ximenaserrano

[ximenaserrano]

Mena hated shopping, but she knew she had to grab a few items for her and Teo. After doing so, she felt like treating herself to something. She rarely shopped for herself so she felt like splurging. Bit. However she didn't exactly know what she wanted. Perusing the market, she figured if something csught her eye, then she'd get it. Otherwise no harm, no foul if she didn't buy anything. "Purple," Mena chimed in and nodded towards the display by Mandy. "I say purple."

Who: Mandy & open!

Where: shopping at hideaway market

When: sometime early August

Mandy decided that she wanted to get a few things done, grocery shopping, picking up some shampoo. Maybe even fill up the refridgerator. And then she could work on putting together something for the gala that was coming up. She sipped on her smoothie and rocked on her heels as she looked at the display in front of her, pursing her lips in deep thought. "Important question. Pink or purple?"

[ximenaserrano]

She clicked her tongue before getting her teeth, her jaw tensing at his reaction. She hadn't necessarily meant to throw it in his face. Or did she? A subconscious jab at the man before her. The man she still couldn't stop thinking about. "Ouch," she winced not sure if that was a jab right back, the alcohol in her throwing her off her game. It wasn't necessarily that she didn't trust him, knowing he'd be careful. It was more so of jealousy, a part of her wondering what it would be like if she didn't have to worry about him sleeping with other women. "At least I'd hope not. I'd feel bad for them," she snorted, "yeah I do. We had some. A lot actually." She looked him up and down, "sometimes I wonder if what we had was only fun."

Well she went there; not a sore subject per say anymore. He had actively committed, verbally and otherwise not all that long ago. But the mention had him swallowing back the lump in his throat. "Yeah well, don't you think I've learned my lesson? Wrap it up." Fingers crossed the other girl on the line had her own form of contraception too, a double whamy but being reminded of their mistakes, right now was at the very least sobering. Jake reached out a shaking hand to place on the top of her shoulder, "Mateo's not going to have a little brother or sister any time soon. It's just some fun. you know what fun is still, right?"

[ximenaserrano]

She raised an eyebrow and ran her tongue over her teeth, deciding on what to say. At his comment, she let out a flat laugh, "you know me better than that," or at least she thought he did just like she knew him. She felt so conflicted, a mixture of emotions seeing him there. Wondering what it would be like if they had just never had what they had. "Because," she looked at his hand, "I know that smirk. And those eyes. Both of which got me a little someone named Mateo back home. Both of which cases both of us trouble sometimes."

Jake frowned, a forced smile awkwardly formed on his lips when she made the joke, refraining from saying what it was he was really thinking. Which was leaning towards a more suspicious nature, "Lucky to not lose an eye by straw, yes. I like my eyes as is." Except when they allow him to be present for moments just like these, and just like that Jake felt like darting right on past her up the stairs, avoid any and all awkward encounters. Meet Carly later, maybe. Start or end the night fresh. Maybe go play some video games. "Now why do you wanna know that? Just had too many espresso martini's, see—" he held out his hands which were caffeine jittery, "Hearts racing."

[ximenaserrano]

"Oh totally," she laughed, her hand upon her son's head, "and he did a ton of swimming. Kid has gotta be part fish." Mateo then looked up and giggled at her comment then took her hand. "Moderation is key, and that's good. You'll get bored fast. So definitely find a show to binge. Maybe two." She laughed at her comment and shook her head, "that's something I definitely do not miss at all about being pregnant. And you're having twins right?"

“Well, I can’t blame him for that. Swimming definitely works up an appetite, and cotton candy is pretty yummy.” Tam mused, winking at the child before returning her gaze to his mother. “In moderation, of course.” She added with a soft laugh. “I’m doing well, thanks. I’ll be officially on leave as of next week, which will be interesting. I kind of feel like a puffer fish, though. All swollen and a little touchy at times.”

[ximenaserrano]

Mena shot him a glance and then erupted into a quick chuckle, "okay fine fine," she put up her hands in surrender. She had known him better than that and she was only playing, after all the Newman family was more like her family than her actual own blood. Eyeing a stack of plates, she grabbed a few and Frisbee them against the wall before turning to him, "definitely. But we're you trying to go for the sports pun?" She asked, deadoanning before smirking and tossing another plate at the wall to which it shattered. "This and ink therapy, I think I can get into it."

“Don’t ruin the moment by doing that.” He scrunched up his face. Mason would be the first to say he was the least affectionate Newman. He wasn’t the hugging, touchy feely type in any circumstances which was funny given his students loved to push his buttons in that way. He found another object and swung the bat seeing it fly across into pieces. “Sports were always hit or miss.” He enjoyed them for the fun of it, but after all the practices and games were tolling. Mason felt like he could do this on a more frequent basis but maybe that made him not so stable. “Who needs therapy when you have this?”

[ximenaserrano]

Happy birthday @emersonjo!

You mean more to me than I could ever describe. So I let the gifts do the talking 😜

[ximenaserrano]

happy birthday Archer!!

Archie, how are you one already!? Can't believe it's been a year since you made your grand entrance - and knowing who your momma is, I was absolutely not surprised at all. You have brought such light to the world and though I'm not actually related to you, I'm your auntie for life. Any time you need me, I'll be there no questions asked.

I got you a few things to mark your first year on the world. Being the tattoo artist that I am, I had to get you a book to learn how to count but make it regarding tattoos. Along with a tattoo onesie so you can match along while reading it. I also got you a table that turns into an easle, that has a bunch of activities on it. As well as a camera to match your momma when she's taking photos. And lastly a dinosaur stuffie to take with you anywhere and keep you safe.

Love always,

Auntie Mena

@lucie-newman

[ximenaserrano]

The Mirage, an old haunt she frequented sometimes now despite not going out nearly as much as she had used to. If only the walls could talk, she thought to herself, wondering what they day about things and more specifically what they'd say about her. She had quite the times there with people over the years, some better than others, some more risqué than others. But tonight she wasn't looking for anything or anyone specific, just looking to have a good time. Coming back with a refill for herself and an old client who had up and moved away, she bumped into someone nearly splashing said drink on her dress. Ready to snap at the person, she recogned the voice, and sighed, "lucky for me I'm no longer on the short list of people to toss at strike one. Or is it lucky for you?" Her voice a mixture of sarcasm and playfulness, almost wondering what he was doing there but ultimately knowing and though she had no reason to be upset or jealous she was. "A little rambunctious there are we? What's she look like?" She asked and turned to scan the room.

Who: @ximenaserrano When: Late Night summer Where: The Mirage

"I uh—" the minuscule words came out, more like sounds really when he rounded the corner to head up the narrow staircase. "Hey," he said a little too chipper. The Speakeasy, his old stomping grounds so to speak was a simple meeting point. Aaron, his buddy, who was on shift his wingman of sorts. Gave the A-okay to Carly, 5'5, toned, an athlete. In town for the week with her girlfriends from North Carolina. She was only minutes behind when he ran into Mena headfirst. The drink in her hand almost meeting his forehead. "Hey-hi- Whoa. Uh, careful. They've kicked people out for less." Maybe she'd just move past, on with her night.

[ximenaserrano]

"I never thought I'd see you getting sick of rides either," she playfully quipped back, playfully hip bumping her so, who then gently bumped into Lucie, a giggle eminating from him. Then she paused and watched as her best friend and her son interacted, the tugging on her heartstrings something she'd never get used to but loved so much. Her hand ruffling Theo's hair as Lucie spoke, the smile never wavering from her own lips. As Lou ran ahead, Mena followed closely behind her son whose laughter filled the area while running to the seats. "Hurry up Teo, gotta make sure Lou has her bestest ride partner all snug next to her!"

"I never thought I'd see myself getting sick of rides this summer." She watched as the current session started to come to a close. "Last year, when I was the size of a beach ball," she tossed her hands out imitating her large belly, "I was so jealous of everyone." She smiled at Mateo. "But I've got one good one left in me for you buddy." The ride operator opened the gates, slowly allowing people to filter in. Lou, in typical fashion, tossed them a wink before running in to snatch the worst seat. She was laughing and happy by the time Mena and Mateo caught up. Who'd have imagined there could be summers like this? "Get in Serrano's! We've got a ride to demolish."

[ximenaserrano]

As Mena debated on whether or not she'd continue to go on rides - at least ones that didn't spin or toss you from side to side - she watched as Lucie spoke with her son. Smiling at the interaction, her heart swelled at her two favorite people and how their relationship would continue to blossom. "Yeah Teo, let's pick the one that spins the most. End things on a high note," she had crouched down to talk to her son, get at his eyes level and make him feel like a grown up. She glanced up at Lucie and understood her loom, getting at why she suggested it although she wasn't necessarily looking forward to it. As she stood back up, she kept a hand on Mateo's shoulder, a way for her to feel grounded and for him to know not to run. But there in that moment she felt so at ease, between her son and Lucie, not wanting the day to end. "Sounds perfect. And for our stomachs to settle."

Lou's gaze shot to the tilt-a-whirl, watching the current run loop in nauseating circles. They'd get on when this series was over. "I have an idea," she whispered to Mateo, "let's get the car that spins the most. Make our last hurrah a big one." She made apology eyes at Mena, but she'd heard somewhere that kids responded well to endings when they empathized. Learning to relate to children, how to talk to them was still a work in progress. Her nieces helped, but honestly it was Mateo that made her most at ease. She loved seeing hints of Mena in him; echoes of her laugh of smile. When she pulled away from him she said to her friend. "Oh, definitely. He can ride the kiddie train while our balance corrects itself."

[ximenaserrano]

Mateo had insisted upon going swimming in the ocean, something Mena hadn't exact been the biggest fan of. But thankfully they ran into Mateo's uncle JD and he offered to take him in the ocean for a bit. After doing so, Mena and Mateo then headed over to grab some snacks. Seeing Tam, Mena smiled, "Hey!" She replied to her son's doctor, "Dude wants some cotton candy. Apparently swimming in the ocean works up an appetite. How about you? How are you feeling?"

WHO: Tam & @ximenaserrano

WHERE: Swim Beach

WHEN: Summer Bash & Carnival

Tamara refused to let herself miss the festivities, despite the two personal heaters nestled in her womb. While Theo was off venturing the event, Tam rested with an iced tea (extra on the ice) before spotting Mena passing by with Matteo. “Hey, strangers! What’re you two up to?”

[ximenaserrano]

Seeing the way her son and best friend had interacted, had made Mena the proudest and happiest person. She had never necessarily thought she'd have kids, but she had always known Lucie would be the most important person in her life that would be in that kid's life too. All Teo did was giggle at Lou and the ride, a sight Mena couldn't get over. "I wish I knew, but I'm starting to really hate circles," she chuckled, a wave of regret about eating that last hotdog washing over her. "Honestly I'm starting to regret introducing him to the tilt-a-whirl, so I get it. Think we can convince him to go on a kiddy ride without us, next?"

Mateo's laughter had grown more and more familiar over the past year and change, a fact Lou was more than proud of. "That stomach of yours must be made of steel, huh?" She didn't even know if she trusted herself to walk in a straight line when the attendant opened the gate. But move she did, bumping against Mena's shoulders on the way. "Why does everything go in a circle?" she joked. "I thought I'd love doing the rides this year, since I couldn't last summer."

[ximenaserrano]

@jake-fieldsrp

[ximenaserrano]

"Just say the word," Mena grinned at Ivy, "you know I will always be happy to give you one." That was definitely true, loving her job Mena enjoyed helping out the fine residents of Merrock add ink to the collection or help a firstimer out start one. "Oh really? And what would that include?" She was quite intrigued, the gears already starting turning in her mind. Looking at the game in front of them and then back at Ivy, Mena smirked, "you got yourself a deal Hanlon. I've been itching to tat some of my flash drawings on someone."

WHO: @ximenaserrano WHERE: Carnival WHEN: July, 2025

"Life's getting boring, Mena. Time to give me another tattoo." Ivy was not tatted by any means but did have a fair share here and there, a few from the bad & drunk decisions of their youth and some they'd drawn themselves. "I think it's time that I get a Merrock specific tattoo, actually. How about this, you beat me in this Bean Bag toss and I'll let you put ANY tattoo you want on me. Paint me like one of your French girls."

[ximenaserrano]

"Wish I had that type of thinking," she quipped back, though in some things she absolutely did and others? Not so much. But for this type of thing, an athletic challenge she was more than happy to stand on the sidelines and watch and maybe even cheer if she felt up to it. "Yeah and exactly, thankfully for all ages too, not just the really little ones or the much older ones too." She nodded and looked around, seeing families of all sizes and ages milling about. "For sure, for sure, they do say it takes a village and Merrock sure is a village. Good luck tomorrow by the way," she said with a smile as she got up and went back to her cabin to hang out with her son.

"Someone has to have a little confidence in us… might as well start from within," he laughed good naturedly, shrugging both shoulders. He was a firm believer in, well, believing in yourself. Which probably should have been a deeper thing to consider than just figuring out whether or not you were going to defeat everyone in a physical challenge, but. "I'm sure," he replied with a soft laugh, "but it's good, you know? Kids like him are probably why they chose this place, so that there's something for everyone," the kids didn't have to sit around bored, they could keep busy and feel like they were involved in their own way. "I'm sure that there are enough of them around that someone would," he gestured back towards the cabins, knowing he had seen Cage and Cordelia, Kellan and Tristan all wandering around. "And if not them, plenty of other people who are good with kids, too."

[ximenaserrano]

All Mateo had been talking about were the food and rides; both of which Mena knew would amp him up. But hey this only happened once a year and she wanted him to have as much fun as he could. He kept asking for the bumper cars on the ride there so when Rory asked, before Mena could answer, Mateo piped up, "bumper cars!" She then laughed, "looks like he wants to ride the bumper cars, you guys down for that?" She asked, thankful to have a friend and support for the rides. "And also Nat gets to pick some rides too," she aimed her statement at her son and Rory and Nat as well.

ROULETTE: Rory & Mena! @ximenaserrano .

LOCATION: at the carnival!

"What do you think? You wanna start with some rides?" Rory aimed this question towards her daughter, nodding as Nat spoke up that she did, in fact, want to go on every ride the carnival had to offer. The blonde smirked in Mena's direction, shaking her head in anticipation of what this would mean for the night. It was early on, probably around 6:15 or so, the last Rory checked her watch. She had on a small backpack, in which contained everything the two mothers might need. She couldn't remember the last time she had caught Mena outside of brief run-ins. "Hey, what's Mateo wanna do? We'll collaborate. This is a joint effort to get through this thing."

[ximenaserrano]

Mena carefully took in a deep breath before replying, "oh definitely," the settling of her stomach taking longer than she had been able to in the past. Slinging an arm around Mateo, on top of Lou's arm, she ruffled her son's hair to the sound of him giggling. Riding the tilt-a-whirl for a third time in a row hadn't been on her bucket list but how could she deny her son the thrill when it made him giggle with glee? Who cared about the hotdog she had earlier? Or the soda she washed it down with? Turning back to Lou, she blinked and nodded vigorously, catching her drift, "absolutely. And maybe one that doesn't go as fast or hard either. A little mellow one like the carousel or ferris wheel?"

Who: @ximenaserrano When: July 4th Where: Carnival

"Third times a charm." She was leaning against the tilt-a-whirl gate, with Mateo balanced beside her, one arm carefully placed around his shoulders. The first ride had been fun. The second was a little bruising. The third might just unsettle the fries she'd eaten. But, when this little boy was so happy, that was hardly a reason to stop. In a few years, she imagined this would be Archer. Over-enthusiastic, hyped on sugar, and testing out the limits of her stomach and balance. "After this," she looked at Mena with big 'help me out here' eyes, "maybe we can try rides that only go in one direction, huh?"