𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖎𝖛𝖎𝖔𝖓

[verabrooks]

thaliajennings‌:

THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND, 2020. AT KING NEPTUNE RESTAURANT: @wilmingtonstarters​.

          It was late evening, which meant that people were generally out for a late dinner and or drinks anywhere they could get it. Apparently, some enjoying what King Neptune had to offer more than others, one particularly coming to mind, as he proceeded to try to make conversation with Thalia every time she passed the general vicinity. Of course, not in the mood to deal with idiots, she declined his advances — but apparently this was the final straw, as she told him to ‘beat it’ before trying to head back to her table, unfortunately though, she was pulled back into his personal space. “Let go of me right now,” her voice firm and making it very clear she wasn’t in the mood to deal with his shit, “or my foot will go so far up your ass you’ll taste leather.” Faux, for that matter. She couldn’t tell who was about to lose their temper more, but it was apparent they were causing a scene, as whilst the man gripped onto her arm, she saw people’s eyes falling into them, one even approaching from the corner of her eye.

Despite having dinner alone, it wasn’t all that bad. The place was much more of a sit and dine in with a date type of restaurant, but Vera had really been craving King’s over the weekend, thus her current situation. The dinner itself was nice, quiet, and a great addition to the better of days that Vera was having. Though, the line to pay was a pain in the ass--halfway to the door and about ten people long. She figures that waiting at her table might be a good idea, but that also means allowing others to get in line as well, making the line even longer. She stood up regretfully, finding her place in line.

It’s only when more eyes draw up that her own do, as well. The woman’s voice is confident and demanding, even against the man grabbing her arm. He wasn’t giving in and no one had bothered to step in an deescalate the situation. Before Vera can stop herself, her mouth is running. “Dude, you got half the restaurant watching you--let go.” She says, almost as if she was scolding a child. Eventually he gives up, storming off. “You good?” She asks the woman, even though she doesn’t look shaken at all.

[verabrooks]

colekuok‌:

Location & Time: Empie Park, around 10pm Status: open starter @wilmingtonstarters​

   Though the wind chill that evening was a bit more bracing, still left over from the storm that had since passed through Wilmington, Cole was out on the public green bundled up warmly and eagerly staring skyward. He had a relatively small telescope, nothing as impressive as the equipment kept back at home in Masonboro, but enough to get an improved vision of the sky and stars. He’d been out for nearly an hour already, and had stopped his scribbling to drink deeply from his thermos of coffee. It may be a bit of an unusual scene, Cole and his telescope and a notebook sat there in the grass under the stars, but he seemed perfectly at peace. 

   “Did you want a peek?” Cole finally asked, realizing the eyes of someone else had been repeatedly lingering on him. He turned to them now, stepping aside and gesturing grandly to the telescope he had firmly set up on the ground. “Come on. It’s really cool, I promise. You can see Venus perfectly - right there,” He added, pointing upwards now, just to the right of the moon. A bright light, something similar to a star to the naked eye, winked in the sky. 

Vera hadn’t visited the park in weeks, not since the storm and her subsequent return. She had mostly avoided going out--the streets were still blocked, people were rebuilding, it seemed safe inside anyways. When she spots the guy sitting in the grass, it seems out of place. He looked so content and in his own element, like the chaos around them wasn’t a bother at all. Although, Empie Park had remained rather untouched. She doesn’t realize how long she’s been standing there until he turns around to speak, catching Vera’s attention.

“A peek?” She asks initially, confused at what he was asking. Then, she notices the telescope in his hand. “Oh shit--yeah, sure.” She agrees, kneeling beside him to look at where he was pointing at. “You know, I always tried to look for stuff like this when I was little. My parents even bought my one of those huge telescopes, I just couldn’t figure the shit out.”

[verabrooks]

oliviapcrter‌:

“Awe no, they’re sweet.” Strangely enough, Vera’s parents had reminded Olivia of her own growing up. They used to be so welcoming and kind and compassionate towards each other. However, right now, family matters were complicated. Much like everything else in Liv’s life. Though, she was currently trying to forget about that last part. Being with Vera certainly helped. It gave Olivia the opportunity to focus on something and someone other than herself. Which, right now more than ever, she needed. 

“Uh, yeah. Actually, that would – be great…” After taking a moment to absorb her surroundings, Olivia let her eyes wander around the room, taking in all of Vera’s posters and pictures and scattered belongings that simply made her who she was. It wasn’t until the spare change of clothes came into view and were thrust gently in her arms that Olivia accepted them with a formal smile and momentarily disappeared to change. As expected, she swam in Vera’s clothes but did her best to make them work before joining her friend at the end of her queen sized bed. 

“That explains why Jaime’s skin always looks so soft.” The jeering remark was accompanied with a laugh as Olivia crossed her legs indian style above the comfortable mattress, “But, sure. I don’t think any girl would turn down an opportunity to be pampered. See, you’re not so bad at this after all. The sleepover part or the having friends part.” In fact, Olivia would go on to say that Vera seemed like a natural. Funny, considering she avoided these sort of things but was better at them than most. “Can I ask why you’ve avoided them? I mean, I know they’re complicated. Trust me, I’ve had to learn that lesson the hard way. Having a lot of friends sounds great in theory but it’s not all its cracked up to be. And it’s certainly not any different than maintaining a relationship. I think sometimes, friendship can be harder. Mostly because, everyone’s got different expectations for how it should be. Myself, included.” 

“Honestly?” Vera asks, raking through her minds with reasons why but only coming up with one. “I think it was because of me. Actually, it was definitely because of me.” Vera laughs, crossing her legs over each other. “I made it a point to not make friends. But, it wasn’t hard either, you know?” People were never to eager to run in Vera’s direction, even when she was being friendly. “I kinda settled with the fact that I’d be alone for the rest of my life, which so far, looks to be the truth.” She jokes, laughing at her own pain. It had become a regular thing for her. 

“Don’t get me wrong, I have friends now. But, it’s very few of them.” Grayson had been in her life for a while. She didn’t have to prove herself or make a lot of effort in their relationship. When she needed him, he was there. Jaime was a fluke, mostly. “I’m surprised Jaime and I get along so well, actually. He’s a lot to handle.” She laughs, hoping Olivia would understand. “Plus, I’m like, naturally reclusive. I’d much rather be trapped in my house alone, even though I know that’s probably not good for me at all.

[verabrooks]

oliviapcrter‌:

For a moment Olivia paused, weighted down by Vera’s forthcoming statement. Olivia too, spent a majority of her adolescence alone. It wasn’t until she entered college that she made actual friends. People who enjoyed hanging out with her. Though, the circumstances  of that weren’t due to a lack of trying. It was more so just her parents not wanting her to succumb to peer pressure or veering off track from her goals. The biggest goal being: to attend their alma mater – Harvard. Graduating from Cambridge, building a career, and then maybe starting a family was the only path in their minds for Olivia. Had they known she strayed from that path long before she graduated, she was sure they would’ve called an intervention. Reminded her that boys come and go and a career was more important. These days, Olivia wished she would’ve listened. Maybe then, she could’ve spared herself of all the heartache that has transpired since. 

“If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t have many friends growing up either. I come from a conservative family. My parents didn’t want me to succumb to peer pressure and they tried every day to convince me that boys were a waste of time. While, they were probably right about the last part, I didn’t listen obviously and now I’m just lucky I was still able to graduate–” Olivia gave a shrug. She was smart. Incredibly so. But, when it came to love, and who she loved, she could be very stupid. However, Vera already knew that. On account of Olivia namedropping this person once already. So, there was really no sense in spelling it out for her again. “True,” Olivia laughed, quietly envisioning her and Vera playing nurse at Jaime’s bedside. “So long as it doesn’t turn into some twisted form of roleplay. With the outfits and all.” Though it wouldn’t. They’d be tending to a friend, not making a porno. “And really, never?” Considering, Vera’s earlier confession, the fact shouldn’t have come as any surprise. “To be honest, you aren’t missing out on much. We,” meaning typically just girls “just sit around and eat junk food, talk about boys and sex, drink, and watch movies until one or all of us falls asleep. We can totally do that. We might want to before picking up Jaime, anyway. Although, if he’s interested, he could always get in on it. And the three of us could make up for all the sleepovers you didn’t get to have. It’s a rite of passage for any girl so, no matter what it’s happening.” On that note, Olivia smiled one last time and threw an arm around Vera’s waist, showing her gratitude through the gesture of a simple, side hug. “You’re an honest to god, life saver. And I mean it when I say, I don’t know what I would do without you.”

TIME JUMP

Vera’s parents aren’t as bombarding as she had expected. But, they do make sure to introduce themselves immediately upon their arrival. “They’re huggers. I’m sorry.” Vera apologizes, look slightly embarrassed as father squeezes her tight and her mother greets Olivia with a warm hug. Vera would never understand the vastly different personalities her and her parents had, though they shared a lot of the same interests. “Oh, I’m adopted, by the way. I figure I should get that out of the way so you don’t have to ask.” She chuckles, knowing how often people felt the need to ask, but didn’t want to seem rude. It was just curiosity, Vera understood that. She bids them both a quick farewell and retreats up the stairs to the large bedroom she was sleeping in, Olivia in tow. 

“Uh, if you want to change I brought some extra clothes--just so you’ll be comfortable.” Vera always dressed for comfort, but it always felt better to lounge around in sleepwear or sweats. “Although, the might be a little long on you.” Vera was used towering over everyone and Olivia’s short stature only made it more amusing. Once they’re both finally settled, relaxed on the queen sized bed, television playing in the background. Vera made sure to keep it switched off of the news. She didn’t need a reminder of everything that was currently going on, there was already enough of that.

“Full disclosure, Jaime and I do have nights where I do face masks and stuff on him, so I’m totally down for that. I brought a lot of my skincare with me, I couldn’t dare let that shit get lost in the storm.” It was one of her favorite things, a fresh face mask in the morning, and one right before bedtime. “It’s just so weird, having friends--after spending so much of my life trying to avoid them.”

[verabrooks]

veronicacooper‌:

Veronica let out a breath of relief once a few of the bags were taken from her, a soft chuckle escaping her lips at the other’s words. “Stronger stuff…do you work at a distillery, then?” Of course, her white-collar upbringing made her all the more naive to the fact that people’s full-time jobs weren’t all ‘glamorous’; she’d never had a proper job before graduating medical school, which was more the fault of her parents than it was her, but still. “Maybe you just haven’t had the right Merlot yet — but alright, I’m not one to beg. I could get you a glass of water, then?” Veronica lead her past the front yard, still quite the mess from the storm, before making her way inside the house and toward the kitchen. “Luckily, our place didn’t sustain too much damage in the storm. The backyard is…another story entirely, though,” she frowned, placing the bags on the counter. “Were you in town for that whole ordeal? The weather still isn’t amazing but…at least the worst is over.”

“Ah, no. I’m a bartender at Pravda. The night club.” Vera explains. She’s often explaining where she works, so the words fall from her mouth naturally. She chuckles at the woman’s comment about Merlot and shrugs. “Water is fine.” She agrees, following the woman through her living room into the kitchen. She listens to her recalling of the storm and Vera frowns. She hadn’t been around for any of it, having left a week prior before it had taken a turn for the worse. “At least it was just the backyard, I’d say that’s very lucky.” Vera knew that some people weren’t as fortunate in the situation. “I was in Charlotte a week before, so I managed to avoid all of it.”

[verabrooks]

oliviapcrter‌:

Olivia found herself both – relieved by and interested in, Vera’s life here in Charlotte. However temporary, until the storm blows over. They didn’t get to talk much the last time they were together but, that was only because the setting wasn’t quite right for it. “I’m glad to hear you got out in time. And I’m even happier we ran into each other. I only wish it had been under better circumstances. But hey,” she shrugged, albeit not unkindly “we can’t always pick our battles.” Which was true, some battles found you whether you liked them or not. At least, this seemed to be the case for Olivia. 

“I don’t actually,” she answered, somewhat, too quickly. The thought just now occurring to her again. Most of her things had been lost in the accident and without any communication back home, Olivia didn’t exactly have the means to spring for a hotel. Therego – no plans. Which she was quickly realizing was becoming a common theme in her life. “Wait, really?” Just as Olivia reached for the door of the cafe, Vera’s offer registered. It was both incredibly kind and incredibly generous of her and Olivia swore she would return the goodwilled gesture just as soon as she could. “I’d actually love that. Believe it or not, I haven’t had a full-fledged sleepover since college.” Not unless, the ones singing Spice Girl Karaoke all night with Winnie before he left town, counted. And surely, they did to some extent. “Are you sure though? I wouldn’t want to impose. Especially, if you came here to spend quality time with family.” Assuming, of course, her parents were vacationing for the week too. 

“We have plenty of room there, so I don’t think they would mind. I never really had friends when I was little so they always get excited when I bring people around.” She loved her parents, but she hated how much they worried about her. “Besides, I’m bringing Jaime back with me for a couple days so we can be his personal nurses. I know he’ll work our asses to death.” Jaime was needy, but Vera wouldn’t trade it for anything. She knew how lucky he was to still be alive and breathing. She chuckles at Olivia idea of it being a sleepover, Vera didn’t have any clue how that stuff worked. “I’ve never had one, honestly.”

The idea of friends was a foreign concept to Vera, but it was becoming more and more comfortable and familiar to her as the days passed. Vera knows she’s opened up more in the last few months than she has her entire life. It was progress, good progress. “I figure they won’t let Jaime out until tomorrow, so we can head back there to sleep and come get him first thing in the morning. We’ll probably stay there for a few days until we’re cleared to go back to Wilmington. You can stay there until we figure stuff out, it’s no big deal.”

[blond-shell]

[oliviapcrterarchive]

@verabrooks

[verabrooks]

jamesoncastello‌:

   It all still felt so surreal, Jaime realized yet again, laying there so defenseless. That was the worst part of all of it, really. Even after his fights or whatever injuries he would sustain at the construction company, Jaime managed to bounce back quicker than elastic, hardly able to stay down for long. The one time he’d been rendered useless before was when Brook died, and those wounds were emotional. Nothing like this in his life had ever happened, and Jaime wondered if the haze of painkillers was the only thing keeping him from full on panicking over it. 

   “Playing nurse isn’t going to help change their minds much,” Jaime commented, but he was grateful she agreed. Otherwise, he had no idea what he’d end up doing, though at the moment he was most eager to get back home to Wilmington - crazy as that sounded. He decided to keep that plan quiet for now and gave another long, sore sigh. “Thanks, V. For coming and being here.”

“Always.” Vera smiles, wrapping her skinny fingers around Jaime’s wrist. She’s never been in such a situation where someone she loved and care about has been hurt, not this badly. She had always found life valuable, but it hadn’t hit her as hard until she watched Jaime lay in bed, mostly helpless and hurting. She didn’t want to let him out of her sight, scared he might try to leave by himself. “I’ll stay until you want me to leave.” Vera reminds him before taking a seat in the vacant chair beside the hospital bed. 

[verabrooks]

oliviapcrter‌:

“You’re right.” Unlike with most people, Olivia didn’t find it difficult to admit when others made sensible, or sound points. While Vera wasn’t typically the comforting type, she took a great stab at it and had succeeded in making Olivia feel better about the unfortunate incident with Jaime and whatever was or wasn’t going on with Romeo. Though, any further mention of the latter caused Olivia’s brow to furrow. She wasn’t aware the two really knew each other. Although, it made sense. Vera worked in a bar. So, they were only bound to cross paths eventually. “A complex is one way to put it. But, I’d just say he’s impossible.” Olivia offered a shrug. She didn’t necessarily mean it in a bad way. “And anyway, I’ve never really been that girl. The one who looks for anyone to chase her. I just want someone to care. Or show me they do. That’s really all. I’m simple.” Her smile was meant to be reassuring but, it faltered for whatever reason. 

“Yes, but not here.” Olivia practically hummed. She didn’t put much stock or faith in hospital cafeteria food, so she opted for something else as she took Vera’s hand and led her astray, towards the exit. There was a cafe just down the block, which seemed much more promising. And typically they carried the best, mutually healthy and unhealthy options. “Where are you staying tonight, by the way? At a hotel?” 

“Uh, with my parents, actually.” She’s never outwardly talked to anyone about her parents beside Jaime, so it was an odd feeling. “They had a vacation house up here in Charlotte for whatever reason. I don’t know why--but I’m thankful for it now. I’ve been staying there for a week, I got out before things got worse.” The place was large enough that she didn’t feel cramped. Vera did enjoy her space, but it was better than being stuck in Wilmington.

“Do you have a place to go home to tonight?” Vera asks curiously, “You can stay with me for the night if you need to.” It was a suggestion, she didn’t want to push Olivia. But, if she did need someone, Vera wanted her to know that she was there for her. “I was going to stay and sleep in Jaime’s room but I know I’ll only worry myself if I do--it’s probably better to get a good night of sleep in case he does get released tomorrow.” He didn’t seem as bad off as he did when he arrived, but that might be Jaime finding any way to escape the hospital as quickly as he could.

[verabrooks]

oliviapcrter‌:

In a lot of ways Vera was right. What happened to them was unfortunate. It was an accident. And accidents happened. Whether by fate, happenstance, carelessness or even the proven-mathematical chaos theory. There was very little any of them could do to change what occurred. And had it been Emmy sitting there beside her, Olivia would’ve fed her the same verbiage that Vera was doing now. Knowing that while it was tough to accept, it reeked of the honest truth. “I know.” In an effort to profess her profound gratitude, Olivia gently squeezed Vera’s hand before releasing it with a single sigh. “How is he, by the way?” Believe it or not, Olivia hadn’t made it in to see Jaime. Not yet. Not while he was conscious, at least. She felt too guilty. Aware that out of everyone, Jaime was the least deserving of what had happened to him. Not that any of them deserved it either. But, Olivia was the type of person who would’ve rather it been her than someone she loved or cared for. If that made her a martyr then so be it. 

“I need some air.” The waiting room suddenly felt too stuffy and crowded. Watching doctors, patients, and nurses fly by in a hurry was fueling her anxiety and making her mind swirl with a maelstrom of worst case scenarios. Turning on her heel, Olivia beckoned for Vera to follow her down the long corridor. Grateful that the side by side stroll prevented Vera from peering into Olivia’s eyes as the topic of Romeo and her dad finally registered again. She decided to address her father first, determining that he was easier to show public concern for. “I’m trying to be optimistic. I’m more so put off that I’m unable to at least leave him a message. My dad, that is.” Romeo, was a different story. Olivia told herself she wasn’t going to chase him. She didn’t feel like it was her responsibility, all things considered. “And no. Absolutely not.” Olivia stopped them just outside the cafeteria and turned to face Vera’s very intense but, still likable gaze, “I’m not saying the guy has to be the one to reach out first but, it’s complicated. And I told myself I wouldn’t do that, no matter how much I want to. For my own sake, I have to be strong. Just trust me, it’s a long story.”

“I’m usually a pretty pessimistic person, but in light of stuff like this, I always try to think positive thoughts.” She reassures her, “It’s never good to bring yourself down even more, especially with something this heavy going on.” When she brought up Romeo, she didn’t notice the change in Olivia’s demeanor, but her tone of voice sounded a bit clipped, noting the finality of her answer. “Guys are asshole, I get it.” Vera chuckles slightly, leaning against the the wall. “Romeo has a complex about him, let him be the one to chase you.” With the amount of times Romeo had gotten under her skin, she’s learned that letting the guy sit and argue with himself, rather than giving it back, was a great way to irritate him.

“I don’t doubt it.” Vera wasn’t aware of how deep the history was, but she knew it affected Olivia pretty heavily by the way she had reacted. She wouldn’t pry or ask under the circumstances, they could set that aside for another day. “Let’s grab something to eat?” Vera suggests, “It might help take your mind off of things for a while, plus I’m starving. I haven’t ate all morning since I’ve been in there with Jaime.”

[verabrooks]

jamesoncastello‌:

   “They’re okay,” Jaime remembered suddenly, just quick flashes, but he could vaguely remember them finding him. Working to keep him awake, fuzzy memories of confusing Emmy for Brook in his haze, that moment he thought he’d really died; they were okay, better, at least, than he was. “They… found me,” Jaime breathed out, still delayed and slow, like he was moving through the world in a bowl of Jell-O. Swallowing hard, Jaime tried to move slightly to sit up, but winced and went weak into the pillows again. His sore chest was too much for that just yet, and the pounding headache didn’t help. 

    Did he take off his seat-belt? Honestly, Jaime couldn’t remember, so he just gave an awkward shrug. He’d be wearing it from now on, either way. “They’re worried… about my lungs. Or, lung, I think, or they were. I- I’m sorry,” Jaime closed his eyes, struggling to handle both the lights and the talking. The nurses and doctors said a lot, and his memory of it all was still pretty limited. Just a lot of scans. “Oh. Brain. My, uh, brain scan thing. We’re waiting for that. Lungs are fine. Just broken ribs.” The words came out, and made sense, but they lacked the usual charm and energy Jaime put into everything he said. It was the most tired, worn out he’d ever sounded - and Vera had gotten the luxury of seeing Jaime when he was pretty worn-out, especially when dealing with family in Nevada. “I.. hoped I could stay with you?”

“Hey, stop.” Vera says soft, but stern. He was hurting, he didn’t need to push himself. “Just lay there. No one’s gonna judge you for it. You’re hurt, Jaime.” She tells him, mostly to remind him of it. He wasn’t going to magically heal and get better in an hour, it was going to take time. She listens to him list of a fury of things they tested him over, seemingly glad his lungs here fine. He most likely had a concussion, that was very apparent. He was spacey and not all there, that was normal.

“At least that’s all. It could have been a lot worse, Jaime.” A couple broken ribs and a concussion was nothing compared to losing his life. Vera hopes that he’ll be a bit safer now and not feel the need to be so reckless all the time. “We’re staying up here in Charlotte, we have room--so it’s fine. I don’t think I could let you leave my sight, anyways.” She jokes. “Plus, I can finally introduce you to my parents. I keep trying to convince them that you’re not my boyfriend, but they won’t believe me.” They spent so much time together that it was almost hard not to believe, but their relationship was so far from that. 

[verabrooks]

oliviapcrter‌:

Having nowhere else to go and unable to leave Jaime’s side until he’s discharged – Olivia decided to stick around. Taking up temporary residence in the hospital waiting room while her phone shook in her hands, all but bouncing between her dainty fingers. She’d seen a doctor not that long ago, had her knee x-rayed and patched up. It’s been deduced that there would be no permanent damage. Just a few scrapes and bruises that in, give or take, a couple weeks would fade away as if they never existed in the first place. But, the mental and emotional scars? Those were still debatable. As was the guilt, that Olivia presumed Emmy still felt which is why she suspected she didn’t stick around to wait. At the very least, Liv hadn’t heard from her in awhile. Much less seen her wandering around the halls with Noodle in order to pass the time.

It took a few minutes (estimated) for Liv to notice Vera emerging from Jaime’s room. She hadn’t seen her come in and was off getting checked out while she must’ve slipped in. Though, they were still new friends, Vera was someone Olivia had felt uniquely drawn to in such a short period of time. Thus, she took the few languid strides toward her, half smiling as Vera declared her relief and closed the distance between their bodies. Olivia had managed to hold it together up until that point, when Vera wrapped her arms around her neck in a much needed hug. It was at that moment, she released a quiet sob over her shoulder, silently relieved Vera couldn’t see her tear-stricken face from this position. Least not until Olivia let go, obviously… and took a step back to wipe under her tired, puffy eyes. She felt the exhaustion, nestled deeply in her bones but couldn’t manage to sleep because every time she closed her eyes, she was brought back to the same, gut-wrenching scene. The pitch black dark, the heavy rain, the bodies… Markus and Jaime’s… and so many others whom Olivia didn’t know but, was still sympathetic for. 

“We were just driving–” Olivia muttered, her blonde hair shaking, her bottom lip quivering. “It was dark. None of our phones were working. And, I don’t really know, V. Everything happened so fast. One minute Jaime was in the backseat cracking jokes and the next–” she gulped, not wanting to relive the moment her and Emmy found him, flown several feet from their car. Blood and broken glass surrounding him everywhere. It was like living in a real life horror movie. It didn’t feel real. Any of it. “I haven’t–” she stopped to take a deep breath, exhaling slowly and unevenly. “I don’t know if my dad’s okay. I can’t get in touch with him. He probably doesn’t even know I’m here. And Kevin–” her cousin, was most likely stuck in Wilmington too unless he made it out unscathed. And although she tried not to care about this last one, there was no denying that she did more than anyone. “Plus, there’s Romeo. I just–” Olivia offered a shrug, fully aware that this was the first time she allowed herself to acknowledge his name out loud. Much less to another person. It seemed almost fitting that Vera was the first. She seemed to be the one least likely to judge when the time came for Olivia to come clean about her past, so to speak.

“Hey, it’s no ones fault.” Vera reminds her. She had saw the pile-up on the news while she sat in Jaime’s room, talking and comforting him. They had both got quiet, not wanting to speak on the topic so soon. “The storm was way worse than anyone anticipated and you never know how crazy people will drive when it’s like this.” Olivia couldn’t blame herself, Vera needed her to know that. Emmy either. It was tragic and unfortunate, but there wasn’t anything they could do now but wait for Jaime to heal. They would get through it together, eventually. But, it would definitely make them appreciate life more, how precious it could be.

The mention of Romeo’s name doesn’t come as a complete surprise, but it does make Vera feel for Olivia. She hasn’t known him long enough, but Olivia getting caught up with him--it was unexpected. “Hey, we’ll figure everything out.” Vera says, offering her a smile. “Grayson is working, I can talk to him and make sure your dad isn’t here--so we can rule out that possibility. Most people got out quick and settled in Charlotte, so changes are, they’re fine.” Vera wasn’t much of a comforting person, but she was trying. “Have you tried calling Romeo? Is he picking up at all?” Vera asks, looking down at the phone wrapped in her hand. She wanted to ask about the history there, but it wasn’t the time. 

[verabrooks]

jamesoncastello‌:

   “Oh,” Jaime blinked, realizing when she said something that she was right. In his confusion, he’d only pieced together the fact Vera was in a hospital, but now he realized… he was the one in the bed. He was the one being visited. Slowly, painfully, things clicked into place, but it all felt delayed. Any memory of the crash was entirely wiped from his memory. “Oh, shit.” Jaime frowned. 

    Her questions came like rapid fire, and for a long moment, Jaime just blinked at her, eyes half-lidded. Every noise sounded fuzzy, and the faint light from the corner managed to hurt his eyes. In truth, he really had little idea of what was going on, a little loopy from the pain meds and his brain still a little shaken up from being thrown from the car. “I… um, yeah. Emmy, and, uh, Liv,” He answered slowly, eyes shutting when her fingers brushed over his hair. It was a soothing touch when everything else felt either a dull throbbing or just numb. It was so easy to give in to the exhaustion begging him to slip into sleep, but Vera kept talking, so his eyes opened once more. “What? Oh.”

   The thought of food made his stomach turn. Jaime went to shake his head no, but the movement sent a sharp pain through his skull, and he gave a tiny whimper, eyes shutting against the surge of pain. As soon as it had appeared, it was gone, but the machine gave a little beep to show a spike in his heart rate. “Everything hurts,” He wined. 

“I’ll have to check in with them.” Vera reminds herself, her concern shifting toward her other two friends. “You must’ve took a hard hit.” She frowns. Had he been wearing his seatbelt? She was constantly reminding him about it every time the rode together, so the likeliness of it made sense. “I’m not even gonna lecture you right now, because I know you weren’t wearing your seatbelt.” Vera sighs, leaning forward to hug Jaime carefully. “I’m just glad you’re okay. Even if you’re all banged up over it.”

She takes a seat on the edge of the bed, careful to avoid bumping Jaime’s body. She didn’t know how bad his level of pain was, but it was best to be careful. “Have they told you anything? Whether they would discharge you soon?” She needed to know his plans--who was he staying with? Wilmington was still under evacuation warning, so there was no way he could go back home just yet.

[verabrooks]

Vera’s time with Jaime was cut short when the nurses came in to tend to him for the umpteenth time that evening. She couldn’t put up a fight, he needed the care. She noticed Olivia out in the hallway, on her phone, clearly distraught. Vera couldn’t imagine what she was going through, after everything Jaime told her about the car ride with Olivia and Emmy--was it even worth asking what happened? Was she okay with talking about it. 

Vera waits in the hallway, phone gripped tightly in her hand. She needs coffee or caffeine, something to keep her adrenaline up--she was going to crash soon enough. When Olivia approaches her unknowingly, Vera can’t help but jump in surprise, catching glimpse of the slightly puffy eyes that had told her Olivia had also been crying, much like Vera. Vera wasn’t an emotional person, so it was rare for her. She wasn’t going to try and hide it, though.

“Hey. God, I’m so glad you’re okay.” Vera admits happily, pulling the girl into a hug. They hadn’t had a proper amount of time to really get to know each other, but she felt a connection with Olivia that she hadn’t felt with many girls in her lifetime. She was a friend, one that Vera desperately needed. “What happened?”

@oliviapcrter​

[verabrooks]

jamesoncastello‌:

   After being thrown from the car, Jaime wasn’t very cognitive to anything that happened next. Mostly just pain, digging into his side and shooting up to his neck, taking over his head, and creating a new reality until everything was numb. When the medical professionals arrived, a concussion was suspected, so they’d made Jaime stay awake. Part of that he remembered, but most he didn’t. Only recently did the constant medical prodding and poking end, giving him a chance to finally let his eyes close slowly without someone forcing them back open. 

   But it felt not more than a second passed from them closing to a new sound- a familiar sound, breaking through his cloud of confusion. With the painkillers working wonders internally, and the state of shock slowly wearing off, Jaime was beginning to fade back into some sort of reality of consciousness. It was small things crossing his mind; hospital, ouch, Vera. Vera.

   “V-Vera,” Jaime croaked out, eyes peeking open, blinking at her slowly. His brow was furrowed slightly, obvious confusion written over his features. “What… what are you… are you okay?” 

“You’re the one sitting in a hospital bed and you’re asking me that?” Vera chuckles sadly, walking around the bed until she’s settled beside him, hands resting against the edge of the bed. The hospital gown, the scratchy material of the blanket draped over him, it felt foreign. This shouldn’t be happening, not to Jaime. She’d experienced a lot in the time that Jaime and her had been friends and it made her feel impartial to his feelings and emotions, how shitty his life could be sometimes. She wanted to cry, but she took a deep breath and forced it back down. She quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her sweater sleeve and returned her hand to his bedside. “I don’t even know why I’m asking that, of course you’d ask if I was okay.”

She was. Vera was fine. She got lucky. Everyone else, not so much. “I woke you, didn’t I?” She asked, running a hand through his hair gently, pushing it out of his face. It was matted, maybe with a bit of blood. She didn’t know how bad his injuries actually were, but he didn’t look good. “What even happened? Do you remember?” She asks, “Were you with anyone?” He couldn’t have been driving alone, he hated driving. 

“I’m asking a shit ton of questions, I’m sorry.” She sighs, running a hand through her hair. “Do you need anything while I’m here? A snack or anything to drink?” Vera was never much of the caring type, but with Jaime--it was different. She felt a sort of protection over him, like she owed it. 

[verabrooks]

Her throat knots up at the voice on the other end of the phone. “We have a Jameson Castello who recently arrived in the ER, you’re the only emergency contact we could get ahold of--we need you to come immediately.” She almost drops her phone, but catches it as it falls halfway down her chest. She’d made it out unscathed, staying with her parents in a rental up near Charlotte. Vera had been luckily, but having not heard from any of her friends for days was a cause for worry. This was the last call she wanted to get. She couldn’t even ask any further information before they ended the call. Vera couldn’t be upset, they probably had a ton of other people to call.

She grabs her keys off the counter and drives straight to the hospital, rushing in through the front doors and makes her way to the front counter. She doesn’t have to tell them much--just her name and Jaime’s. They lead her down a long hallway, eerily quiet despite the chaos around her. 

The moment she walks into the room, her heart drops. Hours of waiting for a call from him, to end up seeing him laying in a hospital bed--bruised and concussed. Seeing Jaime in such a state was something Vera never imagine, nor hoped to see. She wants to cry, she can feel the tears burning her eyes. Vera frowns, taking a few steps until she was standing at the end of his bed. He was asleep, she figures maybe she should leave him like this. But she had to know that he was okay. “Jaime. Hey, it’s V.” She says softly, tapping his foot lightly. “I’m here.”

@jamesoncastello​

[verabrooks]

veronicacooper‌:

“Okay, maybe I ended up leaving Nordstrom with a lot more than I thought I needed. Who knew two year olds were so freakin’ demanding?” Veronica let out a huff, watching as her daughter skipped inside the house without a care in the world as she juggled about eight bags of designer toddler clothes between her arms. “I thought the whole point of having kids was that they’re supposed to help you with this sort of thing. God, I can’t wait until she’s old enough to have upper-body strength. Do you think you could help me? I can pour you a glass of Merlot as a thank you.”

@wilmingtonstarters​

Vera, although rather careless about everything else in her life, appreciated her sense of style the most. It was odd but it worked--mismatching but allowing it all to look like one cohesive outfit. It was a gift, in a sense--she’d learn to adapt to watch she had rather than wasting a ton of money on one single outfit. But listening to the woman she passed as she walked the long trek to her car, hearing her go on about her child--it made her appreciate only having to buy for herself. Dressing another human being sounded stressful enough. “Uh, sure.” Vera agrees, pushing her one bag further up her arm to grab some of the woman’s own bags. “I’ll pass on the Merlot--my job has made me fall in love with the stronger stuff--plus, I don’t really enjoy the taste.” Vera laughs awkwardly, hurling the bags up in her arm to support the weight.