Create a Family (CAF) With a Twist

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for aforementioned baby trap.

[name_f]Ronda[/name_f] [name_f]Danae[/name_f] [name_m]Phillips[/name_m] (24) is Skye’s co-worker and good friend, whose older cousin works at the summer camp. Ronda’s the second-oldest of her siblings, behind only older brother [name_m]Andre[/name_m]. [name_m]Andre[/name_m] used to be so protective of her in childhood, before some of the younger siblings were born, but [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] preferred being a mediator anyway. She and [name_m]Andre[/name_m] are still both very fun and enthusiastic siblings. During the summer she works at the fair, and winters she is considering working for the philanthropy [name_m]Andre[/name_m] works for. Currently [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] is a ride operator, of a ride she secretly thinks is scary, but doesn’t want to scare people over it. A lot of people wait in that line for the ride, something [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] herself can’t imagine. Not just out of impatience but [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] feels the longer one waits, the more time they’d psych themselves out and want to leave, thinking it’s scarier than it is. At least that’s how [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] is. Once [name_f]Skye[/name_f] told her about a movie that came out, but that the movie was really bad and got a lot of negative reviews. [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] read the reviews and thought a bunch of horrible things, but when she actually saw the film months later, she realised it wasn’t as bad as they said. Wasn’t good by any means, but enough to make her think, “That’s the movie people hated so much?” She thought it was worse because she psyched herself out on it!

[name_f]Ronda[/name_f] likes going clubbing, though she isn’t just there to pick up hook-ups. [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] prefers the single life, though it isn’t entirely out of fear. She grew up with a lot of single friends, which is now more of a 50/50, but nobody’s judging one another’s path at least. [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] has one friend who celebrates “single-dom”, being proud to be single after how toxic her last relationship ended. Her friends she grew up with are a lot different from Skye’s, seeing none have or expect babies, but many of her friends intertwined with Skye’s as well. [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] has a somewhat connection to [name_m]Bradley[/name_m] as well, she was the “rebound girl” for him after his past ex baby-trapped him. It was awkward and [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] broke things off after a date, feeling this wasn’t something she wanted to be sucked into. She and [name_m]Bradley[/name_m] are definitely not each other’s type though she understands him in certain ways. Especially when most people would say he’s “pseudo-innocent”. Still, [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] gets it, given the times people date him thinking he “has no kids”, and technically didn’t, though he’s fathered a “trapped” baby that’s since been adopted by a more competent family. [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] feels iffy about him but realises it must be extremely difficult to have to confess that to anyone he’s seriously dated. [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] and [name_f]Skye[/name_f] are mostly casual in their friendship, though they both enlighten one another and [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] feels [name_f]Skye[/name_f] could be a great godmother one day, even if [name_f]Ronda[/name_f] herself couldn’t imagine being one.

Andre was created by @SummerParadise.

[MissMorland]

[name_f]Isabel[/name_f] [name_f]Chloe[/name_f] [name_m]Phillips[/name_m] (18) is the youngest [name_m]Phillips[/name_m] sibling. This is her first year of college and she’s glad she got accepted to the college in her hometown. All of her high school friends have been scattered to the winds so she’s been trying to make new friends at college. [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] is very much a people person so making friends comes easily to her. Her roommate is more on the quiet side but they clicked anyway the moment they met. [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] is glad she gets along well with her roommate as that’s something she was worried might not happen.

[name_f]Isabel[/name_f] is going to college for a degree in nursing, following in the footsteps of her dad. As a kid, [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] wanted to be just like him. She was always trying to put bandaids on her siblings, check their temperature, and one time she even stole a sewing needle from her mom in an attempt to draw blood from [name_f]Ronda[/name_f]. [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] got in a little trouble for that and her mom’s sewing kit was thereafter put in a place she couldn’t reach. Her parents are helping her pay for college and [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] is working as a lifeguard in order to make some money. It’s been nice making friends with her coworkers and she’s always loved the water so she doesn’t mind the job.

Like [name_f]Ronda[/name_f], [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] isn’t particularly interested in dating. She never had a boyfriend in high school but was always super supportive of her friends who were dating. Her sister closest in age is two years older and was the exact opposite of [name_f]Isabel[/name_f]. She was constantly in relationships and [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] was the main one getting told all of the details, drama, and everything. They’re still super close now and going to the same college. Her sister is trying to set her up with a guy, and, just to please her, [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] went out on a date last weekend with him. It was actually a lot of fun. They went to a concert at the park and then got dinner from some food trucks. [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] agreed to go out with him again next weekend but in the meantime they’ve been texting almost every day and chatting when they see each other between classes. Her sister and roommate keep saying that she seems even happier now and [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] doesn’t deny it.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Ava[/name_f] [name_f]Marie[/name_f] [name_m]Phillips[/name_m] (20) is Isabel’s older sister and motivational companion. She enjoys the fun of watching TV and movies with her best friends. Ensured by her own fortitude, she never gave up and emits a sense of strength as she manages a journey in college for her dream career and own dream love.

[name_f]Isabel[/name_f] means the world to her, alongside [name_m]Andre[/name_m] and [name_f]Ronda[/name_f]. She is proud to be a sister and a role model. Isabel’s roommate looks up to her and agreed her decision for [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] to find love was an amazing one.

She looks forward to seeing [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] and her boyfriend make more big moves!

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for toxic love and alcohol references.

[name_f]Mikwan[/name_f] “ [name_f]Mikkie[/name_f] “ [name_f]Acâhkosak[/name_f] [name_f]Waskway[/name_f] (18) is Isabel’s roommate and Ava’s friend. Coming from Cree descent, she’s basically Indigenous Native Canadian. She and Isabel are close and get along well, even with Mikkie being more quiet. She’s surprised Isabel is now dating someone, but she’s happy for her. Sometimes this makes Mikkie wish she was dating someone, but she’s convinced it’s just jealousy. Not that it would hurt anything between her and Isabel, her jealousy wears off fast. Mikkie remembers a school dance where she was the only one who came alone while other people had dates. She felt lonely until she saw some of the immature flirting and mushy stuff and then she felt glad she wasn’t with someone. Mikkie honestly loves dances otherwise, she’s quite a great dancer and she likes to see the activities and food there. Her older sister found a date simply by approaching a lonely single on the dance floor, something Mikkie wishes she had a moment like that, though admittedly she wouldn’t have had the nerve to go up and ask right there. If she got rejected, the dance would be ruined for her at the rest of the night.

Unsurprisingly, it’s why she’s more close with personalities like Isabel who are shy and low-key, but she knows her older sister would click well with Ava. She’s the only one in her family who loves açaí. Sometimes when Mikkie hears something from someone that would be more suited for her sister than her, she’d tell them, “Go ask my sister.” Mikkie’s sister does the same, but she’ll just do it any time she’s not interested in something. Once someone asked Mikkie’s sister if she likes Power Rangers and Mikkie’s sister told her “Oh I don’t know about that but my sister Mikkie is a huge fan, she knows everything about it.” Naturally that fan asked Mikkie, “Hey, what’s your fave Power Rangers episode? I heard you’re a fan.” Mikkie just looked around and asked, “Wait, what? When did I say that?” Turns out Mikkie’s sister only told it because she wanted to get this fan off her back without looking rude but Mikkie had no idea. Mikkie laughed at her sister but admittedly if her sister told her beforehand, “Just act like a Power Rangers fan to cover for me,” Mikkie would have done it.

Mikkie’s happy for Isabel wanting to pursue nursing and is excited for her. She thinks Isabel is going to be a great nurse one day. Mikkie’s not sure if she’d do it herself because she’s an emetophobe (one who fears vomit) and she’s still remembered the time she jumped out of her seat and ran when a kid threw up in class and had to go to the nurse. She’s glad that nurse was helpful because she’d be completely squeamish. Despite this, it doesn’t bother her at all that Isabel is wanting to pursue nursing and she’s also happy Isabel did so great at lifeguarding. Mikkie’s done Junior Lifeguarding at Camp Kikinaw, the overnight summer camp she adores, especially since the camp has a lot of Cree background to it. Mikkie’s great at Cree songs and likes to cheerfully sing them with her family. Mikkie currently works at the salad bar, which is ironically next to a real bar, something her sister jokes about. Mikkie stated in her teen years that she’s “always wanted to work in a bar when she turns 19” (legal drinking age in Ontario) and while she cringes at that now, she is going there when she turns 19. Mikkie’s older sister did it, and she’s good friends with Kia, who she considers an older sister figure to her. Mikkie’s older sister relates to Kia in a sense with Kia’s toxic ex, though in the case of Mikkie’s older sister, it was a guy who was always her enemy but still wanted to get too flirty with her. Mikkie and her sister are glad Isabel’s new date is nothing like this and that it’s taken slowly but very enjoyable for them both.

Kia was created by me.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_m]Alexander[/name_m] [name_m]Chase[/name_m] [name_m]Bennett[/name_m] (18) is the date and lover of [name_f]Isabel[/name_f], who wants [name_f]Mikkie[/name_f] to see this in him. He adores Isabel’s style and flashes his confidence for her. They have mutually shared several friends and are close with their family and community. Their journey is summarized by shared dreams, thoughtful goals, and connecting wisdom.
As always, he pursues his dreams in a reasonable and timely way, without giving up on what’s important. His plans in animal research to become a veterinarian is what empowered him every day. He loves his dogs, which he considers loyal companions, and serves as their confidant.

When he confides in [name_f]Isabel[/name_f], it’s his nurturing support for her, but also a swanky love to have fun with someone he deems important. His rewardingly brilliant work is never without self love, and he makes his time for himself amid his schedule.

Their mutual affection and powered bond gives he and [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] the chances and opportunities to continue on their dates. It is a pleasured experience for the both of them, starting excited and leaving giddy.

[CherryBomb50]

[name_f]Tanis[/name_f] “ [name_f]Tana[/name_f] “ [name_f]Sîsîkwan[/name_f] [name_f]Waskway[/name_f] (22) knows [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] through sister [name_f]Mikkie[/name_f], being happy for [name_f]Isabel[/name_f]. She doesn’t want to come off as the type of person who’s oh-so happy for [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] now that she has a date, especially since she knew [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] would be equally happy with or without one. [name_f]Tana[/name_f] is single and didn’t care for how her grandparents would ask her and [name_f]Mikkie[/name_f] if they were dating anyone. Mainly because one of their cousins was, and got all the spotlight from them, and then the spotlight evaporated when the couple broke up. Tana’s not surprised that nobody in her generation of the family is married. She wouldn’t see them as any less if they were but she just doesn’t like when people use relationships as a way to improve status than actual love. She’s bonded closely with her co-worker [name_f]Kia[/name_f], appreciating how Kia’s a single mother by choice. She feels bad about how her toxic ex treated her in the past and she’s glad the two of them aren’t together. [name_f]Tana[/name_f] sees [name_f]Kia[/name_f] like a big sister, though she’s not going to overshadow Kia’s real sisters. Rather, the fact that [name_f]Kia[/name_f] and [name_f]Tana[/name_f] are both older sisters gives them even more to bond with. She used to just see [name_f]Kia[/name_f] as a co-worker when she first got hired, but she’s closer and knows her interests more ever since the workplace [name_f]Secret[/name_f] [name_f]Santa[/name_f] last year. [name_f]Tana[/name_f] knows that [name_f]Kia[/name_f] likes small room decorations and scented hair care; and [name_f]Kia[/name_f] knows that [name_f]Tana[/name_f] likes [name_m]Tim[/name_m] Horton’s…because [name_f]Tana[/name_f] ran out of wrapping paper and literally used the food paper wrap from a past [name_m]Tim[/name_m] Horton’s order.

That doesn’t mean she sees [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] as “just a lover” for [name_f]Isabel[/name_f], and she’s glad they’re taking it slow. In fact, Isabel’s constantly proven herself to be a helpful and selfless person. [name_f]Tana[/name_f] has gone to [name_m]Camp[/name_m] [name_m]Kikinaw[/name_m] in the past but never been a junior lifeguard like her sister, nor has she considered lifeguarding or nursing like [name_f]Isabel[/name_f]. She still feels glad [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] is happy to make others happy. She knows [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] is just a casual date for now, but they’re hitting it off and she hopes [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] is going to treat her and see her as the respectable young woman she is. [name_f]Tana[/name_f] is still somewhat in contact with her grandparents though she’s very adamant on steering the conversation elsewhere when the topic of love comes up. She’s heard some great things about the [name_m]Bennett[/name_m] family, that they’re great community helpers and that they’re not strict. She feels like this could solidify things more with him and [name_f]Isabel[/name_f], regardless of where the relationship takes them. [name_f]Tana[/name_f] herself can relate to bonding in a sense, since she’s good friends with the roommate she met in college, and are now considering one another to be best friends.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f]Nieves[/name_f] " [name_f]Neve[/name_f] " [name_f]Florencia[/name_f] Villaverde (27) is a colleague of [name_f]Kia[/name_f] and [name_f]Tana[/name_f], who waitresses as a means of sourcing extra income. A freelance artist who mostly works on graphic novels and children’s books, [name_f]Neve[/name_f] has always been the sort of person determined to protect herself financially, preferring stability over everything else. It’s not that a particular incident triggered this mentality, and instead Neve’s mindset comes from being raised by parents who share this value, teaching their children - [name_f]Neve[/name_f] and her brother who’s gender fluid - to aspire but not lose sight of protecting themselves.

The bonds [name_f]Tana[/name_f] and [name_f]Kia[/name_f] have with their families is something else that led to [name_f]Neve[/name_f] dubbing them her work besties, as she’s likewise nurtured this with her loved one’s. This includes her childhood friend [name_f]Alba[/name_f], who just so happens to be the sibling of Kia’s sister-in-law. When the women began working together they didn’t realise they already had a connection…until the penny dropped on Kia’s end what [name_f]Neve[/name_f] is short for, and then she realised who had started working at the bar!

[name_f]Neve[/name_f] wholly supports her colleagues who bartend but personally avoided this career due to her work in child friendly content. She’s no stranger to how people sometimes just look for excuses to rally against someone, and avoiding any sort of manufactured drama is paramount to [name_f]Neve[/name_f]. Conflict really isn’t something she has any time for, most of all in her professional world, which she’s worked so hard to build for herself. Rejected submissions, awkward smalltalk and keeping an eye on the environment around her has led to [name_f]Neve[/name_f] getting her creative work, and she really couldn’t handle more chatter over waxy cheese nibbles!

In spite of this side to her where her career’s concerned, [name_f]Neve[/name_f] won’t back down when it comes to those she cares about, most notably when someone attempted to babytrap [name_f]Alba[/name_f] a few years ago. Initially friends with both people in the relationship, [name_f]Neve[/name_f] came to dislike Alba’s ex-girlfriend on account of how she’d always make passive aggressive digs at anyone else he was close to and who wasn’t a blood relative. His attention was paramount and if it meant insinuating [name_f]Neve[/name_f] had overstayed her welcome by hanging out for a whole forty-five minutes, she wouldn’t hold back. The only thing [name_f]Neve[/name_f] can respect is said woman giving her child up for adoption and acknowledging motherhood wasn’t right for her, a perspectice many shared and agree with.

---

Kia + Alba are credited to @CherryBomb50

[CherryBomb50]

[name_m]Mauricio[/name_m] “ [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] “ [name_m]Archivaldo[/name_m] Villaverde (26) is Neve’s genderfluid brother, who prefers he/they/tey as their pronouns. They have a lot of similarities over wanting a stable lifestyle, which is why they spent teenage years trying to get scholarships and is proud of the college they attended. [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] isn’t a bartender either, though they work at the same shopping centre as his sister and her colleagues. He’s just been promoted to assistant shift manager at the fro-yo shop and it’s been a recent delight in his life. He’s actually worked there part-time as a teen and applied because two of his friends also wanted to apply. There was some awkwardness when [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] and one friend got the job while the other didn’t – but thankfully this did get cleared up. [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] loves their friends but knows the friend who didn’t get the job bombed quite a few interview questions. [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] isn’t so perfect themselves, and actually quite terrible at remembering orders, something they joke [name_f]Neve[/name_f] is a mastermind when it comes to this. [name_m]Hence[/name_m] why they enjoy that the fro-yo shop is self-serve.

[name_m]Mauri[/name_m] agrees with Neve’s stance on wanting to avoid drama, but also standing up even when it’s so much easier not to. [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] knows that moment when [name_f]Neve[/name_f] stopped getting along with Alba’s ex-girlfriend and genuinely questioned why she’d be so desperate to baby-trap with a baby that wasn’t even Alba’s. Admittedly [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] saw through Bradley’s perspective that it wasn’t fair to him either. [name_m]Bradley[/name_m] barely got to know his own child! [name_m]Even[/name_m] if the child was conceived with a deceptive baby trapper. [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] knows [name_m]Bradley[/name_m] has found his outlet of professional dancing to help him through his hurt and that he would have more time to focus on himself if he wanted to make it big. [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] used to not get along with [name_m]Bradley[/name_m] and assume he was just a gym rat, but that’s changed when they got to understand Bradley’s point of view. [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] doesn’t go to that gym anymore, but they’re still supportive of [name_f]Alba[/name_f] and [name_m]Bradley[/name_m] and respect both views. [name_m]Mauri[/name_m] doesn’t know [name_f]Kia[/name_f] and [name_f]Tana[/name_f] that well but has good vibes from both, and isn’t surprised that all the [name_m]Ashton[/name_m] sisters and [name_f]Waskway[/name_f] sisters don’t like this baby-trap attempt as well. And likewise, Mauri’s also glad the baby was adopted, not just to any family, but to a very great one according to what they’ve heard around the grapevine.

Bradley was created by @Lindseylloyd052399.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_m]August[/name_m] [name_m]Gideon[/name_m] [name_m]Freeman[/name_m] (6 months) is the child at the centre of the former madness, who was used in the attempt to trap [name_f]Alba[/name_f]. Although the decision was a difficult one for [name_m]Bradley[/name_m], when he did learn the truth and managed to locate his son, it was obvious the adoption was the best choice. The circumstances and Bradley’s own lack of experience and time for childcare meant it wouldn’t have worked out, although the Freeman’s aren’t opposed to [name_m]August[/name_m] making contact when he’s old enough to make the decision.

Mr and Mrs [name_m]Freeman[/name_m] are experienced in both foster care and adoption. [name_m]August[/name_m] has joined their two older children - the eldest being adopted, the middle child biological - and is thriving, being absolutely adored by everyone. He’s easily excited and frequently makes it his business to get involved in everything possible, especially when his dad’s baking something in the kitchen. The main thing his parents have to do is keep him away from the family cats, who aren’t as overjoyed to be prodded and grabbed at.

[I_meme_it]

[name_f]Susannah[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f] (Beaumont) [name_m]Freeman[/name_m] (35) is mom to [name_m]August[/name_m] and his two older siblings, who she absolutely adores, being dedicated to them and also the family cats - who are likewise rescues. She’s experienced in the charity and conservation sectors, currently working for an animal centric organisation that protects donkeys, a cause her older kids have become absolutely dedicated to themselves - which is very endearing to their mom and also a point of pride.

Growing up as the daughter of foster carers herself, this inspired Susannah’s decisions where her family’s concerned. She and her husband haven’t had a totally easy journey - their first placement was with a child who absolutely didn’t want to be there, no matter who the placement was with - but they’ve powered through this and it’s led to their family forming over the years. Their eldest is now 10, having been fostered by them first when they were 3, and their middle child has just celebrated their 6th birthday, a very raucous and energetic affair that was ‘full of e-numbers’ in Susannah’s own words.

She admits to having a weak spot where her loved one’s are concerned and tends to be the less strict parent, but there isn’t a huge discrepancy between [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] and her husband where rules are concerned. Encouraging their kids is paramount as well, and they’re always open to aiding their children in exploring whatever their interests are - well bar their middle child being absolutely enamoured with mediaeval weapons, that’s not going to be something seen in the house soon.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_m]Nathaniel[/name_m] “Nate” [name_m]Freeman[/name_m] (35) is the loving and appreciative husband of [name_f]Susannah[/name_f]. A hero in adoption and foster care, he’s assured with dignity that [name_m]August[/name_m] will be safe. He is a melodious father for [name_m]August[/name_m] and the other children, to the point [name_m]Bradley[/name_m] and [name_f]Alba[/name_f] feel much safer and happier.
His love and care shows signs of a glossed protective streak and one he is kind and wary about. His gallant mind and throughtful heart are a foundation to the love he gives his wife [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] and how its shaped his children’s dreams.

His career treats him with utmost respect. While his car is not a slick fancy one, it is perfectly suited for a family. He is often preoccupied with hobbies in his spare time. The family is enamored by their new graceful, sweet cat.

Overall, his duties are always wondrous and his marriage is free of conflict. He lives by a life of ease and prosperity, often putting others before himself, and watching after others to ensure better lives for their sake.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for homophobia.

[name_f]Lindsey[/name_f] " [name_f]Lindi[/name_f] " [name_m]Freeman[/name_m] (31) is Nate’s sister, who’s naturally close to him and really supportive of [name_f]Susannah[/name_f]. She is a self-proclaimed “tree hugger” which she feel complimented by. She cares a lot about endangered flora much like she does endangered fauna. She works with preserving plant life, though she sees Susannah’s animal centric organisation as an ally to her cause, not a rival. She also has an importance for authenticity, stemming from her first job as a waitress for an Italian restaurant, in which only she and one other employee were not of Italian descent. She learned quickly from the Italians about how they keep the place authentic, which is how she no longer shies away from learning other cultures. But at the same time, why it’s best to not tamper with the restaurant culture even if she likes her food done differently, and how accepting them has made it easier to accept her. [name_f]Lindi[/name_f] knows her first job wasn’t her permanent job, but it’s not like she’d be less responsible.

What would surprise people was that she was a contestant on Canada’s The Voice, since she was a great singer and didn’t have any major obligations that would make balancing a singing career next to impossible. She kept [name_m]Nate[/name_m] and Susannah’s story private, knowing [name_m]Nate[/name_m] didn’t give permission and didn’t want the risk of people searching he and [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] up alongside their kids. [name_f]Lindi[/name_f] knew and respected this, since she knew her brother always kept his social media accounts private. While hers is public, she always gets his and Susannah’s approval before sharing any photo with them. She knows the show loves deep backgrounds, though she wasn’t going to cash in on her brother and sister-in-law’s fostering and adoption. She felt people would ask her why she wouldn’t share her own story. [name_m]Frankly[/name_m], she didn’t want to share her past as a child. She knew since childhood that she was attracted to women, but the other kids often bullied her for this and always exclaimed, “Ew! [name_f]Lindi[/name_f] likes girls!” [name_f]Lindi[/name_f] felt like she was alone, having no one to relate to her. She looked back and felt some of the kids just didn’t understand but at the same time, some were bullies and made her feel horrible for who she was. Why couldn’t they just accept it? She was a kid, she wasn’t going to date anyone anyway. She’s glad [name_m]Nathaniel[/name_m] and [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] aren’t going to raise their children to be ignorant like the kids who mistreated [name_f]Lindi[/name_f].

Lindi’s had people mistreat her past her childhood phase, but it wasn’t as bad as her childhood as people got more accepting. She’s strongly against censoring LGBTQUIAP+ to juveniles because she knows other juveniles have been in the community, or been raised by same-sex parents, and she doesn’t want to see kids get treated how she was. Especially in present day. She’s a firm supporter of same-sex adoption, even though she’s not in a relationship, though she does want to adopt one day. Ultimately Lindi’s performance on The Voice didn’t last long, which she laughs was her own problem. She risked it on singing a song by one of the coaches, and then that coach didn’t turn her chair around and want her on her team. She did gratefully get picked on another coach’s team, allowing her to move on, even if she just defaulted. However she’d get eliminated not too long after, which her preferred coach didn’t acknowledge. [name_f]Lindi[/name_f] worries if she’s done anything “wrong” but has accepted it was a misstep that just didn’t work, and she’s moved on happily in her plant career anyway. She loves how nice [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] has been to [name_m]Nate[/name_m] and how cool she’s been as a sister-in-law. She loves their cat, owning a cat herself, a 3-year-old female calico named [name_f]Lady[/name_f] who’s a rescue. From [name_f]Susannah[/name_f], she’s found donkeys so much cuter and loves their friendly side. Lindi’s never been much of a “horse girl” per sé, but she feels a kind connection with equines and feels they’re loyal and sweet, which she also feels about horses, ponies, and zebras. She still works in her career for the plants and loves seeing [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] and [name_m]Nate[/name_m] around.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Arabella[/name_f] [name_f]Sage[/name_f] [name_m]Freeman[/name_m] (6) is Lindi’s beautiful niece, and [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] and Nate’s middle kid. She loves numbers and was born with high intellect. It’s a good thing she was fostered by the Freemans, who never undermined her talent but never overworked her. She loves Lindi’s vocal talents but respects her aunt in her ideas that singing isn’t everything. Though she’s determined to not make the mistakes that were made!
She’s a happy kid who loves math, sometimes helping her friends in this. Her life is a happy childhood and seeing her siblings’ adoption stories makes her less alone in her status as one. She feels she belongs with the Freemans and this is the best place for her. Her mind is full of passion and intrigue.

The story behind August’s mother is a scary one, and one she doesn’t interact with. While she considers [name_m]Bradley[/name_m] a hero, she will give him time and space. She loves seeing him professionally dance on stage and wants to try a dance herself. She believes she’s a wonderful dancer in jazz, though watching ballroom is always glorious.

Her life is happy and her memories give hope for her family to adopt again. She’s glad to have a baby brother and another sibling. She loves the family cat so much and thinks [name_m]Nate[/name_m] is amazing for that. [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] is a huge role model as her mother, guiding her ways and inspiring her craft.

[moonwriteen]

[name_m]Peter[/name_m] [name_m]Demetrius[/name_m] [name_m]Freeman[/name_m] [ 10 ] is the brother of [name_f]Arabella[/name_f] and [name_m]August[/name_m]. He is not as talented at match as [name_f]Arabella[/name_f] and not as fun and social to play with as [name_m]August[/name_m]. He sometimes feels as if he doesn’t have any particular talents and often feels sad or angry. [name_m]Nate[/name_m] and [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] were alarmed when [name_m]Peter[/name_m] started bullying another boy at school for being rich and destroyed his phone. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though he is not [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] and [name_m]Nate[/name_m] 's child biologically, he is loved all the same as [name_f]Arabella[/name_f] who is the only biological child and there is no denying that, even though [name_m]Peter[/name_m] doesn’t always see that and often fantasises about " finding his real parents". [name_m]Nate[/name_m] and [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] are debating wheather or not they should take [name_m]Peter[/name_m] to the grave of his biological mother, actress [name_f]Shaniya[/name_f] Stengel , who died at only 27 when [name_m]Peter[/name_m] was 2. His father , a director , has shortly after been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia at 32 and is currently hospitalised at a mental hospital in [name_m]Patton[/name_m] , CA. He attempts to write to [name_m]Peter[/name_m] but given the fact that those letters are full of paranoia about the FSB ( former KGB ) having killed his mother, the Freemans decide to not reveal the letters until [name_m]Peter[/name_m] is older. They are worried about him and his bullying behaviour as well as jealousy over [name_f]Arabella[/name_f]. They know [name_m]Peter[/name_m] is not talentless - he has a good sense of humour , loves making people laugh and sometimes deals with negative emotions through jokes. They are considering going to family therapy with all their kids except [name_m]August[/name_m], who is still too small to express himself.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_m]Mateo[/name_m] [name_m]Alejandro[/name_m] Rosales (10) is Peter’s best friend and confidant. While not related by blood, they share a keen sense of love and loyalty, within their foster families and beyond. He respects [name_m]Peter[/name_m] and all belief that he is welcome to the Freemans, though not without the beliefs that one day he will get the answers he craved.
He is sensing that Peter’s father had something to do with the loss of his mother, a suspicious motive arisen, though he has kept his mouth sealed in worries of wrong information. His friendship is precious and he values on real friendships. He had a wonderful Thanksgiving recently, a time of cherishing all that is had.

He’s the talk of campus and a very loyal student. His grades mean a lot and he enjoys being rewarded. He likes to sing around his family and desires more hope when united. He loves board games and snack cookies, often enjoying them while watching YouTubers like iShowSpeed and KSI. He and [name_m]Peter[/name_m] talk often, though he can be michievous.

Often times when he gets bored, he calls people on his parents’ phone. He wishes [name_m]Peter[/name_m] could video chat his biological family, but lets the decision go to the Freemans. The Freemans are always nice to him and spend their days making sure everyone is alright, which inspires him. He wants to be a fireman or sailor when he grows up.

[kitkatcookie]

tw: cancer discussed

[name_f]Almudena[/name_f] " [name_f]Lina[/name_f] " [name_f]Hilda[/name_f] Galvez (27) is [name_m]Mateo[/name_m] and Peters’ teacher, who tries her best to support those in her charge, especially students clearly going through hard times like [name_m]Peter[/name_m]. It’s something [name_f]Lina[/name_f] herself knows well. When she was only seven, her mother was diagnosed with cancer and her whole outlook on life totally flipped. She became disruptive, argumentative and hellbent on channelling her pain into lashing out at the world around her, dfighting with classmates and instigating as much madness at school as possible, all to take her mind off her mom’s predicament.

Thankfully, Lina’s mother has made a full recovery and the cancer hasn’t returned in the years since it went into remission, but she’s still cautious and [name_f]Lina[/name_f] gets frequent tests for her well-being and peace of mind. By then she had found coping mechanisms in therapy and no longer terrorised her school environment to handle the pain and fear, but [name_f]Lina[/name_f] still recalls this time vividly, and it makes her both more empathetic and also determined to support any students experiencing similar issues.

Peter’s quick to tell [name_f]Lina[/name_f] - Miss Galvez to him - that they’re not the same and it’s never a reply she refutes, but it hasn’t stopped her from clarifying she’s here to offer him as much support as he needs; even if it’s just a listening ear. What does cheer him, along with her other students, is whenever [name_f]Lina[/name_f] brings her pet iguana - [name_m]Dario[/name_m] - to class for them to greet him. [name_f]Lina[/name_f] greatly believes in dispelling fear mongering surrounding lizards [where it’s disproportionate], but she’s not naive enough to turn her beloved pet loose in the classroom to amuse her students.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for scandals, religious intolerance, and cancer mentions.

[name_f]Merope[/name_f] “ [name_f]Meri[/name_f] “ [name_f]Raquel[/name_f] [name_m]Perez[/name_m] de Soto [née DeSoto] (28) is Lina’s good friend, who works for the finances at the school board. She’s dealt with some drama when people wanted to upgrade the schools but didn’t have the proper funding, leading to that being postponed and budgeted. But it’s nothing compared to the drama her younger sister [name_f]Nell[/name_f] went through. [name_f]Nell[/name_f] was the one trying to do damage control for the sake of the people involved with the scandalous Holbeck brothers. [name_f]Meri[/name_f] didn’t want to be involved but really wanted to make sure these people listened without worrying if they were at fault for everything the Holbecks did. [name_f]Meri[/name_f] is very adamant against victim blaming, something she felt even stronger about since being with her genderqueer partner whom she’s married now. Her spouse’s family was very religious and not accepting of other identities. Her spouse actually grew up in childhood on the same street as the [name_m]Ashton[/name_m] sisters, a street notably conservative, though they never met as kids due to the [name_m]Perez[/name_m] parents refusing this along with any family that wasn’t conservative. Like her sister, [name_f]Meri[/name_f] had to do damage control, which got increasingly difficult given [name_f]Meri[/name_f] couldn’t be impartial about how wrong their views were. She’s since moved in with her spouse and don’t acknowledge the hateful parents her spouse grew up with. They’re currently making plans for Halloween, an ”evil demonic observance” her spouse never even celebrated until moving in with her.

[name_f]Meri[/name_f] had a happier childhood and was grateful to be able to interact with any kids she wanted in public school. She didn’t meet [name_f]Lina[/name_f] until teenage years, where [name_f]Meri[/name_f] was often outspoken and defensive when it came to [name_f]Lina[/name_f]. [name_f]Meri[/name_f] sometimes didn’t know what [name_f]Lina[/name_f] did back then, but at that time, [name_f]Meri[/name_f] was a hardcore debater. She’s considerably calmed down and [name_f]Lina[/name_f] is glad her friendship with [name_f]Meri[/name_f] isn’t entirely built from this. [name_f]Meri[/name_f] still genuinely felt terrible for Lina’s mother, which is why she’s happy to see her healthy now. [name_f]Meri[/name_f] sees them both as strong and fierce and senses Lina’s anger then was like facing the cancer her mother had and telling it off like it was a person in her way. Similar to [name_m]Mandy[/name_m] Patinkin’s performance of [name_m]Inigo[/name_m] Montoya’s famous line “Hello. [name_f]My[/name_f] name is [name_m]Inigo[/name_m] Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” being drawn from the emotion of actually losing his father to cancer (true fact). [name_f]Meri[/name_f] is grateful that Lina’s mother didn’t die but feels it was justified for her anger, even if it wasn’t necessarily justified for everyone at school. She won’t judge [name_f]Lina[/name_f] for it and also feels respectful not to talk about this often, knowing most people would not want their worst moments in life to be gabbed about casually. [name_f]Meri[/name_f] wouldn’t have added “ [name_m]Perez[/name_m] “ to her surname after marrying, but opted for it given her spouse’s close ties with extended [name_m]Perez[/name_m] members. Both respect the extended relatives’ views not to celebrate Halloween, while they respect the [name_m]Perez[/name_m] de Sotos’ on their views of celebrations and gender identity. [name_f]Meri[/name_f] relates with the kids and understands as best as she could, with the help of [name_f]Lina[/name_f]. [name_f]Meri[/name_f] is a mother herself, having a daughter who just celebrated her half-birthday and is expressive that she’s 1-and-a-half, not just one. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if she was only told about her half-birthday recently.

Nell was created by @kitkatcookie.

[I_meme_it]

Endeïs ’ [name_f]Edie[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Carmela[/name_f] [name_m]Perez[/name_m] de Soto (1½) is Meri’s daughter, known best forbher charming brand of stubbornness. No-one can deny it’s not devoid of frustration when [name_f]Edie[/name_f] starts on one of her campaigns, usually something that means a lot to her but not her wider family, however she’s ridiculously charming; most of all because she’s so earnest in what she’s passionate about!

Outside of her age, this includes Edie’s stuffed animals, mermaids and furry animals, although her mom’s had to remind her that no, a coyote isn’t a prospective pet for the family. Thankfully this didn’t spark defiance from [name_f]Edie[/name_f], as she’s totally content going to see one of her cousin’s guinea pigs for the time being. She’s especially close to this cousin as he remembers the importance of the half in her age.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for strict parenting.

[name_m]Marciano[/name_m] “ [name_m]Arie[/name_m] “ [name_m]Julián[/name_m] [name_m]Perez[/name_m] de Soto [né Perez] (28) is Edie’s other parent, her [name_f]Poppie[/name_f]. [name_m]Arie[/name_m] loves how sweet [name_f]Edie[/name_f] is and how she’s so imaginative yet so respectful even when she doesn’t get her way. [name_m]Arie[/name_m] never had any pets growing up, given xir parents acted like, “they’re a waste of time and then they die”. But [name_m]Arie[/name_m] knows it’s because of how they despised people who only had pets and didn’t rush into having kids, if they even had them at all. But to [name_m]Arie[/name_m], this naturally made no sense, given they already had kids anyway, though [name_m]Arie[/name_m] was used to their messed-up views. They homeschooled their children, [name_m]Arie[/name_m] and two sisters, until being told their homeschooling style was setting back their children. So they were sent to boarding schools, [name_m]Arie[/name_m], being assigned male at birth, was in an all-boys school while xir sisters were in all-girls school. It felt wrong to xir being separated from xir sisters, which made xir relationship farther than the sisters’ relationship to each other. But they were able to send each other mail, which kept contact going. Despite being around several males, [name_m]Arie[/name_m] felt out of place at the school, like xe was not one of them. And xe wasn’t. When xe and xir sisters graduated, they all lived together and felt a reuniting bond. [name_m]Arie[/name_m] is glad to have sisters, since it’s xir only way xey really got to understand women until meeting [name_f]Meri[/name_f].

[name_m]Arie[/name_m] felt weird getting into Halloween, even more confusing than realising xir true gender identity. Xe was genuinely afraid demons would come after xem and didn’t understand how people were having such fun with it. Were those people evil? It felt odd having a conversation with [name_f]Meri[/name_f] about it when they first got together and she told xir that she was excited for it. She let xir choose not to celebrate if it made xir uncomfortable. But lately xe’s been wanting to give it another chance, especially not wanting [name_f]Edie[/name_f] to miss out as a child just because xey did. Arie’s sisters are even closer, and they’re all no longer afraid of Halloween. They all live nearby on a much more liberated street, and the sister with her son and Guinea pigs says her son is very excited for [name_f]Edie[/name_f] to meet them. [name_m]Arie[/name_m] is currently in medical school but is having a seasonal job at a pumpkin patch, which xe loves seeing people enjoy, particularly the kids. Edie’s too young to actually carve the pumpkins, but thankfully she doesn’t want them carved, since she’s protested against “harming pumpkins”. She’s been really wholesome lately, which [name_f]Meri[/name_f] and [name_m]Arie[/name_m] love, but then again, who doesn’t?

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Maria[/name_f] [name_f]Luisa[/name_f] [name_m]Ramirez[/name_m] [name_m]Del[/name_m] La [name_m]Perez[/name_m] (31) is Arie’s sister and Edie’s aunt. Her son loves guinea pigs. She warms up to Halloween and [name_f]Day[/name_f] of the Dead every year. Her life was not easy. She was told a lot what to do and now makes her own rules. Her son has a happy community and smart school. She works at the CN [name_m]Tower[/name_m]. A great listener and wise planner, she’s glad she and her siblings feel more reunited. She is happily married.