of the year as a child was now something vi felt herself beginning to dread. gone were the days of running amuck with her siblings and family friends around bonfire activities, carefree and unhindered by scrutiny. now, the misty hollow native saw more strange faces than friends — some more welcome than others. this particular, pretty face belonging to one julia cohen is something in between. from her kaleidoscope blanket on the sand, vi rises with grace, her feet carrying her to the other’s side long before any words could be exchanged because she certainly isn’t going to take it ( whatever it —this little game— was ) sitting down. the corner of her mouth quirks into an amused grin in response, eyebrows rising as she slips the deep collar of her oversized sweater off her shoulder in a mildly provocative manner. “why, if it’s troubling you that much, i could take it off.”
𝐈𝐅 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 she doesn’t react, each glance at violet carefully calculated as to not give herself away. a reaction is just what violet wants, giving into that would be throwing up a white flag. ❝ you say that like it’s a threat. ❞ maybe it was. sex, power, it all goes hand in hand. ❝ keep your clothes on. the sun hasn’t even gone down — you’d be embarrassing yourself. ❞ she looks toward the horizon, having more to say but lacking the necessary words.
* closed bonfire starter for julia cohen / @sugarpilled !
❝ please tell me you brought REAL alcohol to this thing.. if another child asks me for help wiping marshmallow and chocolate off their face i’m just going to start pretending i can’t hear them. plain and simple. ❞
𝐒𝐇𝐄’𝐒 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑, an ugly old thing that doesn’t quite suit her at all, which julia finds absolutely charming. she’s lounged across it as comfortably as one might lounge in bed, a joint tucked in between nimble digits to complete the scene. ❝ you know i did, love. ❞ she gestures to the cooler tucked behind her, the picturesque version of grace — the smell of skunk masked by sweet smelling perfume. ❝ i would ask what you’re referencing but i’m afraid to hear the answer. ❞ trouble seems to follow frankie around, but that’s what made being her friend so exciting. ❝ come and sit with me, hot stuff. i’ll scare those nasty kids away. ❞
𝐒𝐇𝐄’𝐒 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐈𝐄 to grab a drink, but she’s a wandering spirit who gravitates toward shiny things and soon finds herself planted in front of the sea. ringlets form a safeguard where they lay upon flushed cheeks, dusk creating a warm glow upon julia’s profile as the sun shreds the last of her skin. she’s warm and harbored — but not alone. the scene is interrupted, any tranquility polluted by her frown. she feels as though she has to strike first, that if violet catches her vulnerable she’ll fall into a trap she may never escape from. ❝ pity, ❞ lips are pursued to disguise a self-hatred. isn’t she an advocate for supporting other women? yet she finds herself participating in this game; if only to speak to vi. ❝ if anyone else were wearing that, i think i would like it. ❞
a grin curled up the corner of his lips, one he hid by bitting his bottom lip and order a drink, giving the bartender his card to start a tab. “why are you at lucky’s all alone if it wasn’t to meet me?” he teased, a coy look on his face. at this point, he knew he was out of his league. it was just fun. and worth the try.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 half filled with honey colored liquid. she cheers connor with a mischievous glint to her eye. ❝ i’m here all alone because i’m a raging alcoholic with nothing better to do, not because i was waiting for a boy eleven years my junior to hit on me. ❞ sarcasm drips through every word. ❝ i have to admire your confidence. so, why do you hang out here? is this where you pick up all your girlfriends? ❞
