Sweep Me Away

Catherine "Wren" Castillo ~~~ Nineteen ~~~ Ashton Native ~~~ Interior Design Major

[wren-castillo]

thisislucasbecker​:

Lucas has looked at the girl and had shrugged at her question. “It depends on what you like. It’s very sweet for me but I’ve wanted to try it because I didn’t have one in a long time.” He had told her honestly. “They have non alcoholic ones too. I don’t think they taste very different because it’s almost the same. Like with beer and non alcoholic beer. Or coffee and decaf.” He had explained to her.

“I like sweet.” Wren said as she pondered the idea, “I think I’ll definitely have to find one of the non-alcoholic versions and try it. Even if it’s not for me, at least I’ll know then. And if it’s good, it would give me more options then just switching between hot chocolate and apple cider every day.” she said with a small laugh, “I’m glad I’ve been too busy to spend much money this semester, cause I’m blowing most of my spending money just coming here nearly every day.”

[wren-castillo]

miss-estelle​:

“Don’t feel guilty for how you feel. Families suck. None of them is perfect.” Her comment was made in honesty. Estelle’s opinion on families was biased because her own had been dysfunctional. A smile was formed and shot into the other girls’ direction. “That’s true! We have to move forward and try to have fun. Some things can’t be changed by us.” 

Wren nodded, honestly a little relieved to hear someone say she shouldn’t feel guilty for being so uncomfortable with the idea of a step-mother. “Honestly, I think I might be a bit of a perfectionist ... maybe leaning towards control-freak. It’s probably why I’m studying interior design. The entire point is to make something look perfect.”

[wren-castillo]

maia-l-lozano​:

Since Maia’s dad couldn’t even be bothered to show up at home for the holidays and she knew he didn’t really care about it either, she decided not to go out of her way with gifts this time. Instead, she focused on the stuff she needed for her future puppy, which made her happy. Her smile increased a little, once she saw the familiar face. “Wren! How have you been? It’s been forever!” Maia exclaimed, pulling her into a slight hug, once she’d put the bags aside for a second. “Oh that would be great, if you don’t mind? My car is parked right outside. “ She chuckled lightly. “What are you looking for? Maybe I could help you find it?”. 

Wren leaned into the hug with a smile, “I’ve been alright, just busy! Finals are … the main time of year when I actually regret taking so many classes.” she admitted, shaking her head with a small laugh. “Of course, I don’t mind! Honestly, I’m just trying to see if something jumps out at me for my dad and brother. My dad never wants anything and my brother ... basically wants everything. So they’re both hard to shop for in their own rights!”

[wren-castillo]

ghostlyxz​:

Zelda looked over at her and laughed “Hey… I’d decorate my bedroom” she said. “Matter of fact I’m going to decorate my spare room, for work” she said. “Hot cocoa and christmas lights are literally all I need right now” she smiled. “I wanna grab some ornaments for my tree, I like getting a couple new ones each year to put up.” she said taking another sip of her drink.

“I probably will, honestly.” she said with a grin, “I have a little tree for my room … it could use some sprucing up. I’ll probably join you on the ornament thing.” she shared, sipping at her own drink. “Honestly, my dad definitely makes better cocoa, but there’s something special about having it out here.”

[wren-castillo]

itsveritysinclair​:

 Verity smiled at the other agreed to have her join, “Thank you!” She said and was about to give her the mug but she stopped herself at her following words. She went to loosen her scarf a little, before offering her a slight smile, “Oh right.. Well in that case more for me I guess.” She chuckled a little before taking a sip off it, making a slight grimace at the taste, “I think that was a good shout on your end, it is not as nice as the one in New York.” 

Wren grinned, “I bet everything is nicer in New York, I’ve always wanted to go!” she said, “I think we do a pretty decent job of Christmas here though. Maybe it’s just because it’s what I grew up with, but I always really have enjoyed the traditions that Ashton has.” she explained. Christmas time had always been special for her family.

[wren-castillo]

maia-l-lozano​:

Maia decided to go to the mall early, hoping it wouldn’t be too crowded now that people seemed to be out more again since the case had been solved. She was relieved her friends were back home where they belonged. While it would take a while for things to calm down and get back to normal again, she felt like they could at least feel a little safer again. Maia still wanted to get a dog to keep her company because she’d gotten excited about the idea and after her research, she was even more keen on adopting one. She just left the pet store and probably went a little over board with her shopping spree. Her hands were full with bags, as she tried to fish for her phone in her pocket, accidentally dropping one of her bags. “Oh, I’m so sorry! That bag has a mind of its own apparently.”

Wren had been looking for gifts for her dad and brother at the mall, but without any real idea in mind, she had mostly been wandering aimlessly looking for something to jump out at her. When she spotted the familiar face she quickly came over to help, picking the bag up. “It’s not a problem! Do you need help carrying all that?” she asked, “I haven’t really found what I’m looking for yet, so I have free hands!”

[wren-castillo]

ghostlyxz​:

Location: Christmas Market

@ashtontnhqstarter​

Zelda loved Christmas almost as much as she loved Halloween, the whole atmosphere surrounding the holiday was like automatic Serotonin in her system. She walked through the Christmas market, shoving her hands into her jacket pocket as Ashton had recently gotten very cold, she wouldn’t have been surprised if the snow had been real. She hummed along with Jingle Bells as it played over the speakers and headed for the hot chocolate stand, she was going to be setting up her tree this week and wanted to find some new ornaments to hang but hot chocolate was always a priority and the line was small. Making her way to the counter she ordered herself a cup and graciously took it, the cup warming her hands immediately. Her eyes scanned the bright lights decorating the area and slowly sipped her cocoa, locking eyes with someone next to her. “Its so pretty out here” she said with a grin. “I definitely feel the Christmas Magic” she exhaled a laugh. 

Wren smiled at the other woman, “This is always my favorite part of Christmas in Ashton.” she agreed. “Ever since I could come by myself, I’m usually here at least every other day. Even if all I do is get hot chocolate and walk around, it just makes everything feel more like Christmas.” she said happily. “I’ve been looking for ideas for gifts, but I keep coming back to the decorations. I don’t even have anything more then my bedroom to decorate, but I still love them!”

[wren-castillo]

itsveritysinclair​:

Date: 2nd of December Location: Christmas Market food/drinks area

Verity was in the queue to get herself a drink or two of mulled wine, before she was keen to explore the Christmas market further. Her not going back home for Christmas this year had brought her mood down a bit, but she was at least going to make an attempt at getting into the Christmas spirit. After having placed and received her order, or more like orders, she brought the two mugs over toward the area where the tables appeared to be. She scanned it with her eyes, it seemed like she had chosen the wrong way to attend as it was rather busy. She spotted someone seated at an almost empty table and walked over towards them, “Hi, Sorry, can I join you?” She had asked, “It is rather packed here today and I’d be happy to give you one of my mulled wines as a thank you.” She’d added while giving the mug a slight shake while plastering a sweet, innocent smile on her lips. 

Wren had settled herself into a table with a cup of hot chocolate as she considered just how much of her budget she was willing to blow so early in the season. The Christmas Market was always her very favorite thing about Christmas in her home town, and it was much too easy to spend all her money early in the season there. She looked up at the words and smiled, “Of course, it’s not a problem.” she said before shaking her head, “I’d better not, there are at least four people who know my dad in sight right now, and I’m only nineteen.”

[wren-castillo]

thisislucasbecker​:

Open: December 1st:

 Lucas had been awake early as every day. He had been running for two hours and then had decided to see the Christmas market. He hadn’t been a fan of the material side of the holidays but he had been looking forward to spend time with his family during the days after two years. He had tried to think of some gifts but he had no idea what to get. “Maybe with mulled wine the ideas will flow.” He had chuckled to himself and had ordered a cup. Lucas had usually been more for the stronger wines but he hadn’t had mulled wine in years and had wanted to try it again. 

“Is that stuff any good?” Wren asked with her head cocked slightly to the side as she considered the drink, “I’ve never actually had it, but someone said they had non-alcoholic versions here and I’m kind of curious.” she explained. Even if she was willing to experiment with alcohol while underage, there was no way that was happening in a place like the Christmas market in her hometown where almost everyone knew how old she was, and more then enough of them knew her father.

[wren-castillo]

bbrendon-rulli​:

“I’m hungry too, even if I don’t like it I’m sure I’ll eat the whole thing” he said with a small laugh, realizing now that he hadn’t really eaten all day. “Yeah, I can’t imagine what that’s like, honestly. So I’d love to give advice there but I can’t” he said, since his first parents were happily married and didn’t feel that people should get divorced and now his foster parents were happily married, he’d never encountered an issue like that. “I don’t know yet, I might be seeing a friend or two after I see my family so it depends on that- I haven’t really made the plans yet” he shrugged, looking back at her. “I promise I’m fine, just really trying to make sure the dance I’m practicing is perfect and I’m stressing a little- that’s all. Nothing for you to worry about” he smiled, lying.

“Well, I see Beet just down there, so I guess we’ll get to decide what we think pretty soon!” she said, gesturing to the restaurant at the end of the block. “It’s alright. I mean it’s not like she’s so evil step-mother or something, it’s just weird.” she explained with a shrug. “Well, I’m sure you’ll have a good time either way. And I fully expect pictures of your sister, she’s adorable.” she added, “Alright, if you’re sure. But honestly, the dance looks amazing already.”

[wren-castillo]

xleylaxaydinx​:

Closed Starter for @wren-castillo​

Leyla has always wanted to go to a Christmas market. She hasn’t been at one in many years. Back home, her family has not wanted her to participate in western traditions and she has done as she’d been told. But now she has lived here alone and could do what she wanted. She has never celebrated Christmas but she liked the market and didn’t care about the origin of the theme. Leyla has looked at the ornaments and has turned to the girl to her side. “They’re pretty! If I’d celebrate Christmas, I would get one of each.” 

Wren was using the Christmas market as an excuse to take a much needed break from studying for finals. She was more then ready to get this semester over and take a break, everything had gone so crazy. She looked over to the woman next to her and smiled, “I’m thinking about getting a couple of them. I don’t have my own place to decorate, but I do have a little tree I always had in my bedroom at home. Might be nice to add a little to it.”

[wren-castillo]

bbrendon-rulli​:

“I really like burgers, so I have high hopes for these vegan burgers. These better be good” he said with a smile, looking back over at her. He thought about her question for a second, knowing that he’d been really stressed out over the events that took place at the halloween festival, but he wasn’t sure how honest he wanted to be about it. “Yeah, you’re always busy. That’s going to be fun though, to go home for thankgiving, that’ll be nice” he smiled, excited himself to be spending thanksgiving with Connor and Harmony. “I’ve been busy too, yeah, a little stressed out but nothing to really worry about” he said sweetly, trying to pass it off as nothing.

“Well, the only way to know is to find out. At least it’s not that far, I’m hungry.” she said with a grin as they headed to the restaurant. “Yeah, I mean, mostly. I guess I have to actually get used to the step-mom thing at some point through.” she said with a small sigh. “Are you gonna stay with your family, or just like go over for dinner?” she asked. “Well, if it does become something to worry about, let me know if I can help? I’m the queen of stressing myself out, but I’m also very good at giving excellent advice that I don’t take myself.” she said with a small smile.

[wren-castillo]

johnathanabotts​:

John smiled at the other’s demeanor, the almost childlike excitement in his eyes. “I think it won’t be wrong to go to the vet anyway, I didn’t find them here but in much more concerning place.” He picked up the box. “Any chance you can tell me where the vet is?”

Wren nodded at that explanation, “That probably is the safest idea then.” she agreed, “There’s one just a few blocks that way, I can show you?” she suggested. One of the benefits of having grown up in this town was that she knew it like the back of her hand.

[wren-castillo]

miss-estelle​:

Her eyes were rolled up because Estelle wasn’t able to relate. “No food could be good enough to make me voluntarily join a dinner with my mother’s new tag-along.” The words left in a harsh tone, revealing the anger she felt about that man. “Lucky you! The idiot my mother married is the worst. “ Her statement was shot at her. “Do happy families even exist? They all suck. Some just cover it up better than others.” 

“I know I did get lucky, I know a few people who got the nightmare step-parents. I guess that’s why I feel guilty complaining. It might be awkward, but it could have been a lot worse.” she said, not wanting the other woman to feel like she was comparing her problems to having an actually terrible step-parent. “I thought we were pretty happy before but … we had lost my mom. I guess there’s always something. I don’t think anybody has a perfect life.”

[wren-castillo]

itsdakotasimmons​:

He had nodded at her but he had always thought everyone who had a big family had been lucky. “That’s great! You got a new sister and you dad is happy. I wish my dad would go on a date but he’s just engaged with his job. “ Dakota had laughed. “I’ve tried to convince him but he doesn’t listen.” He had added. “Did you talk to her about how you feel about it? It could help.” Dakota had suggested. 

“That part has been nice.” she admitted before shrugging softly, “I don’t know. I don’t want to make her feeling like I don’t like her, or like I’m trying to be difficult.” she said carefully. Part of her did want to try to talk it out, but they idea of actually doing it made her a nervous wreck. 

[wren-castillo]

chanelfleur​:

“I mean who doesn’t like food?” it was basically the main reason why people wen’t anywhere these days, if you asked an introvert why they were going to a party it was most likely for the edible smorgasbord they had available; “I mean you can try? What’s the worst that can happen?” they say no? And then what? She would be back to where she began, no harm in that; “Have you thought of grouping with people in a similar subject to help make it easier”

“It’s definitely always a plus.” she said with a small laugh, “I might. I’m just worried they’ll think I’m trying to get out of the work. And I’m not it … would just be nice to have an actual break.” she explained with a shrug, “Yeah, I have done some study groups! I just honestly probably take too many classes. Most of the time I like staying busy, but occasionally it gets overwhelming.”

[wren-castillo]

tyler-j-marhsall​:

He could see where she was coming from and nodded his head at her gently. “That makes sense. Just try to enjoy it. You never know what happens tomorrow or how long you still get to spend time with them. I always try to focus on the positive. “ Ty tried to explain, offering her a soft smile. “Well, that’s good news, isn’t it? “ 

Wren nodded, “I know, my mother died when I was seven, so I’ve always tried to remember that. I try my best to pretend like everything is fine, cause I know she makes my father happy. It just feels so strange to have someone new living in our home.” she explained.