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?
Well, it had taken a lot of doing and finessing of the finer details; but Elijah had gotten the divorce paperwork drawn up, served, signed and submitted. With both party’s in agreement, they kept it from being blown up in the town, and for whatever reason even Cisco had managed to keep it from being blown up in the paper. That surprised him, but not enough for him to contact the man. Instead, Elijah found himself without a wedding band on after twenty-two years. Hell, the man hadn’t been single since he’d been a sophomore in college, for Christ’s sake!
Having this newfound freedom was but a touch exhilarating, and tiring. He could finally feel comfortable in his own home once again, but it also meant he needed to talk to Alexis Vanderson . West too, but things were still tense with him and he just wanted to have a little quality time with his daughter. He had invited her back home for a movie night in their very spacious in home threater, and was ignoring calls from Siobhan, who was likely trying to stir up trouble some more.
The blonde ran a hand through his hair, looking quite casual in a pair of jeans and a dark grey t-shirt, adding popcorn kernels to the popcorn machine and waiting for Alexis to arrive.
Post by Alexis Vanderson on Jul 8, 2024 16:07:03 GMT
Alexis had been loving living life in her new apartment with Callie. Everything was going amazing so far. Or at least she thought so. It had been so freeing to be living on her own but she had to admit that she did miss seeing her dad as often. So when he invited her over for a movie night she jumped at the chance more than a typical teenage girl probably would.
She showed up in a little sundress, her go to during this time of year. This one was light blue with little white daises all over it. She let herself into the house and down to the theater where she found her dad filling the popcorn machine. "Hi Daddy!" she beamed at him when she saw him and moved over to give him a giant squeeze. "I missed you! What are we watching?" she asked.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Jul 8, 2024 17:52:09 GMT
Had the man been paying more attention, he might have heard her before she greeted him. But, being a touch distracted he might have accidentally jerked his arm a bit and thrown some popcorn kernels to the floor. “Shit, sorry sweetheart, you startled me.” Elijah chuckled, setting down the bag of kernels and returning her hug. Of all his kids, Alexis was the one who always seemed to delight in being around. And he had to admit, her not loving at home was a bit harder on him, especially with Siobhan and Claire gone. Which was still something he had to tell her.
“Actually, I wanted you to pick, but first…” He sighed, hugging her longer and clearly indicating that there was something he needed to discuss with her. “Honey… there’s not an easy way to say it so I’m just going to put it all out there…” this was so much harder without a bit of alcohol. “Your mother and I got divorced… Claire, isn’t my daughter. Your mother has been having an affair for years. So she and Claire… they aren’t going to be coming back here.”
He let go of her and took a step toward the cabinet, retrieving himself a glass and pouring a bit of whiskey in it. Okay, so maybe the alcohol was necessary more for him because he just preferred it to feeling anything in regard to his youngest daughter not even being his. Her rolled his eyes as Siobhan’s name showed up on his phone screen yet again, only to get declined again.
Post by Alexis Vanderson on Jul 8, 2024 22:55:48 GMT
Alexis chuckled as he jumped and dropped a some of the popcorn kernels. "Oops, sorry," she said and thought about picking them up since it had been her fault, but he was still hugging her and she was not about to move out of that embrace. In fact she nestled a bit closer, enjoying his familiar scent and comfort.
Yet she soon became aware that he was trying to tell her something important. Still hugging him she furrowed her brow to look up at him. Divorced. Not 'going to get' divorced but already divorced. That part was a little surprising but honestly it was about time. They had been obviously unhappy for a long time. It was the part about her sister that hit her hard. Claire didn't belong to her father? What a bitch her mom had been! How could she not have told him that!? Her heart ached for Claire and tears pricked at her eyes. She hoped she was okay. She understood why but still felt bad. It wasn't her fault. She decided right then and there she'd go and see her for herself. She might not be Elijah's kid but she was still Alexis' sister.
He moved away from her then and she used the moment to contain herself and her emotions over Claire. "Fuck her," she said, the anger showing in her expression. "She's never treated you right and she's a cunt for lying to you for so long. I hope she gets nothing from you," she said spitefully. She hoped Claire would still get the support she needed but she wouldn't bring that up right now.
She moved over to where he was by the cabinet and picked up an empty glass. "Shall we toast to moving on?" she asked with a little smile. She was too young to be drinking but she was gonna try her luck here. She drank a lot. Just never around her dad before.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Jul 8, 2024 23:15:35 GMT
Elijah of course had no ill feelings toward Claire, but Siobhan had made it very clear that she didn’t want him seeing her. And that had been the part that hurt the most. Though perhaps not near as bad as Claire saying she thought it was for the best. The stung. But he would let things be on her terms if she wanted to still allow him access to her and be in her life. Regardless, she would still have her trust fund and college fund; his blood or not; that girl would always be his daughter in his heart. He appreciated the loyalty from Alexis, but just gently sighed.
“Your mother might have been awful- best you mind your mouth and use more ladylike words,” Of course he wasn’t upset with her over the language, more so just surprised. “But out of concern for Claire, I did agree that your mother and she could have the ski cabin as well as the house in the Hamptons… Claire shouldn’t have to suffer just because Siobhan lied.” He swirled the liquid in the glass for a minute with a raised brow, then relented and grabbed a second glass.
“I will deny ever pouring you a drink, but I would much rather you drink in the safety of our home than be out partying.” of course he knew he shouldn’t, but he felt guilty. Not only was she finding out her parents got divorced without telling her and her siblings, but that her sister was staying with their mom. Elijah poured the whiskey in a second glass and handed it to her. “To the freedom to move on, I suppose.” had he truly just poured his eighteen year old daughter a glass of whiskey?
Post by Alexis Vanderson on Jul 9, 2024 13:44:49 GMT
Alexis looked appropriately sheepish as her father chided her for her language and gave him a smile that reassured him she'd do as he asked. It was a relief to hear him talk about Claire and how he didn't want her to hurt. She hadn't really thought it in him to treat her dismissively but it was a reassurance to here and she gave him a soft and tender smile. "That's good. I'm glad Claire will have what she needs." She didn't know that it was just as much Claire's choice as her mother's that she stayed away but even if she did she would blame her mom for brainwashing the young girl.
She waited a half beat to see if he'd actually relent to pouring her a glass and when he did she grinned up at him. "My lips are sealed," she assured him as he poured the amber liquid into her glass. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. He was so handsome. It really was a shame that he'd been so unhappy in his marriage for so long. She knew it wouldn't be hard for him to find someone who would be into him. She was sure that if he was the kind of guy to enjoy hooking up that he could easily find a new hot girl every time he made the effort
To be drinking with her dad was pretty exciting to her. No, she might not be 21 yet but at 18 she was still technically an adult and she just liked being able to do something so grown up with him. "Cheers," she said, acknowledging his toast and tapping her glass softly against his before taking a sip. It took her a split second to remember that she probably ought to react to the strong drink and she made a little face as she scrunched her nose. In reality it had been a while since it had been jarring but she didn't want him to know that. "Is this your favorite thing to drink?" she asked, taking another small tentative sip and feeling the warmth move through her body.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Jul 10, 2024 0:41:25 GMT
Elijah was under no false illusion that his daughter wasn’t a senior in high school and likely said whatever she wanted, but he did appreciate that around him; she made the effort to be the ‘good girl’ he knew he to be. Of course he was biased, but she was his precious girl; what father didn’t think his daughter could do no wrong? It always bothered Siobhan just how much Alexis preferred her father, which was only further exasperated by finding out that Alexis had gotten an apartment. She knew that nothing she could say would change her mind, not when Alexis would have the majority of Elijah’s attention. Maybe that’s why Siobhan kept blowing up his phone. “Of course, none of this is Claire’s fault. She’s just a child and deserves to still have the comfortable life she’s always had.”
Her words while he poured her a drink made him chuckle, while she had moments that reminded him of Siobhan when they first met; most of Alexis’ clever wit was easily from him. Especially considering the amount of time she spent attached to his hip whenever he was home from work when she was younger. Handing her the glass felt wrong, but he wasn’t going to take it back now. Instead, he tapped her glass with his and threw the drink back with ease. He exhaled with a gentle shake of his head, her delayed reaction not lost on him, but he did appreciate her attempt to play at not being familiar with alcohol.
“It’s a toss up between a decent scotch or a nicely crafted bourbon. But whiskey is always a solid option.” He didn’t want to also comment on how when one was an alcoholic; anything would do in a pinch. Elijah was just fortunate enough to be wealthy and able to afford to drink what he liked. He poured himself another drink and set the bottle back under the cabinet, then reaching to push the popcorn machine on. “Might help if I actually start the popcorn machine… what movie genre are you feeling, Sweety?”
Post by Alexis Vanderson on Jul 11, 2024 17:00:32 GMT
Alexis took another swallow of her drink. It really was actually a very nice whiskey and felt so smooth going down. She hadn't had a lot to eat today, not something new for her honestly, so she knew that the effects of drinking it would kick in harder and faster than if she had. She didn't mind that either. She didn't try to comment on his drink choices besides nodding thoughtfully. She ought not to have an opinion if she was unfamiliar with them like she pretended to be. She had a feeling her father wasn't naive that she was playing a game but he wasn't pushing either and had still let her have the drink so she wasn't going to come clean now.
She hummed thoughtfully at his question. What she really wanted was to watch something naughty but maybe that was too obvious of a game. "Ummmm, maybe something scary...or a romance?" she suggested. Two very different genres but she wanted him to have an opinion too and both would serve similar purposes. "What are you more in the mood for tonight, daddy?" she asked, sipping again at her drink.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Jul 11, 2024 19:04:12 GMT
Elijah fiddled with the popcorn maker until he could ensure that he had indeed gotten it started properly this time. He took another sip from his second drink, not feeling the need to throw this one back quite like the first one. And, it probably would be best to pace himself around his daughter. Especially if he was going to be the ‘chill’ parent and allow her to drink with him. But hey, his father had let him and his siblings drink when they were her age.
Her genre selection made him chuckle. Hell, if the romance was anything like his love life, it might as well have been a horror movie. “Would you find it annoying if I preferred a scary movie? Romance just seems a bit less appealing right now.” He was a man after all, and most chick-flicks were just a touch too cheesy. The light popping of kernels started out slowly, the scent of popcorn growing. “Have you talked to West much?” Elijah asked with a raised brow, knowing that his last encounter with his younger son was less than enjoyable.
Post by Alexis Vanderson on Jul 11, 2024 22:04:54 GMT
"Oh of course," Alexis said. "I should have thought of that, sorry daddy," she said sweetly and moved towards where they kept their movies to try to find a good one, the smell of popcorn starting to grow as little pops sounded out like background noise. She wasn't complaining at all. She liked scary movies and it would give her a good excuse to cuddle up to him when she got scared. Not that she was about to advertise that as motivation of course. She was still so angry at her mom but she would deal with those emotions later. Right now she just wanted to focus on having a good time with her dad and helping him get his mind off of it for a couple hours.
"Here and there, not as much since I moved," she answered. "Have you told him yet?" she asked, assuming he must already know since he still lived here. But she also liked the idea that maybe her dad had told her first.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Jul 12, 2024 1:21:09 GMT
He offered a light hearted chuckle, knowing she likely hadn’t thought anything of his less than enthusiastic desire to watch a romance movie. It was a pretty standard suggestion for a girl her age, and he didn’t blame her. But he was glad she had suggested a scary movie as an alternative. He’d much rather handle jump scares and horror. Plus, even though she’d been the type to always insist she wasn’t scared of movies, she did always jump and get a bit clingy in that adorable way.
It would be nice to enjoy such a ‘normal’ experience with her since she’d moved out and was scarcely around. Elijah shook his head, taking another sip from his drink. “Well, I’ve been trying to give him some space. And Siobhan and Claire left under the guise of ‘wanting to be near Price’, I haven’t said anything to him yet.” He shrugged. As much as West would hate to be told it; he was a lot like his father. And sometimes, Elijah found it difficult to talk to him. He grabbed a big bowl for the popcorn and then raised a brow. “What add-ins would you prefer?” he was an extra butter, light salt and peanut butter m&m’s guy himself.
Post by Alexis Vanderson on Aug 27, 2024 19:43:30 GMT
Alexis hid her smile from her dad to find out that she was the first to know. West would probably be upset but that wasn’t her problem. She brought over two movies as he asked what she wanted in her popcorn. “Whatever you want, daddy, you deserve whatever treat you want right now.” Yes, Alexis was selfish and spoiled and might typically have asked for what she wanted without regard for anyone else. But making her dad happy would make her happy so it was a win win.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street or The Blair Witch Project?” She asked him.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Aug 27, 2024 20:04:06 GMT
Telling Alexis had been at the top of his ‘to-do’ list, because of all his children; he didn’t want her to be blindsided or feel shut out. They had always had a very close relationship over the years, and he didn’t want that to be thrown into question or chaos just because he had kept this from her. And honestly, he knew parents weren’t supposed to have a ‘favorite’, but Alexis had always been such a Daddy’s girl, he didn’t want to lose that.
Granted, allowing her to drink with him probably wasn’t the best way for a father to keep up a good relationship with his child, but she was technically an adult. He didn’t see why it would matter. It’s not like anyone would find out. They were in the comfort of the giant Vanderson Estate’s private theater; what did it matter?
“You’re too sweet my dear.” Elijah couldn’t help but offer a soft smile as he added butter, salt and tossed in a handful of Peanut Butter M&M’s. He also bent back down and pulled the bottle of alcohol back out. She was right, he deserved whatever treat he wanted. And if a little extra alcohol was going to make him feel better, why not? “Just don’t go telling your friends I’m letting you drink, and you can have another.”
Why did he say that? Why was he offering her more alcohol? He had a problem, and shouldn’t encourage her to be drinking… but he also, selfishly enjoyed having another thing in common with her.
“Oh, Nightmare on Elm Street for sure.” Elijah said with a grin as he didn’t bother picking up a glass, he’d be drinking straight from the bottle now. He picked up the bowl of popcorn and moved to make himself comfortable while Alexis got the movie started, opening the whiskey and taking a drink directly from the bottle.
Post by Alexis Vanderson on Aug 27, 2024 20:12:33 GMT
Yes, she was rather sweet, wasn't she? She looked quite proud of the praise. When he offered her more to drink she couldn't hide the delight that immediately lit up her face. "Really?! Oh I promise," she said. She had no intention of doing anything that might mean this couldn't happen again, and certainly nothing that might get her dear dad in trouble. She was so excited to get to drink more with him and ideas were definitely starting to really flow now. Ideas she didn't intend to speak out loud.
She got the movie started, grabbed the remote so they could control it, and then moved to nestle in and get comfy beside Elijah. First, of course, she held out her now empty glass so he could refill it with the alcohol he was currently drinking from the bottle. Why did she like the way it made her feel to watch him drink straight out of the bottle like that? Maybe it ought to be concerning but all she saw was how manly he looked doing it.
She then grabbed a blanket and spread it over both of them as she nestled up so that her side was flush against his. Better to reach the popcorn of course. No other reason.
Post by Elijah Vanderson on Aug 27, 2024 20:28:22 GMT
Getting settled into the seat, he couldn’t help the smile at her reaction to his ‘permission’ to allow her more alcohol. Who better for her to drink with than her father, right? “Perfect, you’re such a good girl.” the words were out before he could really consider just how it might sound slipping from his lips. But it was said and Elijah wasn’t about to backtrack or stumble over himself. Instead, he took that drink and gently cleared his throat.
It wasn’t wrong of him to call her that, and yet, it felt just a touch inappropriate. And likely, if he wasn’t so content to be drinking; he might have thought to say something to correct himself or apologize. But that just would make it more awkward. Instead, he poured her some more whiskey and offered a smile as she situated herself beside him and even brought them a blanket.
“You really are too sweet to me sometimes.” He said softly, pressing his lips to her forehead and trying not to be so very aware of everywhere her body pressed against him. Because that should be the furthest thing on his mind while watching a movie with his daughter. Another swallow of alcohol to help him feel a touch less tense.