amelialandon

[amelialandon]

[amelialandon]

[amelialandon]

Ardin Hirsch.

Ardin doesn’t understand how this could happen. You’d have to be distracted for a pretty long time in order to get caught up and have the group leave you behind. But he knows better to question it. The likelihood of someone getting lost on purpose seems… far-fetched. So he just sighs, and ducks his head when he turns. “Let me walk you back to the group. I’m sure they’re outside by now.” Maybe the walk could be good for him. To get out, and everything. But he turns around, figuring he should introduce himself. “I’m Ardin Hirsch, I work in operations.”

.

It was clear that the man in front of her was not happy with the fact that she was not with the rest of the tour. She had already apologized and Amelia wasn’t sure what more she would be able to do to make this guy relax more. That was the problem with wanting to be a people’s pleaser… She quickly tried to push that thought away from her and nodded in agreement for him wanting to walk her back to the tour. “Thank you for that,” she said to him as she followed him in the direction of where the rest of the tour was supposed to be. “I’m Amelia Landon,” she introduced herself befor she realized the name that he had given her, Hirsch. That was a name she had heard on the tour so far. “Hirsch, you said? I think the tourguide said that name as the family that looks after the winery? Are you part of that family?”

[amelialandon]

Marion Stewart.

It doesn’t take much for Marion to realize that she’d crossed a line. That she’d overstepped her boundary is evident in how Amelia’s smile falls as quickly as it had come, and in how her words had taken on a tone of curtness rather than their earlier courtesy. For a moment, she thinks to apologize, to hurry her excuses, to run to the nearest ATM and to give her the hundred she’s owed — but then her former sister-in-law continues, unapologetic in her honesty.

I bet that you can understand that it is worth it for family. It is spoken so simply and so matter-of-factly, and it takes Marion aback in no small way. Amelia might not have meant it, but her words had only served to underscore the contrast between her and Jack’s families: how her family is incurious about one another and had resented the need to keep up, whereas theirs is affectionate, devoted, loving. She knows she is to blame for the distance — but distance is all she knows. Her parents had taught her all too well to acclimate to the cold, that any warmth otherwise feels like a threat to instinct.

The words, as they stand, feel like some sort of passive antagonism. Then again, perhaps it is just that familiar instinct to find malice. At the very least, it had felt like Amelia’s invitation for Marion to elaborate, but she stretches out the silence, uncertain what to say next. “Are you - are you trying to tell me something?” She searches the other’s expression, wondering if she had mistaken her courtesy for reconciliation, a chance to let bygones be bygones. Had she been nursing the hurt, all this time? “If you’ve got something to say, I can take it.”

.

As soon as the words left Amelia’s mouth, she knew that they had come out wrong. Yes, it had been the truth. It was definitely worth it for the family but maybe she should’ve brought it differently. For the people you cared for. That was always a different meaning for every person and that would probably have been a better way to go with this. Because now she would have to get herself out of this situation that she did not want to be in. So the first thing Amelia did was to shake her head when Marion asked her if she wanted to tell her something. She had certainly not meant it as a personal attack. “What I meant was that it is worth it for the people you care about. This is different for every person of course. You must have someone you care about that you would do the travelling for.” She explained to the blonde standing with her, her eyes focused on Marion, trying to figure out what she was thinking or feeling or going to do next. Amelia was pretty sure she was failing on figuring it out. “I didn't mean to insult you or something like that.”

[amelialandon]

Marco Ricci.

Marco had taken an early run out into the city to source supplies. Most of the ingredients for the restaurant came from the island, if they could do, but there were a few things he needed to pick up from suppliers out in the city. Today had been one of those days. After departing the ferry and making his way along the path that led back onto the island and towards Ventura, he was taken by surprise slightly by the voice, but a smile came to him. “Pretty sure it is,” he responded simply, and then as she continued, chuckled. “I think we were at the same party actually… at least, I think I saw you.”

.

Amelia couldn’t help but chuckle when the man next to her was pretty sure about the fact that it was the truth. It sounded so clumsy that it was just unbelievable that it could be true. At least it was to her, maybe she would learn quickly enough that this son of the mayor had the reputation of being this clumsy. Her eyes widened slightly when the man next to her mentioned that they were both at the party of Georgina. “Really? I’m so sorry, I’m just bad at names and the fact that I met like a million people that night did not help at all.” Okay, a million was definitely overreacting. She narrowed her eyes slightly, trying to remember the name of the man in front of her but there was no name popping up. “Let me introduce myself properly at least, I’m Amelia and I was indeed at Geo’s party. How can I call you for future references?”

[amelialandon]

Jack Adler.

A wide smile graces Jack’s expression at the sight of his sister. This newfound sense of normalcy was exactly what he needed these days, truth be told, and it makes a mental note to never take it for granted. Especially after everything that’s happened. “Awesome! I told you you’d get used to everything around here eventually. It’s a really nice island. And the people are great too.” His hands rest gently on the table between them before speaking again, “Not yet. I thought I’d wait for you. I got some waters for the table, though.” Blue eyes look back toward the kitchen before allowing his gaze to settle upon Amelia once more. He plucks her menu from under his and slides it to her, beginning to flip through his now. “Mom and Sam are across the street shopping. They’re really starting to like it here. I think they’re about ready to buy a little condo down here for when they visit.” When Jack settles on what he wants, he carefully closes his menu. “So, what’re you up to these days, hm? New year, new you?”

.

“So far the people have definitely been great. It’s a pleasant surprise,” Amelia said with a smile to her brother. Sure, she had heard his stories about the island but to live there for herself was definitely something completely different. “At least most of the people have been. I have to admit that I have already bumped into a very familiar face,” she said to Jack as she raised her eyebrows, thinking back about the meeting with Marion at the grocery store. That was a meeting that had not gone by that easily. She took the menu from the man on the other side of the table and looked through the dishes that were written down on the paper. She looked up from the menu when Jack mentioned their mothers. Unconsciously she looked through the windows outside as he mentioned ‘across the street’ and she smiled. It was always good to know that her family was happy. “I can’t blame them. They missed you back in Boston, and let’s be honest… The weather here is a lot better than anything else.” She could also understand the difficult choice. Their son who was struggling was here in Catalina, while their daughter and granddaughter were on the other side of the country. How were you able to pick between those two places. It was also a choice that was lingering in the back of her mind for Diana. Her daughter’s family was nearly all here, but it was her father - the most important person in her life next to her mother - was in Massachussets. Amelia quickly shook her head to pull her out of her thoughts, that was something to think about in the summer with Seth. She was here now to enjoy dinner with Jack. “No new me, but yes to a new life. I am just trying to get the hang of it all. Finding a rhythm in it all. But I have to be honest, I always look forward to the days where I get to see Diana again,” she said with a smile to her brother, looking down at the menu again as she continued to talk. “And how about you? When is all that music you are working on these days going to come out?”

[amelialandon]

Holliday Carlson.

Another mother — it’s a rhyme, forceful and echoing inside her skull, taunting her like a schoolyard rhyme: anothermotheranothermotheranothermother, like she deserved the anxiety she feels. It is always a comparison with other parents, and given that she is raising Declan on her own, Holly always feared the disapproving glances from them. 

She puffs her chest up, widening her eyes and nodding with a bright smile on her face. Half-faked, of course, but everything about Holly is like that. “Oh? How old is she?” Declan, who has realized he’s been referenced, grins up at Amelia, cradling his cast. I’m seven! “I’m Holly, by the way. Holly Carlson.” 

.

Amelia looked down at the boy for a moment when he proudly announced that he was seven years old. “See, you’re just a bit older than she is. Diana is six, she’s turning seven in October,” she said to the other woman standing with her. She quickly tried to remember the name of the woman that was given to her. Holly. That was a name that she should be able to remember.

A thought suddenly came up in her mind, making Amelia doubtful for just a moment before she did voice the thought in the end. “So like I said, I’m new here in town and so is Diana. She’s only partly here for now but I’m sure that she would love to have some friends here as well. Do you think you and Declan would like it to come over and visit sometime when Diana is here on Catalina?”

[amelialandon]

Dominic Walsh.

“I wouldn’t put it past him. People being idiots knows no bounds,” he agreed. It had been a while since he’d allowed himself to take a walk this early in the morning, but he had forgotten how cleansing they could be. Not too cold, not too warm. Spring was in the air and while he normally loathed allergies, this time he would welcome it. “I was at someone else’s house.”

.

It wasn’t hard to recognize the man who had spoken to her. He had been the one who had saved her from a guy trying to steal her purse on a night out. Dominic, who had also been new in town. Amelia smiled at the man. “It sounds more like a story out of a funny comic than something that is happening in real life,” she said with a chuckle to Dom before she looked out at the ferry again. She shook her head for a moment before finally turning in his direction. “Did you enjoy the change of year or nothing special to you?”

[amelialandon]

Ava Halliwell.

The café was merely a short ten minute walk from her home, and despite that fact, Ava still managed to leave her home with a few minutes prior to the time they agreed on. Punctuality was never her strongest suit, it was something she ought to try and get better at, yet failed to all her life. With all that was happening since New Year’s Day, the brunette found her mind rather scattered all over the place. Nonetheless, when she extended the invitation to Amelia for a coffee and showing her around the island, she was thrilled that the woman accepted her offer, keeping her company today instead. Upon her arrival to the coffee house, she found an empty table for the pair when she noted that her new companion hadn’t arrived yet. She was mindlessly scrolling through her phone when the bell chimed and the door swung open as Amelia strolled inside, before waving her over her table. “Oh please, don’t worry about it, I heard the constructions are causing chaos for everyone.” She waved off her apology. “But, I like the sound of coffee. I’ll take a black coffee with vanilla creamer. Food will definitely be on me, there’s so many nice restaurants on this island, trust me.” 

.

Amelia was happy that Ava did not seem to be bothered by the fact that she was late and she smiled at the woman on the other side of the table. “One black coffee with vanilla creamer coming up,” she said to the woman, before she raised her hand so she would be able to motion over a waiter so she could place the order for the both of them. She ordered the coffee that Ava wanted and also a cappuccino with mocha syrup in it. She definitely had a sweet tooth, that was only made more apparant by her order. The woman then looked back at Ava again, a smile still on her lips. “I am pretty sure that the restaurants here are good. I think I’ve seen half of them already while I was working on moving in here. I’ve only started to cook myself more and more these days so I’m going back to the healthy pattern of eating about now,” she said with a chuckle. Especially with the fact that with some shifts it was just a quick sit down to eat something, it was good to have some healthy leftovers that she could bring along to work. “But I am pretty sure that there are a lot of good restaurants still left.”

[amelialandon]

Maya Wollman.

Starting the new year lost at sea was oddly fitting for someone like Maya Wollman. She was made up of strange, unlucky circumstances that made her who she was today. Though, even so, it hasn’t quite left her mind. Despite being used to unusual disasters, Maya also had a proclivity for seeing certain things as a sign from the universe. So, to Maya, being stranded like that the stroke of midnight, had left an uneasy feeling within the pit of her stomach. Was the world trying to tell her something? Was there something she missed? Should she beware of her impending future? The questions went on and on and Maya couldn’t quite see the end of them.

Which is what leads her here, back to the docks. Her dark eyes look out toward the water, watching as ripples lick the shore and boats sail by in the near distance. Then, someone is speaking to her, and Maya is quick to grin. “I believe it. One time I got grape jelly all over my parents old VCR and it busted it completely. So, it’s possible.” A laugh sounds from Maya before she continues, “Yeah, I was. I started the year off with a raging wedgie and a bout of sea sickness. Go figure, right?” She shrugs, “What about you? Were you on the ferry that night?”

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Amelia couldn’t stop herself from laughing when Maya told her a story about what she had done herself one day with grape jelly. Her parents would probably not have been that happy about the situation. But hopefully they would be able to laugh about it now a few years later. “I hope that your parents have forgiven you for that by now?” She asked the other woman, a smile on her lips. It was quite a funny story, especially when you thought about the scenery with a little girl who had been the one dropping the grape jelly over the VCR.

Her eyes were focused on the woman standing next to her who let her know that she was indeed on the ferry. It was the first person she had met so far who had been on the ferry during the night that it had gotten stuck with a failing engine. “I wasn’t on the ferry, luckily enough. I did hear from it from the people at the party I was at.” Amelia stayed quiet for a moment, before she continued talking. “I hope that being stuck on that ferry wasn’t a bad experience?” People being stuck in places was not always a good thing.

[amelialandon]

Georgina Livingston.

LOCATION: Georgina’s Backyard ─ Ventura

DATE & TIME: February 7th at 5pm

After a strenuous day, early morning at the Catalina Country Club for the routine family brunch, to the afternoon spent at the animal shelter with Nath, the mother feels fatigue begin to creep upon her slender frame. It’s been a while since Georgina had a jammed packed weekend ─ usually attempting to opting to do the bare minimum because she’s trying to let specific responsibilities fall on the back burner so she can enjoy herself. For weeks, her daughter has pleaded with Geo about having Amelia and Diane over. Especially since Joanna has taken a liking to the six-year-old and refused to wait another weekend to catch up with her friend. If it makes her daughter happy, then so be it. So, the brunette scheduled everything on the 7th of February, aware that she overplanned the day and is coming down from the intensity of all of the pets at the animal shelter.

Luckily for Amelia and herself, both mothers are nestled on the couch while both girls dash in the vast backyard. “Do you ever get that moment when you’re happy to be sitting down and just relaxing?” Asked the host with a vaulted brow, bringing the wine glass of rose to her petals. “Like I have no desire to get up from this space anytime soon. So let’s hope the girls can manage to themselves busy because I feel like I’m floating on a plush cloud,” she addresses with a laugh. It felt nice to sit, focus on her surroundings, and not have to be on the move. The alcohol is also a welcomed way to relax. After a moment, a pitted sigh parts from her petals. “How are you enjoying Catalina?”

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Amelia was happy to be able to take a seat on the couch, watching how her daughter was runny around in the backyard. That was already a fun sight to see, especially if she could relax in the process. “Don’t get me started about being able to just relax for a moment. Especially after a long shift at work I am very happy I am able to just sit down and do nothing for a moment,” the woman agreed with the other. Those were the moments that she cherished. She loved Diana a lot but sometimes a little peace and quiet was something that every mother needed.

“We are not going to move one bit, those girls will be able to enjoy themselves and I feel like we deserve to order in some food as well. We are only getting up to open up the front door and take the food in acceptance, how does that sound?” She asked Geo, bringing the glass of wine in her hand to her lips so she could take a sip as well. She leaned back on the couch a bit more, visibly relaxing as she thought about the question Geo had asked her. “Catalina so far has been great to me. I’m enjoying. I miss Diana when she’s not on the island but I know that I’m doing this for the right thing,” she said with a smile to the other woman. “I do have to admit that I still have search around for some locations, but Google Maps has been my best friend.”

[amelialandon]

Starter for: @corrinlui​ Where: Park in center of the island

When Amelia had reached out on the Facebook group for Catalina inhabitants to search for a workout partner, she had been pleasantly surprised by the fact that someone had responded that quickly. She was rather grateful for that because she definitely needed someone to keep her busy. There was no way that she was going to all of this on her own, she was going to need someone to kick her ass. And luckily for her, she had seemed to find someone in Corrin. Their first workout immediately had been one that she was sure she was going to feel the next morning. Amelia leaned with her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. “Well, if I had known that you would kick my ass like this, I might have chosen someone else to get as a workout partner,” she joked to the other woman as she smiled up at her. “How long have you been in Catalina? Have you been born here?”

[amelialandon]

Jack Adler.

LOCATION: Antonio’s Pizzeria. DATE AND TIME: February 1st, 2021. 5:00PM.

Contrary to popular belief, Jack was relatively okay the last few days. Perhaps this was a newfound state of denial, who knows, but the singer lavishes in the feeling regardless. Besides, maybe that’s what healing was all about, questioning the reality of it’s arrival.

“I’m actually waiting for someone,” Jack starts, looking up to the waiter that approaches his table, “Could we get some waters for now, please? Thank you so much, man.” He continues, earning a polite nod from the waiter. From the distance, Jack spots Amelia heading in and he’s quick to wave here down. It’s been said time and time again, but having his family all here has been a colossal blessing. Maybe, in some ways, he also had them to thank for his sudden better mood. “Over here!”

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Having pizza with her brother. It sounded like something very normal but it hadn’t been normal for quite some time with them due to the fact of them living on opposite sides of the country. So the fact that it was possible now, made Amelia very happy. She had finally managed for the first time to be in time with the road under construction and without getting lost as she entered the restaurant. Yes, she had left earlier than usually necessary but it had been for a good cause. A smile nearly automatically appeared on Amelia’s face when she saw Jack sitting at a table already and waved for her to get her attention. She quickly made her way over to the table, leaning in so she could press a kiss to Jack’s cheek before she sat down on the seat on the other side of the table. “I am proud to annouce that I have finally been able to manouvre myself over the island without getting lost with these roads under construction. So you are lucky to have more time with me,” she joked to her brother, shaking her coat off her shoulders and hanging it over the back of her chair. “Have you ordered something already or am I in time?”

[amelialandon]

Starter for: @avahalliwell​ When: January 28th 2021 Where: Venture Coffee Roasting Co.

Amelia knew very well that she was late to the meeting with Ava. As much as Google Maps had been her main rescuer for the short time that she had been on the island, the fact that it hadn’t been updated with the roads that were under construction at the moment did not help at all. She had come across two of the construction sites as she had made her way from the home to the cafe where she had agreed to meet with Ava. When she hit the second road, she had quickly texted the other woman but even though she had let Ava know that she would be later, Amelia couldn’t help but apologize to Ava when she entered the building and she found the woman sitting at one of the tables. “I am so sorry that I am late. I am still finding my way around the island and these roads under contruction is not helping at all and I just got lost and my trusted Google Maps wasn’t helping either. So the first coffee is definitely on my account,” she rambled on and on as she rushed to take off her coat and take her place on the other side of the table, finally taking a deep breath of release as she sat down on the chair. “Sorry. Again. What kind of coffee are you drinking at the moment?”

[amelialandon]

Holliday Carlson.

You mean… I’ll get one like Jesse had? Declan noticeably brightens at the thought, to which Holly has to smile, however small it is. “Yes, sweetheart. Like the one that Jesse had,” she answers, before turning to the nurse, steely-eyed and polite as she nods. “Jesse’s a classmate. He broke his foot about a month ago.” 

Holly listens to the woman talk so casually about a bone break, feeling her stomach turn at the thought. But the doctor appears at the door, and Holly breathes a sigh of relief. The next hour is quick, with Declan soon forgetting about the pain in his arm to marvel at his newfound green cast and the X-ray of his broken bone. I can’t wait to show everyone at school! 

Right as she leaves the hospital, she passes by the nurse who’d been kind enough to Declan — and she touches her shoulder, a surprisingly gentle gesture for Holly. “Thank you,” she says. “What did you say your name was again?” 

.

The brightened expression on Declan’s face was good to see. The idea of the cast definitely got him distracted from the pain a little. Amelia smiled at his mother when she explained some more about who Jesse was and what had happened. She nodded once more to confirm that it would indeed be a cast like that. The woman watched how the two left to go with the doctor.

She was working on some administrative work when she saw Holliday and Declan next. The green cast was shown to her nearly right away and it made Amelia chuckle. She then looked at the mother of the kid. “You’re welcome. I don’t think I’ve mentioned my name. Amelia Landon. New to town but very understanding of your feelings as a mother myself. I think my daughter is just a bit younger than your son.”

[amelialandon]

Marion Stewart.

“I see,” says Marion, uncertain how to elaborate. For a moment, she thinks to be grateful, though that would mean betraying her own nebulous involvement with Jack’s life. Likewise, feigning ignorance would not do, not when his popularity has supplanted all notions at a private life; everyone and their mother would have been familiar with news of the musician’s relapse. The words tick in her head like the strikings of a pendulum, measured and persistent. In the end, she settles with a safe, if a little vague, promise: “Well, if you need any help navigating the island, I’m around.” Marion remarks, casting the other with what she hopes is a reassuring smile. 

Grocery bag in hand, she walks towards the exit doors and gestures for Amelia to walk alongside her. “It’s… same old, same old, actually,” she says, rolling her shoulders, “I guess it’s mostly been quiet.” It isn’t entirely a lie — the past decade had been spent alone, and more often than not, her solitude had also translated into loneliness. Never one to dwell on her growing pains, however, she redirects the conversation back to her former sister-in-law. “Won’t that be too expensive, though? Traveling coast-to-coast every weekend?” Marion asks, curious. “Not to mention how exhausted you’d get, too.” She clears her throat as she realizes how intrusive her questions had become, herself glaringly intimate and overfamiliar despite years spent in radio silence. “Sorry, I know it’s not in my place to ask. I was just…” she purses her lips, “…I’m curious, I guess.” 

Amelia smiled at Marion as she let her know that she would help navigate around the island if she wanted it. That was already a pleasant opinion, although it was definitely something that she would have to think about, considering the fact that she hadn’t seen Marion in all this time. “Thank you, I will keep that in mind,” she said to the blonde woman with her. She followed the other outside, walking next to her as they strolled down the sidewalk.

Apparently not much had changed for Marion in the years that they had not seen each other. The smile on Amelia’s lips would not disappear and nodded slowly as she mentioned that it had been quiet. “I guess that’s what this island does? It is so much more quiet here than in the big cities.” It was something that Amelia liked about this and liked about Manchester-on-the-Sea where she had been living before Catalina. She loved Boston, where she had been born, but the move to the small town had been a good move for her.

Quickly the subject was moved back to her own person and Amelia raised an eyebrow at the comment that Marion made about the expenses that must be high. The woman was right, it was indeed not her place to ask about how they were going to do that. “We got it sorted, don’t worry about that,” was all that Amelia had to say, the smile had disappeared from her face. If it had been Jack who had asked this, she had definitely elaborated more about the financial side of it all. But this was Marion, who she hadn’t spoken to in years. The woman she had considered her family but suddenly was gone. Sure, she was right. It was going to be tiresome for her to do the travelling, so it would be for Seth. Diana was probably still the ball of excitement she always was. But if it meant that she would be able to see her daughter as much as possible, then that was something that she was going to do. “I bet that you can understand that it is worth it for family.”

[amelialandon]

Where: Catalina Marina Dock When: February 1st, morning @catalinastarter​

Amelia had a free morning that day so she had taken a walk along the coastline, ending at the Catalina Marina Dock for a short break before she would return home again. Her sight was on the large water in front of her, knowing that on the other side of it the rest of the state of California could be found. The ferry caught her attention, shaking her head for a moment as she remembered the article in the Catalina Times, knowing that all the ferry drivers had to take a course to update themselves. It made Amelia chuckle to herself. “Do you think that the rumour of the mayor’s son spilling hot sauce all over the panelling is true or not?” She asked the person standing close to her out of nowhere. She smiled at the person. “Sorry, that one is out of the blue. Were you on the ferry when it happened?”