magsallen

[magsallen]

laylaferguson​:

Layla’s hand came up to point towards the other at the mention of a tattoo, a gesture that should tell her that it wasn’t a bad idea at all. “I like that. What to get though? I’m not normally a dainty kind of person but I think I’d want something small.” She mused out loud, pondering it for a moment as she thought about making an enquiry. “Hey, if that’s what’s wild to you then go with it. You could do with someone showing you a really wild time though. I mean, just for comparison purposes. A wind up in a dumpster in a city you’ve never heard of kind of experience. Changes the soul.”

“Small is key,” she agrees, nodding her head emphatically. “I’ve thought about getting some teen tiny something on a hidden part of my person -- just a little rebellious act, you know? But I’ve never settled on something that wouldn’t have me cringing in five years time.” Committing to a change so permanent has never been Maggie’s strong suit. It’s why she still hasn’t painted her apartment despite living there a number of years. “I’m sure you’re right on the whole sould changing thing,” she chuckles, “but I don’t have many wind up in a foreign  dumpster friends.”

[magsallen]

charlottexhendricks​:

“I doubt that it’s possible.” Charlotte added in a dorky manner, truly happy to see her friend after such a long time; both of them had gotten so busy, it seemed impossible to schedule a date without having the other one cancel last minute. “Oh, I get it. I’m having both my mom and my grandma so things are pretty busy.” She chuckled, trying not to think about how sad she was over the damage done to the bookshop. “It really does! My mom takes all of the chores and I’m grateful.” She admitted. “Me? Nothing special since me and Liam broke up, I guess.” She shrugged her shoulders, “How about you though?”

There’s a hint of guilt that settles in her stomach as Charlotte speaks about her mother and her breakup -- here she’s been prattling on about how nice it’s been to have a roommate when Charlotte’s family has suffered some real struggles. “How is your mom holding up? And the shop, I’m sorry -- I should have asked earlier.” Her own history with Liam being what it is, she thinks it’s best to gloss right over it.

[magsallen]

djdesigns​:

Oh, okay. DJ can understand that a bit more because bad days mean she wants to avoid her feelings. But, if like Maggie, she wants to work through them? The quiet zen of her workshop and tools is where she gets down to business. The kitchen is just Maggie’s workshop. 

And with the scent of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies now hitting her nose? DJ (her stomach especially) is pretty grateful Maggie had some feelings to work through. Even if they seem pretty heavy. 

“Hey, you don’t need to say anymore, okay?” At the school DJ learned about Maggie’s job, so she gets it. The whole confidentiality thing. “But yeah, sometimes the kids that were my little brother or sisters back in the city? Sometimes there home or school lives weren’t great.” Which is why when DJ volunteered her time she was always willing to give what the kids might have been missing out somewhere else. Sometimes it was just homework help, sometimes it was sports, sometimes it was just getting to be a kid. 

“Do you think the art stuff helps them, though? Working through it all?”

Maggie’s smile is sad as she nods her head - a silent ‘thank you’. DJ gets it, and there’s a comfort in being understood. Their experiences aren’t the same, but they aren’t so different either. And that settles something inside her that baking cookies and furiously scrubbing mixing bowls never could. Again she finds herself thanking her lucky stars she’s the kind of person who will always share the last pudding cup with a stranger. 

“Gosh, I hope so. Otherwise I don’t know what I’m doing.” She’s mostly joking, but there’s a bit of truth to it. Imagine dedicating your life to helping people only to find out you’ve done no such thing. “But yeah, I do -- I have to,” she shrugs, turning to the fridge and pulling out two beers and handing one to DJ before using her shirt to open her own. 

“Ultimately, I think we could all benefit from working through our stuff but with kids -- they have a hard time vocalizing their feelings, you know? Most don’t even understand them or where they come from but through art... sometimes we can glean the bigger picture. And it’s a great coping mechanism for their little tool boxes. Drawing, painting, journalling - all of these things help us guide ourselves through our own stuff.” She takes a sip of her beer, then shrugs again. “At least it does for me.” Another sip and then she sets her beer on the counter, grabbing two plates and placing them on the kitchen table.

[magsallen]

charlottexhendricks​:

@magsallen​

With all the chaos around town due to the snow storm, Charlotte barely had the time to catch up with her dear friend, Mags. Scheduling to meet up at Full O’ Beans, she arrived slightly ahead of time to grab her and her companion their favorite table next to the window. As she spotted the other woman, she waved at her happily, “Mags! It’s been too long.” She rejoiced, “I missed you, how you’ve been?”

“Not nearly as much as I’ve missed you,” she insists, placing her mug of hot cocoa on the table before hanging her jacket on the back of her chair and finally settling in across from her friend. “Things have been good! Busy. I’ve had a new friend staying with me. She was displaced thanks to storm so I offered my spare room, and let me telling you -- having a handy lady around the house? Super helpful.” Little things she hadn’t realized needing fixing -- a stuck drawer or squeaky door. “But enough about me! How have you been? I want to hear everything.”

[magsallen]

laylaferguson​:

Layla couldn’t help but laugh, though she supposed it might have been more of a nervous one than anything else now that she was finally steady on the ground below her. “Maybe my life is a lot more boring than I thought it was because I thought I’d see more of the exciting stuff when it flashed before my eyes.” She chuckled, shaking her head slightly. “Let that be a lesson to both of us I think.” She explained, her hands wrapping tightly around the mug on the table in front of her as she looked up to the other. “What’s something wild I can do? I think I need to spruce up my memories for the next time my life flashes before my eyes.”

Maggie purses her lips, giving it a good long think but finds herself coming up empty. “Get a tattoo?” she tries, already aware of how completely boring and timid an answer it is. “Honestly, you’re probably asking the wrong lady. My idea of wild is a sale on yarn at Michaels.” Though in her defence, little old ladies could be ruthless. 

[magsallen]

margaret allen  → aesthetic 

🎶 who said that every wish would be heard and answered when wished on the morning star? somebody thought of that, and someone believed it look what it's done so far what's so amazing that keeps us stargazing and what do we think we might see? someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection the lovers, the dreamers, and me 🎶

[magsallen]

ephraimthethird​:

Ephraim let his eyes wander casually over the woman next to him, grinning a little at her words. “That’s definitely a good thing. Better glass on the ground then on you,” he said with a chuckle. “It wasn’t your drink though, was it? If so, let me buy you another,” he offered smoothly, giving her a charming smile. “I’m Ephraim,” he introduced himself, extending a hand out to her. 

“Maggie,” she offers, her smile shy as she takes his proffered hand and gives it a shake. “And it was not.” She’d yet to order hers before the whole kerfuffle had ensued. And normally, she’d leave things there -- she’s a strong independent woman very capable of buying her own drinks.  But this is a night of breaking her norms and Ephraim’s smile is nice, so without much thought she impulsively says, “But you can still buy one.” A beat, her cheeks warming. “I mean, if you want, of course. No pressure.”

[magsallen]

laylaferguson​:

bridgeport ⇢ full o’beans                                ft. anyone @somertonstarter​

Layla pushed back on her chair, so it was swinging slightly on its back legs as her fingers tapped lightly on the table. Her laptop was open in front of her, staring at an email she’d received from her older sister not too long ago, assessing how she might go about answering it - whether she would even answer it at all. For one second though, her heart jumped out of her chest, her hands clutching at the edge of the table as she almost lost her balance and toppled backwards into another table full of patrons. Once all four legs were back on the floor where they belonged, the blonde let out a loud laugh, her hand resting on her chest as she pulled herself together. “Isn’t that what every grade school teacher used to warn us about?” She asked, still laughing to herself. “God, I thought for a moment there I might headed straight for the ER.”

Maggie nods emphatically, the rate of her own heart levelling as the blonde settles her chair on all fours again -- crisis thankfully averted. “I used to. think it was all hot air but now...” Maggie shakes her head, a far off look in her blue eyes, “Sorry I ever doubted you Miss Jackman.” She sighs, shaking her head once more to bring her back to reality. “Are you okay? That must have been quite the scare!”

[magsallen]

ephraimthethird​:

Ephraim had had a long week, well long for him at least. Cocktail-light had been his go-to bar since he’d moved to Somerton and after ordering a simple bourbon and coke, Ephraim sat down at the end of the bar. His eyes scanned the bar curiously, wondering if there was anyone in there that he knew. He was distracted however, when a clattering beside him caught his attention. A drink had been, accidentally he assumed, knocked to the ground and shattered and Ephraim grimaced a little. 

“You alright?” He asked to the person closest to him. “Didn’t get you did it?” he asked, before turning to the closest bartender and letting them know. “Someone’s a little clumsy, huh?” Ephraim chuckled, grinning at the other person. 

( @somertonstarter​ )

—

It’s a rare occasion when Maggie finds herself at cocktail-light -- the expensive drink menu and lack of karaoke machine being the real deal breakers for her. But a colleague from work had invited her out for some drinks, and since Maggie’s never been very good at saying no she’d found herself in the little black dress that usually lived in the back of her closet and fetching drinks from the bar for her group. She still thinks the drinks are overpriced, but she has to admit the atmosphere is kind of nice, if not a bit busy. 

The crash of glass takes her by surprise, and it’s with a matching grimace that she regards the man next to her. “I’m good,” she says, looking down at her feet just to double check. No glass. Good. Relieved, Maggie’s lips trade that grimace for a smile. “I’m just clad it wasn’t me,” she chuckles. Being born with the clumsy gene, she could definitely relate.

[magsallen]

text ✉ mags allen

Aliza: Absolutely not. I've already enlisted all the food for the gala, and you are to attend as a GUEST.

Aliza: However, if you wanted to make those cookies for me and the kids, I don't think any of us will say 'no'. You know I'm always looking for new treats for Mar-Tuesdays anyways.

Aliza: You are one of Somerton's hottest singles, so as long as I know I can add you to the guest list, I'll consider it a job well done already.

Mags: Spoiling you and your kiddos is a much better use of my time so thank you for the suggestion. 😝 And YES! I am always happy to contribute to Mar-Tuesdays. I just pinned a recipe for margarita shortbread the other day 👀

Mags: Oh, I don't know about all of that but yes! Add me to the list! I've been playing A LOT of JustDance on the switch these days and I'm ready to bust out some moves, and the kids say.

[magsallen]

djdesigns​:

There’s three pizza boxes, because when she’s in the mood DJ can put away a whole pie on her own. Hearty slice also has some pretty good deals going currently, and she doesn’t know Maggie’s favorites, so she figures the more the merrier. With the boxes on the counter and her hands now free, DJ surveys the rest of the kitchen space and sees the clear evidence of what she thinks some people consider stress baking. But if she means she gets to each a bunch of cookies after the pizza? DJ won’t be complaining. 

“When I used to have bad days in the city I wasn’t nearly as motivated as this,” she says, hand waving around the room. She usually just ended up asking her mom to make her favorite dish and vegged out on the couch for some mindless television. “Also, no pressure,” because DJ knows everyone processes their baggage in their own way, but she figures, “but if you wanna vent I’ve got two ears.”

—

The smell of pizza is stronger now as DJ places the boxes (boxes! because if there’s anything better than one pizza it’s multiple pizzas) nearby, and she feels her stomach rumbling in response. Maybe these dishes can wait after all, she thinks - placing the sponge back in the ceramic cat-shaped dish and drying her hands on a dish towel. 

“Yeah,” she nods her understanding, she can see how creating more work for oneself after a tough day could seem counterproductive. “Well. Baked goods and cleaning are how I work through my feels,” she shrugs, slipping a hand into the t-rex oven mitt her brother had gotten her for Christmas, “this satisfies both.” The oven door opens and she can tell straight away by the smell they’re just slightly over cooked. But it’s fine. She likes her chocolate chip a bit crunchy. 

“Plus sharing my bounty makes people happy which in turn makes me happy,” tray on the oven top she turns, her smile bright and wide, “it’s a win win. But thank you. For the offer I mean,” she sighs, chewing her bottom lip as she considers her words until she settles on something that won’t be too revealing. “It’s just sometimes... working through big stuff with tiny humans it...” she shakes her head, searching for the right word to describe it, before settlling on, “sucks. Big time.”

[magsallen]

text ✉ mags allen

Aliza: Your romantic dry spell is bound to end at the gala, and you're required to attend as a /guest/, Mags. You need some time to relax and enjoy yourself, you know.

Aliza: Besides, I have it on good authority that the hottest singles of Somerton will be coming out for this. Not to toot my own horn, but I've been angling for them. It's going to be a lot more fun than 'gala' makes it sound.

Mags: But I'm at my best when I'm productive!!! You sure you don't want some heart shaped cookies? I have an allergy friendly recipe I've been eager to try out.

Mags: https://tenor.com/3ulZ.gif

Mags: Toot away! You deserve it! And I'll be sure to talk up your gala to all of my friends even if all of Somerton's hottest singles walk right on past me.

Mags: ❌ ♥️

[magsallen]

djdesigns​:

who: dj + maggie @magsallen​​

where: maggie’s home

when: post-storm

DJ knows she would have had a spot to stay at Stella’s. She’s the closest thing to family DJ has in Somerton. But for some reason when the announcement is made about which residential homes aren’t currently inhabitable and subsequently which residents are offering up their extra rooms for those that have been displaced, DJ finds herself turning towards a new, friendly face.

Even though Maggie Allen was ahead of her in the Betos line, she had overheard DJ exalting the praises of their Tembleque. In a show of solidarity (or DJ sort of though stomach stupidity), Maggie removed the last portion of coconut pudding from her own plate and placed it onto DJ’s. It meant more to DJ than she could really voice at the moment, especially after being up rooted from a place where her roots were so delicate left her feeling off and unbalanced. 

They had ended up eating their meal that evening together, and had a grabbed a few more in tandem, too. So when DJ needs a friend again, she’s happy to find that maybe she has someone new in her corner, and someone she can hopefully be there down the line for, too.

Using the key Maggie handed off before the school departure, DJ announces her arrival as the front door closes behind her. “Hey, Maggie. It’s DJ. I brought pizza like promised!”

—

Maggie hasn’t had roommates since her time studying at George Washington University. Those roommates had been terrible -- leaving dishes to ‘soak’ knowing she’d cave and do them or eating her very clearly marked take out leftovers without a care. It had been dreadful, and left her homesick more times than she’d care to admit. Yet, when the housing announcements had been made, she was quick to offer up her spare room, her desire to help far outweighing any past hang ups. 

And she’s glad she did because, as it turns out, DJ is an awesome temporary roommate. She’s tidy, and funny, super handy around the house, and -- she’s reminded she hears the front door open the close in the other room -- she’s an excellent provider. Maggie feels a warm smile spread on her lips as the smell of pizza wafts in through the front hall filling every room with its cheesy goodness.  “In here!” she calls from the kitchen where she’s crouched in front of the oven, trying to decide if the cookies she had baking were ready to come out yet. Two more minutes, she decides, and sets about clearing the counter of abandoned measuring cups so DJ will have a space to place her bounty. “Sorry about the mess. Rough day at the office,” she explains, grabbing a soapy sponge and scrubbing at a mixing bowl. 

[magsallen]

text ✉ mar-tuesdays attendee's

Aliza: ATTN MAR-TUESDAYS FREQUENTER ; this upcoming week's event will be cancelled due to an issue with our heater from Snowstorm Sally ! Our next Mar-Tuesday will be on the 16th!

Aliza: Never fear about spending Valentine's alone, however - Saturday the 13th will host the 2nd Annual Charity Gala for the local fire department! Tickets are on sale at alizas.com and all proceeds go to our local heroes who save us every snowstorm! Come dance, drink and meet the mate of your dreams from 6pm-midnight.

Mags: Sorry about your heater! Biggest of bummers! I'd offer to help, but my brainy bits aren't so good with that stuff. I'd probably just make things worse. 😕

Mags: Oooh, sounds fancy! I'll be there with bells on!!

Mags: And if there's anything I can do to help let me know! Always happy to volunteer my time to a good cause.

Mags: Plus I have nothing going for valentine's day so my romantic dry spell is your ... gain?

Mags: That doesn't sound right...

[magsallen]

jamiereynolds​:

MAGS ALLEN.

Where: School Hall Who: @magsallen​

James was tired now which was really saying something because it took A LOT to tire him out considering he was always bursting with energy. But he had been racing around the town all day, trying to help out as many people as he could while the snow was still hitting them hard. He was in the school hall now, wandering around with a hot drink in his hands to keep them nice and toasty, still grinning at people he knew – which was pretty much everyone considering he chatted to everyone in this town when he could. When he spotted Mags among the crowds, he sidled up to her and gave her a soft smile. “Hey Mags. What’s it like knowing your brother and his pest are Somerton’s new superheroes? I feel like I need to think of a cool superhero name. Or have somebody cut down my ego.” He laughed, scrunching up his nose as he did. 

The day has been filled with anxious energy. Maggie doesn’t do well with idle hands and too much free time, she likes to feel useful. So she’s finding meaning in the little things - making sure her parents are are taking breaks, giving Gus a comforting space amongst the chaos, and helping out with kiddos wherever she can. And the little things add up. They ease some of the tension in her shoulders and racing thoughts in her head so that when she sees Jamie she’s able to greet him with a smile as wide and genuine as the one he offers her. 

“Oh, that’s. not new, I’ve always thought of you guys as heroes,” she says with a wave of her hand. Not super powered, but she thinks that gives them extra hero points. “It’s easy for superman to save the day, he’s only got kryptonite to worry about. You guys are all skin and bones, but you do it anyway.” She shrugs. “Totally heroes,” a pause, “though I guess that doesn’t really help with your ego problem, huh?” Her smile shifts into a teasing smirk as she reaches over to poke his side. “How are you holding up?”

[magsallen]

wesleycarver​:

Location: Bursted Park High School When: During the snowstorm  Availability: Open │ @somertonstarter​

An energy burst was bound to happen eventually, Wesley knew it was only a matter of time. There was too much excitement happening around them. The girls had all their friends from school together in one place, they were surrounded by people, and plenty of noise. Wesley couldn’t complain too much. At least Rose and Natalie were having fun and weren’t scared over the state of emergency. Although he could’ve done without the laps they were currently racing around the gym. All attempts to calm them had fallen on deaf ears so far, every stern ‘girls’ brushed off in a fit of giggles. Once they got tired, the running would come to an end and that happening soon was what he was betting on currently. Following behind them, Wesley continued his failing attempts to stop them. 

Both of the twins were doing well avoiding running straight into someone. Or at least they had been but sadly it didn’t last. Natalie looked back over her shoulder to see how far away her dad was, taking her eyes off the path in front of her, and pivoted straight into another person. “Shit.” He muttered under his breath, hurrying over to help Natalie up and check on the other person. “Are you okay?” He asked them both at once, looking between the two. “Say you’re sorry, Nat. This is why you shouldn’t be running.” The little girl dropped her gaze to the floor, suddenly looking ashamed of herself. A soft “sorry” being offered. “I’m sorry about that.” He added how own apology after his daughters.

—

Her dad is on Gus duty as Maggie scours the gymnasium for another cup of coffee that she definitely doesn’t need. Normally she’d switch to tea or even a hot chocolate if she’s still craving something warm in the afternoon, but desperate times call for desperate measures and she hasn’t felt this desperate for a jolt of something in a long time. 

But instead of a coffee fix,  she’s hit with another jolt in the form of a small child hurtling right into her side. “Oof,” she squeaks, hands reaching for the small body instinctively to steady her. A look of confusion is replaced with a warm smile as her eyes move from child to father and back again. “Oh, that’s alright,” she insists brightly, squeezing the girl’s shoulder reassuringly before taking a step back to regard her father. “I think we’ve all got some pent up energy and nowhere to put it,” she says to both of them, then turns her gaze to the young girl again a playful smirk on her lips, “You’re a pretty fast runner, huh? Are you training for the olympics?” 

[magsallen]

liamcroley​:

Finding himself sitting in the corner of high school gym wasn’t exactly something Liam had expected for this evening. Just as he hadn’t expected the call from his father earlier this day. If he had known who it was, he hadn’t even picked up but when he recognized it, he somehow couldn’t immediately hang up as well. He had almost been paralyzed, just as he had been as a kid when his father had once again been drunk. And of course he had been today as well. When Liam had eventually managed to get off the phone, he had felt awful. Angry. Sad. Overwhelmed. It was somehow ironic that as he sat there, feeling like this, he was craving a drink. To somehow forget what had just happened. The weather outside was awful anyway. A little too awful apparently. While he was still thinking about walking to the nearest supermarket despite the heavy snowfall, the news of the state of emergence reached him. And now here he was. Completely sober, with just his guitar leaning against the wall beside him. There wasn’t really much more he needed anyway. Except for a drink. Lost in his own thoughts, he hadn’t even noticed that someone else had walked up to him until they were standing right next to him. “Hmm..?”, he only grumbled before turning his head. @somertonstarter​

Bumping into Liam around town ever since they... since the one night engagement they do not speak of. What could have been a good friendship -- or maybe even something more -- now tainted with awkward pleasantries and uncomfortable small talk. Truth be told, she generally did her best to avoid him at all costs. But today it seems the Gods have intervened to make avoidance near impossible as towns people find themselves packed like sardines inside the gymnasium where she used to dread being picked last for team sports. There’s a sadness about Liam today. One that supersedes all discomfort, and she finds the carer in her taking over as feet lead her the small section of the gym he’s claimed as his own. 

“I said, I was thinking of going for a walk to stretch my legs,” a lie, but he doesn’t need to know that. She places a tentative hand on his shoulder, her smile small and unsure of itself. “Did you want to...” she lets her words trail off, gesturing to the door with a tilt of her head. “They say we should stick to the buddy system in situations like this.”