♡ Name: Summer Ford ♡
♡ Age: 26 ♡♡ Appearance: 
♡ ♡ Background:♡ Austin was Summer’s first… For everything. First kiss stolen outside the school gates, first boyfriend, first love, first best friend. They were your stereotypical high-school sweethearts; Obsessive, fiery, passionate, naive… They managed long distance whilst they attended different colleges and, ironically, it was returning to their hometown of Elysian Heights after graduating that finally ended their relationship. So much had changed since they lived in the same town; The distance of different colleges had hidden away the glaring changes within them and it quickly became apparent that Summer and Austin wanted different things. The two of them had simply grown apart, they were no longer those lovestruck adolescents. It was a very mutual, amicable breakup and the pair left things on very good terms. Tears were shed, watery goodbyes were shared and hearts were indeed left broken. But a first love is often destined to become a first heartbreak.
Summer & Austin were determined to salvage a friendship from the fragments of their romantic relationship. Though they had outgrown their love, life still threaded them together. Similar friendship circles, same town and most importantly the both of them knew the struggles of being a powered individual in a world fast turning their back on the able-powered. They’d text, occasionally. If they crossed paths in Elysian Heights, they’d share a genuinely warm greeting and update one another on their new lives. It’s hard to separate history from present-day and many accused them of still holding a touch for one another after all these years. But they vehemently denied any residual feelings and insisted that they’d always be “just friends.”
At A Glance: Summer had a healthy childhood, mostly. Raised by a single mother, she grew up with an empowered woman at the helm. They had a tumultuous relationship, loved one another deeply but Summer always wanted to break free from her mother’s restrictive parenting. It was complicated, being raised by someone normative when you’re powered. Her mother simply wanted to delete Summer’s ability, stuck on how to relate and consequently how to parent someone who has the ability to Influence. Her power was potent and her mother feared for the societal treatment of her powered daughter. Summer’s free spiritedness often infuriated her mother and was the cause of many a heated argument. It was in her childhood home that Summer learned how to manage conflict; She learned to argue her point and apologise with conviction.
A “girl’s girl”, Summer prides herself on her circle of eclectic friends. They’re a varied bunch, their commonalities being limited but irrelevant. An only child to a single mother, Summer built a “chosen family” full of genuine love and care. She is the “mama” of the group; The one to text ‘Did you get home okay?’ and the one who her friends go to for advice. Summer had her rebellious stage in College. She drank too much, studied too little and danced the line of recklessness out of her mother’s watchful eye. College was where Summer truly found her own voice. She became more outspoken, confident and self-assured. She knew herself, faults and all.
Returning to Elysian Heights has made Summer realise that her spirit might’ve outgrown her hometown. She craves the city life; The nightlife, the hustle and bustle, the skyline… She’d planned on packing her bags and skipping town when news of Austin’s passing spread through Elysian Heights. It’s put her plans on hold, for now, whilst she grieves the man who first taught her how to love.
Powers: Summer discovered her ability of Influence when she was a very young child. Influence is not as simple as mind-control. No, Summer’s power isn’t that absolute. Instead, she can make what she identifies as a “Suggestion.” Summer’s suggestions carry compulsive conviction, often leading someone to follow her instruction. This power has its limits. Suggestions don’t always work. In fact, there are some people totally immune to her powers. But if someone’s mind is weakened or if someone is susceptible to influence, Summer has the ability to speak their actions into existence.
For example, Summer may say to someone mentally malleable “I think you’ll pass me the salt and pepper” and lo and behold, that person appears clouded by something adjacent to confusion, and passes her the salt and pepper.
Due to its potency and potential, Summer rarely uses her power. She realised its weight very young, her mother made sure of that. She doesn’t believe in accelerating to success simply by using her Influence. Gaining through Influence lacks authenticity and satisfaction. Plus, if people were to find out that she has the ability to determine behaviour and thoughts, she’d be in grave danger. Only a select few are aware of Summer’s abilities. Austin was one of them.
♡ Relationship to Austin:♡ High-School Sweetheart turned Long-Term friend.
(I’m open to other Characters forming friendships! PM if you’d like to be in the same friendship circle/childhood best friends etc.)
