#jewel Castillo

[pixelpayaso]

Save me Jewel…

[locitapurplepink]

"I'll soon be tested, don't know how. Wish they could guide me here and now, to help me get through this and someday become Queen."

[gt-icons]

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‒ like or reblog if you save

[fandom-addict404]

Season 2 episode 7 predictions:

1. Laurel will come to the summer house (since Belly called her at the end of the episode) with Cleveland

2. Cleveland will have a talk with Conrad. I hope they talk about Conrad’s anxiety since Cleveland was the one who helped him through his first panic attack

3. I want them to bring up Conrad’s schooling thing. Him skipping finals, Stanford, etc.

4. TAYLOR AND STEVEN!! Just them in general. I want. It. Now.

5. I want more on Jere’s bisexuality too ❤️

Any thoughts? Comments? Anything? Just put them in the comments ❤️👍

[pdrrook]

Not me showing up a week late with “ROs as songs from my Spotify Wrapped 2023” 🤡

Let’s go, PFM:

Jewel:

Reed:

Laurent:

Nino:

Flavio:

Alan:

[jade-escobar]

Opening Night | Jadrigo

Featuring: Rodrigo & Jade Escobar; mentions of Ziggy Baldoni, Leo Castillo de Leon, Jewell & Jett Clark, and others Location: Saddle River Day School; San Francisco, CA Time Frame: Evening, May 2, 2024 Notes: The opening night of Hairspray proves to be a big night for both Rodrigo & Jade @rodrigo-esc

JADE

Jade had been feeling uneasy for a few days now. Her stomach wasn't quite settled during most of the days, her breasts felt sore and what caught her attention the most was that she hadn't gotten her period since before the wedding. With plans to go to the school and help the students with vocal warm-ups before their opening performance, Jade thought it best to hopefully get some answers--or eliminate one possibility.

After a trip to the nearest CVS, Jade picked up 2 different brands of pregnancy tests and returned to hers and Rodrigo's townhouse. She took one of each test in the downstairs half-bath and rather than driving herself crazy waiting in the restroom, she washed her hands and went to the kitchen to prep some leftovers to bring to Rodrigo for dinner. By the time she finished packing up plenty of food in a container and adding a couple of plums and 2 bottles of water, she went back to the bathroom to check the results.

One test had an undeniable 'plus' sign on it which, according to the instructions was a positive. The other test had a digital screen which plainly read, "pregnant" on the small screen. Jade lightly gasped and picked up the tests. Her heart was beating fast and a slow, disbelieving smile was appearing on her face. She cupped a hand to her mouth and then, after getting through her initial shock, she took a deep breath and hastened her efforts in preparing to go up to the school. As she gathered her things, she thought about how to go about telling her husband.

After feeding Miranda and gathering her coat, purse and Rodrigo's dinner, she headed out, only making a couple of quick stops on her way to the school--her mind reeling from the good news.

RODRIGO

"Alright, guys! Michael! Michale, come here." Rodrigo gestured toward the desk full of programs that were being folded by the backstage crew. "What's wrong?" Michael, who towered over most 8th graders if not all, took one good look at Rodrigo and then burst into tears. "Oh. oh, no, no. what's wrong?" Rodrigo could tell from the moment he walked in that Michael Sin, one of the school's prodigies was not having a good day. The rest of the class stopped when they heard the sobs and rallied behind their friend, with Leo trying his best to reach Michael's shoulder to comfort him.

After pulling himself together and wiping his eyes, Michael finally revealed that his father would not be coming to opening night or any night. While the young man was already being pulled for junior varsity basketball at the most prestigious school in the district and while still belonging to the middle school section, he was finding that he also enjoyed drama with Ziggy and Rodrigo and the new friends he had made. With that, came the argument from his father that he wouldn't have time for basketball and that he'd have to choose one. Michael had suggested drama until the summer and once he began 9th grade, he'd join the team but his father didn't like that one bit. "I'm sorry, Michael. Look, you're doing what you love and that's what matters. Your father will come around. Your mom will be there and she knows you will make the best Link and she'll see the talent that we all see. Okay?" Rodrigo would have messed with the giant kid's hair to comfort him but it was already in the perfect style for his character. Instead, he offered a side hug and then let the others hug him too.

When Rodrigo looked up, he noticed Jade at the door, not knowing how long she had been standing there and before he could greet his wife, the class was already yelling her name and running up to her. "Mrs. Escobar! You're right on time! I can't hit this key!" Their Tracy Turnbland ran up to Jade to pull her.

But before Jade could be pulled in the musical side of things, Michael went up to her and hugged her side. "He's not coming." he mumbled and Rodrigo frowned before shaking his head at his wife

JADE

When Jade arrived to the school and parked, she left the reveal in her minivan for the time being and went inside of the school tot he music room. Initially, she'd heard the students buzzing with excitement but the noise from the room suddenly fell silent. Brows furrowed, Jade continued to the open door and frowned as she reached it. She saw Michael with his head hung and Rodrigo comforting him about his father. She'd heard some of what was going on with Michael and his dad during their rehearsals and deeply sympathized with him.

Jade made eye contact with Rodrigo and she gave a sad smile, with a single wave, only to have her hand tugged the moment she lowered it. She smiled a little more kindly as one of the show's leads tried to pull her towards the piano. But she saw Michael approaching and kindly resisted the tugging. "Just one moment. We'll get through our warm-ups so you'll be ready before you go on, but give me one moment okay?" Jade promised. When the girl flounced off to her friends in the ensemble, Jade turned in time to hug Michael, who was several inches taller than her--whereas most of the students were her height or a few inches shorter.

"I'm sorry, Michael. I know it meant a lot to you for him to come." She hugged him for as long as he needed and then pulled back to look at him, reaching up to wipe his eyes. "Hey, listen. I know opening night has a lot of excitement because it's the first show, but we're having the show filmed. We'll make sure your dad gets a copy, okay? And like Mr. Escobar said, your mother's going to be in the audience, right? That's such a gift and I'm sure she's going to give your dad an earful for missing tonight." She patted his shoulder and then plucked some tissues from the box on the nearby desk and said, "You're going to be incredible tonight. You've got a second family right here and we'll be cheering you on."

With an encouraging smile, she said, "Why don't you get your make-up touched up and then go by the piano for warm-ups?" She watched Michael nod and then go over to the make-up station, and then Jade turned and looked up to her husband to give him a hug. "Hey," she said to him, plenty of sadness in her voice for the young teen. "Poor Michael. I swear it's taking everything in me not to cry right now." Jade had to chalk that up to hormones since she was usually good at keeping herself composed. Lifting the bag in her hand, she said, "I brought you some dinner by the way. Leftover chicken piccata, roasted potatoes and green beans. And there are a couple bottles of water. Do you want to eat while I go through warm-ups and maybe one group number with the kids?"

RODRIGO

Rodrigo waved at his wife and waited for the kids to get acquainted with her presence. It was nice to see how much the kids had grown to love her and it's not like he could blame them. Even if she'd often counter that she didn't, Jade gave off a very motherly vibe. The kids were alone a lot of the time due to insane schedules which of course, was no fault of the parents. Others had parents who were never present, and never even tried. Rodrigo could understand why the kids gravitated towards them and the other adults at the school.

"How are the programs going?" he asked his little team of workers and they let him know that they were almost done. If not for some last-minute changes, the programs would have been ready days ago. He listened to Jade comfort Michael and when she reassured him that he was going to do a great job and that the drama program was a second family to him, he couldn't help but smile. "Hey." he kissed his wife on the cheek.

"Yeah, he's gutted. His dad is acting like this is a betrayal against him. It's ridiculous putting such high expectations on a kid especially when he is that talented." He watched as Leo comforted him and sighed. He rubbed Jade's back and leaned into her a bit. When she told him that she had brought him dinner, Rodrigo couldn't help but smile even more. "You know the way to my heart, as always. Yeah, I'm starving and it's still warm so thank you so much, honey." He sat on the desk and placed the Tupperware on his lap. "Alright, guys! Mrs. Escobar is going to run through warm-ups with you so she's the boss while I get some dinner in me!"

JADE

Jade looked to where a handful of students were folding programs, but her attention had gone back to Michael and then her husband. She leaned into the kiss on her cheek and hugged him around his middle. "It's an awful feeling. I know. And I wish there was a way to get his dad to be reasonable and supportive of all his talents." She hadn't discussed her own personal background with the students but she knew Rodrigo was more than familiar with what her upbringing was like. She could see some of herself in Michael at this moment, having been there herself with wanting parental approval and not getting it.

As much as her heart went out to Michael though, she knew that she and Rodrigo had an entire cast of students to prep. On top of that, she had news she was intending to share with him right after the performance and while the initial shock subsided, she was still very excited to tell him. After telling him what she'd brought him for dinner, Jade smiled to him. "I heated it up before leaving the house, so I'm glad it's still warm. Bon appetit, mon amour." She then went to the piano, setting her purse down on the bench beside her and taking out the Hairspray music book. After Rodrigo let the cast know she was 'the boss' while he ate, she chuckled and barely raised her voice above her normal speaking volume, "Alright, let's do some warm ups. We'll start with bumblebee." She placed her fingers on the keys, counted the students off and began playing the scales while the students went through the exercise.

Jade then moved on to 2 other warm-ups they'd previously done before suggesting, "Alright, let's do a run-through of "You Can't Stop the Beat" from the top until Edna's verse." She took out the sheet from her bag and set it in front of herself at the piano. A rise of nausea hit her but she swallowed it back and focused especially hard on the music she began playing for the students to sing along to.

RODRIGO

"I've been noticing it being an issue more lately. He's not supportive of Michael pursuing anything in the arts. He thinks he's wasting his time. I don't like that he's being drafted to older teams. He's still a kid, not yet a teenager and I feel like those boys are in a different experience bracket. I don't know, maybe I'll talk to his parents during parent-teacher conferences about it. If he wants to give him the spring and summer to train and then join a JV team when high school starts, fine but this is unnecessary." Rodrigo understood what Jade meant about it being an awful feeling. He knew that if anyone got it, it was her.

Rodrigo began eating his food while Jade stayed with the cast. He was listening with a smile on his face as he ate. She was wonderful with them and while he always thought Jade looked beautiful, there was something about her that made her look radiant today. Hearing the class run through "You Can't Stop the Beat", he couldn't help but leave his food to stand up and clap for them. "That was amazing and you know that's a high-energy number so don't forget to take your breaths, rely on one another, and just have fun with it. "You're all going to be amazing. I am so proud of you." Rodrigo wiped his hands clean after a couple of bites and walked toward them. "It is, for most of you, your second year with me and Mr. Ziggy and that means a lot of you graduate and go to the upper school. We're going to miss you so much and considering the campus is across the street, I really hope you don't forget us and come to visit often." Rodrigo smiled at his cast. "You are all so talented and I couldn't have asked for a better group of kids."

JADE

One of the things Jade especially adored about Rodrigo and his career was how much he fostered relationships with the students. So listening to him talk about what was going on with Michael really tugged at her heart. She let out a small sigh, disappointed in how his father was behaving and said, "Tread carefully when you bring it up in the conference. It'll be good to tell him but if his dad is anything like...what I went through growing up, you'll raise his defenses more." She didn't want to pile on the advise to heavily with Rodrigo. He wasn't new to teaching and he wasn't new to working at this prestigious school so he was likely to know how to handle the situation.

After the warm-ups and the run-through of the show's final number (or most of it), Jade was all smiles. The students sounded wonderful and she knew they were ready for their performance tonight and the nights that followed. Rodrigo had taken the words right out of her mouth when he clapped for them. She was touched by his words, especially with his remarks directed to the 8th graders. With the students warmed up and ready to go, Jade took the sheet music from the piano and put it back in her bag. She joined her husband at his side and had her features schooled while taking deliberately slow breaths, waiting for the nauseous feeling to subside again.

She helped to get the programs out for distribution once they were all folded, and when it came time for the students to take the stage, she told them, "Break a leg!" in clusters at a time as they left the room. With her and Rodrigo being the last ones in the room, she asked, "Do you want me to stay backstage or find a seat out in the audience?"

RODRIGO

Rodrigo agreed with Jade. He'd be careful how he addresses the situation as he knows that if he got too involved or said too much, it would end up falling on his student which he didn't want. He gathered all his things and texted Ziggy that they were on their way backstage. As he walked beside Jade and behind the cast, he placed an arm around his wife. "Are you okay?" He rubbed her back and wondered if her nerves were getting the best of her. There was a certain look Jade had that made him think that maybe she didn't feel like herself.

"You guys are going to be amazing! Take your places! Mr. Zig is backstage. I'll be joining you all shortly." He stayed behind to talk to Jade. Rodrigo pressed a soft kiss against her forehead. "Wherever you feel comfortable, honey. I made sure to get reservations in the front row for you and our friends. If you want to come backstage, there's a couch there for you to hang out. Completely up to you." Rodrigo smiled at his wife and took her hand in his. "Ten minutes to showtime!"

JADE

When asked if she was okay, Jade nodded and softly smiled to her husband, not wanting to lie to him. "I'll be okay, honey. I promise." She didn't make a lot of promises to Rodrigo, or anyone for that matter, but when she did, she meant them.

Jade listened to Rodrigo give the kids encouraging words while they left the room; she could feel the excitement and nerves radiating off of the students who had been practicing this production for months. The thought distracted her for a few seconds and then she shut her eyes at her husband's forehead kiss. She listened to his answer and weighed her options before deciding, "Okay. I'll sit backstage with Ziggy tonight. If I can help with anything, it'll be easier to do from there, and I'll plan to watch with the audience another night." She squeezed his hand while they left the room and followed the students and when she got to the couch, she took a seat. A small TV monitor was set up nearby--probably to help the students who would wait for cues to know when to go on. Jade was glad she wouldn't be completely missing the show but she also considered this the better option, especially if the nausea didn't pass on its own like it had earlier that day. She would be close by to a restroom and not so disruptive if she had to excuse herself.

Jade waved to Ziggy when she saw him and gave the show's Penny Pingleton a quick hair bow adjustment before the lights dimmed out front and the show began. Near the end of the production, she would sneak out to her car and get what she had for Rodrigo.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo was glad that the school's money was funding this production and anything that they needed. While he knew it was controversial to have such an expensive tuition, he was happy that it at least went to the arts and other important activities beneficial to the kids. As he watched Leo practice his hip twist, he couldn't help but think how proud he was that the school would be helping children like him get such an amazing opportunity too. Growing up in an underprivileged community, he knew that for a lot of his peers, it was all about resources and opportunities given to them. Rodrigo wished this type of education existed everywhere with no tuition to worry about. He cleared his throat and hugged Ziggy when the man came to topple him over practically.

"Take care of my precious cargo back here, okay?" Rodrigo smiled at Jade who had taken a seat. "I'm going to be in the pit and here so I'll be running around." Ziggy would be taking care of a lot of cues and wardrobe malfunctions backstage. Rodrigo blew his wife a kiss and then peeked out to the audience, glad to see his friends there. He took a deep breath and smiled as the headmistress made her away across the stage. "Ladies and Gentleman, thank you for joining us tonight for our Drama and Music class presentation of Hairspray! The department led by our Drama and Math lead, Mister (as we affectionately call him) Ziggy Baldoni." The audience applauded and Rodrigo looked over his shoulder at Ziggy who was hiding under his feather boa sitting beside Jade. "As of last year, we've had an important addition to the department with our English teacher, Mister Rodrigo Escobar." The headmistress waited for more applause. "Thank you both for nurturing the children's exceptional talents. And a special thank you to our orchestra and wardrobe seniors who are here volunteering their time. And last but not least, a special thank you to Mrs. Jade Escobar who has helped the children with two productions now!"

The audience applauded once more. "So now, without further ado, I present to you...Hairspray!"

Rodrigo jumped off the stage quickly and hid in the pit with the orchestra kids and the conductor. He had his eyes on the stage waiting for the music to begin.

JADE

Jade giggled watching Rodrigo and Ziggy from the couch, adoring their friendship and how they had each other's backs at work and outside of it. When Rodrigo blew her a kiss, she gave him an air kiss in return and let her eyes linger on him while he waited for the show to begin. Her adoration for her husband ran ocean deep and between the newness of married life combined with the news she had to share with him, she was feeling exceptionally emotional when it came to Rodrigo.

Once the principal spoke, her eyes went to the monitor as she listened from the speakers overhead. The acknowledgement to her was incredibly kind and made Jade go from grinning for Rodrigo and Ziggy to modestly smiling at her own name and hearing herself being referred to as 'Mrs. Escobar'. She watched Rodrigo leap out of sight and then turned her attention back to the monitor. For most of the first act, she was able to watch the students from backstage. Occasionally, her attention was pulled away to remind some students to stay quiet backstage, and once, she told their Penny not to start talking when she thought she was offstage, since her mic hadn't been turned down yet. She'd adjusted the young girl's bow again and let her know that she was doing a great job.

Early into the second act, however, Jade had gone to the bathroom and hadn't returned for some time. She'd rinsed her mouth out several times and tried pinching her cheeks a few times to not look so green and ashen. After reapplying lip gloss and getting a hold of some water, she sat back on the couch backstage and and stayed until the curtain call. During this, she slipped away to her car and returned with a colorful bouquet of wildflowers and a card embedded in the center for her husband.

RODRIGO

The kids had done such an an amazing job even with the noise backstage. Rodrigo just chalked that up to them being so excited. It was opening night after all and very much expected. He did give them a pep talk about it during intermission and was sure to check on Jade. She looked tired and he would make sure he'd give her a massage after stopping for shakes before they went home.

After the second act, Rodrigo was full of pride once the audience gave his class a standing ovation. Every cast member got a chance to dance during roll call and everyone was impressed with the children. Rodrigo had come out with Ziggy who had advised that Jade didn't look so good to him and he had been keeping an eye on her. It was probably some bug. She had been around his class the entire month after they returned from their honeymoon. No doubt she probably picked something up.

Once he gave a little speech and invited the parents to celebrate in the cafeteria with their children, Rodrigo stepped out and back stage to check in on Jade. "Hey, beautiful. Are you doing okay?" He sat beside her, waving at Ziggy who was going to lead the children downstairs once they had all changed and gathered their things.

JADE

Jade was sure that she didn't look her best when she'd come back from the bathroom and she was sure Ziggy would let Rodrigo know it. But she was glad that it was at the end of the performance at least, so thar she wouldn't have to stave off her husband's concerns. She'd stayed backstage, resting the bouquet on the couch while picking up a few things left behind by the cast. After throwing out trash and gathering some abandoned programs in a neat stack, she sat back down on the couch shortly before being rejoined with her husband. She smiled to him and then looked to Ziggy, giving him a wave as well. Rather than answering Rodrigo with a 'yes' or 'no', she handed over the bouquet to him. "These are for you."

The card she'd stuck in it wasn't in an envelope. The front read, "Congratulations!" With multicolored balloons and streamers on it. The inside had been blank but Jade had written in it, "Rodrigo, we know that you're the one who has a way with words in this family. Just know that with how special this night is, we are very proud of you and love you, always. And when I say we ...." And taped to the bottom of the card was a thin, white ribbon leading to a trail tucked carefully into the center of the bouquet. At the other end of the ribbon, Jade had tied the digital pregnancy test with a small note taped next to the screen, "I mean we!"

She waited for Rodrigo to read it and follow the ribbon trail, keeping her smile as controlled as she possibly could.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo relaxed next to Jade, glad that opening night had been such a success. Once everyone had emptied out the backstage and the audience had gone to the cafeteria, it was almost surreal that an entire production had just taken place. He was happy to be with his wife now so he could thank her for everything she had done and all time she had put in but Jade, as detailed and kind as she always was, already had something for him.

Rodrigo smiled at the flowers, leaning in to kiss her quickly on the lips before he could read the note attached. He read the passage once and then twice, wondering if they were from Jade and someone else but then he realized something was weighing it down.

He pulled the string, a smirk pulling at his lips as he wondered what this was all about but his heart was racing as he had an idea but didn't want to think too much on it just in case. At the end of the white ribbon, there it was. He let out a half-chuckle, his hands slightly shaking. "We?!" He pulled the note off the test and he read it over and over again pregnant. Rodrigo couldn't believe that it had happened so quickly. With his procedure, he wasn't sure how long they needed and if it would work out right away. He knew he wanted to try as soon as they could and now that it was happening, he felt the overwhelming happiness pour over him. "Jade! Oh my God! We're having a baby?!"

Before all of this, before Jade, before things got serious with Jade, Rodrigo couldn't imagine a life with children. In fact, he'd run away from it all but as time passed, his desire to have children with Jade grew. Talking with his therapist, spending time with Phoebe all had helped with his increasing desire to have a child someday. Now that it was here, it felt so humbling, so amazing. "We're having a baby!" Rodrigo pressed his forehead against her shoulder and smiled, keeping the pregnancy test in his hand. "Oh my God! That's why you're sick!" He looked up at her. "Are you okay? What do you need?"

JADE

Jade gently returned his kiss and then watched him take the card out and read it. Her lips stretched into a toothy grin when he gave a questioning chuckle but she didn't day anything and just waited for him to piece it all together. The moment he did, her own joy came out in the form of a laugh, nodding despite lifting a finger to her lips.

"We're having a baby!" she replied, quieter but still very excited. She had been unsure about motherhood, wanting it but denying herself that it would be a possibility or that it would be a good thing to pursue. But in loving Rodrigo and growing a relationship with him, she developed a changed heart for the better. Now, she would share that heart with more than just Rodrigo. When his forehead lowered to her shoulder, she brought her arms around him, only leaning back a little when he lifted his head to look at her. "I'm okay!" she told him through a bright smile, bringing her hands to both sides of his face. "I've been more tired and nauseous here and there so maybe we can stop at the store on the way home, but right now, I'm just... I was so excited to tell you. I didn't expect it to happen so soon. I don't think either of us did but honey, between us getting married and now a baby?" She leaned in and rested her forehead to his, drawing in a deep breath while smiling still. "At this time, this moment in my life, I really have never been happier before."

RODRIGO

He pressed a finger against his lips, chuckling softly, realizing this couldn't be common knowledge yet. Rodrigo kept looking down at the test to make sure this was real and to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

When Jade confirmed, his smile widened even more, and tears formed in his eyes. Rodrigo quickly dried them and shook his head. "I cry about everything now, I guess." he sighed and listened to Jade speak. Cradled in her hands, Rodrigo nodded gently, his smile never wavering. Their foreheads touched and he placed his hands over hers. "Whatever you need. We'll go after we're done here. And whatever you need, you just let me know. If it's pickle juice at 2 a.m., I'm your guy." He chuckled. "And I have never been this happier before either. "We're going to have a baby....a little one to wake us up a trillion times in the middle of the night." he then pulled his wife into a hug. "I love you so much. I'm going to protect and love you both so much."

JADE

Jade was so amused watching Rodrigo mimic her, and seeing him look at the positive test again made her wonder what was going through his mind in that moment. But she melted from him tearing up and felt some tears of her own pricking her eyes. Jade smiled at her husband and said, "It’s okay. I'll probably do the same soon enough." She listened to him and grinned when he mentioned pickle juice, "I've heard that it's good for heartburn. Did you know that?" Happy to be pulled into his arms, Jade returned the hug, squeezing him as much as she could. "I'm ready for that. I love you too and thank you." She kissed him on the side of his head and then stayed that way with him for a while before pulling back and saying, "I took two tests. The other one is at home and is positive too, but I should make an appointment soon too, and start learning as much as possible." She was nothing if not prepared, or at least tried to be whenever possible; it was ingrained in her and usually served her well despite the conditioning. "Did you come with Ziggy today or did you drive yourself in?" She couldn't remember seeing his motorcycle when she left their home this morning but she was also very, very distracted on her way out.

RODRIGO

He sniffled, wiping his eyes with his arm. He couldn't help but laugh at how emotional he's become but he didn't mind. He was just so genuinely happy and had never felt this kind of happiness ever. When Jade asked if he knew about pickle juice being beneficial for heartburn, he shook his head in response. "I didn't but that's not a bad craving to have since I know heartburn is common in pregnancy." He thought a moment and then added, "But I think it depends if you're having a boy or girl? I remember Luna saying something about. Damn, I'll have to ask her. And mom too. I'm sure she'll have lots of facts for us. Oh my God! Mom! She's going to be over the moon!" Rodrigo knew his mother probably had been waiting for this moment for a long time. He smiled at how tender Jade was with him and listened to her words. "Alright, well, we can get books. We'll go to the bookstore tomorrow and grab what we can." He thought for a moment as he had been wrapped up in the news. "Ziggy gave me a ride. We can go home together."

JADE

Seeing Rodrigo wipe his eyes made Jade wish she had a tissue with her for him. She gave a sympathetic smile to his tears and wiped what he missed with her thumb. "I guess we'll see if I end up craving it. Even if I'm not, I think having it on hand at home to help with heartburn will be good." After a small chuckle, she said, "I may not know a ton about pregnancy, but I know we have a while before we'll know if we're having a boy or a girl, right?" Still, she was glad he was going to ask Luna. She was sure to know. And at the mention of Emiliana, Jade was beaming again. She absolutely loved her mother-in-law and knew Rodrigo was right about his mom. "She's going to spoil this baby silly. But a trip to a bookstore sounds good. I know you have another show tomorrow so I can wait until you're done with the school day and have you back before the show? I'll probably read what I can online until then." Jade then nodded when he told that Ziggy had given him a ride today. She was happy that they would be able to leave together tonight. "Okay. Are you okay with us leaving soon? I did get a little sick earlier and I'm not sure if it's going to happen again. We still have to stop by the grocery store and I'd rather not risk the nausea getting that bad again while we're shopping." She squeezed Rodrigo's hand and then added, "And... are you okay with us waiting to tell everybody? Maybe waiting until our first appointment to know for certain, and then tell your mom and maybe Drew? And then see if everything's okay through the beginning? I just..." Jade bit her bottom lip, "If something happens before then, I think it would be easier for us to not have to go back and tell so many people."

RODRIGO

“I’ll remember that.” Rodrigo made a small mental note to have pickle juice on hand in case Jade ever needed it. When asked about the gender, he nodded. “Yeah I think it’s a couple weeks down the line or something ? Okay we have a lot of homework to do!” He chuckled. “Mom is going to be so happy. She already loves Phoebe so much and with now Phoebe will get a playmate and she’s going to be over the moon. Don’t be surprised if she spoils you even more. She’s going to make sure of it.” Rodrigo smiled at Jade agreeing they should leave soon especially since she’s been feeling ill. “I don’t mind at all. I’ll text Ziggy that we had to go. He will be okay and it gives us a head start on shopping.” Rodrigo rubbed his thumb over Jade’s knuckles as she spoke. “Of course. We can wait. That’s the right thing to do.” He rubbed her back with his free hand. “We will wait until it’s safe to tell people. For now we have to take care of you and our little one.”

JADE

"We can start a list for tonight!" Jade suggested, taking her phone out with her free hand and started a grocery list with texting a few items while listening to her husband. She paused and looked up, "Oh no, you're right. You're going to have to help me try to rein in her spoiling for me. I feel like my dad will try to do the same thing and between the two of them, that's going to be overwhelming." She smiled a little at this admission and added, "Let them spoil their grandchild 'til their hearts are content." Sticking her phone back in her bag, she leaned into Rodrigo's side and said, "Thank you, honey." She lifted her head to kiss his jaw and then said, "Ready? Do you want to go back by the music room to get anything? Your dinner was in there. Did you eat it all?" It was probably a silly question but thought she would check before they left.

RODRIGO

"That's a great idea. Are you allowed to drink tea? Oh god, I don't know anything." Rodrigo would have to do plenty of research. "I ask because peppermint is good for nausea so we can get some peppermint tea or something?" Rodrigo smiled thinking of both their parents spoiling her. "I will, don't worry." he then rubbed her back some more. "Oh, that'll definitely be a thing!" Rodrigo chuckled and wrapped his arm around Jade when she leaned into him. "Yes, I'm ready. We'll return to the music room to clean up and get the Tupperware. Are you kidding? I scarfed it down!" He laughed and shook his head. Food never lasted a chance around him. Rodrigo stood up and extended his hand for his wife to take. "Oh, crackers. Crackers would be good so you have something in your tummy if you can't keep anything else down." Rodrigo was beaming with joy. "And tomorrow we'll make an appointment for the OBGYN! Do you have one you trust?"

JADE

Jade mused over Rodrigo's tea question, "We'll Google about the tea on the way to the store because I was going to get some more ginger tea. We have some at home but not very much." In truth, she'd made some ginger tea for herself the first time she'd felt ill, before suspecting and knowing that she was pregnant. When Rodrigo mentioned straightening up the music room and getting the food containers, she nodded and then laughed a bit with him. "I'm glad that leftover chicken picatta holds up well enough." She stood after him, accepting his hand and keeping hold of it and picking up her purse and the flowers. "Crackers are great to add to the list. Just some saltines should work." Jade walked with him from the back of the theatre, heading for the music room. "Of course I do," she told him, looking up with a smile. "I've had the same doctor since I went to culinary school, Dr. Ellison. She's also the one who removed my IUD. Hopefully I'll be able to get an appointment with her early next week. I can ask for a late afternoon appointment so you won't have to take time off of work?"

RODRIGO

Rodrigo listened carefully wanting to make mental notes of all the important things. He wanted to be actively supportive for Jade and do things correctly. He was going to make sure he read all the books and as soon as they got home, he’d get to making plans on a nursery. Rodrigo was going to make sure her pregnancy was safe and stress free.

He was glad she had a doctor already. Rodrigo wasn’t sure if all gyns delivered babies or anything but was happy to hear that Jades long time doctor would be the one seeing her for her pregnancy. “That’s perfect. I want to be there for as many appts as possible and all the scans.” He was so happy in this moment, he couldn’t even explain how much his heart wanted to burst. “Okay, let’s go so we can get an early start on our list.” Rodrigo led her back to the music room and gathered their things before they could leave. He text Ziggy that he had to go which his friend already figured. This was just another one of his happiest days he could add to the list of many.

[mirrorbuns]

Gashapon: El castillo de gemas de Taquito set 2!! Bebecito sabrá cual gema combinará mejor con tu atuendo y cuánta suerte te dara!! Cuál te gusta más?

Gashapon: Baby bro's jewel castle set 2!! Baby bro will tell you which gemstone will suit your outfit better and which will give you the best of luck!! What's your favorite one?

[notmoreflippingelves]

Eoa 5, 6, 9, 16, 24?

5. 3 favourite characters?

Esteban, Elena, Naomi. (Though it's a very close call between Naomi and Valentina ngl and sometimes, Elena annoys me a little and gets bumped down a place or two).

6. Least favourite character?

Shuriki in the sense that she's the one who personally evokes the most angry feelings in me. But I also thinks she's a particularly good and effective villain and a very effective means of creating high stakes and woobifying Esteban further, so she can stay in my book.

I also really dislike Cristobal Castillo a fair bit for obvious reasons, but I think he also works fairly effectively in the context of the show as both a temporary baddie and as foil to Esteban (even if I wish we could've seen them interact more).

I think Fiero and Zopilote are both really interesting conceptually but were largely wasted in the show itself. Maybe they would've worked better if they were combined into a single character. Ash's evil mentor who serves as a foil to her and to Mateo, allies temporarily with Shuriki for POWAH (but always plans to betray her) in S2 and is both very proud of and very demanding of Ash. But in their current incarnation, they're just kind of there and largely pointless to me.

In terms of characters who weren't specifically designed to be villains, I am not particularly fond of Flo, Charoca, Luisa, or Mateo. I wouldn't say I "hate" them exactly as all do have some moments that I enjoy and have a role to play in the story. But even at their very best, I am decidedly "meh" about them compared to the others. Particularly Mateo. (I recently made a post about what I see as pretty clear writer's bias/favoritism toward him and why it aggravates me).

9. Favourite season and why?

It's difficult to say, since I think each of the seasons have their own particular strengths and weaknesses.

S1 is most consistent on an episode-by-episode level. At this point, the show is mostly filler/world-building but its much less glaring and disruptive here than in the later seasons. Also "Island of Youth" and "King of the Carnaval" have my whole heart.

S2 is best at pacing and balancing filler with the main plot. Shuriki is also by far the best villain on the show, and while there's still a lot of missed opportunities with that (which I'll get into at the next question), her return and defeat are handled reasonably well. I also feel that S2 has the best Dia de los Muertos episode (" The Jewel of Maru") and the best holiday episode ("Snow Place Like Home"). That being said, S2 is particularly aggravating to me as an Estefan since he does pretty much nothing of substance for an entire season--with the exception of an (admittedly great) cousin rap battle and a bit of (shared) focus in the Navidad episode.

S3 is probably my favorite and there is so much to love about it. the show finally gives Esteban the characterization and plot focus that he has deserved all along--and as a bonus, they gave him magic powers, a (reluctant and fortunately temporary) villain era, a redemption arc, a sparkly magical outfit( that pairs with Elena's) and an extremely stupid new hairdo to boot. I also love love love Elena's emotional magic (particularly as a parallel with Esteban's teleportation and just the aesthetic of her dress changing colors with her mood). I also love Victor and Carla redemption (even if I wish we could've seen more of them). In S3, we were introduced to Chloe, Antonia, Ixlan, and Rebecca who are some of my faves of the supporting characters. I love everything about "Dreamcatcher" and most of "The Magic Within" (except for Flo and the mood whiplash she brings with her) and "Coronation Day" as well.

But for all that is great about S3, there are some notable flaws as well. The most obvious of which is pacing. (Granted that this is probably unintentional and a lot of the problems are due to Disney airing things wildly out of order). We will go from some of the most devastating and emotionally exhausting episodes on the show to just super low-key filler episodes without any preamble and it's so frustrating. That being said, S2 did a much better job integrating the main plot even into filler episodes. (Ex: There was a little bit Victor and Carla shenanigans in "Royal Rivalry" and a few scenes of "Carla-as-Rita" even in the mostly filler science fair ep). It's also wildly funny to me how we will go through multiple S3 episodes without Esteban appearing or even being mentioned, yet the moment he does show up--either in person or conversation--he is accompanied by the affirmation that Elena is 110% incapable of being normal about him. It's like he either doesn't exist at all to her OR he is one of the only things that exists to her. There is absolutely no middle ground. It's hilarious.

I also have mixed feelings about Ash, Chatana, and the Four Shades of Awesome as villains. Chatana in particular seems underdeveloped and underused. While I mostly like Cahu as the final Big Bad, the other Shades seems kind of random and out of place, and I also think Cahu should've been introduced an episode or two earlier. Even if she doesn't appear, we could've learned that summoning her was Ash's plan and what she expects to accomplish. As well as the stakes of what they are risking by doing so.

16. Most ridiculous plot line?

The absolute nonsensical timeline/episode airing order throughout the whole show but especially in S3. Honestly, ridiculous is not at all the right word, but the plot arc--or at least plot element--that I find most aggravating is Esteban's plot during the S2 "Shuriki Returns" arc. Or more specifically, the complete and utter lack of Esteban plot during said arc. More than anyone else on the show except possibly Elena (and even that is debatable), Esteban's entire character has been shaped by 41 years of Shuriki's reign, coupled by his own guilt for enabling that reign in the first place and his lingering fear and trauma from the Dark Times in general.

As such the Shuriki returns arc should've been nearly as crucial to his character development as it was to Elena's. And yet...all we get is "The Right Thing to Do" and a few tiny little moments in "Song of the Sirenas" (him hiding behind Francisco on seeing Shuriki again and wanting to be rescued first from the tower). That's it. Three little moments, two of which are specifically played for laughs and all of which only really contribute to Esteban's character development if you really stop and think about them beyond the surface level.

Esteban uses his body as a shield multiple times to protect Elena from Ash (and later Cahu) in S3 and yet, he sees Shuriki and he immediately darts behind his grandfather for protection like a scared child. He literally does a song and dance to try to persuade (and then force) Elena to stay as far away from Shuriki as possible. He jumps the line to try be the first to be rescued from Shuriki and then his second thought is to protect the youngest and most vulnerable person in the room (Isabel) instead of himself. It's almost (sarcasm) as it he knows better than anyone exactly what truly horrendous things that Shuriki is capable of and wants to protect himself and his family from them.

I mean, I understand that the nature of this being a children's show discourages them from delving too much into Esteban's trauma and what exactly the Dark Times looked like. If they reminded the eight year olds watching that 41 years is an insanely long period of time to live alone without family, friends, or freedom, they would probably get so many angry letters from parents. Yet in the very first episode of the show, they just low-key reveal that Shuriki enslaved the noblins .

I don't think it would've been too much to have Esteban be like "Remember the noblins. Remember your parents. Remember the amulet. These are only a few examples of the terrible things Shuriki has done . I've seen them all firsthand and I've seen countless more equally nightmarish so I will not let you go after her now" before he breaks into his Hamilton audition piece.

Or even just there be a brief moment during the "Shuriki Returns" arc where someone is like "How are you holding up, Esteban? This must be so scary and stressful for you too/ you in particular." But no, this was apparently too much to ask for.

24. Favourite song from the show?

My favorite songs from the show are always the random ones with guest characters as opposed to the actually plot-important ones with main characters, lol. So my top 5 would probably be: "You Can't Catch Me," "A Little Bit More," (Val, my beloved) "More, More, More" (which is probably the most underrated song on the show imo), "You Want to Live Forever," and "The Gift of Night" and probably in that order.

If you held a gun to my head and told me I had to pick a more important song that is song by a series regular, it would probably be either "Something I Would Never Do" or "Let Love Light the Way."

Ask Meme

[camelottree638]

Elena/Mateo - Chimalma/Tonauac - We've Been Here Before (Maru crossover)

I am aware that in the canon of Maya and the Three Maya and Rico are explicitely soul-siblings, not lovers and that the Maruvians vanished completely when the Shadows attacked. This is my interpretation of a mix of Maruvian and Tecca lore to use characters from Maya and the Three as Maruvian OCs. The project was also heavily inspired by @cartoonfangirl1218 ‘s Soul Mate AU with my own spin on the characters. (https://www.tumblr.com/cartoonfangirl1218/181332057972/eoa-doppelg%C3%A4nger-idea ;https://www.tumblr.com/cartoonfangirl1218/708260886287122432/soul-mates)

PLOT:

Just as Elena and Mateo, the Maruvian Queen Chimalma („shield bearer“)  was also married to her Royal Wizard Tonauac (meaning „one who possesses light“ because oft he light of his magic and ironic for his history with the Scepter of Night). Tonauac manipulated Chimalma (who was a warrior and insecure in her role as political leader) into freeing the Shades of Darkness.

Afraid that he could unintentionally give Elena bad advice as well when his ambitions for magical knowledge get too great, Mateo tries to find out all he can about his predecessor to avoid his mistakes. During his research Mateo discovers the truth: Tonauac did indeed betray his wife but he was corrupted by the Scepter of Night. Only the love for each other and their twins was enough to break the magic bonds oft he Maruvian Queen and Wizard.

Elena meanwhile, worries about being a good ruler and while her insecurities and fiery temper are not as big as Chimalma’s, she starts to worry about being able to rule on her own.

Just as both Mateo and Elena doubt themselves, the Shades reappear to finish the destruction of Maru they started centuries ago. With much effort  they can hold the darkness at bay together. And as it has been in their previous lives, love ist he answer. Their kiss is interrupted by sudden flashbacks and the true story comes to light.

Chimalma’s magical sword was also known as the Jewel of Maru. To at least save her husband and children, the Queen sacrificed herself, sending the Shades back tot he Spirit World. She was able to save her children and husband, but most oft he population died in the blast and the kingdom of Maru would never recover it’s full power.

The twins Guatemoc and Tecuani stay close to each other and are the founders of different families: Guatemoc’s descendents form the Castillo line while Tecuani’s family line leads to Mateo’s birth 900 years later.

Both the reincarnation of their love in a previous life and the twin connection of their respective ancestors contribute to Elena and Mateo’s strong bond but Elena refuses to just be a part of predetermined destiny. They may have met before but the experiences of this life are their own.

The circle finally comes to a close as their children Anita and Carlos end up Avalor ruling together, fulfilling the rule over a kingdom the twins had been denied. Thus, they break the circle of destiny and rebirth and everyone is free to have their own life once and for all.

[ogygiafm]

welcome to ogygia, EVERYONE! please get us your accounts within the next 48 hours to avoid your role being reopened!

WELCOME ALI, you have been accepted as LUNA SANTOS (ARTEMIS) with a fc of BRUNA MARQUEZINE.

WELCOME ARI, you have been accepted as LUNA JUNG (HECATE) with a fc of LEE JIEUN

WELCOME ASH, you have been accepted as MINERVA MADDISON (ATHENA) with a fc of TATI GABRIELLE.

WELCOME ASH, you have been accepted as GULLIVER BUCKLEY (DIONYSUS) with a fc of ROBERT SHEEHAN.

WELCOME BEA, you have been accepted as COREY "HURRY" MCGILLICUDDY (HERMES) with a fc of BRIGETTE LUNDY-PAINE.

WELCOME BUN, you have been accepted as SILAS DUNN-ZHANG (HADES) with a fc of BEN BARNES.

WELCOME BUN, you have been accepted as VIDEL LUIS CASTILLO DE LEON (ACHILLES)  with a fc of OSCAR ISAAC.

WELCOME GIN, you have been accepted as MARIANA RIBEIRO (IRIS) with a fc of CAMILA MENDES.

WELCOME JEWELS, you have been accepted as HARLEY GRAVETT (THANATOS) with a fc of BILL SKARSGARD.

WELCOME KALA, you have been accepted as HUNTER CRUZ (AMPHITRITE) with a fc of CIERRA RAMIREZ.

WELCOME MADDIE, you have been accepted as HYUNMIN JANG (ARES) with a fc of WI HAJUN.

WELCOME MILK, you have been accepted as NITTAYA SRISUWAN (PSYCHE) with a fc of DAVIKA HOORNE.

WELCOME NESS, you have been accepted as BRIGID TERZI (HESTIA) with a fc of COURTNEY EATON.

WELCOME R, you have been accepted as VERA DE LUNA (APHRODITE) with a fc of ANA DE ARMAS.

WELCOME R, you have been accepted as GABRIEL VANDY (PATHROCLUS) with a fc of IDRIS ELBA.

WELCOME SEB, you have been accepted as LEONARDO RAYOS (HEPHAETUS) with a fc of PEDRO PASCAL.

[castillodeleon]

Email to district administrator: 

To whom it may concern: 

Good morning. My name is Leonardo Malinowski Castillo de Leon. I am ten years old and attend the Saddle River Day School in your district. I am in sixth grade and have the pleasure of being able to attend because of a national merit scholarship. Thus far, my experience at SRDS has been positive. It’s knowing for it’s inclusivity and diversity which is one of the reasons my fathers (and that is father with an s for two dads by the way) decided it be best to enroll me. There was plenty of apprehension considering my age and my background however, i found that to be interesting since San Francisco in itself is inclusive and diverse. It’s sad that even with that already in place, my father feared the possibility of bullying if they accepted my placement. 

It has come to a surprise to none of my peers that the bullying has come from an adult. As you already probably know, my school will not stand for this woman, Mrs. Donna Jones and her upsetting views. She recently attacked a good friend of my family and a well-known advocate for kids my age and for some reason that latter part poses a threat. This is a new generation, sir and it should be one that is feared and respected. With the aide of my school, we will make sure Mr. Escobar not only gets to teach again but that our production of Hamilton moves forward one way or another. I have many gay aunts and uncles that will vouch for us and let us not forget the plethora of allies we know as well. Thanks to my school, my vocabulary has only gotten better. 

Be forewarned that my peers and I share the same voices and you have extraordinarily poked all the mamma and pappa and non-binary bears in our circle. All of this because my talented friend Jewel can wipe the theater floor with everyone’s proverbial butt with her performance. And all of this on International Women’s Day. All of this on Women’s month! The audacity is strong with you and Mrs. Donna Jones. 

That is all. 

Best Regards, 

Leonardo 

[pixelpayaso]

Oc meme thing

Day 26

Based on this https://youtu.be/cD39sMJBbc4?si=Eu4Ccon5wX02j2Tt

[locitapurplepink]

Crown Princess Elena on "The Jewel of Maru" Part 1

[roomchailimited]

Cartagena’s Coastal Wonders: Colombia’s Jewel on the Caribbean

Nestled on Colombia’s northern coast, Cartagena is a dazzling city where the azure waters of the Caribbean meet the charm of a storied past. This vibrant destination seamlessly blends colonial history, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for travelers looking for a mix of history and relaxation. Let’s explore what makes Cartagena so enchanting.

Start your journey in Ciudad Amurallada (The Walled City), the heart of Cartagena’s historical charm. Surrounded by towering stone walls built in the 16th century to protect the city from pirates, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to brightly colored colonial buildings, lively plazas, and cobblestone streets. A stroll through the Plaza de los Coches and Plaza Santo Domingo will transport you back in time, while the stunning Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, named after the patron saint of slaves, stands as a testament to the city’s spiritual history.

No visit to Cartagena is complete without exploring the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an imposing fortress that dominates the skyline. Built by the Spanish to defend against attacks, this massive structure offers panoramic views of the city and coast. Be sure to explore the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the fortress, where Cartagena’s military past comes to life.

For a taste of local culture, head to Getsemaní, a vibrant neighborhood just outside the Walled City. Once a working-class district, Getsemaní has blossomed into a hub of art, music, and street life. Its colorful murals, lively cafés, and buzzing nightlife make it the perfect place to immerse yourself in Cartagena’s contemporary culture. Stop by Plaza de la Trinidad, the neighborhood’s social heart, where locals and travelers gather to enjoy live music, street performances, and a welcoming atmosphere.

After exploring the city’s historic streets, take a break on one of Cartagena’s nearby beaches. Just a short boat ride away, the Islas del Rosario offer crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for a day of relaxation or snorkeling. Playa Blanca on the Isla Barú is another popular spot, with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters providing an idyllic escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

For those looking to indulge in Cartagena’s culinary scene, the city offers a delicious array of flavors. From fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and fried fish to traditional Colombian favorites like arepas and patacones, there’s something to satisfy every palate. For a memorable dining experience, head to La Cevichería, a renowned seafood restaurant offering an authentic taste of the Caribbean coast.

Cartagena is also home to vibrant festivals and celebrations. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with events like the Hay Festival Cartagena, which draws international writers, thinkers, and artists, or the Cartagena International Music Festival, where classical music fills the city’s historic streets and plazas.

Whether you’re exploring the historic Walled City, relaxing on pristine beaches, or diving into the city’s vibrant culture, Cartagena offers something for every type of traveler. For those planning a trip, travel agencies such as Roomchai Limited, Cartagena Explorer, or Colombia Eco Travel can help organize tailored tours and ensure you experience the best of this Caribbean gem.

[msgirlfangirlingposts]

A little comic strip I did to test my characters in a paper!

This showcased my OCs: Twilight Lux (the girl with wings), Daniel Del Castillo, (the boy), Safira Jewels (the woman with the baby) and Cristy (The little girl in the last panel).

All of them are original characters in my original fantasy universe, Star of Caos.

[travelsbliss]

Best Places to Visit in Cartagena, Colombia: A Guide for U.S. Travelers Are you ready to explore the jewel of Colombia's Caribbean coast? Cartagena, with its colorful colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, is a must-visit destination for travelers. This guide is perfect for U.S. travelers eager to discover the best places in Cartagena. Whether you're walking through the historic walled city, visiting the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, or relaxing on the Rosario Islands, Cartagena offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. 🏰🇨🇴 📍 Discover Cartagena: Best Places to Visit in Cartagena, Colombia - A Guide for U.S. Travelers