steviemaylane

[steviemaylane]

merry christmas, cousin!

@steviemaylane & Eli

I'm hoping to catch you at the Lane home sometime today to see you and the kiddo in person (we'll be there all day, trust me), but if not, I hope that you both have a very Merry Christmas! This game bag is full of board games for those long, snowy nights at home with nothing better to do for both of you, and matching sweatshirts, because why not? Everyone needs those on Christmas, and you can still embarrass him and get photos in them! And lastly, a new bag for you, a little nerdy, covered in books -- that's what makes it perfect for you. Merry Christmas!

x Josh

[steviemaylane]

Michael bought a set of 14k gold festive earrings for his better half (which he absolutely had assistance in getting with his mom) and Christmas squish mellows for Elijah. “Merry Christmas, darlin’ I can’t wait to spend the day celebrating with you. Love, Mikey x”

@steviemaylane

[steviemaylane]

ADAM BRODY AND ADDISON TIMLIN as NICK TALMAN AND MARA CHANDLER in STARTUP S03 E06 "Authentication" (2018) dir. Timothy A. Burton

[steviemaylane]

Stevie had her ass kicked into gear during the holiday season that it felt like she didn’t see any of her friends. She was surprised when she opened her front door to Tessa, before tilting her head. “Hi,” a bright smile on her face, trying to mask the evident exhaustion that painted her features. Winter was hard for her, she wasn’t used to how much the cold shook her to her bones, or how expensive everything was. “What can I do you for? D’ya wanna come in?” Stevie opened the door more. “It’s freezin’ out here.”

Who: Tessa & @steviemaylane

Where: suburbs

When: December, 2024

Tessa could not believe four months had passed since she sat on the beach with Stevie talking about her latest book. At the time, Tessa appreciated Stevie’s offer to be a blind reader for her; however, she didn’t want to put any added stress on her friend since school had been starting up in a few weeks. The thought of Stevie helping Tessa out never left Tessa’s mind as the months passed. The idea became serious when Tessa became frustrated with how she wrote some of the chapters. With a deadline approaching, Tessa knew she needed some help, help that she could trust. She just hoped Stevie would still be open to supporting her as she knocked on the other woman’s front door.

[steviemaylane]

I mean, I wouldn’t say I’m practically family, but I— I don’t mind being teased. I don’t have any siblings so i’m not quite sure how this works.

@steviemaylane

So since you are now practically family, this means I get to adore and tease you at the same time, right? I do that to Mikey all the time, trust me. It’s my love language.

[steviemaylane]

@steviemaylane

[steviemaylane]

Her face heated a bit, and she took a breath. She wasn't planning on talking much about it in the middle of the community center, but this was happening anyway. "We'll see." she shrugged, not really knowing how a big family was going to take to her and her son. She hadn't really had a great track record with families. She grabbed one of the boxes and some scissors to keep her hands busy as she began to cut some of the paper. "Yeah." She nodded, before putting the scissors down, and fully facing her cousin. "It's going really well. Compared to what happened in September, and how he's doing now." She paused, "I just didn't want to drag him down even more, and --" She could still feel the guilt creep in, but she tried to shove it down. Letting her brain come back to the present moment, she smiled and nodded. "It's always nice to the end the night with the one you love the most." She said, changing the subject.

Looking up with surprise -- a good kind of surprise -- when she mentioned visiting the Hartmans during their holiday, he felt a smile touch his face, nodding. "Good. That will be good for you and Eli both, I can only imagine the kind of spread that the Hartman clan puts on," he laughed, having grown up around them as one of the 'big' families in town. He had seen that great big house all decorated up for the holidays at different parties through the years, too. "It's going well, though, between the two of you?" He knew that Mikey had hit a bit of a rough patch as of late, hoped that the relationship getting more serious meant that things were better for him. "Probably visiting both families. Maybe some stuff on our own, too, I like to end the night that way."

[steviemaylane]

The most Stevie was able to do was bake chocolate chip cookies, and those were the only ones she ever really craved. She also loved those sugar cookies that had the thick icing on top, but decorating? She had never actually tried it. It shouldn't be super hard -- she was an artist anyway -- so she was happy to try. She smiled in thanks, and spoke, "Definitely. You think we could eat the ones that we mess up on if neither of us could fix it?"

It was always more fun to make cookies with someone, unless you were the kind of person that thought 'too many cooks in the kitchen' applied to making baked goods. Nari, however, was not. She loved to bake, and she loved to do it with friends, as with most things in life. "Perfect!" she grinned, scootching her supplies a little closer to Stevie so that they could share. "I figure there's safety in numbers, if one of us messes something up, then the other person can correct it, right?" she laughed, looking up at the instructor that was getting ready to walk them through different decorating techniques. "I think this is going to be fun!"

[steviemaylane]

Stevie did her hardest to make sure Elijah had everything he needed, within reason, and within a budget that she struggled to keep up with. She was just happy that she was able to keep a roof over their heads when he was growing up. All Elijah did was nod and then go back to his phone for a second. Stevie gave her son a soft smile, and spoke to him, "Hey, bud, when we sit for food. Phone goes away, 'kay?" "Yes, mama." He responded. It was that easy, most of the time. She asked him to do something, and he'd do it. He was her best friend in a tiny little person. Well, not tiny anymore. He had a growth spirt since he turned eleven.

She could feel her whole body turn warm and not from the body heat next to her but the way Mikey made her feel. She knew her son was a foot or two away from her and she tried her best to get her mind out of the gutter. "I can only imagine how many times you came here in high school." She grinned, "I might give you a run for your money though. We've been here so many times in the past year, mostly the days where I didn't want to cook anything."

It was clear to Michael upon meeting Elijah that he had been raised exceptionally well, to the best of his knowledge. He was well mannered (as much as an eleven year old can be, anyway), respectful, happy to lend his mother a helping hand with anything she needed. It said bounds about Stevie, about her kindness and understanding. “Oh, nice.” He chimed with an approving nod. “It gives it that fresh kick, don’t you think?” Blonde dyed tresses were flowing in the evening breeze, his roots just starting to make an appearance.

Joining in on the laughter, he shrugged his shoulders innocently before welcoming her grasp around his arm. Even through layers of clothing, warmth radiated from her, and the absence of her touch even momentarily was evident. “It’s a little bit of a big deal.” He countered playfully, winking swiftly but not wanting to be too obvious about it when her son was in their company. “Who knows, maybe you’ll get extra toppings because of how much of a regular I’ve been over the years.”

[steviemaylane]

I swear Isaiah Nathans said I was a 'sigma' this week, which I had to have Eli explain that one to me. I'm already ready for winter break. Do you? Know Gandalf? What about Einstein? Or Shakespeare? Joking. Joking. At least you're not mistaken for a new student.

I’ve come to the realization that I don’t understand half of what middle schoolers say anymore. Maybe I am getting old or haven’t caught on to American slang as much as I think I have, but oh my. They also ask so many questions, which I definitely will always encourage. They are also brutally honest. Today I had a student ask me that because I’m from the 1900s if I know Gandalf. Sure. So I just let that one sink in for a bit. Does anyone else miss being blissfully unaware of what century we are currently in?

[steviemaylane]

Stevie had a chat with her son the day that he met Mikey. To be nice and kind to him, because he was a person that deserved respect and kindness. She didn't force him to like Mikey, it just happened. Which Stevie was happy about. Her son was easy to get along with, and most of the time only wanted what was best for his mom because he had seen her good days and her bad days. She loved him deeply for that reason. She liked the way Mikey decided to dye his hair a blonder color. It was a nice change. "Mama used to put peppermint candies in my hot chocolate when I grew up," Elijah spoke, "S'just kind of a thing now."

She laughed as she grabbed hold of him. "Dang, I knew I was good at knockin' you off your feet, but not that good." She nodded her head, her left hand wrapping itself around his forearm as he spoke. "Alright, no big deal if not." She knew he needed to check in with Livvy. She was a good big sister. Mandy, too. From what Stevie had seen, those siblings had each others' backs. "Pancakes and hot chocolate indeed." She said, walking up towards the diner.

From what he’d witnessed so far, Eli was a good kid. Quiet, kept to himself, liked his video games — he reminded Mikey a lot of himself at that age, actually, which was surprising considering they’d grown up differently, but they had one thing as a constant — a loving mother, which Stevie absolutely was. Giving her hand a squeeze, as she smiled up towards him, he couldn’t help but smile in return. “Peppermint? Good choice.” Michael admitted with a chuckle. “Might have to get one, myself.”

Making their way down the street towards the diner, Michael pretended to stumble from the impact of her shoulder. It was probably a lame joke but he couldn’t resist, exaggerating the fumble with a woah before returning to a normal stance, grinning from ear to ear. “Just kidding,” Mikey ensured with a playful nudge of his own. “But I’d like that, really. I mean, I don’t know how Livvy would feel about it, might have to suss that out.” And that was probably the least attractive thing he’d ever said; having to ask his big sister for permission to continue his night on a little longer than anticipated. “I’ll text her. But for now… pancakes and hot chocolate.”

[steviemaylane]

I looked at my mother because I was a version of my mother. I looked away from my mother because I was a version of my mother. I was me, but I was also her—my mother, and I understood this all too well.

— Nora Lange, "Dog Star", pub. The Rupture (#120)

[steviemaylane]

It wasn't snowing, thank god, but it was definitely cold enough that she could see her breath as she walked outside. Her gloved fingers intertwined with Mikeys as she glanced over at the man she was dating with a warm smile before looking on the other side of her to look at her son. Even in between the both of them she was tiny and had to look up. "What do you say, Eli? Hot chocolate?" Elijah glanced up from his phone and shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah. Sure. Can I get peppermint in mine?" He had gotten used to seeing Michael around, especially after finally catching on that his mothers attention was on someone else. It was a welcome change for the eleven year old. He liked seeing his mom happy, and so far, Michael had made her happy.

Stevie nodded her head before looking back over at Michael. "Maybe I'll even grab some pancakes or something." She grinned. Stevie was a sucker for the diner's pancakes. She leaned in closer towards Mikey and bumped him with her shoulder a bit. "Do'ya need to go home afterwards? Or do you wanna come over?"

WHO: Mikey & @steviemaylane (& Eli)

WHERE: Historical Downtown

WHEN: Early December 2024

Watching a classic in good company was always welcomed by Michael, let alone when it came to the petite young woman that had weaved her way into his heart, and her son that she cherished and loved above all else. Warmth radiated from him as he walked by Stevie’s side, the crisp evening air kissing their exposed cheeks in soft gusts while he gently swung their intertwined hands. “You guys both warm enough?” Mikey asked with a lopsided smile, hazel hues gazing down at the fair haired beauty with genuine concern. “How about we head to cul de sac, finish off the night with a hot chocolate?”

[steviemaylane]

If there was one thing - or person - Stevie was grateful for during the holiday season, it was her cousin. Not related by blood, but family was more than that and she felt that way when she went to visit her aunt and uncle and enjoy being surrounded by a loving family. And what better way to keep spreading the joy of the holidays than to volunteer at the Community Center. Her son was around helping put up decorations while she tilted her head at her cousin. "I think-- we might go to the Hartmans?" She said it, skeptically. "I'm honestly not sure. Only cause, uh, Mikey and I have gotten more serious in a way? That I have a feelin' he's hinted at it a few times." She grabbed the wrapping paper and unraveled it. "What are you and Espie doing?"

WHO: Josh & @steviemaylane

WHERE: Community Center, suburbs

WHEN: December, 2024

This time of year, Josh was grateful for anyone who came in to help with the very long to-do list of things that needed taken care of before the holidays at the Community Center. It was easily the busiest time of year, but... he loved it. Getting to spend time with friends and volunteers, fellow workers, stocking shelves with supplies, wrapping gifts to go out to kids, putting up decorations around the common room. All things that kept him in a festive mood from December until he jumped into the ocean during the polar plunge. "Any big plans for you and Eli this Christmas?" Josh asked as he turned to Stevie, setting down tape and scissors, a basket full of ribbons to make the presents they were wrapping look neat.

[steviemaylane]

Stevie loved cookies. She loved baking them, decorating them, and eating them. Even if they went straight to her thighs. National cookie day was one of her favorite days, and she knew Eli wouldn't want to go with her, so she decided to let him go to a friends house while she went out and did a bit of decorating by herself. She wasn't a perfectionist by far, but she wasn't going to goof around. Glancing over, she grinned, "I'd love one. Not quite sure what I'm going to be decorating but I think that's the fun of this."

WHO: Nari & @steviemaylane

WHERE: Flour Co., downtown

WHEN: Cookie Day (December 4, 2024)

Cookies. A holiday staple. And although Nari spent plenty of time at home in her own kitchen baking up a storm at this time of year, it was sometimes nice to do it in public, with other people, enjoy the festive feeling with her friends. When she had heard that Flour Co. was going to be offering a cookie decorating class, she knew she would be there with bells on, having gotten there a little early to get a good spot, wearing her cute little apron over her jeans and sweater, all of her supplies she had gathered spread out in front of her. As they were asked to partner up, she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, smiling at the younger woman to her right. "Do you need a cookie decorating pal?"

[steviemaylane]

where: farmer's market who: stevie & @chvndlr when: december

Stevie had been in a funk lately, and maybe it was because she'd officially been in Merrock for a full year now, or maybe it's the fact that her immune system seems to not be working now that the weather has gotten much colder in a matter of weeks. She just wasn't feeling the Christmas spirit as much as she used to. In saying that, she happened to catch up with Chandler and he also felt the same way as her.

"Alright, so we can start at the east end, or the west end." She shrugged, her gloved hands shoved in the pockets of her jacket. "Or we can just wander and see if there's anything we want to stop for?"

[steviemaylane]

She wasn't far from home, but lord was it getting colder and colder every minute that she stood outside. This was one thing she missed about home - the warmth. Her body still wasn't used to how cold it had gotten in Maine. And she'd much rather be home in Waco with the sun shining down. She had graciously declined Mikey's offer of Livvy driving her home, mostly cause it would've been out of their way and she didn't want to be a bother, but she that didn't mean she was going to walk home. No sir. Instead she bounced on her toes a bit as she waited for the shared uber. No, she wasn't going to get just one for herself. She was a teacher, with an eleven year old during the Christmas season. This was definitely the time to be cheaper especially regarding herself.

Holidays were odd for her. It was always just her and Elijah for the most part, until recently that she'd be invited to Josh's house. Stevie's parents never reached out, especially her mother. She'd hear from her father - her adopted father - a few times throughout the year, but never them both at the same time. Finally. The car had pulled up outside where she was standing. Breathing out, she grabbed the car handle with her gloved hand and shivered as she got herself into the seat, right as she almost sat on her companion's bag. "No, no. S'okay. Just tryin' to get into the warm car." She spoke softly, putting her handbag on the floor in front of her. She could hear his cursing as she looked over at the male next to her, not registering that he had cursed because of her until her gaze landed on his face. She knew that face. She actually despised that face.

Stevie hadn't thought about -- god what was his name -- since.. since she found out she was pregnant with Danny's baby. Since they all claimed she was lying about it. Aidan. That was his name. "this is fuckin' laughable." She exhaled out, throwing her head back against the headrest.

with: @steviemaylane location: an uber, wherever! when: late evening, dec 2

Aidan was broke. Sure, he'd always dressed a little bit like he didn't have more than twenty bucks to his name, but before he'd at least had his family's money to fall back on. Now? He was broke-broke, and feeling the sting of the holiday season in a big way. With his truck in the shop and a precarious juggling act of volunteer work rather than any real gigs, he'd resorted to Uber Pool for the slim discount it earned him. Currently, he was slouched low in the back of a white Honda Civic, enduring the drive into town from the countryside, not thinking twice when the driver stopped to pick up another passenger. It wasn't until they were pulling away from the curb again, a slushy and tire-squealing jerk back into traffic, that he pushed the low bill of his cap up out of his eyes, reaching out to catch his duffel before it fell into the stranger's lap.

"Sorry," he apologized, a little gruff and clearing his throat as he dragged himself to sit up straighter, trying to be more awake than he felt. Aidan pulled his bag down to the footwell, glancing over only to immediately freeze, nearly doing a doubletake in his awkwardly hunched forward position. It couldn't be... could it? But there was a surge of familiarity -- recognition. In a split second he felt nineteen and dumb, and much, much worse. He sat back, still staring. "Oh, shit."