A different kind of social lubricant (Vanessa)

[Jade Coswell]

The usually calm and relaxing bar built into the Rochester Inn had an atypical splash of color this evening.. Namely the hair of one of the guests. Jade wasn't often seen inside many of the businesses in Pilot Ridge.. Almost never in the bars, but one of her clients had requested that their exchange happen here instead of anywhere else and she'd agreed. Her client had been hosting a small party with ten or so friends to celebrate their cancer going into a state of remission and the tumor sizes having decreased to the point that their doctors had taken Chemo off the list as potential treatments.. and all down to Mary Jane and her friend Jade.

So the bartender might have noticed several hours ago that a woman she'd perhaps never seen before had entered with a rather full backpack.. and had now, nearly an hour later, found her way to the bar with an empty backpack. She hadn't placed any orders.. hadn't actually said a word. She was simply staring up at a TV with the news quietly being broadcasted to a mostly inattentive room. Jade had no TV at home, so when she found herself in a place like this she often spent a while simply taking in some of the current events. Terror this, politics that, omissions of truth and exaggeration of evils, hero complexes, senseless loyalties, bashing or trivializing anything that the anchor or channel didn't agree with.. Sometimes news networks could be better than soap operas for drama and pettiness. So Jade simply stared up at the TV, absently rotating a stainless steel ring around her right ring finger.

Her hair was nearly waist-length and a brilliant neon green.. It was a similar color to her eyes and contrasted well with her naturally pale skin. If Vanessa was observant she would perhaps notice a dark tattoo partially visible on Jade's chest - something circular with lots of wavy lines throughout - and what appeared to be vines that started at Jade's wrists and were lost beneath her sleeves before they ended. Despite looking rather bored, someone like Vanessa with quite a bit of experience figuring out what was on people's minds would likely be able to tell that the girl seemed.. disappointed. Not quite depressed, but.. perhaps feeling a little empty. Unfulfilled.

In other words, Jade looked exactly like the kind of person that could use a drink. Maybe something clear and neat.. or maybe something to sip and savor. Vodka? Bourbon? Scotch? Cognac? Could be anything, really.. But if it wasn't neat, Jade wasn't going to be drinking it.. and if it was one of those frou-frou drinks with an umbrella, she might even laugh. Either way, lost in thought and the news as she was, Jade would likely be around for quite a while. Vanessa had all the time in the world to say something or to avoid saying something or to offer her a drink or to leave her be.

[Vanessa Rodriguez]

OOC: Sorry for the delay love!

It was nearing the end of Vanessa's shift. The Hispanic girl had been putting in a lot of hours at the bar, mostly to assert some independence and prove that even though she was accepting financial help from the father of her child, she was more than capable of earning her own. There was a sitter at home with Christian, and the more Vanessa thought about it, the more the ache in her chest grew. Usually, nights like these were boring, as she had been working at the Rochester Inn long enough to recognize certain patrons and their respective drinks. Work was now a lull.

For now, her eyes had been on a certain green haired girl, a curious expression on the dark haired girl's face. Vanessa hadn't seen her order a thing all night, and normally, her manager would have insisted that Vanessa go ask them to order something or leave. The manager wasn't here tonight, and the other bartender was too busy flirting with a pretty little blonde to notice anyone else. The green haired girl had moved to the bar, eyes glued to the television. Vanessa didn't interrupt her.

Part of the job Vanessa still struggled with was noticing people's emotions. Her coworkers seemed to have that part down, but she moreso relied on bearing her newfound cleavage post-pregnancy to roll in the tips. The Hispanic girl just didn't know how to read people. One thing she could do was offer the girl a drink. She took a bottle of vodka- everyone loved a good vodka, and poured it neat. If needed, Vanessa could always add ice or something to it later, and placed it in front of the girl.

"On the house." She opened up with the offer, a kind smile on her face. Vanessa tried reading the expression on her face... but couldn't figure it out. Damn emotions. Instead, she stood there with a smile, waiting for the girl to say something, if anything.

[Jade Coswell]

Jade absently reached down when the drink was set in front of her and picked it up, bringing it to her lips and taking a quick sip... then seeming to snap to attention as what she'd assumed was water turned out to have quite a bit more kick. She blinked and shook her head lightly, glancing up at the bartender, then took a much more intentional sip.. rolling the clear liquid around on her tongue for a brief moment before swallowing and adopting an approving look. This was pretty decent vodka.

Forgoing any other mysteriousness, Jade set the glass down and offered a hand to Vanessa. "Name's Jade. Friendly neighborhood nonconformist and medical marijuana farmer. I don't believe I've had a drink in.. probably four or five years now. You broke my dry spell. Something many have tried and all before you have failed to do."

She would give the woman a moment to react before continuing. "What do you drink yourself? I'll take two. One is for you."

[Vanessa Rodriguez]

Vanessa watched as the girl with the green hair picked up the glass with the clear liquid, smiling a little to herself. The patron would be in for a surprise. She realized soon after she should have given some sort of warning or indication, but by the time the Hispanic girl thoughts processed, the woman had already taken a sip. And then another. She gave a sweet smile, lingering around her as there was nobody else to tend to at the moment.

Extending her own hand, Vanessa took the girl now known as Jade's hand, giving a couple of shakes before letting go. Upon introduction, the dark haired girl couldn't help but to raise an eyebrow at her occupation. It wasn't judgemental, but moreso curious. "I.. I didn't even know that was a thing." She blurted out, biting her tongue. "Name's Vanessa. Bartender, as you can see." She chuckled. "Well, I hope that that is a good thing instead of a bad. Wouldn't want to be a bad influence on you." Vanessa said with a wink.

She wasn't suppose to drink on the job, but what was one drink? "Sure thing." Looking at the assortment of liquor behind the counter, Vanessa's eyes landed on a bottle of scotch. "You do scotch?" She asked, raising the bottle up as confirmation.

[Jade Coswell]

"Scotch is absolutely fine." Jade rummaged through her backpack for a moment before producing a card that basically confirmed that she was a caregiven and authorized medicinal marijuana farmer. "It's most certainly a thing.. Need doctor approval, of course, but cannabis treats all sorts of thing from anxiety to arthritis, cancer, chronic pains, insomnia.. If used appropriately it's a veritable panacea.. And breaking my dry spell isn't good or bad. It's just a thing. I am not now nor have I ever been an alcoholic, so you aren't positively reinforcing a negative habit, if that's what you're worried about. Though even if you were.. I suppose I'd say it's your job and you're doing a fine job at it."

This girl had a sweet smile. She seemed.. surprisingly genuine. Not something one often found in a bartender. Though no doubt many started out with the intention of doing a bit of good and helping someone here or there, being a safe person to talk to.. they all too often got overrun and dragged into more drama or complicated crap than any one person could hope to manage or keep up with. After all, often enough the people talking most in a bar and looking most desperately for someone to tell their story to were the ones with the worst stories and who had no friends to share them with. Which told Jade that Vanessa was likely either fairly fresh in the bartending scene, exceedingly lucky, exceedingly good-natured, or she had a reason aside from her job to continue being a good, genuine person.

"So, Vanessa.. Licensed bartender. How long has this been your gig? Have a significant other waiting at home? Husband, wife, offspring? Tell me a bit about you and I'll keep you company since it seems to be a touch dead here tonight. Ask me anything you like in return."

[Vanessa Rodriguez]

"Perfect." Scotch was perfect for sipping, and was something Vanessa hadn't enjoyed for a while, being pregnant and all. She had not the time or extra money to spend on alcohol, and so, she would allow herself the one treat. Vanessa grabbed two tulip shaped glasses, while Jade began to dig through her backpack to produce a card that certified her as a legal grower. Again, she wasn't even aware such a job existed. "Huh." She said, surprised by all the things that marijuana could help out with. "How'd you get into that business?" She asked, out of genuine curiosity. Not that Vanessa herself was interested in doing that sort of thing. "Good. I would hope you're not an alcoholic, as I don't want to influence you negatively." Vanessa said with a small laugh, the corner of her eyes crinkling with her smile.

Jade's conclusion on Vanessa's style of bartending could likely be attributed to the fact that she was new the gig, and had no reason to hate the job. It wasn't her dream career, but something that could provide for herself and Christian. One day, she hoped to go back to school and complete her half finished degree, but for now, it was spending nights at the Inn. She tried to provide an ear to listen, but sometimes, listening to the ramblings of the regular drunks got a bit old.

She chuckled at the 'licensed bartender,' wiping down the counter where someone had been sitting and left for the night. The Hispanic girl looked thoughtful for a moment, as she tried to think of how to answer Jade's question without much judgement. Then again, she didn't seem like one to judge. "Well, I've been here for... a few months now. Recently came back to town. No significant other." And for now, Vanessa has no interest in entering the dating stream again. Not too many people found young moms as girlfriend material. "But... I do have a kid. Christian. He had his first birthday in March." As she talked about her son, Vanessa's features lit up.

"Hmm." She tapped on her chin. She'd already asked how Jade got into the marijuana business. "Tell me a little bit about yourself. All I know is you grow medical marijuana and haven't had a drink in awhile. What are your interests?" From the tattoos, Vanessa was inclined to think that Jade was very into nature. Plants, trees, the sorts. "And that I haven't seen you in here before. I would've remembered." She gestured towards her long, green hair.

[Jade Coswell]

"Well.. I have a bit of history. Anti-establishment, anti-corporation, borderline anarchist history.. I've been partaking in the medicinal and mood-altering effects of marijuana for years and years.. Since I was old enough to understand what it was and what it did I've been cultivating it, using it, and selling it.. Now I get to to it legally, and for people that honestly, truly benefit from it. I kept a very close eye on legalization legislation and when it was passed I already had all the required forms filled out and turned them in the day they could be accepted. I'm one of those people who could live completely off the grid without it really disrupting my life in any way. Have been ever since I was very young.

"I suppose that you could say that I'm the very rebellious daughter of a math teacher and a banker.. and the skills I gained for personal benefit lead me right into my current career. I give most of my money to charity, though.. I just don't need much."

Of course, there was more of a story as to why Jade was such a rebellious daughter and why she could live on her own and off the grid... but Vanessa didn't need that story. She could have it if she really wanted to know, but Jade wasn't going to dump it on her without request or warning.

"Christian. Pretty name. I can only imagine he's a beautiful little boy.. Would have to be if he takes after his mother." ..Lots of people seemed to leave Pilot Ridge and then end up coming back. Something about this place..

"As for me.. Well.. I identify with my career and my past quite a bit. I'm a green-haired pot-farming hippie who believes in human rights and protests things that go against them.. I spend a lot of time outdoors and a lot of time walking and people-watching.. My mind is likely the organic equivalent to an encyclopaedia on horticulture and especially cannabis.." She glanced down at her arm before raising it and pulling her sleeve back. "I suppose I do enjoy art as well, though.. Body art included. These vines run all the way to my back where they integrate into a huge mural dedicated to Gaia and the worldtree... Like I said.. I'm a bit of a hippie. What about yourself? I doubt you have too much time for hobbies with a one-year-old, but what do you do when you find the time?" Sip.

[Vanessa Rodriguez]

As Jade explained herself and her history, Vanessa found herself... fascinated, by it all. She had never encountered someone like the green haired girl, especially from her hometown back in Texas. If someone had a history as colourful as the woman in front of her, they probably would've been shunned in the deeply religious town. Not that Vanessa herself had a problem with the way anyone chose to live their life, but her background didn't expose her to the anti-government/anarchy lifestyle.

"If you don't mind me asking, why do you choose to live this way?" She asked, leaning on the bartop counter with her elbows, resting her face in her hands. "I've never met anyone like you before." She hoped that the girl wouldn't take offense to it. Unlike most people, Jade also didn't seem to care about money or capitalistic gain which was a pleasant surprise.

The Hispanic girl chuckled, shaking her head in response. "Quite the opposite, actually. Christian looks more like his father." Almost a carbon copy. "The only thing he seems to have of mine so far is the skin tone." She added, gesturing to her tanned skin. Everything else was distinctly Kai. "I'd love for him to meet you one day. He'd be fascinated by your hair." It was long, and colourful. She could practically hear Christian's delightful laughter. "Yeah... there is something that just draws you back." Sure, Vanessa could have lived her entire life without coming back and searching for the father, but she did.

She chuckled when Jade called herself a 'green haired pot-farming hippie.' Although it was a funny description, in simplest terms, it did seem to describe her very well. "Fair enough, a lot of people do." Her eyes landed on her arm as Jade pulled back her sleeve, revealing more of the intricate linework. Vanessa stared in wonder, nodding. "I could see that, being interested in the outdoors and plants. I like nature myself. Probably not as much as you." She joked with a grin. "But I like going on walks where you're only surrounded by trees." The people watching had to be okay too. In every small town, there were interesting characters to watch from a distance. She saw some of them firsthand here at the Inn.

"My interests?" Vanessa hadn't been asked that in awhile. "Well, I had been going to university to study biology. I love the broad science, but I like learning about plants and all the little creatures we can't see." She stroked her chin. "I have a couple of tattoos myself." Pulling down the collar of her shirt, Vanessa revealed a set of roman numerals on her collarbone. "For my son... it's his birthday." She said, with a faint blush. "I like spending time with him. I thought it would be a burden but... it's really the best thing that happened to me." Despite all the trouble, it was more than worth it.

[Jade Coswell]

Jade grinned. "Ya know, if you'd asked me why I chose to live this way when I was fifteen, I would have had some answer prepared and it would have been snappy, too, I bet. At this point, though? ...It's just who I am. I'm a product of how I was raised and what I discovered about life and the world at a young enough age for it to truly and honestly affect me. I was that twelve year old that had no toys or friends, so I went to the library. Somehow I found some books that said the right things to result in this conversation with my past between. It may not be the best or most glamorous life, and a lot of people probably couldn't live it if they wanted to.. but it all just worked out for me and I wouldn't change it. Or, more correctly, there is only one thing I would change if I could.. but that's 'first love' problems and I'd imagine a lot of people would claim they would change something about that." Obviously Jade wasn't offended.

On the note about Christian's skin tone, Jade gave a small nod. "I can't see any negatives to.. really anything about your looks up front, so if he got anything from you he's a lucky boy." Was this flirting? ..No. Just complimentary conversation.. but that didn't mean Vanessa couldn't take it as flirting if she wanted. "I wouldn't mind meeting him at some point. I don't tend to find myself around children very often." There was a reason for that.. Children sometimes had a negative effect on Jade's mood. Because despite her best efforts she would never have one of her own.

Biology, eh? neat. "I managed to get myself a decent education thanks to good grades, but it was mostly about horticulture and.. well.. how to build and make things. I don't know much about what you'd learn in biology. I'd imagine other farmers would need to but given my unique talent.. I don't. I have a green thumb, you see." It wasn't literally green, obviously. Jade's interest was peaked at the mention of Vanessa's tattoos, and she gave an appreciative nod to the numerals below her collar. "I would show you the mural on my back, but I'd rather not have you blamed for there being a topless woman in the bar on your shift.." She seemed to lose a bit of her cheer, though, as the subject was brought back to children and how great they were.

"I'm glad. That makes you a better mother than mine. Which is a somewhat long story that I'm sure didn't need to be brought up at all, let alone told in it's entirety." She paused and took a deeper swig from her glass, seeming to contemplate something for a moment before shrugging lightly to herself. "How about when your shift ends? I have no plans for this evening. You could introduce me to your son and on the way I can give you directions to the best places to walk and be surrounded by trees."

[Vanessa Rodriguez]

Vanessa couldn't help but to chuckle at Jade's response. Then again, everyone went through some sort of snarky teenager stage. Ahh, the angst of youth and quick to defend. She definitely did not miss those days. She put it simply that it was just the sort of person she was. Vanessa felt sort of envious that Jade was able to live this way and appreciate the non-materialistic aspects of life. Unfortunately for her, she did have a one year old son to care for that required these sort of things. "Yeah, I don't think I'd be able to." Vanessa openly admitted, a bit of awe in her voice. Maybe life was easier that way.

"Who was your first love?" She asked. Vanessa always found that such a strange concept, because... well, she didn't really know if she had ever grown fondly attached to someone. Not even the father of her son.

A genuine smile appeared on Vanessa's face. Generally, she had gotten good at differentiating between flirting and nonflirting. Mixed signals were annoying, and so she had been quick to tell them apart. It helped when she wanted to hook up with someone, back in her college days, or exploiting customers in order to get more tips. "Oh really? Just haven't had the opportunity to be around them?" She asked. Her family had always been a rather big one with all of the relatives. "I'd be more than happy to have you over to my simple apartment and you can meet him."

"Basically, it splits off into different branches. All the different kingdoms within the plants and animals." Vanessa nodded. Maybe the girl didn't have a green thumb, but she definitely had the hair and whole Earth-y vibe to her. She chuckled. "I appreciate the thought. But yeah... probably not the best idea." Had the Rochester Inn been a more rowdy place, then maybe, but not in its present state. "Maybe at another time and another place." Because her interest in the mural was piqued.

"Sure thing. I only have a few more minutes left, it's a slow night." Vanessa said with a nod. "You don't have to feel obliged to meet him or anything. I will apologize in advance because he is a hair grabber."

[Jade Coswell]

"My first love? ..The prettiest boy you've ever seen. Name was Raining Stars. Looked better in a dress than I did. We were each other's only friends when we went to Hammel and he taught me a lot about love and open-mindedness. Graduated a year before I did and.. he made a mistake that he never managed to forgive himself for.. but that is another long story."

In response to why Jade wasn't around kids very often, she took a long sip from the drink in front of her before answering. "Because I can never have any of my own and despite my best efforts it can be a bit sad to see other little lives that other people have brought into the world." Bluntness. It was a thing.

"Oh, I don't feel obligated. It's something I really should do. If not with Christian in particular, then with other children. A phobia I need to work on, if you will. And if he's anything like his mom he aught to be sweet, hair grabbing not withstanding. I would very much like to meet him. To .. try to understand your relationship with him. Like I said, my mom.. she tried but circumstances happened and I really don't know how a good, dedicated mom acts around her little ones. It might be good for me to see it, ya know?"

[Vanessa Rodriguez]

Jade had given a brief description of her first love, and Vanessa was content with the answer. The two had only met that night, and maybe that was a story for another time when they were closer.

A frown took over her face when Jade admitted the fact that she was infertile; unable to have any children of her own. Even though Christian had come at an unexpected time in the Hispanic girl's life, she was still grateful she had the opportunity to nurture and care for someone. There was always adoption in cases like Jade's, but there was something about having your own kid. "I'm so sorry." Vanessa knew her words couldn't change the fact, but it still made her sad. "I understand where you're coming from." But, it didn't hurt to try and introduce Jade to her son. She nodded as the green haired woman insisted it was alright, that she needed to work on overcoming her aversion to children. Vanessa was more than willing to help out.

"Well, I'd love to show you how I interact with my little one. He's quite the social one." Vanessa said with a chuckle. Any face was a kind one, in his opinion. She wasn't the prime example of a best mom, but she definitely tried her best. "I'm sure he'd love to meet you too." Glancing back at the clock, she nodded to herself before catching her manager's attention and silently asking if she was off. With a nod from him, Vanessa cheerfully set down a glass she hadn't realized she'd been holding onto. "Excellent. I'll go grab my stuff from the staff room and be out in a second."