Create A Family (With A Twist!)

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for death of a sibling (aforementioned; the sibling is [name_f]Ella[/name_f] Grace’s mother)

[name_m]Morris[/name_m] [name_u]Cal[/name_u] Clarkson (53) is [name_f]Ella[/name_f] Grace’s maternal uncle and Luna’s maternal great-uncle. He’s on the police force that captured the gang during their failed raid and he’s seen several faces. He was the person to capture and arrest [name_u]Bridger[/name_u], knowing all of his gang crimes, but is unaware of his paternities. He’s a strong and stern individual but he’s not afraid to educate himself more and know when someone was innocent all along, that being done with the help of Neelam’s sister, a lawyer in defence.

[name_m]Morris[/name_m] doesn’t have the best family life, being a divorced father of two, divorcing when his younger child was only 2 years old. He had divorced amicably however and had joint custody of the children with his wife until the children reached adulthood. They’re now 25 and 20 currently, the latter a very close cousin to [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f]. After 18 years of divorce, he has a new girlfriend and is feeling good about newly dating life, provided it’s at a pace they’re both comfortable with. He admits he does feel awkward telling his grown children that he’s found another woman, given the fact that they grew up with him and his mother divorced, but know [name_m]Morris[/name_m] and his girlfriend are consenting adults and that [name_m]Morris[/name_m] deserves someone who makes him happy after all these years. [name_m]Morris[/name_m] truthfully wasn’t happy in recent years due to the passing of his sister, which weighed heavily on him. He misses her a lot and he and his mother [name_f]Darlene[/name_f] have attended grief therapy following her passing. [name_m]Morris[/name_m] truthfully felt like he was alone and for a short time, was clingy to an extent with his children because he didn’t want to feel alone. He’s since stopped this clinginess but stays very close with them and feels like pure family even if he and his ex-wife aren’t married. [name_m]Morris[/name_m] is grateful for his new girlfriend however since she has made him a happier and better person. He’s glad the gang is contained and in jail but he still has a soft spot for Caila and her family since that day - especially for Caila’s daughters [name_f]Mabel[/name_f] and [name_u]Alma[/name_u] and definitely for Marty’s biological daughter.

[cara_murvolio]

[name_f]Astoria[/name_f] " [name_u]Tora[/name_u] " [name_f]Colette[/name_f] Clarkson (25) is Morris’ older daughter, and the cousin closer to [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f]. Personality wise, [name_u]Tora[/name_u] greatly resembles her dad: she’s no nonsense, straight to the point and decisive, ideal traits given her line of work as a custody lawyer. [name_u]Tora[/name_u] entering the law sphere wasn’t a question of anything other than when - she not only has an ideal nature but idolised her dad growing up for his tenacity where detective work’s concerned, however she wanted to tackle very personal matters that mean a lot to people, and this is how she ended up in the family law circuit. Although considered the ‘strong one’ of her cousins, [name_u]Tora[/name_u] isn’t switched off to just how harrowing the reality a lot of people she works with face, and strives hard to see the best outcome for the children always happen. There have been times when she’s beaten herself up for not obtaining the outcome she absolutely wanted, and [name_m]Morris[/name_m] is usually the best person to comfort her in these times, as he has the right insight into just how [name_u]Tora[/name_u] feels about her perceived failure.

This doesn’t diminish her closeness to her mom by any means though. [name_u]Tora[/name_u] credits her softer side to her - the one that allows good communication between her and children, not just limited to [name_f]Luna[/name_f], although she absolutely cherishes the little girl and wants nothing but happiness for her. It’s always her mom she turns to about this matter, as she worked hard to ensure [name_u]Tora[/name_u] and her sister knew the divorce wasn’t something born of hatred or a slighting, and to be comforted by the fact it meant happiness for their parents in a new light: a mentally [name_u]Tora[/name_u] applies to life as much as possible to stop her imposter syndrome rearing it’s ugly head. Fostering is something Tora’s considered thanks to her line of work, but presently she hasn’t pursued it, as she wants to support her sister and [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f] as much as she can, meaning a child might not get all the time and attention [name_u]Tora[/name_u] wants to reserve for them. There’s also the matter of her mad [name_u]Irish[/name_u] Setter - [name_m]Cork[/name_m] - who [name_f]Luna[/name_f] thinks is the greatest dog imaginable, even if [name_u]Tora[/name_u] reminds her he’s also on a 24/7 self-made sugar high.

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LMAO wrong image first time round

[CherryBomb50]

@cara_murvolio LOL

Talula “ Tyla ” Karla Clarkson (20) is Tora’s younger sister who’s been less involved with Ella Grace and Luna, given her own worries about her life. When Morris and his ex-wife got divorced, they worried Tyla may grow up like Ella Grace and Russell, being the same age as them, and were rather cautious and wary. Tyla had a much earlier curfew than Tora ever did and they were worried about Tyla’s expressive and non-traditional side because they wanted Tyla to grow up a wise person and not a gang criminal or get involved with any. However her parents weren’t rude to her and became more accepting once they were sure Tyla was avoiding gangs and they respected her independence. Tyla has felt closer with Ella Grace now and has more knowledge and understanding of what she’s gone through. She doesn’t understand what she’d be with someone like Russell and wouldn’t have done the same, but she doesn’t find it her place to judge. Mean girl gossip isn’t her thing.

Many things have changed for many people. Estera and Birdie have since pursued a nice relationship, Lenah’s mother has been living a better life, Aras is being remembered again for his baby predicting rather than his death, Neelam is closer with her children, and Geoffrey has found out Lauren’s adoptive daughter isn’t Marty’s. But how are Tora and Tyla? Recently they’ve bonded more as siblings and Tyla has been very proud of Tora’s fantastic work. Tyla is doing great in university and is considering a physical science to pursue, but hasn’t yet figured out. Tyla has looked up to Tora before but now does so even more. She’s a great cello player, something she’s picked up and enjoyed learning from, and she is always happy with Tora when Tora is nice to her about her musical talent.

Losing her aunt, Ella Grace’s mother, has been a struggle for Tyla and she’s often looked up to extended relatives for this reason. She’s always felt bad for Morris on losing a sister - Tyla doesn’t know what she’d do if she were ever to lose Tora. Tyla is also close with her mother’s soft side and considers her mother to be a rock in her life. Tyla often does charity work and attends charity events in her spare time, as inspired by an extended relative doing the same.

[jinxed_peach]

[name_f]Embeth[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Beth[/name_f] ’ [name_u]Louise[/name_u] [name_m]Arnold[/name_m] (nee Clarkson) [January 1st 1973 - [name_u]September[/name_u] 9th 2020] is Tyla’s aunt, younger sister to [name_m]Morris[/name_m], mother to [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f], and would-be grandmother to [name_f]Luna[/name_f]. She died of complications resulting from covid late in 2020 at the age of 47. [name_m]Prior[/name_m] to her death she was a warm and compassionate woman. Her home was always open to those who needed it, a friend of [name_f]Ella[/name_f] Grace’s lived with [name_f]Beth[/name_f] and her family for a few months when the then teenager was feuding with their family and she never minded one bit. Her husband’s southern hospitality and charm was a good match for Beth’s altruistic nature and the couple often spent their free time volunteering and working with charity.

They were also very nostalgic and sentimental people. Both their children follow the Clarkson family tradition of giving a baby the middle name of one of their great grandparents. [name_m]Morris[/name_m] was given the middle name [name_u]Cal[/name_u] for their parternal great-grandfather and [name_f]Beth[/name_f] herself was given [name_u]Louise[/name_u] as a middle name for their maternal great-grandmother. Though [name_m]Morris[/name_m] chose to not follow the tradition with his daughters, [name_f]Beth[/name_f] did with [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f], giving her the middle name [name_u]Lynn[/name_u] for [name_f]Ella[/name_f] Grace’s paternal great-grandmother. [name_m]Hence[/name_m] why [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f] herself with bestowed [name_f]Darlene[/name_f] upon [name_f]Luna[/name_f] after [name_f]Beth[/name_f] and Morris’ mother.

Though she’s not around to see her granddaughter [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f] ensures that the four year old is well aware of who her grandmother was and is actively trying to ensure that her mother’s kind spirit is continued in [name_f]Luna[/name_f].

[I_meme_it]

[name_f]Dayanita[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Daya[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Saffron[/name_f] Kandhari (20) is Tyla’s best friend and primary confident when it comes to familial concerns. The pair’s friendship stems thanks to [name_f]Beth[/name_f] being a colleague of Daya’s mother, which led to the two young women being introduced when they were both 13 years old. Daya’s mom and [name_f]Beth[/name_f] both worked for the same women’s rights charity, which is actually where she now works, wanting to honour Beth’s legacy thanks to how she was always so encouraging when it came to multiculturalism being discussed in their work environment.

When [name_f]Daya[/name_f] decided against attending university, she was somewhat nervous to tell people, as she knew concerns would come her way. In part it’s because her older brother is currently studying to become an electrical engineer, and she knows some would assume she decided against it due to their comparative academic differences: Daya’s always preferred the humanities, while her brother’s always drawn towards computer science and mathematics. However, [name_f]Daya[/name_f] knew she wanted to pursue charity work as quickly as possible, and her mom encouraged her to go for what made her happiest.

While she isn’t the sort of person who’s drawn towards fundraising or public speaking - a natural introvert who also has quite a flat affect, making her seem a little cool unintentionally - [name_f]Daya[/name_f] is excellent at administration and organising. She’s involved in the behind the scenes work, writing up case studies for grant applications, and promoting the stories of what the charity - SheltHER - does to help women escaping abusive home situations: ranging from relationships to familial, as well as providing link ups to LGTBQIA+ charities, addiction support, and therapy services for those in need.

This has actually led to [name_f]Tyla[/name_f] and [name_f]Ella[/name_f] spending a bit more time together, as Daya’s spoken to her best friends’ cousin a few times about the situation with [name_m]Russell[/name_m], namely in case he attempts to reenter her life and potentially harm. [name_f]Daya[/name_f] hasn’t become overly involved, as there’s obviously a personal element here that could create issues, however she’s made it clear that if [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f] or [name_f]Luna[/name_f] ever want to access part of the charity’s services, she’s just a text or call away.

[CherryBomb50]

[name_f]Meena[/name_f] [name_f]Ginger[/name_f] Kandhari (50) is Daya’s mother and best friend/co-worker of [name_f]Beth[/name_f]. She’s also the mother of a son, Daya’s older brother. She has a philanthropic side as well and is honoured her daughter is very charitable. People think she inspired her daughter to get into charities and causes, but it’s actually the other way around. [name_f]Meena[/name_f] wanted to give back and help people, the way [name_f]Beth[/name_f] would’ve wanted, so [name_f]Daya[/name_f] got her into the causes she supports. If anyone asks if [name_f]Meena[/name_f] got [name_f]Daya[/name_f] into causes, [name_f]Meena[/name_f] always tells the truth that it was [name_f]Daya[/name_f] first.

[name_f]Meena[/name_f] knows [name_m]Russell[/name_m] was jailed away for a long sentence but is super supportive of [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f] and never lets her lose contact. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if [name_m]Russell[/name_m] isn’t physically there in [name_f]Canada[/name_f], his evil demeanour can get to [name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f] emotionally. [name_f]Meena[/name_f] really hopes [name_m]Russell[/name_m] doesn’t appeal or escape but is very content that the gang has been caught and all jailed after a failed home invasion at the [name_u]Foy[/name_u] house. [name_f]Meena[/name_f] currently focuses on causes [name_f]Beth[/name_f] supported as well, given her own altruistic nature. She has made her own house a welcoming place, much like [name_f]Beth[/name_f] had, and she keeps people close, sometimes asking them from time to time if they’re good. [name_f]Meena[/name_f] has quite a few plans for the future but is focusing on the present, and keeping her family close and welcomed.

[cara_murvolio]

Surendranath ’ [name_u]Nat[/name_u] ’ [name_u]Onyx[/name_u] Kandhari (23) is Meena’s firstborn and Daya’s older brother, who’s currently studying to become an electrical engineer. Like his sister, Nat’s someone who prefers to avoid the public spotlight, in spite of sharing the same strong values of her and their mother. He’s done a lot of online fundraising work, creating and circulating numerous petitions to aid SheltHER as well as other organisations, however his shyness means that when his mother asked if he’d like to be more recognised, [name_u]Nat[/name_u] declined, as the attention really would make him uncomfortable.

Like many in the community, [name_u]Nat[/name_u] has some awareness of the infamous [name_m]Russell[/name_m] [name_m]Burton[/name_m], and he was in the same year group as some of the man’s associates - one of whom was co-allied with him and [name_u]Bridger[/name_u], however when the arrests happened, this person disappeared, and they’ve shown no interest in working to free the other two more high profile gang members. [name_u]Nat[/name_u] actually recalls them always seeming quiet and pleasant during the time’s they interacted at school, but he has something of a social cynicism (as [name_f]Daya[/name_f] calls it), so he’s trying to work with the idea nothing can surprise him now.

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Russell belongs to @jinxed_peach

Bridger belongs to @CherryBomb50

[kitkatcookie]

warning for criminal activity, unhealthy coping mechanisms, dysfunctional parenting, weed use

[name_f]Eloise[/name_f] " [name_f]Lore[/name_f] " [name_f]Jessica[/name_f] Innishall (27) is the eponymous third member of the criminal alliance, and the current one only not imprisoned, not that the authorities aren’t looking for her: [name_f]Lore[/name_f] merely outlasted her allies. Always the quietest, most easygoing and collected personality, [name_f]Lore[/name_f] wasn’t particularly friendly with [name_m]Russell[/name_m] and [name_u]Bridger[/name_u], having the perspective that business was all they needed to share. In the moment, it made her seem disadvantaged - she lacked the same shields and buffers they built together - but when the operation fell apart, [name_f]Lore[/name_f] was disconnected enough to skip town without anyone being able to trade her location for a plea deal. No-one knew where she could’ve gone as people tend to find Lore’s only consistency is how little they know of her. She’s never been one for closeness, and it rules how she interacts with just about everyone in her life.

Stolen goods and identity fraud are where she’s especially excelled. Lore’s always had an ability to recruit others, being disarming and pleasant enough to forge connections - for how she’s never exactly a glowing personality - which is how she behaved towards the likes of [name_u]Nat[/name_u] through high school. Friends weren’t what she wanted, but she wasn’t opposed to the company of others, as long as her space and privacy weren’t encroached on. Closeness isn’t something Lore’s ever felt comfortable with, as in truth she’s never had it, and the main thing she looked down on [name_u]Bridger[/name_u] and [name_m]Russell[/name_m] for was siring so many children without pausing to consider the consequences or long-lasting responsibility. She also never believes in getting involved with customers - decency and all.

Lore’s childhood was unconventional and unhappy in turns. Her mother was a fortune hunter who made her money marrying wealthy men and then going through pricey divorces when her narcissism led to a break down in these relationships. What her daughter learned was the value of financial prosper, and this continues to guide [name_f]Lore[/name_f] in her misdeeds and plans: her mother taught her to be terrified of poverty and reliance on others, so she’ll do anything to protect herself from it. By the time [name_f]Lore[/name_f] graduated from high school, Stepfather #4 was in the picture and her mother wanted access to the trust fund her daughter had been granted - so she split at the first chance. For the next few years she moved a lot, and began to look towards crime to keep herself comfortable and sustained. No drugs though. Not that she has some moral issue with it: [name_f]Lore[/name_f] just can’t abide mess, and she associates it with that sort of dealing. Her sole exception is weed, as with all that’s blown up recently, how else can she be expected to sleep?

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for unlikable character, absent parent

[name_f]Elidi[/name_f] [name_f]Amber[/name_f] [name_m]Bancroft[/name_m] (49) is Lore’s mother, a fortune hunter and terrible influence on her daughter, to say the least. When she had her daughter, she intentionally kept him away from the father. The reason why? The father was claiming he was rich so [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] would like him, but lied and was actually broke. This cause her to leave him and to have a strong belief that poverty was horrible. [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] was the type to never forgive people, thus ending things with the father, which upset him since he did truly like her and worried she wouldn’t have accepted him if he wasn’t rich. And to be fair, no she would not accept him! [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] kept this drama away from her daughter, not to protect her given how horrible she is at this, but to help get more men to fall for her. She wanted to be certain no one would get in the way. And so she would be strict on [name_f]Lore[/name_f] but also claim it’s for her best interest. She didn’t care what [name_f]Lore[/name_f] did in terms of crime but [name_f]Lore[/name_f] thought she did at some point, which made her feel more like escaping through crime. Interestingly at one point, she was technically the stepmother of [name_u]Marty[/name_u] [name_u]Arlington[/name_u], Russell’s ex-girlfriend and biological mother of her child. However neither [name_u]Marty[/name_u] nor [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] knew because Marty’s biological father had never been in her life, as he too wanted to get away from Marty’s mother, who was also poor. Marty’s mother was even poorer than Lore’s father and Marty’s absent father was stinking rich. He was literally Stepfather #4 and [name_f]Lore[/name_f] and [name_u]Marty[/name_u] are technically ex-stepsisters! Lore’s mother [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] did however split from him at the first chance, which may have been beneficial to [name_m]Russell[/name_m]. [name_f]Lore[/name_f] no longer had the hidden connection with [name_u]Marty[/name_u]. [name_u]Marty[/name_u] was the fourth of six children birthed by her mother, but there were different fathers involved.

[name_f]Elidi[/name_f] likes living in [name_u]Kingston[/name_u], [name_f]Canada[/name_f] but doesn’t mind her former connections in [name_m]Hampden[/name_m], [name_u]Maine[/name_u]. It’s a small but beautiful city and she enjoys knowing who is there in hopes of them not knowing her or where she is. She doesn’t know [name_u]Marty[/name_u] at all, although [name_u]Marty[/name_u] lived there, and doesn’t know her long her jail sentence is now. Who [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] doesn’t notice is Caila, adoptive mother of Marty’s daughter, second cousin once removed to [name_u]Marty[/name_u], whose house was nearly rampaged by the gang. This was leading to the arrest of [name_u]Bridger[/name_u] and several members…except [name_f]Lore[/name_f]. [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] takes pride in knowing that [name_f]Lore[/name_f] is still out there free, having not been at the rampage. But she doesn’t know what Caila knows and Caila doesn’t know what she knows. To [name_f]Meena[/name_f], she is perceived as snooty but holds her head high as a working woman…despite not having a job and being unable to keep one for more than 6 months as a mooch. [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] is not currently married, having enough to profit her life for now, but has never specifically stated she is done with marriages. She actually thinks she could get back together with one of her ex-husbands, a [name_u]Maine[/name_u] resident who’s been enamoured by her again seeing she looks much richer, but [name_f]Lore[/name_f] silently believes he wouldn’t be that gullible even if she doesn’t find him smart. [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] and [name_f]Lore[/name_f] aren’t the types for closeness and while they somewhat “get” each other, they never felt a bond. They have too separate of a life from one another to be “intertwined”. [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] supports whatever [name_f]Lore[/name_f] does however and has considered her smarter than [name_m]Russell[/name_m] and Bridger…by a lot. She doesn’t mind the two but finds them reckless…yet [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] isn’t super aware the police are looking for [name_f]Lore[/name_f] too. As far away as she and [name_f]Lore[/name_f] are sometimes, if [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] was successful in getting her ex-husband back, she could use his money to corrupt justice and help [name_f]Lore[/name_f] away from prison. The thing is…the ex-husband with the potential of getting back together with [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] is the same man who was Marty’s absent father!

Marty and Caila were created by @jinxed_peach.

[I_meme_it]

warnings: drug addiction, prostitution, parentification of children, irresponsible parenting

[name_f]Frances[/name_f] ’ [name_u]Fran[/name_u] ’ [name_f]Kendra[/name_f] [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] (50) is Marty’s mother, who’s mostly unaware of the existence of [name_f]Lore[/name_f] and [name_f]Elidi[/name_f], beyond the fact one of her exes - [name_u]Bennett[/name_u] Montclaire, father of [name_f]Martina[/name_f] and [name_f]Sandera[/name_f] - was married to [name_f]Elidi[/name_f] at some point in time, not that it really phased [name_u]Fran[/name_u]. [name_u]Bennett[/name_u] was a headache for her to deal with, snobbish and demanding, with her motivation for dating him really being the hope of decent child support - not just for their daughters, but to assist with the two other children [name_u]Fran[/name_u] already had: one from her high school boyfriend, the other born to a client following her involvement in escorting.

While less outwardly cool and dismissive than [name_f]Elidi[/name_f], [name_u]Fran[/name_u] likewise proved a destructive influence on her children. Her youngest is 16 and lives with her eldest child, who’s 31, alongside her second youngest, who’s just started college; with them having been raised in the chaotic environment she favoured. Really, the two eldest [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] siblings were the functioning parents for the 4 younger one’s, as - through various points of her life, Fran’s been addicted to different substances, however cocaine and speed were her most frequent pick-me-up methods - and chasing her habit came first.

She began soliciting shortly after the birth of her eldest - when her parents kicked her out for being unable to arrange a shotgun wedding - and has been involved in pretty much anything you can think of. Seeing some of her children follow her in this line of work hasn’t phased [name_u]Fran[/name_u] either, as she felt it was ‘responsible’ that they contributed to the family finances - not having the self-awareness or nerve to admit she prioritised her addictions over them, forcing this dysfunctional hierarchy to reign supreme. When she has found ‘meal tickets’ (the wealthiest men who’ll keep her as a personal prostitute), [name_u]Fran[/name_u] quickly shooed her children away, as they often would ruin her appeal, however she tends to come pestering them now they’ve grown up, usually for money to support herself…

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Marty was created by @jinxed_peach
Sandy was created by @CherryBomb50

[cara_murvolio]

TW: ED; deadbeat dad; drugs

[name_f]Catrinel[/name_f] " [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] " [name_f]Amanda[/name_f] Burkheim, nee [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] (31) is Fran’s firstborn, guardian of her two youngest half-siblings and unofficial therapist to her mother for the majority of her life. Kaylee’s father declined to be a responsible parent before she was even born, and the obsession with keeping up appearances to dominate her grandparents’ minds led to the downward spiral that would result in [name_u]Fran[/name_u] [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] giving birth to 6 children, who were really treated as anything other than her kids.

Assistants, friends, colleagues and helpers is the better roles the [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] siblings were offered, but [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] was an exception in being the therapist. From the age of 9, [name_u]Fran[/name_u] would go on long, sometimes nonsensical rants about her life to her first born, forcing [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] to listen to her numerous woes and grievances, all the while she implied it would be Kaylee’s responsibility to care for her once she was old and unable to get by alone. Her substance abuse was also tied to these moments, and when [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] was 15, she was even offered cocaine by her mother, who insisted it would help her stay more focused for school.

The real reason her daughter struggled to focus was the duty of caring for her younger siblings, so she had less time to get schoolwork done, and that was when [name_u]Fran[/name_u] wasn’t calling on her to listen to whatever was bothering her. Kaylee’s coping mechanism became disordered eating, which soon turned into anorexia and orthorexia. She was absolutely obsessed with calorie counting and ‘clean eating’ - which meant her diet was incredibly restricted, and she took up smoking, as it further decreased her appetite.

This went on for years: starting when [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] was 15 and concluding when she was 24. By this point she’d gone through community college, obtaining a degree in marketing management, and she’d started working for a local eco produce company, being their digital advertiser. It was the introduction of her husband to her life that saw [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] finally getting better. Once they were a serious item, it dawned on him how she wasn’t eating properly, as well as the fact she was constantly being called by her mother, who - of course - had lots of ridiculous demands, which included asking for money.

With his support, [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] was able to break away from [name_u]Fran[/name_u] properly, although it hurt in its own way. She did love her mother, for all her flaws, and reconciling the anger, disappointment and resentment hasn’t been easy for her over the years since their contact was limited. Granted, taking custody of her 2 youngest siblings wasn’t a surprise in the slightest. What was a shock was the conception of Kaylee’s now 2 year old daughter: she wasn’t planned by [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] or her husband, however becoming a mother has been a life changing experience, in every best sense.

[CherryBomb50]

[name_m]Nielsen[/name_m] ” [name_m]Niel[/name_m] “ [name_m]Fabian[/name_m] [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] (16) is the youngest [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] who currently resides with his half-sister [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f]. [name_m]Niel[/name_m] never parentified her thankfully, but only because he never really perceived anyone as a parent. His father was surprisingly in his life when he was born but that was only because he felt [name_m]Niel[/name_m] should live with him instead. [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] refused to let him live with his father, given his home was so squalid that she couldn’t see how the man could tolerate it, let alone make another person live there with him. Niel’s father didn’t care, although this was clearly prevalent, but [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] felt residing there could seriously harm someone’s health long-term. His father’s basically as active as [name_u]Fran[/name_u] now, and [name_m]Niel[/name_m] doesn’t consider either of them as parents. He honestly doesn’t want parents and doesn’t understand why anyone would want them or why anyone would want to be a parent. The relationship of someone “constantly listening to someone who won’t listen back to you but supposedly loves you unconditionally like you’re the best thing in the world for them” makes little to no sense for [name_m]Niel[/name_m]. Why would anyone treasure such an uneven relationship? He’s self-aware that it’s because of his biological parents that makes him think this way.

He is starting to have a change in heart over that although he’s one with strong opinions. He’s worried people don’t take him seriously, like he’s just an age rather than a person. People who don’t know him perceive him like he’s spoiled but actually, he fears asking for what he wants. He’s glad his niece has tremendously great parents even though he can worry for her and wishes the best for her childhood. It’s no jab against [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] however, he knows she didn’t have a good childhood either and that she loves to make her 2-year-old daughter’s life happy. [name_m]Niel[/name_m] also likes to be an active uncle for his niece although he doesn’t ever babysit her alone. He’s also close with the second-youngest [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] sibling in their life, who he misses since that sibling went off to college, but Niel’s proud of that success and wants to go college too after graduation. He collects baseball cards and he has some very hard-worked Lego sculptures in his room. [name_m]Niel[/name_m] has goals to read more books this year and he’s a very focused person, using that to his advantage.

[olivelovesnames]

tw: drug addiction, abandonment, racist ideals, irresponsible parenting

[name_f]Rosamund[/name_f] “Rooney” [name_u]Harlow[/name_u] [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] (18) is [name_m]Niel[/name_m] and Kaylee’s half-sister and Fran’s 2nd youngest. [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] was conceiver during a one-night-stand is actually half-hispanic and half-caucasian. Growing up, she looked different from her siblings which caused her a lot of self insecurity. People often asked if she was adopted and made fun of her, (and more so as people found out the somewhat chaotic and disgusting family dynamic [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] lived in) and it truly destroyed her. As a child, she was jealous that [name_m]Niel[/name_m] got to know his father, while she didn’t. Though she asked [name_u]Fran[/name_u] about her dad very often, no answers were ever spilled. She eventually stopped asking, but recently, she and [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] have been looking into her DNA and paternal family. [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] would love to meet that side of her family and endulge in hispanic culture, the only thing she knows about her father. She doesn’t even know if she’s Mexican, Spanish, Puerto Rican, or, really, she doesn’t know anything!

While [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] is the kindest girl you’d ever meet, she lashed out at her mother quite often and even ran away once or twice before [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] found her and brought her home. Being 13 years younger than [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f], [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] grew up watching her older sister go through so much. [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] realized this around six years old, and begged [name_u]Fran[/name_u] to let her stay with [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f], so she could make her older sister eat. [name_u]Fran[/name_u], well, she didn’t care. [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] later on couldn’t stop herself from lashing out at her mother. Especially when she realized her mom was on drugs. She threw out all the pill bottles in a state of rage, and was nearly kicked out of the house, but wasn’t so as not to scare [name_m]Niel[/name_m], who was 10 at the time.

[name_m]Niel[/name_m] and [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] often conspired and came up with plans to run away. Thankfully, 2 years ago, [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] and [name_m]Niel[/name_m] moved in with [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f]. [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] was so relieved and everything changed for her. Her grades went up and so did her confidence. [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] no longer felt like a sore thumb, especially since Kaylee’s husband is actually a black man who was adopted into a white family, and he knows what she went through as a young child. [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] loves her little niece, Kaylee’s daughter, and likes babysitting for her. She admires Niel’s focus and skill, and, in an effort to see the world from other points of view, she has asked him to teach her about sculpting and legos, much to Niel’s excitement. She is going to college to be a therapist, but also really wants to dive deeper into photography, something that Kaylee’s husband has been teaching [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] about.

There are only a few things that keep [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] from falling back into a depressive cycle, something she struggled with between 12-16. One thing, is her siblings and in-laws, who she has grown very close to. Kaylee’s husband’s family is very kind and there are two kids, (Kaylee’s husband’s siblings), [name_f]Margot[/name_f] and [name_u]Henry[/name_u], who are 19 & 16, who [name_m]Niel[/name_m] and [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] have grown close to. Another thing is her photography, which allows her to focus. She loves taking pictures of everyday things, and especially animals. Her photos are hung up around Kaylee’s house. She isn’t too sure about photographing people, but her brother-in-law has been teaching her, and the photo above was actually taken by him! Her ever-lasting search for her father is another thing that keeps her going. She is super close with her other three siblings too, especially the 3rd youngest, who has helped her with her search for her father and has always been there. Always. She also, since a young age, has loved going outside, reading, and exploring. She hopes that after college, she can move somewhere in the mountains that still allows her to be a therapist while also allowing her to live in a place she has always dreamed of running to.

[kitkatcookie]

tw: drug dealing; abandonment; [name_u]Fran[/name_u] Arlington’s poor parenting

[name_u]Moses[/name_u] " [name_u]Moe[/name_u] " [name_m]Zachary[/name_m] [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] (28) is the second eldest of the siblings and, in spite of his job meaning he travels frequently, as much of a constant figure in the lives of his siblings as he can be. In contrast to [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f], [name_u]Moe[/name_u] was pretty indifferent towards their mother from a young age, with her nature being pretty repellent where he was concerned - a sentiment that has only grown over time. His father was a local drug dealer she frequently bought off, who never wanted any children and made his disinterest in [name_u]Moe[/name_u] clear before he was even born, not that the young man’s particularly interested in having any contact should his dad resurface.

[name_u]Fran[/name_u] showed her usual maternal drive by complaining to friends and acquaintances from a young age about how ‘disinterested’ [name_u]Moe[/name_u] was as a son, as he typically stuck close to his siblings instead of seeking comfort and/or assurance from her. [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] was his hero throughout childhood, and they’ve retained their closeness as they’ve grown up more, with [name_u]Moe[/name_u] crediting her as the person who helped him through the upset that came when he learned the identity of his father [a great source of shame for [name_u]Moe[/name_u], and he sought to hide the truth from his peers as much as possible]. Typically his emotions were handled by retreating into himself, meaning Moe’s sisters [name_u]Sandy[/name_u] and [name_u]Marty[/name_u] found him distant at times when they were quite young, as he’d become very sullen and quiet when their mom was causing him issues.

[name_u]Moe[/name_u] also spent a lot of time with his best friend, who’s deaf, and the two are as inseparable now as they were when they met at the age of six. He fought anyone who tried bullying the other boy for quite some time, on one occasion being suspended for a week, but [name_u]Fran[/name_u] barely registered what was happening and never questioned [name_u]Moe[/name_u] having impromptu trips to his best friend’s, sometimes staying over for multiple nights. It would often be [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] or [name_u]Sandy[/name_u] who’d find out his location, while [name_u]Fran[/name_u] had decided [name_u]Moe[/name_u] didn’t need her, so what was the point in trying to reach her son? When he started working his first job - at a hardware shop - she tried asking him for money, to which [name_u]Moe[/name_u] bluntly told her no.

Seeing [name_u]Marty[/name_u] be influenced by their mother’s lifestyle was likewise painful, and - as per usual - [name_u]Moe[/name_u] handled his emotions by retreating into himself. By that point in time he’d started his training as a speech therapist - keeping him on the move for conferences and lectures - which allowed the burying of his fear and upset to be easier. When she was arrested however, [name_u]Moe[/name_u] quickly came back, blaming himself in part for what had happened, as he knew [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f] shouldered enough responsibility. While she found him hard to reach in childhood, [name_u]Marty[/name_u] and [name_u]Moe[/name_u] formed a closeness as they got older - stemming from their mutual love of reading - and he felt he’d failed her, something he confided in his best friend about frequently. It was this friendship that helped save [name_u]Moe[/name_u] from total despair thankfully, as he ensured the second eldest [name_u]Arlington[/name_u] didn’t shoulder unfair responsibility for how [name_u]Fran[/name_u] failed all of her children.

[jinxed_peach]

[name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] Teva Almo [41] is someone who doesn’t know [name_u]Moe[/name_u] personally, but knows a good deal about him. [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] is a therapist, with one of her clients being a sister of [name_u]Moe[/name_u], [name_u]Marty[/name_u] to be precise. [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] has been seeing [name_u]Marty[/name_u] since her release on parole and has been following up closely with her during her adjustment back to society. The two women meet three times a week and have discussed many topics, including [name_m]Russel[/name_m] Burton’s arrest which has been a great relief for [name_u]Marty[/name_u], and helping her unpack many of the traumas she faced growing up under Fran’s care, or lack there of. [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] also helped facilitate a reunification between [name_u]Marty[/name_u] and her daughter, [name_u]Alma[/name_u].

Since the little girl has been living with Marty’s second cousin, Caila, since her birth they didn’t want to turn her world upside down, so they’ve been doing the introductions slowly. Though things have been going smoothly so far. Thankfully Caila has raised [name_u]Alma[/name_u] with the knowledge that she was adopted and she’s even shown a photo, albeit an old one to the three-year-old, who thinks it’s super cool and feels super lucky that she gets to have two mamas who love her so much. [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] thinks things are going very well thus far, and while she doesn’t know what the future holds for the family, this is a big step in the right direction.

While [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] is not formally a criminal psychologist, a lot of her other clients are ex-cons or felons and she takes a lot of pride in helping them back on their feet. That section of humanity often gets overlooked or swept aside, but [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] has dedicated herself to seeking out and helping out as many as she can.

[MissMorland]

tw: prison, drugs, mental health issues

[name_u]Connor[/name_u] [name_u]James[/name_u] [name_m]Willis[/name_m] (17) is someone who’s very grateful to [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f]. His dad is an ex-con who got released three years ago. It took awhile for him to reintegrate into society and he still attends sessions with [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] because of his mental health. Connor’s dad was in prison for drug dealing and possession. He was arrested when [name_u]Connor[/name_u] was four and [name_u]Connor[/name_u] was angry with his dad for leaving him and his mom alone. He didn’t understand why his mom went to visit him whenever she could but he eventually started going with her and came to realize that his dad wasn’t the evil person he’d conjured up in his mind. His dad had made terrible mistakes but he was trying his hardest to be a better person and didn’t blame his mental state or his bad childhood for his actions. [name_u]Connor[/name_u] respects his dad for that and they’ve become closer since his release, spending a lot of time together.

[name_u]Connor[/name_u] is in his last year of high school and is taking a couple classes from the local college as well. It’s a different experience but he likes it. He’s also making a little money by selling baked goods that he makes, a skill he learned from his amazing mom. It’s his dream to own a bakery someday but he’ll probably end up working at one in town first. [name_u]Connor[/name_u] and his three friends often go bowling on weekends and they’ve gotten really good. A few other classmates have challenged them to a little friendly competition so they’ve been practicing more. Connor’s parents have promised to come and he’s really excited for the matchup. [name_u]Connor[/name_u] has been dating his girlfriend for six months now but her dad doesn’t approve because he knows about Connor’s dad. [name_u]Connor[/name_u] feels guilty for the irritation he’s shown toward his dad lately because of this but he just doesn’t know what to do. He and his girlfriend had been friends for a long time before they became a couple and now her dad is trying to keep them apart.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for aforementioned drug crimes, former abusive relationship, and addiction.

[name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] [name_u]Mackenzie[/name_u] [Baker] [name_m]Willis[/name_m] (41) is Connor’s mother and Vaihere’s friend. She works in a bakery and used to dream of opening her own but doesn’t believe she has the financial management skills to do so. She’s very happy if her son takes those skills for himself but isn’t pressuring anything. She has a “sense of defence” and can be very defensive about her family members, although that doesn’t mean she’s blind to any wrongdoings. She just feels it’s best to see them out on their perspective before blaming them. She and older brother [name_m]Wendel[/name_m] are very close, and one of Wendel’s children is also 17 and attends the same school as cousin [name_u]Connor[/name_u]. Connor’s cousin is part of the friend group who goes bowling on the weekends. Wendel’s wife [name_f]Stephanie[/name_f] is someone [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] is close to despite not having a blood relation and [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] respects Stephanie’s strength in how far she’s come after leaving her abusive husband, the father of [name_u]Esme[/name_u], before she met [name_m]Wendel[/name_m]. [name_m]Wendel[/name_m] treats [name_u]Esme[/name_u] like his own daughter and [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] treats her like a niece. [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] knows a lot about the Crofton clan and has gotten to know about the “baby of the clan” – the 1-year-old son of [name_f]Vi[/name_f] Crofton-Willard and her husband [name_m]Darius[/name_m]. [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] loves their cool nature but also think they’re smart and that it’s a good vibe for their baby. She sees Darius’s cousin [name_f]Estera[/name_f] in a good light since her release from jail due to stealing and embezzling from her old workplace. She did it out of her own poverty and mistreatment while working and since leaving, she’s become stronger and smarter. [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] is clearly very close to her husband and sees him as far more than just a prisoner, knowing he’s a wonderful person and she’d love to change the narrative on how non-violent prisoners are treated.

This is why [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] and [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] are so close, because [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] is understanding of Vaihere’s closeness with [name_u]Marty[/name_u] [name_u]Arlington[/name_u]. She knew the friendship of [name_u]Marty[/name_u] and [name_f]Estera[/name_f] and both [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] and [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] know what it’s like to be close with someone who went to prison. [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] gets a lot of support from [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] and that’s why she was so open to introducing her son [name_u]Connor[/name_u] to her for help. [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] was grateful her husband’s former drug offences were not portrayed in the same light as [name_m]Russell[/name_m] Burton’s gang and drug crimes. Having [name_f]Vaihere[/name_f] know the difference was a huge step forward in the bonding friendship between the two women. She knows only a little on the Arlingtons, meeting [name_u]Moe[/name_u] first despite his travels, and she finds him a very interesting person despite what his past brought. [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] supports Connor’s friends and cousin being such great bowlers and knows it’s all just friendly competition in the end. [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] supports Connor’s girlfriend and believes her parents are too possessive of her. She’s tried to see their point of view and accepts it’s their last year of being juveniles until they’re legal adults. She hopes that this doesn’t carry on into adulthood and she’s really hoping that they don’t treat the girl like something they “own” as property rather than a human being. [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] loves how nice Connor’s girlfriend is to her especially about her cooking and enjoys that she’s willing to listen to multiple perspectives rather than being her parents’ carbon copy. [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] has done her best as a peacekeeper in terms of [name_u]Connor[/name_u] and his father, making sure both of them are given as much appreciation as deserved. She feels Connor’s girlfriend has a dad who wouldn’t want that kind of personality she has even if she is “glue to the family”. Still, she loves her husband and while she wished he wasn’t addicted, she’s grateful he had the determination to cut the addiction and redeem himself.

Wendel and Estera were created by me.

Stephanie and Vi were created by @A.B.Galaxy.

Esme and Darius were created by @I_meme_it.

[kitkatcookie]

tw: addiction + parentification mentioned

[name_f]Candice[/name_f] " [name_f]Dixie[/name_f] " [name_u]Maddox[/name_u] Allerston (18) is Connor’s girlfriend, who’s very fond of his parents, in spite of her dad’s reservations. To say she’s been raised by a protective parent is something [name_f]Dixie[/name_f] never refutes, although her mom tries to measure this, never showing hostile opinions towards Mr. [name_m]Willis[/name_m], and insisting that it’s [name_u]Connor[/name_u] who’s really the important person in that family, being the person [name_f]Dixie[/name_f] loves. This, at least, has stopped Mr. Allerston from repeatedly warning [name_f]Dixie[/name_f] her boyfriend could lead her to being enveloped by dysfunction, which was a PSA she’s been all too used to since the relationship began.

It’s not out of nowhere as to why this has happened though. Dixie’s paternal grandparents were both addicts: her grandather an alcoholic, while her grandmother was obsessed with spending money. This led to Dixie’s father - as the firstborn of their four children - looking after his younger brothers’ and sister, as well as trying to shield them from all of the chaos and contention building around them. Unlike Connor’s dad, her grandparents refused to take any ownership or accountability of the impact they were having on their children, which is why [name_f]Dixie[/name_f] thinks her dad’s so suspicious and uncharitable where Mr. [name_m]Willis[/name_m] is concerned, fearing [name_f]Dixie[/name_f] herself could be dragged into the wildly inappropriate situations he found himself enduring growing up.

She’s never had much to do with either of them for differing reasons: Dixie’s grandfather passed away before she was born, while her grandmother has nothing to do with her children once they collectively tried to cap her spending. Although Dixie’s dad, uncles and aunt managed to save her from total destitution, her grandmother has never forgiven her children, and so her grandkids aren’t acquainted with her much [and Dixie’s always found her incredibly unpleasant to be around].

The fact she has a boy crazy 14-year-old sister hasn’t helped much in Dixie’s attempts to convince their dad to stop being so judgemental. When she’s not fending off his questions she’s got her sister querying about the dating world of high school, something [name_f]Dixie[/name_f] already cringes at, and her insight is minimal anyways. She met [name_u]Connor[/name_u] through her biology partner - their mutual friend - and never had an interest before him. Instead Dixie’s focused on developing her metal work skills to one day become a professional jewelry maker, and she’s given [name_f]Jerilyn[/name_f] numerous practice creations as thanks for her ever present kindness.

[cara_murvolio]

[name_f]Tabitha[/name_f] " [name_f]Tabby[/name_f] " [name_f]Paige[/name_f] Allerston (14) is Dixie’s younger sister and another source of stress for their dad, although it’s more from the sense of [name_f]Tabby[/name_f] having a revolving door of boyfriends, none of whom are serious and they come and go so quickly, Tabby’s mother tends to not bother learning their names. She’s definitely a romantic idealist, reading tonnes of books and watching films based around tried and true love, however the disappointment she faces is just as frequent.

This partly contributes to her questioning of [name_f]Dixie[/name_f] and Connor’s relationship, as it seems ideal compared to the roller coasters she’s going through. Tabby’s somewhat in denial about her own immaturity, something her parents and sister understand given her age, which is why she’s prone to being so hot and cold about dating. Her friend group consists of a lot of other girls’ likewise so interested in romance, and really Tabby’s best times are spent talking about their favourite fictional couples, however with high school coming up next year, they’re convinced they’ll also witness real life examples - well aside from [name_f]Dixie[/name_f] and [name_u]Connor[/name_u] (not that Tabby’s sister is ever allowed to know this).

Funnily enough, she’s actually in school with Connor’s cousin, [name_m]Wendel[/name_m] and Stephanie’s youngest child and only son. The two are friendly acquaintances, as they were recently sat next to each other in maths class, a subject Tabby’s naturally talented at. She’s actually confident in wanting to progress in this field, perhaps teaching or the academic route, as her parents have nurtured pride in her abilities, not wanting [name_f]Tabby[/name_f] to feel she can’t have her fun-loving, carefree nature without accepting her ability with mathematics.

[I_meme_it]

[name_u]Holden[/name_u] [name_m]Tobias[/name_m] Crofton-Baker (14) is Tabby’s classmate and recent friendlier peer, even if a lot of their initial bonding was from their polar opposite opinions of maths: [name_u]Holden[/name_u] can’t stand it, [name_f]Tabby[/name_f] enjoys and excels at it. However, in spite of his feelings towards the subject, [name_u]Holden[/name_u] never has an issue with being paired up with a natural talent, as this isn’t something he wants to pursue in his own future. For [name_u]Holden[/name_u], he’d love nothing more than to become a film director, and he’s already proficient with editing softwear, having helped compile special videos for both his parents 50th birthdays.

He and his friends have made several amateur films - starting when they were 8 and reenacted [name_f]Star[/name_f] Wars battles - but now he’s a little older, Holden’s more focused on the technical details of the craft. That and he’s very cagey about anyone seeing his old films, as he finds everything cringey, and god forbid anyone at school sees them. This can make him seem a little moody to some of his peers, as [name_u]Holden[/name_u] is quite socially conscious in his own ways, but he’s never unapproachable or intentionally off-putting.

Things haven’t been easy for [name_u]Holden[/name_u] in the past year, namely as there have been a lot of changes around him. His eldest sister - [name_u]Esme[/name_u] - gave birth to his niece, while his other older sister departed for college, and [name_u]Holden[/name_u] found adjusting to being the only one at home, as well as a grandchild being present, disorientating. It’s not that he resents either of his sisters - he thinks the world of and admires them greatly - but going from being the youngest to the only one at home has felt lonely in a sense, especially as Esme’s been adapting to motherhood .

---

Esme was created by moi!

Stephanie was created by @A.B.Galaxy

Wendel was created by @CherryBomb50