james-elroy

[james-elroy]

@jxsminebailey Where: Ice Rink

Just when he had thought it would be impossible, James felt like he was slowly finding a new 'normal'. That there were still pieces of old him there, of pre accident James that seemed to linger, and that the more he pushed through the days, the more he found himself doing better. And something he was pretty sure he wouldn't have done months ago was asked Jazzy if she wanted to go ice skating. Hell, his balance was slightly questionable from his injury but he was making do with it, and he vaguely recalled just how much he loved being out on the ice. And well, why the hell not give it a shot? "Thanks for agreeing to do this possibly bat shit idea with me." James laughed as he met Jazzy at the concession stand. Easily pulling her into a tight hug, feeling loads happier than he could remember being in such a long time.

[james-elroy]

@pj-elroycortez Where: James' House

Making plans for the holidays hadn't even crossed his mind, even if it was the first time in years he was actually home for Christmas. But James didn't mind much, more than content to listen to records all day while he tried to figure out what to do with his place. He knew it was a mess but the how or where to even start on it, well, that was beyond lost on him. Every time he went to work and clean something, he felt incredibly overwhelmed. Though he did manage to at least do some of his dishes, a small win in his book. Figuring he earned a small break, James made his way onto the couch, his favorite jazz record playing in the background. Slightly startled by the knock on his door- pretty sure he had in fact not made plans of any sorts. Though when he looked out and saw that it was PJ, there was no stopping the grin that made its way onto his face. Feeling like the two of them were headed in the right direction (hopefully) after the last time they had seen each other. "Hey you-" He greeted, stopping midway as he saw the boxes, waving a hand towards it all. Of course he had gotten her something, had dropped it off earlier when he had actually remembered to do so but this. "What's all of this?" James asked a beat later, running a hand through his mess of curls.

[james-elroy]

You are the most incredible sister. I love you, @pj-elroycortez

1. Leather personalized sketch book carrier 2. Ohuhu art markers 3. Mannequin 4. Self care package 5. Slip dress from Zara 6. Gold necklace

[james-elroy]

Thank you for being the best friend I could ask for. @jxsminebailey

1. Record player 2. Gift card to the record shop 3. Coffee mug 4. Wine gift basket

[james-elroy]

"But you don't." James all but whispered, giving a small shake of his head. "I lost that...that-" He paused, the word he was looking for on the tip of his tongue but he couldn't remember what it was. So he frowned a bit before deciding to use another. "Lost that right the day I joined the army and made you mad at me." He finally settled on, knowing it was true. They hadn't talked in years, didn't expect her to come back into his life to help him. Her hand on his cheek did no good because he instantly leaned into it, soaking up every second of comfort that it brought him. Swallowing hard against the lump of his throat. Wanting to tell her how damn badly he needed the help, how fucking scared he was most days, how he felt so lost in a body he had always known- But he couldn't, he couldn't do that to PJ.

He didn't want to fight with her, didn't want to make things worse than they were between them, so when PJ offered again, James gave a small nod of his head as he finally moved away from her touch. Though he knew he could have sat there rest of the night with her hand on his cheek or wrapped up in her arms. "If it makes you feel better-" His voice slightly cracking, "I dunno much about brain injuries either." A sad smile on his face, even though he was now living with one. He was mainly just winging things the best he could without bothering anyone. "Yeah, yeah that could work."

The word permanent sounded so ominous, like there was nothing else to do, like he was just resigning to live his life like this but PJ was having none of that. This was her baby brother and she still wanted what was best for him. "I'm always going to feel like I have to do things for you because I do." James was her responsibility, always had been. It didn't matter that he was a whole adult human now. "*Eres mi familia, Jimmy. Eso es para siempre, oíste?" PJ cupped James face as she said that, thumb stroking over his cheekbone.

All the brunette could see was a little boy all alone with no one to help him, feed him. Again fending for himself as their mom took the easy way out. "Let me figure things out with you. I don't know the first thing about brain injuries but I'll research it and we can find a system that could help you. Maybe a shared calendar or something like that?" She offered.

[james-elroy]

James sucked his cheeks in for a moment, fingers tapping lightly against the side of his bowl before he gave a shake of his head. "It's permanent." Swallowing thickly after he said it, it always seemed worse, when he had to actually talk about the details of his injury out loud. "I've been going to some therapies... when I'm able to remember them." Another one of his downfalls, pretty sure he was missing more than what he was actually making it to. "I think, all I can do is just, find ways to help. Like the post it notes-" Nodding his head to where there was a few around his living room as well. It was all he could, all he knew how to do at this point. Though quite surprised by her next words, he simply shrugged for a moment. "I don't... I don't want you to feel like you have to do that PJ. I know- I know I'm not your favorite person at the moment-" Giving her a bit of a sad smile. "I'll... figure things out." Because that was all he could do right now, not for sure what else he could do. Wasn't like he had many options.

After finding out the reason why he joined the army, she could easily believe that last thing he said but PJ couldn't help but wonder where did she go wrong while they were growing up for James to end up like this. Yes, she was just a kid herself the best she could out of pure love and with zero knowledge on how to raise another kid but she couldn't help but feel guilty about how James turned out. "Isn't there something you can do? Exercises, rehab?" She asked, her tone was softer than it had been up until now. "Could I come to see your doctors once maybe? If mom isn't around to help you which... for one I'm happy you told her to fuck off but also I think you left things pretty easy for her, then maybe I could... if you wanted me to. I get it if you don't since I've been a shithead for the past several years up until, well, today." Here she was once again willing to step up when their mom was a no-show.

[james-elroy]

James gave a nod of his head, placing his bowl between his legs for a moment. "Traumatic Brain Injury-" He said, waving a hand towards his head. "Mainly affects my memory- I'm always forgetting things, there's some stuff I just don't remember. Things and memories people will mention to me and there's nothing there." James paused for a second, taking a deep breathe. "Some days are better than others, some days I remember more, some days I wake up and can't remember where I am for a while or how to use the coffee machine." It felt so strange talking to her about this. "There's some other things besides the memory but-" He trailed off and shrugged his shoulders some. "But yeah, yeah it's the reason why I don't have food. I keep forgetting to go to the store. I don't talk to mom anymore-" Not after she had tried to force him to move back home once he was out of the hospital, something he couldn't bring himself to do. Which he was pretty sure lead to a big fight between them. "Jazzy helps a bit but I just.. I just, don't really let people know how bad this is." Waving a hand around him. "After everything- I'm still fucking shit at asking for help." He laughed though it sounded a bit watery, even to his own ears.

Her spoon stopped halfway to her mouth as she heard the reason for all the post it notes which in retrospective seemed like the dumbest question because now that he said it, it seemed obvious. "Is that a consequence from the injury?" PJ asked with a frown, spoon finally making its way into her mouth as she still ate the dessert. "Is that the reason why you don't have any food? Isn't mom helping you? Or... I don't know, Jazzy. Anyone?" It seemed crazy how all these people pointed their fingers at her for feeling betrayed and taking a step back but no one was here seeing this. It was bullshit really.

[james-elroy]

"I'm going to have to remember to try the caramel apple one, now you got me curious." Though the odds of him remembering that were very slim these days, but hopefully it would be one of those things that did in fact stick to his brain. "Truly the most genius idea, I think." A small laugh falling from his lips as he shoved one of his hands into his pocket for a moment. "So the two of us will be keeping the apple cider truck in business." Letting out another laugh, giving a nod of his head. There was a slight pause, as he kept on eye on the other. Trying to rack his brain if he happened to know him but was coming up short. "James by the way, nice to meet you." Pulling his hand out of his back to shake the other's mans.

With a quick nod of his head, August offered the other a smile. He could agree that the cider here was a staple; he'd never left town, but even he knew that he apple cider truck had been a smart decision on their part. He wanted to know the story; had it been started by an apple orchard business with far too many apples growing, or had it been something a small local family started up that quickly became a hit. As much as he'd enjoyed the cider through the years, the male never seemed to take the time to learn the history. He added the mental note to his brain, hoping to remember to ask the next time that he was there. "They're so good, and I think every year I've found my favorite and then they come out with a new one. I was convinced nothing could top the normal apple cider - which has been my favorite for years - but then I discovered the caramel apple one. It's been the reining champion in my mind for several years now, but, the new flavors are so good." he sighed. "I still owe my girls an apple cider date so I'm sure that I'll be back within the next few days myself." @james-elroy

[james-elroy]

James poked at his food for a second, eyes on his sister, nodding his head some as she spoke. But then at her question about all the post it notes, he felt his brow furrow some. Wondering what all his sister knew had happened to him, what she knew about his injury- if their mom or anyone else might have told her. Though from her question, James had a feeling he already knew the answer. "I use them to try and help myself remember things." He replied, shrugging his shoulders some before he took a bite. It was absolutely delicious. "My memory is shit these days-" That was putting it lightly to be honest. "So that was one of the ideas some of my doctors had, to write important things down, little things to try and help me day to day." Curling his legs under himself as he adjusted on the couch some, turning sideways more so that he could look at PJ. Giving another shrug of his shoulders as he took another bite.

Before exciting the kitchen, PJ looked over her shoulder at the note added to the ones scattered around the kitchen as she followed him out and to the living room. A frown on her brow until they sat down but she shook her head as she sat down next to him and started serving them both the dessert. The sofa was a little uncomfortable but PJ didn't comment on it, instead, crossed her legs under herself, facing him a little.

PJ brought her bowl to herself and started eating from it. It wasn't her abuela's but it was still pretty decent. "Oh you know, work sucks. People don't like me. Same all." She shrugged, digging her spoon in the bowl and eating another spoonful. "What's with the post-its?" PJ finally asked.

[james-elroy]

"That's alright-" James waved her off, he felt like he was pushing her luck to just have PJ standing in his kitchen and well, not yelling. So the last thing he wanted was to be a burden to his sister. "I'll remember at some point." Shrugging as he grabbed for a post it note and sharpie, writing a huge reminder to go to the grocery store on it before sticking in on his fridge. Hoping that would remind him at least.

"Living room sounds good to me-" He offered her a small smile and grabbed the bowls that she had nodded towards, following after her and sitting on the couch. Glad that his coffee table was at least cleaned as he sat the bowls onto it. That some part of his brain had remembered to do that at least. "Thanks again for bringing this by." Giving his sister another smile, this one a little brighter, trying to ignore the awkwardness that was still there between them, wondering if this is how it was always going to be. "So, erm, how are things?" He asked after a moment, brow slightly creased as he looked back over at PJ.

Noticing the little notes everywhere around the kitchen, PJ frowned but didn't comment on it, not sure what was that about and even more confused when he said he kept forgetting to go to the store. Pulling off the film on top of the arroz con leche and waiting for the bowls. "We can go to the store if you want? I can drive you. I'm not doing anything today." PJ made sure she wasn't busy that afternoon so she didn't have to rush anywhere and could focus on spending some time with James. No other worry.

She grabbed one of the spoons to taste her dessert, a complete lie that she made too much accidentally but instead had made it specifically to share with him but it seemed like a good enough excuse. "Where do you want to have this? Living room?" PJ asked, licking the spoon and keeping it in her mouth, she grabbed the big bowl and the smaller two, waving it at him.

[james-elroy]

"Okay-" James replied back, biting at his bottom lip as he tuned towards his cabinets to grab them some bowls. Looking for the one that was labeled with 'plates and bowls' on a post it note, having spent too much time opening and closing cabinets to look for what he needed. He found them and just as he sat them on the counter and was getting ready to grab some spoons- he heard her voice again. Turning to look at PJ his brows furrowed at her question, eyes moving over to his fridge. "Oh-" Well damn. "No, no, I'm not struggling with money." Which was true, he was getting more than enough from the army each month. "I just keep forgetting to go the store." James replies truthfully, shrugging his shoulders as he grabbed two spoons from the drawer, setting them inside the bowls. "I'll get around to it at some point." Maybe he could set a reminder on his phone, because really, he needed to make a trip to the store at some point.

PJ followed him into the kitchen but shook her head. "Um, I'm fine, that's okay, I don't need anything to drink." She said wrapping her arms around herself and swallowing briefly. It was so hard being here and trying to act normal but God she was going to try her fucking best. "We can have el arroz con leche if you have some small bowls. Or even two spoons, I'm not fancy." PJ shrugged, looking around the kitchen. Piles of dirty mugs and plates here and there. "Why don't you have any food in your fridge? Are you um... struggling like with money or something?" She finally asked because, well, he was her baby brother and as much as things were fucking awkward between them, she wasn't going to let him starve.

[james-elroy]

When Jazzy asked about the time last time he played, James sucked in a breath and rubbed a hand against his cheek. "I sold my drums when I enlisted, just been playing friends drums here and there or drumming on whatever over seas." A sad smile on his face. "As for actually playing, not since I've been injured." Shrugging his shoulders some. He had been going back and forth about buying a new drum set, music was something that he lived for. He had always been about old records and his drum, could remember some of the jam sessions him and Jazzy would had over the years. But he was so damn afraid that he wouldn't remember how to play, that it would have been taken from him as well. "I did," he shrugged once more. "She still hates me." Not for sure what he had been expecting when he showed up to his sister's place. "I just, had to see her, at least once."

There wwas nothing Jazzy won't do for James. Whatever he needed, she was always right there to lend a hand, a shoulder, an ear, whatever. Nodding softly, she understood, "I know. And I'm sorry it does. But hopefully soon it gets better," she used her free hand to give him a squeeze. Thinking for a moment, she paused, "when was the last time you played? Like we used to in the old days?" She asked, the two of them just jamming, her on the piano and him on the drums, her occasionally lending her vocals to whatever song they made up or chose to play. Then her body got rigid at the mention of his sister, "Oh. Did you see her?" a put forming in her stomach as she held certain emotions regarding PJ, back from James.

[james-elroy]

James hated the awkwardness that seemed to be between the two of them. Something that hadn't been there when they were growing up but he also knew that things were very, very different between them now. She used to be the one he went to for everything, the one who had stepped up and raised him when their mom decided her kids weren't important- He gave a small shake of his eyes, doing his best to try and focus back on PJ. Taking the bowl she was holding out for him. "Thanks-" James replied, pausing for a moment. "Did you want any of it?" He asked, figuring it was best to put it in the kitchen now before he forgot about it and left it out. "Can I get you anything to drink? I think I have-" Well, he wasn't for sure what he had anymore, always forgetting that he needed to go out and get groceries. "Just water and coffee probably." He finished with a half of smile and shrug of his shoulders as he made his way into the kitchen.

Giving him a nod, PJ walked inside his house, looking around and instantly noticing it was a mess which was unlike James. He used to keep his room so tidy as a kid, it was so annoying. Their mom would yell at her constantly about hers, always comparing her room with his. But this was so different. With her bowl in her hands she stood there in the middle of the living room, not sure what to say or where to start talking to him. James felt a little like a stranger or even worst than a stranger, really because PJ could strike up a conversation with anyone but was falling short on what to say to him. The person she used to know the most. "I sprinkled *canela on top, you used to like that." She said, stretching the crystal bowl towards him to grab. PJ wasn't sure what was going on with his memory and all that, she didn't stick around for his diagnosis or anything after his surgery and didn't talk to their mom again up until today. Jazzy wasn't very helpful either when they had their fight. "So... yeah."

[james-elroy]

"Good morning-" James replied with a smile and nod of his head, hands shoved deep into his pockets. He hadn't remotely dressed for the weather but also found that he didn't mind the slight nip in the air either. He looked around for a moment, trying to place if he truly knew the way back, the last thing he needed was to get lost in the middle of some woods. Probably wouldn't be his best idea- "Quick question, you happen to know the way back to the start of the trail" Pausing for a moment as he spoke. "Got turned around somewhere and can't make much sense of where I need to head." @teagan-monroe

It was getting colder as November came to a close, and Teagan knew that soon only dedicated outdoors people would be venturing out to use the public lands. Today, despite the wind that occasionally whipping though, it wasn't too cold. She'd just gone all the way down to the end of the Little Bear Creek Trail, where there was a fishing hole that was quite popular. The blonde had checked people's fishing licenses and catches, making sure they were following the rules. And this morning, everyone had been compliant. which was nice. It wasn't like Teagan enjoyed handing out warnings or tickets, but it was part of the job nonetheless. She was on her way back to her truck, which was parked at the head of the trail, when she rounded the corner to see someone walking the other way. She offered a polite smile, nodding. "Morning." @james-elroy

[james-elroy]

James offered her a small smile, hands shoved into the pockets of his pants. "That exactly-" He chuckled some, knowing that wanting to get a pet was what he wanted to do but also not for sure if he was up for it just yet. He had only been home and out of the hospital for a few months but with winter rolling in, he needed something. And well, maybe a cat wouldn't be so bad. "Been thinking of maybe a cat but, not for sure. Never had a pet before." Pretty sure they hadn't had them growing up either but he had always liked pets, liked the idea of having one, probably would have gotten a dog or two the moment he was back home had everything not had happened like it did. "What about you?"

Ryn had always loved animals. She'd remembered the strong urge to bring a pet on board all those years she'd been on the cruise ship, but, her career was on the line enough she didn't think it was the smartest idea. So she'd left all the animals behind, adopting her own cat Melody the second she'd arrived back on dry land. The second she'd found Melody she'd known she was meant to come home with her. Yet, as the winter months came rolling in and found herself at the animal shelter contemplating if she was ready for another pet. She'd been standing outside the door waiting to go in for quite some time, knowing if she walked through those doors it would be harder for her to leave without a furry friend for her fur baby. Yet, when she was joined by someone who seemed to be contemplating the same thing Ryn offered them a smile, sighing. "You in the same boat I'm in? Not sure if you want to go in out of fear of leaving with more than you can handle?" @james-elroy

[james-elroy]

His days consisted of mostly nothing, just maybe walking around town, popping into a few places to see if they were hiring, then just coming home. Currently he was sat on the couch, a jazz record playing as his fingers tapped against his leg. Itching to get behind a drum kit, curious to see if he still knew how to play but it was fear that stopped him. Like most things, that was it now. A fear that had never been there. What had once been a headstrong and determined young man was now one that was lost, so damn broken and he didn't know how to put the pieces of himself back together. So much so, that he hadn't even bothered decorating for Christmas, which would be his first one stateside in years. But none of it seemed to matter- The doorbell startled him, no one really came around. Usually just Jazzy but she would always text to remind him that they had made plans. So he pushed himself off the couch, doing his best to try and look for a better one, pretty sure the spring on it was digging into his back each time he sat down. Making his way to the door and pulling it open, his heart stopping for a brief moment as he saw that it was his sister. Pretty sure that he would never see her again, not after the day he had just shown up at her house. "Honestly, I don't remember-" Came his reply because it was true, he didn't remember if he liked it or not, there were so many things he had forgotten about himself. But without another word he stepped to the side, letting his sister in.

starter: closed for @james-elroy

where: @ his place in Macon Park.

PJ kept repeating Sam's words in her mind after that night. How much she was hurting herself by trying to hurt James for what happened and how she felt and it was true but it took her a while to finally gather up the strength to actually go see him. That and the fact that she had to ask her mom for his address because she had no idea where he was living. After a very heated conversation that PJ truly hoped was the last one she had to have with the woman, she made her way to see him.

Standing at his front door in Macon Park, PJ rang the door bell and waited anxiously, looking around the street where he was living. She hadn't been to Macon Park in years honestly. "I made too much arroz con leche. Not sure if you still like it." She said to her brother as soon as he opened the door without a hi or an apology, just straight to that.

[james-elroy]

James smiled at her comment, glad he at least appeared to be well put together, even if it was very much the closest thing from the truth. If anything, he felt so lost, like he was a fucking mess these days but didn't want to load all of that onto someone he had just met. Though when asked where he had been, well, that would be a way to ease into it, maybe explain a bit more why he was so hesitant about getting a pet. "I've been serving in the army for about the last eight years-" James paused for a second, something that happened quite often with his speech these days. Often looking for the words he wanted, even if they were on the tip of his tongue. "But I was.. I was injured about three months ago? Spent a couple of weeks in the hospital- brain injury-" Waving at his head. "Makes my memory shit, that's why I'm a little unsure about the pet thing though I want one." Letting out a laugh as he pulled his hand out of his pocket so that he could shake hers. "James Elroy, nice to meet you, and England? Shit ways from home." He chuckled, reaching out to pull the door open for her, following Imogen inside of the shelter, glad for the warmth of it. "Why not stay if you don't want to go back?" He asked a second later as they stood there, his eyes wandering around a bit, taking it all in. Trying to remember if he had even been inside an animal shelter before, not remembering having any pets while he was growing up. Feeling himself start to wander mentally the smallest bit, he gave a shake of his head, eyes back on Imogen. "Not looking for a pet of your own then?" @imogen-rhitt

Imogen wasn’t sure what had him looking so worried but she tried not to look at him too weirdly, knowing her emotions could come out onto her face of their own accord if she wasn’t careful. “I mean…you look perfectly well put together if you ask me, so I’m sure you could manage looking after a cat or like…hamster. Although I’m not sure they actually have those here…pretty sure they’re not abandoned all too much.” The brunette pulled a face, but her expression changed to one of understanding when he said he’d only been back a few months. She knew that sensation of feeling a little displaced. Not that she had the same affliction as James - obviously. “Where have you been? I get you though, I’ve been here…like six weeks now maybe? And I’m still not really used to it. Only difference I guess is I’m going to have to go back to England at some point even if I’m resisting with a vengeance.” She laughed at herself as they started walking back together towards the shelter. “I’m Imogen.” Pulling a hand out her own pocket to offer to him as an introduction.” @james-elroy