Welcome to Hickstead, home to both Seven Oak Stables, and Blue Acre - two rival stables. Both offer opportunities for their clients to reach the highest level of excellence. Each stable differs from the other, so choose wisely and never forget, loyalty is everything... Meanwhile as the stables battle it out, there's trouble brewing at the university. Be careful, if you don't pick a side you may get caught in the cross-fire...
This is an chilled out rpg with a super friendly and relaxed atmosphere! Remember to sign up with your characters full name in all caps and don't forget to do your claims! Thank you and Welcome, we've been established since 10th March 2009 but unfortunately have had to close guest view of our boards due to multiple sites ripping off our hard work, such a shame! Come chat to us in Discord before joining if you like!.
“I can’t tell if she willingly searches it out, or she’s just a good listener on things,” he smiled. “Honestly, most of it comes from the kids sometimes! Those kiddos like to spill a lot.” It was something that made Courtney super aware of how he presented himself around the kids he cared for. Especially his language. If a kid was going to pick up a swear word, it wasn’t going to be from him or the household he was in. “We accidentally heard about a kid’s mom’s secret affair once. That was…an interesting day.”
The bartender came back with the refreshed drinks. As well as some pretzels, which Courtney happily dived into. The sweetness of the soda helped balance out the salt. He understood why people liked the bar snacks with the alcohol. But it also was nice for those with the sweeter or fizzier stuff. “I remember when she called me about a boyfriend many moons ago. I wanted to ask him my list of questions, but I’m sure my father handled that one!”
“Online, dating, huh? I guess you’ll have to help me out then,” he teased. Courtney wasn’t quite planning it, mainly because the one he wanted was in front of him. Even at his age, Courtney still didn’t know how to voice his thoughts and emotions correctly. It should’ve been easier now, right? “Only if you make one, too.” It wasn’t out of malice, but Courtney wasn’t about to put himself out there unless Phe did too. It didn’t mean they had to commit to their apps, but things were more fun together, right?
His eyes watched as she attempted a piece a few times before she changed tact. Courtney grabbed another piece himself, attempting a few tries himself. A failure for him as well, causing a bit of a creased frown. It made him wonder how professional puzzlers were able to get pieces like this done in an hour or two. “Would that make a good dating profile picture? Or would that come off pompous?” Courtney asked, taking a sip of his drink. “Me being on a horse would look better than holding a fish, right?”
Courtney couldn’t help but chuckle at Tiffany’s reaction. He knew it was going to be out there, but not that much. He gave the tender a sympathetic look and made sure that Tiff’s replacement drink was on his tab. “Yeah, I believe so. I don’t think it’s been a super long thing, from what I know. My sister seems to know all the details herself, mainly because she’s at the hardware store more currently. Trying to get a new play set out up.”
He took the last sip of his drink, not realizing he was chugging versus nursing. Courtney asked for a replacement, enjoying the sugar before going home and chugging water to help offset it. “Is it still weird to have a sibling dating at our age?” Courtney asked, the question is a serious one. When his sisters were dating, he always felt the need to know. Or was always shocked when he heard they had been seeing someone for a month. Even in his thirties, hearing about anyone’s dating life was more fun than he thought.
Courtney respected the drop of conversation. Life was hard, but he knew at some point – Tiffany and her dad would come to terms with whatever they were dealing with. Death and family were never an easy subject to talk about in general. Bad relationships or not.
“You think so?” he smiled. “Her name is Phoenix. Her family and mine have known each other for a long time now, so it’s always a treat to hear whatever what going on. There’s a conspiracy that our mothers have planned out our lives since the day we’ve been brought into this world.” Maybe it was the Filipino superstitions. His mother had these weird quirks about her, too. Some people could see it as weird, but Courtney found them fun on occasion.
“I think the hardest part has been pinning her down. She’s been busy, and so have I. There are times I think I should surprise her. But I don’t think that would be appreciated, too much.” Courtney shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. “Though if you want some dating tea…I saw your brother chatting up a lady at the hardware store.”
‘I’m surprised,” he commented. “I would think your father would be the last person you would want to be around.” Maybe it was because Courtney had only learned that he was horrible to her. Like this weird, misogynistic kind of thing. “I’m sure your mom appreciates it, though. And your brother? Does he help at all?” Courtney knew Bradley was also in service, he just couldn’t remember if he still was or not. Tiffany’s family dynamic was vastly different from Courtney’s own. “Either way, I hope his cancer hasn’t been too painful, or the pain isn’t as visible. That’s always the hardest part – when you can witness it.”
“Well, I wouldn’t call it dating,” he laughed. “I ran into someone I grew up with. She excelled in what she wanted, so it’s nice seeing people excel. Though, I won’t lie that I like her. But it’s that weird stage, you know? What’s more important? Friendship or trying to make it more official?” Phoenix was something different. Maybe it was her childish love of milkshakes or the crinkle in her nose of trying to find the right puzzle piece.
“I think it’s a speed dating thing, which feels weird to me. How do you judge someone in a five-minute span?” he asked, putting a piece in – a small feeling of victory waving over him. “Then again, my job hasn’t allowed a lot of dating. If anything, I’m here to help people date and go out by looking after their kids,” Courtney added with a snort. “I’m at that age now where there are people deciding what they want to do about kids. It’s a bit of a deal breaker, you could say.” Courtney knew kids were a sensitive topic for a few people. He was always open about it, and a lot of dating runs ended that way. He never faulted anyone for that. It meant that they knew what they wanted.
Courtney thanked the staff for the food and he took a sip of his beverage. “Well, I guess being in an area full of equestrians, you were bound to find a group. I don’t know if I could get myself on a horse. I think I would like to try.” He was curious, but Courtney also liked the idea of having another activity to do that Phe liked. While they had other interests, it was something that he knew she loved.
“I moved here permanently. At least, for now,” he laughed. “Stopped the whole travel thing to help the family.” She didn’t need to know about his sister dying, which brought him home. He could tell her when he got to it. Plus, nursing was a lot of work. It was great for his current work, but he sometimes missed it. Singing the songs of SpongeBob and the face painting parties. Such as life, wasn’t it?
“Pretty sure it was the mud run we all thought was a great look. At least our skin looked good after that,” Courtney smiled, taking the beverage plopped before him. Courtney refused the straw, seeing it as an unnecessary thing. He took a sip and mulled over his answer to her question.
“We’re good. My older sister passed a bit ago, the thing that brought me home. I think I needed a break from death/ Especially cancer death if that makes sense.” Courtney couldn’t remember how much death Tiffany had seen in her life. There wasn’t a coemption or anything. Death was death, and it was always sad and a gut punch. “But I’ve been helping Janessa with her business. I guess you could say I couldn’t stop helping children,” he smiled. “What about you? What brings you to Hickstead? Did the Army run out of places to place you?”
Christmas was too close for comfort. While Courtney often felt like he was prepared, work had kept him busier than ever. He would thankfully be off starting the 22nd but there was still a lot to do. His family had insisted things would be okay, but he knew they were just as busy.
After dropping off the last kids of the day from their piano lesson, Courtney headed to the pub that was down the street from the family’s multimillion flat. There was a bit of a split in how the rich homes looked compared to this smaller, more humble-looking part of the city.
He walked in and took off his hat and gloves. Courtney was going to find a place to sit when a voice called out his name. His head turned and saw the person who called him. A big grin crossed his lips. “Oh, fork! Hey Tiff!” he laughed, not caring that other patrons were looking.
When was the last time he had seen Tiffany? The two had met ages ago when he was a traveling nurse. They had kept in touch over the years, but he wasn’t expecting to see her in Hickstead. Courtney walked over and gave Tiff a big hug before settling down on the stool next to her. “Fancy seeing you here,” he smiled.
Courtney smiled. It was true, Phe did have an interesting way of getting up after an injury. He wished he had that bounceback, as a kid and now. When he was a nurse still, kids managed to bounce back after a broken arm. Oh to be younger. "Age changes us doesn't it?" he laughed.
"Night life, huh? I haven't been to the club in forever. Maybe we're just better lounging in onesies and watching cartoons?" It had been a long time since they had spent time together like that. Their families were close too, which made birthdays and holidays a massive event.
"There's a lot of stuff happening, like some mingling things. I don't know if I could do it..been out of the game forever! Probably why I understand kids better." Courtney had tried dating a bit, but no one really clicked. Maybe it was because they weren't looking for long term or his favorite line, he was too nice. Whatever the heck that meant.
Courtney couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Who was this Pasha person? He knew he had no right to feel that way, as it could easily be a professional thing. Maybe it was the way she used hooked up. "That's great!" And Courtney was genuine. He looked over the pieces and failed agin. "Did it become an overnight sensation right away via social media?" Court asked in a teasing manner. That's what happened with the roller skating crowd. Same with some other interests like hand knitting.
“Well, she does use a lot from your mom’s shop,” Courtney teased back, knowing full well both their families were suspicious in multiple ways. Nothing wrong with it, as it was entertaining to see what his mom would do after and before guests came into the home. Mainly the sage and the incense and asking for protection. Courtney himself didn’t particularly practice anything – but he never yucked someone’s yum.
He snorted at her comment. “Yeah, but I can hand these kids back. I don’t know how teachers do it. Work with kids and then come back to kids.” Maybe later in life, he would consider, but he hadn’t found the person to want to make a child with. He wasn’t a believer in a one-parent household. Court liked the idea of his children having both parents there, to care for and give love. Of course, this could all change later in life - but for now, he liked the idea of a wife or husband.
“Oh yes. I remember my sister calling me when it happened. I was traveling then, and she was crying for you. It made me panic a lot since I wasn’t there.” He was thankful the leg was the only thing that got broken. Courtney was sure that it had been worse than it was, but his sister was a bit dramatic. Since he had been back, it made him happier to know that he was closer to now. Maybe it sounded odd, but Court didn’t know if he could handle Phe getting hurt and him not being there to take care of her. Yes, she had her family and friends…but he was a nurse at heart.
“I am! It’s nice to be finally settled in one place. I enjoyed all the traveling I’ve done in the past ten years. But I’m ready to enjoy the time with y—my friends and family more.” That was close.
“That’s great! It’s always nice to have more people in your area to see. Makes meeting new people a bit less intimidating.”
Wait staff came over and took their orders. Court got green tea and a salad. Despite eating earlier, he was famished with nervous energy. “My mom said you’re teaching works shops now?” he asked, picking up a piece of the puzzle and placing it into space after staring at the space for a minute.
“She’ll probably claim it was all the Filipino love.” It wasn’t hard to admit that there was plenty of love in the cooking at his house. His mom’s love language was food and feeding people. The neighbors always knew when it was Sunday as she would cook what felt like vats of food and share with those around her.
He let out a laugh and nodded in agreement. “What can I say? Must make the kiddos happy so they keep coming back.” There were times that the parents were frustrated, often claiming things that Courtney didn’t agree with. His sister had fired a few parents already, or some were turned away. It wasn’t like there were other places to take their kiddos. Courtney’s sister managed a good spot as Oldaker had a lot of families. There was a convenience about the location which made them well known and sought after.
“What kind of tricks are you working on?” Courtney asked, looking at the small drink menu that was on the table. Some of them were a lot, ingredient-wise – but the cinnamon latte sounded promising.
“They are for sure little energy takers, but I think growing up around child care – it was bound to happen.” While dealing with children wasn’t something for everyone, Courtney realized that he would rather look after children in a childcare setting than what he had done for years. Pediatric care took a toll on his emotional and mental health, and while he missed caring for the children – it was a different type of drain. “It could be my sister, too. She can wrangle those kids up so fast. Oh! Talking about sisters...how are yours? I’m sure your mum has been busy too?”
“Gosh darn...I guess I’ve aged myself terribly then, haven’t I?” he responded. Courtney was sure it was a saying, but maybe not a Uk thing. Either way, he would have Phe have this one. He didn’t want to start an argument, even if it could’ve been a playful one.
Courtney quirked an eyebrow at the pale skin joke. He could’ve added another line to it, but he knew how she felt about red-head jokes. Even if someone said she was a devil, Phe would always be an angel in his eyes. Maybe that was the friend in him, but Court never fell for those weird stereotypes or assumptions. “I wish I could avoid the sun, but the kids always beg to go to the park. How dare they! And thanks. My mum I’m sure is adding something to her cooking to keep us all looking young.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re still riding! And how has work been? Any new students?” Courtney was always amazed by Phe’s and her family’s abilities in whatever they do. Even though they weren’t related by blood, he didn’t know if he met another group of thick thieves. “Summer has been running me up the wall! A lot of kids to watch over, which don’t get me wrong – I’m very grateful for. But I think the summer has been bringing in the tourists, which also means their kids. The school year will slow things down a bit. I don’t know how many trips I’ve had to take to the barns just the past week. Or even the pool.”
A familiar voice broke his train of thought. If he wasn’t expecting her, Court would’ve jumped a bit. Phoenix gave him one of her famous bear hugs, and he couldn’t help but wrap her tightly back before they let go of each other. “Long time, no see...buckaroo. Is that what they say, now?” he laughed. “You look great! Haven’t aged a bit.” Maybe it was that witch magic or something. Every one of the Lovecraft family looked frozen in time.
“How have you been, Phe? How’s your summer been?” She sounded busy, from what she told him a bit ago. Summer always meant a lot more horse activity in Hickstead. Competitions especially.
Courtney was surprised when his sister asked him to conduct an interview for the daycare. Of course, he was happy to do so – but he wasn’t the boss. Maybe it was because they were family and she trusted him enough to conduct it. Nevertheless, Courtney was ready.
The resume read well, but that could always change in a second. While Courtney never really interviewed too many people, he had listened to a few his sister had conducted. Even in nursing, he heard a few. People either flopped or did well. Sometimes there were a few that interviewed well, then flopped completely at the job.
When he heard the knock, Courtney smiled. At least this Alex person was on time. After a few seconds of checking his hair in the hallway mirror, Courtney opened the door and smiled.“Alex? Hi, welcome. I’m Courtney.” The older man greeted, offering a firm handshake. “Please, come in. You can put your shoes on the rug,” Courtney added – nodding towards a rug on the tile in the mud room.