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Post by hales on Aug 20, 2008 15:10:55 GMT -5
Haleigh was currently wandering around town, not up to much. She had nothing to do today, since she was out of school and jobless. Although that wasn’t quite her fault; she had sent in resumes; she was just waiting to hear back. Her iPod headphones where in her ears and she was listening to her country music just a little too loud. She didn’t hear the screech of tires as she stepped out onto the road to cross. All of a sudden a bright chrome bumper appeared in her peripheral vision. She slammed her hand down onto the hood and looked at the driver. Nobody she knew, so she glared at him. Straightening up, she carried on her way towards the safe sideway. She shook her head, usually drivers weren’t that crazy here in Arden Falls. As Haleigh continued on down the sidewalk she looked around her more often, even though she really should have heard a honk before the car almost made her road kill. She shrugged it off, not one to stay mad forever. Haleigh rarely held grudges, and if she did, it usually was against a close girl friend.
As Haleigh looked around with her eyes, she spotted some dirty, not appealing fountains and felt her feet start to carry her that way. She shrugged, she’d never been here before, but hell, there was a first time for everything, right? She sat down on the cold cement bench that wound its way around the largest fountain. She turned so that she was almost straddling the concrete, one leg folded so that her foot didn’t go into the fountain. Then she let her gaze land on the fountain itself. It hadn’t been cleaned in months, and in the bottom where a bunch of pennies and dimes, as well as some loonies and nickels. She thought that she even saw a toonie sitting at the bottom, covered in dirt and grim. The water, what was left there, was now a greenish colour and there were leaves floating in it. Haleigh lifted her eyes to look at the spout where the water had once come out. It was all rusty and of course there was some moss on it. She studied it some more; it would have looked really pretty if someone had managed it better.
As she sat there, she lowered her eyes back to her iPod and changed the song that was on right now to another, and lowered the music down a bit. She let her eyes wander around the little park looking place. She didn’t even know what this place was called… and then she saw it. A small, faded sign that read, ‘the fountains.’ Haleigh smiled, it would have been a really cool and pretty place if someone had just been hired to look after it. Not that she would want that job, even though she was a country girl, she didn’t want to have to clean fountains for a living. The dirt and grim wasn’t the thing that bothered her as much as how big the fountains were. They were huge! Moving her head away from them, she studied the fast paced cars as they went back and forth. She let her mind drift, not really paying attention to much except for the odd nice looking car that made it’s way past where she was sitting.
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Post by Jake Dean on Aug 20, 2008 16:06:13 GMT -5
Perhaps the oddest thing about today was that Jake had decided, after getting up and spending most of the morning wandering around his flat trying in vain to find the shirt he bought three days ago and then finally having to settle on one he bought three weeks ago but luckily hadn't worn yet, to go for a walk. This was mostly because his parents had confiscated his car keys again, after he accidently admitted to driving home just the tiniest bit tipsy. Usually when they did something this outrageous he had to find some way to get back at them, but since the day had started off so nice and he'd managed to get some sleep without being woken by next door's kids the whole night, Jake had decided to put revenge on hold and instead go out and enjoy the town. Not that there was much to enjoy in Arden Falls, as he was now discovering. Basically in the day he lived in Starbucks and in the the evening he was either at a mate's house or a club. It was difficult to find anything else to amuse a teen in the small town.
Running a hand through his hair Jake rounded the corner of a rather beat-up looking office block and found himself out of the back alley he'd been 'admiring' and onto the road. The town itself was pretty lively, in a sort of sedate way. It did come alive a little more at night, after the high schoolers were freed. To think that just a year ago Jake had been one of them was strange. Now he felt much more like an adult, although since leaving he hadn't made much effort to look into jobs. What he did with his life wasn't high on his list of priorities while his parents were still happy to help their darling only child out. Things had been even better since they got back together, too.
Strolling along, Jake was actually rather enjoying himself. Not quite the rush he got from stepping on the gas and whizzing round the streets but some sort of liberation at least. Today he'd gone for his usual day-style; a fitted blue and white pinstripe shirt and jeans and the wooden beaded necklace and rolex he always wore. He was almost totally immersed in his own thoughts when he came across the fountains. What surprised him most was that he'd never really noticed them before. They were the sort of thing he passed in the car often enough but didn't often register. Ths only reason they drew his attention today was the fact that there was a girl sitting on the edge of the largest fountain, apparantly gazing into space. Changing his course, Jake drew nearer, trying to identify her. He soon established that didn't know her, and therefore hadn't dated her, which meant she was definitely quite new to Arden as Jake was sure he would have remembered those gorgeous blonde curls. Hands in pockets, he wended his way among the smaller fountains towards where she sat. The place was pretty much deserted. Jake managed to take in the murky waters and rusted statutes and decided it was not the sort of place many people would want to come to in their free time. The girl had her iPod headphones in, but she didn't look like the type to be listening obliviously to extremely loud harcore music so he took his chances.
"Please don't tell me," he said, swinging down next to her with a sidelong smile, "That this is your favourite spot."
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Post by hales on Aug 20, 2008 18:09:36 GMT -5
Haleigh was off in space, not paying attentiont o much when she saw a flash of bright colour out of her eye. She turned and saw a boy striding across the little park set up, and took her headphones out of her ears before he spoke to her. She offered a friendly smile and was glad that he wanted to chat. So many people here would just blow past one another and not even exchange a smile. Please don't tell me. That this is your favourite spot. Haleigh giggled, she was the type of girl that - if approached right - could be quite the cheerful type. Oh of course it is. Don't you love how run down it looks? Well, I think that it does this town just. She said, being sarcastic of course. That was something she'd always been. She used to annoy he father so much when she used her sarcasm, but now that she was off on her own in the big world there wasn't many people that you could use sarcasm with anymore. People took this way to seriously.
As she waited for him to reply, she looked out over at the road as she heard the squeal of tires. There had almost been a head on collision. Hales widened her eyes, that sort of thing never happened here. Or rarely. 'What is wrong with these drivers today?' She thought, and then remembered that she hadn't introduced herself yet. Something that she did with ease. My name's Haleigh. Hales for short. She said, sticking out her hand for him to shake. Once they had, she lowered her hand back to her lap and looked at the fountain they were sitting at. Right now she was trying to picture what it would look like if the water was a clear blue colour and if there wasn't rust all over the main part of it where the water poured out. She didn't know how long it had been sitting like this for, but she could guess a good ten years or so. Which was sad. She wished that someone had done something about it before it got into such a horrid state.
Haleigh turned her head back towards the boy sitting across from her, taking in his appearance. She might have seen him around a few times; after all she'd been here for a good three weeks or so. At least she'd made some new friends. Like Ty. She smiled at the thought of the other boy; but made sure that she was still paying attention to the guy across from her. She didn't normally space out as much as she was right now; there was definitely something wrong with her. Maybe it was because she didn't have a job. She wished that someone would call her back saying that they would love to have her join their team. But no, she didn't get any calls; good or bad. Why the economy had to be doing to shitty when she moved to Arden Falls, Hales will never know. All she knew is that it wasn't fair at all. She looked at the boy across from her wondering if he'd been lucky enough to get a steady job or if he was unemployed like she was.
oh oh see: Normally I can get out more than three stinkin' paragraphs; but I'm pretty tired. Next time I reply I should have a bit more muse. Hopefully!
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Post by Jake Dean on Aug 21, 2008 9:21:03 GMT -5
She responded almost immediately, revealing that she was not so much a dumb blonde as a blonde who could provide slimulating conversation. Jake was glad; there were far too many girls around these days who tried to get by on looks - or at least sex appeal - alone. And despite being quite wrapped up in trying to make life as fun as possible Jake actually did enjoy intelligent conversation every once in a while. In a way he'd always wished he could have been born in the 20th Century, where young men wrote books and rode carriages and hosted balls while courting all the beautiful girls. Of course, it wouldn't have been as idyllic as all the novelists portrayed it, and he'd probably already have lived out his life expectancy and died of chicken pox but still, it had to beat the binge drinking and one night stands of the modern day lifestyle. Not that Jake could really complain, there were plenty of people worse off than him.
Oh of course it is. Don't you love how run down it looks? This made him laugh. She could pull off sarcasm very well considering how innocent she looked. "Well I suppose it might have... a certain endearing quality." He glanced around. "But I really can't see it," he admitted with a wry smile. There were a few moments then that Jake used to look a little closer at his latest friend. Long blonde hair, chocolatey eyes; he might have put her at eighteen but as she was not in school he guessed she must be his age. His age, perhaps, and unemployed? He found it quite hard to believe that no one had given her a job - already he was warming to her laughs and smiles. But then, perhaps Jake was not a good judge as he was generally a sociable guy who would pretty much talk to anyone. His attention was drawn to the road at the same time as hers as the cars narrowly missed each other. Jake stifled a grin; accidents happened in Arden so occasionally you could be sure it was teenagers messing about. Or parents of unruly teens who were too stressed to keep their road rage under control.
My name's Haleigh. Hales for short. Jake's gaze returned to her and he realised he'd been rude enough to forget to introduce himself too. "Jake," he replied warmly, "Jake Dean," and shook her outstretched hand. She glanced at the fountain, her expression unreadable though perhaps wistful. Following her gaze he found himself realising that the carvings of the fountain held more detail than he'd thought. When they'd first been built they'd have probably been popular in Arden although they were the sort of thing the high schoolers would delight in vandalising, if they ever hung out here. After a few moments of peacefulness Jake realised her eyes were on him. Despite feeling marginally uncomfortable he supposed it was only fair since he'd been watching her a few moments previously.
Meeting her gaze again, head tilted slightly to one side, he said, "So Haleigh, what brings you to Arden Falls? I'm sure I'd have remembered you if we'd met before." Remembered someone as gergeous as you, he almost said, but held his tongue for now. Something told him she might not be the type who went for the guy who put the moves on as soon as he learned her name.
ooc ; it's all good, you're writing is nice and easy to reply to =)
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Post by hales on Aug 21, 2008 13:20:27 GMT -5
Haleigh’s mind often wandered when she was talking to someone. It wasn’t the fact that the person she was talking to was boring, or annoying her. It was just the fact that she often got thinking about things that had happened in the past. She still was homesick, yearning to be back on her father’s ranch in Texas. Even though there was painful memories there - like her mother passing away - she still wished that she could be there. Sure, she’d made some great friends here - especially Ty - but if she could just bring it all together then maybe she wouldn’t feel so spaced and torn apart. That was probably her problem right now; she felt like she was in two places at once. Not a pleasant feeling. She just realized that she wasn’t alone right now; a boy had sit across from her and she was sitting here silent as can be. She looked over at him, he seemed to have a sheltered life; or at least that’s what he appeared to have. You never quite knew someone’s story until you’ve talked them and heard it come from their mouth, not someone else’s like through a gossip vine. That was one reason why Haleigh never paid attention to gossipers. She completely blocked them from her life; once she found out that they were the type of people who gossiped. Sometimes it was a little harder to find out. But as soon as she did; she quit talking to them. She didn’t need to deal with that kind of drama anymore. High school is over.
The boy’s voice made it’s way into her ears and she turned her head in his direction to pay attention to her. Well I suppose it might have…a certain endearing quality. But I can’t see it. Hales giggled, I think that most people around here don’t care either. She said, looking at him for a moment longer. Which is probably why it looks like shit now. Swearing was something she did when she was annoyed, or frustrated, or angry. It wasn’t something that she did to make herself sound cool; people who did that were just annoying and not someone that she enjoyed talking to. Her father used to swear around her if he was busy working on something, like a tractor, and when something went wrong or unplanned he’d swear. Not loud, just under his breath, but Hales still would hear it (she had excellent hearing) and would make a big deal out of it. They’d joke about how he needed to wash his mouth out with soap. One time he had gone to wash his mouth out with some soap, and Haleigh had stopped him (being five years old), really concerned. ‘Daddy - you’re going to poison yourself. That soap is for hands!’ She said, her eyes wide with fear. Her dad had laughed at her for a while; she had been really naïve back then. The real world had taught her a thing or two.
Haleigh’s memories were pushed out of her mind; when she heard the boy’s voice again. Jake, Jake Dean. She smiled when he introduced himself politely and shook her hand. Nice to meet you. She said, a smile on her shiny, pink lips. She realized that she must look like a stupid blond, who smiled way too much. Looking away at the fountain she wanted to kick herself. Why did she have to smile so much? She could picture this… Jake guy getting up and walking away with a dirty look on his face. She glanced back at him; he was still sitting there. Maybe it wasn’t so bad as she always thought things were. She looked at him, thinking of his name. Jake Dean. Did she know him? She scanned her memories of Arden Falls; there were few to recall; but Jake wasn’t in any of them. She didn’t go to high school and since he was sitting here right now; he was either skipping or he was about her age. And clearly unemployed; although it could be his day off. She was just too curious; that was a flaw that she was trying to work on. At least she wasn’t speaking her thoughts like she would do sometimes. She’d learned the hard way to not ask so many questions.
Her thoughts were interrupted by his voice; and she turned her head to look at him again. So Haleigh, what brings you to Arden Falls? I’m sure I’d have remembered you if we’d met before. Haleigh smiled before she spoke. I moved here about three weeks ago, my dad thought that I should get out and ‘experience the real world’. What a load of crap that is! This place, Arden Falls, isn’t what he was talking about I am guess - even though he’d bought my plane tickets for here. She paused. I’m not sure how long I will stay here, or why I’m even here. Sort of a mystery I suppose. She laughed lightly; she sounded like an idiot. How about you, Jake, why are you here at Arden Falls? She asked, being curious of course. When she was finished talking she let her eyes wander away from him to the road where drivers were speeding back and forth. She wondered if there was a police force here. She hadn’t seen one cop car since she’d arrived, which was good. Unfortunately, Hales was one of those speeders, even though you wouldn’t have guessed that.
oh oh see: Thanks. I try. XD You're a good role player too!
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Post by Jake Dean on Aug 22, 2008 12:11:26 GMT -5
I think that most people around here don’t care either. That's what Jake had been thinking. Shame really. But then whose fault was it that Arden Falls was going downhill? He couldn't say. He supposed there had been perhaps a rising number of youths, but you couldn't blame them for everything. And he supposed some people must just grow up here and lead happy lives; it couldn't be all bad. As long as you didn't get involved in any of the shady stuff around you could probably quite enjoy Arden. Haleigh had spoken with some venom though, and he guessed she was probably angry that no one had done anything to stop the fountains, and the town, fall from grace. She seemed thoughtful, though whether this was the norm Jake had no idea. Lots of sense though, it seemed. She might think about her words but when they came they were worth listening to. Jake had always been more impulsive, though not as careless with his words as some.
Nice to meet you. He inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. And agreement, of course. He had been in this town so long that any new face was a breath of fresh air. And another one to add to the list of faces he could put names to, and who would remember him. Surprisingly, seeming so independant, Jake cared a lot about what people thought. Not that they liked him necessarily, but that he was known, and that people realised he wasn't just another average joe. Sure he could be a jerk, but he'd rather be a jerk than a nobody; it was just his way.
As she looked at him again she smiled and he was caught unawares for a moment. Her eyes lit up and the sunlight caught her cheeks in a rather graceful way. If he'd known her any better Jake might have been tempted to kiss her. As it was he simply returned the smile and reached up to run a hand through his hair out of habit as she spoke. Her words made him laugh again. "You're right," he replied, "Arden Falls isn't the best place to go looking for a life. But I guess since it's small you can get to know everyone. That's pretty much the only perk. Although the nightlife's not bad." Now Jake was being thoughtful. He had never really been inclined to stay in Arden Falls but until he got his life together a bit more he was stuck here. As she continued, he glanced down at the water, before another smile graced his face.
"Me?" he repeated, at her question, "Well I was lucky enough to be born in lovely Arden." He laughed lightly. "I'd like to get out someday, go to LA maybe, but right now... well I'm only nineteen right? I've still got time to enjoy myself a bit first, get a taste of life after high school. Still unemployed though." He grinned. His future could sort itself out right now. All that really mattered was the present. "But enough about my boring life. What interests you?"
ooc ; thanks, i try =P I'm going away tomorrow for a couple of days so I won't be able to reply, just to let you know. I will as soon as I get back though =)
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Post by hales on Aug 23, 2008 19:53:44 GMT -5
As Haleigh sat there, she let her mind wander. She had been browsing through some sites on the internet the other night for some horses. She had yet to talk to her dad about bringing her own over; but she had at least let her dad know what her plan was. To build a ranch right here in Arden Falls. He had been thrilled for her; and promised that he’d send the rest of her savings over so that she could start construction as soon as possible. She promised him that she would send pictures when it was all done. Hales couldn’t wait to have some horses to take care of; being here without anything to take care of had made this move all the while more difficult. She glanced over at Jake; but he was still silent; so she let her eyes wander away again, taking in the beautiful trees around them. At least they looked good. The leaves were a bright green and were so clean that they reflected the sunlight off of them. She watched them blowing in the breeze, and felt her hair move around slightly ( just the tips ) as the breeze made its way over to where they sat talking. She had looked up the weather this morning before she had gotten ready, but she hadn’t known that it was going to be this beautiful outside. She would have brought a notebook to work on some song lyrics or at least a book to read. Both things that she did often.
Haleigh watched him run a hand through his hair, a habit she had only just broken herself. She caught his laugh and smiled, she liked making people feel good when she spoke to them. It had been something that she‘d always strived for at the beginning, when she had first started making new friends. Now it kind of came naturally to her. She brought her thoughts to an abrupt stop; listening to his words. You’re right. Arden Falls isn’t the best place to go looking for a life. But I guess since it’s small you can get to know everyone. That’s pretty much the only perk. Although the nightlife’s not bad. Haleigh nodded in agreement. Yeah - the nightlife isn’t too bad - but then again, you would have to be in a pretty bad town to have even the nightlife suck. She paused, thinking again. Maybe Arden Falls is more of like the place where you go to for a little while, gather your thoughts or find yourself… and then go back into the real world? It just doesn’t seem like the kind of place you’d like to spend the rest of your life in. Haleigh was silently disagreeing with her own words. Now that she had met Ty; she didn’t want to go anywhere without him and if she had to say in this hell hole; well so be it. Anything for him.
Haleigh‘s thoughts were wandering off to Ty now, wondering what he was up to. She had texted him this morning, bugging him while she remained lying in her bed. She smiled at the things that he had told her. He always seemed to make her smile, even if he wasn‘t standing right in front of her. Ty was definitely something new and exciting in her life. Haleigh brought herself back to the present; just in time to catch Jake‘s words. Me? Well I was lucky enough to be born in lovely Arden. I’d like to get out someday, go to LA maybe, but right now… well I’m only nineteen right? I’ve still got time to enjoy myself a bit first, get a taste of life after high school. Still unemployed though. Haleigh was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She wasn’t a city girl and never would change into one. So when he mentioned moving to LA, she crinkled her nose in a mock of a disgusted face. Well I don’t know anything about LA, in fact, I’ve never really been that curious about the place. But - just out of curiousity - why would you move to LA? She paused, careful with her words. She didn’t want to offend anybody. I mean - out of all the beautiful places to go to… She let her voice trail off, to be covered with blaring radios and horns. She turned towards the traffic, it had grabbed her attention for the moment.
She let her eyes watch the traffic, but her mind was elsewhere. She didn’t know what to do for the rest of the day… maybe go onto some more websites too look at some more potential horse purchases. She knew that for certain she was going to have to get her dad to send over all of her brushes, tack and equipment. There was no way she was going to go out and buy all of that again; especially since she needed her money to help pay for the building expenses. Haleigh’s thoughts were interrupted by Jake’s voice. She quickly looked back at him, a smile on her lips as she listened to his words. But enough about my boring life. What interests you? Haleigh smiled, glad that he’d asked her a question to fill up the empty space of silence between them. It was always a little awkward meeting new people; but it was something that Hales needed to do a bit more. Well I used to live on a ranch. So doing farm work was a lot of fun. So was riding my horses, and singing. I used to sing at the local bar… and play travel soccer. She paused, chuckling. Guess I am a pretty active girl. She said, smiling over at him. How about you, what are your hobbies? She liked to keep the conversation flowing; it made the time go by more smoothly and it let her get to know the person she was talking to, a bit better.
oh oh see: No problem-o, took my time replying lol.
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Post by Jake Dean on Aug 26, 2008 11:03:08 GMT -5
Yeah - the nightlife isn’t too bad - but then again, you would have to be in a pretty bad town to have even the nightlife suck. Jake grinned. "Yeah," he replied, "That would be even more depressing." Without nights out with his friends, at Benson or just hanging around the streets, Jake would have had to move long ago. As it was, he lived for the evenings. Except on days like these, when the weather was wonderful and he could find people to talk to. Haleigh wasn't the easiest person to make conversation with but just sitting next to her was nice; she seemed to exude an easy grace and comfort. Jake could have sat there all day just for the company. Well, perhaps not all day. But a good while.
Her next words seemed quite profound, in a strange way. Maybe Arden Falls is more of like the place where you go to for a little while, gather your thoughts or find yourself… and then go back into the real world. Jake shrugged; "Perhaps. Is that what you want? To find yourself?" Jake himself had never particularly believed in that sort of thing. To him it had always seemed cheesy, that poetic stuff that he didn't really get involved in. But when she said it it sounded true; the image of a poet suited her somehow. She seemed like the sort to believe in soulmates and heart-to-hearts. And he didn't resent her for it like he usually resented people. On her, instead of seeming weak, it seemed beautiful. He still didn't really understand the appeal of it though.
As she grimaced at his mention of LA he laughed. They really didn't have anything in common after all. Hales, the sweet country girl and Jake the impulsive thrill-seeker who wanted to get out there and experience anything and everything. Just out of curiousity - why would you move to LA? This surprised him; he hadn't spoken to many people who didn't see the appeal of the big city. "Well it's exciting! There would be things going on all the time; cars and lights and sky-scrapers everywhere. It's just... a different kind of beautiful. Sharp, bright, mechanical beauty." He smiled sheepishly; he was ranting a bit. "But for you," he then said, "If not city life, what are you seeking? Hopes, dreams?"
Her reply to his question about hobbies interested him. Well I used to live on a ranch. So doing farm work was a lot of fun. So was riding my horses, and singing. I used to sing at the local bar… and play travel soccer. "You are active," he said with a smile. It all sounded so sweet, so quaint. It was strange, in a way Jake was beginning to see Haleigh not as another possible catch, another date, but just someone to talk to, who was totally different from his other mates. Rather than telling him to get out there and drink and have fun she was down to earth, easy going but sensible, and although they didn't have much common ground the conversation was smooth. Jake was just beginning to get his head around this fact when she asked him a question. How about you, what are your hobbies?
Hesitating only slightly, he masked his momentary lapse in brain functioning with a smile. "Um.. hobbies. Well, driving I suppose. Working out, too. I go out with friends a lot. Clubbing, usually. But today I discovered I also like walks. And meeting new people. As long as the weather's nice." It was a poor list. Jake rarely participated in sports, except for workouts. And he couldn't think of anything less shallow to say. "But you sing? I can imagine that. Do you sing locally round here?"
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Post by hales on Aug 26, 2008 15:40:50 GMT -5
Haleigh liked to make people smile and laugh when she was talking to them. When they did smile or laugh she would relax even more, opening up that tad bit more. Yeah. That would be even more depressing. Haleigh nodded, but didn’t comment on that because she had agreed with him. Saying, ‘yeah that’s true.’ Just sounded lame and that’s now what she wanted to sound like. She wanted to sound like a sweetheart, someone who you could trust and be friends with. Haleigh knew that if there had been no Benson then she would be lonely and unhappy. But ever since she’d met Ty at Benson, she had been on cloud nine. Now it was just the fact that she had to keep reminding him that, that he made her feel like a million dollars. Something that every girl wanted to feel like. Unfortunately, the wait for a great guy like that was the thing that Hales had hated the most.
Haleigh looked over at him when he spoke to her. Perhaps. Is that what you want? To find yourself? Haleigh was surprised by the question, actually really surprised. No emotion crossed her face except for a smile on her face. Well I suppose that I already have… long before I came here. No, this was a random place on the map that my father had heard of before and thought it would be perfect for me. In some strange ways, it reminds me of back home. The town is small… just like where I’m from. She was rambling on again, something that she really needed to learn how to control. How about you? Have you found yourself? It was actually a rather tricky question, something that Haleigh wasn’t completely positive about which is why she had changed the subject when she was answering the question.
She could tell that he was surprised by her question, but she really wanted to know what drew people to big cities. She herself would never move there. Unless Ty had to, but he wouldn’t ask her to move there because he knew her like the back of his hand. Which was rather odd, considering the short period they had known each other for. Well it’s exciting! There would be things going on all the time; cars and lights and sky-scrapers everywhere. It’s just… a different kind of beautiful. Sharp, bright, mechanical beauty. But for you. If not city life, what are you seeking? Hopes, dreams? She crinkled his nose as he described the big city, that sounded like the complete opposite of what she wanted out of this life. Well it seems you’ve already got your heart set upon that goal, huh? She said, her voice light and a smile on her lips. She didn’t care that they didn’t seem to have much in common - she didn’t expect everyone to be a country fan. I’m not sure what I’m seeking… all I know is that it won’t involve a loud, noisy, polluting city. She said, a smile on her face again.
You are active. She smiled; she was proud of what she was and nobody could cut her down. Except maybe Ty, but that was because she had thrown her heart out there. Either to be cared for, or to be stomped on. She hoped that the later option wouldn’t occur. Ever. Um… hobbies. Well, driving I suppose. Working out, too. I go out with friends a lot. Clubbing, usually. But today I discovered I also like walks. And meeting new people. As long as the weather’s nice. Haleigh nodded, if the weather was bad her mood was sour. It was just something that had always effected her moods. Sounds like quite the active life too. Walks always get me into a better mood - only if the weather is just right though. It’s better if the weather matches my mood, than I don’t get angry. She smiled, and stopped talking so that she could hear what he had to say now. But you sing? I can imagine that. Do you sing locally round here? Haleigh smiled. I’d love to start, but I’m not sure how to. I mean, my dad always arranged me to sing at the local bar at home, so I just need to take the intuitive and go ask someone. She shrugged, she was in no rush.
Tag: Jake Dean
Word Count: 767
Comments: Done. XD
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Post by Jake Dean on Aug 28, 2008 15:52:51 GMT -5
Well I suppose that I already have… long before I came here. At this, Jake raised his eyebrows. He was pretty curious in general although he wasn't about to push her for information in case she launched into some awfully sentimental monologue and he found himself flailing. That was the one thing he was not practised at when it came to girls: their emotions. Perhaps that was why he liked one-night stands so much. Because it meant an agreement; an agreement between two people, looking for the same thing, that it wouldn't come back to haunt them, that there would be no string attatched, no difficult emotional ties. No stress, no tears. It was all very shallow, just, it seemed, like Jake himself. It was funny, until Haleigh had made him think he'd not really considered if he'd like anything more.
The town is small… just like where I’m from. That, he could believe. He admired Haleigh for being the sweet person she was, wanting nothing more than to be happy in her own way, to no doubt fall in love with someone just as sweet as her and lead a wholesome, if not thrilling, life. However Jake was taken aback when she put the question to him. How about you? Have you found yourself? He hesitated. This conversation had turned decidedly profound. He didn't talk to anyone like he was talking to Haleigh. "I guess... I'm probably still looking. Chances are I won't find it in LA." He half-laughed. "But I suppose.. if I find me - or someone who can make me feel like I have - then I'd have a complete life, right? And if I found it in Arden... then perhaps I wouldn't want to leave. And I wouldn't want that." And now he was doing some strange sort of blabbering, and didn't entirely understand what he was actually saying. He'd only really realised now how much he resent Arden Falls. "Sorry," he said with a laugh, holding up his hands, "That was totally random."
I’m not sure what I’m seeking… all I know is that it won’t involve a loud, noisy, polluting city. That made him laugh too. "You've got cheek! Greatest city in the world you're insulting there." But he was smiling when he said it. It was a bit of a familiar tone, he realised, but he was keen to dig himself out of the hole he'd just dug himself into with his little spiel. Sounds like quite the active life too. Walks always get me into a better mood - only if the weather is just right though. It’s better if the weather matches my mood, than I don’t get angry. That he had to agree with. Why did it always rain when he was feeling great?
I’d love to start, but I’m not sure how to. I mean, my dad always arranged me to sing at the local bar at home, so I just need to take the intuitive and go ask someone. "I'd come watch you," he said with a smile. It was funny, in any other situation with a pretty girl he'd probably have said it as a setup for a kiss, or in a low, alluring voice. As it was, he said it lightly, comfortably, but in all seriousness. "I bet you could pick up a job in one of the bars. Not that I know if you're any good." He laughed again. "But anyway," he then said, "I'm going no better; I ought to pick up a job sometime but man, do I hate interviews."
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Post by hales on Aug 28, 2008 17:41:05 GMT -5
Haleigh wondered if she’d caught a glimpse of shock as he looked at her after she asked him a question. Well, it was only polite to return what was asked to you. The look on his face was gone in a flash - he probably didn’t think that she’d caught it. She focused on his words, she was the type of person to be naturally curious about the other she was talking to - which meant questions would be asked. I guess… I’m probably still looking. Chances are I won’t find it in LA. But I suppose… if I find me - or someone who can make me feel like I have - then I’d have an complete life, right? And if I found it in Arden… then perhaps I wouldn’t want to leave. And I wouldn’t want that. Hales thought about his words carefully, sorting through them to figure them out. Once she had she smiled in his direction and nodded, she hadn’t planned on commenting on what he said anyways. It was a subject that was foreign to Haleigh - she never got this deep with someone, especially with a complete stranger. Ty - being the exception. The ‘one in a million’ type. She smiled, it had really been something. How the two could connect with only a few hours of past behind them.
Haleigh looked away for a moment or two, thinking if she should have said something back there. She decided against it - it wasn’t like he’d care anyways. She knew that he probably wasn’t even going to remember this conversation in a day or two. Sorry. That was totally random. Haleigh grinned over at him. Don’t apologize. I’d rather someone talk to me than to just nod or shake their head in response to a question. She paused, smiling again. Besides - you did answer the question. Which I am a little surprised. She looked away for a few seconds, glancing back at him with a smile on her face. She wasn’t sure if she should go on or if she should just shut her mouth. She decided on the latter option, looking out across the street and watching the cars move back and forth. There were a few people strolling along the street, a couple holding hands. Haleigh’s mind immediately flicked back to Ty. She should be home right now bugging the crap out of him by texting. Then again, she didn’t want to drive him away. Ever.
She heard his laugh and grinned, mission accomplished. She loved it when she made the people she was talking to laugh and smile - it meant that she wasn’t such a horrible person after all. You’ve got cheek! Greatest city in the world you’re insulting there. Haleigh smiled, then giggled. What young adult doesn’t have cheek? She said with a roll of her eyes and a smile on her glossy lips. Well, it is the greatest city to people who like cities. But people like me? Country people - hell no. That is not the greatest city in the world. She said with a cheeky look on her face. When she finished speaking she winked, wondering if he’d just joke about with her or if he would take offence to it - he hadn’t so far so she figured she was in the clear. Looking away, she let her eyes wander aimlessly, taking in the people moving about in their cars and on the side of the streets. It was a rather cute looking town, but she wasn’t sure if she’d want to stay here all her life. Depended on what happened with the ranch she was building and her relationship with Ty.
Jake’s voice made Haleigh’s head turn to face him, a smile on her lips as she listened to him. I’d come watch you. Her eyes lit up, well that’s two people that would come watch her. Oh would you? That would be so sweet. She flashed him a beautiful smile. She had enough confidence in herself that she knew she wouldn’t disappoint him or Ty. She had been singing for quite sometime. Although she only sang in the shower now, she at least didn’t let herself get rusty. I bet you could pick up a job in one of those bars. Not that I know if you’re any good. But anyway, I’m going no better; I ought to pick up a job sometime but man, do I hate interviews. Haleigh smiled, and then nodded when he mentioned interviews. She hated them to, but she’d gone through enough back home that she knows how they work. Yeah - a job would be great! This economy here at Arden Falls is horrible. It’s not just the interview you need to worry about - but it’s the opening at businesses that you need to look out for. She looked at him for a moment longer. She was enjoying this conversation with him, he seemed pretty smart… and thoughtful. Or at least, that’s what she was picking up from talking to him for a few minutes.
Tag: Jake Dean
Word Count: 885
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Post by Jake Dean on Aug 31, 2008 10:34:59 GMT -5
Don’t apologize. I’d rather someone talk to me than to just nod or shake their head in response to a question. Jake shrugged. He supposed he agreed, although he'd never been one for long conversations. He did have friends, and once in a while he'd meet someone like Haleigh who he could actually chat to and who made him think about more than the present. But they also made him jealous, because their lives somehow seemed more complete than his. Although, this did give him encouragement, determination, to get out of here and make something of his life, so that when he came back here ever, or met any of them again, he'd be able to show them that he'd made something of his shallow life. Not that he didn't enjoy himself. He just wasn't future-oriented. Living for the present was the most fun one could have; it was just a matter of seeing how long you could avoid any consequences.
As she spoke again, he was a little taken aback. Besides - you did answer the question. Which I am a little surprised. "Surprised?" he asked in mock affrontation. Then, with a smile, he added, "Well you're right, I'm not one for deep conversation topics." She glanced away, seemingly restless. Or perhaps just her mind was restless. He wondered if he was keeping her from something. But then, if she needed to be somewhere she could simply excuse herself. Despite enjoying the company Jake wasn't going to be pining for her if she decided to leave. He'd probably bump into her again sometime anyway.
Her views on cities made him smile. Well, it is the greatest city to people who like cities. But people like me? Country people - hell no. That is not the greatest city in the world. "Yeah," he agreed, "Each to their own I guess." Although he still couldn't totally understand how a city could not be appealing. He could understand the beauty of the country, the peacefulness, the air; but cities were full of life, wonderful. She winked and he grinned. She was laid-back, perhaps one thing they had in common. She glanced away, at the street, and following her gaze he watched the cars cruise past for a few moments in peace.
When she turned to him there was a sweet smile on her face. Oh would you? That would be so sweet. She actually did sound pretty grateful for such a simple offer. She'd probably have admirers flocking to see her, but Jake didn't doubt that she would have a beautiful voice. She must have, to have been singing in public back in her hometown. "Sure," he replied, "To be honest it would probably be the highlight of a boring week." He glanced towards the fountains again before she spoke. Yeah - a job would be great! This economy here at Arden Falls is horrible. It’s not just the interview you need to worry about - but it’s the opening at businesses that you need to look out for. "Yes, I suppose. I'll probably start looking around soon. Not really sure what I'd like to do. Mechanical work, maybe."
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Post by hales on Aug 31, 2008 17:09:01 GMT -5
Haleigh turned her head back to face him when he spoke, her eyes on his face. Surprised? Well you’re right, I’m not one for deep conversation topics. Haleigh smiled, most guys weren’t. Unless they were… well, gay. She didn’t like to be stereotypical - but it was the truth. Oh well, most people don’t like opening up… I have a hard time with it too. A lot of people didn’t like to share their deep, dark secrets, and she couldn’t blame them because she didn’t like sharing hers either. It was just something that she had always kept from people: the fact that she didn’t have a mother. And if her father ever remarried ( which he wouldn’t ever do ) Haleigh wouldn’t know quite what to do. She definitely wouldn’t ever consider the other women her mom… hell, she probably would be able to talk to her dad because their family wouldn’t feel the same. Wouldn’t be the same. There would be a stranger in her mom’s place which neither her nor her father would ever want.
She caught his smile and returned one of her own: she enjoyed making people feel good when she was talking to them. Yeah. Each to their own I guess. Hales nodded, that was something that just seemed to fit in this day in age. She looked at him for a moment longer, her gaze lingering on his face before she looked away. She was about to say something to that - but instead she kept her mouth shut - which was probably the better choice. Sometimes her mouth was just too big, and when she really needed to shut it - she blabbed. It happened more when she had some alcohol pulsing through out her system, which is also why she was careful as to who she talked to when she had a beer in her hand. She tended to spill her whole life story in a matter of minutes. Without much hesitation whatsoever. Go ask Ty about that. Hales had blabbed her whole life story to him the first night that they met. Then again, she had learned about his to.
Sure. To be honest it would probably be the highlight of a boring week. Haleigh beamed; she knew that when she sang people had a good time, and now as they talked about her singing again she couldn’t stop smiling. She didn’t realize just how much she missed it until she thought about it now. I sure hope so. She winked, looking at his face. She stopped her mouth from saying anything else, as he opened up his and spoke to her. Yes, I suppose. I’ll probably start looking around soon. No really sure what I’d like to do. Mechanical work, maybe. Haleigh nodded, there were only a few mechanics around town. She needed to get her car fixed fairly soon… but then again Ty was hooking her up with one of his friends who was a mechanic, Aarron. I heard the pay is really good for mechanic’s right now… She said with a smile. She really needed some more income. Money wasn’t tight… nor a problem but it would be nice to have some extra rollin’ in.
Tag: Jake Dean
Word Count: 573
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Post by Jake Dean on Sept 2, 2008 12:32:24 GMT -5
Oh well, most people don’t like opening up… I have a hard time with it too. Jake laughed. "Yeah," he agreed, "I guess kids today would rather deal with it themselves, make it look like they're fearless." This, he thought was probably about right, because when he'd been in high school he'd been the same. Not that he'd had a particularly rotten life; divorced parents were common as anything these days and he'd had it lucky, his getting back together recently. Still, as a teen he'd tried as much as possible to avoid any heart-to-hearts with anyone; it was better to appear totally solid; earned you more respect with everyone really, except your parents who assumed you were 'bottling it all up', and kept expecting to someday reap the whirlwind. Jake tried to think of how he'd vented his anger, and came up with drink, and driving. Driving always helped with negative moods because it offered such freedom. Unless you were out of gas, of course.
Haleigh's smile suited her; sweet but not annoyingly fake like the blonde celebrities splashed across the cover of 'Heat' and 'Reveal'. She watched him for a few seconds then averted her gaze again. It was strange; she had many of the mannerisms associated with shy people but Jake wouldn't have called her shy. Reserved, perhaps, or just unaccustomed to the new place. And this was probably combined with her upbringing, which he guessed was off in some other small town. She had mentioned her dad, but not any other family. He supposed that when she'd moved here it was to become more independant, which would not be helped by talking about people back home all the time. When Jake had moved, albeit only a few streets away from his parents, he'd done everything possible to become his own person. It had worked quite well, up until now.
I sure hope so, she replied to his comment and he nodded once in agreement. He was actually being quite genuine saying that; it would be a different experience to the blaring tunes in Benson or the 90s played in the bars. He guessed she would sing country, or pop; something quite innocent but probably very pretty. It wasn't his type of music, but everything was different when it was live, and anyway he'd be going to support Haleigh if he went at all.
I heard the pay is really good for mechanic’s right now. Jake smiled. It was a possibility. Slightly random, that she should know about that sort of thing, but perhaps she'd been down there recently. Or had friends in the business. Or was a mechanic herself. That thought made him smile. In all honesty Jake didn't know what he wanted to do, but that seemed a decent place to start. Well, of course his dream involved getting into modelling, but that was unlikely to lift off in Arden Falls. Or not until a few more people put up there and the economy improved. "Well I suppose I'll see where I can get any job," he replied, "All I really need is an income of some sort. What about you, the rising start singer of Arden Falls? What will be you day job?"
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Post by hales on Sept 2, 2008 14:46:08 GMT -5
At the sound of his laugh she turned her head in his direction, a smile on her lips as she listened to what he had to say. Yeah, I guess kids today would rather deal with it themselves, make it look like they’re fearless. Hales laughed - it was the sad truth - that it was. Haleigh knew that she had worried her father, especially when she wouldn’t really want to talk to him. But it was just easier to try to deal with it yourself then share it. Because when you shared things you always had to answer a billion questions after… and pretty soon you just felt - well drained. Haleigh hated feeling that way and so instead of spilling her guts every time she had a bad day, she’d write it in a diary or something - hiding it from her father even though he didn’t snoop in her room like her friend’s parents did. Maybe it was because he was a single parent and he found it awkward enough doing some of Haleigh’s laundry when it wound up in the hamper. She tried to do all of her own laundry, especially when she had started to grow up and had bras to wash. Her father just found it extremely awkward and Hales had tried to make it less uncomfortable for him. If only her mother had still been around…
When Haleigh moved here, she had already been independent at home. She would do all the chores on her own, or well the ones that her father wasn’t doing. She would ride and teach little kids on her own. She would do her school work on her own. She would do a lot of things on her own - so when she moved here… it wasn’t too harsh. Just the fact that she was always alone got to her. She was slowly making more friends… it was just an awkward and slow process - one that she wasn’t accustomed to only because she hadn’t really had to make friends back home. Her father was friends with her friend’s parents so they had always just hung out… from birth. But being out here in the real world, she needed to step out of her safety that her home already offered her and find some more friends. At least she had met Ty. And there was Akio too. And now Jake. She smiled, at least the list was slowly growing… And none of those people seemed to want to turn into potential enemies - which was another good thing because enemy relationships rarely happened to Hales and she didn’t know what to do when they did.
Haleigh had been all over looking for jobs. Yes, she had even considered being a mechanic only because she loved working on her car and they had told her that the pay was really good. All she had to do was wait though - because Ty was possibly hooking her up at Benson and Barnes. Well I suppose I’ll see where I can get any job. All I really need is an income of some sort. What about you, the rising star singer of Arden Falls? What will be your day job? Haleigh nodded, smiling as he spoke about some sort of an income - she was in the exact same spot as he was and the majority of younger people in Arden Falls right now. She chuckled at his comment about her being a rising star, yeah right! Day job, huh? Well I’ve sent off like twenty or so resumes… all over. Some money would be nice right now - although I’m thankful that I had saved up a lot back home, so once it’s sent over here I won’t have to worry to much. But I’d love to be able to be a bartender or waitress… a mechanic job wouldn’t be too bad - I do love working on my car. She smiled - she didn’t look like the type of girl that would be into cars, but then again, what did that kind of girl look like nowadays? It seemed that women worked all over.
Tag: Jake Dean
Word Count: 730
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