cw: parental affair which produced children & conflict
Spencer Xanthe Tolliver (19) is the main babysitter for Meli and Kitty, whoâs been looking after the girls for over a year. Opposed to attending college, Spencerâs gone straight into a fashion internship, having made contacts through a design camp she attended from the age of 14-18, serving as a summer school alternative for the young woman. Sheâs used to fending off redunant comments - some of which come from her own father - about the field sheâs working in, but something that always makes her day is how the girlsâ she babysits are so enthralled by the nature of her work: organising outfit ensembles for minor shoots and providing assistance and feedback on bigger pieces. Recently she was involved in a piece based around fairytale themes - Christmas enchantment and all - which the sisters were amazed by, and Spencer managed to get them special copies from the shoot for free, so they can admire the gowns worn by the models and the fantastical set designed by her colleagues. Fashion isnât just ground in realism for Spencer, but also embracing the unusual, making statements and delivering stories, which is a mentality her tutor has only further encouraged her to uphold.
To say life is complicated for Spencer right now would be an understatement. Her father was revealed to have not only been engaging in an extramarital affair, but heâs gotten his mistress pregnant, and given the circumstances of there being three babies expected by Lydia Gailey, Benedict Tolliver will be raising two of the girlsâ himself. This isnât going to be happening at the family home - Spencerâs mom would probably endure a mental breakdown having to take on this stress, given how much turmoil sheâs been subjected to [and that isnât even counting the other woman in Benedictâs life: she never fell pregnant but did terrorise Lydia briefly, hoping to get Spencerâs mom incriminated to inflict further pain on her rivals for a man absolutely not worth such effort] - and while she doesnât want her younger half-siblings to endure any pain for circumstances well beyond their control; Spencer doesnât let her mind linger on the future, as she doesnât quite think she can handle it yet. In a sense she canât fathom her own emotional reaction, as she was never especially close to her father, who considered Spencerâs hopes for the future unreliable and quite vapid, prompting arguments when he attempted to push her towards mathematics: she is talented in the subjects but really feels no satisfaction in studying it, never mind letting it become her career.
Her friendsâ and partner, a model for one of the agencies her mentor, who uses they/he pronouns and is known for his queer activism, which is how the couple bonded; have been her greatest support during this time. Spencerâs avoided leaning too much on her brothersâ - Eddie and Sol - as theyâve been doing all in their power for her younger sibling, Rhian, whoâs weathering school rumours about this drama; on top of the fact they absolutely despise Benedict currently, and refuse to speak to him. None of the siblings are calling him their dad to his face currently, and their extended family has only just learned about whatâs going on, unleashing further bad blood as arguments have broken out amidst their parents siblings: the worst being between their uncle [Benedictâs younger brother] and Eddie, after the man insinuated somehow their mother was responsible for her husband choosing to pursue other women; because of course, she was denying her poor husband his needs. In a sense, looking after Meli and Kittyâs a much needed escape from the madness for Spencer, who adores their sweetness and greatly respects how their mom raises them. If it wasnât for her significant other, Spencer would opt against a partner to start a family herself - but right now sheâs content raising her beloved guinea pigs, Lemon and Lime.
The backstory
credits to: @wandering_willow @Sophie_sawriter @CherryBomb50 @I_meme_it 