Create a Family (With a Twist)!

[jinxed_peach]

cw: mean girl character, i’m talking regina george levels…

[name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] [name_f]Adele[/name_f] Vanderkirk[17] is a classmate of [name_u]Elm[/name_u], Adelajda, [name_f]Avalon[/name_f], [name_u]Evan[/name_u], [name_f]Tess[/name_f], [name_f]Xiomara[/name_f], and [name_f]Stacia[/name_f], and the true originator of the rumors. Sort of, she’s more like a co-author, technically the rumor that [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] cheated on her boyfriend and got pregnant by his best friend wasn’t started by her since it was started by [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] and Tess’ mutual ex, she just helped spread it and embellished it into a deeper story. Originally the rumor was as simple as [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] cheating and her ex’s friend being the real father of the baby, then [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] started telling people that she cheated on her boyfriend because she was a nymphomaniac who was only with him because she thought that cheating was more fun than just hooking up because “It increases the thrill.” She also added that [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] got pregnant on purpose since “Dudes dig MILFs.”

Why is [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] so invested in trying to ruin Stacia’s life? Because her ex, and of course who she knows is actually the father of her baby, is Emmeline’s twin brother. Growing up they were always put head to head, at least it felt that way to her. Their parents were as upper crust as it could be and were already grooming their son to be a flawless athlete, and their daughter to be the perfect trophy wife/grandchild factory. [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] longed to break out of that mold, during her childhood she was a tomboy and tried to keep up with her brother and his friends, but was always reprimanded by their parents. It took most of her childhood, but eventually she gave in and started focusing on making her parents proud instead of proving them wrong. She’s been on the honor roll most of her academic career and has been head cheerleader since sophomore year of high school. Much like her parents, she began to become obsessed with her image, both socially and physically. She loved the power that she wielded over her peers since she had enough influence over the school to either make somebody prom royalty, or a nobody. Which she often did.

One of her childhood best friend began to express that she missed Emmeline’s ‘old self’ and tried to ask her why she let herself become so shallow and vain. Not wanting to face the facts that she knew were true, she instead deflected and spread a rumor that her friend, who was a star on the high school’s track team, was using Adderall to get energized for track meets. After having a friend of a friend plant the pills in her locker, that friend had multiple college scholarship offers rescinded and now the girls are sworn enemies.

So hearing a rumor at school that she didn’t start was a little strange. She confronted her brother about it and he confirmed that it was true, but asked her not to tell her parents. For a moment she considered using it against him and finally destroying his prefect persona that their parents saw in him, but found herself unable to do it. Instead resorting to the aforementioned flame fanning that she engaged in.

[name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] often buries the shame and guilt that she feels over who she’s become in shopping trips to the mall with her dad’s credit card and her two best friends at her side. Though unfortunately there’s no number of Prada bags and [name_f]Chanel[/name_f] makeup that can fill the void in her soul that comes from living a lie. But continuing to try couldn’t hurt…

[jinxed_peach]

oops forgot to add some tags to help bring this one back to life!

@CherryBomb50
@I_meme_it
@cara_murvolio
@autumn.leaves
@moonwriteen

let me know if i’m buggin’ ya!

[kitkatcookie]

cw: cancer, familial death

[name_f]Amanda[/name_f] " [name_f]Amy[/name_f] " [name_f]Rachel[/name_f] [name_f]Felicity[/name_f] [name_u]Glasgow[/name_u] (17) is one of Emmeline’s shopping companions, or Sidekick #1 as friend-turned-archenemy calls her. While she doesn’t embroil herself in Emmeline’s campaigns of terror, Amy’s not exactly trying to play moral compass either - after all, she had a front row seat to what happened the last time someone in their social group attempted to counsel [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] on her behaviour. The closest Amy’s come to this recently was asking [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] what she was going to do about the [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] situation - after all, that will be her niece/nephew, and child support isn’t off the table [especially if someone counsels [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] to push for it] - but when dismissed, she new better than to press for more introspection. There’s been a definite unease in the aftermath of the rumours and revelations around the pregnancy…the sort of prologue to an implosion of the truth, and honestly, Amy’s preparing herself for this unravelling, as she feels it’s impossible to hide the paternity of the baby indefinitely.

The Vanderkirk-Glasgow family dynamic is an interesting one in it’s own right, namely as Emmeline’s parents were incredibly pleased when their daughter befriended [name_f]Amy[/name_f] in middle school: the Glasgow’s are old money, carrying a name that promises major clout, and now they had a connection to it. In one of the most embarrassing periods of their children’s lives, they attempted to force a relationship between [name_f]Amy[/name_f] and Emmeline’s twin brother, however nothing came of this, nor will it ever. [name_m]Even[/name_m] before the ‘no siblings’ rule was introduced to their friend circle at Emmeline’s insistence, [name_f]Amy[/name_f] hasn’t had any interest in her brother, and this detachment has only increased over the years, given how she’s witnessed his treatment of his exes, with [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] being something of a crescendo.

[name_f]Amy[/name_f] inhabits a world of grand scale events and charity balls, which might be why her moral fibres started to look better. When she was younger, she hated being dragged along to stuffy parties and asked lots of questions by fellow high society, however as she’s grown up, it’s genuinely started to dawn on her what impact she could - and should - be making given her privilege. By no means does this completely ebb away her shallow or materialistic qualities [it’s still well recalled how [name_f]Amy[/name_f] attended the junior high leavers formal in a [name_f]Chanel[/name_f] skirt suit set, with the logo tights to flourish her splendor], however she’s decided she wants to fully dedicate herself to working for her parents hardship charity when she leaves school. She isn’t a natural academic anyways, having a recent ADD diagnosis - that explains a lot of how difficult focusing in class is for her - but she’s determined to continue the positive legacy her great-grandfather started.

Recently, Amy’s older brother came back to take a year of absence from his college degree in economics, having been especially close to their grandma - Amy’s first namesake, [name_f]Rachel[/name_f] - who passed away from terminal cancer. She’s begun to notice how Emmeline’s rule is seemingly slipping away [and [name_f]Amy[/name_f] knows her friend has harboured a crush on him since their youth, not that anyone knows as retribution would be hellish], given how she acts around him, but Amy’s fully conflicted about this. While her brother isn’t interested, she’s scared if he rejects [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f], she might do something cruel to cover her own humiliation, however sitting down with him to explain what’s been going on is just as frightening, as he’s absolutely the sort of person who’d insist on confronting her close friend about everything she’s done over the years…

[I_meme_it]

Bindhiya ’ [name_f]Bindi[/name_f] ’ Omaja Chauhan (17) is Sidekick #2 and the final member of Emmeline’s inner trio. In contrast to [name_f]Amy[/name_f], [name_f]Bindi[/name_f] and [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] met in high school, following her transformation into Narrative [name_f]Queen[/name_f], and in a sense is more protected from the true cruelty her friends’ unleashed, specifically where her sworn enemy’s concerned. She’s also the sort of personality who isn’t ideal at keeping secrets - [name_f]Bindi[/name_f] loves gossip, and actually writes a column for the school paper offering people advice (although the teaching staff are strict about what she can get away with) - which also means she’s burdened less than [name_f]Amy[/name_f] about the scope of what [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] gets up to.

Things are also murkier where she’s concerned, as Bindi’s boyfriend is actually someone well-acquainted with [name_u]Evan[/name_u] [name_m]Garian[/name_m], the guy Emmeline’s brother scapegoated when [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] fell pregnant. The two are currently working on a class project together and Bindi’s come to learn more about [name_u]Evan[/name_u] subsequently - having not had the best opinion of him when the rumour first started - which has made her question more about the idea of [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] cheating with him. In all honesty, she isn’t too fond of Emmeline’s twin, so the guy being a deadbeat wouldn’t shock her entirely if it was confirmed…

Like her cohort, [name_f]Bindi[/name_f] comes from wealth, however this is rivaled in her by the importance of her culture, which she’s very proud of and speaks about often. Most of her summers are spent in Bengaluru, where her parents own a third property, and she’s actually invited [name_f]Amy[/name_f] and [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] to spend time with her there before: it can never be denied [name_f]Bindi[/name_f] isn’t generous with her wealth, something that’s led to her and [name_f]Amy[/name_f] becoming closer thanks to the [name_u]Glasgow[/name_u] families philanthropy. She’s also a difficult one to expose as Bindi’s very open about herself: she’s the adopted daughter of two successful Indian-American business women, family fortune stemming from technology, who’s pansexual, with an allergy to cats so she has a hairless one named Mira; and daresay it’s why [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] values her company, as she’s an open book.

---

Stacia & Evan both belong to @CherryBomb50 !

[cara_murvolio]

[name_f]Magdalen[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Magda[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Siobhan[/name_f] O’Connor (17) is Emmeline’s sworn enemy, who’s usually on [name_f]Bindi[/name_f] and Amy’s radar thanks to their backgrounds twining - especially [name_f]Amy[/name_f], who she was once friends with at one point. At one point, a classmate asked if there was a chance [name_f]Magda[/name_f] would reconcile with [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f], and they received a firm, flat ‘no’: the trust [name_f]Magda[/name_f] once had in her old friend has been completely broken by the setup [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] subjected her to, and it’s unsurprising that they avoid each other when possible.

In spite of the physical distance, Magda’s been careful to keep tabs on her nemesis, and is always clued into when Emmeline’s stirring up trouble. By no means does she have some elaborate take down plan or grand revenge cooked up - [name_f]Magda[/name_f] still is focusing on her future and getting as far away from the Vanderkirk family as possible - but she’s done her best to clue other people victimised by [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] into how they can undo the worst of the damage she’s inflicted.

Seeing the transformation of her kind, thoughtful and well-meaning childhood friend into a conniving, manipulative and cruel person still baffles [name_f]Magda[/name_f] to a degree (as she can’t fathom how it feels worth it deep down), but for all her anger, she’s done her best to not just focus on the exploits of someone who tried to entirely ruin her life. She does take some pleasure in Emmeline’s unhappiness with how she’s done her best to support others ruined by lies, rumours and hearsay though.

Thankfully, [name_f]Magda[/name_f] managed to keep one scholarship, and even then it was by the skin of her teeth - undergoing vigorous drug testing to prove she wasn’t using anything (and while [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] is by no means morally concerned, drugging is a line she wouldn’t cross). The ongoing pregnancy drama is something that [name_f]Magda[/name_f] feels is going to cause long-term issues for both her ex-friend and Emmeline’s twin brother: after all, do you really want to take such a gamble when your enemy is literal DNA?

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for teen fatherhood.

[name_m]Ibai[/name_m] [name_m]Théo[/name_m] [name_m]Burr[/name_m] (17) is acquainted with [name_f]Magda[/name_f], more than people would assume. He’s Elixane’s father and Avalon’s current boyfriend. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] had considered proposing to her despite not marrying until adulthood, but ultimately decided against it and felt like he and [name_f]Avalon[/name_f] should focus on the stage of raising their daughter before taking more steps in their relationship to avoid moving too fast. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] used to be close with Emmeline’s twin brother, which faded when he became more hostile. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] was ticked off when his then-friend and his twin sister got a scholarship to a dream college. Their parents had been pushing them to attend given their parents were best friends with the dean. This wasn’t out of envy, seeing Idai felt their mother had a lot of power and it was “obvious” they’d get accepted, but because they kept asking [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] to help them cheat answers and went to other people after he refused. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] broke off this friendship but lately the other boy has been more needy towards him, which later [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] realised was because of mutual teen fatherhood. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] questioned why the other boy was telling him about his teen fatherhood while others were being told that he wasn’t the father of Stacia’s unborn child. Why wasn’t he trying to stop these rumours? Did the rumours benefit him? [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] knew the rumours of Stacia’s child having a different father were false, but didn’t believe his ex-friend was the starter of said rumours because he had already told [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] that he was the father. However, he didn’t know [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] was the starter of these rumours because he didn’t know her as well as her twin.

However [name_f]Magda[/name_f], who is in his social studies class, has had a rivalry with [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] and the two related on having fake ex-friends they couldn’t stand. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] was the classmate who asked [name_f]Magda[/name_f] if she’d reconcile with [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] but now that he’s known more about [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f], he knows she is a horrible person and terrible to [name_f]Magda[/name_f] and many others. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] supports [name_f]Magda[/name_f] in the feud against [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] but is not leaving [name_f]Avalon[/name_f] for [name_f]Magda[/name_f], and immediately nipped that idea in the bud before [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] could make another nasty rumour with that. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] is a confident person and he admits fatherhood has changed him, mostly for the better since it’s made him a more responsible person who looks out for other’s emotions, but he’s also more nervous too since he had a sense of nervousness about how to care for a baby when [name_f]Elixane[/name_f] was born. This makes him nervous around his ex-friend and he isn’t as brave as [name_f]Magda[/name_f] is. He feels his ex-friend isn’t as toxic as [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] can be, but that he’s not doing enough to end the rumours, which gives off the vibe that he doesn’t mind these complete lies. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] since realised that the people who gave the twins the answers on schoolwork to help them cheat were doing so in fear that they could be the victims of bullying and/or gossip themselves. And some of this was eventually ineffective once the two were able to just steal the answer keys on their own. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] only just got a scholarship and [name_f]Magda[/name_f] is struggling to keep her last scholarship but it’s time for [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] to play chess, not checkers. He expose the twins’ academic dishonesty - but not towards the whole student body like [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] would do to others. He sent these instances of dishonesty to the dream college they’re getting the scholarship to. He knew about a past scandal where a student at that college was about to graduate but got kicked out following exposure of longtime academic dishonesty so the dean is very serious against this. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] doesn’t want to draw attention but he has no problem sitting back and knowing the twins and their parents can get pegged down a few notches.

Avalon & Elixane were created by @jinxed_peach.

[wandering_willow]

tw: social anxiety + panic attacks

[name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] [name_f]Lourdes[/name_f] [name_m]Burr[/name_m] (16) is the little sister of [name_m]Ibai[/name_m], and aunt of [name_f]Elixane[/name_f], who attends the same high school as them and is well-informed of the current drama surrounding the Vanderkirk twins. [name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] is much more reserved than her older brother and keeps to herself most of the time, but still likes hearing about all the crazy stuff that happens at her brother’s school. She’s recently taken an interest in photography, and is interested in pursuing it as a potential career, having proudly joined her school’s photography club and overcoming her social fears. [name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] is a straight-A student and a fastidious academic, but she has crippling social anxiety that’s limited her from doing things she’s wanted to over the years.

It was worst for her in freshman year, when she started experiencing panic attacks. Her mother took her to a therapist to get her into a better mental state, and she’s lucky she’s had such a wonderful family to rely on, including [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] who has always listened to her and offered her supportive whenever she’s needed it. [name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] also started talking to her school’s guidance counselor, who she feels has helped her tremendously. The counselor was actually the one who suggested [name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] take up photography, as Ainhoa’s always had an eye for artistic things and excelled in her digital photography class in sophomore year. She considers it an art form and loves how she can express herself using her camera.

[name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] loves spending time with her niece, [name_f]Elixane[/name_f], who’s the apple of her eye. [name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] isn’t sure if she wants kids herself yet, but she’s happy to take care of Ibai’s whenever. She’s also developed a kind of older-sister relationship with [name_f]Avalon[/name_f] McCook, who she spends lots of time talking to on the phone and often asks for advice about things going on in her life such as the new friends she’s made in her photo club, the upcoming senior year, and college choices, which have been on Ainhoa’s mind lately. She hopes she can spend a semester abroad in [name_u]France[/name_u] or Spain, particularly the Basque-speaking areas.

For now, Ainhoa’s still dealing with a lot of social anxiety, but her new friends and likeminded individuals have helped her a lot, and she’s even started to put herself out there more, attending her school’s basketball and football games with friends, and having sleepovers on Fridays and Saturdays. [name_m]Ibai[/name_m] is really proud of his little sister, and she’s proud of him too for getting into college and overall being a great person.

[Era_Laine]

tw: mention of being pressured to sleep with someone

[name_f]Cassiopeia[/name_f] " [name_u]Cass[/name_u] " [name_f]Maren[/name_f] McCook (16) is a new friend of Ainhoa’s. The two met and hit it off in the photography club, as they are both considering photography as a career. The girls share another connection, as [name_u]Cass[/name_u] is the younger sister of [name_f]Avalon[/name_f]. They both are completely in love with their niece [name_f]Elixane[/name_f]. [name_u]Cass[/name_u] hates drama, so the Vanderkirk twins are two people she gives a wide berth. It’s hard to avoid [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f], as [name_u]Cass[/name_u] is on the cheerleading team. She’s debating coming off because Emmeline’s toxicity is hard to handle sometimes.

Something a lot of people aren’t aware of is that [name_u]Cass[/name_u] and Emmeline’s brother had a brief relationship two years ago. It was kept secret from everyone at the time for various reasons. [name_u]Cass[/name_u] knew her parents, [name_f]Avalon[/name_f], and older brother wouldn’t approve. The Vanderkirks certainly wouldn’t have, as the McCooks aren’t well-off. A few months into the relationship, Emmeline’s brother pressured her to sleep with him. [name_u]Cass[/name_u] refused and confessed everything to [name_f]Avalon[/name_f], who then told their parents. The relationship ended, and [name_u]Cass[/name_u] assumed Emmeline’s brother never told anyone, as there were no rumors in school. [name_u]Cass[/name_u] recently told [name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] about this, furthering the girl’s dislike of Emmeline’s brother.

[name_f]Cassiopeia[/name_f] is happy being single, and after her first disaster of a relationship, is content waiting until she’s a bit older. Cass’s parents finally relented and let her get a dog last month. Her name is [name_f]Birdie[/name_f], and [name_u]Cass[/name_u] loves being a dog mom. [name_u]Cass[/name_u] loves people and has no fear when striking up conversations. She’s been encouraging [name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] to get out there more and is always right there to help her. [name_u]Cass[/name_u] and [name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] are having a sleepover next week with some other photography club girls.

[CherryBomb50]

[name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] [name_u]Shae[/name_u] [name_u]Bixby[/name_u] (15) [name_u]Cass[/name_u] and Ainhoa’s fellow photography club friend and another member of the sleepover group. [name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] loves sleepovers, especially the movie part, but also enjoys games. She has an older paternal half-sister named [name_u]Marley[/name_u] and a younger 13-year-old full-sister. She’s happy for [name_u]Cass[/name_u] standing up to Emmeline’s brother but doesn’t know yet what it was about. [name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] often wears dress-code abiding attire at school, but outside, she’s comfortable wearing whatever she wants and loves making temporary ideas for tattoos that she plans to have permanently when she’s 18. That doesn’t mean she’s okay with people sleeping with her, in fact, she’s never done that before. She has had her first kiss, but this was a cheek kiss and she’s technically never been kissed. Her first kiss was to someone she knew from another club. She loved her and the other girl let her kiss, but after [name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] dyed her hair blue and felt comfortable being herself, the other girl dissed her and asked, “You really think I want to date that?” [name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] took it pretty well though, stating she doesn’t need romance to be happy and that the girl she was falling for was fake and didn’t deserve her.

[name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] loves photography despite being a year younger than [name_u]Cass[/name_u] and [name_f]Ainhoa[/name_f] and [name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] is in the club as well. [name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] finds [name_f]Magda[/name_f] like a surrogate older sister given their fabulous hair colours but it wasn’t until speaking with [name_f]Magda[/name_f] that [name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] realised the fake girl who led her on was [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] herself. Since then she hates [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] and her brother and recently found out they got turned away from their dream college for cheating, which [name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] finds satisfying. She doesn’t know if [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] started a rumour about her since or if she just “wasn’t interesting enough” or if [name_f]Magda[/name_f] ended it before it began. [name_f]Eirwen[/name_f] doesn’t have time for [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] or her brother though and believes people should stop giving them power. She relaxes with photography and really enjoys everyone in that club, grateful that nobody there is her enemy.

Marley was created by @wandering_willow.

[kitkatcookie]

cw: general trash behaviour, entitlement, manipulation

[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] " [name_m]Kale[/name_m] " [name_m]Bartholomew[/name_m] Vanderkirk (17) is someone Eirwen’s very aware of: he’s Cass’s ex, the father of Stacia’s child and twin to the looming figure, [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f]. Raised in wealth, [name_m]Kale[/name_m] quickly learned that money’s an object and that ‘no’ isn’t something to be taken seriously. He’s extremely entitled, something that inevitably destroys his relationships with women, but also emotionally evasive and the idea of settling makes him uncomfortable, not that [name_m]Kale[/name_m] ever displays fragility or doubt around other’s. For as far back as he can remember, his father emphasised the necessity of composure and donning stoicism in the face of everything life throws at you: teachings Kale’s taken to heart. Of course this means he attracts similar personalities, and he exists in a friend group of the wealthy elite guys of his high school, many of whom have no time for academics, and are instead avid about partying, participating in machismo sporting events and showboating their wealth.

Kale’s no different. He’s a champion of the school’s swim team and takes his position seriously, perhaps his one passion from childhood his parents approved of and encouraged. The water always appealed to [name_m]Kale[/name_m], it was somewhere the mask wasn’t even needed as determination took its place, however this is top secret information, which he shares only with [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f].

While competitive in many senses, there’s an odd loyalty between the twins, which has morphed to mirror their unpleasant natures. They’re more than willing to backstab and slander to protect one another, in a twisted display of love. [name_m]Kale[/name_m] has tormented and terrorised any boy [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] considered showed too much interest in her, and now he’s a bit more apt with words than fists, has his wealthy clique on stand-by to help slut shame any girl she deems a target. In one of his worst moments, [name_m]Kale[/name_m] got his friend to date a girl [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] hated, solely so they could then gossip about her private life with valid insights. When the girl reached breaking point and slashed the tires of his friends’ care [allegedly, following police investigations drawing a blank], [name_m]Kale[/name_m] paid for replacements…but became warier of his tormenting.

The Vanderkirks’ wanted [name_m]Kale[/name_m] to pursue a relationship with [name_f]Amy[/name_f] [name_u]Glasgow[/name_u], given her prestigious family name, and while nothing came of this - [name_f]Amy[/name_f] and [name_m]Kale[/name_m] quickly proved to have nothing in common, as well as little affection - his mom’s recently been trying to introduce him to a cousin of his sisters’ close friend. [name_m]Kale[/name_m] knows his parents want nothing more than for him to marry into wealth like their own, however name reputation is everything. [name_u]An[/name_u] old money family will do them wonders, and his impregnating of Stacia’s causing massive amounts of stress for him, as what well-to-do clan want a son-in-law who fathered a baby by the age of 18? While he might play dumb around his friends, [name_m]Kale[/name_m] knows [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f] started the rumour for his benefit - something he’s very grateful for - but talking to [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] worries him. He can’t charm her now she’s seen his true nature, and he really needs to deny he’s her child’s father…

Emmeline is credited to @jinxed_peach

Stacia’s credited to @CherryBomb50

[Era_Laine]

tw: child born with a heart defect

[name_f]Rosemary[/name_f] [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] [name_u]Larimer[/name_u] [name_m]Caldwell[/name_m] (nee Glasgow) (24) is the older sister of the girl who’s getting introduced to [name_m]Kale[/name_m]. The sisters are cousins of [name_f]Amy[/name_f] on their dad’s side. [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] has been disowned by her family for three years now, though. When she was twenty-one, she gave birth to a beautiful girl and refused to give her daughter up for adoption. Her parents weren’t happy with that, so out she went. They gave her enough money to get an apartment, and [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] was already working as a freelance writer. The Glasgows may have brought her back into the family had it not been for the next thing she did; marry into the [name_u]Larimer[/name_u] [name_m]Caldwell[/name_m] family.

The [name_u]Larimer[/name_u] Caldwells and the Glasgows have never gotten along. A business deal gone south a few generations ago cemented their hatred for one another. [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] hadn’t meant to get involved with the broody [name_u]Larimer[/name_u] [name_m]Caldwell[/name_m] heir, who is a few years older than her. But he lived across the hall from her – wanting some independence from his parents – and they got to know each other well. They eloped last year – a few months after his proposal at an [name_m]Ed[/name_m] Sheeran concert – with only his and Araceli’s respective best friends and her daughter present. His parents aren’t happy about the marriage but tolerate it. The newlyweds have a house now with a big backyard that their three-year-old daughter loves to play in. Araceli’s husband adopted her daughter and is a wonderful father.

[name_f]Araceli[/name_f] tries to keep in contact with her younger sister. Her parents don’t like it but aren’t quite willing to sever the sisters’ relationship. [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] hopes her sister won’t involve herself with [name_m]Kale[/name_m]. She’s heard about the Vanderkirk twins and their awful ways. Her husband knows the family of the girl [name_m]Kale[/name_m] got his friend to date. She is glad the girl didn’t end up in jail for slashing the guy’s tires. [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] has recently been enduring her mother-in-law’s questions about when she’ll get another grandchild. She and her husband are thinking about having another child, but [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] wishes her mother-in-law would stop asking. [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] tries not to show her annoyance, though. Despite her faults, Mrs. [name_u]Larimer[/name_u] [name_m]Caldwell[/name_m] is a woman with a good heart who dotes on her granddaughter, even if she doesn’t exactly like [name_f]Araceli[/name_f].

Araceli’s mom is Mexican-American and African-American, so [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] grew up exposed to different cultures. She’s an amazing cook and knows recipes from all over the world. [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] is trying to teach her husband how to make a few Mexican dishes, which she learned from her grandmother. A few months ago, [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] started a charity for children with congenital heart disease. It’s something close to her heart, as her daughter was born with a heart defect. It’s a mild defect but will have to be monitored over time. [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] is glad that it doesn’t interfere with her daughter’s love for playing and running around.

[jinxed_peach]

tw: mentioned death of a sibling

[name_u]Ellis[/name_u] [name_u]Kennedy[/name_u] [name_m]Colter[/name_m] (nee [name_u]Ellis[/name_u] [name_u]Lee[/name_u] Kennedy) [48] is someone who has donated to Araceli’s charity, the cause is also very close to her heart as when she was a child her parents told her that she would be getting a new little brother or sister. Though her sibling would end up being stillborn due to a severe heart defect. [name_u]Ellis[/name_u] was only able to meet her baby sister twice. Once at the hospital and once at the funeral. The experience was certainly formative for her and despite the expectation that it would make her more empathetic and kind, it actually made her more cynical. She felt as though the world was an unjust cruel place, and that we simply need to make the best of it instead of going through life with stars in your eyes.

At least that’s her reasoning as to why she threw out her teenage daughter, [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] after she told [name_u]Ellis[/name_u] that she was pregnant. “The real world is chaos.” she said, justifying her action to her husband who at the time, agreed wholeheartedly with his wife. Though in the six months since [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] moved in with her brother, [name_m]Felix[/name_m], things have changed between them, [name_u]Ellis[/name_u] and her husband have hit some hard times in their relationship. Her husband was out shopping for groceries one day when he ran into a now very pregnant [name_f]Stacia[/name_f]. She was standing in one of the aisles trying to decide between putting her and Felix’s limited funds towards a loaf of bread or diapers. The visual was startling, and heartrending. Right then, Mr. [name_m]Colter[/name_m] decided to approach his daughter.

After a tearful reunion he ended up helping to pay for her groceries and profusely apologizing to his daughter for having abandoned her. When he helped her bring the groceries home, he also apologized to his [name_m]Felix[/name_m] for having suspended the tuition payments for his master’s program. While the relationship between the father and his children is still fresh and tender, [name_f]Stacia[/name_f] and [name_m]Felix[/name_m] are leaning towards forgiving him.

[name_u]Ellis[/name_u] of course is not happy about this having happened. For now the couple are still officially married but Mr. [name_m]Colter[/name_m] is currently sleeping in the guest room with plans to file for a separation and eventually divorce. [name_u]Ellis[/name_u] was hurt at first, but now she more so feels that the trash has taken itself out. A little harsh perhaps, but her best friend, Mrs. Vanderkirk, doesn’t think so.

---

[name_m]Felix[/name_m] was created by me

[name_f]Stacia[/name_f] was created by @CherryBomb50

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Julia[/name_f] [name_u]Anne[/name_u] [name_u]Sullivan[/name_u] (48) is a long-time friend and confidante of [name_u]Ellis[/name_u] [name_u]Kennedy[/name_u] [name_m]Colter[/name_m]. They have been close since their college days and have supported each other through thick and thin. [name_f]Julia[/name_f] is a compassionate and empathetic woman with a warm heart. She has a calming presence and a knack for giving wise advice. With her elegant blonde hair and bright blue eyes, [name_f]Julia[/name_f] exudes an air of wisdom and grace. She is known for her nurturing nature and genuine concern for the well-being of those around her. [name_f]Julia[/name_f] is a strong believer in second chances and believes in the power of forgiveness. She often serves as a voice of reason for [name_u]Ellis[/name_u], offering her support and helping her see things from different perspectives. Despite their contrasting viewpoints on some matters, their friendship remains strong, and they continue to be a pillar of support for each other in challenging times.

[CherryBomb50]

[name_u]Edan[/name_u] [name_u]Bliss[/name_u] [name_u]Sullivan[/name_u] (25) is Julia’s daughter, who doesn’t feel the same way in terms of support. She wants nothing to do with the [name_m]Colter[/name_m] clan because unlike many who are involved with at least one [name_m]Colter[/name_m], [name_u]Edan[/name_u] doesn’t care. She enjoys [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] though and supports her cause for her daughter, working in the charity alongside her. [name_u]Edan[/name_u] and [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] are great friends and although [name_u]Edan[/name_u] doesn’t have - or know anyone who has - a severe heart condition, she’s felt a closer awareness since working for the charity.

[name_u]Edan[/name_u] is in a relationship with a woman she’s dated for 5 months and their relationship is going very nicely. Recently, they’ve both admitted something that would make tremendous impact on the relationship - they’re both polyamourous and while they’re alright with two and committed with one another, they’re considering the possibility of a third partner. There’s another woman they’re eyeing and both have a crush on her but are nervous about the idea of pursuing this.

[name_u]Edan[/name_u] feels very close with her mother and knows [name_f]Julia[/name_f] is sometimes a little too nice. [name_u]Edan[/name_u] herself was that way at first due to her somewhat shy nature but she’s more confident thanks to her girlfriend and best friend [name_f]Anni[/name_f]. [name_u]Edan[/name_u] is always rooting on Anni’s activism for preserving Hawaiian nativity. She greatly admires Anni’s pride for her hometown and her desire to preserve it. [name_f]Anni[/name_f], [name_f]Araceli[/name_f], and [name_u]Edan[/name_u] always help one another and feel braver and more headstrong about what they want with one another’s support. Edan’s girlfriend knows them well and while neither [name_f]Anni[/name_f] nor [name_f]Araceli[/name_f] are the woman the couple considers recruiting for a throuple, she knows [name_u]Edan[/name_u] will never stop being their good friend.

Anni was created by @Swimmere1223.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f]Winona[/name_f] " [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] " [name_f]Scarlet[/name_f] Ashgrove (25) is Edan’s girlfriend. A freelance illustrator who specialises in marketing, [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] got her big break making the logo for “Amy’s [name_f]Deal[/name_f]” - a tribute to [name_f]Amy[/name_f] [name_u]Briar[/name_u] from a local bakehouse and coffee shop. [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] was recommended to the owner of the business - Bask with a Brew - by her best friend [name_f]Irma[/name_f], who’s an aunt to the late Amy’s niece, [name_f]Hope[/name_f]. She’s subsequently worked for an array of small businesses, and wants to continue in this circuit, althougy on the side she does use Etsy to sell t-shirts with original designs for some extra spending money. While “Amy’s Deal” is based in two locations, Winnie’s done work for other shops, as there’s exactly 5 nationwide, each of which have their own fundraisers and donation pools.

Unlike [name_u]Edan[/name_u], [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] has some proximity to the Colter’s, something she can’t detach or disengage from. She’s the older sister of the infamous [alleged] tyre slasher, and has heard a lot about [name_m]Kale[/name_m] Vanderkirk and his ‘hoard of cronies’, as [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] refers to them. While [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] knows her sister did, in fact, take revenge, she’s been honest with [name_u]Edan[/name_u] that it isn’t something she’ll hold against her: the scheme of humiliation and shaming the Vanderkirk twins cooked up with their friend - ‘the mouthbreather’ as [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] calls him - deserved retribution. It also had the benefit of dissuading the twins from their more extravagant plots, so [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] considers it the lesser of two evils.

Regardless of this, [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] completely supports Edan’s choice to disengage from all forms of drama, assurring her girlfriend it’s not her place to become involved in smoothing over the lives of others. Winnie’s mom’s a retired nurse and she saw her burdened with a lot of demands, which is where her mentality of choosing what you fight for originated, as it upset her seeing people demand and expect so much. This was worsened by the fact Winnie’s mom raised her daughters’ without any assistance: their dad passed away before her little sister was born and his family disliked Mrs Ashgrove, while her maternal family - the Rancini’s - are people you’d really rather not get involved in. [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] calls them the ‘blue collar Vanderkirks’ for all thr trouble they’ve caused in Arkansas, where her mom was born. This hasn’t stopped her from becoming close with her maternal cousin though, who chose to break away from the clan thanks to their toxic ways.

---

Irma’s credited to @CherryBomb50

Hope’s credited to @moonwriteen

[kitkatcookie]

b u m p !

@moonwriteen
@olivelovesnames
@Era_Laine
@mynameis1
@wandering_willow
@szinkle
@go_ask_alice

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Sienna[/name_f] [name_u]Rae[/name_u] [name_m]Martin[/name_m] (22) is Winnie’s closest friend and former roommate. They met in college, where they both majored in art and design. [name_f]Sienna[/name_f] comes from a wealthy family but rejects their lifestyle and values, which often puts her at odds with them. She’s always been drawn to Winnie’s down-to-earth attitude and free-spirited nature, and the two quickly became inseparable after meeting. [name_f]Sienna[/name_f] now works as a freelance graphic designer and spends most of her free time volunteering at local animal shelters. She’s a huge animal lover and dreams of one day opening up her own no-kill shelter and rescue.

[olivelovesnames]

tw: dead-beat parents, alcoholism, drugs/overdose, abandonment

[name_m]Andrew[/name_m] [name_m]Keith[/name_m] Rudgear (24) is Sienna’s boyfriend. The two met at an animal shelter where [name_f]Sienna[/name_f] was working when [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] came in to adopt his younger puppy, Moo. After she helped him choose a puppy, he asked her to go out for coffee, and they found out they went to the same college. [name_f]Sienna[/name_f] also fell in love with Andrew’s other puppy, [name_f]Dottie[/name_f], as well as Moo – [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] lovingly jokes that she only got together with him for the dogs. [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] & [name_f]Sienna[/name_f] have been dating for 2 years now, and they are planning to move in together soon.

[name_m]Andrew[/name_m] grew up in a highly toxic household. After his dad died of an overdose when [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] was 6 years old, his mom walked out on him and his 2 year old sister. Police found out and they went to live with their Aunt [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and Uncle [name_u]Scott[/name_u]. [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] loved his aunt and uncle, became very close with them, and found his love for animals through his aunt and uncle’s cats, [name_f]Perla[/name_f] & [name_u]Coco[/name_u]. After 2 years with [name_f]Betty[/name_f] & [name_u]Scott[/name_u], [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] and his sister were put back in the care of their mother, much to the disappointment of [name_f]Betty[/name_f], [name_u]Scott[/name_u], [name_m]Andrew[/name_m], & Andrew’s little sister. Andrew’s mom had started dating a toxic guy named [name_m]Chip[/name_m] who hated [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] and his sister. [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] would find wine bottles in closets, buckets, desk drawers, anywhere the kids wouldn’t find them. He would protect his sister from them. The two kids weren’t allowed to call Aunt [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and Uncle [name_u]Scott[/name_u], which angered [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] so much. When he was 10, Mom and [name_m]Chip[/name_m] had a baby girl, Andrew’s half-sister. [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] felt that it was completely his responsibility to protect his half-sister. 3 more half-siblings came after her, 2 boys and another girl. [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] and his biological sister took care of their 4 half-siblings and kept a close watch on them.

Aunt [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and Uncle [name_u]Scott[/name_u] continued to help the kids out, and they provided [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] with money to go to college. They’d been saving for [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] and his sister. [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] was hesitant to take it, but finally realized that if he went to college, he’d be out of his home and could help his younger siblings better. He was the first of his immediate family to go to college, and is studied in Social Work, so he can help other kids around the world. His sister is now in college, and the two of them continue to protect and take care of their little siblings. His oldest half-sister is now 14, and she’s taking care of her 6 and 5 year old brothers and 3 year old sister. With [name_f]Sienna[/name_f], Aunt [name_f]Betty[/name_f], & Uncle Scott’s help, they are trying to get legal custody of their half-siblings. It’s hard, but they are strong.

[kitkatcookie]

tw: dead-beat parents, alcoholism, drugs/overdose, abandonment

[name_f]Winona[/name_f] " [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] " [name_u]Rose[/name_u] Rudgear (20) is Andrew’s sister, and ‘force of nature’ as their aunt and uncle affectionately call her. A visual art and communication major, Wynn’s currently focusing on producing her own fashion concept videos, something she takes a lot of pride in, and her dedication to this is notably fastidious. Some would argue the focused nature of Wynn’s personality stems from growing up amidst so much disappointment and abandonment, with her wanting to prevent a similar future for herself. She’s never been the most outgoing person, with the intense side of herself reserved for her projects, and really it hasn’t changed much, as explaining her family history is always uncomfortable to new acquaintances. As she once told her brother, even saying ‘it’s complicated’ feels oversimplified.

To say that [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] and her mother - [name_f]Gina[/name_f] Kinkaid - have a contentious relationship would be an understatement. The fact her return was dominated by [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] refusing to settle and screaming she wanted to go back to [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and [name_u]Scott[/name_u] ignited an immature jealousy in [name_f]Gina[/name_f] - who never was close to her brother, [name_u]Scott[/name_u] - meaning she decided her bond with her then-youngest child had been ruined. Gina’s lack of effort was noticed by [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] as she grew older, and when [name_m]Chip[/name_m] came into the picture, things became even worse. The cycle of watching them fight then makeup was exhausting for [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] and [name_m]Andrew[/name_m], and that was before their half-siblings were born: something that provided no real peace.

When she was 15, [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] took matters into her own hands and poured a substantial amount of alcohol her pseudo stepfather had purchased down the toilet. [name_f]Gina[/name_f] reacted like any responsible, loving mother and proceded to scream at her eldest daughter, demanding to know why [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] couldn’t ‘appreciate’ [name_m]Chip[/name_m] given her own father had died. [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] responded by leaving the house and staying with her best friend for 3 days, before a worried [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] managed to convince her to return home, as their younger sister had become incredibly upset.

A year ago, [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] was diagnosed with OCD and ADHD. This was another old haunt of contention, as several teachers had asked [name_f]Gina[/name_f] to have her assessed, but she ‘didn’t have time’: a bit of a confusing statement seeing as she never seemed to do anything much, including paying attention to her children. It’s helped a great deal for [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] though, whose found answers: especially when it comes to her bouts of anxiety [something she was diagnosed with at 13] and inconsistency with academics when she was at school. Wynn’s definitely like her aunt and uncle when it comes to animals though: a total cat person. She intends on adopting her own once she’s graduated, however for now she’s perfectly content taking on other people’s, and it never impacts how she dotes on [name_f]Dottie[/name_f] and Moo.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for drug overdoses (aforementioned) and foetal alcohol syndrome.

[name_f]Bettany[/name_f] “ [name_f]Betty[/name_f] “ [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] [Pelte] Kinkaid (52) is [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] and Andrew’s maternal aunt (in-law) and the sister-in-law to [name_f]Gina[/name_f]. She and [name_u]Scott[/name_u] are very close to [name_m]Andrew[/name_m], [name_u]Wynn[/name_u], and their half-siblings. She hates the way [name_f]Gina[/name_f] has gone and she feels bad for [name_u]Scott[/name_u] but hardly insults anyone outright. [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and [name_u]Scott[/name_u] both helped [name_f]Gina[/name_f] through the grieving process of Gina’s late husband and [name_f]Betty[/name_f] believed [name_f]Gina[/name_f] didn’t get as much support as she could’ve about the loss. [name_f]Betty[/name_f] reassured [name_u]Scott[/name_u] that it’s not his fault and that they were very nice to [name_f]Gina[/name_f] but feels other family and friends gave the stigma associated with drug overdoses instead of comforting [name_f]Gina[/name_f] when she needed it most.

Betty’s tried to stay close with [name_f]Gina[/name_f] but that changed when [name_m]Chip[/name_m] entered the picture. [name_f]Betty[/name_f] felt [name_m]Chip[/name_m] was an outlet for [name_f]Gina[/name_f] because he was also struggling in addiction. However she hated him and felt he was going the wrong direction. Instead of trying to break his habit, he just got sneakier hiding it. When 15-year-old [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] came back after staying with a friend for three days, [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and [name_u]Scott[/name_u] welcomed her back with a hug. [name_f]Perla[/name_f] and [name_u]Coco[/name_u], the two cats of her and [name_u]Scott[/name_u], also gave her support. They treated her to dinner away from [name_f]Gina[/name_f] and [name_m]Chip[/name_m] and complimented her on her bravery and strength. They also did this to help [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] get to college, helping him pay for the one he wanted, but never dragged [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] on her academic struggles faced on her family life. [name_f]Betty[/name_f] herself had good money as a film editor, but never let it get to her head and pursued this despite her family wanting her to become a police officer.

A big argument has broken between [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and [name_f]Gina[/name_f] after discovering the youngest of the children had foetal alcohol syndrome. [name_f]Betty[/name_f] was told during Gina’s pregnancy with her last child that [name_f]Gina[/name_f] didn’t drink alcohol during pregnancy. However a month before [name_f]Gina[/name_f] gave birth to her last sibling, she admitted she had a little alcohol but insisted her doctor told her “a little is okay”. [name_f]Betty[/name_f] didn’t believe [name_f]Gina[/name_f] and reprimanded, “No way would a doctor say that. If they did, find a new doctor.” [name_f]Gina[/name_f] was angered that [name_f]Betty[/name_f] would accuse her of lying and asked, “What about the times [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] and [name_u]Wynn[/name_u] said they were fine when they weren’t? That’s lying too, isn’t it?” [name_f]Betty[/name_f] just shook her head. After the birth of her last daughter, [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and [name_u]Scott[/name_u] took the developmental difficulties into their own hands for the little girl, knowing she suffered enough. It was the last straw for [name_f]Betty[/name_f], knowing she and [name_u]Scott[/name_u] had to fight to protect these children. [name_f]Betty[/name_f] never treated the youngest like she was a burden for her disabilities and helped her rather than always distancing her from the other siblings. [name_f]Betty[/name_f] has also been mentoring the 14-year-old girl, whom she sees some of Wynn’s personality in her, and she and [name_u]Scott[/name_u] focus on helping her with her mental health. [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and [name_u]Scott[/name_u] are always a call away for [name_m]Andrew[/name_m] and [name_u]Wynn[/name_u], not forgetting about them and wanting them to be okay.