Cuz we need more of this stuff!
[name_u]Riley[/name_u] [name_u]Quinn[/name_u] [name_u]Parker[/name_u] (22) is a college student majoring in computer science and minoring in music. She loves coding, playing the guitar, and binge-watching sci-fi shows. She is outgoing, adventurous, and witty.
[name_f]Petra[/name_f] " [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] " [name_f]Gillian[/name_f] Bierton (21) is Rileyâs roommate and a fellow computer sciences major, whose interest in programming developed when xey were in xeir preteens. The child of an electrical engineer who defied expectations at a time it wasnât commonly witnessed, [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] credits xeir mom as xeir point of inspiration. Things werenât easy in the Bierton household for several years: in the aftermath of a nasty divorce, Peggâs father became estranged from xem and xeir sister, whoâs just turned 14, and sheâs very much into her pink era, something [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] approves of wholeheartedly. While a reconciliation happened when [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] was 11, heâs lacked trust in his dad from that point on, and things are quite awkward when the two are together.
Xey arenât the sort of person to shy away from voicing xeir issues or opinions, with the sole exception being xeir father, as [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] knows what he has to say isnât going to be easy to stomach, as a lot of pain accompanied the emotional abandonment xey were subjected to. One of the few positive points between them is that Peggâs dad had always respected xeir pronouns: xe/he, and helped navigate an awkward spot between [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] and his aunt [xeir dadâs brothersâ wife], who questioned xeir gender expression in the wake of him coming out about his identity.
For their angst - xey find it very embarrassing to talk about at points - Peggâs typically a source of positivity and offers [name_u]Riley[/name_u] input regarding the degree theyâre both completing. Xeir taste in music is more electronic leaning, as well as having often spontaenous and nonsensical lyrics, but [name_u]Riley[/name_u] respects the validity of this, and theyâve proven an unlikely duo given their overt differences where outsiders are concerned. Peggâs a very considerate roommate though, who always chips in with chores around the flat, and he cooks meals for both himself and [name_u]Riley[/name_u] if sheâs working later thanks to her combined major. The only time xey vanish is for D&D Discord sessions, hibernating in xeir room for several hours as they play through sessions and engage in discussions with their group, some of whom are studying as far as [name_f]Canada[/name_f] and [name_u]Hawaii[/name_u].
[name_f]Maxine[/name_f] âMaxâ [name_m]Nguyen[/name_m] (23) is Peggâs best friend and fellow computer science major. They met during their freshman year and have been inseparable ever since. [name_f]Maxine[/name_f] is outgoing and confident, often pushing [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] out of xeir comfort zone. She has a love for all things pink and can often be found wearing bright, colorful outfits. [name_f]Maxine[/name_f] is also an avid gamer and enjoys playing video games with [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] and their friends. Despite their different personalities, [name_f]Maxine[/name_f] and [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] have a strong bond and always have each otherâs backs.
Warning for presumed death.
[name_m]Raymond[/name_m] â [name_u]Raz[/name_u] â [name_m]Nguyen[/name_m] (24) is Maxâs older brother and currently seeking higher education in pharmacy school. Heâs close with his sister and very supportive of how she is, being on good terms with [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] and [name_u]Riley[/name_u] too. He and [name_u]Max[/name_u] are both proud Vietnamese and Razâs best friend is also a Southeastern [name_f]Asian[/name_f]. [name_u]Raz[/name_u] and [name_u]Max[/name_u] love video games and the two are great opponents and even better teammates. [name_u]Raz[/name_u] likes to game with [name_f]Pegg[/name_f] too and has also been a D&D fan.
Whatâs hard to believe about the siblings is that they just met their grandfather less than a year ago. Their grandfather was on a solo continental travel trip while [name_u]Max[/name_u] and Razâs father was just a kid and hadnât come back in years. At first their grandmother worried that this was a possible deadbeat escape from parenting but she didnât think he would ever do that. However, he was travelling to multiple countries and nobody knew which one he was in, plus he didnât speak these countriesâ languages, which made it easier for him to go missing. After years of not returning, he was presumed dead, and believed to stay dead. [name_m]Just[/name_m] months ago, the family found out he was alive which made [name_u]Raz[/name_u] and [name_u]Max[/name_u] excited to meet him and their father overjoyed. Their grandmother was exceptionally relieved but her emotions werenât entirely the same as the rest of the family, given this man she loved had changed so much and immersed himself in the country he had stayed at. He wasnât the same person he used to be and it was difficult for her to try to keep the relationship going while also accepting that he is a different person now. Still, everyone is just thankful he is living.
[name_u]Raz[/name_u] is close with his family and will help his grandfather get back in with the rest. He wonât force his grandfather to give up anything heâs acquired since his time in other nations and is happy the man is safe. In fact, he thanks his grandfather for getting him into foreign flicks, something he hadnât been interested in before, although [name_u]Raz[/name_u] doesnât know the languages in most films and uses subtitles. Sometimes when [name_u]Raz[/name_u] is bored, he likes to play simple games like tic-tac-toe or connect the dots. His mother always loves these types of games and [name_u]Raz[/name_u] picks up on it easily. [name_u]Raz[/name_u] also watches a lot of 90s cartoons and has binge-watched many series. His car is a 90s-made car and he likes the vintage feel although heâs considering getting a used car made much more recently when he can afford it.
Southai â Thai â Inthasone (24) is Razâs best friend, whoâs been supporting him since Razsâ grandfather returned after his presumed death. Due to how opposing their styles are - casual v. business chic - Thai and Raz have heard every joke about how the former mustâve kept the latter in check throughout school, when in actuality, Thai credits Raz as helping him come out of his shell when they were in middle school, allowing him to develop the confidence to join the Debate Society in high school, eventually becoming co-president.
The only thing Raz couldnât convince Thai to do during this time was confess his crush on the fellow coordinator and team captain of the Debate Society. He now jokes that this turned out to be for the best, as the girl in question came out as gay while Raz was still trying to convince him to speak of his feelings, and she subsequently entered a relationship with another girl, who sheâs remained with to this day. While some expected Thai to be devastated, he recovered not only fast, but well: heâs never the sort of person who puts all his eggs in one basket.
Coming from a small Laotian-American family, Thai only has one sibling - a brother - whoâs 8 years older than him. His extended family mostly live in Phonsavan, and until meeting Raz, Thai didnât know anyone who he could confide in regarding celebrating his culture and heritage. Thanks to their age gap, he and his brother werenât all that close until Thai was about 17, as they were always doing different things tilâ that point. Heâs an adoring uncle to his niece and nephew, and on occasion has engaged in ribbing Raz about the day Max has kids, something that always receives a groan and eye roll.
@wandering_willow
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@MissMorland
@Tasia
@cara_murvolio
@ElisabethJulie
@szinkle
@moonwriteen
She and her husband have three-year-old twins who idolize their Uncle Thai. Their son has often put on his dadâs tie while imitating Thai. [name_f]Avani[/name_f] loves her kids dearly and is glad that her parents and her husbandâs parents are involved in the kidsâ lives. Avaniâs immediate family is bigger than her husbandâs. She has four siblings, two older and two younger. [name_f]Avani[/name_f] enjoys spending time with her siblings as theyâre all relatively close in age.
[name_f]Avani[/name_f] had something happen a couple of weeks ago. While she was at the farmerâs market, a man stopped by and was fascinated with her artwork, specifically the clothing. After saying how wonderful her designs were, he introduced himself as a fashion designer and asked if she would consider having lunch with him and his associate to discuss a job. [name_f]Avani[/name_f] was taken aback by his blunt manner but agreed to think about it. She told her husband that evening and theyâve since decided that she should definitely go for it. [name_f]Avani[/name_f] has already called the man and set up a meeting for next week. Sheâs nervous but has a lot of support from her family and friends.
[name_u]Vila[/name_u] " [name_u]Vale[/name_u] " Inthasone (32) is Avaniâs husband and Thaiâs older brother. He is proudly Southeast [name_f]Asian[/name_f] and loves his wifeâs [name_u]South[/name_u] [name_f]Asian[/name_f] and African culture as well. Heâs heard about the chick Thai used to like and is glad for it all ending on a good note for both even if it didnât work out, due to Thaiâs calm resilience. [name_u]Vale[/name_u] is supportive of Avaniâs family too and asks Avaniâs mother about what part of [name_f]Africa[/name_f] sheâs from. He loves being a good father to his 3-year-old twins he shares with [name_f]Avani[/name_f]. Itâs a fraternal pair of boy/girl twins and theyâre both very enthusiastic kids. [name_u]Vale[/name_u] currently works as a home seller but doesnât really let his job be his life. He used to wear a suit but got progressively more casual. When heâs not at work, heâs super casual. [name_u]Vale[/name_u] loves Thaiâs business chic look - he always found Thai to look sharper in a suit than him anyway. He loves family comedy movies and watching them with the Inthasones.
Heâs intrigued by his wifeâs new offer. Heâs rooting for her to bring her design to the next level and believes she has so much opportunity. [name_f]Avani[/name_f] is currently anticipating what will come next and is proud of [name_f]Avani[/name_f]. One of Avaniâs siblings is also anticipating a big break but thereâs no jealousy or competition there thankfully! [name_u]Vale[/name_u] has gotten closer with Thai every year and theyâre doing fun activities with each other when they have the time. [name_u]Vale[/name_u] is mostly outgoing and heâs often finding a family member or friend to chat with. He loves [name_u]South[/name_u] and Southeast [name_f]Asian[/name_f] food and will eat something from a country there at least twice a week. He has picked up on a few African-style dances from Avaniâs side of the family and loves the rhythm.
warning for deadbeat ex
Shaleena " [name_f]Enna[/name_f] " [name_f]Joanna[/name_f] Pallance (33) is Valeâs sister-in-law and the eldest of her siblings, as well as the one who - like [name_f]Avani[/name_f] - has received a new opportunity regarding their future. Ennaâs been offered a higher position at the bar where she works, namely overseeing the coordination of marketing and online promotion: something she applied for, however admittedly faced nerves due to not knowing who else was vying for the position. Aside from the raise in pay, it also means [name_f]Enna[/name_f] will have more time available to parent - as she can now work from home, instead of being called in so often as a shift manager to oversee peopleâs performances and ensure things are progressing with some sense of order.
A single parent in every sense of matter, [name_f]Enna[/name_f] had her 12-year-old daughter with an ex, who made a lot of promises and quickly proved them to be empty. The grand conclusion of his antics was doing a vanishing act for almost a year - during which time he became engaged to another woman [name_f]Enna[/name_f] once worked with [and sheâs pretty certain they were flirting while she was pregnant] - before showing back up and trying to pretend nothing was actually wrong. He lives in another state now, thanks to his military service, and visits during leave, as well as calling and sending cards to their daughter, but sheâs got a lot of open, understandable resentment towards her father. [name_f]Enna[/name_f] doesnât encourage this anger, but at the same time never critiques it: her ex failed his only child over and over, then didnât want to accept her justified feelings towards this.
Some people assume this must make her envy and dislike [name_f]Avani[/name_f] for how devoted and reliable [name_u]Vale[/name_u] is, but Ennaâs not that kind of person. She wouldnât want anyone to endure the same terrible behaviour sheâs weathered with her ex for over 10 years, especially one of her siblings, all of whom she absolutely adores. While younger, [name_f]Enna[/name_f] felt some embarrassment when it came toi her ex - as the firstborn, she felt it was her job to lead by example - but [name_f]Avani[/name_f] in particular has been her rock and has helped sway her away from this mentality.
Warning for deadbeat dad and weight shaming.
[name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] [name_f]Aduke[/name_f] Pallance (12) is Ennaâs 12-year-old daughter and niece of [name_f]Avani[/name_f] and other siblings. She has a rough relationship with her father but never judges her mother for what she had in the past for him. [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] almost completely refuses to see him but still welcomes him when heâs around, at least when he actually will be around. [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] literally used the âwent out to buy milkâ joke with her friends surrounding this, even though she knows he will come back, but doesnât know when. [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] loves back-to-school for the first week but then doesnât care when school actually happens after that. Some girls at Kirsiâs school have recently weight-shamed her, considering her too skinny and trying to diagnose her. [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] has no diseases or disorders and is perfectly healthy, even if she is more so compared to her mother and maternal side. Thatâs because she inherited her frame from her paternal side. [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] has tried to ignore this but itâs gotten difficult at times, which has resulted in her having more negativity on the things that make her angry, like her father.
Still, [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] is a good kid and never wants to make [name_f]Enna[/name_f] feel bad about anything. She loves her aunt [name_f]Avani[/name_f] and has showed a lot of heightened excitement with her about Avaniâs new changes in her job. She thinks [name_f]Avani[/name_f] can and will make it big. She enjoys having aunts and uncles who have such a nice mutual understanding towards. [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] loves handbags although she has no designer ones, instead just a regular purse with all her fave keychains. [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] loves to draw and colour with coloured pencils a lot and is currently redecorating her room. She often goes to her room to listen to Hindi music to clear her mind and enjoys hot tea. [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] is a nerd for math, finding it her fave subject, but also really enjoys geography. She doesnât have too many friends but is convinced this is just a phase for now.
[name_f]Maya[/name_f] [name_f]Hester[/name_f] [name_m]Crane[/name_m] (12) is Kirsiâs ex-best friend. The two of them were best friends all through out elementary school, especially since they lived only a block away from each other. Once they got into middle school, [name_f]Maya[/name_f] seeked out popularity and abandoned [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f]. She has always felt kind of bad about it; only because she thinks [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] doesnât have any friends without her.
[name_f]Maya[/name_f] grew up a tough life. She spent years listening to her parents fight and hurt each other until they got divorced when she was 6. [name_f]Maya[/name_f] escaped a lot of the time to Kirsiâs house and felt more loved in the Pallance home than she did at her own. Her parents both got remarried around the same time, and [name_f]Maya[/name_f] suddenly felt even more forgotten, especially when both of her parents and more children with their new spouses. While [name_f]Maya[/name_f] loves all 3 of her little half-siblings, she often gets angry and resentful to her parents, step-parents, & siblings. [name_f]Maya[/name_f] especially despises her step-mom, [name_f]Andie[/name_f], who told [name_f]Maya[/name_f] at the age of 9 that her body was disappointing and she needed to lose weight. This led to [name_f]Maya[/name_f] fasting often and developing an ed. When [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] asked about her sudden weight loss, [name_f]Maya[/name_f] denied it and got angry, leading to her and her new popular friends weight shaming [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] later on.
[name_f]Maya[/name_f] has had to grow up quickly; especially taking care of her little half siblings whenever sheâs at either of her parentâs houses. At her momâs house, her little siblings â [name_f]Ava[/name_f] (6) and [name_m]Garrett[/name_m] (4) â live a more lavish life and spend their time treating [name_f]Maya[/name_f] like a maid. At her dadâs house, its even worse. [name_u]Judah[/name_u] (3), is living a life that reminds [name_f]Maya[/name_f] of her childhood. [name_f]Maya[/name_f] knows that [name_f]Andie[/name_f] is cheating on her father and taking his money, which infuriates [name_f]Maya[/name_f]. She hears her dad shouting at [name_f]Andie[/name_f] about the money disappearing from the account and knows it scares little [name_u]Judah[/name_u].
[name_f]Maya[/name_f] loves being popular. All the attention and friends she has now distract her from her home life. She spends most of her time down town or at a friendsâ house. While she sometimes misses [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f], she loves all the attention. She knows [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] hates her now, and while sometimes she thinks she cares, she pretends she doesnât.
[name_f]Samaria[/name_f] [name_f]Lison[/name_f] [name_m]Crane[/name_m] (15 [name_u]July[/name_u] 1985 - 29 [name_u]June[/name_u] 2018, aged 32) was Mayaâs late paternal aunt, who did not want her brother to marry the âwicked stepmotherâ in the Cranesâ lives. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] snarked sheâd be the âfairy godmotherâ to Mayaâs aid when her brother married that awful woman. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] doesnât have any nice things to say about [name_f]Andie[/name_f] or her brotherâs ex-wife but sheâs had the decency to keep her arguing away from [name_f]Maya[/name_f] and [name_f]Ava[/name_f], the one child [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] was alive to know. None of the children Samariaâs brother and either of his wives had were honour-named after [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] in any way, but that was by her own wishes. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] and her brother were close as children and told each other back then that theyâd love to name their children after each other some day, but after [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] expressed her disapproval for her brotherâs first wife and for [name_f]Andie[/name_f], she requested not to have him name any of his children after her. She did not want her name to be used in any way for children birthed and raised by people she disliked. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] did attend the weddings but didnât play a role in either. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] herself didnât name any children after her brother either since she actually never had children at all, staying single and child-free. She still had high respect for [name_f]Maya[/name_f] and [name_f]Ava[/name_f], wishing them the best from their madness, even though she worried [name_f]Ava[/name_f] was going to grow up in an âugly stepsisterâ roleâŠalthough theyâre technically half-sisters and Avaâs mother wasnât the stepmotherâŠbut she was wicked.
Other than that, she was a rock for [name_f]Maya[/name_f], helping her adjust to having [name_f]Ava[/name_f] in her life as a new half-sister. She didnât engage in stuff her brotherâs first wife did because she was an ex and had no relation, but she still felt for [name_f]Ava[/name_f], despite barely knowing one another. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] hated that she and her brother were drifting apart, because they grew up so close, and [name_f]Andie[/name_f] brought out the worst in him. She told him that [name_f]Andie[/name_f] is manipulating him and he denied it, stating they plan on having children themselves some day. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] often reassured herself that her brother would leave [name_f]Andie[/name_f], not have children with her after all, and be a stronger person in the end. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] told herself this every day, never realising that she would be wrong after all. Another thing [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] enjoyed was being a freelance guitarist and she played at cafĂ©s and other small events. She sang a song she wrote about how disappointed she was by her brotherâs distancing and changing, but to the audience, they believed this was just a simple break-up song judging by the lyrics. She wasnât going to correct anyone though, she didnât like discussing her family disdain despite having a lot. Besides, writing music was liberating to her. She liked to show [name_f]Maya[/name_f] some guitar playing as it made her feel very happy. She felt [name_f]Maya[/name_f] and [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] would have a nice and long-lasting friendship as well and would be disappointed to know how things would have ended up, especially since she had a similar falling out against her brother and also due to the fact that [name_f]Andie[/name_f] was a major underlying problem with the friendshipâs dissolution. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] was a huge fan of family celebrations despite her loathing of the two women her brother married, and [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] always played games and made delicious food when family visited her.
[name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] was a good help on [name_f]Maya[/name_f] following the death of [name_f]Samaria[/name_f], after she was found deceased at her home due to a blood clot in her lungs. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] was seemingly healthy, which shocked the [name_m]Crane[/name_m] family, but it turned out the underlying cause of this was due to overstressing her body trying to lose weight and get fit in such a short amount of time. She was pressured to do this to help advance her musical career bigger but her body couldnât handle this. Her brother genuinely felt horrible for [name_f]Samaria[/name_f], since their last conversation before her passing was a negative one, but he did not leave [name_f]Andie[/name_f], because [name_f]Andie[/name_f] had often comforted him in the wake of her death. He felt that [name_f]Andie[/name_f] was a good person after all because she was being so kind despite hating [name_f]Samaria[/name_f], although [name_f]Andie[/name_f] was intentionally undermining what caused [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] to die at any chance she could get. [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] has a memorial apple tree planted by her brother and her now-retired parents, planted in front of her parentsâ house given she always had a wonderful connection with them. Unfortunately Samariaâs beliefs on [name_f]Kirsi[/name_f] and [name_f]Andie[/name_f] in the future were wrong but she did not leave the planet without a legacy. The apples from the memorial apple tree are baked into pies every year for family gatherings and they still play the games [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] showed them. Some of the apple pies are sold downtown as well in farmersâ markets and [name_f]Maya[/name_f] likes to buy a slice in appreciation. Recently, after finding out about Mayaâs dangerous eating disorder symptoms, her father told her the real reason why [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] passed away five years ago and is looking to get [name_f]Maya[/name_f] help. However, heâs currently naĂŻve to whatâs caused Mayaâs harmful waysâŠ
tw: poor parenting, neglect, dysfunctional relationships
mw: crime mentions
[name_f]Meribah[/name_f] â [name_f]Meri[/name_f] â [name_f]Raffaela[/name_f] (Crane) [name_m]Locker[/name_m] (37) is Mayaâs paternal aunt, and perhaps the closest thing to a consistent parental figure she and [name_u]Judah[/name_u] have gotten over time. Her perspective of her brothersâ disastrous relationships is that heâs someone who canât stand being alone, meaning heâs willing to engage in dysfunction if it means thereâs an assurance of not being abandoned. There isnât something obvious in their own pasts - their parents have been married for over 40 years - but since the firstborn [name_m]Crane[/name_m] sibling began dating in high school, [name_f]Meri[/name_f] canât recall him being single for extended periods of time.
Like her late sister - who she absolutely idolised, in spite of just being a year Samariasâ junior - Meriâs never had a good relationship with [name_f]Andie[/name_f]. Judahâs birth did cause her to wonder if her sister-in-law might soften and become more empathetic, especially towards [name_f]Maya[/name_f], but things only seemed to worsen, as it emboldened Andieâs behaviour, culminating in her affair and racking up debts. [name_f]Meri[/name_f] actually works as a forensic accountant - usually being called to help investigate fraud and laundering, although she has been involved in violence based cases - and has been speaking to her brother in secret, to ensure the funds heâs got for [name_f]Maya[/name_f] and [name_u]Judah[/name_u] are protected, as well as finding a way of separating he and Andieâs finances further.
Since [name_f]Meri[/name_f] gave birth to her own son - whoâs now 4Âœ - though, sheâs been less able to provide as much in-person support to her niece. Before becoming pregnant, [name_f]Meri[/name_f] changed her surname to [name_m]Locker[/name_m] - her momsâ maiden name - as she wanted to distinguish herself in her career, working with an experienced analyst named [name_m]Jeremy[/name_m] [name_m]Crane[/name_m], and people were always asking if she was his daughter, niece, or (mortifyingly) his wife.
She chose to go through IVF and ignores the fact [name_f]Andie[/name_f] constantly expresses disbelief at Merisâ choice, because responsibility really isnât the womanâs forte. When the younger woman was pregnant, they actually had a nasty argument themselves, after [name_f]Meri[/name_f] revealed she was going to make her sonâs middle name [name_m]Samvel[/name_m], in tribute to the late [name_f]Samaria[/name_f]. [name_f]Andie[/name_f] became very theatrical, insisting she wanted to use that name for a future son with her husband, and it was only when Merisâ mother stepped in that this display stopped. The [name_m]Crane[/name_m] family are still fairly confident [name_f]Andie[/name_f] merely said this to cause a scene, given how she and [name_f]Samaria[/name_f] were never on good terms.
Heâs not quite kept away from [name_f]Maya[/name_f] and her father, Canaanâs uncle. In fact, heâs curious to know more about them since other kids are there. However the fact that other kids are there worries [name_f]Meri[/name_f] more than excites her. He was most excited for [name_m]Garrett[/name_m], being only half a year older than him, but [name_f]Maya[/name_f] successfully dissuaded [name_m]Canaan[/name_m] from [name_m]Garrett[/name_m] and [name_f]Ava[/name_f] when she honestly told him that they werenât very nice kids. [name_m]Canaan[/name_m] was told by his mother and uncle to not resort to villainising these kids and just to let them be. Heâs kept away from his uncleâs ex-wife and mostly kept away from [name_f]Andie[/name_f] following the [name_m]Samvel[/name_m] conflict alongside Andieâs ignorance to [name_f]Meri[/name_f] being a single parent by choice. [name_m]Canaan[/name_m] loves his mother and never feels like he needs a second parent to feel happier or more complete. He doesnât listen if anyone were to act that way for him, if anything it just makes him run to [name_f]Meri[/name_f] and bond closer with her. [name_m]Canaan[/name_m] is a fan of stars, having those classic glow-in-the-dark stars pasted on his ceiling in his bedroom. He loves seeing starfish at the aquarium. He has a gold star button that [name_f]Meri[/name_f] pins on his shirt when heâs been really good and the feeling makes him so happy. [name_m]Canaan[/name_m] doesnât know much about his motherâs career but still hero-worships her anyway, to the point of telling her co-workers âhow heroic his mother isâ, which they enjoy, given how sweet and close his bond is to [name_f]Meri[/name_f].
TW: parental abandonment & death from overdose - [name_f]Andie[/name_f] [name_m]Crane[/name_m] being a terrible person
[name_f]Aurea[/name_f] [name_f]Mathilde[/name_f] Niemczyk (8) is technically Canaanâs stepcousin, not that he or anyone in the Crane/Locker family are awareâŠyet. Sheâs the firstborn of the infamous [name_f]Andie[/name_f] [name_m]Crane[/name_m], not that the two have any sort of relationship. Aureasâ parents relationship was defined by two things: drugs and dysfunction. When they werenât fighting it was because they were getting high or forming a united front against Aureasâ paternal grandparents, who refused to give upon their son. He would pass away before [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] was born, accidentally overdosing after a failed attempt at going cold turkey, and his memoryâs difficult for her to handle most of the time.
While [name_f]Andie[/name_f] was actually clean by the time she fell pregnant, motherhood wasnât what she wanted, especially as it wasnât a relationship where sheâd be financially set. While Aureasâ paternal grandparents - her primary guardians and caretakers - have made it clear theyâd provide for their granddaughter, they made it clear that [name_f]Andie[/name_f] wasnât going to be treated like a second child, and while she could live with them, it wasnât going to be a rent-free situation: the opposite of what sheâd hoped for.
Before she was even born, [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] mostly was used for sympathy points by her mother, who attempted to guilt-trip the Niemczyksâ on numerous occasions, even stooping as low as to try and use their dead son against them. As her plan failed, she decided - in the 11th hour - that she was just going to hand over custodial and legal rights to Aureasâ paternal grandparents, absconding as soon as she was medically cleared. Really, Mr and Mrs Niemczyk breathed a sigh of relief at this, not wanting to deal with any more schemes or theatrics, however they do worry about what will happen if [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] decides she wants to try reaching out.
Currently this isnât a priority of hersâ. [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] loves dance classes, painting with her watercolours and tending to the garden with her granddad, being especially fond of looking after the frogs who live in their pond. Sheâs also been raised in the Catholic faith, having just enjoyed her First Communion alongside her friends who follow the same religion, not that [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] doesnât accept those outside of it. Arguably her kindness and placid nature are in spite of [name_f]Andie[/name_f], whoâs had no influence on her daughter, and has no interest in reconciling.
Warning for death by drug overdose (deceased character) and for toxic relationship with Andie Crane.
Torien Mateusz Niemczyk (22 April 1984 â 16 November 2015, aged 31) was Aureaâs late father and Andieâs partner. A proud Catholic, he was lyrical in the Bible verses and used his beliefs in his life for healing. He too also had people he was close to in his faith although he was open to other beliefs as well and heâd be happy for Aureaâs friendships. Torien didnât have godparents but he did serve as a godfather to another child prior to his passing, with that godchild being 4 years old at the time. Torien did truly want children of his own, even before Aureaâs birth, he was mistaken for a father. He posted online a photo captioned âHappy Fatherâs Day!â The photo had a photo of a man resembling him and a toddler boy, but it wasnât Torien with his âsonâ, it was actually an old photo of his father and he was the toddler! Torien was rather âlike father, like sonâ in terms of many aspects like the fact that he looked so much like his father and also enjoyed gardening like him. But he was also very close with his motherâs sweetness and heâd be happy to know Aurea resembled her paternal grandmother, having her hair and eyes. Andie also had blue eyes, but Aureaâs eyes resembled her paternal grandmotherâs more, a comment from the Niemcyzks that Andie despised.
Torien had a rough addiction to prescription drugs, having this control him before in the past. Admittedly if the withdrawals werenât so bad, the addiction would have stopped sooner. He used to be secretive, writing for a menâs health blog while trying not to be perceived as unhealthy. He and Andie knew each other since childhood and he knew the nice innocent side of Andie, which slowly dwindled into becoming a bully until her personality wasnât recognisable anymore. At first their relationship was just a few dates, which wasnât too romantic, until Andie stated she liked Torien, firmly waiting until heâd say the same. He did, mainly since having another personâs company was fixing his addiction for the better. Also, he wanted to be a good influence as a godfather, something he worked hard at, but knew he had to help himself first. So he got rehabilitation, and even Andie was cleaner. Still, he felt Andie wasnât really his girlfriend and never stated she was. Torien had a fear of saying no, he wasnât raised this way, but itâs given a negative vibe in his life, especially since it started his past addictive ways. Aurea was conceived shortly after Torien left rehab. Deep down, his parents had felt Torien left rehab too soon and that Andie manipulated him to leave before he was ready. He was still very cold turkey on his drug usage and wanted him and Andie to be the best parents of their unborn child when she told him she was pregnant. However in coming weeks, she became more toxic and Torien just wanted to leave her. This wasnât a baby trap despite some beliefs; Torien understood that he wanted to be a father and felt good about the idea of fathering his own child. Andie had been nice to him after leaving rehab and after telling him she was pregnant, but continuously blamed him for everything that went wrong.
He had a good final week with his parents and other family members, but Andie called him on his phone to yell at him and accuse him of cheating. He stopped answering the phone and just silenced it while enjoying himself. He only left one message, âIâm trying to surround myself with people who care about me. Iâm not here to talk if itâs just negativity.â Andie was annoyed as usual by him but didnât message back, which was for the best, because he would die that night. Torien overdosed on sleeping pills after his mind was taken into a bad spot. His obituary never stated how he died, but Andie and the Niemcyzks knew. Since he died while with his family, Andie used this as verbal warfare that she cared about Torien more. His parents knew she was a liar, especially after hearing the angry messages she left on his phone. Andie insisted her thoughts of him cheating was an âhonest mistakeâ whereas him overdosing was âthem being irresponsibleâ. She even stated that Torien would hate them for what they did, despite him being very happy with them during his time. They could have immediately blamed her for his overdose but they at least took the time to listen to her before assessing her role in the situation. Andie had showed several instances that she wasnât in any position to be a parent plus his parents found her hypocritical that she was blaming his death on staying with them while also insisting she should stay with them. Especially since she wanted to do this rent free and insisting Torien âwould want it that wayâ despite no evidence of that statement. The Niemczyks would end up getting custody of Aurea after her birth and tried hard to give her a great childhood and at this point, Andie was unemotional and apathetic, which was bothersome. Her mind had already moved on to Mayaâs father and setting herself a role in his family. Aurea thankfully has adjusted well by her guardians, also having her Catholic upbringing for good. She isnât forced to mourn her father and her family respects that itâs difficult to think about the life of a man she never got to know. However she knows Torienâs godchild and has a godsibling relationship from it. Her parents love how humbled she is in her religion and the little happy things like watercolour paintings and pond frogs, something they feel everyone should have in their lives - loving the little things.
[name_u]Taylor[/name_u] [name_f]Brielle[/name_f] Lauthler (14) is Torinâs goddaughter, and Aureaâs âbig sisterâ. Taylorâs father was Torinâs best friend from childhood, and she was extremely close with her godfather, so it was devastating and confusing to her when [name_m]Torin[/name_m] died. She was only six years old at the time and didnât understand what happened. It was a hard time for her. Her parents had grown apart from [name_m]Torin[/name_m] that past year. They were still supportive, but since he had fallen back into drug usage, they were worried about letting their young daughter be around him. This was part of the reason that Taylorâs 2 younger siblings were not named his godchildren.
The last time [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] saw [name_m]Torin[/name_m] was a terrible day for her. She was 5 years old and was spending the day with her parents, [name_m]Torin[/name_m], [name_f]Andie[/name_f], and Taylorâs little siblings. [name_m]Torin[/name_m] and [name_f]Andie[/name_f] got into a huge fight at lunch, and Taylorâs parents took her and her sibling, who was 2 (the other was not born yet), to the park nearby to give [name_f]Andie[/name_f] and [name_m]Torin[/name_m] some time to calm down. When they came back 30 minutes later, their lunch was cold, [name_f]Andie[/name_f] was gone, and [name_m]Torin[/name_m] was 4 beers in, and high. Taylorâs father tried to calm [name_m]Torin[/name_m] down, but it was no use, and her parents decided from that day on, they would support [name_m]Torin[/name_m], but from a distance. For [name_u]Taylor[/name_u], who didnât understand what was happening, she immediatley blamed [name_f]Andie[/name_f], saying that she made [name_m]Torin[/name_m] âsickâ. She never saw [name_m]Torin[/name_m] again, but she did see AndieâŠ
After [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] was taken into the Niemczyksâ care, [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] was allowed to meet her godsister. [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] loves both of her little siblings, but [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] was very special to her. Since then, [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] spends at least one day every month with [name_f]Aurea[/name_f], who lives in a town 20ish minutes away. The two of them have a great relationship, and they treat each other like sisters. Actually, [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] is also close with both of Taylorâs little siblings, one who is 11, and the other who is 8. [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] and the 8 year old are very close because they share a lot of the same interests. [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] usually does something with [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] and both of her other siblings too. [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] and her family are Catholic too, and they spend many religious holidays together.
Two years ago, [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] got a call from an unknown number, and she picked up. As someone with OCD, she felt something bad would happen if she didnât pick-up. This time though, her feelings were right. When she picked up, it was [name_f]Aurea[/name_f], who was, (by court order), spending the day with her mom, [name_f]Andie[/name_f] [name_m]Crane[/name_m]. It was the first time in a while, and [name_f]Andie[/name_f] was deep into her relationship with Mayaâs father. [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] had watched her mom scream at Mayaâs dad for awhile, and she was scared. [name_f]Maya[/name_f] was caught in the middle of the fight, terrified of [name_f]Andie[/name_f] dropping the newborn baby [name_u]Judah[/name_u]. She couldnât get ahold of her grandparents, who were not allowed to go to the reunion, who knows why, and the only number she remembered other than theirs was Taylorâs. [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] and her parents went straight to Andieâs house, to find exactly what [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] had described. They were able to get ahold of Aureaâs grandparents, and [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] never went back. [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] saw the pain in the eyes of [name_f]Maya[/name_f] when they left without helping her and [name_u]Judah[/name_u]. This has haunted [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] forever. She wants to go into CPS or family therapy when sheâs older, because she canât stand that the court of law ordered [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] to spend time with such an evil person. And [name_f]Maya[/name_f], and [name_u]Judah[/name_u]. She physically canât stand it.
Fortunately, [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] has a great support team. With lots of friends and loving family, [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] feels very lucky to live in such a great community. She plays soccer and swims competitively, and loves all of her teammates. She has a loving boyfriend, who she has been dating for 3 months now, named [name_m]Gabe[/name_m]. She is also in youth club for her church and is very involved. She is also in book and art club, which makes her parents very proud. They love how involved and happy [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] is. Her best friend, [name_f]Jane[/name_f] [name_m]Magnus[/name_m], is actually a foster kid, which [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] is very interested in. She has heard about all the terrible things that happen in foster care, and seeing what has happened in her own life, to [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] and her half/step-siblings, [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] is convinced that she has to do her part in helping these kids get into a better situation.
[name_m]Esias[/name_m] [name_m]Zachary[/name_m] Lauthler (7) is Taylorâs younger brother and one of her younger siblings, whoâs happy with skateboarding. Heâs actually not the best, but likes to see himself as a great one. Heâs unaware of [name_f]Andie[/name_f] [name_m]Crane[/name_m] and the news thatâs gone on with her, specifically that [name_f]Meri[/name_f] got her brother, Andieâs husband, to consider leaving. [name_f]Andie[/name_f] and her husband are separating but not divorcing yet. At this time heâs taking a break from everyone, which might not be the best idea. Itâs a silver lining for [name_f]Maya[/name_f] since she gets abundant time away from [name_f]Andie[/name_f], but her life is far from perfect. She fears that sheâd have to see [name_f]Andie[/name_f] again some day, plus she really doesnât care for her maternal half-siblings [name_m]Garrett[/name_m] and [name_f]Ava[/name_f]. Theyâre spoiled brats and Mayaâs mother isnât doing any good to stop that in them. Mayaâs mother was a spoiled brat herself in childhood and passed it down on her kids. Except [name_f]Maya[/name_f] knows not to be whiny and demanding, however she is still obsessed with popularity and school. [name_m]Esias[/name_m] knows [name_f]Maya[/name_f] is innocent on the inside after a conversation with [name_u]Taylor[/name_u], but itâs clear [name_m]Esias[/name_m] isnât in a position to know the whole story yet.
[name_m]Esias[/name_m] loves to be active outside, enjoying the playground as well. He is a skater boy at heart but also Catholic at heart, attending the same church as Aureaâs family. Heâs friends with the younger brother of [name_f]Jane[/name_f] [name_m]Magnus[/name_m] although they only met recently through church while [name_f]Jane[/name_f] and [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] have known each other longer. [name_m]Esias[/name_m] is great at checkers, but is wanting to understand chess, finding it a more intellectual and complex game. He is close with his parents and knows about the minor fall-out his father had with [name_m]Torien[/name_m] but knows this wasnât out of sheer hatred. When [name_m]Esias[/name_m] was in the womb, it was during a hard time for his father because he had debated whether to A) keep [name_m]Torien[/name_m] as Taylorâs godfather but not for [name_u]Elias[/name_u] or the other sibling, B) allow [name_m]Torien[/name_m] to be the godfather for all, or C) demote [name_m]Torien[/name_m] entirely as Taylorâs godfather as well so he isnât the godfather of any Lauthler children. It was a big decision given the pros and cons of [name_m]Torien[/name_m], plus the friendship the men had before [name_m]Torien[/name_m] became Taylorâs godfather. [name_m]Torien[/name_m] passed away before this decision was ever officially made, so technically speaking, the unofficial decision was A, but only because [name_m]Torien[/name_m] was never cut off from being GF and he died before [name_m]Esias[/name_m] was born so he couldnât be the boyâs godfather. [name_m]Esias[/name_m] doesnât really know [name_m]Torien[/name_m] but [name_m]Esias[/name_m] also likes pond frogs, something he shares with [name_u]Taylor[/name_u]. He wants a pet frog himself and is hoping to get one.
[name_f]Renata[/name_f] â [name_u]Mattie[/name_u] â [name_u]Camden[/name_u] Lauthler (12) is the middle sibling, born between [name_m]Esias[/name_m] and [name_u]Taylor[/name_u], whoâs often affectionately called âSpitfireâ by her grandparents. The trioâs parents often joke about how there seems to be such a dramatic shift between their firstborn and then their subsequent two childrenâs names, but Mattieâs always eager to explain this when itâs mentioned in earshot of her: [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] is their momâs maiden name, and their dad wanted her honoured when their first child was born.
This is one of many reasons as to why Mattieâs known as âAnti-Cupidâ at school, as sheâs confident itâll take time for this sort of compromise to be present in her peers (and she isnât wrongâŠ). One of her good friends recently broke up with a boy and Mattieâs ensured he doesnât bother them in classes the three share, usually by giving him a stern look: this is something sheâs been taught by her mom, and sheâs very adept at using it when needs be.
[name_u]An[/name_u] avid ice-skating student, Mattieâs devotion to the sport is only rivaled by how much [name_m]Esias[/name_m] loves skateboarding. Sheâs got a very driven streak when it comes to her lessons, and she absolutely adores every kind of learning encompassed in the art. Her parents donât speak of it, but theyâre relieved [name_u]Mattie[/name_u] was too young to remember the incident with [name_f]Aura[/name_f], and have strove to keep her out of the conflict thatâs caused [name_u]Taylor[/name_u] so much anxiety - which is difficult as [name_u]Mattie[/name_u] likewise considers her bond with [name_f]Aurea[/name_f] highly important.
Claramae Zuri Iñiguezâ âZuâ (12) is one of Mattieâs best friends. Sheâs known for always being by her friendsâ sides whenever anyone is bothering them. Zu is very attached to the Lauthler family. As an only child to a single mother, she readily soaks up the attention from Mattieâs family that she doesnât regularly get at home. Zu knows she is lucky for having her mom work so hard to keep them afloat, but due to this she doesnât always get to spend the most time with her.
Zu absolutely loves hockey, and skates at the same place as Mattie. After Zuâs practice and Mattieâs classes, they go to the local diner that Zuâs mom owns and stay there finishing their homework and milkshakes until Mattie gets picked up. Zu isnât that close with Mattieâs siblings, but she enjoys helping torment â I mean play with Esias. She is always behind Mattie being âAnti-Cupidâ, and Mattie considers Zu her apprentice at the craft.
Two of Zuâs favorite people are her Abuelo and Abuela. Theyâve always been incredibly close to their daughter, Zuâs mom, and by extension, Zu. Theyâve been visiting almost every weekend since her infancy. Every once in a while, they bring over her baby cousins, too. Zu has always wanted to be a babysitter so she gets to practice with her cousins. Dance and music are also close to her heart. Her Abuela used to be a famous dancer and pianist in the past and gives Zu lessons on the beat-up piano her Abuelo got for her for her 8th birthday.
[name_f]Manuela[/name_f] is the elder sibling of two, and feels the fame life was even harder for the younger. Unless the youngest sibling becomes famous before the older one, people will automatically assume the younger sibling is jumping on the older siblingâs bandwagon. [name_f]Manuela[/name_f] gets enough of that comparison about her mother so she doesnât want to bring that into anyone elseâs life, so sheâs always been a protective older sister. This didnât actually happen, the youngest didnât want a fame career so young and remained living a typical life. Now the bond is very close between the two and they talk about their children all the time. [name_f]Manuela[/name_f] loves when Zu is interested despite Zuâs cousins being babies, because she wants to practice babysitting. [name_f]Manuela[/name_f] talks to Zu about this a lot, since Zu is at that conflicting age range where one is too young to babysit but too old to be babysat. [name_f]Manuela[/name_f] loves when [name_u]Mattie[/name_u] comes over to the house, joking that she wished she had an âAnti-Cupidâ friend like her in her former relationship with her ex. She adores Mattieâs friendship ethic and is glad Zu has such a wise and determined friend. [name_f]Manuela[/name_f] loves making designs with stained glass and finds it a beautiful form of art. She has windows with these and often incorporates them into flora and fauna around places sheâs visited.
