Ashbourne

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    Are we doing romance plots and that sort of stuff here or are we waiting or what? Sorry I’m just super excited!

    Because of the several mysteries I integrated into the town, romance will not be the main focus of this thread, but it will certainly be there as a side plot. It's unavoidable.


    [A Discord server will be tossed up later today, and this thread will be converted into the roleplay.]

    Jackie Rhodes

    Three years. I can't believe it's been three years since graduation; three years since I planned to leave Ashbourne; three years since Casey went missing. Time sure does fly by, I guess. The weeks, the months, the years -- since that night, everything's just blended together in my head. I hadn't realized it'd been so long until earlier this week, when one of my friends mentioned the anniversary: Evolet told me a few days ago that she was creating a "graduation anniversary bash" for me, Danny, Randi, and Evelyn. It sounded kinda dumb when she announced it --but it's the thought that counts, right? Besides, it turned out nice. At least, I think it did.


    As planned by Violet, we hung out at the bowling alley, Split Happens, for almost the entire afternoon. We spent about thirty bucks in quarters in the arcade area; we bought out half of the concession stand, thanks to Brandish's credit card; we even bowled a few rounds, which led to the rest of us watching Randi slip every time she went up to bowl. Although it wasn't much of a party, I had fun just being with all of my friends --and the activities really took my mind off of... everything else that today represented.


    Evelyn had to work still, but instead of ending the "bash" when her shift started, we all unanimously decided to go to Alfie's. And so we did.


    With all of us in our regular booth, I found myself staring absentmindedly into my chocolate milkshake, consumed by my thoughts. I was sitting closest to the window, with Randi right across from me, digging into the mound of French fries resting before her. Daniel was beside me, almost elbow-to-elbow with me since we shared the same seat, and Violet was across from Dan, next to Randi. Evelyn was standing in her required Alfie's clothes, leaning against the booth and chatting with us. She could do this because, with this year's graduation ceremony occurring at the high school, there were no other patrons at the diner right now. Besides, Alfred didn't mind what Eve was doing. He got along with all of us; at this point, I'm pretty sure he didn't dare confront us for fear of ruining our friendship with him.


    Staring into my ice-cream beverage, my mind continued to overflow as I thought about tonight. I hadn't told anybody my plan yet. How do I even bring it up? It's such a crazy idea... but it's the only one I have left. I... I already decided earlier that this was it. My final opportunity. After tonight, if nothing happened... I was going to stop. It's been... it's been three years, for God's sake! Whatever happened to Casey that night... it was probably too late by now. No evidence could possibly be left, could it? Anyways... tonight was the last night of my search. I just... I've always wanted to know what happened to Casey, but... maybe I should just let it go now. I can't let this control my life anymore. I... I just can't. I miss Casey; I miss him every d*mn day. But I know this isn't the life he would have wanted for me.


    "What do you think, Jackie?" The sentence forced me back to reality. I was so distracted, I didn't even know who asked the question. I quickly brought my gaze back to my friends, and all of their eyes were on me. They were staring, waiting for my opinion, as if I was some sort of tie-breaker; I must've missed a debate between them.


    "Uh..." I paused. I had no idea what to say; I didn't even know what the conversation had been about. Looking from friend to friend, I continued honestly, "What? I-I wasn't paying attention."

    Daniel was watching Jackie as he seemed to snap back into reality.”I know the milkshakes are good but come on Jackie why miss a view like this?~”he purred flirtatiously as he motioned to himself then to the lovely ladies. He may flirt but he never really meant any of it with his close group of friends and they all knew that. His dirty blonde hair was messy like usual pieces laying every which way but his grey gaze looked a little concerned. It wasn’t uncommon for Jackie to zone out but it had happened more often the past few days.


    He stretched his arm draping across Jackie’s shoulder since they were seated beside one another anyway. He gave his friend a gentle squeeze on the shoulder.”Seriously though you okay man? You missed out on an important debate.”he said it really wasn’t that serious of one though. He wondered if any of the others would chime in with an opinion or if they’d await an answer. His gaze returning to Jackie after his gaze flicked to the rest of the group for a moment.


    Daniel was a jack of all trades in the group. A flirt, sarcastic, charming, caring, hostile the list went on. The know matter what he was feeling he cared about his friends Jackie a bit more then most. If it hadn’t been for Jackie and Casey he would never have became friends with the rest. It had been Jackie who saved him from his darkness within. The darkness still swirled but thankfully Jackie, Violet, Randi, and Evelyn helped keep it at bay

    It had already been a long day for the group, so it wasn't much of a surprise that Jackie hadn't heard what was said, not that Evelyn blamed him–after all, it was also the anniversary of Casey's disappearance. It made sense he would be a little out of it.

    "Daniel's right, I know I can make a mean milkshake, but I didn't think I was good enough to put someone in a trance," she joked, trying to help ease the males nerves and thoights, "besides, you're sitting next to the prettiest on here." She winked at Daniel, teasing him with a small chuckle.

    Evelyn was hoping to try and take Jackie's mind off things and the only way she knew how was through humor, although, she knew it wouldn't distract him from his thoughts. Evelyn herself was kind of close to Casey and she was sad that the boy had disappeared, but she knew that Jackie was a lot closer to him than she would have ever been.

    "We were talking about getting some drinks and heading back to your house after my shift to continue the celebration," she explained, but a concerned look flashed cross her face afterwards, "but that's not important right now. What has you spacing off, Jack-a-boy? You've been like that for the last ten minutes." There was a worried tone laced in her voice.

    The group around her, and Alfred, only ever saw the concerning and worried side of the girl. People usually saw her as charming but crude, and she was often blunt or rude around people she didn't know very well or didn't like. Evelyn only ever showed her true self around this group of misfits and dorks, not that she'd have it any other way. Now that she thought back on it, she couldn't believe she used to be without them. If it wasn't for Jackie and Casey then Evelyn wouldn't have met some of the best people she's ever known.


    ((I hope it's okay I jus made some bs excise about what they were talking about and sorry it's so short))

    • Brandish "Randi" Bliss •

    —— Sing to me songs of sweet suffering and the bliss of death.

    Twirling the near empty french fry basket around on the table in front of her Randi watched as Evelyn and Daniel voiced their concerns about Jackie spacing out. Even from her inebriated state the ebony haired girl could tell something was off with Jackie but unlike the others she didn't question it as much. It wasn't that she didn't care about what her friend was going through, she just felt that she could piece together all too well what Jackie might be feeling. While today was a celebration for them it was also a day of remembrance and sorrow for Jackie, or at least that's what Randi believed it to be; and honestly she could relate to that. Every year on the day her mother died Randi was worse than normal, which was saying a lot, she became more reckless, self destructive, and used any method she could think of to dull the pain. So if Jackie needed to take a few minutes to just space out and exist in his own head, away from the celebration, in order to mourn, well, Randi could understand that.


    Blinking a few times the ebony haired girl couldn't resist the giggle that left her lips as she watched the lights around them sparkle. She was still feeling the effects of the gummies she ate while they had been bowling and as per usual her high left her a bit more giggly than normal. "I still say we should raid the liquor store and then keep the party going at Jackie's place." She announced with a bit of laughter dancing within her tone. She smiled at her friends trying to look innocent though she knew that they already knew she was under the influence. This was part of the reason she loved Daniel, Evolet, Jackie and Evelyn so much; they still cared about her even when she couldn't find the strength or will to care about herself. They didn't care about how much of a screw up she was and that meant the world to Randi because aside from her friends and her brother, who was off at university, she didn't have that type of love in her life, not anymore. She knew that what she had with this special group of people was something she couldn't live without and she would do anything in her power to protect them and provide for them.


    "So what do you say Jackie? Wanna keep this party rocking?" She asked with an inquisitive smile pulling at her lips as she leaned forward and took another sip of her chocolate and strawberry mixed milkshake.

    melancholy.



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    OOC:

    IC:


    Evolet "Violet" Arista

    ________________________________________________________________

    A little fun every now and then was necessary wasn't it? After all- when you lived in such a tiny little town like Ashborne, it got pretty... boring. That's why any little thing was worth celebrating. At least, Evolet thought so. It was something they all needed, honestly. Take their minds off things, bowl a bit, and drink some milkshakes... it had been three years from graduation and they still hadn't managed to leave this place. It would be fun, forgetting for a little.


    And that seemed to work for a while, but as soon as they sit down and take a break, it seems they all pick up on the fact that Jackie was spacing out. The blonde swirls her soda around with one hand, looking at him curiously. Seeing as Daniel and Evelyn had beaten her to asking, she doesn't add on anything, just waiting for his answer. Only to roll her eyes playfully at Randi's suggestion. Her friend was anything but innocent, despite her act to convince otherwise. "I can't even drink yet." Evolet pouts, nudging the girl next to her with her elbow. Unfortunately, as the youngest of their little misfit group, she was still a few months from being able to but... she wouldn't tell if they wouldn't. Not like she hadn't snuck a sip or two before. Everyone here would know that. "But... I agree with Randi. Unless you feel like talking?" Evolet hints, the corners of her mouth turning up in a smile. She was worried, but she didn't want to force him to talk. It seemed he got like this every year around this particular year, ever since they had graduated and well... Casey had disappeared. He'd talk when he wants to. At least, she hoped he would confide in them.



    Jackie Rhodes

    Ten minutes? My dark-colored gaze drifted to the tarnishing silver watch clinging to my wrist --a gift from a moment lost to the past. Through the scratched glass, the clock hands pointed diligently to the correct time: a quarter 'til ten. I must admit: I was shocked. My friends and I had been in the diner for nearly three hours. It only felt like one. Man, where does the time go...


    The weight of Dan's arm resting across my shoulders was a comfort as I brought my attention back to my friends. I listened to their concerns about me; I listened to Randi's plan to continue the celebration. A celebration... With all the time I spent stuck in my head, I'd almost forgotten. Today was supposed to be a celebration -- the anniversary of our graduation! It was supposed to be a cheerful time for all of us... and yet here I was, trapped in the dark side of the past, unable to let go of the negative.


    I was aware that Daniel and Evelyn were just joking around about our looks, but they were both right; considering the average of people in Ashbourne, my friends and I were all well-above attractive --maybe in another life, we could have been actors or models. Randi, Danny, Violet, Eve, me -- we all should have been successful. After graduating, we should have gone far in life... yet all of us were still in Ashbourne, wasting our youth... all because of me and my obsession. Just another reason why I have to let go --once and for all. I was keeping all of us here; I was stopping the progression of our lives and locking us in the past. I couldn't live with the guilt of that anymore. It was time to move on... no matter how much it hurt.


    My eyes moving from one friend to the next, I finally responded, "I... yeah, sure. We can go back to my place." I was hesitant to bring up my idea, but I knew I had to do it. It was for the best --for all of us. "But... I have something I wanna do. At midnight. I..." I found myself struggling to continue, as if the words didn't want to leave my mouth. My attention shifted towards the table; I couldn't look at them as I voiced my decision. "I-I'm going back to Casey's place tonight, and I'm... I'm going to see if anything happens. And if nothing does..." I was forced to take a steadying breath before continuing. "...then that's the end of it. That's the end of the search, the stress, the guilt --everything. I'm... done." After hearing the words aloud --after finally giving voice to the defeat-- I felt a pang in my chest. It didn't feel right. It didn't feel good to be giving up like this. But it's what needed to be done. This was for the better... right?


    Allowing my gaze to once again sweep across my friends, I added before anybody could reply, "You can all come with me... but only if you want to..." In all honesty, I... didn't want to go alone; I knew that I wouldn't be okay if I went by myself.

    giphy.webp

    ~Evelyn Mercer~


    When the youngest of the group spoke up with a pout, saying she couldn't drink yet. Evelyn chuckled at Evolet before motioning to the milkshakes.

    "I'll make one before we leave, so you aren't left out." She winked, going to make the ice creamy beverage real quick. It was almost time to leave, a quarter till ten. Evelyn hummed in thought.

    'Maybe I'll tell Alfred I'm leaving early. Jackie's really lost in thought tonight, I'm sure he'll understand.' The beverage was done. She took the cold drink and made her way back to the occupied table, sliding the to-go cup towards Evolet.

    "Put a little extra in so you'd have more." She commented, taking her place by the booth and leaned on it.


    Seems like she came back at the right time as Jackie started to speak after his moment silence. Evelyn listened intently, knowing she should most likely let him finish since it seemed to be what was keeping his thoughts occupied.

    He wanted to go to Casey's place, one last time. The brunette thought about it for a minute. There had been nothing last time, why would this time be any different? She didn't question it though and let him finish because while she was a little against it she knew it meant a lot to him. After all, Jackie was the closest to Casey out of them all, of course he would want at least a little bit of closure. She felt bad, her heart squeezing when she saw the defeated and sorrowful look on her friends face. Evelyn didn't particularly like when her friends were in distress or troubled. It made her feel like she could have done something more so they didn't feel the way they did, but in this case she knew there was next to nothing that could help in this situation.


    Evelyn was silent in thought, thinking over his proposal to go with him. She didn't really like how creepy Casey's place was now that it was unoccupied, but she also didn't want Jackie going by himself.

    "While I don't particularly like the place now, you can count me in," she gave the male a small smile, "you stuck with me when I didn't have anyone, so the least I can do is to stick by you now." She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, having to reach slightly over Daniel to do so. "Let me just tell Alfie I'm going ahead and clocking out, then we can head back to your place and wait."


    The apron was quickly untied as the brunette walked towards the kitchen area an called through the door to the older man.

    "Since it's not busy and close to ten I'm gonna go ahead and clock out, see you tomorrow, Alfred!" She called through the small window, placing her apron in a basket for dirty work clothes. She took her time card and put it in the card puncher, clocking out.


    Making her way back to the table, she pulled a chair from a nearby table and took a seat at the end of the booth, waiting for the next plan of action. There was a fluttering in her stomach as she thought about going to the now abandoned house her friend used to live in. Evelyn was almost certain nothing would happen or be found, but if Jackie felt like he needed to do it, then she would stick by him until the end.

    Daniel listened to Jackie hearing the trembling in his voice and the uncertainty. He watched him for a few moments taking in his friends appearance. He could tell Jackie was stressed the trembling of his lips, the slight shake of his hands, the way his eyes looked. The undertones of wanting his friends to join him even if he said they didn’t have to hit Dan right in the heart.


    He himself had never been super close to Casey that didn’t mean he didn’t like the guy. In fact Daniel owed his life to Casey that’s how he felt at least. If it hadn’t been for Casey who had made this group come together well he didn’t want to think where he’d be now. His grip tightened a bit on Jackie pulling him in for a side hug with an amused grin.”If course Dude I’ll come I can be your guard dog.”he said chuckling since most of the group teased him about being one. It was due to him working towards becoming a detective and the fact he’d beat anyone down who tried to harm his friends.


    “Though let me head home first before we go. If we are gonna go investigating I can grab some of my stuff. It won’t be much but it should help us a little.”He said with a slight shrug. He had notepads, flashlights, and a few other items cops often used to keep better notes of investigation and some self defense items. He would not be bringing his gun but he had a few other things they could use.

    • Brandish "Randi" Bliss •

    —— Sing to me songs of sweet suffering and the bliss of death.

    Blinking several times and shaking her head ever so slightly Randi did her best to clear her mind so she could attempt to process all that was being said at the moment. For the first time in a while she was really starting to regret eating as many of those gummies as she did because by the tone of the conversation it seemed people were no longer in a partying mood. Randi hadn’t had the strongest of relationships with Casey, not nearly as strong as Jackie’s had been and clearly still was. But still he had been her friend and when he went missing she had taken it as hard as the rest of them, but no where near as hard as Jackie had. For years no they had all watched Jackie obsess over his best friends disappearance, at times it seemed to be the only thing that drove Jackie forward, but the stress of it, of never knowing what truly happened had also taken its toll on Jackie.


    Even in her current state Randi could tell how serious this whole situation was. For once in her life it seemed the party girl had forgotten all about the party and instead was focused on the look of torment that swelled within Jackie’s gaze as his voice shook with each word that escaped his lips. Reaching over across the table Randi took hold of her friends hand and in a rare moment where she seemed to sober up she gave the young man a comforting smile as she nodded her head, “There’s no way we would ever let you go on your own.” She informed him giving his hand a squeeze. “Besides, it’s your night for Randi Watch so by law I have to be with you at all times.” She teases hoping to grant him some form of comfort.

    Jackie Rhodes

    My heart rested heavily inside my chest; I felt unwanted tears starting to mist in the corners of my eyes. I thought I was over it; I thought the topic of Casey could no longer cause me to be emotional. Oh, but I was wrong. Sitting silently in the booth, reflecting on my words... I realized just how much it hurt. It hurt to admit that I was giving up, that I was setting down the mystery without a conclusion. But what more could I do? Not that my previous actions had made any difference... Five years. All that time, down the drain. Five years, and what did I have to show? Nothing. Casey was still missing. In five years, I accomplished nothing -- except successfully wasting the lives of my loyal friends. Just another reason why the search had to end. Whether I liked it or not, Casey's disappearance had to be laid to rest. My obsession, my hopeless search -- it was all tarnishing the memories of Casey; the good times that I could remember were slowly being replaced by recollections of dead-end leads and inconclusive evidence. I couldn't have that anymore! I wanted to remember him for the friend he was, not for what I was doing in his absence. The search stopped tonight; my decision was final. But it didn't hurt any less...


    My desolate thoughts cleared when I, with an increasing sense of vulnerability, observed as each of my friends individually laid their hands on me, all attempting to comfort my damaged soul. Daniel's one-armed embrace; Evelyn's touch on my shoulder; Randi's squeeze of my hand; Violet's pat on my wrist -- in those moments, a powerful emotion swept through our group, a telltale feeling that wasn't expressed nearly enough. Love. This, in this singular moment, was what being loved felt like. As the sensation washed over me, I was forced to wipe my misty eyes with the back of my wrist before a tear could trickle down my cheek. Five years of their lives were wasted because of me, yet they still loved me. How could I ever repay them?


    Listening to their agreements to join my midnight quest, I allowed a soft, genuine smile to adorn my features. "Thank you. All of you. I... I-I don't know what I would do without you guys. I..." I trailed off. I didn't know what else to say. Luckily, though, I didn't have to. I could see it on their faces; they knew what I wanted to say.


    At Randi's attempt to lighten the mood, I seized the opportunity, hoping to draw attention away from the sorrow. I could tell that I had dragged the mood down. I needed to fix it. I commented in reply to Brandish, "What are you talking about? I'm always on Randi Watch, nowadays. You basically live with me, remember?" A light smirk rested on my lips. As my mood slowly improved, I brushed the back of my hand against my eyes one final time, clearing away the last of the sadness on my face.


    Watching as Eve clocked out, I could hear Alfie call from the back, "Goodbye! See you tomorrow! Happy grad-iversary to all of you!" What a nice guy. Alfred was the only adult that ever seemed to care about us. "Thanks, Alfie!"


    Shifting my dark-colored gaze towards Daniel, I half-stood and started nudging him out of the booth with my hip. "Move." I commanded in a joking tone, my grin steadily growing, "We have a liquor store to raid, don't we?" It was a celebration, after all.