#briar ridge task

[niaxbailey]

Full Name: Nia Rose Bailey Nickname: Nia Age & Birthday: Thirty-six (36), December 18th. Occupation: Restaurant Manager Preferred Pronouns & Gender: She/her & cis-female Sexuality: Bisexual Hometown & how long in town: Manhattan, New York. In Briar Ridge for six years. Neighborhood: Downtown Family: Tba, but they're not local. I might add one of her brothers as a wc. PINTEREST || CONNECTIONS

Born the oldest of three to a 'new money' household in the infamous New York City, Nia admittedly felt pressured growing up to achieve. From the Bronx to Manhattan by the time she was six.

Her parents are both long-standing healthcare professionals who met originally as an EMT and ER Nurse.

Nia has always been a bit of a mathematics wiz, which was encouraged but in wanting the best for her Nia's parents tended to push her into a lot of extracurricular activities with a 'think of your future' and a smile.

It was consistently drilled into Nia that because of her race and background, she'd have to work twice as hard in life to earn respect. Not just from her parents, but from the private school she went to - the attitude from teachers, and her peers.

Track, lacrosse, debate - helping her younger brothers, given their parents' busy and demanding schedules. In the city that never sleep it often felt like Nia's early years were spent in fast-forward mode.

She attended Columbia. An Applied Mathematics major, who, graduated with zero idea of what exactly she wanted to do out in the big wide world.

She ended up working as a budget analyst, dating a family friend, and still very much feeling like she was going through the motions until well into her 20s.

Which is when her life was rocked. Her parents divorced, shattering the illusion she'd grown up with that they knew what was best & the path she was on had to be right because it was molded with their help and experience. Learning they'd both had affairs really split their family apart, her siblings dramatically taking sides and Nia finally decided she needed to get away from it all and make some choices for herself. Nia ended up in Briar Ridge by a bit of a roll of the dice, she didn't quite know where she was going just... somewhere. She'd stopped in Luther's, saw a job posting in a nearby restaurant window, and decided it seemed like as good of a place as any to stay if only for a little while. That turned into years, and Nia got to start fresh in the small town seemingly worlds away from her old life. Now, combined with her hard work and education, Nia has ended up as the restaurant manager at Alvaro's and she's happy to use her head for numbers in a way that she actually cares about. Fun Facts: - She didn't get her license until after moving to Briar Ridge in her late 20s. - A bit of a gym rat, she likes doing those ridiculous themed runs. - Doesn't understand the concept of a day off. - She will agree to just about anything for the low, low price of a New York-style Cheesecake. - Really loves horror movies, but might also then answer her door with a baseball bat xD Feel free to look at her wanted connection page for plotting ideas!

[maricabrera]

connections | headcanons | statistics | pinterest

ABOUT

Full Name: Mariana Valerio Cabrera

Nickname: Mari (preferred), Mariposa (Spanish for butterfly - her nickname from her mom & stepdad)

Age/DOB: February 18, 1991 (33)

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Gender: Cis Female

Place of Birth: Briar Ridge, SC

Neighborhood: Downtown 

Sexual/Romantic Orientations: Bisexual / Biromantic

Religion: Agnostic, doesn’t really have any relationship with religion

Occupation: Songwriter, Former Event Coordinator at Firefly Brewery & 1/2 of the band Palmetto Drive

PERSONALITY

Goals/Desires: to learn to play the drums, to be comfortable playing in a group/duo again, stop using an alias when she writes songs for other artists, take more photos, stop leaving her favorite sweater at her best friend’s house

Fears: loneliness, death, heights, spiders, snakes, frogs 

Hobbies: binge watching 90s/00s tv shows, reading trashy romance novels, playing the guitar, songwriting, learning different instruments, paddle boarding

Likes & Dislikes: the sound of scratching vinyl, waking up to a sun drenched room, bonfires on the beach, the smell of honeysuckles, a freshly restrung fiddle bow, walkable distances, highland cows, soft music playing while it rains // the dentist, traffic, lying, being early anywhere, taking down her christmas tree or any holiday decorations, instruments that are out of tune, when you know the word you’re looking for but can’t remember it (#writerproblems am i rite??), mosquitos, stage fright dreams, blueberries

QUICK FACTS (quick is subjective tho bc idk how to tldr anything very well)

Trigger Warnings: parental death, car accident, infidelity

Born & Raised in Briar Ridge

Dad died when she was 2 years old in a car accident

Her mom met the man who’d be her step-father a few years later in a single parents/grief support group and they married shortly after

Had a great childhood, is very close with her step sisters and tbh doesn’t consider them ‘step’ anything - they’re just her sisters

Was always really into music, her dad used to play for her when she was in her mom’s belly

Took up guitar to feel closer to her dad when she was in elementary school because he used to play, but the instrument was too big so she opted for the fiddle

Was a bit of a progeny when it came to the fiddle and her ability to play it so well and her love for it only furthered her relationship with music

Once she hit 8th grade she decided to put her focus back into learning the guitar- she took private lessons with one of her dad’s friends until high school, when she threw herself into it completely and took Guitar as an elective

It was here she met Rhett Dawson, a boy a few years older who would take her seemingly mundane, black and white world and throw it into technicolor

Initially, their relationship was strictly platonic. He was nothing more than an older student teaching her guitar lessons, but she felt an instant connection with him she’d never experienced before or since, and their hour long lessons quickly morphed into curfew breaking sessions and a blossoming young romance she hadn’t been expecting

Mari got through high school alright, graduating with a respectfully average GPA but school was never her true focus - that was always music

So it was no surprise that instead of heading off to college, she went on the road with Rhett, ready to take the music world by storm as the duo Palmetto Drive

And for years they did just that- traveled together while making and sharing their music with the world. She was living out her dreams and she couldn’t have been happier

But as the old adage goes, all good things must come to an end and this one came to a screeching halt as it hit a brick wall

Palmetto Drive was just getting their big break when her romantic and professional relationship with Rhett ended, essentially erasing the future the two had been planning together all these years

She’d caught him cheating with their opening act, an up and coming country artist, and it all snowballed from there. In the ensuing fight Rhett admitted that this wasn’t the first time he’d cheated on her, Mari’s entire world seemingly collapsing around her as he dismantled everything she thought she knew with each admission

It was after this fight and revelation that she left. She left the tour, her dreams, the love of her life- all lost in less than 24 hours as she took an overnight bus back home to Briar Ridge

After she left the tour she came home, spending months curled up in her childhood home, heartbroken

On top of it all, Rhett continued to play the songs she’d written, songs they’d written together, and capitalize on their growing success- except now as a solo artist and with his new girlfriend on his arm

It was as if in the blink of an eye her entire world had crumbled around her and she was left staring at the ruins of her dreams and her heart, with no idea on how to begin to rebuild any of it

But as time went on things got easier, she used her connections and her knack for tossing a party together to get an event coordinator job at a family friend’s brewery, where she built their customer base and filled their event calendar for four years

In that time she was able to reconnect with her roots, make friends who knew her without Rhett and the ghost of who she used to be, and move forward into a new era of her life that didn’t revolve around the boy who broke her heart

On a whim (and after quite a few glasses of wine), Mari applied for a songwriting camp in Nashville. She completely forgot about it until a month later when she got her acceptance, and suddenly she was leaving Briar Ridge once again with a dream

The move to Nashville was terrifying and was supposed to only be for the duration of the camp - two months and then she’d be back home. But as soon as she got there Mari knew she was where she was supposed to be at the time

She found somewhere she instantly felt like she belonged with a group of people who lifted her up and inspired her to find her voice and passion again

So instead of the two months she’d planned on staying, Mari stayed in Nashville for a year. Writing and recording music, reconnecting with an industry that she thought she’d never find a place in again, and once she got to a place where she could be doing her work anywhere she chose to come home again, to be with the people who know her heart and who deserve to see the best of her once again

POSSIBLE/WANTED CONNECTIONS

MISC — childhood friends, writing partners, old crushes, fwb, neighbors, open mic night regulars from when she ran it, old firefly brewery coworkers, friends like family, friends from her year in nashville, people she met while touring with palmetto drive, new friends- anything and everything, really!

EX — about a year or so after she got home from the tour that broke her heart, mari decided she was ready to date again (spoiler alert: she wasn't). she and this character started a very casual relationship that turned into something way more serious than she was ready for at the time. they were together for a year when mari, regrettably, cheated on this character with rhett when he came into town (hurt people hurt people, y'know?). their breakup was rough and mari takes full responsibility for it. it was actually this relationship that had her swearing off actual commitment. she's afraid she'll hurt someone again and she doesn't want to do that.

PLATONIC SOULMATE — this is mari's best friend ever since childhood. they have no secrets, no boundaries. they are the friends everyone assumes are sleeping together (maybe they are mind your business), strangers assume they're married. it's truly just all love. they fight but they always make up. her anchor in the storm that can be her life. maybe at one point they tried something romantic but really, they're just meant to be in each other's lives. just besties. ride or die. idk let's talk about it!

RHETT'S FAMILY — her big ex, the boogey man in her romantic life, the first person she ever loved and the one who seemingly ripped her heart out of her chest, is also from briar ridge. his family goes way back so i think having someone (or someone's!) who're related to him that mari, in her healing and revamp era, is going to have to learn how to be around. maybe the two used to be close! maybe this character knew about the cheating and mari feels betrayed. maybe they feel slighted bc mari came back to town and avoided them. so many options!

[emilmoreno]

Full Name: Emiliano Tomás Moreno Nickname: Emil Age & Birthday: 33 - November 20th.  Occupation: Marine Welder Preferred Pronouns & Gender: He/him & cis-male Sexuality: Heterosexual Hometown: Briar Ridge, South Carolina. Neighborhood: Beach Front Family: Isabel 'Isa' Moreno - 9 year old daughter.

Pinterest | Stats | Connections. 

trigger warnings: car accident.

Born locally, Emil had what he would consider a mostly fairly middle of the road childhood. He often felt a bit detached from his parents, but he wanted for very little outside of perhaps a more socially stimulating environment. His uncle who was deemed by his ma as the ‘wild’ one of her family is very close to him.

A lot of times it was his uncle that took him to tee-ball, and sat in the stands all through his schooling years on the field.

Just as he was about to pack his bags and get out of dodge on a baseball scholarship, he experienced one of his first real upsets in life. His ma was in a bad car crash, and had to go through physical therapy. With medical bills and her needing help around the house, Emil put off college.

A semester turned into a year plus, but eventually with luck on his side and some help from his high school sweetheart’s family - Emil left town for his belated start out in San Diego on scholarship and studying physical therapy.

Everything was going pretty swimmingly, even his long distance relationship and he was so close to making the draft that he could practically hear the stadium crowds cheering for him. but alas life had one more curve ball for him & he was given the news that Amaia was pregnant and Emil immediately dropped everything to go back home.

Things went downhill from there in the years to follow. Between his own emotional distress of giving up his dream, there was a lot of tension between him and Amaia that he thought getting married could somehow fix. When it didn’t, the pair had a really ugly divorce and a custody battle you’d expect to be run by Judge Judy. Amaia was successful in painting Emil poorly and in the end, though he’d get visitations, he lost the custody battle for Isabel.

Having followed in his father’s footsteps upon coming back home, Emil nowadays has a very steady career. Though none of it is what he imagined he would be doing growing up he’s far from miserable, he’s adapted pretty well. Being able to turn his welding experience into his own thing by getting all his diving certifications definitely helped him settle in. Coaching tee-ball and being a sub for a local softball team certainly helps as well. The main stress in his life currently is dealing with his ex-wife and having to sometimes fight tooth and nail to get his owed visitations etc. with Isa. It doesn’t help that she’s old enough to ask questions Emil doesn’t always have an answer to, like why she has to stay with her mother. He’s stable enough that he’d like to go back to court, but he’s a little nervous it’d be hard on Isa and that he has less of a leg to stand on when Amaia has had her for as long as she has.

Fun facts:

he has a husky named Hercules after the dog in The Sandlot.

can be a bit of a thrill seeker. Likes roller coasters, dancing, and spontaneous road trips.

technically has enough diving certifications he could be a diving instructor but has little interest.  

owns way too many jerseys kind of sports fan, has seasonal tickets. supports a lot of local teams.

has a serious shellfish allergy, which is slightly amusing given the local cuisine.

likes #DadJokes and always has a snack on him because of either Isa or the kids he coaches for tee-ball.

[carterchxn]

dude trust me *lying, manipulating*

Task One.

Full Name: Carter Hàorán Chén

Age & Birthday: 35 years old, August 17th, 1988

Zodiac: Leo sun☀︎ Sagittarius moon ☾ Gemini Rising ➶

Occupation: Realtor/Property Developer.. (and secret owner of Starry Skies Drive In)

Preferred Pronouns & Gender: he/him, cis male

Sexuality: Bisexual

Hometown & length of time in Briar Ridge: New York City & has lived in Briar Ridge for a week

Neighborhood: Beach Front, in a penthouse apartment overlooking the water

Personality Traits: curious, charming, intimidating, playful, confident, determined, meticulous, risk-taker, adaptable, manipulative.

✍︎ Penned by: Tee

☆ dot point bio | connections / pinterest

New to Briar Ridge, Carter stands out with his opulent attire and designer jewellery, clearly distinguishing himself as a newcomer. However, beneath his polished exterior lies a man with dubious intentions and a hidden agenda. Born and bred in the Upper East Side to a tycoon father who owns one of the biggest rea estate agencies in New York, and a socialite mother more invested in appearances than her own children's happiness, it's no wonder Carter is in town with complete disregard for others' opinions and only self-serving motives. Known as a party boy in New York, he has spent the last few years trying to impress his father by building a name for himself in the real estate world, and his intentions in Briar Ridge are no different. Inheriting land from his late, estranged grandfather, which houses the town's beloved Starry Skies Drive In, Carter discreetly as possible moves to town almost undercover, knowing it's better to gain intel and information under the guise of a tourist as opposed to a real estate agent. He knows his intentions will likely upset locals, particularly in a tight-knit community such as this one, and he understands the need to gather information covertly before revealing his true agenda to tear down the drive in, and build property that will rake in multi millions. But, will the very faint memories of Briar Ridge from his early childhood visits ignite dormant sentimental feelings within him, potentially derailing his secret operation?!

headcanons

Does not leave the house without a hefty amount of cologne, and is always overdressed in every situation.

Has practised martial arts since he was young, and will often be seen running around Briar Ridge, too.

Owns more cashmere sweaters and suits than the entire town collectively.

Never wears shoes in his apartment, or other people's places, as he believes it brings bad luck into the home.

Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.

Likes to cook.

Hates coffee. Hates the smell of coffee. Don't even mention the word. He's a tea man.

[saniatavaldez]

𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠.

A woman whose presence is as intoxicating as her signature scent, a blend of jasmine and vanilla that lingers in the air long after she's left you behind. She embodies beauty. Beneath that stunning exterior lies a soul consumed by materialism and vanity. She thrives on chaos, reveling in the havoc she leaves in her wake. She uses charm and allure to manipulate those around her to pursue her desires, regardless of the consequences.

- Name: Saniata Valdez - Nicknames: Si - Neighborhood: Beach Front - Occupation: Real Estate Agent - Age & Birthday: 34 years & Sept 2nd, 1989 - Pronouns & Gender: She/Her & cis-female - Ethnicity: Filipino (Ilocano) - Sexuality: Pansexual (she doesn't label it) - Hometown & Time in BR: New York & Arrived June 2024 ooc info: Faceclaim: Kylie Verzosa

PLAYLIST | CONNECTIONS | PINTEREST

𝕓𝕚𝕠𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕡𝕙𝕪. Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence / Toxic Relationship

She was born in New York to famous parents. Her father is a Hollywood actor, and her mother is a model, both from the Philippines. They are the country's biggest stars and uphold the culture to the highest standards.

There was a lot of pressure on Saniata growing up to maintain that image and uphold those beliefs, which were very religious.

The picture-perfect family was not so perfect behind closed doors. The young couple often argued, and things sometimes became physical between them. Much of it was due to maturity and pressure from work and public image.

They had another two children, Si's younger siblings, and that seemed to steady the course. Things were good most of her childhood. Those earlier years still lingered in the young girl's mind, but as the years passed, she started to believe in the love her parents shared.

As a teenager, Saniata attended one of the most prestigious high schools in the state. At first, she was studious and ambitious, wanting to please her parents. However, things at home became rocky.

Her father was caught up in a tabloid love affair with a co-star, and suddenly, her world was turned upside down.

She was missing school, and at that time, Carter Chen was tasked to bring her homework to her, as the families were close. The young man caught a glimpse of the volatile nature of the home Saniata lived in, and embarrassed, she swore him to secrecy. It was enough that everyone at school talked about her father's affair; they didn't need to know about the arguments and moments of violence between the couple.

It was then that a friendship was formed between the two. Saniata learned at a young age that she had power over people. She could make them do things that she needed, like Carter keeping her secret, but soon that turned to things she wanted. This manipulative streak, coupled with her attractive looks and personal issues, created a monster.

Saniata rebelled against everything her parents had wanted her to be. She even rebelled against her heritage and culture. She wanted nothing to do with them.

At eighteen, she turned to the only other father figure in her life, Mr Chen, and with her charms, she was gifted a top job at the real estate mogul's business.

Saniata killed it, and in a few short years, she had enough wealth accumulated to fund an independent life, free from her parents and their toxic manipulations.

In her twenties, she lived life to the fullest. She had everything she wanted. Money, purses, a fancy apartment, and anyone she wanted.

A rivalry developed between her and Carter at the business as they both vied for the top seller and Mr Chen's attention. This could lead to some bust-ups between the close friends, but mostly it was friendly.

Now, the two-some are in town for Carter's big plan to take over a plot of land and build on it. Saniata loved her fast life in the city, but deep down, she knew that Carter would do anything for her, so she sucked it up and said yes, about the only time she's ever done anything for someone else.

𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖.

1991 - 1995: saniata is a young kid and witnessing young parents toxic relationship 2004: starts high school 2005: fathers affair breaks and her life changes 2005: friendship with carter is formed 2008: gets job with the Chen real estate agency 2011: finally moves out on her own and says goodbye to her family 2012 - 2022: top seller and making millions 2023: carter proposes his idea/plan about Briar Ridge June 2024: Moves to Briar Ridge

[leylayilmz]

about.

Full Name: Leyla Eda Yilmaz

Age & Birthday: 35 years old; December 1st, 1989

Zodiac: Sagittarius sun ☀︎ Cancer moon ☾ Libra rising ➶

Occupation: Owner of Everything Goes / ex published writer

Preferred Pronouns & Gender: she/her, cis female

Sexuality: Bicurious

Hometown & length of time in Briar Ridge: Born and raised in Briar Ridge, lived in New York from 18-29. Has lived in town consistently for the last 6 years.

Neighborhood: Downtown, in a 3 bedroom apartment with her daughter, Billie and best friend, Valentina.

Positive Personality Traits: resourceful, hardworking, loyal, protective.

Negative Personality Traits: disorganised, critical, cynical, impulsive.

✍︎ Penned by: Tee

☆ dot point bio | connections / pinterest / timeline

tw: death mention, pregnancy, grief.

Town local Leyla Eda Yilmaz has had a love/hate relationship with living in Briar Ridge. She loved growing up the way she did, with her dad and brother and sister. But something about New York called to her; it felt like there was nothing for her in her home town. She initially left town after graduation for Columbia University to chase success and study literature, a determination that saw her become a published writer of a two-book series some years after college. But alas, life, as it does, would get in the way. Her brother’s tragic death caused her to return to the Ridge just a decade ago. After his funeral, she pulled yet another disappearing act, leaving town for good. That is, until she fell pregnant to her then musician boyfriend, coming back home after his refusal to be a part of his daughter’s life. Soon after Billie was born, Leyla began to work at Everything Goes, which was recently left to her by the elderly owner. Nobody can make a pastry like Evelyn Girard, but Leyla’s learnt a thing or two and come pretty close. She’s often seen making coffee, overseeing the baking process and recommending novels to those interested. When people ask why Leyla hasn’t written another novel, she quickly shuts it down by telling them that raising a daughter and running a business has taken up almost all of her time. But really, dabbling with words and emotions and throwing herself into her own writing feels impossible when she knows it brings about the possibility of having to face her grief. And that terrifies the hell out of her. 

headcanons.

Every so often, she closes Everything Goes for a day to teach the kids in town how to bake. And Mari Cabrera!

Always has a book in hand, hanging out her bag, etc.

Is always late everywhere, despite being a hard working citizen.

Wears a necklace with a small October birth stone, representative of her brother and mother's birth stone.

CANNOT live without coffee. If she looks mad, give her coffee immediately. If the coffee machine is broken at the bakery, leave. Just run.

Knows ASL

Inspired by — Lorelai Gilmore, (gilmore girls), Rachel Green (friends), Carrie Bradshaw (sex and the city), Summer Roberts (the oc) & Brooke Davis (one tree hill).

wanted connections.

sister: wanted connection link

baby daddy/ex: wanted connection link

cousins: must be turkish

childhood/high school connections: she grew up in briar ridge.

high school sweetheart: this can go any which way! but i'm guessing they broke up before/after she left for new york after graduation.

new york connections: leyla lived there for over ten years (age 18-29) and went to columbia university

downtown neighbours: she lives in a three bedroom apartment with her daughter and Valentina Flores.

everything goes: coworkers & regular customers, pleaaaase.

parent friends: people who understand parent life lol

coffee addicts: speaks for itself. she respects coffee lovers but just like people who need coffee like an iv drip, hanging out and talking smack/gossiping about the town. i need it!!!!

[bellstrom]

════════════  (WANTED) CONNECTIONS  ⋆  PINTEREST  ════════════

Full Name: Nakhon Chirathivat

Nickname: Golf

Age & Birthday: 29 / October 11th, 1994

Occupation: Cook at family-owned Thai restaurant, Jitlada / (former musician)

Preferred Pronouns & Gender: He/him & cis-male

Sexuality: Bisexual

Birthplace : Bangkok, Thailand

Length of time in Briar Ridge: 22 years

Neighborhood: Downtown

🖋 Played & Penned by: Apo Nattawin / Syd

Up until two years ago, Golf's life looked totally different. From band practices to a loud, rumbling kitchen— he never would've imagined his days were going to end up sweating over pad kra pao and not singing into a mic under a glaring spotlight. It was all he ever wanted until he realized just how fast his life was moving, only to leave the ones he loved behind.

Golf's mother left their family shortly after arriving in Briar Ridge in 2002. Her departure meant his childhood was cut short, as he had to help their family restaurant survive the loss and look after his younger sister. (He learns why she left later on in life and is unsure if he should tell his younger sister.)

The band that nearly brought him to Hollywood was formed during his junior year (with his childhood best friend), going under many different names and changes until they finally settled on one that felt right. They played at birthday parties and busked often in Birdsong Park, covering whatever song was popular at the time. It wasn't until they started to finally play their own music that their fame skyrocketed, landing them a regular spot at Golden Hour Beach Bar two years ago. For a while, they were popular amongst locals until a health scare and a fight with his younger sister caused them to fumble their only shot at getting into Hollywood.

Due to their band's rising success in Golf's early 20s, his younger sister was left to look after their father (and the restaurant), who had grown ill during her senior year of high school. The sudden change in responsibility made her grow resentful, and after getting into a huge fight, Golf realized he had to drop his dream in order for his sister to see some success of her own.

Not showing up to their big performance at Golden Hour caused the band to break up and the friendship he had with his childhood friend to fall apart. He's no longer on speaking terms with them and continues to work in the kitchen at Jitlada, looking after his father and their family business.

[vcronicalvarcz]

VERONICA 'RONNIE' ALVAREZ

BASICS:

full name: veronica alvarez

nicknames: ronnie

age: 39

dob: march 25th

hometown: philadelphia, pennsylvania

current location: briar ridge, south carolina

neighborhood: downtown

occupation: owner of divinity - metaphysical/spiritual shoppe

gender: female

sexuality: pansexual

relationship status: single

theme song: pronoia - carly pearl

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

face claim: nathalie kelley

hair color: brown with light brown lowlights

eye color: brown

height:  5'6"

weight: 121 lbs

build: thin

pierced: ears

tattoos:

FAMILY:

Siblings: none

Children: none

Pet(s): black cat named floki

HEADCANONS:

ronnie loves to paint and sells her pieces in her store. mostly she likes to paint nature including plants and the ocean

attends valentina's yoga classes daily - additionally, would die for her

ronnie got her cat after the cat distribution system picked her. floki goes with her everywhere

ronnie lives in a small apartment above her business. the apartment is absolutely riddled with plants which she takes meticulous care of.

she struggles with mentally playing devils advocate a lot. she tries to understand people, and where they’re coming from when it comes to their decisions because she wants to be empathetic. but in the same breath, if it’s someone who hurt someone she cares about, she’ll be quick to throw that middle finger in the air.

BIOGRAPHY:

Nestled deep within Philadelphia's upper class neighborhoods rested a large six bedroom home belonging to Dr. Franklin Alvarez and Dr. Patricia Munez-Alvarez. Both were highly regarded in their medical field with outstanding records of successful medical trials. Their work took a lot of time, meaning their one and only child spent more time with nannies and her grandmother than her parents.

If asked, Veronica doesn't mind. Spending time with her grandmother meant more to her than anything else in the world. Abuela Addy taught the child everything she knew about divinity, spirituality, relying on the earth and how to enhance that green thumb. Being part of the Quechua people certainly benefited her life and Abuela Addy wanted to pass down that knowledge despite her own daughter turning to a different form of medicine.

When she got older, the Alvarez parents cracked down on education. Tutors were hired. Ronnie hated it, but they were her parents so she followed along. It wasn't long 'til her parents realized just how intelligent their daughter was. For so long Veronica followed her parents' dreams. Even after losing her grandmother, Veronica kept her face in books to study. She got accepted to MIT, participating in their STEM program.

Ronnie was on the verge of graduating one of the top in her class when that night happened. Driving home from a group study session, her car was hit by a drunk driver, pushing her car off a cliff. Ronnie spent months in the hospital - touch and go there for a while before the doctor's finally determined she was going to make it. That one tragic event made the woman realize - life was too short to follow the dreams of others, and if she were to truly be happy she needed to follow her heart.

Ronnie dropped out of college and moved to Briar Ridge where a cousin of hers opened their home. It didn't take long for Ronnie to fall back into the ways of her grandmother; the only person who truly loved her enough to tell her to do and be whatever she pleased.

[marcoscntos]

TASK TWO - CHARACTER MOODBOARD

"you came?" "you called." - a marco + @cali-cabrera moodboard

[papaflynn]

A single dad who adores his daughter Avie (8 years old). Has spent the last few years of his life dedicated to his daughter but is now trying to discover himself outside of being "dad."

STATS

- Name: Callum Flynn - Nicknames: Cal or Papa Flynn - Neighborhood: Downtown - Occupation: Teacher at Oakland Elementary (also teaches music) - Age & Birthday: 29 years & Aug 2, 1994 - Pronouns & Gender: He/him & cis-male - Ethnicity: White - Sexuality: Heterosexual - Hometown & Time in BR: Wicklow, Ireland & 10 years

connections | pinterest | musings | playlist

BIOGRAPHY

trigger warnings: abandonment

CHILDHOOD:

Callum’s journey began in the picturesque confines of a quaint village nestled on the outskirts of Wicklow, Ireland. He was the youngest of three siblings, born into a household brimming with love and determination, thanks to his hardworking parents. However, it was within the rhythm of the music that Callum discovered his first and enduring love, an affair that began with the dulcet tones of old Elvis records, cherished memories of bonding with his Dad, and a slice of nostalgia that remained intact even in the music-saturated nineties of Ireland.

His passion for music was an unbroken thread that wove through the fabric of his life. Initially, it was the piano that captured his interest, but soon he stumbled upon his true muse—the guitar. This newfound love would propel him on a remarkable journey.

When Callum was just twelve years old, fate took his family on a life-changing excursion to Nashville. There, they visited his great aunt Margaret, who, in her own right, was a musician of modest recognition, having wedded a relatively well-known country singer named Hank Smith. In Ireland, Hank’s fame was a distant echo, known only to a few southern and country music aficionados. Yet, for Callum, gazing upon Hank was like encountering a musical deity. At the tender age of twelve, he realized that Nashville was where his future lay, and the die was cast.

NASHVILLE:

Eighteen marked the age of departure. Armed with his cherished guitar and the unwavering support of his family, Callum embarked on his journey to fulfill his Nashville dream. His great aunt Margaret and Uncle Hank awaited him on the other side, eager to embrace him into their world.

However, destiny had an unexpected twist in store for Callum in the form of Hayley, a spirited American who captured the heart of the shy Irish boy. Callum had never known love quite like this, and he was utterly smitten. The two became inseparable, and his musical aspirations were temporarily eclipsed.

In 2014, Hayley dropped a bombshell—she was pregnant. Callum, just twenty at the time, welcomed the news with a grin of excitement. Love flowed between them, and he believed that everything would be fine. But life had other plans. Shortly after giving birth to their daughter, Aoibheann Flynn, Hayley left, leaving Callum heartbroken and alone in her hometown, surrounded by her friends and family, with their precious child.

BRIAR RIDGE:

In the wake of this heartbreak, Callum had to pivot his focus towards raising their innocent baby girl alone. Music took a backseat as he entered the world of hard work, and both sets of grandparents extended their support in every possible way. Hayley’s family cared for Aoibheann when he had to work, while his parents sent financial aid whenever they could.

Determined to provide the best for his daughter, Callum embarked on an arduous journey. He saved diligently, and eventually, he accumulated enough to enroll in a college in the city. This meant more long days and nights away from Aoibheann, but his unwavering commitment to her propelled him forward. Four challenging years later, he emerged with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Music.

An opportunity arose for a music teaching position at Oakland, and Callum seized it with both hands. This initial step led to a role as an elementary teacher, finally allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief. He believed that they would be okay, that Aoibheann would be okay. They had a cozy apartment, the essentials, and a little girl who had her toys and trinkets, and they were content. Yet, as eight years slipped by in a blur, Callum couldn’t help but feel a longing for something more. He had devoted all his energy to his daughter, and in the process, he had neglected himself. Loneliness crept in, and with few friends to turn to, he found himself yearning to reconnect with his surroundings, his community, and rediscover the world beyond the confines of their small apartment. Callum was now on a quest to reconnect with everything he had left behind—the town, the people, and friendships long neglected.

WANTED CONNECTIONS:

Buddies - gym, bar, and so on

Neighbors - he’s in an apartment with his daughter alongside many other residents. come join the club!!

Colleagues - anyone connected to the school. teachers, nurses, subs, anyone at all!!

Landlord- does someone own this apartment and rent it to him? or does their parent?

Guitar student- i'd LOVE someone who has lessons with him to explore his musical side more

The therapist - anyone connected to his ex who knows what he's been through and maybe pushes/encourages him to process and talk about - or maybe they don't know hayley but know his story and are trying to help him process/talk about it

The babysitter - someone who always helps out with Avie and is there when he comes home from another failed date with pizza and a listening ear

The black cat to his golden retriever - this would be open to females only but someone feisty and blunt who hates everyone but somehow has a soft spot for him and they have a cute dynamic

Someone he's dated/dating - he is trying to work on his dating game and this could be someone in a similar place? there's no pressure on it. they just make cute plans and do cute things for that companionship. very cutesy!!

“Seems like a married couple” but are not - they click instantly and give off that old married couple vibe but are strictly friends

BE MY WINGMAN (BUT TAKE ME HOME): give me a plot where MUSE A and MUSE B, while best friends, are on total opposites of the spectrum – MUSE A is a total ladies-man/maneater, while MUSE B is incredibly awkward and fumbly around the opposite sex. they go out to bars, to clubs, to dinner or to brunch – it doesn’t matter. MUSE A finds it hard to leave without getting the waiter/bartender’s number, while MUSE B tries to figure out if the human body will ever be capable of controlling the blush response. after witnessing the millionth strikeout during a night out at the bars, MUSE A decides to give MUSE B some pointers – except MUSE B has never felt more comfortable flirting, even if just for practice, with anyone else before.

THE AWKWARD ONE: MUSE A saves MUSE B from a date that’s turned out to be a completely horrible, awkward, and embarrassing dumpster fire. MUSE A is at the bar drinking and shooting pool with friends and has been watching the disaster unfold all night – keeping tabs on the long & drawn out gaps of silence, tallying each and every forced smile shared. MUSE A along with his friends, even have a bet going as to who will up and leave the table first. while waiting for their drink at the bar – likely trying to catch a break from the miserable reality that exists back at their table – MUSE B strikes up conversation with MUSE A and suddenly it’s almost as if every joke and flirtation that’d been set off and misfired previously found the exact right place to land…

[civanguneri]

TASK TWO - FRIENDSHIP MOODBOARD

( @tanvi-mishra ) You can put your strength down. I'm sitting here with you, at your kitchen table. You don't need to say anything.

[niaxbailey]

TASK TWO - FRIENDSHIP MOODBOARD

( @nikostewart ) Even if I had none left, I'd make space for you.

[valentinaflorcs]

TASK TWO - Character Moodboard

little by little, day by day, what is meant for you will find its way...

[emilmoreno]

TASK TWO - CHARACTER MOODBOARD

Nothing hurts more then trying your absolute best and still not being good enough.

[koemiokano]

Name: Koemi Okano.

Alternative Names: Emi to any of her close friends.

Age: Thirty-Two.

Gender/Pronouns: cis Female, She/Her.

Ethnicity: Japanese & White.

Occupation: Realtor, specializes in the creepy and disturbed housing market.

Neighborhood: Downtown Briar Ridge.

Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting. No, really, actual accounting.

Playlist: Dogs Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine / Up the Wolves - The Mountain Goats / Reckless Lover - Handsome Ghost / Sad Forever (acoustic) - Landon Austin / Shaky Hands (piano version) - VACAY / Harmony Hall - Vampire Weekend / Sight of the Sun - fun. / Spirit Cold - Tall Heights

Physical Stats.

Eye color: Brown.

Hair color: Brunette.

Height: 5'6".

Tattoos: This one is her only one so far and is located on the back of her upper arm. (She'll go to the grave swearing Season of the Witch is the best Halloween).

Scars/Birthmarks: She has a scar on her knee from when she was convinced she could skate down a tall ramp to prove a boy wrong and ended up busting her knee open. She insisted she was too cool for the hospital and never got stitches, hence the scar.

Fashion style: If she could live in a crewneck and joggers, she would, but during work she cleans up nice in a pair of skinny khakis and a blazer or a silk button up with rolled sleeves.

Weaknesses: Weaknesses? What are those? (Candy and pretty girls, actually).

Personal History.

Birth date: October 30th, 1990.

Place of birth: Charleston, SC.

Notable events/milestones:

18 Years Old - Moved away from home to attend college per her parents' wish and eventually graduated with a four-year degree in accounting. 22 Years Old - Started at her father's accounting firm where she met the woman who would eventually become her wife in the coffee shop of the building below. 24 Years Old - Worked at her father's firm for two years before she realized she was absolutely miserable staring at the bland walls of an office all day and ended up breaking the news to her parents and quitting pretty abruptly. 25 Years Old - Spent a year living on her nest egg and doing random jobs while she tried to figure her shit out. Proposed to her then-girlfriend during this time. 26 Years Old - Came across an old, abandoned home in Charleston that no realtor was willing to list and show and decided that her new venture into real estate was her calling. 27 Years Old - The year that she married her then-fiancée and they moved to Briar Ridge to settle down and allow Koemi a place to establish her career. 31 Years Old - Their marriage burned bright and fast and then... simply burned out. While Koemi's career was blooming, her marriage had quickly begun wilting until they finally agreed to get a divorce and go their separate ways.

Criminal record: She'd like to think her record is spotless, but the two speeding tickets she got a decade ago say otherwise.

Skeletons in the closet: She wishes there were skeletons in her closet — how cool would that be?

Relationships.

Significant other(s): Rosalie (Ex-Wife).

Lover(s): None... yet.

Parents/Guardians: Grace Okano (Mother). Kenji "Ken" Okano (Father).

Children: None.

Family: Erina Okano (Older Sister).

Pets: A black cat named Thackery Binx.

Biography.

trigger warnings: homophobia.

Koemi Okano was aware of who she was since she was little and that self-awareness was something that never faltered, even as she grew older and had to attempt to squeeze into the little box that her parents wanted her to fit into, following in the footsteps of her perfect older sister, an older sister who seemed to be everything that their parents had wanted in a daughter. She did what they asked, followed their rules, and respected her parents in the way that she knew she should, because at the end of the day, they were her parents and she loved them so she wanted to make them happy and proud of her. Sometimes, she felt like an after thought, the back up plan for if her sister ended up disappointing them, if the older girl ended up being someone they didn't approve of. Jokes on them, because everything they didn't want her older sister to be, Koemi was. She was rebellious, outspoken (wouldn't shut up most days no matter what she had to say and had an even worse time holding her tongue), and determined to one day get out of the little box she'd stuffed herself into, even if she didn't quite know the entirety of it yet. Instead, it happened little by little. She insisted on playing sports instead of being president of a math club or a language club. She failed a test here and there in middle and high school just because she could. Most importantly, she spent her sophomore year of high school trading kisses with one of her best friends under the cover of her bedroom during sleepovers until her mom walked in and she was never allowed to see that friend again (the next week followed with a dinner with two of her parents' friends who had a son who was her age and for a little, she crawled back into that box that her parents created for her). College was a new adventure for her. Being out from under her parents thumbs allowed her the opportunity to explore herself in ways she hadn't quite dared, and even though she was there for a degree in a major that her parents had chosen for her, accounting so that one day she could join her sister at her father's firm, she lived life the way she wanted to; binging scary movies and kissing pretty girls. After she graduated and started working at her dad's accounting firm was when they stopped bringing up the fact that she was chronically single and should find a nice guy to settle down. Koemi worked hard to please them in her career so they would forget about the other parts of her life that she wasn't ready for their noses to be snooping in. That was, until she met Rosalie. It was another bleak day of Koemi having to drag herself into an office she hated to stare at the same beige walls she'd been staring at for two years that she also hated, but meeting Rosalie in the coffee shop beneath her office building made that particular day feel anything but bleak and it didn't take long for the two to start dating and eventually get married. It was in between the dating and the marriage that Koemi finally tossed aside the worn down little box that she'd been trying to fit into her entire life and quit her job at her father's accounting firm, telling her parents that account wasn't anywhere close to her dream (while also breaking the news of her fiancée to them — it may have been a little much, but she was always one for a few theatrics). Everything was like a dream after that. Her new career as a realtor, founded on one overly large and slightly haunted house, her marriage, and the move to Briar Ridge to settle down for a fresh start with her wife. The dream career continued, but her marriage quickly turned into a nightmare a few years later, leaving her divorced at the age of thirty-one. Determined not to put herself into a box again, Koemi moved on over the last year and a half, throwing herself into her career and hosting some killer Halloween parties in the mix.

[kira-aminu]

Full Name: Kira Adana Aminu

Nicknames: Keeks, Kiki

Age & Birthday: 31 - 19th March 1991

Occupation: Owner of Sugar Rush Scoops

Preferred Pronouns & Gender: She/her & cis-female

Sexuality: Bisexual

Hometown & length of time in town: Briar Ridge, South Carolina. Minus college, she has been there her whole life.

Neighborhood: Beach Front

Family: One older sister [Deceased], one twin brother

pinterest | connections | facts

Was born and raised in Briar Ridge. She has a twin brother and had an older sister. Her sister passed away when Kira was 17.

Was always the shy, quiet kid. Banked on having her brother there and usually just met friends because they were his friends.

As she got into high school and found drama club, she came out of her shell a little more. She had friends of her own and found an outlet to gain some confidence. It was from this that she met her first boyfriend, Marcus Bishop.

From the time Kira was a baby, her grandmother had owned “business name” and had run it with Kira’s aunt. Kira worked there from 16 and even though she took a break when she left for college, she worked there every summer. It was decided that as she loved it so much, and if she got a good degree, then the shop would eventually pass down to Kira.

She learnt the business inside out, dedicating as much time as she could to it and once her grandmother was ready to retire, she handed over the lease, keys and company registration. The shop is Kira’s baby and as much as she is probably a workaholic, she loves coming with new flavours and ideas for the shop. 

Although thriving professionally, following her and Marcus’ breakup, she did retreat a little into the shy, reserved person she was as a child. She comes into her own in the shop, but outside of it, she takes a while to warm up and open up to new people.

Hasn’t really dated much since her break up when she was 24 and is absolutely terrified of getting hurt again. She hasn’t had anything serious since this.

Quick facts/headcanons

if it isn’t some kind of contact sport, she isn’t doing it. The exception is the occasional hiit class.

Fucking loves a cardigan

Does a crossword everyday 

Her favourite film is Anastasia and she listens to the soundtrack whenever she is working on new flavours of ice cream.

Is genuinely scared of becoming lactose intolerant.

Once got into an argument when drunk because a woman in a club said she didn’t like Harry Potter.

Goes to a drama club to try and regain some of her confidence.

Plays guitar and has a nice singing voice