[color=silver]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8lf02Aa.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/FYu5N49.gif[/img]
[sup][color=f4a460][b]LOCATION[/b][/color] / /[color=f4ee60]Zima Residence → Horton Town Square[/color] / / [color=f4a460][b]INTERACTING WITH[/b][/color] / /[color=f4ee60]Zeke [@Prosiac][/color] / / [color=f4a460][b]MENTIONED[/b][/color] / / [color=f4ee60]Katinka (exit story), Dmitri[/color] / / [color=f4a460][b]TIME[/b][/color] / / [color=f4ee60]7-8 AM[/color][/sup]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/hCqmltA.png[/img][/center]
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And just like that, when she thought everything was going to be full of celebration and happiness, events at the Zima Residence had turned around. Not even thirty minutes and the family was fighting. Father was arguing with Katinka about how many family members were coming over. Eva didn’t know what to make of it. She was dressed and was feeling so giddy about everything. But then as if in a snap of someone’s fingers, the party was canceled. Her father kicked Katinka out of the house and, those who were going to come over had thusly rescinded their invitations- well, more like Dmitri canceled everything; told them not to come.

As she sat down, letting everything soak in, she still didn’t understand. Just an hour ago, her family seemed to be happy. What could’ve changed? How could just sixty minutes turn what was supposed to be a joyous occasion into the worst day ever?

[color=f4a460]“This couldn’t possibly get any worse..”[/color]

[indent][indent][i][color=f26522]Sorry, I slept in. I hope that's not too uncool, I was a little hammered last night. Lmao, that's obvious. I'd love to join you. It's not like I've got much else to do around here. Could you pick me up?[/color]

[color=f4a460]I’m so, so, so sorry, Zeke. There’s been some trouble over here. I’ll fill you in. Meet me in the Square in about twenty minutes?[/color][/i] [/indent][/indent]

After sending that text to him, she still didn't know what to feel. All of her hopes for the day were crushed and now Eva was left with this crushing, defeated feeling. She had hoped to show everyone the guy she liked a lot, but now it just seemed like all was really hopeless.

[color=f4a460]“I’ll be back, Papa!”[/color] Eva said, taking the keys to her car as she left. Before she could give him a chance to say anything she was out the door. She wouldn’t show it, but on some level, she was disappointed. Why did it have to happen like this? Those same thoughts continued to linger as she drove from the rich area of Salem to the Square where she would sit in the plaza as she waited for Zeke, who should be arriving any minute now.
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[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/hCqmltA.png[/img][/center]
[color=silver][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/27xqs99.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/UZt7Ggj.gif[/img]
[sup][color=00a86b][b]LOCATION[/b][/color]  / /  [color=0091a8]The Brady Pub[/color]  / /  [color=00a86b][b]INTERACTING WITH[/b][/color]  / /  [color=0091a8] Jessica [@SpicyMeatBall][/color] / / [color=00a86b][b]MENTIONS[/b][/color] / /  [color=0091a8]Jessica[/color] / /  [color=00a86b][b]TIME[/b][/color]  / /  [color=0091a8]7-8AM[/color][/sup]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/NKVbVKH.png?1[/img][/center]
[indent]
Did Colin expect anything out of her response? Not really. The man knew he was asking for a lot. To drop everything going through his mind the moment he saw her eyes and their hands connected was overwhelming. It was overwhelming for him and it was undoubtedly overwhelming for her. She didn’t have to say it because Colin saw it plastered over her beautiful face.  And when she spoke - god, even hearing her speak brought him back to their days at Salem High. Granted, things were very different back then, but he was thankful to just hear her voice. It didn’t have to be for long, just the fact that she graced him with it for the limited time she spoke was enough for him.

[color=699cc9]“Honestly Colin, I’m proud that you’ve come this far. Seeing you like this is nice, a huge step up from the hole you were in high school. But this is a lot right now and it probably doesn’t help that I’m hungover.”[/color]

As she explained her gratitude for his honesty and how she was happy for him and how far he came, but it was obvious to him that she couldn’t handle all that he told her at the moment. Well, handle seemed to be the wrong way to phrase it. It was, at least from Colin’s point-of-view, she didn’t know how to process it.

[color=00a86b] “You should probably take it easy,”[/color] he suggested, laughing. Jess had always been the type to go too hard, too fast.

[color=699cc9]“I appreciate the apology, I really do Colin. I just need some time to get my head straight and figure this out. You know as well as I do that this is not a matter to be taken lightly. I hope you’ll understand that much.”[/color]

[color=00a86b]“Of course I understand. Truth be told, Jess, I didn’t think you’d hear me out this far. I half-expected you to not give me the time of day. I know what I did was unforgivable, so I am grateful that you heard me out. You will never know how much it meant to me.” [/color]

Their eyes met once more and what Colin was going to say next seemed to be blocked by those eyes of hers. Even after all this time, he was helpless in her gaze. [color=00a86b]“Take as much time as you need, Jessica. I will be here for whenever you want to talk. I’ll always be here,”[/color] he sweetly said. His hand remained on hers. Honestly, Colin didn’t realize it.

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