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!.
Mina could help but to smile at the older woman's observation, "I think you are quite right." She concluded, before adding, "And I may have to jot down that universe quote of yours. I feel like it's a good statement for a desk reminder."Heavens only knew how much she needed constant reminding to keep herself grounded. Then again, if she were always grounded, Mina would never fully be her true self - and wouldn't that be a shame? The young woman did suppose however that some of her friends would probably enjoy a more chill Mina Cohen in their lives. But where was the fun in that?
Jokingly, she let out a small 'phew' when Serenity informed her that she would not be tested on this, but did point out that Google was her friend - something that was often forgotten in a state of panic. Laughter escaped Mina at the thought, even as the other woman started rattling off so many stones and all of her meanings. It made it quite clear that picking one might be quite hard, what if she had several needs? But then, an idea hit her, "Reni - is it possible to use multiple stones at once?" After all, she was a jewelry designer, "What if I create a piece with multiple stones?"
She tapped her lips, mulling over Serenity's words now, "Huh. Interesting. Guess I'll be trying out some spell writing when I get home." She wondered if it worked like all of her books and television shows, or if there was somehow something a bit more magical about it. Brown eyes watched as a smile came to the other woman's face now, warm as ever, as her cat was brought up. Mina listened and couldn't help but to think how ironic that a woman who was helping her with candles and spells also had a black cat, "Oh! Forest cats rae so lovely. I'm sorry that you had to leave her behind in your home country. I'm sure she misses you." The young woman herself wasn't sure if she could handle apartment living without the companionship of her own cat. A snort of laughter did escape her on the plant comment, "Oh! You're lucky then. You must have quite hte green thumb if the plants talk to you. I have to settle for cacti and succulents, which, I believe are adorable in their own right."
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
It was a little funny to hear her friend grouse that he was certain that his parents were planning something behind his back, "Oh? Does your family intend to play matchmaker for you?" Mina asked with a laugh now, "You may have to keep me in the loop on how that goes." The young woman couldn't imagine that working out well for Casper - over 100 years of Disney magic suggested that parents could never pick the proper match for their offspring. Besides, Mina was certain that her awkward friend needed someone special in order to bring him out of his shell. As for his offer to be a date whenever she may need him though, Mina merely grinned, "Deal. You can fill in for whenever Danny is unavailable."
They seemed to be at an impasse though after her crass comment about free food. Well, it wasn't crass per say, but perhaps it wasn't something that she should have just been blurting about. Brown eyes stared at her friend for a moment before it moved to the cup coffee that had been placed before her by Molly along with Casper's coffee as well. Thank goodness. Mina quickly grabbed it to busy herself as Casper finally recovered and promptly asked her about Danny: "Oh, he's wonderful," she gushed now, "Sweet. Sensitive. Mellow as far as I can tell. Plays guitar. I swear, it's like he walked out of a hallmark card. He also likes comics, so he's a bit of a nerd too." The young woman was certain she could go on and go, but Casper was a guy, he didn't need to hear all of that. She took a sip of her coffee now, mainly to shut herself up until the young man asked her another question, "Oh! The app will track everyone for you until you widdle them down to the one." At least, that had been how she did it and Mina felt like it worked out pretty well, "As for the legos. Don't worry about it. They're expensive but if you ever want to try and build something from scratch, let me know!"
The notion of Ivan possibly wanting to date her made Mina unceremoniously spew out her latte, "Date me?!" The young woman couldn't even comprehend - although, that was what ten year old Mina Cohen had wanted in the fifth grade, "No. No no no no no. It's not going to be that. As for if he wants to get to know me again...well...maybe...just maybe I can handle that. But no promises." Mina knew she was probably being mildly immature about it all - okay, majorly immature - but it was hard to not be. At least, in her mind. She really wanted to shove this whole conversation under a rug - Ivan, her friends looking out for her, the works. Thankfully, it came in the form of Gideon's lack of a life, and Mina just ran with it: "You know. I don't think he is seeing anyone. Gideon's an enigma anyways. I can never get a read on the man." Brown eyes burrowed into Casper now, "You know, maybe he can give you the dating advice from a guy's perspective."
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
"Ah, that's true. Although, sometimes I think I just get lost in watching the flame and my questions float away with it," Mina said now, laughing a little bit. She wasn't sure if that meant that the candle had helped her or merely distracted her long enough to forget her antics. The young woman supposed that either way, from the candle's perspective at least, it had solved her problems. Still, it became evident through Serenity's words that she had much to learn in the way of spiritual witchcraft between the colors of candles and the meanings behind various crystals. Mina listened intently as the older woman rattled off all of their meanings, "Man, I should be taking notes," she mused out loud now, "And get my hands on some Hematite since I probably need some grounding in life." The young woman was quite certain that every person in her life would suggest that.
There was a minor distraction from crystals and their powers though, as the conversation derailed into books - another topic that Mina often favored - especially when people read their fair share of fantasy and young adult. Laughter escaped her at Serenity's words on the spell book now in the back of Mina's last reading, "Oh? Well, if it has your stamp of approval, I feel like it must be good to dabble in then." After all, Serenity Delca appeared to be full of wisdom as far as modern witchcraft went. And clearly, she also had a great sense of cat names. Laughter bubbled from Mina now, "Ah! Well, I am quite estatic that it's not just my cat who's out to annoy me then if yours loves to talk. What is their name? Do they help you out with your candles and crystals?"
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
Mina did her best to not dwell on what her best friend could have meant by the words of 'I felt the need to, and I wanted to'. That was a statement that she could get far too carried away with given their history and then lack therefore of over the past ten years. The young woman knew that she had not been the greatest communicator, Ivan didn't shoulder all of the blame in this lapse of time. It was funny. Mina had found it so easy to obsess over since her near run in with Ivan in the avocado section of the super market, and so easy to obsess over to her her friends, but now, here in the moment, it was easier to let go of those feelings.
It was, however, surprising to hear that he was moving back for good, "You are?" Okay, so that was probably not the most graceful reaction to what he had just told her, but Mina felt like it was warranted, if for nothing else but her own feelings. She didn't know how to take that information, or what it meant for her brain, or what it meant for her relationship with Danny. The young woman shook her head now, mostly so she could clear her own thoughts - now was not the time to spiral, "Sorry. I'm just surprised. Your sister made it sound like you were quite happy with your situation in America."
Guess there was hardly any time to dwell anyways, since Ivan was handing her one last beautifully wrapped gift. Mina couldn't help but to laugh as she took it, "I think my hands are getting full. Here, let's get situated in the living room. Do you need tea or coffee?" she asked now, nodding for her to follow her to the couch, "I think it's a little too early for wine and all what I have is rosé anyways." She placed her stuff down carefully now before inspecting the paper of the last gift, "So tell me everything I guess. What's been up with you?"
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
"Lord of the Rings and leather? That sounds like someone's dream," Mina joked, but all laughter aside, she knew that Yuli could make any old and tattered book look beautiful again. The combination she just mentioned was sure to go hand in hand, especially if her friend put some extra flare into the leather and display pages. Mina herself wasn't much of a Tolkien officinato in book form, but she did love when it came to life on her television screen, "I'm sure you made the owner happy though even with the challenge."
When Yuli pointed out that work hasn't been bothering her at all, the young woman merely laughed. She supposed that was one of the great things about owning your own store - you could do what you want with your time so long as nobody was needing something, "Ah yeah. I'm sure those booktoks and youtube personalities can really drive some books. Granted, I think Sarah J. Maas goes beyond that." That lady had a legion as far as Mina was concerned although unlike Colleen Hoover, her books seemed to have hit a brick wall for coming to life - something Mina didn't quite understand. Who wants to watch real life when someone could be saving a kingdom?
Before her mind could wander too much down the idea of book adaptations, Yuli asked her a loaded question. Okay, perhaps it wasn't intended to be loaded, but it felt that way to Mina. Still, she smiled, "Yeah. We're in a stale mate over who's apartment would get rented out." The young woman had a lingering issue too, that was rather new, and that Danny was hopefully unaware of, "I think - since I have the cat - that he should move in with me though." Mina added though. Chocolate brown eyes stared at Yuli a moment longer before the young woman grabbed herself another madeleine, feeling the need to preoccupy herself as Ivan popped up in the back of her mind, "It's probably just as well this is taking a little while to figure out...since...I think it's a big move for both of us. A...serious...big....commitment." Oh god, why was this dawning on her now. A sigh escaped her as she unceremoniously stuffed the full cookie into her mouth now, hoping to just shut herself up, "Are you seeing anyone?" Mina asked now, hoping to change topics - a first since starting to seriously date her strapping bar tender.
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
Mina could not help but to chortle a little bit at Yuli's cheeky answer: I own the place so I can do what I want and that means read. Of course! The young woman should have seen that one coming, but in her defense, she had been so caught up in the awe of being in a bookstore that she actually had forgotten that Yuli had owned the place for a split second, "Anne of Green Gables? Beautiful?" Her lips twisted, "That's so old I find that hard to believe unless its a reprint. But I'll take your word for it." Okay okay, that was rather childish of her, but Mina had never been one for the tales of old, she was far more with the tales of today - her YA novel obsession said it all though.
At least Yuli understood the need to put on the do not disturb mode for reading, "Thank you! It's exactly a mission. I'm traveling faraway realms via unicorn, dragon, pirate ship, and fairy dust. Anything else might cause me to fall off and hit my head." Okay, perhaps not like that, but it would disturb the movie she had going on in her head while her eyes lifted words off of the pages, "Although maybe I should take a page from you and just make it vibrate." Mina shoved a whole cookie into her mouth now, rather unlady like before asking her friend, "So what's new with you besides the bookshop?" Even though all of her friends appeared to be their own brand of introverted (Mina herself included in that statement), it never hurt to ask.
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
Dinner date? Now that was truly quite the proposal - mainly because socializing, but Mina was willing to handle any crowds if that meant being one of her best friend's wingman for the evening, not to mention, the free food, "Of course! Friendship is magic," the young woman said with a grin, "Tell me the date and I will be there. Although if you find a real date date, I will have no hurt feelings. I will just require all of the details of the lucky lady." Mina supposed she wasn't surprised when the man ended the conversation by simply stating that he had no romance gossip, Casper was above that. Still, it was hard to not poke him. She managed to hold back though.
Mina laughed awkwardly at Casper's question, of course the free food would be the statement of hers that he would notice - since it was a jerk thing to say, "No! Its not always about the free food, its just a perk!" She defended herself now, "And yes, I have gone of three or four dates now with a guy named Danny. He's sweet, and seems to put up with me." The young woman knew she wasn't always the easiest - she had epic tangents and could come off as self absorbed when having a meltdown, but she wasn't mean, she was just...easily overwhelmed. In fact everything with Danny was going quite well which was what made her Ivan Park situation all the more infuriating, "AH! Well I met Danny on bantr, but I've also used bumble and hinge. There's many more though."
Since when did she build lego? Mina felt a little embarrassed now, "Man, have I been hiding that fact from you?" That seemed silly to fret over though when there were bigger things at play: like literally her mini rant about Ivan Park just then. Casper was asking her all sorts of questions now, honest ones and giving her honest advice, but Mina Cohen wasn't sure if she exactly...liked it. Talking about her feelings to a major crush? Hashing out everything over the last twenty something years? No, she didn't like that at all, and as Gideon had brought up and even Mina just now: wasn't everything going perfectly well with Danny? The whole thing was hardly the perfect situation.
She just smiled at the young girl now as she scurried off and her friend apologized for her, and then promptly followed after Casper as he brought up something important: "Like I said, just talk to him and see. It's better than living in the shadows." A loud groan escaped Mina as she slid into a chair now, and she pulled on her hair in two big chunks, "I know I knowwwww but.....I don't want to. I feel like ignoring the situation is a way more solid plan." And she would just keep on spinning her wheels as such until either Danny or Ivan prompted her otherwise, "I swear, its like you coordinated with Gideon on how to tackle this topic. This is the only reason why I need you two to get significant others, so I can annoy you."
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
Leave it to Mina to point something out that might have been awkward. But there wasn't much time to dwell on the topic, given the important discussions of candles and how they work magically. She and Serenity finally seemed to be on the same wavelength, and just that alone made the young woman feel a little more confident and a little less awkward, "Ah, well I hope to be as confident as you then one day with the candles. I feel like it would make my life much easier." Not that Mina was a witch or a wiccan, far from it, but it was still fun to believe in the magic that a candle could give her clarity to all the ups and downs of life. She glanced at Serenity curiously, "Crystals, huh? I've always been interested, but then I just get distracted by what they can be made into," the young woman said bashfully, "How do they help you?"
And once again, she was so easily distracted by books and forgotten about trying to find the candle by magic. Yuli would probably laugh at her. Gideon would just roll his eyes. Either way, Mina was trying to suddenly avoid the responsibility to her love life, which was easy to do, since ignoring problems always worked out, right? Besides, having Serenity comment that the book of spells at the end of the Blue is for Nightmares piqued her interests, "Oh really? Is that your expert opinion?" Maybe she was asking too many questions, but she was far too curious now. The sabrina one clearly backfired on her as a snort escaped the older woman, "Ah...I can see that. Real life does get in the way of pet ownership. Sometimes I wish Faerie, my cat, could talk, but then I think about all the times she's knocked something of mine off a table or a counter and suddenly I'm thrilled she can't."
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
This whole situation was so unreal to Mina. She couldn't believe after all of these years, and as an adult, that Ivan Park was now just standing here in her tiny apartment. And admiring it, no less. His compliment of her digs made her flush a little, so stupid, the young woman didn't even know why as nervous laughter escaped her, "Ah, thanks you. On Wednesdays, I still build pillow and tent forts to watch tv under. Just like...you know." Way back when they were still kids. Mina was itching to do something with her hands all of the sudden, such as just grabbing her space buns and pulling at them, but she managed to resist such temptation.
That apologetic smile that Ivan gave her made her want to melt into some puddle on the ground like the Wicked Witch, or maybe more like cotton candy glitter slime. That seemed more up her alley, "They did?!" Shit Mina, get a grip. The young woman made a mental note to blow up her sibling's phone though after this evening as payback. Although, her family had been right, she had been busy, "Yeah, a lot of people like to surprise propose on the holidays. And they either love the premade ring or come back to return it, and ask me to design it." Well, sometimes they asked Gideon also, but those were minor details. She wanted to brag, damnit! And nobody was going to stop her.
Although, maybe she should go put these flowers in a face. Quickly, she excused herself and let her pink fluffy socks carry herself into the kitchen where she grabbed a rose gold vase to fill up with water, before placing the flowers on them. Carefully, she placed them on the kitchen window, figuring that they would best be safe there from the cat and get the sunlight they needed, "These really are beautiful Ivan. Did you get these at Maewha?" The young woman walked back into her living room only to find Ivan handing her another beautifully wrapped gift. This was getting a little overwhelming, her brain on full overload now.
Reaching out, she carefully plucked the package from him and unwrapped it as best as she could. The wrapping paper hit the floor, and Faerie was quick to pounce at it. But all what Mina had her eyes on was the bright pop art infront of her, colorful and odd, but it spoke to her, "Ah! This is so cute. I think I know right where to hang it too." Chocolate brown eyes looked to Ivan now, "You didn't have to this, you know," she said with a smile. And while the gifts were nice, Mina could not help but to wonder, "So are you just visiting your family in Hickstead for the holidays and then whisking back to Baltimore?"
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
Yuli's laugh, followed up by the exclaimation of why there were indeed dust jackets in the world, "Oh right...protection." Given that Mina had always been obsessed with books and stories, perhaps she had been a weirdo as a child and always took pristine care these imagination devices. However, the young woman knew, but forgot, that not everybody was as careful as her, "I've been you've seen some stuff then, working here and in restoration." Now that the young woman had voiced her thoughts out loud to Yuli, it was impressive that the other woman hadn't died of a heart attack over the state of some of the books she must have restored in he years working.
Sad thoughts about mistreated books aside though, Mina was ecstatic to hear about the tea. Yes, the cookies were insanely delicious here as well, but the loose leaf was utterly divine. Mina truthfully never asked where her friend got her batches from, figuring that if she wanted that tea, then damnit, she would be giving her friend's business her money. Well, when Yuli wasn't treating her to it at least, "Oh Yuli, you by far, are the best human being!" She called out as her friend left to go retrieve the last of their likely delicious spread.
Mina welcomed herself to sitting down, sliding into the padded chair and her brown eyes continued to admire the gold foil, "I might have to find a special place in my bookshelf for this," she muttered to herself, "One where a light hits it just right." And then, the plate of jam cookies and coconut macaroons appeared before her, smelling fresh as always. Laughter escaped her, "End of the rush? No such thing," granted, the young woman figured that was just her state of being. Always living in some sort of hyper mode over something. She was minorly distracted by her friend pouring out the tea, and Mina fanned the fumes so it could hit her nose as she took in a deep breath of the hints of blood orange and white chocolate. Truly the best.
But not was not the time to get high off of tea fumes. She looked back to her friend now, "Oh, nothing is stopping me from slamming through this book tonight. Not friends, family, or even the cat." Okay, well, maybe the cat might interrupt her for food, "Dare I say I might even put my phone on do not disturb mode." Carefully, she swiped one of the macaroons of the plate, "I don't get how you work here. Like, actually working and not reading all the time. It's just too tempting to get lost in this place."
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
Her heart was beating so fast, Mina could not help but to wonder if she would literally die before her childhood friend made it up to her flat. Would he come to find her dead on the ground, heart attack ridden while her cat would mourn over her? Who was she kidding, Faerie wouldn't mourn over her. He'd just go and knock over all the succulents in her house because the young woman wouldn't be there to yell at him any more. She began to pace wildly, the large cat simply watching her from his new spot on the couch, "This cannot be happening, this cannot be happening. What if he mentions the avocado incident?!" Could he have really have spotted her during that evening at the produce store? Faerie didn't have time to answer her with a meow or a perturbed glare either because was a knock at the door.
Mina stopped dead in her tracks, her brown eyes looking over at the door. She took a deep breath or two, "You got this, Mina. You are a grown ass woman who does not melt into puddles over cute ghosts of childhood's past." She crossed the threshold and swung the door open. Immediately, the young woman felt blinded by a bright smile, and was it her imagination or was there bokeh effect everywhere and the distinct sound of Darl+Ing by SEVENTEEN playing. Mina opened her mouth, attempting to sputter something of a hello and launch into some sputtering of words when the distance between them magically closed and she was folded into a big, warm hug.
Was it possible for time to literally stop? Because Mina felt that way, with Ivan Lee Park hugging her and smelling like some sort of woody flower musk. It shocked her senses like electricity, and then, just like that, the hug was over and he pulled back, flashing her that smile again and holding up gifts, "Oh Ivan! You didn't have to do that," Mina said sheepishly, laughing because she literally had no idea what else to do. Wait, maybe let him into her flat rather than let him stand out there with his stuff. Mina stepped aside, swooping out her right arm dramatically to welcome him inside, "Welcome to my abode." It was hard to believe that Ivan was now standing in her pastel pink fairy light sanctuary but here he was, all 5 foot and 10 inches of him, "I can't believe you're here...Why?" Man, her brain to mouth filter really was betraying her today, "I mean, since I wasn't expecting you and it's been a while since college." Que insanely nervous laughter now, she was going to have to get a grip soon or she was going to spontaneous combust into flame, "Here, let me take those for you, Ivan!"
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
It felt a little weird admitting to a police officer that she liked to people watch, since Mina supposed technically that might as well be their job. But the young woman did it because her mind wandered and her imagination got the best of her, not for anything else. It was also hard to concentrate on a rather plain, boring piece of jewelry - line a single princess cut diamond slapped on a plain platinum band, when there was much more interesting things going on outside of the shop window. Serenity's smile calmed her though, there was no judgement to be found in her eyes when she admitted that she too liked to do it, "And if anybody says they don't, they're clearly lying." Now, that was just a plain ole fact.
If the older woman had been annoyed with Mina's questioning words over speaking candles, she certainly did not show it. Serenity merely smiled at her, the warmth behind it seeming almost 'all knowing' to a degree as Mina herself worked through the mystery behind them. It would seem as she had caught onto something though as the other woman pointed out to her that Mina worked with metal and stones almost on a daily basis, and likely no longer needed any direction when she worked. The young woman's jaw dropped, gawking almost, "Holy cow, I didn't even think about that," and yet it made perfect sense, "You are right. So candles are to you as designing jewelry is to me." Completely legit as far as she was concerned.
As far as the candles went though, Mina wasn't sure on how to really remove human emotion entirely from them, but maybe that was just because she generally tended to be overstuffed in the emotion department, "Right," she said, closing her eyes hard again and grasped again for the candles in her brain. Right or left? Where was the draw? Now the young woman wasn't too concerned, but mainly because the conversation was pulling towards another topic she loved. Books. Brown eyes opened again, Serenity's words clicking in her brain, "Ah yes! That was it. And I can neither confirm nor deny that I got the box set specifically for the spells." Otherwise, meaning yes. She cocked her head, "I haven't heard of that series. I'll have to check out...so, rounding back. Are you saying that you're a Sabrina Spellman then? We should see if our cats get along."
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
Casper was right, his sisters were utterly uninterested in his love life which always baffled her given that Mina had an infatuation with her own sister's life. She supposed that not all little sisters could be as awkward and annoying as her though with their imagination and thoughts up in the clouds, "Well, you've always got me Casper," she said with a grin, "And I will always be colored curious." Could one actually be colored with an emotion? What color would represent curious? No - focus Mina, focus on the conversation at hand. The topic had turned to her and her success with Bantr, "I've gotten a few single dates and free meals," she said with a grin, the perks of being a girl, "And one steady...courting?"
Mina wasn't sure on what to classify her current situation, other than complicated, which hadn't been complicated until Ivan showed his adorably stupid face in town. But that was besides the point, "If you ever feel like forarying into the weirdness that is app dating, I'm sure I can hook you up." The young woman knew the answer would be a hard no, but she figured it was best to still offer. She was his friend after all, maybe one of his best friends. But Casper was Casper, Mina was certain that he needed to come to his own conclusions just like she needed to after a seismic rant. At her friends mention that he was disappointed that he was voluntold to take vacation, Mina could not help but to smile, "Casper - I believe you are the only person I know who would be disappointed to take a break from work and hard labor."
And he simply drove her statement home when he told her that he had already gotten the materials for said flower beds earlier. Everybody has their passion, "I swear, you should build Legos with me some time." It would be curious to see what Casper could come up with if she just dumped a bunch of bricks in front of him with no instruction manual, just the flow of creativity juices. Unfortunately, but not unfortunately really, the conversation topic turned to her and Ivan. Ivan. Ivan. Ivan. Her friend was also asking her all the right questions, right in which they made her think, and also incredibly annoying that she had to think about these feelings. A dramatic sigh escaped her, "I don't know. It's complicated. I had feelings for him for like...nearly ten years of my life." Okay, it was a lie, she did indeed still have feelings for him, "Uh, he actually showed up at my apartment unannounced and unexpectantly with flowers and legos. But you are right, its certainly a small world." The man did know the way into her heart.
In front of them, Molly got to work the second the moment that Casper gave her his order, and she hurried quickly with the black coffee and producing the scone and muffin, "Mina, I'll have to deliver you your latte." Figures, "That's fine, Molly." She assured her now before she noticed that the man besides her was pulling out cash, "Here, let me contribute," Mina said hastily now, doing the same as Molly took the cash from both of them now rather perplexly. Once it was taken care of though, Mina grabbed the two tasty desserts and nodded for Casper to grab his black coffee and follow her, "What would you do if you were in my position with Ivan?"
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
The look that Casper shot her nearly made her burst into laughter, but the young woman managed to keep it together. After all, had the situations been reversed, she knew very well that she would be behaving just like her friend. Either that, or just dramatically whine about her whole situation - which, as Gideon Alcott could attest, Mina was very prone to doing, "Take it the wrong way? Never. I am quite proud you're suggesting I rank above your sisters for that sort of context," she replied with a grin now, chocolate brown eyes watching as he fidgeted just slightly by running his hand through his hair. It was probably way too early for this sort of talk. Mina figured she better rein it in before he went running for the hills as soon as he got his black coffee, "Well let me know when you hear anything of awkward people taking over the world. What on Earth is Bantr?" She simply smiled, "I will," she stated matter-o-factly, "And Bantr is a dating app. No pictures, just words."
They shuffled forward, getting closer to their tasty snacks. Mina could see one Molly Mac'Intosh running around behind the counter and manning the cashier like a one person show. For a second, the young woman wondered if she should spare the teenager her order of a flavorful latte but then decided against it, the look of determination on Molly's face said she would not be cheated out of any order, "I said the exact same thing, though they weren't happy with me. Come the Spring, they'll need me more most likely. I don't want to know how many vacation days I have." Mina could not help but to shoot her friend a slightly exasperated look, "Casper, please do not tell me you actually called your employees rude for making you take time off?" After all, she had been joking, sarcastically yes, but maybe that had been lost on him. It was kind of funny how seriously he took the farm work though, but everyone had their niches, and Casper clearly felt most at home when working, "Regardless though, I am sure building those garden beds will keep you preoccupied until the spring!"
When Casper noted he was usually up early enough to not catch his family before going to work, it beame clear that him having the day off really was the only reason why she caught him his morning with her late text. Otherwise, he certainly wouldn't have seen it. Or at least, seen it and had to reply with a whole 'sorry mina, i'm at work' sort of thing. She took another step now, the smell of coffee and sweets starting to waft in the air as her friend questioned her over her work remarks, "OH...well," Mina turned slightly now, craning a little to look up at Casper, "I think I may have been frightening the customers? I've managed to chill out, but since earlier in the month, every time that door bell chimed, I went sprinting out onto sales floor like a crazy cat to see who it was," she commented, "And then, when it wasn't who I thought it was, I'd sorta deflate and sulk back, ignoring the customers."
It was funny, for as awkward as she could be, Mina also knew that she could be a dramatically, self centered person. But it was hard to not be when you thought that the universe had it out for you on a daily basis. Or at least, that was how the young woman viewed her current standings. Maybe thinking Carroll would fire her was also a bit dramatic, but he hadn't been pleased, "Carroll Alcott didn't care for my antics, however, Gideon appeared to find them effin' hilarious and was laughing at me the whole time." It probably helped her other friend's understanding that since he was locked in the shop with her for eight hours in the day that he got the full load of Mina Cohen's self absorbed whiny rants and crazy ideas. And then came Casper's innocent invite: "Oh? Do tell me more if you'd like." Well, did she ever!
"Ughs, it's Ivan Park. I was absolutely madly in love with him the second he moved in next door. I think he wow'd me in the fifth grade when he gave some poem about being an ice skater or something like that," she started now, "But. I never told him. Cause I was his best friend, so best friends can't like, confess feelings right? And then college came anyways, and we sorta lost touch. And yet, I kept pinning after him." God, this was getting sad, "But then, I moved on, did the whole self discovery thing and began adulting. And now, just out of no where, I see him in the grocery store. And what do I do? Do I go talk to him? No. I turn around and collide into the avocado stand, spilling them everywhere. And...I didn't even pick them up." Mina might have continued her harrowing tale if it weren't for the fact that there was a giggle of laughter. Apparently they were at the front now, with Molly the Cashier, who looked like she was keeping herself together by mere seems, "Anything I can help you and Casper with Mina?"
Damn, the girl was good if she already had the local cliental memorized, "Give me my Rose Chai Latte, Molly, or give me death!" And for dramatic effect, she slammed her palm down on the counter. She was all fired up now, although, talking about Ivan always seemed to do that, "And an orange vanilla scone, plus whatever Casper would like here." She added on now, nodding to her friend besides her. The slam had made Molly's eyes go wide, but she still looked like she was doing her best to not laugh as the teenager simply looked to Casper now, waiting.
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK
When Serenity informed her that she was a police officer, the connection was made and it was like a volcano erupted in her mind. Mina's eyes lit up, "Ah! That's it," said now, her fingers snapping, "I've seen you around High and King Streets." And of course, in uniform, "I have to say, the civilian clothes really disguise you to a degree." Maybe disguise wasn't the right word, but it was hard to deny that clothes had the same affect as one Clark Kent wearing glasses. They really could change people, "Not that I am saying you look terrible in civilian clothes, you look awesome. I just do a lot of people watching..." well, that sounded terrible Mina, "Er...I do it when I get side tracked at work." Actually, that didn't really sound any better.
The young woman probably would have loudly face palmed herself, if it not been for Serenity's saving grace to move the conversation forward about the candles. The older woman certainly had a mysterious air about her, and Mina certainly wanted to give her props for pulling it off. She certainly would fit in will at Black Thorne should she ever not want to continue her police work, "The candles speak to you?" Mina asked now. Yup. Serenity was certainly a mysterious person indeed. But as she carried on, her words made a lot of sense, "I think you do have a point...I like to think that the metals and jewels speak to me. But I always thought that was because I liked wild and loud pieces." Who knows though, maybe they were secretly talking to her. Mina read enough fantasy novels to not put anything past the possibility of magic.
"Humour me on this one. Pick up the candles in the colours you were originally thinking about getting, one in each hand, and tell me how they feel in your hands. Are they warm, or cold?" Chocolate brown eyes blinked, staring at her for a moment, before easily giving in. Truthfully, Mina almost felt a little giddy from whatever exercise this was leading too, "Okay!" And just like that, she quickly reached back for the pink and white candles. Both felt heavy in her hands as she picked them up, trying to feel them out, "I think...they're warm," Mina mused now, cocking her head thinking before jokingly adding on, "And possibly heavy with burden." As for the books, the young woman almost felt a little sheepish now given the target demographic for her books, but she supposed that didn't matter, "I'm not sure if there's a real name for the series, but the first book is literally called Blue is for Nightmares. Its like...a mystery novel with witchcraft."
Yeah, yeah. I'm Fine. I'm just having an allergic reaction to the universe
thanks aofie!
Twenty Eight . Jewelry Designer . Hetero . It's Complicated - IVAN LEE PARK