Create a family! (with a twist!) 💮

[moonwriteen]

Elysian Harrison Massingdale [ 17 ] is a teen model and the son of the new partner of Lenore 's ex from a previous relationship. He is familiar with Lenore through her sister Rowena , who is someone Elysian often works with professionally. He assumes that Lenore hates him because of her aloofness and because of the fact that Lenore 's daughter is incredibly close to Elysian - referring to him as simply Eli for the simplicity of it, given the fact that a two year old doesn’t have the biggest capacity to say many syllables at once. Everytime she sees him at a photoshoot she’s sure to photobomb for a hug, peck on the cheek or some ginger hair pulling - which may make Rowena and Elysian melt but is almost always causing a stream of embarrassment for Lenore, as she fears it might cause comments from Elysian’s mother referring to Lenore not teaching her daughter proper manners on when it’s okay to distract others with affection. Elysian’s mother seems to have forgotten the fact that two year olds tend to show affection to the ones they love regardless of the other person’s convenience. Elysian knows the tension between his mother and Lenore all too well and thinks that they’re both in each other’s parenting business too much - Lenore tends to be critical of the woman’s insistence on pushing Elysian’s modelling career forward while seeming to ignore the fact that he himself actually enjoys the profession, whilst the new boo of Lenore’s ex claims she would make a better mother to her two year old than Lenore is because she would teach the toddler proper behavior.

In truth, Elysian more or less " gets" why his mother is so insistent on the fact of creating a proper family unit with herself, Elysian, his stepsister and soon -to- arrive half brother. He knows almost nothing about his father who has emigrated to the UK before Elysian’s mother had even the slightest chance of informing him that she’s pregnant, therefore has always felt guilty of not providing him with a full family unit and overcompensated for that with excessive concern about Elysian’s future and career. He doesn’t socialize much outside maternal family because there is simply not much time for that between studying to get the best college application and various photoshoots. That’s why Elysian is close with Lenore’s ex and his stepfather, who on top of being sociable and genuinely friendly ( despite various cringy and outdated meme references he does) encourages his new partner to give Elysian more time freedom and he has gone to the local skatepark for the weekend due to his intervention when his mother told him to clean the entire kitchen after dinner. He is grateful to his stepfather but also doesn’t know how to approach making friends, really. Many people see him as stuck up or even vain due to his career while many others make fun of his hair color. He doesn’t even know if he can trust girls who flirt with him because he never knows if they are interested in him as a person or are only trying to make him impressed to get prestige or popularity for dating a model. However, one girl in particular seems honest in her intentions, even though Elysian has only told his stepdad about her, being sure his mom wouldn’t be happy to see him flirt

[cara_murvolio]

[name_f]Blanca[/name_f] [name_f]Christianne[/name_f] Muñoz (41) is another one of [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] and Rowena’s colleagues, as well as the mother of the girl he’s interested in for her sincerity: which is how [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] became acquainted with her in the first place. Working as a stylist and wardrobe director, Blanca’s career has taken her travelling, starting when she was a teen model herself before she chose to switch lanes upon falling pregnant with her daughter. She’s very much aware her daughter doesn’t want to follow this path though and wouldn’t dream of enforcing anything, however it hasn’t been unnoticed by [name_f]Blanca[/name_f] that - for someone who used to never come to shoots - she’s been popping in much more recently.

As she tends to be one of the maternal figures on set, [name_f]Blanca[/name_f] isn’t phased by people coming to confide in her, with [name_f]Rowena[/name_f] Kovac being someone close to her, given the situation regarding her niece - Elysian’s stepsister. While Rowena’s always so happy to see the little girl affectionate with [name_u]Elysian[/name_u], she’s spoken to [name_f]Blanca[/name_f] about her concerns of this becoming amo for his stepdad to use against [name_f]Lenore[/name_f], who suffered a lot of confidence issues thanks to being criticised for her introverted nature. [name_f]Rowena[/name_f] can find herself caught in a bind because of this, as she’s not blind to the fact [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] regards this man highly whereas she’s seen his much crueler side; never mind the fact her co-worker will obviously view [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] with unfair scrutiny, as he wouldn’t turn on his own mother.

While some would back off, for good reason, [name_f]Blanca[/name_f] does her best to console and support others, especially [name_f]Rowena[/name_f], given how people quickly label her as cold and keep their distance. There’s also the fact Blanca’s own younger sister has a lot in common with the photographer, namely being very reserved in nature, so she feels that same push to dismiss assumptions surrounding Rowena’s character. The downside of this is [name_f]Blanca[/name_f] is now more cautious about the idea of her daughter getting acquainted with Elysian’s stepfather - as her own experience dating in her teens taught her that people with these punishment beliefs can hang on to a lot of grudges, and the way said man treats [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] is proof of just that. [name_f]Blanca[/name_f] merely wants the best for her daughter, but if [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] is that person, she’s willing to navigate a complex family dynamic to see her only child happiest.

[moonwriteen]

[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] [name_f]Ebony[/name_f] Muñoz (17 ) is [name_f]Blanca[/name_f] 's daughter and the person who has a crush on [name_u]Elysian[/name_u]. Being half-black and half-Hispanic has always been a challenge to her - not ever feeling like she belonged in either community was one of her biggest struggles , that’s why someone who was so different to her in terms of family dynamics, looks and interests - like [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] - made such a good friend.

Anastasia’s biggest passion is… milkshakes and frozen yoghurts. Yes, you’ve heard that right. She is passionate about her father’s froyo business - even if it’s not really his business and truly , he’s just a franchise holder at the Sweet Frog Frozen Yoghurt chain. Actually, a few days ago- [name_u]February[/name_u] 6th - was National Frozen Yoghurt day in [name_u]America[/name_u]. and [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] had her hands full along with her dad. In the morning, she went to pick up the catering ordered for a birthday… funnily enough, it wasn’t just a regular birthday - it because the birthday girl was [name_f]Rowena[/name_f] , [name_m]Wiliam[/name_m] and [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] 's mother! [name_m]Even[/name_m] though [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] and her dad usually do catering for kid’s parties, they love to see the person who was once so shy, reserved and closed off come out of her shell. However , they wanted to get out of there ASAP because [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] and her ex-partner’s pregnant fiancee were arguing over how many balloons should there be on display and screaming at eachother to make a decision becuse the guests will come soon… [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] took a peek somewhere in the corner of the kitchen to see [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] attempt to read a book to a two-year-old girl with teary eyes and it occured to [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] that he was in the process of calming her down after she noticeably cried as a result of the quarrel.

[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] didn’t have a chance to say hello or think about this situation any further because she had to spend the remainder of the day at school - which started at 9:30 AM and then, after school , she went to the meeting of the Video and Photography club to pick her cousin - the daughter of her mother’s sister - from the club meeting becsuse her mother couldn’t pick the girl up due to her mother having a meeting with her probation officer after she damaged a public square ith trash and spray paint under the influence of alcohol and was forced to donate money to a local rehab facility as well as do community service. [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] 's cousin had a lot of fun in the house of the Muñoz family - she played and went for a walk with the family 's American Staffordshire Terrier , [name_u]Oreo[/name_u] , as well as stayed for dinner. [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] admire 's her cousin 's high sense of ambition and drive despite the difficulties of having a single-parent household and her mother being sentenced. She hopes her cousin will realise her dream of becoming a videographer , like the family friend [name_m]Wiliam[/name_m] Kovac is.

[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] is also grateful for her mother , with whom she talked about the situation she saw while bringing catering for Mrs. Kovac 's party. She knows she can open up to her mother on everything, but given the fact that [name_f]Rowena[/name_f] Kovac is also her confidant she only told her about the argument bit , not the bit where she saw a crying toddler , because [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] didn’t want a conflict between her mother and [name_f]Rowena[/name_f] to occur or for her mother to think that [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] or his stepsister live in a disfunctional household. She is fascinated by her mother’s job as a stylist. Seeing gorgeous models and the glamour of the fashion and photography world intimidates her to no end, however , and she would much rather just have her own business - be it becoming a franchise holder like her dad or opening her own establishement from scratch.

[kitkatcookie]

tw: manipulative behaviour / abuse mentioned

[name_u]Julianne[/name_u] " [name_u]Julie[/name_u] " [name_u]Marie[/name_u] Massingdale (37) is Elysian’s mother and one of the women [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] has a complicated opinion of. Raised by strict, god-fearing parents, Julie’s their only child, and subsequently was subject to a lot of demands, critiques and scrutiny growing up, which has shaped her own personality distinctly: especially how she handles those she feels disapprove of her. Becoming pregnant at 20 - and without securing a marriage in the process - was, of course, a source of shame for Mr and Mrs Massingdale, a sentiment they’ve never let [name_u]Julie[/name_u] forget.

She’s always ensured Elysian’s been protected from this aspect of her past, keeping his own contact with her parents minimal, not that he’s been too phased. They’re still the icy, uptight people [name_u]Julie[/name_u] never felt she pleased enough, and seeing her own son go through the same ringer is something she refuses to let happen. With the impending birth of her second child, Julie’s not planning on changing this way of interacting either.

Unbeknownst to [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], and even [name_u]Elysian[/name_u], the party disagreements was stoked up by Julie’s fiancé/Lenore’s ex. Knowing how Julie’s sensitive to criticism given her parents, he just casually lied to her that [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] had been badmouthing her party planning, which sparked a chain reaction given the history between the women. When she learned how upset her stepdaughter was by this, [name_u]Julie[/name_u] was mortified and incredibly upset with herself, worsened by the wait to see the little girl again, who [name_u]Julie[/name_u] worried would feel unsafe or unloved around her. And, of course, this was just perfect for her fiancé to imply [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] would no doubt be to blame for all of this [negating the fact [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] doesn’t do this at all].

One of her close friends has made references to the true nature of her fiancé - the demeaning, entitle, control fixated man he proved himself to be with [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] - but Julie’s own desire for a complete family has made her vulnerable. Then there’s the fact [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] and her fiancé have bonded so positively, and she doesn’t want to deny him a father given what happened. The fact her fiancé is ostensibly nicer to her than he was to [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] also makes [name_u]Julie[/name_u] more confrontational: she’s never seen said woman in a good light, so believing its just bitter ex drama makes sense…for now.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for anger issues, brief real-life transphobia mentions, and surrogate abandonment.

[name_f]Pauline[/name_f] [name_f]Moanna[/name_f] [name_f]Akua[/name_f] (36) is Julie’s close friend who has all desire to stay close with [name_u]Julie[/name_u], but wishes her fiancé was out of the picture. She knows [name_u]Julie[/name_u] needs her and she won’t do anything against that. Coming from a Nauruan family, politics and religion were not a huge portion of their culture, where the politicians were mostly independent and the parties that did exist weren’t constantly arguing each other. So she’s never really experienced what Julie’s upbringing was like but is empathetic and feels she and the Akuas were privileged in a sense. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] isn’t without family struggles however, she grew up with a lot of anger as a teenager stemming from the sibling she never got to meet. She’s the eldest and only one of her siblings who wasn’t carried by a surrogate but really respects true surrogates who put their time and literally their body to help families. Her younger sister was 11 years younger than her and while the two weren’t feuding, [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] didn’t like how people weren’t nice to her like they were with her sister. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] was often described as a “rotten and cold” teenager while her sister was treated as a “cute and lovable” person. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] never wanted this to be a feud towards her sister but she remembers a time at 23 where she angrily yelled at her sister and caused some serious tensions. Tensions she’d regret for months and felt a sense of self-loathing, but came around to be forgiven and the two are much more respectful of each other now. But why was [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] so angry to begin with? When she was 13 and her sister was 2, their parents wanted another child via a new surrogate. However this surrogate ditched the family because she wanted to keep the baby for herself. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] was happy until then, excited to be a big sister to another sibling, but the betrayal left her with anger. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] knew she couldn’t tell her sister and needed to help shield her, but closing off this anger inside just made it worse for her. She has never seen the surrogate since, and never wants to see her again, but her disgust that this surrogate would just do that greatly angered her. Thankfully [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] never used this as a reason to go against such a rewarding process but it’s made her very untrusting towards people.

[name_f]Pauline[/name_f] never trusted Julie’s fiancé and even had to refrain herself from asking, “Are you kidding?” when [name_u]Julie[/name_u] told her about the engagement. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] knows with an engagement and a new baby on the way for [name_u]Julie[/name_u], that [name_u]Julie[/name_u] should be excited. This is a good place for her life and it gives so much potential for more happiness. A lot of this doubt came from Blanca’s sister, who works in the same establishment as [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] although their positions aren’t very close per sé. From this, she saw Blanca’s perspective more and she’s tried her best to be nice to [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], seeing some of her own sister in Anastasia’s personality. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] has tried to guide [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] in terms of what really happened, but feels she isn’t the best person in terms of explaining and wants [name_f]Blanca[/name_f] or her sister to describe it. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] has tried to see [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] out in terms of how his mood was spoiled by what happened. After all, [name_u]Elysian[/name_u] is Julie’s son and he’s not at fault for what happened behind the big picture. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] almost wants to tell him, “You were lied to!” but doesn’t want to do anything to risk that friendship with [name_u]Julie[/name_u] when she’s at a place of needing reason. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] is disgusted by Julie’s fiancé, especially after her talk with the Muñozes, which fired this fury even worse. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] often listens to music to unwind herself from drama although sometimes she feels like the music strikes a chord with her when she hears lyrics of what she relates to. She has a few songs she considers “pure escapist” where she can listen to them all day but also some that she feels uncomfortable listening to because of the way it affects her personally. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] loves to surf and used to be a fan of the film [name_u]Soul[/name_u] Surfer given the vibe of never leaving a loved passion, but she feels a sense of never wanting to watch it again because [name_f]Bethany[/name_f] [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] is transphobic and completely went back on her values of staying strong no matter what. [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] doesn’t let this affect her in terms of her enjoyment for surfing and her personality is one not to let bad moments get in the way of opinions. She is clearly not against getting engaged herself just because of Julie’s fiancé. But given how much anger she builds up on the pressure of hiding feelings, it’s only a matter of time before she cracks…

[cara_murvolio]

[name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] [name_f]Magdalene[/name_f] Fawton (31) is a fellow surfer [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] sees often on the beach, and they’ve struck up a friendship in more recent years, becoming closer as they have a unique point of bonding: [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] was also born to a surrogate. Thankfully there was no drama or rescinding with her parents and the woman to give birth to her didn’t try anything that would leave Kelsie’s dads’ at a disadvantage, but she completely understands Pauline’s feelings on the situation, given how traumatic and thoughtless the actions of the woman to lie to the Akuas’ proved to be.

Something else Kelsie’s helped [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] with is the complexities of custody arrangements, as they obviously relate to [name_f]Julie[/name_f] Massingdale’s stepddaughter and her fiancé, who thrives on causing conflict. [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] has a 5-year-old son with her former boyfriend and they had a lot of intensity when agreeing on custody, as her ex travels frequently for work, with [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] not wanting their child to experience an unsettled upbringing, something her ex was offended by when she mentioned this.

They’ve thankfully managed to come to an agreement now - with Kelsie’s ex owning an apartment a 30 minute drive away from her house where their son goes to see his dad - and during school holidays, he’s allowed to go jetsetting, something he greatly enjoys. The contrast here is that [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] and her ex both want what’s best for their son, instead of one party waging some war to be exonerated as the ‘hero’, which is what [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] believes Julie’s fiancé is doing to [name_f]Lenore[/name_f], and she agrees with [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] that this influence is something no-one should be around, especially as said man doesn’t seem willing to acknowledge he’s causing his own daughter the most turmoil.

---

Lenore belongs to @kitkatcookie

[I.have.no.idea]

[name_m]Tru[/name_m] [name_m]Canaan[/name_m] [name_m]Habib[/name_m] (5) is Kelsie’s son. [name_m]Tru[/name_m] is a very clever kid and often uses his wits to make jokes which make his mom laugh. [name_m]Tru[/name_m] and his mom are close even though [name_m]Tru[/name_m] doesn’t like surfing that much and prefers skateboarding. He also really like gymnastics and memorizing the names and capitals of different countries. Tru’s dad is also hoping he will be interested in fighter jets like him but won’t push it.

[name_m]Tru[/name_m] can be naughty and has trouble being focused in school. His teachers say that he remembers everything he learns but has trouble with rules. [name_m]Tru[/name_m] doesn’t have many friends at his school and is friends with his parent’s friends and their kids. He is very close to his dad’s sister and sometimes has sleepovers at her house. [name_m]Tru[/name_m] likes both families and is friendly with his cousins. [name_m]Tru[/name_m] also can’t pick a favorite parents cause he likes his mom and dad for different reasons. His mom is always there and helps [name_m]Tru[/name_m] with whatever he needs, while his dad is unpredictable in a good way and suprises [name_m]Tru[/name_m] when he’s home. [name_m]Tru[/name_m] and his dad also travel together and are trying to travel to every us state and are going to go to travel through south america this summer due to his dad’s job.

[cara_murvolio]

[name_f]Michaela[/name_f] " [name_f]Mika[/name_f] " [name_f]Lauren[/name_f] Comerson (18) is technically Tru’s second cousin, but he doesn’t see any difference between her and his immediate cousins. Mika’s the one who typically babysits him for his mom when he needs supervision, although it’s not worded that way around him, as [name_m]Tru[/name_m] wouldn’t accept he needs any kind of monitoring. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though she’s not a skateboarder, Mika’s friends with a few of them, and that’s good enough for [name_m]Tru[/name_m], who loves asking her questions about those she hangs around with - even if he’s a bit pressed [name_f]Mika[/name_f] won’t take him to the park, and the fact it would be a 2 hour drive isn’t something that seems unreasonable to him!

A cheerleader for her high school basketball team, [name_f]Mika[/name_f] admits that athletics seem to extend broadly across her family as a passion. She’s an avid swimmer and goes climbing whenever she can, but cheerleading is what [name_f]Mika[/name_f] values most, and she’s got a scholarship for it at her chosen university, where she’s going to be majoring in geography, hoping on specialising in natural disaster prevention going forwards. What started as morbid curiosity has become a sincere interest for [name_f]Mika[/name_f], who hopes to use her studies to enter the world of preventing further tragedies that leave people devastated.

[I_meme_it]

[name_f]Daniella[/name_f] Mishaal [name_m]Habib[/name_m] (29) is a member of Tru’s family on his dad’s side, his aunt specifically! Contrast to what some people would assume, [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] actually has a friendship with [name_f]Mika[/name_f], as she’s a cheerleader herself, specially for the NFL, and this shared passion has created a bond between the duo. Although she’s the younger one, [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] tends to be a grounding voice for her older brother, namely when it comes to his impromptu trips. She does inventory for him, as he shares a lot with their dad, who would unintentionally put the family through madness at airport check-in after forgetting something: never quite as bad as a passport, but it usually meant picking up something en route to the hotel, penance being [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] and her brother complaining all the way.

When she was in her teens, [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] had a moodier attitude towards the impulsive nature of her brother, and they bickered often about this. As [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] likewise travels for games, starting in her teens, this would cause their disagreements, as she’s hyper organised and couldn’t fathom his approach to things, with it very much being returned on her brothers’ end. Now though, they appreciate each others natures more, even if they tend to avoid travelling together to avoid arguments breaking out about how they personally handle organisation skills.

Aside from her job, [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] is a devoted dog mom to her beloved [name_m]Boston[/name_m] Terrier, [name_m]Franklin[/name_m] - [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] as [name_m]Tru[/name_m] calls him; who was a gift for her 25th birthday, picked out by her parents. Between work and her own love of travel, she knows she isn’t ready for parenthood yet, but her love of [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] could be called a warm-up for if that day arrives. She’ll take him out with her nephew as much as possible, and is never bothered by all the questions [name_m]Tru[/name_m] brings to her, even if she can’t answer them on the spot. [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] does have a boyfriend, who’s an up-and-coming football player, but she’s very hush hush about things for now, as she doesn’t want anyone expecting a major commitment from them as a couple.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_m]Tyler[/name_m] [name_m]Jazz[/name_m] [name_m]Habib[/name_m] (31) is Daniella’s brother and Tru’s father. He is fluent in [name_f]English[/name_f] and Hebrew. Grew up impulsive but toned down considerably. He considers [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] the best sister ever. He’s told [name_f]Mika[/name_f] that he secretly misses [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f]. However, for the sake of [name_m]Tru[/name_m], he won’t say whether this means he likes her again. He loves his career and life overall.

[CherryBomb50]

[name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] [name_f]Tahnee[/name_f] [name_f]Akua[/name_f] (25) is on good terms with [name_m]Tyler[/name_m] and [name_f]Daniella[/name_f], knowing they’re great people, even if [name_m]Tyler[/name_m] and [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] didn’t work out. She believes [name_m]Tyler[/name_m] misses [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] but prefers to leave it at that, not trying to look into why he would feel it. She feels [name_f]Mika[/name_f] knows, but hasn’t asked. Admittedly [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] used to care a lot about what others thought. Especially [name_f]Pauline[/name_f], whom she used to disdain over her anger as “being ungrateful for the sister she had”. Then wondering if she actually did anything wrong that [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] was keeping hidden from her. Now realising what was hidden was the scam of the third sibling she never got to see or know. [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] has ironically met Daniella’s boyfriend’s family before, especially the younger sister of that boyfriend. She had such a comforting nature when [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] felt bad about [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] at the time, alongside the fact that she was also betrayed by fake friends not too long before that incident. The other girl was so comforting to [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f], which made her so happy that someone was being so nice to her when she needed it. No, it didn’t make her problems go away at that instant, it didn’t have to be some heroic moment that made all problems disappear, but it gave her some light in that darkness. A moment to know that it’ll all be okay.

She’s on really great terms with [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] too, ever since she dated the older brother of the woman who comforted her time of need. [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] and [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] are now doing much better despite their differences. [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] was the cutesy innocent girl growing up and [name_f]Pauline[/name_f] was the “mean teen” as people perceived them, but both reject that label. Neither of them really intended to come off that way and felt it was through generalisations. [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] doesn’t mind that her sister is friends with Tyler’s ex, since she’s still adamant it wasn’t her business. [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] and [name_m]Tyler[/name_m] are smart and respectful adults and can associate with whoever they want. [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] is happily single, but wants a serious but not overbearing relationship that [name_f]Daniella[/name_f] and her boyfriend have one day. [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] loves Nauruan culture and is carefree about life in general though she can be very sensitive to other’s feelings when it comes to people. She agrees Julie’s fiancé is a mess and the root of [name_f]Julie[/name_f] taking the wrong direction. But since she’s carrying his child, it won’t be nearly as easy as [name_f]Kelsie[/name_f] and Tyler’s well-planned way to co-parent their child. [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] knows silence can’t last forever and that people are going to call out her fiancé. She’s been back and forth whether to go into this or stay behind. Despite Rosanne’s life being topsy-turvy, she’s always enjoyed her career in making dog treats, and has wanted to take that to the next level.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Sophie[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] Comerson (25) looks up to [name_f]Mika[/name_f] and sees her affectionate streak of personality. Her surprise to what [name_f]Rosanne[/name_f] said about [name_f]Julie[/name_f] still lays in her mind. A daring and loyal woman, she is finding her path to a world of truth and she thanks the Habibs for bringing her into their little world.

Her life and career are incomparable beyond expectations. She lives a sunny and warm lifestyle and is thankful for all of her best friends. She is a very enthusiastic animal lover and highly talented model.

She wants to strengthen her bond with the others, particularly the Habibs. Their triumphant love for one another and gifted pride is something she wishes to embellish in her own life. Julie’s fiancé is someone she strives to know more about, and she is vastly excited about their beautiful marriage coming up.

Her ways of giving is very memorable, which she is applauded and praised to in a high regard. Her craft in life skills and people skills get her far above her goals and better.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for deceased character and aforementioned death of a parent and toxic fiancé. Unlikable character.

Vernice Claudina Burkett (24 June 1934 – 8 December 2020, aged 86) was someone who Sophie disliked in life, being her school librarian growing up. Though she wasn’t the nice librarian, she was often judging people who came in. If a student moved too loudly, even if they said nothing, she’d give a cold glare. Sophie remembers a time she whispered in a way that “wasn’t quiet enough”, and Vernice just glared at her the whole time even when Sophie was trying to look away. Mika agreed that Vernice was very cold as a faculty member. Burketts weren’t really the type of family that the Comersons liked, though some people would end up associating with some. Vernice’s great-nephew for instance, is actually the fiancé of Julie! Sophie didn’t mind him as much, mainly because she felt that he was better and nicer than Vernice. Though Blanca, Blanca’s sister, and Pauline would disagree and not give him the so-called credit he thinks he deserves. They’re both shallow, but their involvement goes deep.

Vernice wasn’t active as an aunt though she and her great-nephew bonded over their aloofness. Which was a pretty stale relationship given that was their main bond. Vernice was someone that nobody could stand to be around for more than 30 minutes, but her family respected her. The ring Julie’s fiancé used to propose to Julie was Vernice’s, and he always told her how special it was to give his late aunt’s ring. Really, Vernice was never married and only owned the ring from an ex-fiancé, whom she never bothered to give it back after the broken engagement. She didn’t care, which is why she was less than caring over how Lenore felt about her side of the story. Vernice’s nephew had a child with Lenore before Julie entered the picture, and while Vernice doesn’t care, others definitely do when it comes to how life will change given his engagement with Julie and the new relatives pulled in.

Even Vernice’s death in her sleep by respiratory failure was overshadowed, which was something that made her great-nephew more angered, though he preferred to act like he didn’t care. Her death was overshadowed by the death of Lenore’s father, which is why she was inconsolable over his passing but didn’t feel this way about Vernice. It wasn’t that Lenore felt nothing, it’s just that Vernice never bothered to make a connection with her when she was alive, and hardly did with her nephew. It felt like mourning an 8th cousin twice removed with how distant things were. Vernice was ironically more interactive with the Comersons and Fawtons and even they didn’t care much. But Vernice’s family still remember her – even if it’s in a forceful way. They wanted Julie and her fiancé to leave a seat empty at their wedding “for Vernice” and include her in some way in their wedding vows, even though Julie’s been far less talkative about wedding planning lately. They also asked Julie’s to birth her baby in Vernice’s old house. While they didn’t insist that the baby was honour-named in a way after Vernice, that’s only because someone else already did it, likely also by force. While Vernice isn’t technically a ghost, she gives this vibe a lot through her family’s fusses, and the atmosphere feels an unpleasant haunt. Still, Sophie is glad her childhood librarian isn’t bothering her anymore and she’s loved so successfully. While Rosanne’s words about Vernice’s great-nephew shocked her, Sophie’s starting to believe all that’s said about the Burketts.

Lenore was created by @kitkatcookie.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] [name_f]Florence[/name_f] Collingwood (81) is Vernice’s distant cousin. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though they are related, they are as different as night and day. [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] is known for her warm and welcoming nature, a stark contrast to Vernice’s cold and judgmental personality. Being just a few years younger than [name_f]Vernice[/name_f], [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] has always been a constant figure in Vernice’s life, albeit not the most influential. Her optimistic outlook on life and her willingness to accept people as they are has given her a unique perspective on the events surrounding the [name_m]Burkett[/name_m] family and the Comersons. [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] didn’t particularly get along with [name_f]Vernice[/name_f] but she tried to see beyond her cold exterior and showed her kindness. Despite Vernice’s attitude, [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] is still a source of support for some of the [name_m]Burkett[/name_m] family, even if her kindness isn’t always reciprocated. She isn’t entirely surprised by the events that have unfolded and knows that even after Vernice’s passing, the consequences of her actions and relationships will continue to ripple through the family dynamics.

[cara_murvolio]

[name_f]Evicka[/name_f] " [name_f]Vicky[/name_f] " [name_f]Elisabeth[/name_f] van Horne, nee Collingwood (60) is Adeline’s daughter and the oldest of her children, although she used to have a lot of fears that she wasn’t the best example as the firstborn. Vicky’s first marriage wasn’t a happy one and she admits it’s because there was a rush between her and her ex-husband to settle down. A lot of their friends were getting married around the time and the wedding fever swept them up, leading to them rushing things and only then realising they weren’t actually well suited as a couple.

The main blessing of this for both parties is that [name_f]Vicky[/name_f] and her first husband didn’t have any children together. They were only married for 2 years, but she isn’t ignorant to what could have gone down. She’s most thankful for this because of how happy her second marriage is, and so a child being raised witnessing any differences could have gone through a lot of unhappiness, something [name_f]Vicky[/name_f] is relieved never happened.

With her second husband, Vicky’s had 2 sons and a daughter, who she absolutely adores. She knows she could be a bit of a scatterbrained mom to them, not the perfect schedule soccer type her son’s met thanks to their love of sports, but [name_f]Vicky[/name_f] made up for this by always being as supportive and open-minded as possible. Currently Vicky’s anticipating becoming a grandma herself, something she’s super excited about, but she’s making sure to give a lot of space and not being one of those overbearing grandparents.

[I.have.no.idea]

[name_f][/name_f]TW: infertility
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Lola[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] [name_m]Bader[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f], nee van Horne (32) is Vicky’s daughter. [name_f]Lola[/name_f] was excited to announce her pregnancy on christmas to her mom. [name_f]Lola[/name_f] and her husband are waiting till her birthday in Janurary to find out the baby’s gender: [name_f]Lola[/name_f] thinks it’s a boy while her husband thinks the baby is a girl. [name_f]Lola[/name_f] got married 4 years ago to her husband [name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f] and has [name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f] been trying since. [name_f]Lola[/name_f] is due in late [name_f]May[/name_f]- early [name_f]June[/name_f]. Lola’s brother who is married to Lola’s best friend are expecting their child in the next two weeks, so [name_f]Lola[/name_f] is pet sitting their two doodles [name_f][/name_f]: [name_f]Mila[/name_f] and Cooley, [name_f]Lola[/name_f] herself has a teckel (also known as sausage dog) called [name_m]Raegan[/name_m] (her husband is really into US history) [name_f][/name_f].[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]Lola[/name_f] runs a successful PR agency. She is very passionate about her job and will continue working after her baby is born. [name_f]Lola[/name_f] believes she was destined to work in PR as she was quite calculative in high school [name_f][/name_f] and a successful social climber because she would know how to stop rumors about herself. [name_f]Lola[/name_f] is still friends with her friends from high- school and they all often joke about it. [name_f]Lola[/name_f] knows she was obnoxious then and still can be now and is working on being a nicer more genuine person.

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Gunter[/name_m] [name_m]Léo[/name_m] van Horne (30) is Lola’s younger brother and the sole single and childless sibling. He is very silent when it comes to discussing his own fertility. [name_m]Gunter[/name_m] knows not to rush with children no matter what. It doesn’t necessarily mean he completely wants to stay childless. [name_m]Gunter[/name_m] likes to do CGI and loves lions, though the animals he poses with are completely computer generated. He lives in a very fine house, two stories but also a quaint cottage. He’s excited to be an uncle and share this excitement of new relatives with [name_f]Vicky[/name_f]. Of [name_f]Lola[/name_f] and his brother, [name_m]Gunter[/name_m] is the most organized but mentally the most scatterbrained.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]Erin[/name_f] [name_f]Sophia[/name_f] [Fox] van Horne (33) is [name_m]Gunter[/name_m] and Lola’s sister-in-law who’s on the verge of giving birth, just two weeks off her due date. Given her circumstances, the fact Erin’s so chill about everything surprises people, most of all [name_f]Erin[/name_f] herself. She’s found pregnancy a more relaxing journey than what she anticipated really, but it’s not something she’s going to complain about. Due to Lolas’ history though, [name_f]Erin[/name_f] hasn’t talked much about this openly, as she’s not wanted to rub anything in her face.

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Even[/name_m] if they hadn’t been best friends since their college years, Erin’s more of a perceptive person than people give her credit for. She works as an accountant for an animal non-profit, the same place she adopted [name_f]Mila[/name_f] and Cooley, and her job is something she’s always been serious about. Animals have always been Erin’s passion, but finding a manner of working with them was a different path for her, thanks to her capability as an economist and mathematician.

[name_f][/name_f]

Although they haven’t decided on a specific name for their unborn child [name_f][/name_f]- having several options [name_f][/name_f]- [name_f]Erin[/name_f] and her husband are in agreement that they want to honour his heritage and also go for something unique without it being over-the-top. Not an easy task they’ll admit, but [name_f]Erin[/name_f] and her husband bonded because of their dedicated personalities. They both have perfectionist tendencies, but instead of clashing, it allows and encourages understanding between them; being able to offer support during difficult times.

[taisia1]

TW: Parent/partner leaving

Clara Naomi Thompson (28) is a girl Erin met at a young moms course at the local hospital. She started interning in her major while still in college and now works as a corporate HR manager. She had planned to go on maternity leave early, but now that she is about to enter her 9th month, she is still going to the office.

Clara met the baby’s father at her first job. Now, looking back, she realizes that they never seriously discussed children. Clara herself had never been opposed to becoming a mother, but didn’t feel ready to specifically plan a pregnancy either. Her husband seemed to think the same, but… When her test showed two lines, his reaction was odd. And when Clara went into her fifth month, he packed up his things and moved to the suburbs to stay with his parents. Clara was disgusted and shocked by such an act, but her head is currently occupied with making as much money as possible for her baby.

Clara and Erin became good friends and often go for lunch after their curses. Clara likes the wave of calm and confidence that comes from Erin. She also respects Erin for her work with animals. Clara also likes pets, but can’t afford one yet. She plans to rescue a kitten when her child is born and grows up.

[CherryBomb50]

[name_f][/name_f]Warning for cancer, infertility, and parent/partner leaving.[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]Snejana[/name_f] “ [name_f]Neja[/name_f] “ [name_f]Kirsten[/name_f] Collingwood (58) is the course manager at the hospital Clara’s taken her young mom’s course at. As the manager, she organises which courses will be offered and who will run them. Neja’s used to hospitals, having gone to one when she was just 11, having been diagnosed with a bone cancer. Thankfully,[name_f][/name_f] this was a very survivable type that she had, though she never truly liked her odds. She didn’t want to be that odd one out that didn’t survive. [name_f]Neja[/name_f] was fine if [name_f]Vicky[/name_f] didn’t feel like she had her “eldest sibling” role right, [name_f]Neja[/name_f] herself felt she was getting “too much attention” as the middle child, for a reason she didn’t want. Though [name_f]Neja[/name_f] knows now how much she needed to fight for herself, so she’s glad she had it. Nobody underestimated her struggles just because it was “so survivable”. [name_f]Neja[/name_f] has gotten closer with her niece and nephews on Vicky’s side and is closer with her younger sibling, who she used to not know as much growing up. The youngest felt like the “baby” while most of [name_f]Neja[/name_f] and Vicky’s childhoods were spent growing up together. But now they’re on close bonds together.

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]Neja[/name_f] herself was close with [name_f]Clara[/name_f], seeing her and [name_f]Erin[/name_f] as surrogate nieces. [name_f]Neja[/name_f] herself was a single mother much like [name_f]Clara[/name_f] is becoming, so she finds a bittersweet connection. [name_f]Neja[/name_f] in a sense knows she drove her partner away with how much she wanted a child, despite neither of them planning it. They weren’t prepared and she tried to get him on board with doing so, but he was turned off by her. Sometimes [name_f]Neja[/name_f] admits she’s an awkward partner to have, something literally all her exes would agree on. But in Neja’s point of view, she didn’t actually think she’d get pregnant and feared her past cancer battle would have ended that for her,[name_f][/name_f] so she was serious about wanting to keep her baby, even if she only had one. She has been more comforting to [name_m]Gunter[/name_m] for his own infertility struggles[name_f][/name_f], knowing that his siblings are aware of this but he doesn’t want this controlling his life. Neja’s aware she’s not going to be a grandmother, since her only child is childfree, but she respects this decision wholeheartedly and still enjoys the prospect of new relatives while being kind to those without children.

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]Neja[/name_f] is supportive of those who have different perspectives on bringing life. She’s recently launched a new course, a follow-up to the course that [name_f]Clara[/name_f] and [name_f]Erin[/name_f] are taking, for mothers who have since given birth. There isn’t a prerequisite required, so mothers who weren’t in the prior course can still take this course. [name_f]Neja[/name_f] is aware conversations regarding money are a hot topic, especially when she’s heard from Clara’s sister that she isn’t having children: not because she’s childfree or struggling to conceive, but because she just doesn’t have the funds. [name_f]Neja[/name_f] feels for that, and wants the [name_m]Thompson[/name_m] sisters to feel much better about their circumstances. She doesn’t want to overstep boundaries however, especially since she’s not the one running either course, just the manager presiding over all the courses. Recently a new woman has enrolled, [name_f]Julie[/name_f] Massingdale, who was engaged to a despicable and toxic individual, but wants to find everything entering her life to be happy. [name_f]Neja[/name_f] doesn’t know if [name_f]Julie[/name_f] is still engaged, though she’s grateful the two aren’t married, or rushing into getting married. [name_f]Neja[/name_f] herself is glad she’s not married, but she loves [name_f]Erin[/name_f] as a wife for her nephew, since [name_f]Erin[/name_f] is a smart and kind person in the family’s eyes.

[name_f][/name_f]

Julie[name_f][/name_f] was created by @kitkatcookie[name_f][/name_f].