03.2023 | WELCOME BACK! Hello friends old and new! I'm so excited to welcome you all back to SITW! I've made some changes to the plot and added the ability to play supernatural charcaters! So come and check it out! I can't wait to jump back into this little town with all of you!
A strange history surrounds the town, it is a place where mysterious and supernatural things have been known to happen. The reputation of the town reguarly draws in visitors and newcomers alike. While some residents avidly believe in the supernatural, others are far more skeptical. What do you believe?
Post by Calliope Bartlett on Jul 5, 2024 18:24:30 GMT
“Oh, very much so!” Callie said a little more quickly than she intended and fought off a slight blush. “Maybe we can do some cooking together sometime.” The idea of cooking with Jack definitely had her heart racing at the idea. It was such a ‘normal’ thing to even consider, and it made her feel a momentary flash of self-consciousness.
Was she being naive to think that there could be something more to this? She knew it wasn’t something people would be approving of, but she didn’t want to let other’s opinions dictate her own choices when it came to who she wanted to be with. But then again, perhaps it was just wishful thinking.
After all; in what world would a man like Jack seriously consider anything more than a fun tryst or fling with a nineteen year old graduating from the school where he was the principal?
Callie pushed the less than savory thoughts from her mind though as they got out of the vehicle and she instead let herself simply enjoy the way he smiled down at her and squeezed her hand. That smile, how she wanted to swoon! Instead, she smiled back and followed his lead. The fact that he’d even made a reservation was proof of the thought and planning he put into this evening and she couldn’t help but feel butterflies in her stomach. She wasn’t used to this, and it was really lovely.
Callie made up her mind that she wasn’t going to be bothered by any looks they may or may not get, she was here to enjoy an evening with Jack, and that’s all that mattered. They were showed to a more private booth -another likely planned out aspect of this evening- and Callie released his arm so she could slid into the booth, trying hard not to look so obviously excited as he eased into the booth beside her. “This place is really nice.”
Post by Jack Hollifield on Jul 8, 2024 16:47:54 GMT
Jack slid into the booth beside her, the curved bench making the only possibility be that they sit next to each other. As he'd intended of course. He wasn't shy either, sitting close enough that their legs brushed against each other. "It is, isn't it?" he said, a soft smile on his lips as he looked around. "I've been here just a few times but it's never been disappointing."
Just then a waiter came over, a young man just a few years older than Callie and looking far too attractive to be a waiter. Jack couldn't help but glance casually at Callie to see her potential interest in him. Even Jack could see he was good looking and far more appropriate for a girl her age. "Good evening, I'm Chase and I'll be your waiter tonight. Can I start you off with a drink?" he asked, pulling out his notepad and letting his gaze linger on Callie a bit longer than on Jack. Jack ordered first because he knew that many girls tended to choose what they order based off what their paying date ordered. "I'll have a rum and coke and waters for the table," he said and then looked to Calliope so she could order as well.
Post by Calliope Bartlett on Jul 8, 2024 17:26:47 GMT
The privacy of the booth and the restaurant in general had a very enjoyable ambiance to it. This was entirely new for her, the last time some had but effort into seeing her was- She didn’t want to think about that. Or him. Tonight wasn’t about anything or anyone else, just her and Jack. The warmth of his leg against hers made her smile. It was so very difficult to feel like behaving when he was so close to her. Her dark eyes were on Jack, allowing herself to just take in his features without being worried someone might catch her staring too long and say something. Because she didn’t have to worry about that here.
The cleft in his chin, the sharp line of his jaw, how those serious eyes fell upon her and made her want to blush. Not in a nervous way, but in that suggestive way that let him know she was thinking of a time when she was meeting those eyes from a different angle.
The waiter walked up and introduced himself, Callie’s eyes barely even glanced in his direction. Guys her age, or even a few year older; didn’t put in effort like this. And that level of attentive ness was attractive in ways even she couldn’t fully explain. The mention of alcohol caused a fleeting shadow to cross her face, but she brushed a loose hair behind her ear and decided that one drink wouldn’t be the too detrimental. “A mojito, please.” of course, if necessary she was in possession of a fake ID, like many of the girls she used to party so heavily with. Though now she actually looked like she could pass for twenty-one, despite being nineteen.
Callie’s attention returned to Jack, letting a bit more of her guard drop. She didn’t want to worry here, about being recognized as a student. Or of him being called out for being her principal. She wanted to enjoy this experience and relax with him. “So tell me Jack, have you always seen yourself as being an educator?”
Post by Jack Hollifield on Jul 8, 2024 22:22:55 GMT
Jack hadn't expected her to actually order a drink but he wasn't complaining. He enjoyed a drink here and there but he wasn't one to abuse the use of it and didn't know about her feelings about it (that I can remember lol). The waiter didn't seem to care enough to bother checking IDs but Jack had the feeling that if it came down to that, that Callie would be prepared. She somehow always seemed to be a step ahead of him.
As the waiter walked away Jack put his hand back onto her leg, his fingers curved around the inside of her thigh, fingertips brushing the leather of the booth seat under her and stroked his thumb over the top of her thigh. It was mostly innocent...for now anyway. "Well, as you probably know, being from another founding family, the Hollifield name has always been one associated with scholarly pursuits and education. I guess I just expected that is the path I would end up on. Truth be told, I'm a terrible educator. I don't have patience to deal with a room full of kids and prefer a smaller setting. In the end, administration was a better fit for me than directly teaching," he explained with a casual smile. It was kind of nice to just...talk, like he would on a date with any other girl.
Post by Calliope Bartlett on Jul 8, 2024 22:42:08 GMT
It wouldn’t surprise Callie at all to know that Jack had no clue about her struggles from four years ago. Her parents had worked hard to keep everything quiet and settled privately. Even going so far as to have Callie give a fake name during her sessions with an out of town therapist. It wasn’t that she had addiction issues, but when you’re fifteen and drinking alcohol with a grown man; it’s not surprising for the teenager to get careless and end up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. Avoiding alcohol had been more of a promise just out of trying not to be problematic. At least not in that regard. Callie looked and played the part of a good school girl and daughter, but she had her secrets.
Her favorite secret currently sitting beside her in the restaurant booth, miles away from anyone who might recognize the young Ms. Bartlett out with Principal Hollifield. No, here they were just Callie and Jack; enjoying a first date. Though, she couldn’t recall a first date where she was already acquainted with the taste of him.
His hand on her thigh was definitely welcomed, a playful gleam settled in her eyes and she gently let her fingers trace along his hand and arm. “Of course, I understand how that can be.” She gave a soft shrug, knowing her own family expected her to go into working with the orchards in some regard. And while she loved plants and gardens and growing things, she also loved photography. “Was there ever any other passion or interest you considered possibly pursuing?” She asked with with a quirked eyebrow. Conversation with him felt so natural, and Callie realized that while they had both grown up in the same town; she hardly knew anything about him. And she wanted that to change.
Post by Jack Hollifield on Jul 8, 2024 23:01:26 GMT
The feel of her gently running her fingers over his skin with both stimulating and comforting. Relaxing. "Yes actually, there was a time in which I wondered if that's what I really wanted to do," he explained, "But by the time I started college I found I was actually really good in this field and I enjoyed it as well. So I just stuck with it."
The waiter soon came back with their drinks as well as some bread with olive oil and balsamic to dip it in. It was only then that Jack realized they hadn't even looked at the menu. He grabbed them from the center of the table as he took a sip of his drink, delicious, and handed one to Callie before returning his hand to her thigh, this time a little higher.
"What about you though? What is it that Calliope wants? Not what your family wants from you?" It important to question these things.
Post by Calliope Bartlett on Jul 8, 2024 23:32:00 GMT
She hummed softly in understanding at his explanation. It made sense, he was a wonderful principal and dean for the campus. They might have been a ‘smaller’ town, but the schools were known for having very successful testing scores and such. She couldn’t help but smile softly, enjoying the casual touching and not being worried about having to hide her interest in the man. Sure, there was something to be said about the naughty encounters at school. But this… this, was different. “Well, you do make a wonderful Principal.” She said with a playful wink. Her principal.
It was nice not to feel like they had to immediately pull away from eachother just because someone walked up. Infact, he only removed his hand because he realized they had yet to glance at a menu. And after handing her one, his hand returned to her thigh, a bit higher this time and she just smiled as she took a sip of the mojito. The mint and lime such a refreshing taste.
Callie couldn’t help but smile at the question. He had been the only person in her life to ask her this question, twice now. And while she was still working on the details, she had an idea. “I know people expect me to work in the orchards, but I’m going to pursue photography. I can always fall back on something familiar like the orchard or working with plants. But I want to see where photography takes me… maybe I could talk you into a private session sometime.” She gave a playful wink as she let her dark brown eyes return to the menu, her hand tracing along the back of his once more.
Post by Jack Hollifield on Jul 9, 2024 14:00:00 GMT
It had been a minute since they'd last talked about her career choice and he was glad to see that she was still sticking to what her own goals were, especially as the annual spring festival was coming up and she was probably being roped into helping there like she typically was. His heart raced a bit at her suggestion but maybe not because of the reason she would expect. "I haven't had my picture taken in ages. I'm afraid I'm quite terrible at it. I never know what to do with myself and unless it's a simple head shot, they don't typically come out well," he said with a little, almost embarrassed, chuckle.
"But did I heard that you got an internship at the paper for photography? That's very exciting, even more so because you haven't even graduated yet," a reminder that made him feel both nervous and so damn hot at the same time. "You must have really impressed Mr. Irwin."
He scanned the menu and quickly decided on something that looked decent, but mostly he just picked something mostly at random so he wasn't wasting his time with her by reading, even if it was only a few minutes.
Post by Calliope Bartlett on Jul 10, 2024 4:18:08 GMT
To say her father was disappointed to be told about her accepting an internship with the local paper as a photographer; would be an understatement. In fact, she was pretty sure that if she hadn’t been in the process of moving into an apartment with Alexis, he might have tried to ground her. He wasn’t happy, but he had gotten over it enough to still insist she help with the spring festival. And of course she agreed, if only to keep the peace. Plus, she’d get to take all sorts of photos of the process for her portfolio, and she was really good at helping with those events. She had a knack for managing the vendors and all the spacing properly. Something told her if she didn’t help, it would be disastrous.
“Oh, that’s not true at all. It’s never the subject or model’s fault if a photo is unflattering; it’s the photographer’s job to guide, direct and take only the most inspired or fun photos.” Callie insisted with a shake of her head. She wondered how well he would take direction with her behind a camera instructing him. Her cheeks flushed warmly at the thought, because of course he was typically the one giving instructions or direction.
His commenting on her getting the internship made her smile. This man made her feel so seen, and not just because she was enjoyable to look at. But because he paid attention to things she mentioned. “Yes, that’s true! And internship, an apartment with a friend and graduation; I’d say things are going fairly well.” She couldn’t help but give a playfully suggestive look, her brown eyes glanced momentarily at the menu before she closed it and returned her attention to Jack.
“While I’d like to believe my work speaks for itself, I did help convince the Fire Chief to agree to shoot a firefighter’s calendar for a fund raiser… I can be rather tenacious when I have my mind set on something.” Callie of course was a determined young woman. She had worked had to see so many things she wanted come about -the internship, the community greenhouse project, getting an apartment with Alexis-, even them sitting here together, miles away from anyone they might know, enjoying a date; the young woman was fiercely determined when she wanted something… or someone. “But I’m not interested in impressing Mr. Irwin right now, I’d rather convince you to let me take your picture sometime… I’d love the opportunity to show you how much fun it can be.”
She was still just talking about a photo session, right?
Post by Jack Hollifield on Jul 10, 2024 17:06:10 GMT
"Well, perhaps I just haven't found the right photographer then," he said, casting a playful smile in her direction. It was the next thing she said that really caught his attention though and she said so casually in passing that he almost wasn't sure he had heard her correctly until she tossed him that suggestive expression that had the blood start rushing below his belt. He took the moment she looked at the menu to take in the information.
She then moved on to explain about something about firefighters which he only half heard and back to pictures. "Anything to help you build your portfolio," he said with a grin that was both genuinely him wanting to help but also suggesting that really anything with her would be very enjoyable. But he couldn't let go of that earlier thought, he needed to confirm. "I'm sorry, did you say you have your own apartment?" It was uncommon for teens who hadn't graduated yet to have their own place just yet.
The waiter came back before she could answer and Jack silently cursed having to wait even longer, his mind racing with thoughts. "Did you decide what you'd like or did you need a few more minutes?" Chase asked. Jack looked to Calliope with a soft expression. "Ladies first," he said, ever the gentleman. It was only after she ordered that he would say he what he wanted. "The pesto genevese, please."
Post by Calliope Bartlett on Jul 10, 2024 19:39:24 GMT
“That could be it.” She teased with a suggestive smile, eyes flitting from the menu to his face. Those intense eyes… which of course reminded her of a little technique she and Alexis had seen a video about and had been practicing. She would have to wait for the right moment to give it a try. Of course she wanted to casually drop in that she had an apartment, hoping to get him mind thinking about the privacy she now had. Aside from her roommate, though Alexis would have no problem making herself scarce for her to have some fun. Just like she did for her.
“Exactly. The goal is to not be limiting myself to only being known as one type of photographer. I want to showcase my range and work to improve my weaker points.” Callie said with a gentle nod, knowing how easy it could be to get caught in a rut. When she set the menu down, she couldn’t help but smile at his question, seeking clarification on her earlier statement. Of course she was more than willing to elaborate, but then Chase returned to take their orders.
This waiter had terrible timing.
“I’ll have the spaghetti carbonara, please.” She offered Chase a polite smile, handing the menu to the waiter before turning her gaze back to Jack. She picked up her drink and took a sip, shifting slightly in the seat to cross her leg toward him. It wasn’t until after Chase left that she moved a hand to trace along his arm. “I did. With my friend Alexis, with graduation coming up we wanted to beat the rush and get settled so when we start college it’s not so stressful.” That, and it gave the young women much more privacy for their extracurricular ‘activities’.
Post by Jack Hollifield on Jul 11, 2024 0:31:33 GMT
Jack took a sip of his drink as Callie ordered and he couldn't have been more grateful when the guy left again, offering them a kind and professional smile. He was doing an excellent job about not showing any of his opinions on his face, if he did actually have any about the couple he was serving. Maybe Jack should have given him more credit when they first sat down.
The gorgeous young woman beside him shifted her body more towards him and he moved his arm to drape along the back of the leather of the booth, his fingers gently stroking her neck and shoulder as she explained. "That's wise. I know the chaos that happens each spring with people moving and the majority seem to stay in the area." Not that he minded. The more that stayed, the more students they had the community college and that was definitely a plus for a business man and educator such as himself. Though he had to wonder if that was really the primary, or at least the only, goal for such a move. Especially when he realized which Alexis she must be talking about. The girl certainly had a reputation that she didn't hide nearly as well as Calliope. In fact, Jack didn't pair the two of them as all that similar but maybe he was wrong about that.
"Alexis Vanderson, you mean?" he asked. He had to admit that worried him a little. A private apartment sounded tempting to be sure but what if Alexis saw him there. Yet another founding family member. Could he trust her to keep her mouth shut as much as he could with Callie.
Post by Calliope Bartlett on Jul 11, 2024 17:03:52 GMT
His arm moving as she shifted more to face him made her miss his touch on her thigh, though when his fingers made contact with her neck she smiled and tried not to so obviously enjoy show just how much she enjoyed his touch. Though, that wasn’t easy. She wasn’t going to act like she didn’t get a rush of adrenaline every time he touched her. “Exactly. Plus, moving in with a friend made it easier for my parents to accept… I think they’re glad I’m sticking around and not leaving for a larger school.” She admitted with a soft shrug. She knew she had options and had even submitted a few other applications to colleges just to have the experience. But Callie… she didn’t want to leave. She liked their small town. Liked the projects she was working on, and didn’t want to be too far from her siblings. Kota and the twins, she didn’t want to miss seeing them whenever she wanted and being able to stop by for movie or game nights.
Of course, there were other perks to having her own apartment. But getting a place with Alexis promised to be much more satisfying and fun. It was odd that the girls waited until their senior year to really connect and find out how much they got along. They might not be all that similar in their preferred methods of fun, but they could talk to each other freely and not worry about being judged so harshly. Plus, she liked Alexis and liked that she didn’t feel in competition with her.
“Yes, Alexis Vanderson… I’d ask if you know her, but realize that ridiculous. Of course you do, founding family events and school make it rather hard for you not to know students.” Of course, for a moment she almost wondered if he knew her for other reasons… certainly she wasn’t naive enough to believe she was the only student to catch his eye. The thought made her smile falter for a moment, and she reached for her drink. The mint and lime drink going down much easier than it should.
Post by Jack Hollifield on Jul 11, 2024 17:10:41 GMT
With his fingers still lightly teasing and stroking her skin he leaned down so close that his lips brush her ear and whispered with warm breath. "I'm certainly glad you're staying in town as well," he said, his fingers moving into her hair and tugging subtly before he released her and sat straight again as if nothing had ever happened.
He had no idea that she might be wondering about Alexis. In fact he assumed she would think nothing of the sort. After all, had he not been really clear with her from the beginning the rules he had for himself until she had been one to convince him to break them. "You know her better than me, what do you think the chances are that she might let something slip about us if she found out?" he asked, keeping his tone low enough to not carry between tables.
Post by Calliope Bartlett on Jul 11, 2024 17:45:59 GMT
Callie’s breath caught in her chest as he leaned down and whispered in her ear. The warmth from his breath and soft graze of his lips to her ear sent a delightful rush of goosebumps dancing across her skin as she gently hit her bottom lip. Suddenly very glad she had, because his fingers moved into her hair and gave a playful tug. Callie’s eyes took on a look of mischief as her lips pulled into a suggestive smile. Honestly, she was surprised she didn’t blush! “Mmm, good. I suppose that means I’ll see you around campus then too?” She knew she didn’t need to ask, he worked for both the high school and the community college.
As much as the thought rolled into her mind, she pushed it away. Alexis would have told her, surely. Though, there was a mystery man Alexis had been seeing fairly regularly, and it couldn’t have been Jack. Plus, whether it was naivety or trust; she didn’t peg him as a liar. He said he had rules and hadn’t broken those rules until she came along. The question made her heart rate quicken. “I trust Alexis, I don’t think she would say anything. She’s not malicious like that.” It’s not like she was some underage girl doing this for her grades. She was a wonderful student, very actively involved in the community and school projects, and she was nineteen. And Jack… he wasn’t some predator. She had perused him. There was nothing wrong with their behavior and actions… aside from her still technically being a student until graduation.