clemence-arrington - Tumblr blog

[clemence-arrington]

luckvoided‌:

“I think everyone knows of your mother,” Nina chimed in with an amused grin. It was difficult to not recognize the face that sat beside her. They may be strangers, but she knew of Clemence from the reality program her family plummeted through. It was one of the highest-grossing productions outside of Real Housewives. Nina liked to assume she had classy taste, but always held an innate interest in bad reality television. She turned her head, her palm digging into her cheek as she slurped her drink. “I think anything is good content with your mother. Be careful, she might put it on the next episode.” 

“Trust me, is why I currently live in the Village, far away from the circus of my Mother’s home,” Clem said, signaling for a drink. She truly wanted nothing to do with the reality TV life. So much of her Mother’s life was a spectacle that she wanted nothing to do with. “So what will you do for the holidays if you don’t go home?” she asked, truly curious. 

[clemence-arrington]

hadleysinclair‌:

“I’m sorry, for that.” She was, genuinely - she knew well enough what it was like to have a horrendous family that overshadowed every holiday with their actions. “With the other holidays coming up, you know you’re always welcome to come to my home.” Whatever she could do to help, to give the girl a safe space to enjoy herself without Clementine and her antics. She listened to Clemence’s explanation, brow furrowing slightly as she thought over the possibilities. Law school was…competitive. Hard. People would do whatever they had to in order to to stay on top. “The simple question, I suppose, is to ask if there are any enemies you’ve made. If there are any people in your classes who you’ve competed with more than others.”

Clemence shrugged. She tried to let her family troubles not be anyone else’s problem but she appreciated the invitation.  “I appreciate it. I might end up taking you up on it someday. Clementine is...just hard to say no to.” Her mother was the most skilled at getting what she wanted.

“I’ve really tried to do my best to fly under the radar without being...non existent. I suppose I’ve beaten out a couple people for internships and things.” Clem chewed her lip and sighed. “It could be that. Or maybe Clementine screwed someone’s Dad?”

[clemence-arrington]

Clemence had already spoken to Hadley a bit about her drama with law school. She’d just wanted to meet with her mentor to talk a bit of strategy now that she had a better idea of who was targeting her. 

“Oh sorry, I really didn’t need you to go through that much trouble. This was...an impromptu meeting.” She was familiar with Benji through Hadley but didn’t know him extremely well. “She’s kind of...helping me with a situation in law school. I seem to have made an enemy. But figuring out who it is, has been a bit of a struggle.” Clem sighed. “Ever have someone like that? Someone just hell bent on making sure you fail?”

@clemence-arrington​

where: Law Firm Hadley & Benji work at. when: 1:45 pm.

Benji was in the middle of reviewing evidence for a case when the receptionist asked him to go to one of the conference rooms. He wound up entering the room, and slowly sinking in the chair across from Clemence Arrington. He knew of Clemence from TV like most did and from Hadley. Hadley explained to him that she was in law school. A different path from the rest of the family. He wasn’t sure why the receptionist called him down since the person she wanted was Hadley, but the firm tended to do that to them. When Benji wasn’t around and someone needed him, they reached Hadley, and vice versa. Truthfully, he was happy to focus on trying to get in touch with Hadley, rather than his work. The case was dry. As easy as breathing. Finding Hadley was more difficult since he had to call around to multiple courthouses. This finally led to Benji putting down his cellphone and sighing.

“Sorry, I just got Hadley to answer me. Emergency client hearing, she’s not gonna be back for the next hour if not more. Am I able to help you with what you needed?” Benji asked. He shrugged lightly. “I’m not exactly as smart as Hadley, but sometimes I can give decent advice.”

[clemence-arrington]

ryderthompscn‌:

“Doubtful,” Ryder chuckled, shaking his head. “Just used to it. My dad owns a car shop. I’ve been getting minor burns my whole life.” A shrug followed hers and he smiled softly as she tried to get the sugar off. He nodded when she asked, though. “Yea, all gone,” he said. “Next time, I’ll make sure not to send your pastries flying.” He shook his head slightly. “I don’t know if that makes me feel worse or better. Work that crazy this time of year, huh?”

“I suppose that would make you a little more thick skinned, huh?” Clemence gave him a half smile and balled the napkin in her hand. “Law school, actually. I’m paying them to be this crazed.” She chuckled and tossed the napkin into the nearest trash can. “In fact, I think since I’m paying them, I can take a break after all.” She eyed a table near by. “Care to share a table?”

[clemence-arrington]

stellalaurenkennedy‌:

It didn’t surprise Stella that Clemence had never been to Candle 79. A Vegan restaurant didn’t typically appeal to those who weren’t Vegan. Although, Stella could eat at places that served things other than Vegan food, it was always more convenient to dine at places that did. “I’m so glad that you think so, Clemence, as well as that you accepted my invitation to lunch. I’ve been hoping to better make your acquaintance for awhile now, although… I feel like I already know you.” The warm smile on Stella’s face deepened, forming dimples on her heart shape cheeks. “Clement speaks quite highly of his chère sœur.”

A moment later, the wine and appetizer Stella ordered arrived. The waiter poured them both a glass of the sweet white before promptly disappearing to the back. It was obvious by their open menus that they weren’t ready to order. “Shall we toast? To new relationships, and our health! Because, what are we without either?”

“Are you sure he didn’t tell you embarrassing stories from our childhood? Because I can certainly match him story for story,” Clemence teased. She loved her brother dearly but there was no growing up in their family without their share of embarrassing stories.

Clemence held up her glass. “Indeed,” she said, giving a smile. Not that she’d had much experience with the former. But she was glad for the later.  “So tell me what your favorite is?”

[clemence-arrington]

charliemattcws‌:

“Okay, what is up with this park and angry animals?” she asked, head shaking. “Like is someone feeding them some kind-of chemically enhance bread or something?” Charlie huffed as she plopped down beside Clemence, a soft smile forming as she looked over at the other girl. “When I was a kid there was a pond in London proper we’d go to once a year and there were these swans you could feed. I used to love them. Now, they terrify me. I don’t know what my mum was thinking.” A laugh escaped, although thinking about her mum always made her a bit sad.

“New York animals. Tough little shits. Have to be,” Clemence said, chuckling. “You grew up in London? Really?  I grew up partially in France,” Clem said, more than a little excited to meet someone else that knew Europe. “When did you come to the States?”

[clemence-arrington]

edgaryangs‌:

“Probably something he didn’t want anyone to know about.” What else could someone be so publicly berated over if not a secret? “I’m pretty sure that’s the face of someone who’s done something ridiculously idiotic and embarrassing.” He tapped his fingers against the counter top, then turned to the stranger. “So, what’s your guess? Affair? Secret child? Investing in bitcoin?”

It was when he turned to her that Clemence realized the person sitting next to here wasn’t a stranger at all. He was a neighbor; one she’d spoken with a few times, though she couldn’t recall his name at the moment. “Hmm. I’m going with bitcoin. Oh! Or a pyramid scheme. Multi-level marketing is always good for residual shame,” she said. She was enjoying this probably a bit too much, but a few more light-hearted moments in her life were desperately needed. “What about that woman in the corner? Waiting on a tinder hook-up or about to confess to a friend that she has a thing for her?”

[clemence-arrington]

Clemence had been engrossed in the article she was reading to class, not paying much attention to the stranger next to her until he spoke. “Hmm,” she mused, looking up at the person he was referring to, watching him for a moment. Clemence had always been a people watcher. Probably because her family was so loud. She appreciated quieter activities and in her mind like to imagine people had far more normal lives than her own. “Oh? Why’s that? Do you think he did something stupid and is being berated for it?”

@newamericanastarters​

People watching was a skill which required precision, a skill which Edgar had honed since his childhood days. He could sit still for hours, so perfectly calm that he was nearly imperceptible, which was quite a feat considering his stature. He’d learned to document every facial expression, every movement believing that they were indications of feelings and thoughts which bubbled under the surface. 

So, when the man seated just a few spots over suddenly developed a tick in the jaw, Edgar couldn’t help but cock his head in the direction of the stranger. He couldn’t hear exactly what was happening but he could tell that whoever was certainly not pleased with the man. “I can’t decide if I’m amused or feel sorry for the poor man,” he said, turning his attention to the person beside him. After a few seconds, Edgar spoke again. “Okay, I’m definitely amused.” 

[clemence-arrington]

“By all means,” Clemence chuckled. This was not her normal stomping grounds but she’d wanted to see Clement. Then decided it wasn’t the best idea. So here she was, sitting on a random bench in Brooklyn when she should be back in the Village studying. “Swans are vicious little buggers. I’d say you made a good choice.  All I’ve seen so far here has been a fat little squirrel that’s one day away from hibernation, so I think you are safe.”

where: dumbo - brooklyn bridge park. when: 11:00 pm. who: open ( @newamericanastarters​ ).

The stars were shining by the time Charlie had found her way to a park bench. Her feet rustled leaves, still browned from fall, and the air had a sense of stillness that always made these walks feel comfortable. She hated being alone, but maybe that was why she came here, by herself, on a quiet night. Of course, she was the first person to spot someone in the distance and to smile at them. “Mind if I sit?” she asked, head tilting. “There’s a mad swan harassing people by the bank. Nearest empty bench seems like it might be a bit hazardous.”

[clemence-arrington]

Clemence agreed wholeheartedly. She had no desire to spend any time with her family this year. Not after the debacle that was Thanksgiving. But the woman next to her was rambling and she didn’t want to interrupt. “Me? Oh, I’ll be stuck with family. My mother is a wizard when it comes to getting what she wants.” She’d rather walk on a bed of hot coals but she’d still give in to her mother’s demands. “Maybe I should consider something for shock value though...hire a boyfriend or a girlfriend...have them pose as a circus performer...announce I’m leaving to tour the world as a trapeze artist.” So maybe she was slightly drunk herself. Something she rarely was but after the days she’d had, who’d blame her? “Knowing my mother, she’d probably applaud.”

when: december 2nd, 2019 – 10:34 PM

where: quixotic 

@newamericanastarters​

“I actually don’t plan on going home for Christmas. Honestly, that whole ritual where you pretend to be happily dogged by your family isn’t worth it for me. I think I would do really well taking time to volunteer at a soup kitchen or passing out toys for Toys for Tots.” She wasn’t talking to anyone in particular. Her attention was half saved by the television playing behind the person’s head. She didn’t mind chattering about something personal with a stranger. After all, she had a whole memoir published without her consent. What was there to hide from the world now? Nina tilted her head back and lazily reached for her drink with her tongue. She slurped up some good vodka and focused on the person before her. “What about you? I hardly think I would remember a word you say if you keep pushing drinks at me.” 

[clemence-arrington]

hadleysinclair‌:

She smiled at the question, thinking back on the wonderfully loud chaos of Friendsgiving. Her large apartment had felt small and homey, filled with the people that she loved the most that made her feel the best about herself. “It was a really wonderful holiday. Everyone behaved themselves well, everyone had a wonderful time. How was it at the estate?” She asked, sure that the answer probably wouldn’t be the same. She knew how Clementine was as a person, and as far as disapproving parents went, she was one of the best. “But, I’m sure you didn’t call me here to ask about the holiday. What’s happening, Clem?”

“The less said about my holiday, the better,” Clemence said with a sigh, shaking her head. She was not in the frame of mind to discuss the shock of seeing her long lost brother. “But I’m glad to hear yours went so well.” To be honest, Clem would have been better off alone. A heavy sigh followed Hadley’s question. She hated feeling unsure and vulnerable. “Over the summer...I made a lot of contacts. I felt really sure about my relationships with more than one person. Bu now, I’m following up and doors are basically being slammed in my face. No one will return calls...I think I’ve made an enemy. Problem is, I have no idea how. Or who?’

[clemence-arrington]

ryderthompscn‌:

“Ah, I wouldn’t call it pain so much as a minor burn,” Ryder said, managing a smile. Although the tea bag did hurt slightly when it hit his neck, Ryder wouldn’t admit as much. “Taken worse. I’ll be just fine.” He smiled at her and then quickly grabbed a napkin from behind him. “You’ve got a bit of powder sugar uh… just below your left eye.” He held out the napkins for her to take.“Did I manage to also ruin your lunch?”

Clemence smirked, a look of confusion crossing her face. “I fail to see a difference,” she said, “But maybe you are made of stronger stuff than me.” She shrugged and looked a bit embarrassed as he held out the napkin. “Oh..thanks.” She swiped at the offending bit of sugar...at least she hoped she did. She couldn’t imagine how it got there. “Did I get it?” She peered at him with hopeful eyes, mentally slapping herself for how ridiculous she must look. “No, I’m just here for coffee, no time to have a lunch to ruin.”

[clemence-arrington]

clement-coste‌:

BASILE

Nursing a hangover, Baz hadn’t been able to withstand his mother’s incessant pleas to stay. Even without the splitting headache, he wouldn’t have been able to tell her no. Feeling wanted was like its own kind of drug, and he’d chase that high even if it meant the incoming confrontation that was sure to take place. His leg shook under the table, and his mother reached out to press her hand to his cheek. He stiffened before pulling away, his attention drawn to the sound of Clement’s voice ringing out from the front door.

His every muscle tensed, hands balling into fists as the sound of footsteps grew closer. He hadn’t looked upon his brother’s face– the one identical to the vision he cursed every time he looked into a mirror– in more than a decade. The loud clatter of the dish on the table reverberated through the house like a bomb. Cerulean pools glared in his direction from across the room, though they would never actually land on Baz himself. He dug his fingernails so sharply into his skin he was surprised he hadn’t yet drawn blood. The walls felt as if they were inching closer, pressing in on him, and his heart clanged a little faster in his chest.

He stood quickly from where he sat at the table, adrenaline propelling him into action, the chair protesting the sudden movement with a screech, and let his mask fall into place, a carefully crafted piece of armor that he’d worn so long it had become a second skin. A smirk teased at the corners of his mouth, and he crossed his arms casually over his chest. The hurled words landed in every weak spot Clement intended them to, felt their sharp teeth pierce straight through the armor into the flesh beneath. He opened his mouth, poised to hurl his own string of words right back– a sick game of volleyball he’d been playing his entire life– when a knock sounded from the door.

He deflated a little as Clement turned away to look towards the door and stiffened immediately as he turned back, the hatred still burning like fire in his brothers eyes. He held that gaze with his own just as sharp until Clemence suddenly appeared in the entryway. He faltered a little upon seeing her face again for the first time in nearly twelve years. She’d been but fourteen when they’d sent him away, and she had remained that little girl in his mind until right now. He almost smiled at her, a picture of innocence, free from the guilt that threatened to drag him down beneath the water. But as she inched herself closer to Clement, the wall shot back up with a resounding click as the lock slid back into place. Of course she would be on Clement’s side. He had every fucking thing and Baz’s anger returned in a sudden gust of fiery rage. His smirk fully bloomed across his face as he surveyed the scene before him. “Ah, well isn’t this nice? One big happy family.” He cut his gaze back to his brother, eyes glinting, begging him to come and take a swing. He welcomed it– wanted it– and made a disapproving clucking sound. “Petit frère, I do hope your better half will be joining us today. Stella was her name, wasn’t it?” He let his eyes burn into his brother’s a moment, beckoning him forward, daring him to take the bait. “She’s so… friendly. Really knows how to give a proper welcome home.”

@clement-coste​

Clement wanted to pull Clemence closer, like a security blanket, and a reminder of what his imagined idea of a good family was. He wanted to root himself to her, and yet like some twisted funhouse mirror, his twin addressed him. Clements’s heart cracked and ached, and his face reddened with every single word that pulled from his lips. Their mother watched it unfold as if it was a natural disaster a long time coming. Dangerous and inevitable. Clem’s knuckles paled, and his nostrils flared.

Clemence gripped the back of a chair, an effort to keep from letting his fist impact against his brother’s jaw. Looking at him, he tasted only saltwater and betrayal; words had no place on his tongue when there was so much history and a ghost between them. After a long pause, Clementine raised her brows and cleared her throat only to have Clement cut her off by jabbing a finger through the air in Basile’s direction. “Don’t you ever go near her again you can’t really afford another funeral.” Clement scolded, shoving the chair against the table, prompting a scoff from their mother, who seemed more delighted than worried.

“Are you both quite done posturing and pissing all over one another, or can we drink and eat a meal without scarring one another?”

Clement looked to his mother, his sister, and back to Basile, “I lost my appetite the moment I saw him- why are you even here? Did you blow through your trust fund? Some sensor tell you I had another girl around for you to fuck and murder?” Clement was wild-eyed as he gestured towards the door, “Your a few years too late for the ex-wife, but I have a feeling you’d found a way to fuck that up for me too, wouldn’t you brother?”

Clementine rolled her eyes and looked to Clemence for help as if she had the answers in her to fix the turmoil and pain between her brothers. Clementine herself was growing weary and bored by the exchange. “If I had known you lot would be so cruel to one another, I’d have let your father have you three for this asinine Holiday.”

@clemence-arrington​

"Maman, please,” Clemence shot back in a hiss, there was too much to decipher without to listening to her dramatics. Why her mother looked at her like she could help was ludicrous.

Clemence moved, reaching out to clutch Clement’s bicep. “Clem, stop...just stop...” she pleaded, squeezing his arm before taking a couple steps toward Basile, eyes raking over the mirror image of Clement.  No one had any really good explanation for his departure. Clementine had talked in circles and her father had refused to discuss it other than Basile was away at school. But that didn’t account for his absence from her adult life. Did he not care to know her? Tears welled in her eyes as she looked from Basil back to Clement. What had happened to make them hate each other so viciously? And why had no one thought she’d deserved to know? Her own anger welled up and spilled over into hot angry tears.

Looking from person to person and knowing that the answers wouldn’t be ones she wanted to hear, Clemence fled the dining room. Running up the stairs, she hoped to god her old room had been put back to rights after the last party. 

@baz-arrington​

[clemence-arrington]

✘

[Clemence]  Law school books really aren’t the cure for loneliness, are they?

[clemence-arrington]

✉ & ✘

@livvylcc

✉

Clemence: What is an acceptable amount of time spent trying to remove a heel from a street grate. 

✘

Clemence: You’re pretty awesome, yeah? More people should be like you.

[clemence-arrington]

Send ✉ for an 2 AM text - Clem

@clement-coste

Mennie: Nothing good happens after 2:00 AM.Mennie: Trust me, it doesn’t. Mennie: Go to bed.

[clemence-arrington]