xjaylahopkins

[xjaylahopkins]

Jayla was excited when her friend agreed to dance with her, though Naomi was right about the mood of the music. "Do you think we can ask them to play some things to turn up the tempo some?" she questioned aloud with a low laugh.

Naomi cradled a cocktail when she heard Jayla’s question. “Hey girl, Sure why not.” She had watched her boyfriend go off with his brother leaving her to herself. She hadn’t had too much drink yet so she was still very sober and had no qualms about dancing in public. “Hopefully they play something a little more up beat.”

[xjaylahopkins]

Jayla laughed, rather loudly, when Darrius stated that he would be bullied into a dance. That was the point of having friends at these events, in her opinion. When Darrius said that her dress looked fun, she did a little dance as she twirled to shift the large sequins around. It was certainly a fun dress. "It's pretty, right?"

"I'm pretty sure that I could be bullied into it," Darrius said as he looked down to see Jayla at his side. He had a drink in hand -- blue something or other, like most of the drinks served that night -- and was just feeling loose enough where someone who wasn't his girlfriend could probably talk him into it. Definitely someone like Jayla, who he knew he could always have fun with. "Your dress looks like it would be a lot of fun under the lights!"

[xjaylahopkins]

where: summer gala 2025 - boat on the marina when: august 16, 2025 who: jayla & OPEN

Jayla had had a few drinks, now feeling much more social. With that little bit of liquid courage, she opted to go out of her way to ask if anyone would like to join her out on the dance floor. "What do you say, are you up for a dance or two?"

[xjaylahopkins]

"Agreed," Jayla nodded, happy to have found someone on the same page. This search would be much more fun with a friend, anyway. "I'm perfectly okay sitting here all night and waiting to see if we manage to spot anything." Jayla wasn't sure, though it felt less likely with the darkness, she hoped that something was visible out there. "How have you been enjoying the gala, so far?" she asked.

"It's always worth the try," Zarah confessed with a nod. She didn't know that there was always success but for every person who didn't see something, there was one who did. It was all about timing. "I haven't so far but it's mostly because it's so dark. Lucky for us, they really don't go to sleep like that. It's just a matter of not missing them because of the darkness."

[xjaylahopkins]

"I figured it was worth a try," Jayla giggled with a nod as she stepped to stand alongside Zarah. "Have you managed to spot anything?"

WHO: Zarah & @xjaylahopkins

WHERE: summer gala

WHEN: august 16, 2025

Zarah had been around boats her whole life. She loved just standing and on the bow and watching the water ripple, feeling the wind. Perhaps that was why after dancing for a bit, she moved outside to enjoy breeze. It was dark now but the lights of the boat and the shore rippled across the water. It was getting difficult to see if there was anything nearby but she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe there was something. All if would take is one person falling overboard for them to find out but she wasn’t going to test her luck. “Come to look for nocturnal sea animals?” she asked to no one in particular when she heard steps nearby.

[xjaylahopkins]

Summer Gala: The Ocean - August 16, 2025

inspo: fish, scales, mermaids

[xjaylahopkins]

"I look forward to these carnivals every year just because it's so nostalgic," she explained. Jayla really did find all of this fun. The rides, the games, the food. "We just picked a good time to come, I think? I can g for food after this, if you want. Or any other rides we have to do before eating.." As the line passed by quickly, Jayla skipped over to board the ride.

The short line was a good thing. While it wasn’t as hot as it once was, she was glad the line wasn’t long. “I haven’t been to a carnival in quite some time so it’s like a new experience all over again.” She commenting, moving along as the line moved up. “It is indeed because long lines for a ride is never that serious then maybe after another ride or two then food.”

[xjaylahopkins]

"I grew up in a Nuggets family, so if I have to claim anybody, that's always where I fall back," she shrugged. While Jayla enjoyed watching basketball, she wasn't too big on the one team deal. Especially having grown up with no real home team. Her other option seemed to be the Timberwolves though, and she really didn't want to talk about how the last few games between the two teams had gone, earlier in the year. "Jayla," she nodded as she introduced herself with her own name. "Who's your team?"

"Who is your team?" She inquired. Jordyn caught the all star games if anything and the finals but she rarely found herself having the down time. She waited to for her turn before seeing the ball roll towards her. Jordyn grabbed it and tossed it into the net like it was nothing. "I'm Jordyn by the way."

[xjaylahopkins]

That is why you want to find your group that enjoys that sort of thing, so the likelihood of it ending well improves. Yes, anyone working in school. However, those working in school-adjacent or child heavy fields, we just see more of the kids. Or more kids, in general. I do like having them around the library. I get to see some more of the older kids, rather than primarily those who aren't in school full time, yet. I'm sure that there might be some interest from the high schoolers, maybe? Those considering becoming your coworkers in upcoming years?

Makes for an interesting day too, depending on how the collaboration goes. I think that only applies to those who are still in school. Them spending more time at the library is better than getting themselves into trouble. I doubt meeting one of us is on their summer plan. Unless they're visiting the station because they're curious.

[xjaylahopkins]

"It's been a long time for me too. Or, at least a few years," Jayla agreed. She loved a good carnival ride, enjoying a taste of childhood any chance that she could. Making it to the line for the swing, she was excited to see the short line. "I did expect it to be busier.. Less of a wait for us, I suppose?"

"Absolutely. The swings should be fun plus, I can't even begin to tell you the last time I been on one." She had been one of those that hung upside down on the monkey bars and jumped off the swings thinking that she wouldn't land knees first into the wood chucks of the playground. "And it's surprisingly not that many people waiting. Damn, people must hate the swings."

[xjaylahopkins]

Considering the children were who she spent most of her time around, Jayla didn't really feel the need to concern herself too much with how her own peers viewed her. "If you're ever curious about what TV shows are good for 4 year olds, I'm your girl," she laughed softly. At the mention of the variety of interests that the children who frequented the library had, she smiled. Seeing the kids expand their knowledge and interests was part of what made her enjoy her job. "I like getting to play a hand in helping them out with exploring and developing those interests, you know? I love seeing it, especially with our regulars." Perhaps it was the natural teacher in her, but Jayla genuinely enjoyed seeing it over the years. Looking around to the crowd in attendance for the drag reading hour, Jayla nodded in agreement with a smile. "I expected nothing less!" It was part of what she loved about Merrock, how supportive the community was.

“Maybe,” Oliver chuckled. He admired Jayla for having enough patience to spend time with that age group nearly everyday. Even though he was only a librarian part-time now, it still exhausted him when he worked at that side of the library for even just one day. “I just go by what I hear on this side of things,” he chuckled. “So I’ll take your word for it. “They get excited so easily,” he smiled. “Which I guess for us librarians, is not a bad thing at all,” he nodded. He stuck his hands in his pockets as they walked. “I’m really happy we are getting a pretty good turn out. Nice to see everyone supporting the community and just enjoying themselves.”

[xjaylahopkins]

Jayla looked between the options laid out for her by Naomi, taking a moment to contemplate. "Let's do the swings. The point is to risk throwing up now and not after we eat, right?"

Following after Jayla, she looked at the other rides. She didn’t want to stand in a long line because it was way too hot for that. “Pirate’s revenge?” She asked. It was pretty similar to a ride from like an amusement. It had swayed back and fourth bringing one side higher than the other. “Pretty simple ride not a lot of movement.” She scanned the area. “Or the ballistic swings?”

[xjaylahopkins]

"I fear you only think that because all you see every day is a bunch of 4 year olds thinking I'm their best friend because I let them play with glitter paint and glue and pick out their favorite books," she laughed. Maybe the preschoolers thought she was cool. Or, some of them did. Jayla didn't think many of her peers found her to be cool. "It is a good show! I, maybe, watch way too much preschool cartoons for my own good, but I will say, top 3." She could agree there. "That is such a fun time. Seeing what special interests all of these kids delve into," she smiled, her own memories returning to learning about mythology. At Oliver's suggesting to head over to the reading area, she nodded, following him in that direction.

"You are way cooler than me," Oliver grinned. "I mean, I did watch Bluey and learn a lot about Bluey during my library science externship, and it's quite a good show," he said. "That's also a popular one with the middle schoolers as well. A popular choice for a book report. And then it kicks off an interest in Greek and other mythology," he nodded and stacked a few more brochures in the display as the crowd started to settle into the reading room. "We can take a listen before more kids start to show up."

[xjaylahopkins]

Exactly that. You know what they say, too much of anything is no good for you. That includes a routine. Even if it's good for you. You get bored and dissatisfied, eventually. That's why you need a chance of pace, a change of scenery, a change of something every once in a while. And if that change in routine includes coming to pay us a visit over at the library, I would be more than honored. I have lots of books and activities ready for the littles. You can never know everything about someone! I am not sure I would make the best tour guide but I am here to help with a few ideas whenever you may need them! Just don't asking about the social scene, the night life. That has never been my thing. Nothing is stopping you from a road trip in the summertime, right? Who knows, she might love to travel? But even if you go alone, I think you deserve some travel time yourself.

It really is true when they say you can get stuck in routine. Even if it's good for you, I feel like when it starts to be a drag, something has to change. Oh my god, thanks for the offer! I'll definitely take you up on that. She'll be starting school this year, but up until I'm getting her ready for that point, you can definitely expect to see us both. Wow, we've lived here umpteen million years and I'm learning new stuff about you. I'm guessing you've heard Never heard of Rapid City a million times. I visited Fort Collins, Colorado during one of my impromptu road trips, and I was shocked nobody knew where it was on the map when I talked about it. When I visited, it felt larger than life! I've been to New Mexico, I think, though I was just passing through. Albuquerque felt monstrous. I feel like you're becoming my guided tour of road trips in the long distance past. Getting me kind of excited about the idea of travelling again! I think Nat's stopped me, not only do I want to be responsible for her, but dragging her along feels unfair, y'know? But I can always pull the family card and try to get a solo trip going in the future.

[xjaylahopkins]

"Smart!' Jayla pointed to her head, referring to her brain, before absolutely cracking up. She followed Naomi to their first ride of the evening, maintaining conversation as they moved through the line. Once it was their turn, Jayla took her seat beside her friend, excited to enjoy the ride. After being secured in, she laughed through most of the ride, more than happy while enjoying a ride she had loved since childhood. Once the ride ended, Jayla led the way off and back out to head to their next ride. "What next?"

“Perfect, let’s get any potential puking out of the way.” The older woman joked. The rides back home had consisted of similar rides. Most of her youth during the summer time when she moved here was spent collecting donations for her dad and his team to get dunked. It was a childhood memory that always made her laugh. Naomi moved as the line moved until it was there turn. She got in the seat, scooting over and waited for the attendant to secure the safety bar in place. “One down and many more to go.”

[xjaylahopkins]

"I have never really been cool anyway," she shook her head, laughing. Truly, Jayla always followed the beat of her own drum. That's where she was comfortable. "See, all of the updates that I get from the preschoolers are about Bluey," she grinned, a low giggle leaving her mouth. "I do have quite a few third graders reading Percy Jackson, which, I love that kids still love it. They original came out when I was their age." Really, she loved the ability to bond with the older elementary aged kids over books that had been some of her own favorites at that age. "I haven't! I was heading that way in a bit," she pulled out her phone to check the time that the storytime started.

Oliver laughed softly. “I’m suddenly cool now with all the updates about this stuff,” he teased. “But I’ll let you know if I hear anything. The kids usually come by the library and just tell me some new information,” he grinned. “It’s very fun.” He nodded, knowing Jayla was around the younger kids while he helped out with the pre-teens to young adults demographic. And that helped because a lot of them were his students, so the familiarity helped. “Percy Jackson is apparently a favorite all over,” he said pointedly. “We’ve got quite the positive response there,” he said. “Have you listened in yet? They’re great!”

[xjaylahopkins]

"Clearly that hasn't made it to my FYP," she shrugged. She kept up with sports more as a whole rather than individual players, anyway. "I'll admit I keep up with the NBA more than anything." It wasn't that she didn't enjoy venturing into other leagues or sports, it was simply what Jayla enjoyed due to the interests she had been raised with. Agreeing to the game, Jayla followed Jordyn's lead, nodding at the 'may the best win' and picked up the first ball of the game.

“No. I know what I said. There is a video going around of Tom playing basketball which just proves he is good at everything.” She commented. Man was just annoyingly blessed. She knew most would try to correct her or think she didn’t know a thing either sport. “I rarely keep up with the NBA actually more so the WBNA.” She had zero interest in keeping up with sports involving men for fun. “Bet.” She entered the coins and waited for the game to start. “May the best win.”