Hi friends.
It's currently 10pm on a Saturday night and I am writing this post since I finally have the time. I put the kids to bed two hours ago (not mine, relax) and finished cleaning up the dishes and wiping down the messy pizza counter.
Babysitting on a Saturday night the weekend before spring break isn't exactly the way I saw my plans going, but hey, the kids are adorable AND I get paid. We could all use a little more cash money.
Tomorrow will be the first of March and this next Friday I will be turning twenty years old.
Twenty, man. Two zero. That's fucking nuts.
Needless to say, I'm a little brain-scrambled considering this is my last full week as a teenager. God, even writing that makes me want to puke. I know life is all about living in the present and not dwelling on the past and enjoying every moment blablabla but it's terrifying to think twenty whole years of my life will have gone by.
On the one hand, I'm impressed. Not too long ago, Maya thought she wouldn't make it past eighteen. And here she is completing two decades of life. Wild. On the other hand, what the hell does one do when they're twenty? Do you magically learn how to file taxes? Do you take out a mortgage? Are you stuck with the same job for years or are you stuck in your parent's apartment for eternity? I know nobody ever really has it all figured out but like, I don't even know how to drive yet. Most kids my little brother's age are learning how to drive and sometimes I just feel kinda inadequate. Eh, I'll learn eventually.
February was kind of a trash month for everyone I know. Mercury in retrograde or whatever. Bad juju in the air. Fukú and whatnot. Anyhow, I'm hoping that since February has come to an end, March will provide a clean slate and restore balance to us all. It had better for me at least. It's my birthday month, after all.
Second week of break, the Owls and I are headed on tour to Chicago which will definitely merit a whole post of its own. I haven't been there since I was ten years old, man. It's been a while.
After coming back from break, we'll only have six weeks of school left. That's it. Six weeks and I will have finished my first whole year of college. Another feat I never thought I'd get to see. Then summer, then sophomore year. Insane.
I'm a little nervous because I don't have any summer jobs lined up yet for a number of reasons but I'm hopeful I'll make something work. I'm likeable and skilled enough, I suppose.
The room I'm currently sat in is freezing yet surprisingly cozy. I just wish I could smuggle a blanket in somewhere...
I know I talk about this a fuckton but I just have so many projects I want to work on and create. I just have to find the energy and motivation from somewhere first. It's getting there. At least I forced myself to write this post. Forcing myself to write at least makes me feel like I'm doing something.
In any case, my friends are wonderful and I love them so incredibly much because they put up with me even when I'm trash and am a little shit :) Y'all are the best, babes :*
There was no real point to this post other than explaining that I've had a pretty long four weeks and I'm looking forward to the next four. Yeah. I think that's it.
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
P.S: MY PHONE CAMERA STARTED WORKING AGAIN AND I AM OVER THE MOON ABOUT IT I JUST KEEP TAKING PICTURES OF RANDOM SHIT YALL IT'S GREAT
Showing posts with label Tom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom. Show all posts
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Turkey Day List #2
Quick lil note: I am the worst at turning things in on time, even things like this. So bear with me pls. Pretend I posted this a whole month ago, cool thanks.
You know how this goes.
Mami & Papi: Change is inevitable. We are always growing, always learning, always evolving. It is not easy. I am proud of you. I love you both. With every fiber of my being. Please don't give up on yourselves. You have so much more to do. It is so close! You are so close! Sí se puede!
Yan Diego: I heckin worry about you sometimes, you piece of shit. Thanks for not being an asshole to me 100% of the time and also I think you're super talented and amazing and I brag about you every chance I get oops.
Javi: Dude you need to stop growing, it's kinda gross. Also please move to this side of the planet. We miss you so much it hurts sometimes.
Natasha: Life works in mysterious ways and even though the leadup kinda sucked ass, I'm glad the universe brought you to live with us. It's been such a blessing having you around and I don't think we could have gotten through the past six months without you <3
Suki: Mi amor bella y preciosa! No te apures, que ya ahorita llegamos a verte!
Nutella: Sigue haciendo tu cosa, nena.
Cinnamon: I hope you are enjoying your many naps on Grandma's lap, sweet girl.
Phoenix Emilio Salem Cruz: Natasha knew immediately that she was gonna take you home. How could she not? You fluffy black ball of fur, you. You've turned her into the wackiest cat mom out there, good job ;)
Sansa Scout Westley Wilson: You crazy, possessed demon, how I love you. I can't wait to get back to Vermont so I can force you to love me (even though you already do <3)
Abuelo & Bianelly: Son mis ídolos y le pido a Dios que puedan mudarse a la Florida seguramente.
Abuela: Sé que no siempre te entiendo pero mi mayor deseo es que jamás dudes cuanto te amo. Eres tan amada. Más que crees.
Grandma & Grandpa: I miss you guys so much and am super ready to see you guys at YD's graduation. It's been too long.
The Wilson-Fishers: Ditto.
Tío John & Gaby: You guys inspire me every day.
Joel, Melissa, Luis, & Noah: I'm so happy you guys are in my life, you don't even know. We have to make up for lost time but that shouldn't take us long :) I love you ALL to infinity and beyond!!!
Pri & Ana: My oldest friends. Las quiero more than you'll ever know.
Newsies Yamily: You pulled me out of the void when I needed it most. I Never Planned on No One Like You.
CJ & Nat: You two are the best thing that ever came from Newsies. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life <3
My grown-up babes, Lauryn, Kelila, Soren, Riley, Megan, Jay, Emma, & Julia, and my even older babes, Amanda, Caellum, Fonts, Mike, Claire, Thom, Sophia, Brandt, Tiernan, & Maeve: Everything I am today is because of every single one of you. I am so proud of and so thankful to each of you. I love you I love you I love you.
Jessica: You lunatic. I am SO lucky Vassar decided to pair me with you. I can't imagine myself with any other roommate. You make living with another person so easy (seeing as we're basically the same person in all the horrible ways) and coming home to you at the end of the day makes my heart happy <3 Here's to another semester of corndog eating and wine sipping and cliche movie bashing.
Charlotte & Leila: I'M SO GLAD WE'RE HALL NEIGHBORS LIKE I'M VERY HAPPY YOUR ROOM IS TWO FEET AWAY FROM OURS AND THAT WE CAN GO ON FUN MIDNIGHT ADVENTURES TOGETHER WE MUST DO THAT MORE OFTEN KAY THANKS LOVE YOU
Miles, Garret, Robin, & Sarah: I couldn't ask for a sweeter group of hallmates. You guys have my back, always.
Gabby: MOMMMMMM you are truly the best mom and I am convinced we are the best fellow group. Case closed.
Chloe: Hey thanks for being the coolest drama mentor EVER ;) I'm amazed at how you and I are so alike and how it's taken us this long to notice. I appreciate every moment I have with you, babe.
Linnea: You're a nut and I love you way more than eleven goat. More like eleven alpaca, cuz I feel like alpacas could kick a goat's ass.
The other Beats Suite members, Martin, Juliana, Ranza, Graham (& Jack): Thanks for letting me invade your space and for letting me love you unconditionally even though you sometimes have entire conversations with sounds and not real words and it makes me want to rip my head off :)
The Martins: Thanks for adopting me and for babysitting Saoirse and Soraya for me while I'm away <3
Evan: 'Sup loser. Thanks for picking me up from dates I don't want to be at and for bringing me food and watching drug-related shows with me and for not getting killed in Jiu-Jitsu.
Tessa: My dearest Tessa, you absolute goofball, I am so happy to know you and to be in your life. I look forward to so many more late-night chats and Saturday brunches. We'll have a grand old time.
Madison: Oh dear god, I couldn't be happier to know we're in Owls together at the same time in this universe. I couldn't bear missing a single one of your snarky remarks or witty banter. Keep unpacking, the world needs more of that.
Emma: Owls couldn't have ended up with a better pitch. You lead with such compassion and hard work and care. You help us all create seriously beautiful music and still manage to keep us laughing. We are all thankful for you, babe.
Sam: My darling Sammy, no one in this entire world has a heart bigger than yours. Whether you know it or not, you've brightened so many lives with your smile and your dino and your kind words. Please don't ever leave my life; I'd be lost without you.
Sabrina: Thank you for living your best, powerful life every second of every day. I have no doubt in my mind that you would do anything for any of your fellow owls—your loyalty is truly admirable. You are the living definition of Big Dick Energy. Also please connect me to the gay world I'm so scared kay thanks <3
Ariana: You are quite frankly (and I do not say this lightly) the FUNNIEST person I have ever met. Whether you mean to or not, your timing is always impeccable and I've had to stop myself from peeing at your jokes on several occasions. Also, you are so sweet and the Peace Corps are SO lucky to have you.
Maisha: First off, goddess. Second of all, marry me. Thirdly, you are truly one of the kindest, most genuine humans I have ever had the privilege of meeting. That, and you've got a voice of pure velvet. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Elena: You absolute ray of sunshine! How I've missed you! I am beyond thrilled to have you back next semester because that means we'll all get to experience your radiant aura and the joy it brings.
Helen: I am so proud of you. Truly, you've been through some shit and yet you continue to wake up each morning and absolutely glow. Can't wait to have you back in the nest :)
Alexa: Hey lovely! I know we haven't spent much time together yet but I am SO excited to get to know you better and sing sweet, sweet music with you!
Gracie: I aspire to one day be as carefree, self-assured and talented as you are. Thanks for being a goof and 100% yourself at all times. It does not go unappreciated.
Alexandra: Hi hello I'm quite convinced you are an ethereal being not remotely from this world and you're posing as a down to earth, incredibly kind, witty human with the voice of a folky forest nymph. PS: You were the greatest Secret Snowflake ever! ILY <3
Delila: Laugh all you want but I've always been in awe of how poised and graceful and effortlessly cool you seem in every single situation. Also, ohmygod you're so weird.
Cameron: If Stevie Nicks ever had a daughter, she'd be you. You absolutely blow me away.
Eloise: You wild Aussie, you. I'm so hyped I get to spend the next four years singing with you, love!
Derek: Another year with you as my friend :)
Luke, Kota, Ben & Jared: I've learned so much from you.
Paul O'Connor: I'm in love with you, didn't you know? But also, I'm sure your girlfriend is delightful so don't mind me.
Greta Thunberg: You are so powerful. Thank you for being the voice many others don't have.
Zendaya: We've been here before. Hi, I'm your future wife.
Hunter Schafer: My newest, queerest obsession. Everything about you. I love you so much.
Eva Noblezada: No one has ever drawn me in so quickly.
Lauren, Maria, Emma, TingTing, Darya, Gibi, Sarah, Grace, Mads, Erin, Chiara, Abby, Bekah, Jojo, & Caroline: My sweet angels of sleep, how I love you.
The Weinreichs: The things you've done for my family I could never repay.
Madrina: I could not afford my school books otherwise. I miss you all so very much.
Barbara: Thank you for keeping my head intact.
Titi: I see you everywhere. Thank you for not disappearing on me. Te quiero.
I am so blessed.
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
You know how this goes.
Mami & Papi: Change is inevitable. We are always growing, always learning, always evolving. It is not easy. I am proud of you. I love you both. With every fiber of my being. Please don't give up on yourselves. You have so much more to do. It is so close! You are so close! Sí se puede!
Yan Diego: I heckin worry about you sometimes, you piece of shit. Thanks for not being an asshole to me 100% of the time and also I think you're super talented and amazing and I brag about you every chance I get oops.
Javi: Dude you need to stop growing, it's kinda gross. Also please move to this side of the planet. We miss you so much it hurts sometimes.
Natasha: Life works in mysterious ways and even though the leadup kinda sucked ass, I'm glad the universe brought you to live with us. It's been such a blessing having you around and I don't think we could have gotten through the past six months without you <3
Suki: Mi amor bella y preciosa! No te apures, que ya ahorita llegamos a verte!
Nutella: Sigue haciendo tu cosa, nena.
Cinnamon: I hope you are enjoying your many naps on Grandma's lap, sweet girl.
Phoenix Emilio Salem Cruz: Natasha knew immediately that she was gonna take you home. How could she not? You fluffy black ball of fur, you. You've turned her into the wackiest cat mom out there, good job ;)
Sansa Scout Westley Wilson: You crazy, possessed demon, how I love you. I can't wait to get back to Vermont so I can force you to love me (even though you already do <3)
Abuelo & Bianelly: Son mis ídolos y le pido a Dios que puedan mudarse a la Florida seguramente.
Abuela: Sé que no siempre te entiendo pero mi mayor deseo es que jamás dudes cuanto te amo. Eres tan amada. Más que crees.
Grandma & Grandpa: I miss you guys so much and am super ready to see you guys at YD's graduation. It's been too long.
The Wilson-Fishers: Ditto.
Tío John & Gaby: You guys inspire me every day.
Joel, Melissa, Luis, & Noah: I'm so happy you guys are in my life, you don't even know. We have to make up for lost time but that shouldn't take us long :) I love you ALL to infinity and beyond!!!
Pri & Ana: My oldest friends. Las quiero more than you'll ever know.
Newsies Yamily: You pulled me out of the void when I needed it most. I Never Planned on No One Like You.
CJ & Nat: You two are the best thing that ever came from Newsies. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life <3
My grown-up babes, Lauryn, Kelila, Soren, Riley, Megan, Jay, Emma, & Julia, and my even older babes, Amanda, Caellum, Fonts, Mike, Claire, Thom, Sophia, Brandt, Tiernan, & Maeve: Everything I am today is because of every single one of you. I am so proud of and so thankful to each of you. I love you I love you I love you.
Jessica: You lunatic. I am SO lucky Vassar decided to pair me with you. I can't imagine myself with any other roommate. You make living with another person so easy (seeing as we're basically the same person in all the horrible ways) and coming home to you at the end of the day makes my heart happy <3 Here's to another semester of corndog eating and wine sipping and cliche movie bashing.
Charlotte & Leila: I'M SO GLAD WE'RE HALL NEIGHBORS LIKE I'M VERY HAPPY YOUR ROOM IS TWO FEET AWAY FROM OURS AND THAT WE CAN GO ON FUN MIDNIGHT ADVENTURES TOGETHER WE MUST DO THAT MORE OFTEN KAY THANKS LOVE YOU
Miles, Garret, Robin, & Sarah: I couldn't ask for a sweeter group of hallmates. You guys have my back, always.
Gabby: MOMMMMMM you are truly the best mom and I am convinced we are the best fellow group. Case closed.
Chloe: Hey thanks for being the coolest drama mentor EVER ;) I'm amazed at how you and I are so alike and how it's taken us this long to notice. I appreciate every moment I have with you, babe.
Linnea: You're a nut and I love you way more than eleven goat. More like eleven alpaca, cuz I feel like alpacas could kick a goat's ass.
The other Beats Suite members, Martin, Juliana, Ranza, Graham (& Jack): Thanks for letting me invade your space and for letting me love you unconditionally even though you sometimes have entire conversations with sounds and not real words and it makes me want to rip my head off :)
The Martins: Thanks for adopting me and for babysitting Saoirse and Soraya for me while I'm away <3
Evan: 'Sup loser. Thanks for picking me up from dates I don't want to be at and for bringing me food and watching drug-related shows with me and for not getting killed in Jiu-Jitsu.
Tessa: My dearest Tessa, you absolute goofball, I am so happy to know you and to be in your life. I look forward to so many more late-night chats and Saturday brunches. We'll have a grand old time.
Madison: Oh dear god, I couldn't be happier to know we're in Owls together at the same time in this universe. I couldn't bear missing a single one of your snarky remarks or witty banter. Keep unpacking, the world needs more of that.
Emma: Owls couldn't have ended up with a better pitch. You lead with such compassion and hard work and care. You help us all create seriously beautiful music and still manage to keep us laughing. We are all thankful for you, babe.
Sam: My darling Sammy, no one in this entire world has a heart bigger than yours. Whether you know it or not, you've brightened so many lives with your smile and your dino and your kind words. Please don't ever leave my life; I'd be lost without you.
Sabrina: Thank you for living your best, powerful life every second of every day. I have no doubt in my mind that you would do anything for any of your fellow owls—your loyalty is truly admirable. You are the living definition of Big Dick Energy. Also please connect me to the gay world I'm so scared kay thanks <3
Ariana: You are quite frankly (and I do not say this lightly) the FUNNIEST person I have ever met. Whether you mean to or not, your timing is always impeccable and I've had to stop myself from peeing at your jokes on several occasions. Also, you are so sweet and the Peace Corps are SO lucky to have you.
Maisha: First off, goddess. Second of all, marry me. Thirdly, you are truly one of the kindest, most genuine humans I have ever had the privilege of meeting. That, and you've got a voice of pure velvet. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Elena: You absolute ray of sunshine! How I've missed you! I am beyond thrilled to have you back next semester because that means we'll all get to experience your radiant aura and the joy it brings.
Helen: I am so proud of you. Truly, you've been through some shit and yet you continue to wake up each morning and absolutely glow. Can't wait to have you back in the nest :)
Alexa: Hey lovely! I know we haven't spent much time together yet but I am SO excited to get to know you better and sing sweet, sweet music with you!
Gracie: I aspire to one day be as carefree, self-assured and talented as you are. Thanks for being a goof and 100% yourself at all times. It does not go unappreciated.
Alexandra: Hi hello I'm quite convinced you are an ethereal being not remotely from this world and you're posing as a down to earth, incredibly kind, witty human with the voice of a folky forest nymph. PS: You were the greatest Secret Snowflake ever! ILY <3
Delila: Laugh all you want but I've always been in awe of how poised and graceful and effortlessly cool you seem in every single situation. Also, ohmygod you're so weird.
Cameron: If Stevie Nicks ever had a daughter, she'd be you. You absolutely blow me away.
Eloise: You wild Aussie, you. I'm so hyped I get to spend the next four years singing with you, love!
Derek: Another year with you as my friend :)
Luke, Kota, Ben & Jared: I've learned so much from you.
Paul O'Connor: I'm in love with you, didn't you know? But also, I'm sure your girlfriend is delightful so don't mind me.
Greta Thunberg: You are so powerful. Thank you for being the voice many others don't have.
Zendaya: We've been here before. Hi, I'm your future wife.
Hunter Schafer: My newest, queerest obsession. Everything about you. I love you so much.
Eva Noblezada: No one has ever drawn me in so quickly.
Lauren, Maria, Emma, TingTing, Darya, Gibi, Sarah, Grace, Mads, Erin, Chiara, Abby, Bekah, Jojo, & Caroline: My sweet angels of sleep, how I love you.
The Weinreichs: The things you've done for my family I could never repay.
Madrina: I could not afford my school books otherwise. I miss you all so very much.
Barbara: Thank you for keeping my head intact.
Titi: I see you everywhere. Thank you for not disappearing on me. Te quiero.
I am so blessed.
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Turkey Day List #2
Hello my loves.
This list always proves difficult to write. Not because it's hard to come up with people I'm grateful for, but because it always ends with me getting rather emotional and... I dunno. Nostalgic, maybe? Either way, Thanksgiving posts have always been my favorite to write because I finally get to pay homage to the people and things that make everything infinitely better. I owe you my life.
Firstly to my angel, Titi Dorianny:
My dearest Titi... I dedicate the rest of my life to you. You are the single sweetest, funniest, smartest, humblest, most generous, most loving, most giving person I have ever known. That is no exaggeration. Though I'm still tortured by you leaving us so soon, your spirit survives in your husband's voice, in your son's eyes, in every latin song that comes on the radio; in knitted scarves and real smiles; galleticas de miel and blue skies. We will love you forever, as you have loved us. Te quiero, te adoro, te amo.
Mami: I love you. I hope you always know that. I hope someday we can be closer again.
YD: You're pretty dope. This year you called me one of your best friends and I will never let you live that down. Love ya, pal.
Javi: So apparently this is the year you became taller than me or something??? Sounds fake but ok...
Tio John: You are such a vessel of strength and unconditional love. I admire you more than you know and I'm glad we will always be family <3
Natasha: It's really cool that we're both in New York now and our age gap doesn't matter as much haha You must be relieved you don't have to babysit me anymore (we all know how hyper I used to be) and instead we can enjoy deep talks and binging Netflix shows. Thanks for always being there.
Gaby: Oh Gaby... I freaking wish I could hug you. You astound me everyday with your resilience and brilliance. Truly. I've always said you'd be the next Einstein but now I'm thinking you'll be even more than that. You have such a beautiful soul and your parents have every reason to be proud.
Abuelo & Bianelly: Admiro tanto su amor. Espero algún día tener un amor así de fuerte.
Abuela: De verdad que te amo. Siempre lo haré.
Grandma & Grandpa: I miss you so much and I hope you guys are staying warm!
Tia Susan: I am purely convinced that you are my guardian angel.
Ali: Thank you for always being the sister I never had. I think our relationship is only gonna get better from here on out :)
Bob & Max: Regardless of whether you like having me around, y'all are such homies and I love youuuuu.
Suki: Muchachita de la porra I miss you so heckin much. Also, are you sure you're not part turkey?
Nutella: Niña bella, deja a la vieja tranquila XD
Cami: My dearest Cambria, can't wait to give you snuggles again ahhhhhhhh you're so fluffy I could die.
Luna: My darling creature, we haven't met yet but I'm your Tia and I LOVE YOU LIKE HECK.
Bernie & Phyllis: You little fuckers, I love you so much. Behave yourselves.
Future kitty: Hi there! Soy tu Mamá and I already love you with my whole heart! Stay warm until I get to hold you in my arms, yeah?
My exes: thank u, next :*
Pri: Chica, ven visítame porfaaaaaaa
Evan: Boiiiiiiiiiii, hello hi let's get ice cream and watch Narcos and go on a spooky scary midnight adventure and be besties again :)
Linnea: My love, I hope you know how much I love you with every fiber of my being. I would do anything for you and if someone hurts you, you best believe I will fuck. them. up. Now let's get together and take stunning pictures of each other <3
The Martins: If it wasn't already obvious, you guys are practically my second family and I love you to death and basically when can I move in?
The Night Owls: Your child misses you!!!
The Riders: You know how much you've done for me. I can never repay you.
Lauryn & Kelila: Hey babes, just wanted to say you're literally two of the bestest friends I've ever had and I live for our groupchat. I would do anything for either of you and I hope we get to see each other and be hoes together soon <3
Derek: It's sorta awesome having someone you've never met in person to count on. I gotchu fam.
Amanda: We vibe so hard together. I care about you immensely and your hugs are truly some of the best known to mankind.
Riley: You've grown so so so much from when I first met you and I can't even express how proud I am.You are going to do amazing things in this world, I know it.
Megan: My fave wife, please come visit me so we can have snuggles and excitement!!!
Soren: My precious child, holy heck am I proud of you. You better not forget about me when you're rich and famous and the most sought after celebrity of all time.
Julia: The Abbey can be tough but you are tougher. Even when you don't feel like it. Do not let it defeat you. I am here to support you always.
Caellum: I won't give up on you. No matter how many times you don't answer my damn texts, you fucker. Love you.
Emma: Babygirl, you were my first ever little sister and it pains me to even think that you're not so little anymore. You've grown so much and my heart aches to see you again. I love you I love you I love you.
Fonts: I think the fact that you've finally graduated college has automatically transitioned you into dad-hood and now you can't help but pick up the phone when I call at three in the morning :) You are seriously the best, thank you, I love you.
Mike, T & Thom: Forever and always my big brothers. I owe a lot to you.
Claire, Maeve & Sophia: Wish I could get us all together and have a ball. What a time that would be.
Aidan: Whoa whoa whoa I kinda really super duper like you, is that weird??? You're brilliant and kind and passionate and inspiring and hilarious and gorgeous so um can you stop being so perfect please? Thanks. Also, I miss you monkey.
Cast of Hadestown: Um so can you maybe leave a little talent to the rest of us please and thank you?
Emma Gonzalez: When I grow up, I wanna be just like you.
Dr. Ford: Your courage, eloquence and determination do not go unnoticed. Thank you.
Trevor Noah: Thank you for articulating such important issues and bringing them to the public. There's no place for them to hide anymore.
Michelle Obama: Please adopt me or become president or both?
All the Women Elected for Congress: LET'S FUCK IT UP LADIES
Frivvi, Maria & Emma: I owe countless restful nights to you three. What angels you are.
Alicia Keys: Always an icon. Always an inspiration.
Eddie Redmayne: You are a literal cinnamon roll. If you weren't 36 that'd be cool.
Zendaya: Marry me?
Donald Glover: You have my endless praise.
Lady Sybil: Please come back to life you were literally my favorite character and I aspire to be half the woman you were.
Tom Holland: I've already signed the adoption papers now pls come home
Barack Obama: I miss you.
Amandla Stenberg: Keep waking the people up like you do.
Noah Centineo: Hi so you don't know this yet but we're getting married and having like a thousand babies and they better all be like you I don't think I've ever crushed on anyone this fucking hard in a long ass time so pay up my dude
Willow Smith: You come from a long line of strong, brave women and you are no exception.
Billie Eilish: I can't even comprehend how someone so young already possesses the skill level that you do. Not only are you astronomically talented, but you have one of the most beautiful minds. I'm sorry it's tortured at times. I hope you make it out okay.
Ariana Grande: Woman of the Year is such an understatement. You deserve global recognition for your outstanding resilience in the past year. You crawled into hell and back and are STILL kickin'. Words can't even express how much I admire you.
Brockhampton: It's wild how fucking poetic y'all are. It's inspiring.
Lady Gaga: Perhaps the boldest most empowering woman I grew up admiring. Such talent and confidence and grace... I bow down to you, Lady.
Lin Manuel: You're still my babe :*
Bibi: Quite possibly the best I've ever had. Thank you for all that you do.
This list always proves difficult to write. Not because it's hard to come up with people I'm grateful for, but because it always ends with me getting rather emotional and... I dunno. Nostalgic, maybe? Either way, Thanksgiving posts have always been my favorite to write because I finally get to pay homage to the people and things that make everything infinitely better. I owe you my life.
Firstly to my angel, Titi Dorianny:
My dearest Titi... I dedicate the rest of my life to you. You are the single sweetest, funniest, smartest, humblest, most generous, most loving, most giving person I have ever known. That is no exaggeration. Though I'm still tortured by you leaving us so soon, your spirit survives in your husband's voice, in your son's eyes, in every latin song that comes on the radio; in knitted scarves and real smiles; galleticas de miel and blue skies. We will love you forever, as you have loved us. Te quiero, te adoro, te amo.
..........
Papi: It's always bizarre the moment you learn your parents aren't perfect. In this, though, I'm learning the act of forgiveness, and for that, I thank you. And for taking me in. And getting through this together.Mami: I love you. I hope you always know that. I hope someday we can be closer again.
YD: You're pretty dope. This year you called me one of your best friends and I will never let you live that down. Love ya, pal.
Javi: So apparently this is the year you became taller than me or something??? Sounds fake but ok...
Tio John: You are such a vessel of strength and unconditional love. I admire you more than you know and I'm glad we will always be family <3
Natasha: It's really cool that we're both in New York now and our age gap doesn't matter as much haha You must be relieved you don't have to babysit me anymore (we all know how hyper I used to be) and instead we can enjoy deep talks and binging Netflix shows. Thanks for always being there.
Gaby: Oh Gaby... I freaking wish I could hug you. You astound me everyday with your resilience and brilliance. Truly. I've always said you'd be the next Einstein but now I'm thinking you'll be even more than that. You have such a beautiful soul and your parents have every reason to be proud.
Abuelo & Bianelly: Admiro tanto su amor. Espero algún día tener un amor así de fuerte.
Abuela: De verdad que te amo. Siempre lo haré.
Grandma & Grandpa: I miss you so much and I hope you guys are staying warm!
Tia Susan: I am purely convinced that you are my guardian angel.
Ali: Thank you for always being the sister I never had. I think our relationship is only gonna get better from here on out :)
Bob & Max: Regardless of whether you like having me around, y'all are such homies and I love youuuuu.
Suki: Muchachita de la porra I miss you so heckin much. Also, are you sure you're not part turkey?
Nutella: Niña bella, deja a la vieja tranquila XD
Cami: My dearest Cambria, can't wait to give you snuggles again ahhhhhhhh you're so fluffy I could die.
Luna: My darling creature, we haven't met yet but I'm your Tia and I LOVE YOU LIKE HECK.
Bernie & Phyllis: You little fuckers, I love you so much. Behave yourselves.
Future kitty: Hi there! Soy tu Mamá and I already love you with my whole heart! Stay warm until I get to hold you in my arms, yeah?
My exes: thank u, next :*
Pri: Chica, ven visítame porfaaaaaaa
Evan: Boiiiiiiiiiii, hello hi let's get ice cream and watch Narcos and go on a spooky scary midnight adventure and be besties again :)
Linnea: My love, I hope you know how much I love you with every fiber of my being. I would do anything for you and if someone hurts you, you best believe I will fuck. them. up. Now let's get together and take stunning pictures of each other <3
The Martins: If it wasn't already obvious, you guys are practically my second family and I love you to death and basically when can I move in?
The Night Owls: Your child misses you!!!
The Riders: You know how much you've done for me. I can never repay you.
Lauryn & Kelila: Hey babes, just wanted to say you're literally two of the bestest friends I've ever had and I live for our groupchat. I would do anything for either of you and I hope we get to see each other and be hoes together soon <3
Derek: It's sorta awesome having someone you've never met in person to count on. I gotchu fam.
Amanda: We vibe so hard together. I care about you immensely and your hugs are truly some of the best known to mankind.
Riley: You've grown so so so much from when I first met you and I can't even express how proud I am.You are going to do amazing things in this world, I know it.
Megan: My fave wife, please come visit me so we can have snuggles and excitement!!!
Soren: My precious child, holy heck am I proud of you. You better not forget about me when you're rich and famous and the most sought after celebrity of all time.
Julia: The Abbey can be tough but you are tougher. Even when you don't feel like it. Do not let it defeat you. I am here to support you always.
Caellum: I won't give up on you. No matter how many times you don't answer my damn texts, you fucker. Love you.
Emma: Babygirl, you were my first ever little sister and it pains me to even think that you're not so little anymore. You've grown so much and my heart aches to see you again. I love you I love you I love you.
Fonts: I think the fact that you've finally graduated college has automatically transitioned you into dad-hood and now you can't help but pick up the phone when I call at three in the morning :) You are seriously the best, thank you, I love you.
Mike, T & Thom: Forever and always my big brothers. I owe a lot to you.
Claire, Maeve & Sophia: Wish I could get us all together and have a ball. What a time that would be.
Aidan: Whoa whoa whoa I kinda really super duper like you, is that weird??? You're brilliant and kind and passionate and inspiring and hilarious and gorgeous so um can you stop being so perfect please? Thanks. Also, I miss you monkey.
Cast of Hadestown: Um so can you maybe leave a little talent to the rest of us please and thank you?
Emma Gonzalez: When I grow up, I wanna be just like you.
Dr. Ford: Your courage, eloquence and determination do not go unnoticed. Thank you.
Trevor Noah: Thank you for articulating such important issues and bringing them to the public. There's no place for them to hide anymore.
Michelle Obama: Please adopt me or become president or both?
All the Women Elected for Congress: LET'S FUCK IT UP LADIES
Frivvi, Maria & Emma: I owe countless restful nights to you three. What angels you are.
Alicia Keys: Always an icon. Always an inspiration.
Eddie Redmayne: You are a literal cinnamon roll. If you weren't 36 that'd be cool.
Zendaya: Marry me?
Donald Glover: You have my endless praise.
Lady Sybil: Please come back to life you were literally my favorite character and I aspire to be half the woman you were.
Tom Holland: I've already signed the adoption papers now pls come home
Barack Obama: I miss you.
Amandla Stenberg: Keep waking the people up like you do.
Noah Centineo: Hi so you don't know this yet but we're getting married and having like a thousand babies and they better all be like you I don't think I've ever crushed on anyone this fucking hard in a long ass time so pay up my dude
Willow Smith: You come from a long line of strong, brave women and you are no exception.
Billie Eilish: I can't even comprehend how someone so young already possesses the skill level that you do. Not only are you astronomically talented, but you have one of the most beautiful minds. I'm sorry it's tortured at times. I hope you make it out okay.
Ariana Grande: Woman of the Year is such an understatement. You deserve global recognition for your outstanding resilience in the past year. You crawled into hell and back and are STILL kickin'. Words can't even express how much I admire you.
Brockhampton: It's wild how fucking poetic y'all are. It's inspiring.
Lady Gaga: Perhaps the boldest most empowering woman I grew up admiring. Such talent and confidence and grace... I bow down to you, Lady.
Lin Manuel: You're still my babe :*
Bibi: Quite possibly the best I've ever had. Thank you for all that you do.
..........
How lucky am I to have so much to be thankful for?
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
P.S: It's currently way-too-fucking-late o'clock and I have a splitting headache so I need to go to bed but I love you cornflakes mucho mucho mucho :*
P.S: It's currently way-too-fucking-late o'clock and I have a splitting headache so I need to go to bed but I love you cornflakes mucho mucho mucho :*
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Turkey Day List #2
To all the beautiful creatures in my life, this is for you.
(Casually meant to post this a few days ago, oops, my bad)
Mami & Papi: Thanks for teaching me that grown ups still have a lot of growing up to do.
YD & Javi: My precious bros, now and forever.
Suki: I'll see you soon, baby.
Grandma & Grandpa: Thanks for sending me an adorable card for every holiday season.
Abuelo y Abuela: Los quiero mucho. Gracias por toda su paciencia.
Lori & David: Without your care, I don't know where I'd be. I guess we're full circle now.
Titi Dorianny: You are the strongest person I know. Te quiero tantisimo <3
Tia Susan: You've been my savior this year, you really have.
Ali: Thanks for letting me invade your space, ily :*
Wilsons/Estrellas/Fishers: I know we don't all get along but we love each other just the same.
Kerrs/Doires/Martins: Thank you for always making me feel like a part of the family.
Pri: Chacha, eres mi numero 1. Sabes que te quiero ahora y siempre.
William: Words can't really begin to describe how thankful I am for you. Though our true origin story is somewhat laughable, what happened next was nothing less than magical. It's day 14 (but not like I'm counting) and you have made me feel more special than anyone else on this planet. It's still hard to believe you're real sometimes, but I guess I'll just have to get used to that. Thank you for your sweetness, your kindness and compassion, your loyalty, authenticity and support. Thank you for the phone calls that lasted more than five hours at a time. Thank you for your hugs, your kisses, and your spirit. Thank you for your Spotify playlists and for reading poetry to me. Thank you for the naps and the dance parties and all the fun in between. You are one of the kind, you are. Who knows where we'll take us, but I sure am having fun in the meantime <3
Michael, Natalia, Liam, Warren, & Jack: It's been so lovely meeting you and I cannot thank you enough for being apart of my William's life. I hope to see you all soon! (especially you, Natalia xx)
Fonts: You continue to be nothing but a constant source of happiness for me. Please make sure we make it to that seven year mark.
Mike: I love you, Sitka. Even though we've grown up and stuff doesn't mean I don't still need you.
Caellum: You worry me so much and yet parts of me believe we're two sides of the same coin. It'll be all right.
T: Hope you're doing swell, dad.
Thom: Thanks for being my first introduction to the world of magical substances. Your help was very much needed... *laughs hysterically whilst sweating*
Scotty P: Well now that I figured out you go to Middlebury, I guess I'm just gonna hafta visit ya soon, aren't I?
Claire: Girl, you keep slaying like you do. I've always looked up to you and you do not disappoint. Much love to you, babe <3
Emmalene: Hey, gorgeous. Thank you for making me smile even when you're down. You make it easy to be happy again.
Maeve: To be honest, I know neither of us talks all that much anymore but I am ECSTATIC for you and everything you do with your life. Yer a stunna.
Heather: Thank you for being a devoted blog reader, it means more than you know. Also thanks for listening to my endless nonsense rambles.
Sophia: Hello hi I'm still in love with you come adopt me sometime pls :*
Lauryn: Casually let me know when the cast list is out because I'm about to hop on that calendar and write the dates down, I have GOT to see you slay that stage. P.S: I love you so much, bby. You continue to be my crush <3
Kelila: You sweet creature, you. Thanks for all the smiles and the tears and the laughs. You deserve nothing but the best. Also, SCAD DON'T KNOW HOW LUCKY THEY JUST GOT, GO KILL 'EM.
Sarah: AHHHHH hello new best friend!!! Can't wait to turn up in Brooklyn with you! Sincerely, if y'all don't tie the knot, Imma be real upset. Jk jk no pressure but actually tho
Riley: I fuckin' love you, dude. I think about you every day. Go make the world a better place, you got this.
Megan: My better spouse, you are just so precious. I cannot imagine my life without you. I hope senior year isn't beating your ass like it did mine. I BELEAF IN YOU!
Emma: I know you're like a trillion feet taller than me now, but you're still my baby sister. Sophomore year sucks, and it will continue to suck, but the rest gets better. I promise. Your big sister loves you so very much. Thank you for being another reason not to die.
Amanda: Hey, I hope college hasn't stamped out your spirit, cuz babe, there's no one else like you.
Evan: Hey, loser. How's my best frand doin'? I miss you so much every single day and I casually might not ever give you your pants back :) jk I will it might just be a while ANYWHO, I kinda wanted to write you something that wasn't actually mean for once. You know. Something nice and wholesome. Don't worry, I'll go back to treating you like trash immediately after :) So. This is just to say you are hands down one of the BEST things that could have happened to me in my few short months at Vassar. Part of me feels like you're my long lost twin (which would explain why we treat each other like trash but also care about each other a whole lot lot lot). I dunno, dude, I miss our long walks and our trips to the Deece and walking back to Cushing while throwing shade at Noyes and I miss making fun of your tomato hands and I miss binging Narcos with you and Stranger Things and dropping classes every other day. I miss our fight club and our long chats in the basement and doing laundry and just idk existing in the same space. You mean more to me than you know. I know this all might just sound like sappy shit to you but I mean it. I love you, ya stinkin' banana. So much. Please don't forget about me while I'm gone. Okay. I'm done. Hope you had a fab Thanksgiving, fucker :)
Linnea: Hello, love. Can I just point out that you are the best roommate I've ever had? I know you probably don't believe me but guuuuuuuurl, I've seen some shit XD Anyway, this is just me telling you everything I've already said before—Linnea, my love, you are so beautiful, and so talented, and so fucking kind. Like I don't even think you understand. Your hugs and your smiles and your forehead kisses and your post its and your text messages and your radiance would just make my day. Thank you for all those times we stayed up late ordering Bacio's and watching Disney movies or Full House. Thank you for all the times you reminded me I needed to pee. Thank you for your Heath Bars on bad days and dance parties on good days. Thank you for dealing with all my crazy and all my emotional reck-ness. Thank you for unintentional twinning and for teaching me to do my eyebrows and for not judging me for my lack of clothing at all times. Thank you for stealing food from the Deece with me and for rants about pretty boys. You mean the world to me, darling. I cannot WAIT to see you again. You are such a shining star, and you better believe it. No one shines quite as brightly as you. I love you I love you I love you <3
Juliana: Mi amorrrrrrr, te extraño tanto!!! I can't wait to go back and just dance the night away with you again. For real though, you make everything more fun. You gotta teach me Portuguese sometime! Take care of Samira while I'm gone, she worries me sometimes XD
Prat: My duuuuude, I'm sorry we never quite got around to seeing each other as much as we wanted to but props for being one of my first friends at Vassar. I miss your hugs and our drunken endeavors. We gotta catch up on that next year, yeah?
Githu: Casually had a crush on you like the first week of school, oops? Hahaha no but for real though, you're drop dead gorgeous and you deserve to know that. Also I wish we saw each other more because whenever we hung out, it was a good time. Much love!!!
Moe: It looks like Cushing is going to see you around more than me now, huh?
Pedro: Keep doing your thing, dude. It's rad.
Anthony: Mijo, espero que te estes cuidando bien, ah? Cuando vuelva, tenemos que comenzar esas cenas españolas, okay?
Sergio: Esa noche que bailamos juntos fue un verdadero éxito. Aunque de verdad no ayudó que me acababa de tomar tres shots de tequila...
Ethan: Wow wow wow #1 best stufel EVER. Like, you have no idea how helpful you've been in the time that I spent at Vassar. I couldn't have done it without you.
The Night Owls-- I LOVE YOU (OWL) ALL!
Lily: Not gonna lie, was casually intimidated by you during auditions and callbacks but then learned how wacky and darling you were and fell absolutely in love!
Chiara: You are such a stunna. Like WOW I forget to sing my part whenever you're soloing because I lowkey become mesmerized at how talented you are but oh whaleeeee!
Imani: Thank you coming up to me at the activities fair and for asking me if I liked to sing. That's lowkey how I got it all started... I could never repay you for that <3
Bailey: Thank you for being my rock as I struggled through a helluva tough decision. Your help was so so so appreciated.
Jacqui: MAMA!!! I miss our mutual geekiness over superheroes and our sectionals and literally any time ever spent with you. I look up to you so so so much.
Haley: Sorta loved you from the first moment you opened your mouth. What can I say? That first impression did not lie.
Zoe: I will never forget the first time I heard you sing Trickle. My jaw literally dropped. You amaze me.
Olivia: I'M SORRY I HAVEN'T MET YOU YET, MAMA, BUT I CAN'T WAIT TO!
Emma: 5'2 CLUB! I feel like we have very similar souls and I am so thankful for your good vibes and good advice <3
Sam: You sometimes make me cry with how genuine you are. No lie, your hugs and authenticity give me life. And Hayden Elizabeth the Dinosaur, too.
Ariana: HEY THANKS FOR BEING MY QUEER CHAPERONE! IT WAS LIT!
Sab: That one mug night with you made me learn so much and I can't remember having a more entertaining time xx
Maisha: My darling Maisha, seeing your face in rehearsal was like saying hello to the sun.
Helen: My sweet Helen, your work snapchats were hella relatable and I lowkey miss them so much.
Elena: My dear Elena, your elegance and goofiness can be described as nothing more than high art.
The cast of Spring Awakening: To be completely honest, I'd wanted to be a part of this show since I was twelve years old. Even though I didn't end up being onstage with you, it meant the world to at least be chosen to be a part of it in the first place. Much love. (Also I'm expecting to see a recording soon please and thank you)
Las niñas de Cayacoa: No podría amar lo que estoy haciendo si no fuera por ustedes. Las quiero. Cuidanse bien, oyeron?
Barbara: Holy wow, I have never actually found someone who worked and well, you worked and so I'm sort of amazed. Wow wow wow good job universe for pairing us together and all :)
Aaron Tveit: What a beautiful man you are wow let's get married thank you
Ben Platt: So if I could have your babies, that would be nice. I just need them to sing. Jk jk thank you for showing me what performance is all about. Thank you for reminding me why I want to make it my profession.
Zoella: Once again, you never fail to make me smile. You've always been there, from the very beginning :)
Me: You've made it this far. I dare you to live a little longer.
And those are just a few of the big ones.
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
(Casually meant to post this a few days ago, oops, my bad)
..........
Mami & Papi: Thanks for teaching me that grown ups still have a lot of growing up to do.
YD & Javi: My precious bros, now and forever.
Suki: I'll see you soon, baby.
Grandma & Grandpa: Thanks for sending me an adorable card for every holiday season.
Abuelo y Abuela: Los quiero mucho. Gracias por toda su paciencia.
Lori & David: Without your care, I don't know where I'd be. I guess we're full circle now.
Titi Dorianny: You are the strongest person I know. Te quiero tantisimo <3
Tia Susan: You've been my savior this year, you really have.
Ali: Thanks for letting me invade your space, ily :*
Wilsons/Estrellas/Fishers: I know we don't all get along but we love each other just the same.
Kerrs/Doires/Martins: Thank you for always making me feel like a part of the family.
Pri: Chacha, eres mi numero 1. Sabes que te quiero ahora y siempre.
William: Words can't really begin to describe how thankful I am for you. Though our true origin story is somewhat laughable, what happened next was nothing less than magical. It's day 14 (but not like I'm counting) and you have made me feel more special than anyone else on this planet. It's still hard to believe you're real sometimes, but I guess I'll just have to get used to that. Thank you for your sweetness, your kindness and compassion, your loyalty, authenticity and support. Thank you for the phone calls that lasted more than five hours at a time. Thank you for your hugs, your kisses, and your spirit. Thank you for your Spotify playlists and for reading poetry to me. Thank you for the naps and the dance parties and all the fun in between. You are one of the kind, you are. Who knows where we'll take us, but I sure am having fun in the meantime <3
Michael, Natalia, Liam, Warren, & Jack: It's been so lovely meeting you and I cannot thank you enough for being apart of my William's life. I hope to see you all soon! (especially you, Natalia xx)
Fonts: You continue to be nothing but a constant source of happiness for me. Please make sure we make it to that seven year mark.
Mike: I love you, Sitka. Even though we've grown up and stuff doesn't mean I don't still need you.
Caellum: You worry me so much and yet parts of me believe we're two sides of the same coin. It'll be all right.
T: Hope you're doing swell, dad.
Thom: Thanks for being my first introduction to the world of magical substances. Your help was very much needed... *laughs hysterically whilst sweating*
Scotty P: Well now that I figured out you go to Middlebury, I guess I'm just gonna hafta visit ya soon, aren't I?
Claire: Girl, you keep slaying like you do. I've always looked up to you and you do not disappoint. Much love to you, babe <3
Emmalene: Hey, gorgeous. Thank you for making me smile even when you're down. You make it easy to be happy again.
Maeve: To be honest, I know neither of us talks all that much anymore but I am ECSTATIC for you and everything you do with your life. Yer a stunna.
Heather: Thank you for being a devoted blog reader, it means more than you know. Also thanks for listening to my endless nonsense rambles.
Sophia: Hello hi I'm still in love with you come adopt me sometime pls :*
Lauryn: Casually let me know when the cast list is out because I'm about to hop on that calendar and write the dates down, I have GOT to see you slay that stage. P.S: I love you so much, bby. You continue to be my crush <3
Kelila: You sweet creature, you. Thanks for all the smiles and the tears and the laughs. You deserve nothing but the best. Also, SCAD DON'T KNOW HOW LUCKY THEY JUST GOT, GO KILL 'EM.
Sarah: AHHHHH hello new best friend!!! Can't wait to turn up in Brooklyn with you! Sincerely, if y'all don't tie the knot, Imma be real upset. Jk jk no pressure but actually tho
Riley: I fuckin' love you, dude. I think about you every day. Go make the world a better place, you got this.
Megan: My better spouse, you are just so precious. I cannot imagine my life without you. I hope senior year isn't beating your ass like it did mine. I BELEAF IN YOU!
Emma: I know you're like a trillion feet taller than me now, but you're still my baby sister. Sophomore year sucks, and it will continue to suck, but the rest gets better. I promise. Your big sister loves you so very much. Thank you for being another reason not to die.
Amanda: Hey, I hope college hasn't stamped out your spirit, cuz babe, there's no one else like you.
Evan: Hey, loser. How's my best frand doin'? I miss you so much every single day and I casually might not ever give you your pants back :) jk I will it might just be a while ANYWHO, I kinda wanted to write you something that wasn't actually mean for once. You know. Something nice and wholesome. Don't worry, I'll go back to treating you like trash immediately after :) So. This is just to say you are hands down one of the BEST things that could have happened to me in my few short months at Vassar. Part of me feels like you're my long lost twin (which would explain why we treat each other like trash but also care about each other a whole lot lot lot). I dunno, dude, I miss our long walks and our trips to the Deece and walking back to Cushing while throwing shade at Noyes and I miss making fun of your tomato hands and I miss binging Narcos with you and Stranger Things and dropping classes every other day. I miss our fight club and our long chats in the basement and doing laundry and just idk existing in the same space. You mean more to me than you know. I know this all might just sound like sappy shit to you but I mean it. I love you, ya stinkin' banana. So much. Please don't forget about me while I'm gone. Okay. I'm done. Hope you had a fab Thanksgiving, fucker :)
Linnea: Hello, love. Can I just point out that you are the best roommate I've ever had? I know you probably don't believe me but guuuuuuuurl, I've seen some shit XD Anyway, this is just me telling you everything I've already said before—Linnea, my love, you are so beautiful, and so talented, and so fucking kind. Like I don't even think you understand. Your hugs and your smiles and your forehead kisses and your post its and your text messages and your radiance would just make my day. Thank you for all those times we stayed up late ordering Bacio's and watching Disney movies or Full House. Thank you for all the times you reminded me I needed to pee. Thank you for your Heath Bars on bad days and dance parties on good days. Thank you for dealing with all my crazy and all my emotional reck-ness. Thank you for unintentional twinning and for teaching me to do my eyebrows and for not judging me for my lack of clothing at all times. Thank you for stealing food from the Deece with me and for rants about pretty boys. You mean the world to me, darling. I cannot WAIT to see you again. You are such a shining star, and you better believe it. No one shines quite as brightly as you. I love you I love you I love you <3
Juliana: Mi amorrrrrrr, te extraño tanto!!! I can't wait to go back and just dance the night away with you again. For real though, you make everything more fun. You gotta teach me Portuguese sometime! Take care of Samira while I'm gone, she worries me sometimes XD
Prat: My duuuuude, I'm sorry we never quite got around to seeing each other as much as we wanted to but props for being one of my first friends at Vassar. I miss your hugs and our drunken endeavors. We gotta catch up on that next year, yeah?
Githu: Casually had a crush on you like the first week of school, oops? Hahaha no but for real though, you're drop dead gorgeous and you deserve to know that. Also I wish we saw each other more because whenever we hung out, it was a good time. Much love!!!
Moe: It looks like Cushing is going to see you around more than me now, huh?
Pedro: Keep doing your thing, dude. It's rad.
Anthony: Mijo, espero que te estes cuidando bien, ah? Cuando vuelva, tenemos que comenzar esas cenas españolas, okay?
Sergio: Esa noche que bailamos juntos fue un verdadero éxito. Aunque de verdad no ayudó que me acababa de tomar tres shots de tequila...
Ethan: Wow wow wow #1 best stufel EVER. Like, you have no idea how helpful you've been in the time that I spent at Vassar. I couldn't have done it without you.
The Night Owls-- I LOVE YOU (OWL) ALL!
Lily: Not gonna lie, was casually intimidated by you during auditions and callbacks but then learned how wacky and darling you were and fell absolutely in love!
Chiara: You are such a stunna. Like WOW I forget to sing my part whenever you're soloing because I lowkey become mesmerized at how talented you are but oh whaleeeee!
Imani: Thank you coming up to me at the activities fair and for asking me if I liked to sing. That's lowkey how I got it all started... I could never repay you for that <3
Bailey: Thank you for being my rock as I struggled through a helluva tough decision. Your help was so so so appreciated.
Jacqui: MAMA!!! I miss our mutual geekiness over superheroes and our sectionals and literally any time ever spent with you. I look up to you so so so much.
Haley: Sorta loved you from the first moment you opened your mouth. What can I say? That first impression did not lie.
Zoe: I will never forget the first time I heard you sing Trickle. My jaw literally dropped. You amaze me.
Olivia: I'M SORRY I HAVEN'T MET YOU YET, MAMA, BUT I CAN'T WAIT TO!
Emma: 5'2 CLUB! I feel like we have very similar souls and I am so thankful for your good vibes and good advice <3
Sam: You sometimes make me cry with how genuine you are. No lie, your hugs and authenticity give me life. And Hayden Elizabeth the Dinosaur, too.
Ariana: HEY THANKS FOR BEING MY QUEER CHAPERONE! IT WAS LIT!
Sab: That one mug night with you made me learn so much and I can't remember having a more entertaining time xx
Maisha: My darling Maisha, seeing your face in rehearsal was like saying hello to the sun.
Helen: My sweet Helen, your work snapchats were hella relatable and I lowkey miss them so much.
Elena: My dear Elena, your elegance and goofiness can be described as nothing more than high art.
The cast of Spring Awakening: To be completely honest, I'd wanted to be a part of this show since I was twelve years old. Even though I didn't end up being onstage with you, it meant the world to at least be chosen to be a part of it in the first place. Much love. (Also I'm expecting to see a recording soon please and thank you)
Las niñas de Cayacoa: No podría amar lo que estoy haciendo si no fuera por ustedes. Las quiero. Cuidanse bien, oyeron?
Barbara: Holy wow, I have never actually found someone who worked and well, you worked and so I'm sort of amazed. Wow wow wow good job universe for pairing us together and all :)
Aaron Tveit: What a beautiful man you are wow let's get married thank you
Ben Platt: So if I could have your babies, that would be nice. I just need them to sing. Jk jk thank you for showing me what performance is all about. Thank you for reminding me why I want to make it my profession.
Zoella: Once again, you never fail to make me smile. You've always been there, from the very beginning :)
Me: You've made it this far. I dare you to live a little longer.
..........
And those are just a few of the big ones.
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
Monday, June 26, 2017
My Friends and the Hundreds of Millions of Things That They Are
Hello loves. I was doing a bit of tumblring the other day when I happened upon something quite interesting and this, right here, my dears, is my attempt at recreating that.
Please don't take offense, just know that every one of these things is what makes me love you even more <3
..........
Claire: nineteen, goldilocks 'til the day she dies, red lipstick and waterproof mascara, films everything her friends do because my god she loves them, blogposts and dark chocolate, bandanas and shades on-the-go, band-T's and pointe shoes, eats trail mix by the pound, chipped nail polish, a smile that makes her eyes crease like sun-rays, car keys and sunscreen, loud music or no music, pancakes and OJ, proud Ravenclaw, Stitchers and T-swizzle, too much perfume and unabashed cackling, no one loves more fiercely than she.
Fonts: twenty-one, begins most sentences with a pun, beer cans and flip-flops, life of the party or first one to crash, bass amps and drunken texts, light hazing and hidden compliments, pocket poetry and solid ground, old music and sage advice, glazed eyes and wide smiles, thoughts that expand beyond the universe, engages in many a poke battle, polo shirts and Bermuda shorts, relentless, Bruce Springsteen and ping-pong, loud singing and wholesome memes, unafraid of dropping everything for the ones he loves.
Mike: twenty, prickly stubble and bone-crushing hugs, goofy smiles and 3/4 socks, dad glasses and drumsticks, honesty and lack of grace, undecipherable texts and American chop suey, the calm after the storm (but sometimes also the storm), Brother Bear and a desire to be needed, pinky promises and Buffalo pizza, impulsive and stupid and an absolute goon, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, pats on the back and words of encouragement, protective to a fault, Dunkin' Donuts and tired eyes, will always forgive and welcome you back.
Caellum: nineteen, a mess of curls and a jumpy personality, drives too fast, plays too loud, calloused hands and muscle-T's, Shakespeare extraordinaire, color-changing eyes and itty bitty handwriting, microphones and videogames and headphones that don't fit, brooding in shadows and existentialist thoughts, miles of legs with nowhere to go, ice cream and sarcasm, tea leaves and liquor, unfinished poetry and skinny jeans, beanies and irony, weed and cologne, fingerless gloves and Sherlock quotes, Disney movies and warm blankets, loves too deeply, falls too quickly, a force to be reckoned with.
Amanda: seventeen, angels and demons, ukulele strings, snapbacks and leather jackets, bugspray and cigarettes, drunk texts and watchful eyes, rollercoasters and hand-holding, Lauren Jauregui and skin-tight jeans, a mix of perfume and cologne, sly smirks and ringed fingers, hair like a black cascade, sketches and journals and soul sealed shut, danger and risk but excitement, Netflix and whispers in the dark, wears confidence like a cape, literal child and puppy-lover, nightmares and after-cuddles, crucifixes and hockey sticks, sunflower seeds and tough love, a knowing spirit with a knowing heart.
Tom: twenty, wild red mane and height of a tree, high-pitched giggles and shiny guitars, head-banging while lip-synching your favorite songs, all real and there and present, brilliant at one-too-many things, guitar picks and tuners and cool toys, munchies for days, laughter that rattles your soul, eyes that live only in the right now, resident ginger and cheerer upper, John Mayer and unfinished lyrics, mac 'n cheese and Mountain Dew, heart of a lion and drive of a motor engine, never have I ever met a more generous soul.
Sophia: nineteen, basketball hoops and keyboards, laughter that can light up an entire room, no bullshit and no bounds, Adidas and crops tops, mono and cough drops, bouncy black curls and nose rings, jam sessions and inside jokes, ziplock bags filled with NyQuil, lights fireworks as she speaks, heart and soul and no holding back, voice like melted chocolate, secret sororities and med-school lingo, cocoa butter and lactose intolerance, late night chats under magical skies, airplane buddies and mutual hatred, the Angelica to my Eliza, lives every day like her last, consider yourself blessed to be her friend.
Lauryn: sixteen, loud jokes and snide remarks, tight braids and big doe-eyes, musicals and rap battles, pineapples and EpiPens, bra-flinger and tickling extraordinaire, 10/10 will fight you, fanfiction and One Direction, uneven tans and Mexican jokes, talent for making anything sexual, insults those she loves most, Jeff and memes and Capri Suns, an explosion that cannot be contained, hot sauce and banter and booty, stubborn and unflinching, will screenshot anything to blackmail you, butt grabs and raspberry chocolate, 1000% under-appreciated and the whole world needs to know what a wonder she is.
Kelila: seventeen, gentle eyes and flashing teeth, cherry allergies and Dr. Pepper, loudest at the table and quietest in her head, all purple and soft and aching, horses and ice-chewing and violas, converse and rainbows, poetry etched into the corners of notebooks, can always tell when something is wrong, sour gummies and insomnia and clumsiness, injuries and sweet tooths, loud sneezes and cold hands, indecisive, unpredictable, fuzzy and caring and warm, brilliant, hysterical and capable, small lil daisy waiting to bloom.
Riley: sixteen, vanilla and baby powder, mixtapes and distracks, laughs too loud and smiles too big, platonic kisses and baggy T-shirts, polar and extreme, selfies and finsta posts, gummy bears and no filters, hockey sticks and tight dresses, chokers and smiling eyes and too-honest remarks, strawberry blonde and extra butter, glitter eyeliner and softball gloves, a gaze like staring into a galaxy, voice trembling with vibrato, can't help how she feels, tries her damned hardest, all aboard the Angst Express, eyelashes that never stop growing, messy buns and leggings and a desire to be loved.
Megan: seventeen, tangled hair and hot chocolate, long lashes and turtlenecks, excited squeals from miles away, hidden hickeys and homemade nachos, marshmallow-soft hugs and dance parties, shopping buddy and fellow dickphobe, unable to say no, fleece sweatshirts and peppermint, big spoon and hums of approval, Better Spouse with freaky feet, Harry Potter and John Green, leg warmers and organized chaos, mismatched socks and wooly mittens, all of the beauty and all of the charm, will kiss you on the forehead and gift you chestnuts for good luck, basically the purest human I know.
Emma: fifteen, blue eyes like a crystal sea, unknowing of what she wants, eccentric vegetarian, Dutch braids and no grace, Play-Do and Snapchat filters, can't dance and can't be left alone, Mario Kart and fuzzy socks, blue veins and pink cheeks, will travel great distances to keep you fed, mind ablaze with a thousand thoughts per minute, juice boxes and MiniWheats, contagious laughter and made-up songs, one second she loves you and the next—watch out, avoids confrontation, Stitch and bracelets and pockets of sunshine, boybands and playfights and unconditional love, tends to view life through a catastrophic lens, sizzles and pops and just wants to be good enough, my precious child.
..........
So there you have it. Accurate or way off? You let me know ;)
Missing you all a bunch and a half!
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
All the Important Words
The thing about writing important words is at first, no matter what, they're gonna sound like crap. And for a while now, I've been sitting here thinking of important words and the various forms they could be rearranged so they sound like something real but I guess sometimes the important stuff is just gonna sound like crap anyway. Am I making any sense? Oh, bother.
I guess my point is I'm sat here on my bed in a Vassar V-neck and it's 86 degrees outside and I've got second degree burns on my arms and legs from river rafting and I've been up for a consecutive twelve hours trying to finish a book and my owl glasses are on and my face is a mess but I pulled myself together enough so I could sit here and try to write important words.
See, I just finished reading Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places and without spoiling anything, I can tell you that novel takes you on one heck of a ride. I speak as a teenager. I speak as a seventeen-year-old girl who knows what it's like to love someone so very much and lose them anyhow. I speak as someone who has been there, on every single side of the equation. Listen, recent events in my own life may have allowed for this book to dig a deeper hole in my heart than perhaps it may have if everything had been all right.
My parents are recently divorced.
My very good friend took her own life.
I split with my longterm boy/best friend.
The dark is creeping its way back in and my country is on the brink of revolution.
And yet I am grateful. You see, if anything, All the Bright Places has made me feel more Awake than ever. If you ever read the book (which I highly recommend you do), you'll know what that means. It's just... It's filled with important words—things that need to be said. About adolescence, about mental illness, about friendships, relationships, people, life. We're all just people trying to understand one another and sometimes we think we speak the same language when really, we should be paying more attention to our dialect.
I don't know if that made sense.
In any case, I was in the kitchen a couple of minutes ago, sleep deprived and eating a shitty apple, when suddenly I wanted nothing more than to shout all the important words—loud enough for all the important people to hear.
I love you. More than anything.
Don't leave me.
Please.
I wanted to beg but then the important people would have been alarmed and thought I'd gone insane.
But maybe I am.
Maybe we're all insane and we're all just trying to get by as quickly and quietly and unnoticed as possible?
I'm hungry again. The apple was spoiled, anyway.
I look up at the mirror on my wall and I quite literally feel as though I've aged in the past twelve hours. I can't begin to explain... Just... Like it's just finally there was someone in the world who knew. She knew, and she grabbed the important words and arranged them perfectly and wrote them down and now they're out in the world.
Sue me for having a marshmallow heart, it came with the package.
I need to get my mind off this book, off the fatigue, off the feverish sunburn, so I open my closet and rummage for nail polish.
Only I just remembered I'm shit at painting nails.
My arms look puffy. I think they're swollen from the burn.
I sometimes think my thoughts are much like an angry sunburn: light and near unnoticeable at first, but building in color, building in rage as time goes on; painful and red and stubborn and unflinching when pulled; stinging and burning and seething when touched.
I stand up and feel the skin pull taut around my knees, like rubbery leather. Those for sure will leave an ugly tan.
I wish I could make all these thoughts more cohesive. I'm not really sure which direction I'm going in anymore.
But none of us do.
It's all a mystery and who knows, maybe that's the best part.
I tried to take a nap but all I could think of were Luc and Rosie.
And then all the people who were taken too soon.
What if Matt hadn't fallen asleep and what if Genji had worn a seatbelt and what if Ben hadn't been drinking that night and what if Luc had warned someone and what if someone had just known about Rosie, what if...?
I miss them all so much it hurts.
I dreamt of Rosie and of Luc and just pictured myself hugging them and apologizing over and over and over, tears streaming down my face and they just looked down at me and smiled and patted my head and didn't say a word.
But they were right there. Right in front of me and I couldn't do a damn thing to save them now.
It just didn't seem real. None of it seems real. It's been months and months and none of it seems real.
I suspect it's the sort of pain one doesn't ever really get over, just learns to cope with.
To all my important people:
Know that you are loved. You are so loved and like it or not, you are a part of every single person you've met. You have changed them and become a part of their story and goodness gracious, they would not be where they are today if it weren't for you.
Know that you are needed. I need you. Holy fuck, do I need you. Don't you dare leave me. Not anytime soon.
Know that time will heal. I sound like a right hypocrite because I'm guilty of tricking myself into believing none of it will ever be okay again. But that's simply not true. You've got to believe that someday, you will be okay again. Things will be okay again. And if it's not okay, it's not the end.
I suspect my train of thought has dragged you all over the place by now. I'm sorry.
My mind is a messy place, but you already knew that.
I'm hungry. I should probably go do something about that.
Take care of yourselves, please. Treat yourself like you would a small child.
I love you.
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
I guess my point is I'm sat here on my bed in a Vassar V-neck and it's 86 degrees outside and I've got second degree burns on my arms and legs from river rafting and I've been up for a consecutive twelve hours trying to finish a book and my owl glasses are on and my face is a mess but I pulled myself together enough so I could sit here and try to write important words.
See, I just finished reading Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places and without spoiling anything, I can tell you that novel takes you on one heck of a ride. I speak as a teenager. I speak as a seventeen-year-old girl who knows what it's like to love someone so very much and lose them anyhow. I speak as someone who has been there, on every single side of the equation. Listen, recent events in my own life may have allowed for this book to dig a deeper hole in my heart than perhaps it may have if everything had been all right.
My parents are recently divorced.
My very good friend took her own life.
I split with my longterm boy/best friend.
The dark is creeping its way back in and my country is on the brink of revolution.
And yet I am grateful. You see, if anything, All the Bright Places has made me feel more Awake than ever. If you ever read the book (which I highly recommend you do), you'll know what that means. It's just... It's filled with important words—things that need to be said. About adolescence, about mental illness, about friendships, relationships, people, life. We're all just people trying to understand one another and sometimes we think we speak the same language when really, we should be paying more attention to our dialect.
I don't know if that made sense.
In any case, I was in the kitchen a couple of minutes ago, sleep deprived and eating a shitty apple, when suddenly I wanted nothing more than to shout all the important words—loud enough for all the important people to hear.
I love you. More than anything.
Don't leave me.
Please.
I wanted to beg but then the important people would have been alarmed and thought I'd gone insane.
But maybe I am.
Maybe we're all insane and we're all just trying to get by as quickly and quietly and unnoticed as possible?
I'm hungry again. The apple was spoiled, anyway.
I look up at the mirror on my wall and I quite literally feel as though I've aged in the past twelve hours. I can't begin to explain... Just... Like it's just finally there was someone in the world who knew. She knew, and she grabbed the important words and arranged them perfectly and wrote them down and now they're out in the world.
Sue me for having a marshmallow heart, it came with the package.
I need to get my mind off this book, off the fatigue, off the feverish sunburn, so I open my closet and rummage for nail polish.
Only I just remembered I'm shit at painting nails.
My arms look puffy. I think they're swollen from the burn.
I sometimes think my thoughts are much like an angry sunburn: light and near unnoticeable at first, but building in color, building in rage as time goes on; painful and red and stubborn and unflinching when pulled; stinging and burning and seething when touched.
I stand up and feel the skin pull taut around my knees, like rubbery leather. Those for sure will leave an ugly tan.
I wish I could make all these thoughts more cohesive. I'm not really sure which direction I'm going in anymore.
But none of us do.
It's all a mystery and who knows, maybe that's the best part.
I tried to take a nap but all I could think of were Luc and Rosie.
And then all the people who were taken too soon.
What if Matt hadn't fallen asleep and what if Genji had worn a seatbelt and what if Ben hadn't been drinking that night and what if Luc had warned someone and what if someone had just known about Rosie, what if...?
I miss them all so much it hurts.
I dreamt of Rosie and of Luc and just pictured myself hugging them and apologizing over and over and over, tears streaming down my face and they just looked down at me and smiled and patted my head and didn't say a word.
But they were right there. Right in front of me and I couldn't do a damn thing to save them now.
It just didn't seem real. None of it seems real. It's been months and months and none of it seems real.
I suspect it's the sort of pain one doesn't ever really get over, just learns to cope with.
To all my important people:
Know that you are loved. You are so loved and like it or not, you are a part of every single person you've met. You have changed them and become a part of their story and goodness gracious, they would not be where they are today if it weren't for you.
Know that you are needed. I need you. Holy fuck, do I need you. Don't you dare leave me. Not anytime soon.
Know that time will heal. I sound like a right hypocrite because I'm guilty of tricking myself into believing none of it will ever be okay again. But that's simply not true. You've got to believe that someday, you will be okay again. Things will be okay again. And if it's not okay, it's not the end.
I suspect my train of thought has dragged you all over the place by now. I'm sorry.
My mind is a messy place, but you already knew that.
I'm hungry. I should probably go do something about that.
Take care of yourselves, please. Treat yourself like you would a small child.
I love you.
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
Monday, August 8, 2016
Camping at its Best
Hi all. It's been a while since I've written one of these but after a long and thoughtful conversation with Fonts last night, I thought it was right about time for me to write something like this again :) Keep in mind that, as always, this story is based very loosely on a dream I had involving each of you, except this time (to make it a tad more interesting) I'm not using your real names! The fun part is guessing who's who ;)
However, so it's not overly complicated, I will tell you this story features C, Fonts, Gibb, Tom, Tiernan, Claire, Shelby, and myself.
However, so it's not overly complicated, I will tell you this story features C, Fonts, Gibb, Tom, Tiernan, Claire, Shelby, and myself.
..........
It all started when Alex brought up the idea one night after we'd scarfed down three pizzas in his living room.
"Holy shit, guys. You know what would be a great idea?" he went off excitedly.
"Enlighten us," Gabby offered, taking a sip of the Code Red in her hand.
"What if we all went camping together?" the brightness behind his eyes immediately gave away how excited he was about the whole idea.
"I don't know, dude... That's a death sentence waiting to happen..." Theo pointed out, scanning the room for everyone else's opinions.
"Cmon, think about it. We pile into Mel's van and drive out into the woods for a couple of days, build a campfire, cook some smores, go exploring... You know the drill. Who's down?" Alex insisted, folding up the last empty pizza box before throwing it away.
"Hold on a second, we are NOT driving my van into the woods, and even if we were, how in the hell would we all fit?" Melvin looked pointedly at Alex, folding his arms across his chest all the while.
"I mean, we could always shove Charlotte in the trunk,"
"Fuck off, Judah," I flipped him the bird, wiping the smug grin off his face as he shlumped further into the couch.
"Yeah, fuck off, Judah," Louise backed me up, although I think the message didn't quite deliver seeing as she winked and blew him a kiss at the same time.
"Hey, I'm with Alex, here. This could be stupidly fun if we let it," Sam finally intervened.
"I mean, yeah, it could be fun," Gabby chimed in, pulling her knees up to her chest from her seat on the ground.
"We're probably gonna end up hating each other but sure, what the hell," Theo approved.
Alex smiled even wider since people were beginning to cooperate.
"I'm in!" Louise tucked the hair behind her ear before resting her head on Jude's shoulder.
"If she's in, I'm in," was the latter's immediate response.
"Oh, shut up," I rolled my eyes at the two love birds before Alex kneeled down in front of me, grabbing my hands in his own.
What a fucking drama queen.
"Charlotte? Please, pretty please...?"
Knowing I'm not the biggest fan of Mother Nature, I sighed before reluctantly nodding my head yes.
That only left Melvin.
"Come on, Mel, live a little," Sam pleaded, eager to help his best friend with his dream plan.
We all looked to him, knowing he would give in eventually.
And he did.
So one hot and very sunny June morning, all eight of us piled into Melvin's van, as was foretold.
..........
The drive only lasted about two hours but by the end of it, we were dying to get away from each other.
"Ahhhhh we're here!!!" Alex was the very first one out of the car, shutting the passenger's side door behind him.
"Does anyone else have to pee or is it just me?" Sam shuffled from one foot to another, grabbing his crotch.
"Ugh, Samuel, get a tree," Gabby made a look of disgust before flipping the trunk open.
I called dibs on the largest sleeping bag, much to Jude's chagrin. Served him right for his little comment the other day.
Theo took hold of the cooler while everyone else grabbed a sleeping bag and a backpack. And off we went in search of the perfect spot.
After a mere twenty minutes of hiking, we arrived at a little clearing.
"Guys, this place is perfect!" Louise jogged ahead of us, sliding the backpack off her shoulder and throwing her sleeping bag on the ground.
"Great, we'll crash here then. Any objections?" Melvin took the silence as a no, so the rest of us lugged our stuff over to Louise, following suit.
"Alright, goons, first thing's first—" Gabby started.
"I'm the realest."
I threw a thermos at Alex.
"Sorry..."
"Drown yourselves in bugspray," Gabby continued, looking expectantly at Theo, whom we'd all agreed would be in charge of bugspray.
He just looked back at us sheepishly, "Hey, I thought Jude was in charge of that,"
"You leave me out of this, Theodore," Judah pointed a finger at his accuser, ready to start a fight.
A burst of exasperation echoed through all of us.
"You've gotta be shitting me," Louise grumbled.
"YOU HAD ONE JOB!" Alex retorted.
"Welp, we're never inviting Theo to anything again," Sam stated matter-of-factly.
"Hey—!"
Just as they were about to attack each other, I rolled my eyes and unzipped my backpack.
"Chill, fam. I brought a backup," I announced, holding it out to them like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"This is why Charlotte's the favorite," Louise pulled me in a bone-crushing hug before snatching the repellant out of my hands.
There were murmurs of agreement as Off! passed down from one person to another.
"Yeah, you're welcome," I stuck my tongue out at Theo teasingly, knowing this was just karma for all the times he tried to annoy me in the past.
"Fuck no."
"Thought so."
And the two continued walking.
Needless to say, our little midnight excursion caused us to cut the trip short, seeing as half of us were too scared to spend another night in any proximity of the woods.
But that wasn't the last of our crazy adventures.
"Ahhhhh we're here!!!" Alex was the very first one out of the car, shutting the passenger's side door behind him.
"Does anyone else have to pee or is it just me?" Sam shuffled from one foot to another, grabbing his crotch.
"Ugh, Samuel, get a tree," Gabby made a look of disgust before flipping the trunk open.
I called dibs on the largest sleeping bag, much to Jude's chagrin. Served him right for his little comment the other day.
Theo took hold of the cooler while everyone else grabbed a sleeping bag and a backpack. And off we went in search of the perfect spot.
After a mere twenty minutes of hiking, we arrived at a little clearing.
"Guys, this place is perfect!" Louise jogged ahead of us, sliding the backpack off her shoulder and throwing her sleeping bag on the ground.
"Great, we'll crash here then. Any objections?" Melvin took the silence as a no, so the rest of us lugged our stuff over to Louise, following suit.
"Alright, goons, first thing's first—" Gabby started.
"I'm the realest."
I threw a thermos at Alex.
"Sorry..."
"Drown yourselves in bugspray," Gabby continued, looking expectantly at Theo, whom we'd all agreed would be in charge of bugspray.
He just looked back at us sheepishly, "Hey, I thought Jude was in charge of that,"
"You leave me out of this, Theodore," Judah pointed a finger at his accuser, ready to start a fight.
A burst of exasperation echoed through all of us.
"You've gotta be shitting me," Louise grumbled.
"YOU HAD ONE JOB!" Alex retorted.
"Welp, we're never inviting Theo to anything again," Sam stated matter-of-factly.
"Hey—!"
Just as they were about to attack each other, I rolled my eyes and unzipped my backpack.
"Chill, fam. I brought a backup," I announced, holding it out to them like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"This is why Charlotte's the favorite," Louise pulled me in a bone-crushing hug before snatching the repellant out of my hands.
There were murmurs of agreement as Off! passed down from one person to another.
"Yeah, you're welcome," I stuck my tongue out at Theo teasingly, knowing this was just karma for all the times he tried to annoy me in the past.
..........
It was just short of 1pm when someone's stomach growled.
"Hey, don't look at me, I'm the only one who had a real breakfast," Gabby defended, ready to challenge anyone who said otherwise.
"...sorry..." Alex mumbled self-consciously, placing his hands over his stomach.
"Well, I for one, could definitely go for some noms," Mel stalked over to the cooler and flipped open the lid.
"Who wants some Capri Sun?"
"OHMYGOD I DO!" I raced over to the cooler like it was my job, shoving Mel aside and rummaging for my favorite: Strawberry Kiwi.
Hey, I can't help it. That's some good shit.
"You never age a day, do you?" Judah smirked at me, making sure to poke me in the side.
I stuck my tongue out at him, which didn't really help my case.
It took roughly about ten minutes for everyone to be settled on top of their sleeping bag with a sandwich of some sort in one hand and some variation of Capri Sun, Mountain Dew, or water in the other.
"Not gonna lie, I'm very okay with all this right now," Melvin spoke up from behind a BLT.
"Told youuuuuu," Theo said, smirking from his grilled cheese.
"Hey, don't rub it in, asshole," Mel sneered, taking another bite out of the heavenly sandwich.
"I'm bored," I huffed, flopping over onto my backpack.
"Wow, way to kill the mood, kiddo," Gabby laughed, smacking me lightly over the head.
"What? I'm just saying, now that we've all stuffed our faces, I would really like to go do something," I explained.
"I'm with the child on this one," Judah quipped, crumbling up his tin foil before chucking it at me.
"Fine, then, who's up for frisbee?" Theo suggested.
"I'm down," Sam agreed.
"Yeah, word," said Alex.
"Sure, I'll play," Melvin chimed.
"Yeah, me too," Gabby joined the others.
"Ugh, you guys are boring. I'm going exploring. You're all welcome to join me," I muttered cockily, standing up and brushing myself off before I looked around to see if anyone would consent.
After an awkward five second pause, Louise sighed, slinging her arm around my shoulder.
"Sure, I'll go with you,"
I relaxed a little, suddenly relieved I wouldn't have to go alone.
That left Judah. And I sure as hell wasn't gonna third wheel so...
"Welp, have fun with frisbee. Bye guys!" I grabbed Louise by the hand and scampered off, not even giving Jude the chance to answer me.
I would imagine I left them all rather befuddled, but they're big kids. They can take care of themselves.
..........
"What the fuck is going on here?!"
Apparently, they cannot take care of themselves.
Louise and I had a lovely time exploring the woods, walking along a stream, and talking about everything under the sun. Meanwhile, what do we come back to?
Sam and Judah wrestling something out of a tree, Melvin and Alex beating an upturned cooler with a large stick, Theo attempting to salvage our strewn sleeping bags, and Gabby filming it all.
"We were playing frisbee and Jude chucked it into a tree and now the mom's angry and—" Sam rambled off hysterically.
"Hey, it's not my fault she's got four cubs..." Judah attempted to defend himself.
"Oh, shove a dick in it, Judy Bloom," Melvin howled, clearly still struggling with whatever was under the cooler.
"Gabby, how could you let this happen?!" I sputtered, rushing over to the rest of them, who clearly needed help.
"Hey, I'm not their babysitter; don't go blaming this on me!" she countered, shoving her phone in her front pocket.
"Fuckin' hell," Louise pulled her hair into a ponytail while walking over to Judah and Sam.
She gave Jude's arm an extra tug and out came the frisbee from the branch it was previously caught in.
Then she ambled over to Alex and Melvin, grabbing the stick out of Mel's hand and casting it aside before advising the boys to let the creature go.
Reluctantly, they flipped the cooler over, revealing a ring-tailed coon.
The creature immediately scurried away with a deathly glare in her eyes, hissing back at us as if to say, "You motherfuckers."
"And that's how you take care of that," Louise dusted her hands off, a smug grin decorating her features.
"Oh yeah, sure, like it was that easy—You weren't even here before! You didn't see what she was capable of!" Theo shuddered at the thought.
I giggled at the ridiculousness of it all, helping Alex pick up the remains of our food that had toppled over with the cooler.
"What say you we get a fire going?" Sam proposed, hands resting on his hips, clearly tired from attempting to dislodge a frisbee a few moments ago.
"Yeah, it's getting late. If we're building a fire, we better start now," Mel pointed out.
All eyes turned to Gabby.
"Oh, come on, you'd think that after all our Satanic Thursday Gatherings you'd know how to do this already..." she grumbled, adjusting her boots before leading the way.
We all knew that she secretly loved being in charge of this part though. It was in her blood.
And so Gabby was put in charge of handing out marshmallows because we didn't trust anybody else with them.
"Hey! Stop poking me with your stick!"
"Wuss!"
"Idiot!"
"Smartmouth!"
"Cocksucker!"
"Jesus fuck, guys, put a lid on it, wouldya? There's a child in our presence," Louise made sure to give both Judah and Theo a hard smack on the arm.
"Hey, you're the one who just dropped an f-bomb..." Theo defended weakly, rubbing his now very sore arm.
"Yeah, and I'm not a child..." I whined.
"Fuck isn't a swear word. It's a verb. And of course you're not the child. Sam is," she countered conclusively.
"Heyyyy—!"
"Just accept it, man. Don't fight it," Alex placed a hand on his friend's shoulder sympathetically.
"Hahaaaa! Guys, look, my marshmallow's on fire!"
"I'm sorry, what—?'"
Everyone's eyes turned to me as I giggled and let the fire envelope my marshmallow, burning it to a crisp along with the stick.
As the flame reached closer and closer to my hand, I could tell the others became a bit unnerved.
"Cmon, Charlotte, what the hell are you doing? You're gonna burn yourself like that!" Alex was at my side in two seconds but I didn't let go yet.
Just as the flames reached less than a milimeter away from my fingers, I blew the fire out.
"Jesus, kid, what the fuck was that for?"Judah eyed the smoltering thing with something short of terror.
"Dramatic effect," I smiled, tossing the charred stick and marshmallow into the fire pit before retrieving another one.
"You know, she's loonier than she lets on..." I heard Sam whisper to Gabby who gave him a look that told him to leave it be.
At least Theo and Jude weren't playing Shish Kebob anymore.
Rounding 9pm, the ghost stories began.
Now, usually I'm a fan. When I'm safe and sound at home, that is. When the stories involving forests have nothing to do with me. Now that we've gone camping, it's personal.
But of course, this was Jude's expertise, so alas, we let him.
I'll save you all the piss-inducing details, but I guess you can imagine they were maybe a tad 2 spooky 5 you.
I made sure to smush myself between Alex and Mel, Sam and Theo latched onto Gabby as if their lives depended on it, and that left Judah and Louise huddling in the opposite corner.
"How on earth am I supposed to go to sleep after that?!" I squeaked.
"Charlotte, darling, you know they're not real, right?" Gabby tried to reassure me from across the way, where Sam and Theo continued grabbing onto her for protection.
"Yeah, and even if they were real, there's eight of us. Nothing bad can happen in large groups," Louise rationalized.
"Tell that to the Holocaust..." Jude mumbled beside her, earning him a few half-hearted chuckles and a jab to the ribs.
"Okay, well, if we're getting up to see the sunrise, we better get to bed," Gabby stated, peeling Samuel and Theodore off her limbs before making her way to her sleeping bag.
"She's right, sleep is good sometimes," Mel reasoned, getting up from his spot beside me.
"Sleep is for the weak," Sam stammered, still shaking a bit from the concluding ghost story.
"Yeah, well, so are bags under your eyes, so get your ass to bed," Gabby snapped.
She gets cranky when she's tired.
"Yeah, it's getting late. If we're building a fire, we better start now," Mel pointed out.
All eyes turned to Gabby.
"Oh, come on, you'd think that after all our Satanic Thursday Gatherings you'd know how to do this already..." she grumbled, adjusting her boots before leading the way.
We all knew that she secretly loved being in charge of this part though. It was in her blood.
..........
A solid hour and a half later, it was nearing 7pm and we were all pretty exhausted from collecting firewood and stones and the like.
"There we go," Gabby concluded with a smile, wiping her hands on her jeans victoriously.
A decently-sized fire blazed and crackled before us. Now, only one thing was missing.
"I want smoresssssss!" I squealed, eager to start the dessert making.
"Hold your horses, sugar freak, we'll get there when we get there," laughed Mel, giving me an unwanted noogie.
"Yo, I'm with sugar freak. I want smoresssss!!!" Judah backed me up, continuing my chant for dessert.
And so Gabby was put in charge of handing out marshmallows because we didn't trust anybody else with them.
"Hey! Stop poking me with your stick!"
"Wuss!"
"Idiot!"
"Smartmouth!"
"Cocksucker!"
"Jesus fuck, guys, put a lid on it, wouldya? There's a child in our presence," Louise made sure to give both Judah and Theo a hard smack on the arm.
"Hey, you're the one who just dropped an f-bomb..." Theo defended weakly, rubbing his now very sore arm.
"Yeah, and I'm not a child..." I whined.
"Fuck isn't a swear word. It's a verb. And of course you're not the child. Sam is," she countered conclusively.
"Heyyyy—!"
"Just accept it, man. Don't fight it," Alex placed a hand on his friend's shoulder sympathetically.
"Hahaaaa! Guys, look, my marshmallow's on fire!"
"I'm sorry, what—?'"
Everyone's eyes turned to me as I giggled and let the fire envelope my marshmallow, burning it to a crisp along with the stick.
As the flame reached closer and closer to my hand, I could tell the others became a bit unnerved.
"Cmon, Charlotte, what the hell are you doing? You're gonna burn yourself like that!" Alex was at my side in two seconds but I didn't let go yet.
Just as the flames reached less than a milimeter away from my fingers, I blew the fire out.
"Jesus, kid, what the fuck was that for?"Judah eyed the smoltering thing with something short of terror.
"Dramatic effect," I smiled, tossing the charred stick and marshmallow into the fire pit before retrieving another one.
"You know, she's loonier than she lets on..." I heard Sam whisper to Gabby who gave him a look that told him to leave it be.
At least Theo and Jude weren't playing Shish Kebob anymore.
..........
Rounding 9pm, the ghost stories began.
Now, usually I'm a fan. When I'm safe and sound at home, that is. When the stories involving forests have nothing to do with me. Now that we've gone camping, it's personal.
But of course, this was Jude's expertise, so alas, we let him.
I'll save you all the piss-inducing details, but I guess you can imagine they were maybe a tad 2 spooky 5 you.
I made sure to smush myself between Alex and Mel, Sam and Theo latched onto Gabby as if their lives depended on it, and that left Judah and Louise huddling in the opposite corner.
"How on earth am I supposed to go to sleep after that?!" I squeaked.
"Charlotte, darling, you know they're not real, right?" Gabby tried to reassure me from across the way, where Sam and Theo continued grabbing onto her for protection.
"Yeah, and even if they were real, there's eight of us. Nothing bad can happen in large groups," Louise rationalized.
"Tell that to the Holocaust..." Jude mumbled beside her, earning him a few half-hearted chuckles and a jab to the ribs.
"Okay, well, if we're getting up to see the sunrise, we better get to bed," Gabby stated, peeling Samuel and Theodore off her limbs before making her way to her sleeping bag.
"She's right, sleep is good sometimes," Mel reasoned, getting up from his spot beside me.
"Sleep is for the weak," Sam stammered, still shaking a bit from the concluding ghost story.
"Yeah, well, so are bags under your eyes, so get your ass to bed," Gabby snapped.
She gets cranky when she's tired.
..........
I could've sworn I'd heard a snap.
Our fire was out and the trees blocked all sight of the moon, so I was dealing with pitch black darkness.
There it was again. The snap. And then a rustle. And then a crack.
My heartbeat suddenly increasing about ten thousand beats per minute, I shook the first person I could reach.
"Psst! Hey, wake up!" I hissed, not wanting to be alone.
"Hmmmwhaaa?" spoke a groggy voice, whom I assumed belonged to Theo.
"I heard something," I whispered urgently.
I could hear him shuffling around in his sleeping back, turning to face me in the darkness.
"Charrrrlotte, go bacck tsleepm," he drolled, too useless for my sake.
"No, I'm serious! I know I heard something!" I pressed, shaking him more so he wouldn't fall back asleep.
And there it was again. I knew he heard it too, this time. We both tensed up.
"Shit, man, what is that?" Now I knew he was awake.
"I don't know, I don't know, I don't know," I squeaked, trying my best not to be a sissy and start crying on the spot.
"Hey, dude, wake up," I heard Theo bump someone on the head.
I think it was Mel.
"Somemoree desserrtt in Orlandoo..." Yup. Definitely Mel.
"Mel, shut up, we heard something, wake up," Theo urged him, clearly as freaked out as I was.
And we heard it again. The rustling.
"See?! Didn't you hear that?!" I inquired, trying not to lose my shit.
"Fuck," was his only response.
Then I heard what I think was him unzipping his sleeping bag very carefully before grabbing something heavy and metallic. A flashlight.
"You guys stay here, I'll go check it out," he decided.
"Are you crazy?!" I nearly shrieked, "If there's a bear out there, you're gonna die!"
"Fine. Theo, you come with me. Charlotte, you stay here."
"Hey, that's not fair!"
After all, I wasn't gonna let my friends die on my watch. But they wouldn't leave unless I promised them I'd stay, so after I was sure they were a few steps ahead, I sprang right up and followed the sound of their footsteps.
I can be stealthy sometimes.
The scary noises from before were getting closer and I could tell the two in front of me were pretty spooked.
"Hey, man, if this is the end... Well, you're a pretty good guy," I heard Mel speak almost inaudibly.
"You too, dude, you too..." came Theo's voice.
The sounds were nearly in front of us now and I heard the two count to three under their breath.
"One..."
"Two..."
"Three!"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"
The next few seconds are kind of a blur of flashlights, screaming and heartattacks.
Mel shone the bright light directly onto a guilty/terrified Judah, who had cheese dust covering the rims of his mouth and his fingertips.
Mel screamed. And Theo screamed. And Judah screamed. So I screamed.
Then they all screamed because none of them had known I was there all along.
There was a lot of screaming.
This, of course, must've woken up the others, because there were a whole lotta footsteps and yelling that followed.
"What's going on? Is anyone hurt?!" Louise tried to make out the rest of our figures in the dark.
"No, your idiot boyfriend just gave us the scare of a lifetime," Melvin spoke bitterly, shoving said boy towards the others.
"What were you doing up anyway?" Theo asked, perplexed.
"I just, uh... got hungry?" he scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah, likely excuse," Mel's eyes wandered over to where I stood.
"And you, missy! I thought I told you to stay!" he shouted, not very pleased.
"Hey! You can't honestly expect me to leave my best friends to the hands of death, could you?!" I retorted, wrapping my sweater tighter around me as I just began to notice the cold.
"Guys, why don't we leave all this arguing for the morning, shall we?" Gabby reasoned, covering an oncoming yawn.
"Agreed," mumbled Sam, who still seemed to be half asleep.
So as the eight of us walked back to camp, I heard Mel and Theo trail off behind us.
"Hey... Did you really mean what you said back there...?" Theo's timid voice spoke up.
"Hey... Did you really mean what you said back there...?" Theo's timid voice spoke up.
"Thought so."
And the two continued walking.
Needless to say, our little midnight excursion caused us to cut the trip short, seeing as half of us were too scared to spend another night in any proximity of the woods.
But that wasn't the last of our crazy adventures.
..........
Hey guys! If you made it all the way to the end, I commend you :) I'm not exactly pleased with the ending but that's okay. It was still a helluva lotta fun to write, I can promise you that ;)
Please let me know your thoughts and if you'd ever like for me to write something like this again!
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Turkey Day List #2
Onto the much more extensive part of things I'm grateful for: the magnificent people in my life. I promise I tried to keep it short and sweet, but I mean hey, here you go.
Mami: You have always been my #1 fan. You've sacrificed so much just to make us happy and you work so, so incredibly hard. You've redefined the word "woman" for me and taught me that I am just as good as anyone else. You taught me humility and pride; love and caution; fun and responsibility. You may be an inch shorter than me but you sure as heck are the most badass person I know. Te quiero de aquí hasta la luna <3
Papi: Where do I even begin? You just get me. You get me more than anyone else on this planet. We share the same spirit and that allows us to bond over music and theatre and writing and art and poetry and feelings and experiences and you believe in me more than I believe in myself. You've always been there for hugs and kisses and food and dad jokes and I cannot express how much I miss you already now that we're on opposite hemispheres, but Cambodia will do you good. Please continue too seek the beauty in everything. You're really good at that.
Yan Diego: Goddamn, you are a pain in the ass. And yet I still find myself missing you every day we're apart. You were my first companion and role model (not so much anymore XD) but even though we've both grown, I still look up to you occasionally, believe it or not. Thanks for not letting me travel alone 'cuz you know it freaks me out. Even with all the insults, you still make me laugh more than anyone else I know, so thanks for making me pee myself in public, I guess. Here's to many more years of mischievous rivalry and unconditional support. You're allright.
Javier: I'd never call you this to your face, seeing as you're turning eleven in January, but you're my little munchkin. Sure, you're a pest, as all little brothers are, but you're my pest, and you are most definitely the sweetest one out there. You're gonna break lots of hearts, that's for sure. Please don't ever let anyone tell you who to be, okay, bud? You wanna dance? You dance. You wanna sing? You sing. You wanna be the most kickass, multitalented kid in the world? Go right on ahead. Don't let anyone stop you. I continue to be so proud of you each and every day and I am beyond honored to call you my baby brother.
Suki: You're not actually a person, but you might as well be. I adore you, my little peanut rat. You've got a heart of pure gold. It probably weighs more than the rest of you. Missing you endlessly.
Abuelo: You are my hero <3
The Fam: Y'all are the loudest and touchiest group of people I know. Much love.
Madrina y Padrino: No se imaginan lo duro que sería todo esto sin ustedes. Los quiero un montón.
Pri: Vieja, tu y yo llevamos siglos. Se que casi nunca nos vemos pero tu sabes que te quiero y que te apoyo ahora y siempre <3 Vas a llegar super lejos, de eso estoy segura.
CJS: Goodness, all I can say is you're my best friend. I can't go a minute thinking about you without smiling. I am so, so lucky to have someone like you love someone like me. You put up with all my crazy and don't mind one bit. You make me feel beautiful and giddy and special and exciting and intelligent, even when I don't feel it myself. Thank you for staying up at all hours of the night just to talk to me, and for reminding me to chill when I'm winding myself up, and for going out of your way to make sure you see me at least once a day, and for your hugs and your jokes and for teaching me something new everyday. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face and for being a dork and for making me so so so happy. I love you so much.
Claire: Oh Claire Bear, what can I even say that you don't already know? You're my big sister. You know that and everyone else knows that. We keep each other grounded and we make sure to brighten up the other's day when we can. You've given me a home away from home and have become a part of my ever-growing support network and you have absolutely no idea how much that means to me. Thank you for taking me shopping and jams in the car and buying me food and coming to my shows. Thanks for the lazy Saturdays just chillin' in my bed, tumblring and geeking about Hamilton, among other things. You're honestly the loveliest and anyone who has ever had the pleasure to make your acquaintance should be greatly honored. Also, thank you for eating my candy for me so I don't get fat <3 Greatly appreciated.
Caellum: I am so thankful for this past year; it's allowed us to grow as friends and I honestly could not have managed fall term without your constant support. We get each other on so many levels; there're hardly enough words to express it. You've always been there. You've always been patient with me. You've never pushed me away even when I got annoying as heck. We've been through a lot together, believe it or not. Your puns and hugs and company are enough. Thank you thank you thank you. I love you dearly.
Shelby: YOU ARE MY FAVORITE! Words cannot express how glad I am to have gotten to know you in such a short amount of time. Your daily messages make my day and never cease to make me smile. Thanks for not thinking I'm an old lady for using Pinterest and thank you for sending me a letter all the way from Texas. I cannot wait to finally meet you so we can chill and have lots of fun :) You're always reminding me of this but this time I'm reminding you: please never forget how talented and capable you are. We're allowed to make mistakes. We're allowed to have bad days. It doesn't make us any less brilliant. You're going to change a lot of lives, trust me <3
Gibb: Sitka, you already know how much you mean to me. No use in writing paragraphs about our history ('cuz I've already done that before XD). Instead, I just wanted to say thanks for still picking up the phone regardless of what time it is and for not pushing me away. I love you to infinity and banana.
Maeve: My beautiful, talented, courageous Maeve. You're obviously kicking ass at school (just as I knew you would) and even though we don't necessarily talk as much anymore, I know you're still there if I ever need you. That's how you know who your real friends are—you can go days and weeks and occasionally months without speaking to them, and yet when you pick back up, it's just where you left off, as if no time had passed at all. That's what it feels like with you. Thanks for letting me come to you with awkward, childish questions and for being my mom and for reminding me of what I'm capable of. You're absolutely fantastic. We need to chill sometime.
Max: Oh my dearest Maximiliana, you are the only thing I look forward to at the end of the day. Those five minutes talking to you before housemeeting mean so much more than you know, especially when I'm crumbling with stress. You converted me to the dyed hair cult and I guess there's no turning back now. Thanks for the sass and for letting me bitch to you about people and/or things. Your perpetual badassery is an inspiration to all, let me tell you. Winter term I gotta actually hang out with you, okay? It must be done.
Tom: Eff you and your talent and smiles and hugs. You're actually the best, Tom. Don't let my lack of words throw you off, like you are actually the greatest. Please visit soon <3
Sophia: You are a goddess. It'd take a fool not to see that. You continue to inspire me every day through your talent, hard work and dedication. Thank you for being the greatest blessing EHX has ever had. I am blessed to have you in my life and I am so glad you let me be a part of yours. Please don't forget about me when you're rich and famous and have like 60 Grammys in your basement.
Tiernan: It still shocks me how you're on the complete opposite side of the country for most of the year and yet you still wow me with your sage advice. I miss your cuddles and your teasing more than anything. Please please pleaseeeee come back when you can, yeah?
Fonts: You know how the story goes. You're my rock and all. The end.
Hannah Banana Banderbob: Bae, you are my one and only. Don't tell anyone but you are by far my favorite roommate. I adore your sugar highs just as much as you despise them and your constant studiousness and determination inspires me to be my best self everyday. Your puppy chow and pumpkin bread are to die for. Thank you for telling me when I look like trash and for putting up with my meltdowns and my craziness and every time I squeal about Conor and/or food. I sure lucked out with you, boo #TheFruits <3
Amber: You crazy, soulless Asian. I love you with all my heart. Thanks for putting up with all the shit I give you and for not kicking me out of your room in the middle of study hall when I get obnoxious and distracting XD We hate the same things and we both swear more than others give us credit for. What a solid bond we have. Please continue to slay as you do. Te quiero.
Scott: You, sir, make my life immensely more entertaining, that's for sure. Your hugs and ridiculous jokes and your sass continuously make my day and the fact that you are now a part of EHX makes me wanna squeal every time I think about it. Please don't ever leave me alone 'cuz a life without Scott Powell seems kinda depressing to be honest.
Alasdaire: Babe, you are insane. The fact that Benet's walls are so thin lets me eavesdrop on your ridiculous conversations with my favorite Asian (I'd hardly call it eavesdropping though since y'all are always screaming at each other). Either way, thanks for making me feel smart and for being a more-than-decent lab partner for Bio. Couldn't have done it without you.
Meagan K: MegMeg, how you make me smile. Your patience with me is unbelievable and you stuck with me while we endured the horrors of BrayBray and rehearsal. That alone deserves an award. You are so talented at what you do, please don't let anyone dictate your dreams, okay? Go get 'em, ese.
Emma Kerr: I still refuse to believe that you're taller than me. I also refuse to believe that you are any older than eleven. You, kiddo, are growing more talented and more beautiful every day and I am so proud of you, okay? Never forget that.
Emmalene: For some reason I keep referring to you as my fairy godmother. Thanks for always making me feel like a princess.
Nayte: From Bonin's freshman Lit squad, to Geometry with Ruda, to Algebra with Mr. C and Bonin's Junior Lit. You've always stood by me and endured it all. Go team.
Elise Banderob: Lowkey my favorite freshman. Thanks for letting us in on all the amateur drama and being our eyes on the inside XD
Jay Gibb: My dude, your hugs are life. Thanks for letting me embarrass you in front of your freshman friends xo
Ellie D: Thanks for hating the same people as I do and for being a super chill prefect. Oh! And for putting baby powder in our beds. That was heaven.
Kevin Jiang: Your passive agressiveness and sass alone could kill. You keep doing you, gurl.
David Oh: I still have to beat you up. Don't worry, I'll take it easy on you <3
Brandt: We need to catch up. I haven't seen you in centuries.
She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named: Thanks for giving all of PAS a common enemy.
Haidy: You are the craziest Korean I know. God bless you child.
Jerry and Liam: You guys are definitely my favorite new additions to EHX.
James Briand: You're gonna go far, my friend. Keep doing what you do.
Megan M: You're the cutest and I love you to bits.
Matt Johnson: Your high fives are the greatest.
Will Kim: Can we get Will in here? Of course we can.
Anne from Stillman: Thanks for always asking how my day is going and for stealing me cookies when no one's watching and for wishing me happy holidays every time I leave. Your work does not go unappreciated.
Mr. McCarthy: The fact that you can call me nothing but Mia-Maya-Moya every single time you see me is impressive. You're a pretty fab advisor if I do say so myself. Thanks for using your kids as slave labor to make us food.
Dr. Davidge: You know what's up.
Bragan: Man, do you get on my nerves but you sure manage to pull off a great show.
Marilyn: I've lucked out in terms of costumes. You've managed to make me look decent in 5/6 shows so far. I'd say that's a good run.
Mrs. Smith: The fact that you don't hate me still amazes me, to be honest. Oh, and thank you for letting me date your son :)
Mrs. Bonin: You believe in my shine. Please don't let the brilliance fizzle out.
All State Judges: Holy crap thank you for choosing me.
Tyler Oakley and Zoe Sugg: How you make me laugh and smile.
Catbug: You're my friend now. We're having soft tacos later.
CryWolf: Your voice and lyrics follow me into my dreams, sometimes.
Ed Sheeran: Thanks for listening to me weep and stuff.
Johnny Depp: I swear, you're a human shape-shifter.
Emma Watson: You flawless woman, you.
Brennan's: Thank you for adopting Yan Diego into your family. Hannah means the world to him.
Doires: Oh my, my, my... The fact that you have an entire room in your house that I claim as mine must say something, right? You guys have been incredibly generous to me and my family and for that I am immensely grateful.
Mama and Papa Kerr: I think you both already know how thankful I am for y'all, but I'm gonna go ahead and say it anyway. You are my parents away from home and the fact that I get to see you throughout the day makes life at the Abbey a lot easier to bear. Thank you for adopting me and for your constant love and support. I love you guys.
My Angels in the Sky: Please continue to watch over me.
God: Thank you for listening to my prayers.
I am so blessed.
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
Mami: You have always been my #1 fan. You've sacrificed so much just to make us happy and you work so, so incredibly hard. You've redefined the word "woman" for me and taught me that I am just as good as anyone else. You taught me humility and pride; love and caution; fun and responsibility. You may be an inch shorter than me but you sure as heck are the most badass person I know. Te quiero de aquí hasta la luna <3
Papi: Where do I even begin? You just get me. You get me more than anyone else on this planet. We share the same spirit and that allows us to bond over music and theatre and writing and art and poetry and feelings and experiences and you believe in me more than I believe in myself. You've always been there for hugs and kisses and food and dad jokes and I cannot express how much I miss you already now that we're on opposite hemispheres, but Cambodia will do you good. Please continue too seek the beauty in everything. You're really good at that.
Yan Diego: Goddamn, you are a pain in the ass. And yet I still find myself missing you every day we're apart. You were my first companion and role model (not so much anymore XD) but even though we've both grown, I still look up to you occasionally, believe it or not. Thanks for not letting me travel alone 'cuz you know it freaks me out. Even with all the insults, you still make me laugh more than anyone else I know, so thanks for making me pee myself in public, I guess. Here's to many more years of mischievous rivalry and unconditional support. You're allright.
Javier: I'd never call you this to your face, seeing as you're turning eleven in January, but you're my little munchkin. Sure, you're a pest, as all little brothers are, but you're my pest, and you are most definitely the sweetest one out there. You're gonna break lots of hearts, that's for sure. Please don't ever let anyone tell you who to be, okay, bud? You wanna dance? You dance. You wanna sing? You sing. You wanna be the most kickass, multitalented kid in the world? Go right on ahead. Don't let anyone stop you. I continue to be so proud of you each and every day and I am beyond honored to call you my baby brother.
Suki: You're not actually a person, but you might as well be. I adore you, my little peanut rat. You've got a heart of pure gold. It probably weighs more than the rest of you. Missing you endlessly.
Abuelo: You are my hero <3
The Fam: Y'all are the loudest and touchiest group of people I know. Much love.
Madrina y Padrino: No se imaginan lo duro que sería todo esto sin ustedes. Los quiero un montón.
Pri: Vieja, tu y yo llevamos siglos. Se que casi nunca nos vemos pero tu sabes que te quiero y que te apoyo ahora y siempre <3 Vas a llegar super lejos, de eso estoy segura.
CJS: Goodness, all I can say is you're my best friend. I can't go a minute thinking about you without smiling. I am so, so lucky to have someone like you love someone like me. You put up with all my crazy and don't mind one bit. You make me feel beautiful and giddy and special and exciting and intelligent, even when I don't feel it myself. Thank you for staying up at all hours of the night just to talk to me, and for reminding me to chill when I'm winding myself up, and for going out of your way to make sure you see me at least once a day, and for your hugs and your jokes and for teaching me something new everyday. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face and for being a dork and for making me so so so happy. I love you so much.
Claire: Oh Claire Bear, what can I even say that you don't already know? You're my big sister. You know that and everyone else knows that. We keep each other grounded and we make sure to brighten up the other's day when we can. You've given me a home away from home and have become a part of my ever-growing support network and you have absolutely no idea how much that means to me. Thank you for taking me shopping and jams in the car and buying me food and coming to my shows. Thanks for the lazy Saturdays just chillin' in my bed, tumblring and geeking about Hamilton, among other things. You're honestly the loveliest and anyone who has ever had the pleasure to make your acquaintance should be greatly honored. Also, thank you for eating my candy for me so I don't get fat <3 Greatly appreciated.
Caellum: I am so thankful for this past year; it's allowed us to grow as friends and I honestly could not have managed fall term without your constant support. We get each other on so many levels; there're hardly enough words to express it. You've always been there. You've always been patient with me. You've never pushed me away even when I got annoying as heck. We've been through a lot together, believe it or not. Your puns and hugs and company are enough. Thank you thank you thank you. I love you dearly.
Shelby: YOU ARE MY FAVORITE! Words cannot express how glad I am to have gotten to know you in such a short amount of time. Your daily messages make my day and never cease to make me smile. Thanks for not thinking I'm an old lady for using Pinterest and thank you for sending me a letter all the way from Texas. I cannot wait to finally meet you so we can chill and have lots of fun :) You're always reminding me of this but this time I'm reminding you: please never forget how talented and capable you are. We're allowed to make mistakes. We're allowed to have bad days. It doesn't make us any less brilliant. You're going to change a lot of lives, trust me <3
Gibb: Sitka, you already know how much you mean to me. No use in writing paragraphs about our history ('cuz I've already done that before XD). Instead, I just wanted to say thanks for still picking up the phone regardless of what time it is and for not pushing me away. I love you to infinity and banana.
Maeve: My beautiful, talented, courageous Maeve. You're obviously kicking ass at school (just as I knew you would) and even though we don't necessarily talk as much anymore, I know you're still there if I ever need you. That's how you know who your real friends are—you can go days and weeks and occasionally months without speaking to them, and yet when you pick back up, it's just where you left off, as if no time had passed at all. That's what it feels like with you. Thanks for letting me come to you with awkward, childish questions and for being my mom and for reminding me of what I'm capable of. You're absolutely fantastic. We need to chill sometime.
Max: Oh my dearest Maximiliana, you are the only thing I look forward to at the end of the day. Those five minutes talking to you before housemeeting mean so much more than you know, especially when I'm crumbling with stress. You converted me to the dyed hair cult and I guess there's no turning back now. Thanks for the sass and for letting me bitch to you about people and/or things. Your perpetual badassery is an inspiration to all, let me tell you. Winter term I gotta actually hang out with you, okay? It must be done.
Tom: Eff you and your talent and smiles and hugs. You're actually the best, Tom. Don't let my lack of words throw you off, like you are actually the greatest. Please visit soon <3
Sophia: You are a goddess. It'd take a fool not to see that. You continue to inspire me every day through your talent, hard work and dedication. Thank you for being the greatest blessing EHX has ever had. I am blessed to have you in my life and I am so glad you let me be a part of yours. Please don't forget about me when you're rich and famous and have like 60 Grammys in your basement.
Tiernan: It still shocks me how you're on the complete opposite side of the country for most of the year and yet you still wow me with your sage advice. I miss your cuddles and your teasing more than anything. Please please pleaseeeee come back when you can, yeah?
Fonts: You know how the story goes. You're my rock and all. The end.
Hannah Banana Banderbob: Bae, you are my one and only. Don't tell anyone but you are by far my favorite roommate. I adore your sugar highs just as much as you despise them and your constant studiousness and determination inspires me to be my best self everyday. Your puppy chow and pumpkin bread are to die for. Thank you for telling me when I look like trash and for putting up with my meltdowns and my craziness and every time I squeal about Conor and/or food. I sure lucked out with you, boo #TheFruits <3
Amber: You crazy, soulless Asian. I love you with all my heart. Thanks for putting up with all the shit I give you and for not kicking me out of your room in the middle of study hall when I get obnoxious and distracting XD We hate the same things and we both swear more than others give us credit for. What a solid bond we have. Please continue to slay as you do. Te quiero.
Scott: You, sir, make my life immensely more entertaining, that's for sure. Your hugs and ridiculous jokes and your sass continuously make my day and the fact that you are now a part of EHX makes me wanna squeal every time I think about it. Please don't ever leave me alone 'cuz a life without Scott Powell seems kinda depressing to be honest.
Alasdaire: Babe, you are insane. The fact that Benet's walls are so thin lets me eavesdrop on your ridiculous conversations with my favorite Asian (I'd hardly call it eavesdropping though since y'all are always screaming at each other). Either way, thanks for making me feel smart and for being a more-than-decent lab partner for Bio. Couldn't have done it without you.
Meagan K: MegMeg, how you make me smile. Your patience with me is unbelievable and you stuck with me while we endured the horrors of BrayBray and rehearsal. That alone deserves an award. You are so talented at what you do, please don't let anyone dictate your dreams, okay? Go get 'em, ese.
Emma Kerr: I still refuse to believe that you're taller than me. I also refuse to believe that you are any older than eleven. You, kiddo, are growing more talented and more beautiful every day and I am so proud of you, okay? Never forget that.
Emmalene: For some reason I keep referring to you as my fairy godmother. Thanks for always making me feel like a princess.
Nayte: From Bonin's freshman Lit squad, to Geometry with Ruda, to Algebra with Mr. C and Bonin's Junior Lit. You've always stood by me and endured it all. Go team.
Elise Banderob: Lowkey my favorite freshman. Thanks for letting us in on all the amateur drama and being our eyes on the inside XD
Jay Gibb: My dude, your hugs are life. Thanks for letting me embarrass you in front of your freshman friends xo
Ellie D: Thanks for hating the same people as I do and for being a super chill prefect. Oh! And for putting baby powder in our beds. That was heaven.
Kevin Jiang: Your passive agressiveness and sass alone could kill. You keep doing you, gurl.
David Oh: I still have to beat you up. Don't worry, I'll take it easy on you <3
Brandt: We need to catch up. I haven't seen you in centuries.
She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named: Thanks for giving all of PAS a common enemy.
Haidy: You are the craziest Korean I know. God bless you child.
Jerry and Liam: You guys are definitely my favorite new additions to EHX.
James Briand: You're gonna go far, my friend. Keep doing what you do.
Megan M: You're the cutest and I love you to bits.
Matt Johnson: Your high fives are the greatest.
Will Kim: Can we get Will in here? Of course we can.
Anne from Stillman: Thanks for always asking how my day is going and for stealing me cookies when no one's watching and for wishing me happy holidays every time I leave. Your work does not go unappreciated.
Mr. McCarthy: The fact that you can call me nothing but Mia-Maya-Moya every single time you see me is impressive. You're a pretty fab advisor if I do say so myself. Thanks for using your kids as slave labor to make us food.
Dr. Davidge: You know what's up.
Bragan: Man, do you get on my nerves but you sure manage to pull off a great show.
Marilyn: I've lucked out in terms of costumes. You've managed to make me look decent in 5/6 shows so far. I'd say that's a good run.
Mrs. Smith: The fact that you don't hate me still amazes me, to be honest. Oh, and thank you for letting me date your son :)
Mrs. Bonin: You believe in my shine. Please don't let the brilliance fizzle out.
All State Judges: Holy crap thank you for choosing me.
Tyler Oakley and Zoe Sugg: How you make me laugh and smile.
Catbug: You're my friend now. We're having soft tacos later.
CryWolf: Your voice and lyrics follow me into my dreams, sometimes.
Ed Sheeran: Thanks for listening to me weep and stuff.
Johnny Depp: I swear, you're a human shape-shifter.
Emma Watson: You flawless woman, you.
Brennan's: Thank you for adopting Yan Diego into your family. Hannah means the world to him.
Doires: Oh my, my, my... The fact that you have an entire room in your house that I claim as mine must say something, right? You guys have been incredibly generous to me and my family and for that I am immensely grateful.
Mama and Papa Kerr: I think you both already know how thankful I am for y'all, but I'm gonna go ahead and say it anyway. You are my parents away from home and the fact that I get to see you throughout the day makes life at the Abbey a lot easier to bear. Thank you for adopting me and for your constant love and support. I love you guys.
My Angels in the Sky: Please continue to watch over me.
God: Thank you for listening to my prayers.
I am so blessed.
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
Monday, August 10, 2015
Drunken Snippets
Now, before any of you go crazy or something, let me just say all of the following events are by no means real and I 100% completely made them up according to a dream I had a while back.
Don't question me as to why I had this dream. It's kind of a long story...
Nonetheless, I thought I'd write this for fun, so if you don't have anything nice to say, I'd rather you didn't say it at all.
Suddenly, I had a thought.
"Guys," I couldn't help but giggle at myself, "*hic* what if..." my laughing wouldn't let me finish my sentences, "What if *hic* giraffes had human *hic* personalities and then they *hic* took over the *hic* earth?"
I was met with silence. Apparently my humor was not up to par, but at that point, nothing mattered to me. I just laughed and laughed and laughed.
"Maya, that's not even funny..." C couldn't help the smile that was creeping onto his face just from witnessing another of my laugh attacks.
"Oh dear, child..." Claire shook her head at me.
They let me go like this until I rolled off of the couch and onto the floor, clutching my very sore stomach.
"I'M GONNA PEEEEE!"
Tears were streaming down my face now and I could do nothing to help myself.
"Maya, I swear to God, if you piss on my floor, you're cleaning it up," was all Fonts could say, but he, too, was starting to laugh himself.
Feeling that it was actually going to happen, I surprised everyone by scrambling to my feet and making a beeline for the bathroom.
After I walked back in the room, I'd managed to somewhat calm down, only taking gasps of breath every few seconds.
I relocated to my spot on the couch, deciding to sit on Claire's lap.
She didn't really do much but groan under the unexpected weight.
Suddenly, I felt a pang of lovingness that I couldn't seem to shake off.
I turned around and took Claire's face in both my hands, pressing my forehead to hers.
She was definitely caught off guard but didn't push me away either, instead sat there with an amused grin, wondering what my next extraordinary act would be.
Looking her straight in the eyes I said, "Claire... you are *hic* a wwonderrful human beinggg," our noses were practically touching, "And evveryone should *hic* knnoww that," I added.
Before anyone else could figure out what I was doing, I got up and seemed to play some odd version of Duck, Duck, Goose, patting each person on the head and telling them how wonderful they are XD
And yet, no one felt the need to stop me.
I plopped myself in Tom's lap, catching him much by surprise and started messing with his hair.
"Tom," I started with an airy sigh, "you'reee a g-good personn. But orange doesn't s-suit youu,"
Everyone else just seemed to be watching me now. Their eyes went wide. Tom flew a hand to his chest in mock-hurt.
"Well, I told you I might go blonde–"
"No, that wouldn'tt work eitherr..." I yawned, unfolding myself so I now lay sprawled across Tom and C's legs.
They couldn't really do much about it, anyway. Again, everyone looked on to see what I would do next. After all, the whole point of this get together was to see each other and watch me get drunk for the first time.
Only a few moments of silence passed before I started singing to myself in Spanish, not quite aware of the six other faces looking at me, holding in giggles and snickers of their own.
They watched as I grew tired and more tired. The alcohol finally got away with lulling me to sleep.
I can't remember much else.
Until I woke up.
Someone had also thrown a fleece over me.
Trying my best to kick it off, I realized how badly my head was pounding, too, so I couldn't help but let out a wail.
I've never been one to be good about discomfort or pain and it seemed my only resolution was crying, especially when I felt so disoriented.
Gibb was the first to hear me, and he walked over in as straight of a line as he could.
"Hey, what's wrong, kiddo?" he helped me get to a sitting position.
"I... I don't feel good," I confessed, feeling the tears start to sting my eyes and the bile start to pile up in my throat.
"Oh, jeez," he mumbled to himself before calling out, "Guys? Could you help me out here?"
Maeve and Fonts made their way over to me and Fonts did his best to crouch down.
"You okay, kid?" he asked seriously.
All I could do was shake my head before bringing one hand up to my mouth.
All their eyes went wide as if to say "Nope! Not here!"
And so the three of them took my arms and led me to the restroom, where I puked my guts out for what felt like an eternity.
At some point, Maeve left to go to bed, giving me feel better wishes.
I could tell both Fonts and Gibb were about to knock out but they were kind enough to stay with me until I was all taken care of.
"Here, finish the whole thing, okay?" Fonts handed me a water bottle and I nodded, taking sips at a time.
"Alright, you've had quite a night, let's get you back to bed, shall we?" Gibb offered his hand to help me off the ground before leading me back to where I was sleeping before.
"Hey, Fonts?" I called out, pulling the fleece over me.
"Yeah?"
"I'm really sorry for... uh... well, all of that," I mumbled, suddenly feeling very embarrassed at what my friends had just witnessed.
Through the dark, I could see him roll his eyes at me before saying, "God, Maya, you and your unnecessary sorries... You don't need to apologize, okay? It happens to the best of us," and since he was smiling, I knew I truly had nothing to worry about.
"Okay, now go to sleep," Gibb ruffled my hair and I swatted his hand away with a giggle.
Before long, I found myself very much unconscious again.
The next morning, I could hardly remember what had happened the night before, but I had a strange feeling that I had to apologize to Tom...
P.S.: There were only so many things I could write because as you know, I have very limited knowledge about certain things...
Don't question me as to why I had this dream. It's kind of a long story...
Nonetheless, I thought I'd write this for fun, so if you don't have anything nice to say, I'd rather you didn't say it at all.
..........
Fonts-23
Gibb-22
Tom-22
Maeve-22
Caellum-21
Claire-21
Maya-19
..........
8:32pm
"Tom!" I squealed, throwing aside my bag to launch myself at a friend I hadn't seen in all of two years.
Maeve rolled her eyes at my antics before shutting the door behind us.
"Maya!" the tall redhead laughed as I hugged the life outta him, "Long time, no see, huh?"
I smiled in response.
"Okay so let me get this straight. You show up to my apartment after I invite you over, and you say hi to the ginger before me?!"
Fonts threw me a glare that could cut through steel.
"Why, hello there to you too, Matthew," I laughed, throwing him a fleeting hug–much to his chagrin–before making my way over to the living room, where Gibb and Claire sat chatting away.
"Oh, hello dear!" Claire got up to greet me, though she wasn't as enthusiastic as the others 'cause she'd seen me the day before at Maeve's place.
Gibb got up next, pulling me into one of his famous bear hugs and I couldn't keep the stupid grin off my face because I hadn't seen this fool since my high school graduation.
"How're you doing, little one?"
"I'm hardly little anymore, Michael. Please give me the respect I deserve," I stuck my tongue out at him to show that I was only half joking.
"Where's the tall one?" I asked, surveying my surroundings and finding that one of my best friends was missing.
"Probably raiding my pantry. The guy has needs..." Fonts explained, right as Caellum decided to walk in.
"Hey, kiddo!" his face lit up as he walked over to hug me with one arm, the other holding a giant bag of Doritos.
"Huh. You seem taller. I wonder why?" Caellum teased as I let go, causing everyone to look pointedly at my feet.
The others snickered.
"Ha. Ha. Very funny." I flipped him the bird as I kicked off my five inch heels, taking a seat on the couch.
"Now that's more like the Maya we know," Tom chuckled, taking a seat beside me.
"I tried to convince her not to wear 'em but the girl insisted," Maeve threw her hands up in the air as everyone else sat down.
After the initial shock of being reintroduced to my best friends after two years, and after everyone else had somewhat settled down (like that ever happens in our friend group), I asked the rest what the occasion was.
After all, this was the first time we'd all been together since I graduated high school.
The others looked at each other for a minute.
When no one seemed to answer me, Fonts took it upon himself to look at me from across the coffeetable and tell me what was really going on.
"We're getting you drunk."
I had to refrain from choking on my own saliva.
"Excuse me, what?"
I could already feel my whole body tense up. This was not gonna be good.
This is not gonna be good.
"Listen, kid, you're about to be a Junior in college and you still haven't gotten wasted yet! It's our responsibility to fix that." Fonts explained with a smirk.
"Come on, dude, you promiseddd," Gibb whined from the armrest on the love-seat opposite me.
My eyes nearly tripled in size.
"I what?! When the hell did I promise you that?" I stood up on impulse.
"Sophomore year of high school," Fonts stepped in, "You said you'd promise to get drunk with us if we met your criteria."
I cocked an eyebrow. None of this was ringing a bell.
"You said you'd get drunk only if you were with your best friends, in a safe environment, and when we weren't planning on going out anywhere. Take a look around, Maya. None of us plan to leave tonight," Fonts tried to assure me but something still didn't feel right.
"Guysssss, this is peer pressureeee," I couldn't help but whine, fidgeting with my hands from the nerves.
"Come on, Maya, even Claire is doing it!" C chimed in, trying his best to be persuasive.
"I'm sorry, but what is that supposed to mean?" Claire gave him a light smack to the arm, clearly insulted.
"You do whatever you want, dear, no one is gonna make you do anything," she said.
"Guys, I'm putting my foot down on this one," I shook my head as I was putting my heels back on, ready to walk out the door.
"Maya, I hate to break it to you, love, but you've got nowhere to go... I'm your ride and I'm also your designated crashing area as of this summer, so..." Maeve tried reasoning with me.
She had a point, and again I found myself stuck.
"Look at it this way," Fonts took my bag back from me, laying it on the table next to us, "You could either get drunk, and have a great time, or you could stay sober, and have to babysit every single one of us. Think about it."
There was an awkward silence as the rest waited for me to make up my mind.
One glance at those goons and all I said was, "What the hell, hand me a drink,"
"That's what I thought," Fonts patted me on the back with a smile on his face, leading me back to where my friends all sat cheering for me.
"Atta girl, Maya," Caellum stuck out his tongue at me and I mimicked the action.
"This'll be fun, I promise," Tom patted the spot on the couch I previously occupied.
I rolled my eyes at how ridiculous the whole situation was.
Fonts disappeared for a while and reappeared with a whole cooler full of, well... whatever he supposed we were gonna drink that night.
I eyed that blue mini fridge like it was gonna be the death of me.
"Take it slow, though, kiddo, we don't want you poisoning yourself and then hafta rush you to the ER or something," Gibb joked, nudging me in the ribs as he passed me a beer.
I gave him a weak smile back.
Well this was gonna be interesting.
..........
9:46pm
I can't remember who thought it'd be a great idea to play drunk Twister, but whoever did clearly wanted to see us all suffer.
Right now, Tom was winning. I have no idea how, but he was.
I was out, along with Claire and Fonts, who'd both tripped over some idiot's foot in the process.
"Left hand on green," I giggled, knowing this would be the end of Caellum's Twister career.
"You've gotta be fuckin' kidding me!" he grumbled, trying his best to reach between Gibb's legs and around Maeve's arm, but balance was not on his side, and he toppled over.
"Aaaand you're out!" Claire exclaimed from the other side of the room, where she lay sprawled across the entire couch.
Instead of being angry though, C just started laughing hysterically. The kind where your face turns red and tears leak out your eyes.
I couldn't help but join in because what can I say? Laughing is contagious. Especially when you're pretty buzzed.
I hadn't even finished half my beer yet and I was already feeling a bit too happy.
Once I started laughing, Gibb just couldn't contain it any longer and allowed himself an explosion of laughter, which caused him to topple over as well.
"I'm sorry, losers, but could you please evacuate the premises while we figure out who the real champion is?" Maeve tried on her best precocious voice as the other two continued their laughter off by the side.
By now, all of us were in stitches, struck by this never-ending chain of giggles and guffaws.
Tom and Maeve were still on the battlefield, determined not to let this laughter distract them, though both were definitely holding in sputters of their own.
"Just spin the fucking wheel Maya!" Tom called, trying his absolute best not to smile because he knew all would be over if he did.
"Okay! Sheesh," I tried to hold in my own laughter, "Right foot on yellow," I got up and sat back down where Gibb and C had claimed the rug.
I watched the concentration on Tom's face before he realized his inevitable defeat. Apparently, if he was gonna go down, so was Maeve.
"Ahh! Tom!" she'd squealed when the other one bumped into her on purpose.
And so there ended up being a tie between the pile of giggles on the floor.
"BUT ONLY ONE CAN SURVIVE!" Fonts insisted, bringing a fist into the air as he got up and stood in front of all of us.
"Fonts, what're you, nuts? This isn't the Hunger Games!" Claire laughed, pulling her hair up into a bun as she sat up to join the rest of our circle.
"Well, somebody's gotta break the tie," C said.
"I pronounce a chugging competition!" our host proclaimed.
"No!" Maeve sounded disgusted.
"I would totally beat you,"
"Fuck off, Tom, don't underestimate my power," Maeve gave him a shove.
"Nah, whoever does the best interpretive dance of Seventeen!" Claire sent herself as well as Maeve and I into another fit of laughter while the guys just looked on in horror.
"Fuck no." was their immediate response.
"I should actually murder you for even bringing that up, but you're my friend so I'm trying my best to restrain myself," Fonts spoke in all seriousness.
"I should actually murder you for even bringing that up, but you're my friend so I'm trying my best to restrain myself," Fonts spoke in all seriousness.
"I GOT IT!" I allowed myself a breath after my giggling ceased.
I stood up and climbed onto the table, heels and all, willing myself to be serious so I could announce their ultimate challenge.
"A catwalk!"
"What? Like modeling?" Tom's face contorted into one of complete disbelief.
"Mhmm! Whoever performs the best catwalk–" the others looked at me bemusedly as I fumbled to pull off one of my shoes, "in MY heels, breaks the tie!"
Tom's mouth was wide open and I could tell he was about to protest when Fonts interrupted.
"IT'S PERFECT!"
"But Fonts–"
"It's my house, therefore, you live under my rules, buddy," Fonts could not have felt more pleased with himself.
Maeve held a look of pure contempt. She was so gonna win this.
"But Maya's shoes are like... ten sizes too small for me," the grown man whined, not ready to accept his fate.
"Suck it up, O'Rourke, and show the judges what you got," Caellum winked at our ginger friend, glad he wasn't stuck in the same predicament.
"WAIT!" I exclaimed, scrambling off the table in one shoe to find my bag so I could play them some proper catwalk music.
"Alright, who's gonna go first?" Claire came and sat down next to me, pulling her knees up to her chest, eager to watch this showdown go down.
"I say Maya gets to choose since she came up with the idea," Gibb grinned at me, poking me in the side as I let out a squeal.
Feeling very entitled at the moment, I sat upright, pretending to think very carefully about this.
"Maeve should go first cuz she's less likely to break my shoes," I announced with a pleased smile across my face.
I tugged off my other shoe and handed it to her as the others began to laugh.
"Ready?" I couldn't help but smirk as my finger hovered over the play button.
Maeve took off imaginary sunglasses and spoke with an overly dramatic voice, "Baby, I was born ready,"
And so began the hair flips and hip swishes and the sexy eyes.
"And that was Maeve Harten, everybody!" I mock-announced.
I gave Tom a little intro as he struggled to get the tips of his toes into my shoes.
"Introducing, the flawless and the fab: Tom O'Rourke! Gimme some sass," I played the part of the obnoxious show host, trying not to laugh when Tom did things like wink at us.
The rest hooted and whistled at the six-foot-who-knows-what guy standing in front of us, giving us his best flips and swishes and sexy eyes.
"Work it, baby, work it!" Gibb took on the voice of some middle-aged woman, trying not to crack up himself.
After I was sure the poor guy had tired himself out, I stood up, taking my spot by his side and calling Maeve to stand next to me. I forgot how it felt to be this short again.
"I give you our two contestants. You both performed valiantly," I kept up the act, letting our friends have a little laugh as Tom and Maeve bowed.
"But I'm afraid this was not your calling, Tom. You've been defeated," I sighed with fake sympathy.
"Dammit," he pretended to sulk away as he sat down with the others.
"And that leaves Maeve, Queen of the Catwalk! Congratulations!" I shook her hand and then sat down by her feet, hopelessly giggling at the ordeal that had just unfolded.
She pretended to act emotional and began saying, "I'd like to thank my mother, and Maya's lucky shoes, and lastly, Tom, for being the loser so I could win," she wiped away at a fake tear while Tom merely rolled his eyes.
"Awesome choice, Maya," Claire granted me a high five, grinning wildly at the result of this.
"Better luck next time, huh, Tom?" Gibb teased.
Then Tom shoved a pillow in Gibb's face.
..........
10:28pm
I was sprawled across Maeve's lap when C and Gibb came out of the kitchen carrying cans of Monster.
"Can I try?" I mumbled, seeing as my face was somewhat smothered in the couch.
"You've never had one before?" Tom looked over at me incredulously.
"Uh uh,"
"Dude, how the hell did you survive college without coffee or Mountain Dew or this?" C looked struck dumb.
"I didn't," I let out an airy laugh, sitting up so I could grab one of the cans.
"Maya, I'm not sure you're gonna like tha–"
"EW!" It took all of me not to spit it out right then and there.
"Told you," Claire sighed from her criss cross applesauce on the ground, which gave me an idea.
"Hey Fonts?"
"Sup?"
I giggled.
"Do you have any applesauce?"
"Uhh no, why?"
"Dammit."
"Maya...?"
"I'm hungryyyyyyyyy," I groaned, taking up more space on the couch, against Tom and Maeve's will.
"Maya... you ate... like... the whole bag of Doritos, how the hell are you still hungry?" Gibb started laughing at me which only got a pout and a stomach grumble in return.
"I mean, we could order pizza," Fonts suggested.
"This late?" Claire spoke up from below.
"Yeah, man, Dominos always has my back," Fonts stated matter-of-factly, taking his phone out and speed dialing the place.
The pizza got there ten minutes late, so you better believe how hungry I was by then.
As soon as the bell rang, I sprang from my seat and dashed over to the door, only bumping into two tables, three people, and a chair on the way.
"That'll be–"
"Here, thanks!" I swiped the two pizzas from the guy, shoving forty dollars into his hand before slamming the door shut.
The poor dude left with a bit of a shock to the system but what can I say? I was beyond hungry.
Bringing the pizzas back to the other room, I'd already called dibs on four pepperoni slices. And there was nothing they could do about it.
..........
11:17pm
Somehow I'd finished off two beers and a shot of whiskey and was still alive. Barely. But still.
The guys had downed a lot more than that but for some reason were holding up much better than I.
Tom and C were entwined together on one of the couches laughing at who knows what.
I lay across the arm of the other couch, my feet resting in Claire's lap.
Suddenly, I was struck by hiccups.
This, of course, made the others snicker.
"Guysss *hic* shut upppp *hic*" I groaned, displeased with the lack of respect I was receiving.
"I think someone's had a bit too much," Fonts simply looked at me with a smug grin whereas I took up a defensive stance.
"Have *hic* n-nottt *hic*" except now my own hiccups were causing me to laugh, and so I was stuck in an onslaught of simultaneous laughing and hiccuping.
"Something is very wrong with you, child," Maeve laughed, trying her best not to end up in a hopeless laugh attack as I was in the moment.
Eyeing Gibb's forgotten beer bottle on the table, I was about to reach for it when it was swiped away from me.
"Whoa there, tiger, you don't need anymore of that," Gibb sent me a mixture between a sympathetic and an amused smile.
I huffed in defeat.
Eyeing Gibb's forgotten beer bottle on the table, I was about to reach for it when it was swiped away from me.
"Whoa there, tiger, you don't need anymore of that," Gibb sent me a mixture between a sympathetic and an amused smile.
I huffed in defeat.
Suddenly, I had a thought.
"Guys," I couldn't help but giggle at myself, "*hic* what if..." my laughing wouldn't let me finish my sentences, "What if *hic* giraffes had human *hic* personalities and then they *hic* took over the *hic* earth?"
I was met with silence. Apparently my humor was not up to par, but at that point, nothing mattered to me. I just laughed and laughed and laughed.
"Maya, that's not even funny..." C couldn't help the smile that was creeping onto his face just from witnessing another of my laugh attacks.
"Oh dear, child..." Claire shook her head at me.
They let me go like this until I rolled off of the couch and onto the floor, clutching my very sore stomach.
"I'M GONNA PEEEEE!"
Tears were streaming down my face now and I could do nothing to help myself.
"Maya, I swear to God, if you piss on my floor, you're cleaning it up," was all Fonts could say, but he, too, was starting to laugh himself.
Feeling that it was actually going to happen, I surprised everyone by scrambling to my feet and making a beeline for the bathroom.
After I walked back in the room, I'd managed to somewhat calm down, only taking gasps of breath every few seconds.
I relocated to my spot on the couch, deciding to sit on Claire's lap.
She didn't really do much but groan under the unexpected weight.
Suddenly, I felt a pang of lovingness that I couldn't seem to shake off.
I turned around and took Claire's face in both my hands, pressing my forehead to hers.
She was definitely caught off guard but didn't push me away either, instead sat there with an amused grin, wondering what my next extraordinary act would be.
Looking her straight in the eyes I said, "Claire... you are *hic* a wwonderrful human beinggg," our noses were practically touching, "And evveryone should *hic* knnoww that," I added.
Before anyone else could figure out what I was doing, I got up and seemed to play some odd version of Duck, Duck, Goose, patting each person on the head and telling them how wonderful they are XD
And yet, no one felt the need to stop me.
I plopped myself in Tom's lap, catching him much by surprise and started messing with his hair.
"Tom," I started with an airy sigh, "you'reee a g-good personn. But orange doesn't s-suit youu,"
Everyone else just seemed to be watching me now. Their eyes went wide. Tom flew a hand to his chest in mock-hurt.
"Well, I told you I might go blonde–"
"No, that wouldn'tt work eitherr..." I yawned, unfolding myself so I now lay sprawled across Tom and C's legs.
They couldn't really do much about it, anyway. Again, everyone looked on to see what I would do next. After all, the whole point of this get together was to see each other and watch me get drunk for the first time.
Only a few moments of silence passed before I started singing to myself in Spanish, not quite aware of the six other faces looking at me, holding in giggles and snickers of their own.
They watched as I grew tired and more tired. The alcohol finally got away with lulling me to sleep.
I can't remember much else.
Until I woke up.
..........
3:15am
I woke up with the absolute worst feeling in my stomach.
Someone had moved me to the love-seat so more people could occupy the couch.
Claire, C and Tom were fast asleep but Maeve, Gibb and Fonts were still awake, chattering away.
Though I was practically a grown woman at nineteen years old, in that moment, I felt like I'd retreated to the body of a child.
Someone had also thrown a fleece over me.
Trying my best to kick it off, I realized how badly my head was pounding, too, so I couldn't help but let out a wail.
I've never been one to be good about discomfort or pain and it seemed my only resolution was crying, especially when I felt so disoriented.
Gibb was the first to hear me, and he walked over in as straight of a line as he could.
"Hey, what's wrong, kiddo?" he helped me get to a sitting position.
"I... I don't feel good," I confessed, feeling the tears start to sting my eyes and the bile start to pile up in my throat.
"Oh, jeez," he mumbled to himself before calling out, "Guys? Could you help me out here?"
Maeve and Fonts made their way over to me and Fonts did his best to crouch down.
"You okay, kid?" he asked seriously.
All I could do was shake my head before bringing one hand up to my mouth.
All their eyes went wide as if to say "Nope! Not here!"
And so the three of them took my arms and led me to the restroom, where I puked my guts out for what felt like an eternity.
At some point, Maeve left to go to bed, giving me feel better wishes.
I could tell both Fonts and Gibb were about to knock out but they were kind enough to stay with me until I was all taken care of.
"Here, finish the whole thing, okay?" Fonts handed me a water bottle and I nodded, taking sips at a time.
"Alright, you've had quite a night, let's get you back to bed, shall we?" Gibb offered his hand to help me off the ground before leading me back to where I was sleeping before.
"Hey, Fonts?" I called out, pulling the fleece over me.
"Yeah?"
"I'm really sorry for... uh... well, all of that," I mumbled, suddenly feeling very embarrassed at what my friends had just witnessed.
Through the dark, I could see him roll his eyes at me before saying, "God, Maya, you and your unnecessary sorries... You don't need to apologize, okay? It happens to the best of us," and since he was smiling, I knew I truly had nothing to worry about.
"Okay, now go to sleep," Gibb ruffled my hair and I swatted his hand away with a giggle.
Before long, I found myself very much unconscious again.
The next morning, I could hardly remember what had happened the night before, but I had a strange feeling that I had to apologize to Tom...
..........
And there you go. I told myself I'd finish this in one go and BAM here it is so TAKE THAT PAST SELF!
Fonts, I know you told me to go to bed and I promise I will after I publish this so please don't be mad.
I love you all and I hope none of you are offended by any of this... craziness XD
Hasta la próxima,
Much love xoxo
Maya
P.S.: There were only so many things I could write because as you know, I have very limited knowledge about certain things...
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