Create a Family with a Twist: December 2020

[jinxed_peach]

cw: foster care, teen pregnancy

[name_f]Anya[/name_f] [name_f]Kimber[/name_f] [name_u]Langley[/name_u] [16] is a frequent babysitter of [name_m]Eunan[/name_m], [name_f]Isla[/name_f], and [name_m]Conall[/name_m] and has been for the last year. She used to babysit a lot more of the neighborhood’s kids, she was a favorite among parents and kids alike, until an impulsive decision the night of her junior prom lead to [name_f]Anya[/name_f] becoming permanently employed as a babysitter for a child of her own. Many of her usual clients terminated their relationship with [name_f]Anya[/name_f] once word spread that she was pregnant as they didn’t want her ‘bad choices’ to influence their own kids. Being suddenly shunned was a shock, but [name_f]Anya[/name_f] has been very grateful for the Jacksons to have continued their patronage of her childcare services.

She’s quite sad to be no longer watching them in the coming months as she’s now getting to that point in her pregnancy that she can’t chase after the seven year old, five year old, and two year old. In addition to good parenting practice, they’ve also been keeping Anya’s spirits up with their silly antics and name suggestions. [name_m]Eunan[/name_m] has been calling Anya’s unborn baby ‘Toto’ after his role in the local theatre which she finds quite amusing.

With not long to go before ‘the big day’ Anya’s growing both more excited and more nervous. She’s going to be going through labor and delivery all on her own since her baby’s father declared he wanted no involvement the minute the two pink lines appeared on the test. [name_f]Anya[/name_f] won’t have any of her own parents in the room with her either, she’s never met them. Surrendered to foster care as a newborn she’s never known any life other than one inside foster care. For a brief time she was almost adopted by a family when she was a baby, they went through the process of changing her name and everything, hence where she got her full name, but at the last minute things fell through and she went back to the system.

Some placements have been better than others, the one she’s in right now isn’t too bad. Except for the fact that her foster parents have made it very clear that once the baby arrives, [name_f]Anya[/name_f] can’t stay with them any longer. Her case worker has assured her that they’re already looking for a new placement for her but Anya’s scared that she’s gonna end up in a large group home before a more well matched placement is found.

Her experience in group homes hasn’t been very good, lots of theft and cattiness among the kids. She’d scarcely admit it, but she’s taken part in both. The thought of being back in a place like that is bad enough without imagining what’d it be like with a baby. For the first time since she was small, [name_f]Anya[/name_f] has been wondering what her bio family is like. Unbeknownst to her, they’re a little closer than she thinks. The high school that’s sports rivals with Anya’s high school is attended by none other than Carrot. She and [name_f]Anya[/name_f] have passed by one another at football games in the past, neither girl knowing that they are actually maternal half-sisters. For the time being, it seems that they will remain unaware as Carrot, now nineteen, has left for college and is living in another state at the moment. Maybe someday the sisters will be reunited, but it seems unlikely. Though [name_f]Anya[/name_f] is glad to have at least one blood relative in the form of her unborn child.

---

Carrot was created by @kitkatcookie

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Aurora[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f] [name_u]Langley[/name_u] (nb) is the newborn daughter of [name_f]Anya[/name_f]. On a cool autumn evening, after months of anticipation, Anya’s labor began. She found strength within herself as she navigated the journey of bringing new life into the world. Supported by a compassionate team of healthcare professionals, [name_f]Anya[/name_f] endured the pains of labor with unwavering determination. As her contractions intensified, she focused on her breathing and the loving thoughts she had for her baby.

After several hours of labor, little [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] made her grand entrance. She arrived into the world with a soft cry, announcing her presence and filling the room with joy. Anya’s heart overflowed with love and relief as she held her daughter for the first time. Aurora’s tiny fingers grasped onto Anya’s, forging an unbreakable bond between mother and child.

Anya’s strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her daughter were evident in the way she embraced this new chapter of her life. Despite the challenges she had faced, [name_f]Anya[/name_f] was determined to provide a bright and loving future for [name_f]Aurora[/name_f]. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with hope, dreams, and the promise of a beautiful bond between mother and daughter.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f]Dina[/name_f] [name_f]Alice[/name_f] [name_m]Morton[/name_m] (41) is the new foster mother of [name_f]Anya[/name_f] and technically that makes her Aurora’s foster grandmother, not that she uses the term given the boundaries it could cross. Given the circumstances of her pregnancy, Anya’s case worker was able to spare her being sent back to a group home, as it was agreed this environment would be unsuitable for [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] especially, and there was no telling how the other kids might react. Dina’s actually just returned to fostering. She started in her late twenties, however she and her then-husband started having marital issues, and she postponed her involvement, as it wouldn’t be healthy bringing anyone into such a tense environment. After her divorce, she worked to becoming financially stable as a now solo income household owner, and actually runs a successful plant nursery out of her own home.

Anya’s her second placement now she’s back to fostering. She decided to focus on teenagers this time around, after becoming aware of how they typically struggle more to get placements, given people consider their needs too complex and the chance of conflict to be much higher. The young person she was caring for prior left for college last year, and [name_f]Dina[/name_f] began preparing for her next application not that long after. While the boy living with her became dear to [name_f]Dina[/name_f], he was a short term case, and she knew it wasn’t going to lead to an extensive bond, however she’s continued texting him to see how college is going, and knowing how happy he is gives her a great deal of joy.

Since [name_f]Anya[/name_f] and [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] came to live with her, Dina’s been careful with boundaries: in particular, she never wants [name_f]Anya[/name_f] to feel as if she’s being iced out as a mother, thanks to how [name_f]Dina[/name_f] will look after [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] once she’s back at school. This isn’t something to phase her, but it’s become a running joke between [name_f]Dina[/name_f] and everyone in her life how she’s unphased by just about everything. Her divorce was very chaotic - not necessarily the most vitriolic or contentious - but her ex constantly moved goalposts, and [name_f]Dina[/name_f] found shrugging him off was the best way of discouraging his antics. Dina’s offered to access home tutoring - and this has happened in the interim - but she’s determined to go back, something [name_f]Dina[/name_f] completely supports.

[jinxed_peach]

[name_u]Farrell[/name_u] ’ [name_f]Faye[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Adele[/name_f] [name_u]Tierney[/name_u] [43] is a friend of [name_f]Dina[/name_f] through a local group of foster parents. [name_f]Faye[/name_f] and her partner have been fostering for about fifteen years. Dozens and dozens of kids of all ages have come through their home for various lengths of stays and different reasons. She keeps in touch with a few of them who’re all grown up now. She loves seeing the kids she’s helped find their own happy endings, though not all stories have ended that way. When he hears about the children she’s fostered who fell back on hard times is tragic, but she tries not to fixate on the sadness of it all and instead channels her emotions into attempts to make change in the system. [name_f]Faye[/name_f] along with some of the other parents from her and Dina’s foster group are working on a program that helps prepare teens who are aging out of foster care to get on their feet once their on their own.

Helping where ever she can is Faye’s main passion, she’s also brought over a number of precooked meals for [name_f]Dina[/name_f] so she doesn’t have to worry about cooking while [name_f]Anya[/name_f] was nearing her due date. Now that baby [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] is here she’s still been dropping by with more meals since having a newborn in the house doesn’t exactly leave much time for meal prep either.

At the moment Faye’s family is fostering four kids who are all siblings. A sixteen year old who actually attends school with [name_f]Anya[/name_f], though unfortunately they were one of Anya’s classmates who used to tease her for being pregnant which [name_f]Faye[/name_f] has been working with a therapist to help nip that behavior. A nine year old who loves [name_f]Star[/name_f] Wars. A five year old with a penchant for drawing on the walls, another issue that Faye’s hoping to help them drop. And a two year old who’s been carrying their favorite [name_f]Barbie[/name_f] doll with them every single day this month.

The four siblings have been with the Tierneys for about ten months and are hopefully soon to be reunified with their biological mother soon. As soon as their mom passes the housing check the siblings should be all set to return to their mom. Faye’s been in contact with the kids’ mother and really feels as though she’s ready to get her children back. Faye’s thrilled to see another successful reunification with her foster kids and has her fingers crossed all goes well.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Lily[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] Chambers (27) is Faye’s niece through marriage. She is a dedicated social worker who shares Faye’s passion for helping children in the foster care system. [name_f]Lily[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] has been inspired by Faye’s work and has actively participated in Faye’s programs and initiatives. She is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of foster children and strives to ensure their well-being. [name_f]Lily[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] is known for her empathetic nature and her ability to connect with children on a deeper level, providing them with the support and guidance they need. She admires Faye’s dedication and sees her as a role model in her own pursuit of making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

[CherryBomb50]

Hello, [name_f]Faye[/name_f] isn’t actually married, she just has a partner so I’ll write [name_f]Lilyrose[/name_f] as her co-worker.

[name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] Chambers (28) is Lilyrose’s sister who currently works at the school that Carrot attends. She’s a former student of the school, graduated a decade ago, and just attended a reunion with her former classmates. She knows the children [name_f]Faye[/name_f] fosters from her sister [name_f]Lilyrose[/name_f], who is a co-worker to [name_f]Faye[/name_f]. [name_f]Faye[/name_f] has done a great job fostering and reuniting and [name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] wishes them the best. [name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] is the school theatre teacher, who prefers the arts more than the sports side of school, but really enjoys the sports as well. She doesn’t really care about the football rivalry but she too would be surprised Carrot and [name_f]Anya[/name_f] are related despite the rival schools.

[name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] has seen the 16-year-old the most out of Faye’s fostered children but doesn’t quite know her, given the unknown tension with her and [name_f]Anya[/name_f]. [name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] has tried to treat all fostered children like they’re still good at heart, especially since her sister [name_f]Lilyrose[/name_f] lives by that belief. She’s heard some unfortunate ways fostered children have fallen back by the stories [name_f]Faye[/name_f] has known so [name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] appreciates the way they try to look forward and make their jobs meaningful. Working at a school, [name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] is also kind to the students. [name_f]Dina[/name_f] is also a positive influence to her and she’s motivated by how [name_f]Dina[/name_f] keeps in touch with former children. Most of the time, [name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] keeps a positive attitude and focuses on the good. [name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] loves the summer and enjoys iced tea and spa trips. She’s happily single and focuses on making herself a better person every day.

[cara_murvolio]

tw: criminal activity, neglect

[name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] [name_f]Jane[/name_f] Hetherton (16) is Faye’s foster daughter and the former semi-nemesis of [name_f]Anya[/name_f], who Esmeree’s heard about. To say that trouble and [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] go hand-in-hand is a bit of an understatement: she used to seek it out readily. The cause of this was her father: Courtnee’s dad was involved in robbery, and not small time stuff either. On numerous occasions he participated in armed robberies, the final of which saw him given 55 years behind bars, and [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] was removed from her mothers’ care thanks to her continuously allowing her daughter to be around other convicted felons, as well as leaving her unattended for hours at a time, usually to go partying.

Although [name_f]Faye[/name_f] hasn’t asked directly, her belief as to what motivated [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] to bad mouth [name_f]Anya[/name_f] is correct. When her pregnancy became common knowledge, [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] had a perfect excuse to push the spotlight away from her and how people talked about her dad. There have been multiple questions thrown her away about his past, including if Courtnee’s ever going to right a tell all book, something that led to her getting into a fight with the boy to ask this. She seized the opportunity without thought, basking in the diversion away from her family’s past.

Given what she was raised around, remorse isn’t something [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] ever learned about expressing or embracing. She does feel bad about what she did deep down - knowing it made her no better than those who constantly cast aspersions about her - but owning up and apologising aren’t things she’s willing to do right now, and she becomes very defensive if asked, so her foster parents are leaving it be currently. What they have managed to do is encourage [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] in her fascination with biology, and her grades have seen a huge increase since then, in turn mellowing her moodswings as she actually feels accomplished, instead of a morbid point of curiosity.

[jinxed_peach]

[name_m]Dashiell[/name_m] [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] Hetherton [9] is Courtnee’s younger brother and the second eldest of the four kids. He’s currently obsessed with all things [name_f]Star[/name_f] Wars, particularly [name_m]Kylo[/name_m] [name_u]Ren[/name_u] who he thinks is “So wicked awesome.” He was less displaced by the whole situation with their father and subsequent removal from their mother’s care. At the time he was much younger and didn’t really understand it all. Now it’s setting in a little more and he’s trying not to let others, especially his group of friends know just how anxious the whole thing makes him. He’s excited to hopefully be reunifying with his mom soon but doesn’t want to get his hopes up too much.

He doesn’t really get the drama between [name_f]Anya[/name_f] and [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] and just calls it “Girl stuff.” Unaware of Courtnee’s desire to get the heat off of her and her family by scapegoating [name_f]Anya[/name_f]. In the past he’s been more aware of Courtnee’s attempts to help out the family in the absence of their parents help, which he’s always been thankful for. This time however he’s more preoccupied with other things to really understand why [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] was targeting [name_f]Anya[/name_f] so much.

Sometimes he does try to emulate [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] and the ways she looks out for her younger siblings by attempting to help his five year old and two year old siblings. The last time their five year old sibling started drawing on the walls he tried to clean it up before [name_f]Faye[/name_f] and her partner noticed. It didn’t work, but his efforts were certainly admired by the Tierneys.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_u]Axel[/name_u] [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] Hetherton (5) is the artist of the siblings, who can usually be found doing his own version of home improvement. It’s a behavioural pattern predating the fostering, only when living with their mother, no-one was there to tell [name_u]Axel[/name_u] felt tips and paint were reserved for paper and not the walls. When asked - even after being caught in the process - he asserts this is what he’s always done, meeting the reactions with a sincere confusion his teachers thought was an act for a while, but when compared to his usual demeanour, Axel’s surprise at being scolded is very much genuine.

By far, [name_u]Axel[/name_u] is the most overt with his anger. He’s decided he hates his mom, primarily on the grounds he was terrified of himself and his siblings being separated once they were taken into care, while refusing to acknowledge he even has a father. To him, what they’ve done amounts to a huge betrayal, and he never wants to talk to them again. It does confuse him why Courtnee’s so preoccupied by what others say, as [name_u]Axel[/name_u] just doesn’t want anything to do with their mom and dad, so her upset isn’t something he understands.

The fact [name_m]Dashiell[/name_m] wishes for a reunion also even stranger to him, as while he’s not exactly warm with the Tierney’s, he’s much more at ease with them than how he recalls life was in his mom’s custody. He’s convinced she won’t bother showing up, thanks to how partying overruled so much of her parenting, but for how stern he seems for such a young boy, even [name_u]Axel[/name_u] hasn’t had the heart to voice this opinion to his older brother.

[jinxed_peach]

[name_u]Harley[/name_u] [name_f]Melinda[/name_f] Hetherton [2] is the youngest sibling of [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f], [name_m]Dashiell[/name_m], and [name_u]Axel[/name_u]. As well as the current youngest child in [name_f]Faye[/name_f] and her partner’s care at the moment. She’s obsessed with her [name_f]Barbie[/name_f], who she actually insists isn’t named [name_f]Barbie[/name_f], it’s [name_f]Kiki[/name_f]. Which is actually the nickname of her biological aunt who she and her siblings spent a lot of time with when their mother was out dealing with their father or blowing off steam at a party. She loves her aunt, who wasn’t able to take the kids due to her living in a small apartment and low income, and can’t wait to see her again. Though unlike how [name_f]Faye[/name_f] has been facilitating FaceTime calls with the kids and their mother, she doesn’t really support [name_u]Harley[/name_u], or any of the kids fostering a relationship with their aunt.

Harley’s aunt isn’t very supportive of her sister’s attempts to get her kids back. She thinks that she’s a lost cause. In her opinion, the kids would all be better off in foster care with [name_f]Faye[/name_f]. She’s tried to convince [name_f]Faye[/name_f] to adopt the kids but [name_f]Faye[/name_f] is insistent on at least attempting reunification. Afterall that’s the true goal of foster care, not adoption.

Harley’s too little to understand it all though. Much like how she doesn’t really understand the tension between [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] and [name_f]Anya[/name_f]. All that she really knows is that [name_f]Anya[/name_f] “has a baby in her belly,” and that somehow that’s made the other kids at school not like her. That makes her really confused, babies are fun! At least [name_u]Harley[/name_u] thinks her baby dolls are.

[CherryBomb50]

[name_m]Egan[/name_m] [name_m]Marius[/name_m] Chambers (43) is Faye’s partner and foster father of [name_u]Harley[/name_u] and her siblings. He is the uncle of [name_f]Lilyrose[/name_f] and [name_f]Esmeree[/name_f]. He is mostly unsure on the ordeal involving the parents of the Hethertons and truthfully, he doesn’t know if their mother has changed since the criminal past. However, he believes that their extended biological family should be able to contact the Hethertons even if their mother doesn’t. However from what he’s heard by [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f], he doesn’t think that their mother will pass the housing check and that worries him. [name_m]Egan[/name_m] is a public speaker but his speeches are mainly for adults and he finds his eloquence a little lacklustre for children. He’s still very soft-spoken and considerate to how he chooses his words to the fostered Hethertons. When alone, [name_m]Egan[/name_m] often rehearses what he will say to the siblings about breaking the news on whether their mother will be approved on checking. He’s practiced at least 50 times what to say if she does get reunified to raise her children along with 51 times on what to say if she doesn’t. He’s really gotten attached and would love to adopt, but he just wants happiness for them most of all, and tries to see through their mother’s perspective as well. [name_m]Egan[/name_m] knows their father is very well out-of-the-picture and doesn’t bother about him because he won’t be back. But he still comforts the Hethertons on their concerns about life with an absent and imprisoned parent.

He’s been nothing but nice to the kids though, watching the new live-action movie with [name_u]Harley[/name_u] (and her doll [name_f]Kiki[/name_f], whom she brought along to the theatre). He and [name_m]Dashiell[/name_m] talk about [name_f]Star[/name_f] Wars while he and [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] discuss biology. He’s the closest to [name_u]Axel[/name_u] though, whom he relates to his stance the most as time went by. He actually used to be the most surprised by Axel’s beliefs given he was only 5 years old, but felt his drawings were the last shred of childhood in him and even gotten him some chalkboards and wipe boards to hang on the walls. [name_m]Egan[/name_m] has stayed away from Anya’s private life, but is always seen to be happier when [name_f]Courtnee[/name_f] isn’t picking on [name_f]Anya[/name_f] compared to days she does. [name_m]Egan[/name_m] respects [name_f]Dina[/name_f] for stepping up when Anya’s former foster family kicked her out. [name_f]Dina[/name_f] has also done a wonderful job with [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] and caring for her as well while keeping [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] away from the teen drama. Dina’s story as a divorcee, along with similar stories, is why [name_m]Egan[/name_m] and [name_f]Faye[/name_f] never officially married, but they’re proud life partners and feel stronger this way. [name_m]Egan[/name_m] has a surprise that he and [name_f]Faye[/name_f] were talking about – they just got two rescued emotional support animals. A 4-year-old female calico cat named [name_f]Bebe[/name_f] and a 2-year-old male yellow Labrador Retriever named [name_u]Rio[/name_u]. He feels that this is stressful no matter what happens in the end and besides, he and [name_f]Faye[/name_f] always wanted pets. The animals have been very soft and sweet, and have made the siblings happier for the time being.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f]Carys[/name_f] [name_f]Michaela[/name_f] Chambers (36) is Egan’s cousin in blood, but sister when it comes to their interactions. Her mom is sister to Egan’s dad, and in spite of getting married to Carys’ dad when their daughter was 9, [name_f]Carys[/name_f] chose to retain her moms’ name, as it was what she’d always known and felt comfortable being known by. [name_f]Michaela[/name_f] as a middle name was also chosen in tribute to her paternal granddad, so she’s never felt compromised between her folks. It’s helped that they’ve both been wholly supportive of Carys’ decision to become a tattoo artist, something that family friends were shocked by initially, and so were some of Carys’ colleagues: given neither of her parents have ink, and they’ve never had a draw towards alternative expression.

[name_m]Egan[/name_m] and her, however, weren’t shocked at all: Carys’ mom and dad have never been anything other than encouraging of their only child, as well as any and all nieces and nephews. Carys’ mom is actually a social worker, who’s now involved in management of services, and she gave advice to [name_m]Egan[/name_m] and [name_f]Faye[/name_f] when they began their adoption journey. [name_f]Carys[/name_f] herself is a single mother to a 13-year-old who’s absolutely dedicated to her status as a majorette, with plans to continue this into high school. Her daughter’s father was notoriously flaky, seemingly having joined the army because it allowed him to run away from answering difficult questions, and dragging him to birthdays and functions is perhaps the greatest war for him.

Although she’s usually considered the reasonable, diplomatic cousin [who used to break-up petty arguments between others], [name_f]Carys[/name_f] doesn’t hold back when it comes to her daughter. She’s proud of how [name_m]Egan[/name_m] and [name_f]Faye[/name_f] have likewise been tenacious regarding their children, doing her best to give advice, however she acknowledges she’s lucky to have a laidback kid: unless batton twirling’s being diminished, then she’s fierce. Sometimes [name_f]Carys[/name_f] does feel guilty about not being as close to Egan’s brother - father of [name_f]Lily[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] and [name_f]Esmeree[/name_f] - but the age gap means he often saw her as a crybaby or someone holding them back [no grudges held to present day though]. Recently she’s begun planning a special gift for her daughter [and [name_f]Carys[/name_f] herself]: adopting a rescue cat to give them a third family member!

[CherryBomb50]

[name_f]Eirlys[/name_f] [name_f]Suzanne[/name_f] Chambers (64) is Carys’s mother and a proud manager to social work services. Recently she’s heard the results are in about the housing check of the 4 children that [name_m]Egan[/name_m] and [name_f]Faye[/name_f] are fostering. However, she cannot disclose the results for confidentiality reasons but she’s definitely not the only one who knows. She’s an expressive and thoughtful woman in her career but she’s also very much a true mother. She’s advising, tough when she needs to be in terms of Carys’s ex, but a great memory-maker who wants the best for her daughter’s life. She never predicted her daughter would be a tattoo artist, finding it intimidating at first to imagine being that person putting something permanent on another person’s body, but she warmed up after seeing her daughter happy and using her artistic talents. [name_f]Eirlys[/name_f] was not an only child, seeing she was the youngest sister behind two brothers, but she focused on making [name_f]Carys[/name_f] never feel lonely. She credits her career as something to help her guide parenting and feels even more whole since the welcoming of her granddaughter, Carys’s daughter. Again, she grew disdain for the man who fathered the 13-year-old, but never held it against her daughter or her granddaughter. She and her husband often had picnics with [name_f]Carys[/name_f] and her daughter to give a nice relaxing bond with three generations, four generations when her grandfather-in-law joined them.

[kitkatcookie]

bump!!

@moonwriteen
@chamwue
@olivelovesnames
@I.have.no.idea
@mynameis1
@cara_murvolio
@ElisabethJulie
@rosemary.luella99

[ElisabethJulie]

[name_u]Owen[/name_u] [name_m]Patrick[/name_m] Chambers (66) is Eirlys’ husband and Carys’ father.

[name_u]Owen[/name_u] is a retired high school [name_f]English[/name_f] teacher. A warm and understanding individual, he complements Eirlys’s vibrancy with his calm and patient demeanour.

[name_u]Owen[/name_u] grew up in a small town, fostering a love for literature from a young age. He found solace in the world of books, which eventually inspired him to become an [name_f]English[/name_f] teacher. His genuine interest in connecting with people and his intellectual pursuits led him to a fulfilling career.

[name_u]Owen[/name_u] and [name_f]Eirlys[/name_f] first crossed paths during a local community event, where [name_f]Eirlys[/name_f] was organizing social services outreach. The two connected over shared values of community service and a love for creating positive change. Their friendship deepened into a lasting romance, marked by mutual respect and shared dreams.

Throughout their marriage, [name_u]Owen[/name_u] and [name_f]Eirlys[/name_f] have been inseparable. Owen’s calm and collected nature balances Eirlys’s expressive energy, creating a harmonious partnership. They’ve weathered life’s challenges together, supporting each other through career changes and family dynamics.

As a father, [name_u]Owen[/name_u] embraced his role with dedication. He and [name_f]Eirlys[/name_f] created a nurturing environment for their daughter, fostering a sense of curiosity and independence. His gentle guidance and storytelling skills made him a cherished figure in Carys’ life.

In retirement, [name_u]Owen[/name_u] enjoys pursuing his hobbies, particularly gardening and woodworking. He transformed their backyard into a blooming oasis and crafted unique pieces of furniture for their home. With the arrival of their granddaughter, Owen’s role as a grandfather became a source of immense joy. He joined [name_f]Eirlys[/name_f] in creating memorable moments during family picnics and gatherings.

[I_meme_it]

cw: neglectful parenting

[name_u]Mallory[/name_u] [name_f]Niamh[/name_f] Cavendish (35) is one of Owen’s proteges from his days as a teacher: she started as a trainee in his [name_f]English[/name_f] classroom and has now progressed to being a junior lecturer at a local college, continuing in literature, which she credits to bringing her so much joy. The decision to leave high school behind is it dawned on [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] that she was much better suited to working with students who shared her passion to some degree - Owen’s someone she considers much more tenacious and resilient, whereas she prefers working with those more like-minded.

In part it’s because of how books were Mallory’s sanctuary growing up. Her parents were very wealthy - her father inherited his fortune, while her mother was a stock broker - but she was more of a guest in their house than a child they loved and cared for, either being pawned off on nannies or left to her own devices as she grew up. This sort of emotional reservation is a Cavendish trait, Mallory’s observed, and her own more open tendencies made her father uncomfortable, which is why they don’t see much of each other now (and really it suits them both better that way).

Now a mother herself - to a 5-year-old and a 1-year-old - [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] strives to be there for her children, who she considers the lights of her life. She met her long-term partner at uni - an ill-fated Halloween party where [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] was one of 4 girls’ dressed as a cat, with only her then-blue hair making her stand out - and he’s someone she cherishes just as much, for how he’s always been patient and understanding where her hesitancy to talk about her family’s concerned. [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] still makes sure to give [name_u]Owen[/name_u] updates about her life, given how much she credits him for helping her find her footing.

[I.have.no.idea]

[name_u]Liberty[/name_u] [name_f]Fleur[/name_f] Cavendish is Mallory’s eldest daughter. [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] and [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] love going to Dunkin’ together and getting their nails done. For [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] really wants to get acrylic nails but [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] and her have compromised to stick on nails for now. [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] has recently started reading the [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] books with [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] which [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] loved when she was a child. [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] and her dad bond over their love of softball. [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] has recently started a [name_m]Junior[/name_m] softball team that her dad coaches. [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] is excelling and has met kids that don’t go to her catholic school (the best school in the area). The reason [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] and her partner decided on sending her to a catholic school was to instill learning in [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] from a young age and provide her with the best opportunities they could. At school [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] has group of girl friends that have the most fun ever. Recently one of the girls had a spa day and all the girls got manicures and got to make their own lotion. [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] still talks about that party today.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for aforementioned pregnancy loss.

[name_u]Bleu[/name_u] [name_m]Léandre[/name_m] Blanchet (35) is Mallory’s husband, who jokingly says he should dye his hair blue to match his name and his wife’s style of magenta hair. The blue hair she had at the time they met didn’t attract [name_u]Bleu[/name_u] for nothing! Unfortunately such a thing wouldn’t happen, especially since the [name_m]Junior[/name_m] softball team he coaches has orange as a team colour and blue is the rival team colour! [name_u]Bleu[/name_u] is a stickler on the difference between baseball and softball, saying he prefers the latter, although admittedly he didn’t know the difference between [name_m]Ping[/name_m] Pong and table tennis until last month. The difference? There played the same but [name_m]Ping[/name_m] Pong is a brand name while table tennis is the generic term! Bleu’s children have [name_u]French[/name_u] middle names and he and [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] enjoyed picking them out together. Both he and his sister Felicette have children who take just their lover’s surname. He felt he would have children before his sister did, being 7 years older than her, but he knew it was a hard time for her after being lied to and losing her first daughter from this. He’s grateful she and her husband welcomed a new daughter into their lives but he never tells them to get over their past and never will.

[name_u]Bleu[/name_u] is happy his team he coaches are all nice and well-mannered girls but he dislikes their main rival team. He doesn’t openly say this since he encourages good sportsmanship but some of the rivals are mean and play dirty. Not all of them thankfully, just a few at least. But he successfully encouraged his team not to become like that. He gets along with many of Liberty’s teammates especially the girls who like the spa nails and it warms his heart seeing [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] so happy. [name_u]Bleu[/name_u] is excited about his 1-year-old and has a sporty nursery but won’t force sports immediately and can’t wait to see what the baby will become. While [name_u]Bleu[/name_u] likes making art from clay, he’s fine if his kids just want to use it for fun, as long as they don’t eat the clay! [name_u]Bleu[/name_u] is excited about [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] as well and just watched [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] and a few kids do the holiday choir at the Catholic [name_m]Church[/name_m] and he’s proud on how good they’ve sung for the event. He and [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] love the openness [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] has with people both in and out of her religion and know she will be a good influence growing up.

Felicette was created by @jinxed_peach.

[olivelovesnames]

[name_f]Faith[/name_f] Aliénor Cavendish (15mos) is [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] and Bleu’s youngest child, and Liberty’s little sister. [name_f]Faith[/name_f] absolutely adores her big sister, and while her parents worried about the two of them not getting along because of their age difference, [name_f]Faith[/name_f] and [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] have a great relationship. Both the girls have virtue names, and “Faith” really reflects the personality of the sweet one year old. A loyal and funny little girl, [name_f]Faith[/name_f] has already been learning about her religion and [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] tells her many Bible stories. [name_f]Faith[/name_f] has been learning how to speak, and funnily enough, her first word was in [name_u]French[/name_u]! “Bonne”, which means “nice”, came out of her mouth at a family function a few months ago, after she heard her father and aunt speaking in their native language. Since then, she has been able to say “Mama”, “Papa”, and “Berty” (her version of Liberty) as well as “doggy” and “kitty cat”. She is always learning and her speech is getting better each day.

[name_f]Faith[/name_f] is already signed up for toddler gymnastics and t-ball starting in 3 months. Her parents are very excited for her to start her sports career, just like her older sister did around her age. The family also goes skiing quite often and [name_f]Faith[/name_f] enjoys going on the magic carpet or drinking hot cocoa with her mama, while [name_u]Berty[/name_u] and [name_u]Bleu[/name_u] shred the slopes. [name_f]Faith[/name_f] finds Berty’s skills really cool and her big sister is her whole world. She has started going to the daycare at the Catholic school that [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] goes to, and in a few years she will actually be in the school. She is very excited for [name_u]Christmas[/name_u], even though she didn’t write a list this year because she still can’t talk very well or write yet.

[name_f]Faith[/name_f] loves getting her hair done, snuggling with her mom, dad, and sister, and watching movies. She also really likes swimming, something [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] and [name_u]Bleu[/name_u] like to do with the girls. [name_f]Faith[/name_f] find her mother’s hair astonishing and beautiful, constantly calling it “C’est belle” a phrase she learned from her [name_f]Papa[/name_f].

[jinxed_peach]

[name_f]Delores[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Lorie[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Brie[/name_f] [name_m]Kellen[/name_m] [7] is [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] and Faith’s second cousin via their mothers. While [name_u]Mallory[/name_u] was an only child and often emotionally neglected by her parents, leading to a bit of a mundane and at times tedious existence, she could find some solace in bonding with her cousin, Lorie’s mother, who lived a similar existence. A fellow only child of wealthy parents they would often entertain one another at family gatherings. However [name_f]Lorie[/name_f] is not nearly as close with [name_u]Liberty[/name_u] and [name_f]Faith[/name_f] as their mothers were. Still they know of one another and periodically see each other as their mothers have distanced themselves from the rest of their family of origin, they still make time for one another from time to time.

[name_f]Lorie[/name_f], who is named after her paternal grandmother, is a very relaxed girl who is often praised by others for her ability to ‘go with the flow’ and adapt to new circumstances. Which there have been many of in her life as of late. When [name_f]Lorie[/name_f] was three years old, her parents split up. Thankfully it wasn’t very messy and was instead very amicable and they’ve been able to co-parent well as a team ever since. Living in split houses isn’t what’s new though, she’s gotten pretty used to it and has become a master of packing and unpacking her life every weekend. What’s new is that her mother has recently gotten remarried to a man of the Jewish faith.

While [name_f]Lorie[/name_f] likes her new step-dad quite a bit, he always has [name_f]Jolly[/name_f] Ranchers in his office for her when she and her mother come by to visit, getting used to the new traditions that her mother and step-dad have brought into their home this past holiday season and balancing them with what already exists in her households, both of them… She’s fascinated by all there is to learn about Judaism and was enthralled by the story of Hanukkah. Getting to light each of the candles and say the prayers each night was so exciting! She’s very eager to continue to learn about her step-dad’s traditions, as well as teach him about some of hers. She’s already taught him all about her current favorite movie, Encanto, and how ‘super-duper cool,’ as [name_f]Lorie[/name_f] herself put it, it is that one of the characters shares a name with her!