#f2f: tamara hayes

[jmiemagvans]

Who: Jamie Mariadaga-Evans & @drtamarahayes

What: Emergency Services Carnival

Jamie was walking past all the food booths, looking for something to snack on. He loved the carnival, and it was always fun, a good break from work. Now the hard part was deciding between pizza or a burger. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar face. "Hey, doc," he grinned, waving over at Tam. "Long time no see," he joked, knowing that they had just seen each other at work the other day.

[oliverxsutton]

Who: Oliver & @drtamarahayes

What: Snowflake Gala

When: January 25, 2025

"This is my first gala... thing... in town," Oliver said, almost hesitantly. "I've been to formal events before, but I still can't help but feel like I stick out like a sore thumb," he said with a soft laugh. It wasn't that he didn't feel like he fit in, he felt comfortable in town at this point. It was more that he ended up looking lost because he didn't know how to get to the venue. "Have you tried out the appetizers?" he smiled a bit. "They're absolutely delicious."

[xjoellasuh]

“I… think so?” Jo said with a laugh. “Oh, I made sure they all know it,” she smirked. She did love being in charge, but she loved all her siblings, and they all had different personalities, but still got along. “Yeah, that’s my mom for you,” Jo grinned. “She’s living with it, that’s for sure. Is she happy? Probably not. But at least I’m trying,” she mused. “If only. Isn’t there some rule that’s like you can’t have too many cats?” She joked.

“Oh, wow! Did your parents want a big family? And hey, there’s nothing wrong with being a bit bossy, especially if it gets things done.” Tamara laughed, fingers combing through the fur of the kitten in her lap. “Uh huh… that old chestnut. Well, you seem to be supporting yourself pretty fine to me. Not that I’m getting out much these days to see you in action, but you look happy, healthy. I don’t think any parent can ask for more than that.” Tamara certainly couldn’t, anyway. “Right? If only I had the time!”

[jmiemagvans]

JAMIE: trust me, it is haha

JAMIE: oooh, yeah? Anything fun happening?

JAMIE: I’d say it was pretty perfect.

TAM: It sounds interesting :P TAM: maybe one day - I’m a bit occupied these days! TAM: yeah! There were even some mini zombies and I just wanted to eat them all up!

[xjoellasuh]

“Oldest of four,” Jo said. “That makes sense actually. For me, I just wanted to boss everyone around. And I got to do that,” she laughed softly. She shrugged her shoulders. “The typical stuff. How to be responsible and find a career that will actually let me support myself,” she said. “She is only starting to come to terms with the fact that I didn’t go to college.” It had been hard coming back to town but Jo wanted to do what she loved. And she couldn’t imagine herself in any other space except to perform. It was a part of her and it was something she couldn’t just let go of. “You’re welcome!” She said sweetly. “Ooh, I know. They’re both extra cuddly. A package deal.”

“I feel like you’ve definitely mentioned that before, but forgive me for asking how many you have? I’m an only child, as far as I’m aware — maybe that’s why I love kids so much.” Tamara admitted with a giggle. “Really? What’s there not to like?” Being gifted like Jo was with performing, Tamara found it hard to believe her mother wouldn’t agree, but at the same time, she knew there were old school beliefs still lurking around this century. “Aw, thanks. I do my best! And right? Aw, could you imagine someone trying to seperate these two? They’re so attached! Look at how they’re trying to get to one another!”

[xjoellasuh]

“You’re probably right,” Jo said. “I’ve never had kids but I have siblings so, that’s kind of close? But not really.” She hummed a bit at the question. “Not so much. It’s more that she’s not the biggest fan of my life choices and career,” she shrugged. “Well, I think you’re awesome and doing a great job,” Jo smiled. She looked over at the other kitten. “They must be!”

”Right? I feel like they’d be considerably more easier to take care of than children.” She joked, of course, she loved her job and wouldn’t dream of doing anything else in the present. “Is she not a cat person?” Tam asked with a giggle, her fingers running the spine of the kitten in her arms. “You know me. Always trying to exceed expectations.” She chimed with a half shrug, watching as Jo scooped up another kitten with a bright smile. “Do you think these two are siblings? They look almost identical!”

[xjoellasuh]

“That would be a dream, though. I would love to just take care of cats for my job,” Jo said. “Although I don’t really know if that’ll win me any more points from my mother, however,” she laughed. “You’re doing so much as a doctor, that’s already amazing, girl,” she smiled. She watched the two interact and grinned more. “They’re sweet when they want to be. Mmm. So true. They’ve got extra cuddles and love today,” she said, before bending down to pick another kitten up. “Oh my god, look at that face!”

“In another life I feel like I would’ve been a foster carer, I unfortunately can’t do that in good conscience with the job I’ve got.” Either for children or animals, either worked. “Blanche and Lorelai, aw! They sound like angels.” Tamara chimed, enveloping the kitten delicately in her arms. “I think she does, too — granted, I think they like the attention they’re getting today point blank.”

[xjoellasuh]

“They really are such precious little creatures,” Joelle nodded with a smile. “They are! They just make me so happy. I would have a house full of cats if only it were sociably acceptable,” she chuckled. “I love those! Blanche is a Persian and Lorelai is an American Shortail. They’re both little fluffy babies,” she grinned, before carefully placing the kitten in Tamara’s arms. “She likes you!”

“I can’t help but lean towards kittys when it comes to pets. They’re just so snuggly and purring is so therapeutic!” Or maybe that was just her own personal highlights. Either way. “I only have Nebula, my Maine Coon. I’m highly considering getting her a friend.” Tamara moved her head in a nod when Joella offered the small feline, offering her hands to take her. “Yes, please!”

[xjoellasuh]

"Exactly, I love the way you think," Joella beamed. She truly loved cats, which is why she already had two cats to keep her company. Being at the shelter though? It made it hard to resist adopting another one. She scratched behind the kitten's ears, earning a soft little mew from the tiny creature. "Oh me too. Heaven is full of fluff. Do you wanna hold her?"

”It’s not the worst mantra to live by.” Tamara laughed, bringing her shoulders up in a mild shrug, chocolate eyes drifting to the floor where cats and kittens alike played. She couldn’t help but follow suit, kneeling cautiously to allow a cluster of felines paw at her jeans. “They’re so cute, I would happily die here and now!” She conceded gently, not wanting to scare any of the kittens with her excitement and awe.

[jmiemagvans]

"Grape's not bad either," Jamie acknowledged. "It reminds me of those vintage sodas from when we were kids. I remember getting those all the time with my brothers at the arcade," he grinned. "I probably did the same thing. Along with lots of ice cream."

"If I had to choose, probably grape. Can't get enough of it. I was the same with bubblegum growing up. I swear I could eat a whole pack of those back in the day. It definitely wasn't healthy."

[jmiemagvans]

“Strawberry. I’m definitely a strawberry kid,” Jamie said with a nod. “What about you?” He asked her.

"If you had to choose, what flavour would you pick?" Tamara inquired curiously. "Grape, raspberry or strawberry?"

[oliverxsutton]

“Well, it suits you. My sister helped me pick mine out and then my grandmother fussed over me a bit before I could leave,” Oliver chuckled. “Pleasure is all mine, miss,” he smiled at her. “I had my eye on a couple of pieces, actually. I’m always happy to support local art and local business, and school programs, of course,” he nodded. “Have you found anything yet that has caught your fancy?”

“Thank you! I wish I could say I put more thought into it, but honestly I just chose from what I had already available. I don’t tend to wear white almost ever, so it’s practically brand new.” Tam rambled some, grazing her hands down the sleek fabric with a smile. “Tamara,” she spoke before extending an arm in greeting. “Lovely to make your acquaintance, Oliver. Have you managed to purchase some art, or are you just enjoying the refreshments?”

[jmiemagvans]

“Perfect!” He laughed. “Fairy floss sounds good,” Jamie agreed. “I think I saw some over there,” he nodded. There were plenty of things to do around them. Fairy floss was a good place to start.

”I really do.” She enthused with a joyous laugh, always happy to endorse the hobbies of others so long as it didn’t cause them any harm. Not that she had to worry about that with Jamie. “No, not yet! I had my eyes on some fairy floss, honestly. I haven’t had it in… years?”

[xjoellasuh]

"The more cats, the merrier. Well, maybe not officially, but I still stand by it!" she said, beaming as one of the smaller kittens walked towards them. Kneeling down, she scooped the small cat into her arms, before grinning at Tamara. "Aren't they so much fun, though? Look at the fluffy little baby!" Jo said, holding up the kitten in her arms.

Theo had urged her to enjoy the shelter weekend event instead of staying home with him, and naturally, Tamara had gravitated towards the cattery. “Three cats wouldn’t be so bad.” The brunette mused, dipping her head as a smile spread across her lips. “I’m tempted myself, I’ll admit, but i’ve only got one back at home.”

[jmiemagvans]

"You're the best," Jamie grinned. "You know I do love my collection of stickers," he chuckled. He did indeed acquire quite the collection of stickers over the years at work. It was a fun part of his job, that mixed in with every other aspect of nursing, also made it all worth it, especially with the smiles from the kids. "I'm glad you like it! Have you gotten anything to eat yet?"

"I don't have my stickers on me at the moment, but i'll make sure to save one just for you for this very occasion." Tamara mused, something she often awarded little ones with when they took medicine or went through tests and procedures. "So far I can't complain. Like, at all."

[oliverxsutton]

“Well, thank you,” Oliver smiled. “I’m just you know, happy to be here,” he said with a nod. “I think you look great. I love how creative everyone has been with their outfits,” he said. “Ahh,” Oliver gave another nod. “Well, everything looks quite good. The town doesn’t fall short on that at all,” he said, before glancing around the room. “Names Oliver, by the way.”

Tamara could only assume she was the person the man was speaking to, her ears picking up his voice to her right amongst the haze of idle chatter and background music. “Don’t worry too much about it. You look great, considering. I think your outfits quite fitting.” The brunette eased warmly, chocolate hues sympathetic and reassuring before the shift of conversation. “Oh, I’ve been trying to stay away — but it’s so hard. I’m starving, like, all the time.”