tw: neglect
Shan-Chen " [name_f]Shannon[/name_f] " Weng (32) is Gus’ teacher, who usually hears his stories about belonging to such a large family, something that amuses her often. Hearing about the family lives of her students is something Shannon’s incredibly enthusiastic about, as it helps get them comfortable listening to her as they can tell she grants them the same respect, however when she was starting as her career, it wasn’t so enjoyable. While working as an assistant during her first placement, [name_f]Shannon[/name_f] began being spoken to often by one of her students, whose stories of their home life soon began to concern her. It became obvious the student was being neglected by their father - a single parent - and, after [name_f]Shannon[/name_f] reported her findings, CPS would end up becoming involved, with the child being sent to live with a thankfully responsible family member.
Although this hasn’t happened again, it’s made [name_f]Shannon[/name_f] a particularly attentive teacher where her students well-being is concerned. She’s careful to not overstep boundaries though, while being emotionally available to those in her charge should they need to talk to her. The approach she takes usually allows a calmer classroom environment to prevail but there are madder moments, especially when it’s a trip outside of the school and manic excitement reigns supreme [something [name_f]Shannon[/name_f] was warned about when she chose to teach younger children].
Being Taiwanese-American, [name_f]Shannon[/name_f] also does her best to encourage her students to embrace any and all cultural backgrounds they have, as well as cooking traditional food for them to try so it’s a two way street. Outside of work she’s likewise dedicated to cooking, albeit for her friends and family, being very close to them. To combat her love of food, Shannon’s dedicated to cycling and climbing whenever she has the chance, alongside visiting a plethora of galleries and museums, never losing her fascination with learning. She lives with her boyfriend and their Dalmatian, [name_f]Petal[/name_f], who was a rescue adopted by them as a puppy, with a photo sitting pride of place on her desk.
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cw: teen pregnancy
[name_f]Annabella[/name_f] " [name_f]Belle[/name_f] " [name_f]Lois[/name_f] Hulton, nee [name_m]Truman[/name_m] (26) is Shannon’s colleague, who jokingly refers to herself as ‘chief assistant’ where the children are concerned. Having become a mother at 17 - to a now 9-year-old daughter - Belle’s put her plans on becoming a special needs teacher on hold until her firstborn started attending school, and she currently works as a 1-2-1 support worker for specific students. Now qualified, she gave birth to her second daughter a year ago, and keeps her schedule part-time, as her husband works from home, meaning there’s always some present for their children: the most important thing to [name_f]Belle[/name_f].
Something that surprises people is that Belle’s husband is the father of both of her children. In part it’s because their girls’ very much take after one parent more so - the youngest is the spitting image of her dad, while their eldest is Belle’s mini-me - but also due to the situation: a lot of teenage couples who conceive don’t work out. It wasn’t straight forward for the Hulton’s though. They did break up before their first child was born and co-parented until she was 2, at which point they realised they still had feelings for one another, reuniting and then marrying when their daughter was 5.
Belle’s parents were also supportive and caring through this process, not blaming or judging their daughter for her circumstances. It surprises people as she very much was a stereotype of an enviable teen: popular, poised and Prom [name_f]Queen[/name_f] the year before she got pregnant. [name_f]Belle[/name_f] did consider home schooling after this happened, fearing the judgement of her social circles, but she did end up returning after thinking long and hard about this, feeling it would only prove those who criticised her ‘right’ in their minds. It wasn’t easy for her, however Belle’s always had a toughness to her, in spite of how delicate and prim she usually appears.
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[name_f]Corinthia[/name_f] “ [name_f]Corra[/name_f] “ [name_f]Gillian[/name_f] [name_m]Truman[/name_m] (30) is Belle’s older sister and the sister-in-law to her husband. She was captain of the chess team when she was in school, being the nerd but a type of nerd no one wants to mess with. Never argue with smart people. Still, she was quiet, but in a peaceful way. She remembers her sister [name_f]Belle[/name_f] asking her a lot about her growing up and teenage life, and she remembers giving her lots of advice. [name_f]Belle[/name_f] didn’t have to have [name_f]Corra[/name_f] guide her through everything thankfully, since [name_f]Belle[/name_f] was a natural at adjusting and was an instinctively likable person. When [name_f]Belle[/name_f] won Prom [name_f]Queen[/name_f], [name_f]Corra[/name_f] was proud and realised [name_f]Belle[/name_f] didn’t really need her help.
Until the day [name_f]Belle[/name_f] confessed to [name_f]Corra[/name_f] she was pregnant. [name_f]Corra[/name_f] didn’t want to make a bad reaction and ruin a crucial moment for her sister’s life. So she said nothing. She didn’t want to sound angrily negative but also didn’t want to pass off like Belle’s news wasn’t a big deal. [name_f]Belle[/name_f] was nervous initially by the silence, but [name_f]Corra[/name_f] softly stated, “I’m listening,” indicating [name_f]Belle[/name_f] could go on. [name_f]Corra[/name_f] never blamed Belle’s boyfriend like he was “at a fault” but got to know him more over time. She’s grateful to be part of Belle’s support system and that their parents were too, especially given the fact [name_f]Belle[/name_f] was being teased by others at her school.
[name_f]Corra[/name_f] is proud of Belle’s resilience and is happy her nieces are raised by excellent people. [name_f]Corra[/name_f] is happy that [name_f]Shannon[/name_f] is a great person for [name_f]Belle[/name_f] to lean on and that [name_f]Belle[/name_f] works in an environment of people who don’t judge her in any way. [name_f]Corra[/name_f] is a very “zen” person, having a lot of relaxation and self discipline, where small things don’t really bother her. She used to be more intimidating with her wit but she’s now more relaxed. She lives in a small apartment but dreams of being in a secluded cottage. Her personal alarm to wake up is the sound of birds chirping to give a more natural way to wake up. Her voice tone is quieter and a little slower than usual which she got over time from her lifestyle. [name_f]Corra[/name_f] takes in silence and deep breathing in her day to feel more at ease. She’s a lifestyle coach, which she’s happy to live for and while she loves being in solitude, she also enjoys being around good people as well. She loves the beautiful wedding [name_f]Belle[/name_f] had with Mr. Hulton and she’s glad [name_f]Belle[/name_f] and her husband couldn’t find a better match.
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[name_m]Cody[/name_m] [name_m]Tanner[/name_m] Hulton (26) is Corra’s brother-in-law and Belle’s husband. He writes limericks and short stories to pass time. He works from home to support his daughters. He had a good parental support system yet it took some time to get his mother on board. His mother didn’t mind what he and [name_f]Belle[/name_f] did as teenagers. She just wanted them to use contraceptives. She told her children this when they first started dating people. [name_m]Even[/name_m] the relationships that didn’t go that far. She was very disappointed when [name_f]Belle[/name_f] got pregnant but more disappointed by how he tried to protect. He told her he used “the pull out method” which she was aghast because she insisted he use condoms. She says the “pull out method” is not a contraceptive. His mother did not break up the couple, this just phased naturally. But he never gave up and he and [name_f]Belle[/name_f] are happily married. Very little he would change about his and Belle’s life as he prefers no regrets. He loves playing indie games. Welcoming a second daughter was a huge decision for the couple but he loves that this happened at their most stable and effective time. He is much safer now and lives life to the fullest.
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[name_m]Timothie[/name_m] “ [name_m]Tim[/name_m] “ [name_m]Bruce[/name_m] [Jenkins] Godwin (24½) is Cody’s friend he’s met outside school, specifically as part of a program to connect with other young fathers. He’s the husband of [name_f]Taylor[/name_f] Godwin and father to their twin boys. [name_m]Tim[/name_m] loves his parents but doesn’t speak anything of his estranged uncle, something [name_f]Taylor[/name_f] knows, but respects his privacy on. He’s been on board with [name_m]Cody[/name_m] and [name_f]Belle[/name_f] as a couple. He was there for [name_m]Cody[/name_m] when he and [name_f]Belle[/name_f] split, but he’s glad they got back together. Both [name_f]Belle[/name_f] and [name_m]Cody[/name_m] were always active parents and the temporary split and rekindling were natural, not forced by anybody. [name_m]Tim[/name_m] has a different life story with [name_f]Taylor[/name_f], since they did marry at 18 and expect twins at 19. He’s heard different opinions on their love life, with some feeling they “didn’t know what they were doing” and others acting like it was more acceptable for [name_m]Tim[/name_m] and [name_f]Taylor[/name_f] than [name_m]Cody[/name_m] and [name_f]Belle[/name_f] because “they were adults and married”. [name_m]Tim[/name_m] doesn’t want comparisons and he’s the type to not judge others, but also have no desire to be judged. He and [name_f]Taylor[/name_f] consented to everything and likewise [name_f]Belle[/name_f] and [name_m]Cody[/name_m] were consenting adults when they chose to marry and have a second daughter.
[name_m]Tim[/name_m] feels he and [name_f]Taylor[/name_f] are done having children and are fine with just two, despite people acting like they’re too young to make that decision and should maybe have more. When he and [name_m]Cody[/name_m] met with the other young fathers, he appreciated how [name_m]Cody[/name_m] was so respectful with him. [name_m]Tim[/name_m] likes that Cody’s parents didn’t force “abstinence only” and did try to talk about birth control. Tim’s not super emotional but his strongest emotion is embarrassment, and he doesn’t do well after humiliation. This is why he often fears doing stuff in public and why he gets nervous telling people stuff. He wonders if Cody’s embarrassment steered him away from an honest thought about birth control. Though [name_m]Tim[/name_m] wouldn’t say a thing against [name_m]Cody[/name_m], especially since he and [name_f]Belle[/name_f] are at a wonderful point in their relationship against the odds. They’re proud of their daughters and [name_m]Tim[/name_m] is proud of his sons.
[name_m]Tim[/name_m] currently works as a marketer, though he has shifted his hours for more time with his twins. [name_f]Taylor[/name_f] has also since shifted from SAHM to working part-time as well, since one of the harder things about having children young was finances. [name_m]Tim[/name_m] doesn’t let stereotypes control his life and he loves to think that he has all the time left in the world to make decisions, though he knows tomorrow isn’t necessarily guaranteed. Taylor’s older sister [name_f]Calia[/name_f] is in her mid-30s and is a divorcée, though she’s felt the same way and that he hasn’t affected her life. Especially since she’s become a single mother herself to a 1-year-old daughter via IVF and her eggs she’s previously frozen. Calia’s always wanted to be a mother but has constantly had to push back that dream due to other circumstances. So she’s glad she’s able to do this for herself and her daughter. The middle Godwin doesn’t have children but has been an open and active family member who shares similar views on readiness. [name_m]Tim[/name_m] loves the school [name_f]Belle[/name_f] and [name_f]Shannon[/name_f] work for, believing it to be a great school for kids’ learning and well-being.
Taylor was created by @Lindseylloyd052399.
Calia was created by me.
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[name_f]Amabel[/name_f] " [name_f]Aimee[/name_f] " [name_f]Rosamund[/name_f] Godwin (1) is Calia’s daughter, niece of [name_m]Tim[/name_m] and [name_f]Taylor[/name_f], and cousin to their boys. Nicknamed in tribute to her maternal great-grandmother, the family always joke about the fact even if [name_f]Aimee[/name_f] was raised by a couple she’d absolutely favour [name_f]Calia[/name_f], as her mother means everything to the little girl. If separated for too long, [name_f]Aimee[/name_f] becomes quite agitated, although in the past few months, her anxiety has lessened, to Calia’s relief.
Spirited in her own offbeat manner, [name_f]Aimee[/name_f] isn’t particularly bold or headstrong persay in conventional terms, but once something intrigues her, she’s tenacious and determined. At the moment it’s her desire to swim, something [name_f]Calia[/name_f] contends with the second they’re near water. Strangers definitely bring out Aimee’s shyness though, and she’ll always hide behind her mom when this situation arises.
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[name_f][/name_f]
[name_m]Victor[/name_m] [name_f]Avery[/name_f] & [name_m]Elias[/name_m] [name_m]Campbell[/name_m] Godwin (5) are Aimees’ cousins and the children of [name_m]Tim[/name_m] and [name_m]Taylor[/name_m], who are known for their rambunctious energy above all other things. Being born to younger parents means [name_m]Victor[/name_m] and [name_m]Elias[/name_m] have a mom and dad who are well suited to their love of sports, although [name_m]Taylor[/name_m] jokes this is all on paper, and the boys are doing an amazing job tiring them both out. Currently [name_m]Victor[/name_m] plays baseball and softball, while [name_m]Elias[/name_m] prefers soccer and trampolining.
[name_f][/name_f]
These differences are pretty notable as the boys otherwise agree on most things. Their enthusiasm for life is infectious, and something that their parents are very proud of (even if [name_m]Taylor[/name_m] and [name_m]Tim[/name_m] don’t love their attempts at adopting various insects found in the garden). [name_m]Victor[/name_m] tends to be a bit more impulsive and challenging of authority nowadays, whereas [name_m]Elias[/name_m] prefers to go with the flow while also having a very stubborn side to him when pushed.
[name_f][/name_f]
They’re always in agreement when it comes to protecting their little cousin [name_f]Aimee[/name_f] though, a promise made clear to their Aunt [name_f]Calia[/name_f] through all of the shenanigans the duo get themselves into. Another recent change noted is both boys now have their own best friend from their hobbies, but this is something their parents are happy about, as they were worried sharing could provoke insecurities between their children.
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[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Evgenia[/name_f] [name_f]Karena[/name_f] [Williams] Godwin (64) is the grandmother of [name_f]Aimee[/name_f], [name_m]Victor[/name_m], and [name_m]Elias[/name_m]. She is already good friends with the grandmother of Victor’s friend but she has hardly met the family of Elias’s friend. Still, she knows this family is really wholesome given the vibes! She is notably happy whenever anything wholesome is brought up, mainly due to her love for her new grandchildren. [name_f]Evgenia[/name_f] had previously rotated with her husband between being working or SAHP, though she was a SAHP more often. She’s glad where she is in her life working, but she knows staying home had challenges and rewards. [name_f]Evgenia[/name_f] always prefers juice as her drink of choice and making her own juices. She doesn’t do fad diets or cleanses, but she’s just not feeling it without her daily morning juice. [name_f]Evgenia[/name_f] has been more romantic lately in her love for her husband, not in a sappy or nasty way, but she just feels love in new ways since her grandchildren were born.[name_f][/name_f]
It’s like the happier the moment is, the more she feels the love. Evgenia’s life is basically “tragedy-free” yet she’s a guilty pleasure fan of tragic play characters. It’s dark, with faint shimmers of brightness, and it’s beautiful. Aimee’s great-grandmother is alive, though she’s 100% basking in being retired. It was bittersweet in a sense for her to retie since she was so loved, but the family easily made her happy and as relaxed as possible. [name_f]Evgenia[/name_f] loves contacting her, though Evgenia’s always worried if she’d be lonely if she retired from her desk job. People say she won’t be and she knows, but deep down, she’s not retiring anytime soon despite seeing co-workers retire. A curmudgeon co-worker [name_f]Evgenia[/name_f] never got along with recently retired, so if anything she feels a renewed pleasure in that! She feels a lot of solid ground despite her children’s life paths not always being easy. [name_f]Evgenia[/name_f] admits she needs more energy in her life though, hence a high-spirited perk for her twin grandsons. She doesn’t judge [name_m]Taylor[/name_m] for her young but solid marriage much like she doesn’t for [name_f]Calia[/name_f] divorcing and raising [name_f]Aimee[/name_f] single. In addition, [name_f]Evgenia[/name_f] has been meeting up frequently with her middle child between them, since the two are quite chatty with one another. And proud of it!
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