Two Worlds (Modern AU)

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin Aubert tapped her watch as she started to fiddle about with her somewhat unflattering uniform. This was the problem in working in a care home, the uniform never fit exactly how she wanted it to. Her swelling belly was starting to press against the fabric, and she’d eventually have to sort that when she had a bit of money. That was another thing to worry about at her next payday then wasn’t it? She finished off her cup of tea, and set it down by the sink in the staff room before making her way back out into the main area of the home. Though she felt like her real calling had been as a nurse in a hospital, but there had been no jobs, and she was enjoying looking after the people here. The home specialised as hospice care for those who were suffering with Cancer, so the job was always a little sad in a way, but she just had to get on with it, and try to make everything fine for those who were here.

She only had a few more hours left of her shift anyway, and then hopefully Griff would have cooked something for dinner; she could live in hope. Caitrin was only a newlywed, and she was only just a few months pregnant. She’d only graduated a few years ago, so it was all happening quite quickly really and it was slightly overwhelming in some ways. On top of all of that, and the fact that she hadn’t been in this job for very long, it was all a lot to take in. Running her hand through her hair, Caitrin made her way to the main sitting room in the home, where most of the people who were staying here tended to be during the day. Usually her duties just involved seeing to the patients needs, seeing that they were comfortable and getting them whatever they needed.

After seeing to a few of the patients, including one lovely old woman called Tina who always asked her how she was, what with the baby on the way. She always offered her advice on what Caitrin should expect throughout her pregnancy, and with what she would need. Caitrin always just sat and talked with her for a while, she never seemed to get many guests after all. As Caitrin left the woman, she looked around the room to see if anyone needed her immediate attention before she left the room to see to her other duties. As she moved out into the hallway, Caitrin noticed a woman looking rather lost. It wasn’t unusual, visitors were often a little unsure of what to do. “Hello, can I help you?” Caitrin asked the young woman with a smile on her lips, brushing some hair behind her ear.

Tags: Elenora
Location: Modern AU!
What if: Caitrin and Nora met up in the modern world?

[Lady Elenora]

Nora Young rushed to the Hospice as soon as they had rang her. She was in the middle of her tutorial at the university -- which was not far from the hospital luckily -- when her mobile began ringing. She hated missing classes, especially seeing as this was her final year of her teaching degree. But her annoyance was quickly dispensed with as soon as she heard that it was in fact her father's doctor ringing to inform her that she had better come to the hospital urgently.

She knew of course what this meant. That her father was on the very verge of dying. Her father contradicted bowel cancer 5 years ago and after years of Cemo Therapy, operations and other treatments -- they informed her and her father that his battle with cancer was over. He was terminal and there was nothing the doctors could do for him now -- other than to make sure he was comfortable as he spent his last few months on earth.

Looking around aimlessly, Nora tried to work out where they had moved her father. She hated getting lost and now was no exception.

But thank god -- just as she was about to return to the admin desk and ask for directions again, a young looking pregnant nurse came up to her and asked her if she could be of some help.

"Yes." Nora answered, very grateful for the nurse's assistance. "Could you please direct me to Room 10B. My father Anthony Young has just been moved there." She informed the nurse, hoping she knew where her father was.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin stretched out slightly and looked down at the swell of her belly. She wasn’t very far gone yet, but still the swell was there, and it was enough to encourage her. It was scary though, thinking that she was going to be a mother, with an actual child that she would have to care for. She and Griff were going shopping for the first thing for the baby this weekend, she wasn’t sure what to get yet. She didn’t want to tempt fate too much. They would probably only get a little outfit, or something like that. She didn’t want to find out the sex of her baby, so they would only be buying neutral things. She hadn’t even had the scan yet, that was tomorrow so she would see the baby for the first time; she was incredibly excited about that, but it was making her shift drag somewhat.

Luckily she had this slight distraction to keep her busy for the next few minutes at least. Caitrin smiled at the young woman, she seemed quite worried, but that was normal around here. The name rung a bell straight away as Caitrin knew that she was currently in charge for his treatment. He wasn’t getting any better, but Caitrin was just starting to get a feel for what made his symptoms less painful. After all, it was bad enough knowing what he had, but there was no need for him to be in such pain. Her main job here was to make the patients as comfortable as possible, and she was glad to say she achieved that to the best of her ability.

“I’m in charge of his treatment, I was just about to check on him actually.” She knew they had called his daughter in that morning, and his condition wasn’t getting any better. Caitrin wasn’t the only nurse looking after him of course, there was a team of them, but it was her turn now or so to speak. “Thank you for coming so quickly by the way.” She indicated for the young woman to follow her, and then realised in all the rush she hadn’t introduced herself, “My name is Caitrin Aubert by the way, I’m one of the nurses working here.” The room wasn’t that far a walk away, but it gave them enough time to give a few pleasantries along the way, after all, it never hurt to be polite.

[Lady Elenora]

By the look on the nurse's face, Nora could tell that she knew where her father was and she was glad for it, as it had already taken too much time trying to work out where he was. Time she could have spend by his side, instead of getting lost!

The nurse then mentioned that she is in charge of his treatment and that she was going to check on him and Nora felt even more relieved. For the care her father was receiving. Though it was not a surprise seeing as this was one of the best Hospice care facilities in the city.

“Thank you for coming so quickly by the way.” She told Nora gently, then she indicated for the young woman to follow her, before she introduced herself, “My name is Caitrin Aubert by the way, I’m one of the nurses working here.”

"I'm Elenora Young," Nora introduced herself before quickly adding, "Though everyone calls me Nora." She actually preferred her nickname to her real name -- though it was nice -- for some reason she found her nickname suited her personality more. Her father, however, preferred calling her by her full name. He was the only one who did.

As they were walking towards his room -- which was not very far -- Nora found herself asking the nurse, "How is he?" Though she knew of course that her father was terminal and they would not have rung her if it wasn't serious. She could not help it -- it was habit. Because while she knew the seriousness of her father's condition, she also wanted to know that he was receiving the best care to keep him comfortable.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin smiled on at the young woman. She seemed quite netvous, but that was completely natural for those visiting relatives in the hospice. Caitrin knew she was blessed to not have to worry about any of her family being in this position, for now at least they were all fit and healthy. She smiled at the young woman, “It’s nice to meet you Nora.” Caitrin inclined her head towards her, it was an old fashioned sort of greeting but she didn’t care, it felt nice and natural for her. They weren’t too far away from where her father was being housed anyway. Caitrin felt a little sad on the behalf of the young woman, though she was not going to offer her pity just yet. Some people didn’t like being pitied after all.

The next question was expected, but it didn’t mean that Caitrin wanted to answer it. She couldn’t lie to Nora of course, neither did she want to. False hope was the worst thing that they could give in this job, “I will not lie to you, his condition has been deteriorating.” Caitrin explained softly as they neared the room where her father was in his bed. He had quickly slipped into a coma, and they could not bring him out of it. Parts of his body were starting to give up, and though they had known the cancer was terminal, they had been doing all they could to prolong his life.

As they reached the room, Caitrin opened the door and gestured for Nora to enter in it before her. Her father was just laid out on the bed underneath the sheets to keep him warm. Caitrin would have to do her usual checks on him before she could leave Nora in total peace. After all, it was her job to monitor her father for now, “I will do my checks and then be on my way so you can have some privacy.” Caitrin promised hastily and began to look over the notes at the end of his bed, “If there is anything you need, water or something to eat just let me know.”

[Lady Elenora]

Caitrin smiled back at Nora and told her, “It’s nice to meet you Nora.” Caitrin then inclined her head towards her -- which Nora noticed was an old-fashioned way of greeting people, but nevertheless she did not mind it for it felt that the nurse was genuine in her sentiments in meeting her. Nora returned the nurses smile before she listened to what Caitrin told her next about her father's condition. “I will not lie to you, his condition has been deteriorating.” Caitrin explained to her softly and honestly which Nora appreciated truly -- for she hated when people sugar-coated things. It wasn't like she was a child and completely naive about her father's condition. She knew that her father was dying.

Finally they reached the room, Caitrin opened the door and gestured for Nora to enter in it before her. Nora nodded thanks before she walked into her father's room. There he was -- laid out on the bed with sheets tucked around him nicely, to keep him warm. Nora walked slowly up to his bed and sat down on the chair at his bedside. Before she grabbed his hand, gripped it firmly -- so he knew that she was there -- and whispered in his ear, "Hello Dad. It's me, Nora." Her father just groaned -- which she hoped meant that he knew that she was there.

Caitrin's voice then interrupted them, “I will do my checks and then be on my way so you can have some privacy.” Caitrin promised hastily and Nora was thankful that the nurse knew that she wanted some privacy with her father. Caitrin then began looking over her father's notes that were at the end of his bed before she offered kindly, “If there is anything you need, water or something to eat just let me know.”

"Thank you. I think we should be alright at the moment. Though maybe you could bring some more water in case my father needs it." Nora stopped as she realised that it was unlikely that her father could manege to drink any fluids by himself due to his condition. So she added, "If he has been able to drink any fluids by himself that is?" Nora asked her nervously and eager for a response -- a positive one. Because while Nora knew he was dying, there was nothing worse then watching her father struggle and being unable to do simple tasks like drinking some water by himself. It's strange that you don't appreciate being able to do those simple, everyday tasks until you have to look after someone who isn't able to do them by themselves.

[Caitrin de Archer]

It was always harder to tell patient’s families that they weren’t getting any better. Even though those in the hospice were here because their condition was terminal, they often wanted news that their loved ones had made a slight recovery, or that they were in less pain. They always had so much hope, even when the fate of the person was sealed. Caitrin had the upmost respect for those people during this time, because everyone always seemed so strong. It was hard sometimes though, because the families didn’t always see the whole picture. They didn’t see the loved one crying into the night, or weeping in agony while they were trying to move them or administer medicine to them. Caitrin never burdened anyone with any of this of course, it all came with the job, but it made everything so much harder sometimes. She knew she wouldn’t be able to hack this job forever, it was incredibly distressing at times. She ran a hand over her belly, breathing out slowly. It was only a few months before she would go on maternity leave anyway, she could consider her career options afterwards. She had wanted to be a nurse to help people get better, not to make it easier for them to die.

She somewhat ignored Elenora as she began to do her checks, she wasn’t being rude, but if she ignored the woman then it was like the nurse wasn’t there at all. If she carried on speaking to her then it was obvious she was in the room, ruining this intimate moment, which wasn’t Caitrin’s intention at all. She only paid attention to Nora when the woman asked for a drink of water. She nodded kindly, she would fetch the water once she was done with her little checks. His blood pressure was average, and there was no improvement in anything. It wasn’t encouraging, but it wasn’t getting any worse either. Caitrin breathed out slowly, jotting down her notes on her clipboard as she felt the child within her stir. It took her breath away for a moment, but she couldn’t smile, it might give the wrong impression. Instead she set the clipboard down in the pocket at the foot of the mans bed before turning back to the young woman finally. “I’ll just go and get you your water.” Caitrin informed her, before leaving the room for a few moments. As she got to the staff room, one of the older nurses came to her and asked her to administer the mans medicine. Apparently he was going on a different programme of drugs with immediate effect. Caitrin nodded, she did feel bad about intruding further on Nora’s time with her father, but this was to help the man after all. When she got back to the room she handed the water to Elenora and then shifted her feet awkwardly, “I’ve been instructed to administer your father’s medicine, do you mind if I proceed now?”

[Lady Elenora]

Nora concentrated heavy on watching her father and holding his hand softly, for she did not want to hurt him if she gripped him too tightly. She even forgot the nurse was there as she did her checks efficiently and quietly which she appreciated for it gave her some time to digest her father's worsening condition. She wished they was something she could do to take away the pain, but alas there was nothing she could do, or the doctors and nurses other than to make sure he was comfortable.

The nurse, Caitrin then nodded her head kindly when she asked for a glass of water and Nora muttered a warm "Thanks," before turning her attention back to her ailing father. Caitrin proceeded to check his blood pressure before jotting it down on his chart, while Nora continued to stare upon her father's face, distraught at how a few years battling cancer had made him look older than he was. Her father always looked young even when he reached his 50th birthday and people always remarked upon it. Now he looked like he was in his 80s though he was only 60 years.

Nora heard Caitrin breath out slowly when she had finished writing on her father's chart and wondered why. She figured it might have to do with the baby in her womb, but did not ask for it felt like it was not the type of situation she could ask her while there were in her father's room. Then she heard Caitrin inform her, “I’ll just go and get you your water.” And with that she left the room for a few moments to get her a glass of water. Leaving Nora a few moments with her father alone.

After a few minutes, the nurse returned and handed the glass to Nora and Nora said, "Thank you." She then noticed the nurse shift on her feet awkwardly before she told her softly, “I've been instructed to administer your father’s medicine, do you mind if I proceed now?” Nora nodded her head understanding that it was her job to look after he father and give him his medicine. "That's fine. Go ahead. Would you like me to move out of the way?" Nora asked her for she knew that sometimes nurses needed some space while they administered drugs to patients.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Though Caitrin did feel complete sympathy with Nora and her situation, she wouldn’t patronise the girl by telling her such. She’d probably had enough of that already. She didn’t want to make the situation any more unbearable than it already must be. It was hard for Caitrin to comfort patients and their families at the moment, after all, in her condition she could hardly complain about her own quality of life. She was looking forwards to starting a family, and giving birth to this new little life which was growing within her. She had to stop herself from smiling, because she could feel the baby moving within her. She breathed out slowly, trying to get rid of the excitement. She put a hand to her belly as she continued to look over the various readings and monitors near the man’s bedside table.

To Caitrin, this situation was chillingly familiar to her. She wasn’t really supposed to get emotionally attached to patients, and it was always easier to think of their deaths as a way of them being relieved of their pain, but it was still a hard concept for Caitrin. It had been harder to think upon since becoming pregnant, because she was looking forwards to new life, rather than thinking about lives which had passed. Caitrin breathed out slowly, she couldn’t deny that she was completely and totally excited about having a baby, but it did scare her so much at times. Sometimes, during her morning sickness, Griff had had to comfort her, and take her in his arms because she’d been that distressed or hormonal. It hadn’t been an easy pregnancy in terms of emotion, but she was quickly gaining a grip on everything, and the world seemed brighter every day.

The medication wouldn’t take Caitrin long to administer, they had been just injecting the medication into his system for weeks, seeing as orally he was incapable of taking much and it was just easier for everyone this way wasn’t it? She shook her head at Nora with a soft smile, “It’s fine, I can administer it from over here, but please could you just take his hand, for the support.” It wasn’t really needed, he probably wouldn’t be able to feel it, but they always liked to get the families involved because it made them feel like they were having an impact in some ways. She took the needle out and then moved to find a vein on the mans arm where she could administer the medicine into. Eventually she found one, and it didn’t take her very long to prick the skin and inject the man. When it was done she washed her hands and disposed of the needle quickly, and smiled across at Nora. “I will just wait and see if he has a reaction, if not I will leave you in peace, I promise.”

[Lady Elenora]

Caitrin shook her head and smiled softly at her as she told her, “It’s fine, I can administer it from over here, but please could you just take his hand, for the support.” So Nora did as she was suggested, not like she would not have done so anyway, and held her father's hand. She wondered if he could feel her touch or sense that she was there with him. It was probably wishful thinking, but Nora hoped that he could so that he would know that he was not alone and that she was there with him -- no matter what the circumstances were.

The nurse got the needle out and moved her father's arm so she could find a vein to inject the medicine into him. It didn't take long for her to find one and she injected the needle into the vein. Once that was done, she disposed of the needle and washed her hands. Then she returned and smiled softly at Nora, “I will just wait and see if he has a reaction, if not I will leave you in peace, I promise.” Nora nodded her head, "Sure that's okay." Then she took a moment to look at the nurse and curiosity took over her, "How far along are you?" Nora asked a little hesitantly, not sure if this was the time to be asking these types of questions. On the other hand, it was better than sitting there all quiet and silent. It only reminded her of how bad things were and for a moment she wanted to be distracted from it all. For it was too much to bear.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was glad that Nora was at least comfortable with her administering the medicine to her father. Some families felt uncomfortable, or insisted to leave or just told Caitrin to do her work later. It was always nice to come across families who were quite content, despite what was happening around them. Then again, everyone dealt with grief in different ways, and Caitrin had quickly learned that on the job. You never knew how to comfort people in this situation, you had to let them help you along the way, and show you how much they were comfortable with. She smiled at the woman in question and began to get on with her work. This was a new set of medication, and it would hopefully make him a little more responsive. At the moment they were just clutching at straws in relation to Nora’s father, but they had to have a break through soon, Caitrin really wanted something to go right here. She knew he would never recover, but that didn’t mean he had to suffer until the end.

The question took Caitrin a little off guard, but she smiled all the same and placed a hand over her belly fondly. Though quite a lot of people were asking about her condition, more so now it was actually visible, Caitrin knew she would never get sick of it. “I’m twenty weeks pregnant, give or take.” The doctor’s hadn’t been that sure, “Though I am a little larger, because I’m expecting twins.” Now that had been a shock, she hadn’t asked for the sex of the babies, as long as they were healthy she didn’t really want to know. She wanted to keep it a surprise, because then her and her husband would be kept guessing until the last minute. “I’m still getting used to it.” Gosh, she had been going on probably a little too much already, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to ramble on.” She excused herself with a soft smile, there was no reaction from Nora’s father yet, but she was going to carry on anyway, “Are you at university?” She asked kindly, she recognised Nora’s face from somewhere, but she was still trying to place it.

[Lady Elenora]

Nora could tell that her question caught the nurse off guard but she smiled nevertheless and answered her question. “I’m twenty weeks pregnant, give or take.” Caitrin smiled before adding, “Though I am a little larger, because I’m expecting twins.” Wow, Nora thought. Twins. "Well congratulations," Nora smiled up brightly at the nurse and realized that her face looked familiar. But she couldn't remember, before she asked another question, "Was that a shock, finding out you are having twins?" Then she realized that once again she was being a little nosy, but she could not help it. She adored children so much, it was why she knew at a very young age that she wanted to be a kinder-garden teacher. Plus it seemed that children liked her and took a fancy to her so it was a match made in heaven.

“I’m still getting used to it.” Caitrin replied and Nora could understand that. She would be the same way if she found out she was carrying twins. Though that was unlikely considering her lack of a love life. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to ramble on.” The nurse apologized with a soft smile and Nora shook her head, "That's okay. I asked you about it in the first place." Nora gave a little giggle. That shook it off as she realized she probably should not be laughing when her father was on his death bed.

“Are you at university?” She asked Nora kindly, and Nora had a feeling that the nurse recognized her too.

Nora nodded her head, "Yes, I'm in my final year of early childhood teaching." As she tried to remember if maybe that was where they may have seen each other. "Where did you study your degree?" She asked eager to find out if they indeed go to the same university.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin would be lying if she had said that she hadn’t been shocked when she had found out he had been carrying twins. It was quite daunting knowing that she was expecting anyway, but the fact she knew she was carrying twins made everything a little scarier. After all, handling one baby was enough, but she would have two to look after. She was already quite nervous about the prospect but she was going to try and get this right, she wanted her children to grow up knowing they were loved. Caitrin hadn’t had the happiest of childhoods, but she wanted the opposite for her children. “It was a shock, seeing as it’ll be my first born.” She smiled and ran her hand over her belly fondly, “But a happy shock and I’ll have my husband with me anyway, and thank you by the way.” For the congratulations more than anything. Caitrin looked over at Nora, thinking that they were probably of a similar age, Nora might be a few years younger, but Caitrin was already married with children on the way. She hadn’t expected everything to be so rushed, but she had no regrets.

Well, at least Nora wasn’t offended by the fact that Caitrin had been going on about her pregnancy. She knew sometimes she could go on about it a little too much, but she couldn’t help herself sometimes, she was incredibly excited. Griff had said they could start getting some little bits for the babies this weekend, seeing as she was past the most risky part of the pregnancy, so they had finally announced it to their friends and family, and they had started being a little more relaxed about it. She couldn’t wait to become a mother really, and she just smiled at Nora and nodded softly, returning back to her work. The babe within her stirred a little again, and Caitrin paused just to enjoy the sensation again.

Early childhood studies sounded quite interesting, Caitrin hadn’t ever thought of a career with children, but she had to get used to looking after them she supposed. “I studied at the university of Camelot.” Caitrin said brightly, “But I graduated two years ago, so I’ve been working here ever since.” Nora’s father still hadn’t shown a reaction to anything, but rather than get bogged down in that Caitrin turned her attentions back to Nora, “Where do you study?”

[Lady Elenora]

Caitrin smiled and ran a hand over her belly as she told her, “It was a shock, seeing as it’ll be my first born. But a happy shock and I’ll have my husband with me anyway, and thank you by the way.” And she looked at Nora and Nora smiled, wondering what she was thinking about.

"It's great that you have a supportive husband then." Nora told her sincerely. For she could not imagine what it would be like to have twins (with someone) let alone if she was a single mother. That would be hard and she was glad that Caitrin was married. Though, she looked young to be married, even if she looked a few years older than herself.

Nora laughed when Caitrin thanked her for asking her about her babies, "There is no need to thank me. I have the tendency of talking a lot when it comes to children." It was true. Ever since she was young she always used to pretend she was a mother taking care of her baby doll. And then when her sister was born, she loved helping her mum take care of her. That was of course till her mother died and she helped her father take care of her instead. So when it came to picking what vocation she wanted to do with her life, it was easy -- teaching!

Caitrin nodded her head and smiled at Nora before returning to do her checks. Caitrin listened with interest as Nora told her that she was studying Early Childhood Teaching. Then she listened as Caitrin responded to her own question on where she had studied.

“I studied at the university of Camelot.” Caitrin said to Nora brightly, before adding, “But I graduated two years ago, so I’ve been working here ever since.” Nora smiled and admired the young woman for deciding to work in a Hospice -- for indeed it was a hard and difficult job for anyone to do, looking after sick people who had not much chance of living for much longer.

Caitrin then asked Nora where she is studying and Nora laughed and smiled, before saying, "The same university that you attended, University of Camelot." Fancy that, Nora thought. Though really when she thought about it most people in Camelot went to the University of Camelot or to another one in another state. So its very common to meet loads of people there. "I must admit you did look familiar before and now I know why." Nora admitted and hoped that Caitrin remembered her and was not the only one who did.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin couldn’t help but grin and nod at Nora’s words. Griff was an incredibly supportive husband and she had no doubts that he would make a fantastic father either. She knew he was a bit apprehensive about the prospect of fatherhood at the moment, after all, they were both still quite young and they hadn’t planned for children. It had just been an accident, but a happy accident nonetheless. They always seemed to just deal with whatever life threw at them, and this really was no exception. Even when she had told Griff she was expecting twins, after panicking, he had come round to the idea, and he was even excited himself now. He was insisting if they had boys then one of them had to be named Griff. Caitrin was never going to let him call their son Griff of course, but neither of them knew what she was having anyway. She wanted it to be a surprise. “I don’t know what I’d do without him most of the time.” She agreed lightly as the baby kicked her. Whoever was in there was certainly active today, but she would rather they were moving and active now than in the middle of the night. She had enough problems sleeping as it was without it being made worse.

She just smiled at Nora again, she supposed if the woman was studying matters to do with young children then she would have to have an interest in pregnant women to an extent. She knew at least then that she wouldn’t be boring Nora with what she had to say. So many time when dealing with a patients family Caitrin hadn’t known what to say. She couldn’t connect with everyone, and sometimes it could be a real problem, especially when she was delivering hard to hear news or something like that. It wasn’t a surprise that Nora studied at Camelot University either, and now she thought about it, she did recognise the woman. She felt like she was staring for a few moments, and then it clicked, “I think I recognise you from some of the open days, I was a student helper.” She explained. “But I think I remember seeing you on campus a few times. It’s quite a small university anyway isn’t it?” Camelot was famed for not being the biggest of universities, but Caitrin preferred it like that. It made everything feel more intimate in a way.

[Lady Elenora]

“I don’t know what I’d do without him most of the time.” She agreed lightly and Nora noticed how Caitrin started to concentrate on her stomach. The babies were most likely kicking as she appeared she was at that stage of her pregnancy where she could feel the babies kicking. "You're lucky then to have someone you can depend upon." Nora told her lightly. Nora then felt curious to ask her another question, "Do you and your husband know what you are having? Or are you keeping it as a surprise?"

Nora knew that it was a common thing nowadays for expecting parents to find out the gender of what they were having before they were born and Nora could see the benefits of it. For one thing it made it easier when they needed to set up the nursery and such. But Nora, personally was more traditional in her opinions on it. If she ever had the good fortune to meet someone and settle down, she would most definitely prefer to wait until the baby was born to find out if it was a boy or girl. She liked the idea of guessing and coming up with names for both genders before meeting them.

Caitrin just smiled at Nora again when she talked about her keen interest in children. And Nora smiled back at her before she waited for Caitrin's response to the fact that they both attended the same university. Scared, that she did not remember her, Nora was relieved when Caitrin spoke up and told her, “I think I recognise you from some of the open days, I was a student helper.” Nora nodded her head and remembered seeing Caitrin at the information stall, handing out information brochures and maps to the campus. "Yes, I remember seeing you at the information stall," Nora admitted with a smile.

“But I think I remember seeing you on campus a few times. It’s quite a small university anyway isn’t it?” Caitrin commented and Nora agreed, "Yes it is quite small, which quite frankly is good since I suck at finding my way around buildings and such." Nora laughed -- it was true though. The amount of times she had gotten lost going to places and finding things was astounding. So much so, that her father use to tell her that she would probably lose her head if it wasn't screwed on.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Many times during the day, Caitrin would catch herself wondering at how she could have two little lives growing within her. Of course she was excited, but she was also bewildered and worried and scared most of all. What if she wasn’t ready to be a mother? What if she couldn’t offer these children the life they deserved? Well, such thoughts only bothered her in her darkest worries, and for the most time she was just excited and couldn’t wait to meet her children. Caitrin nodded at Nora’s comment, “I know, my husband is almost as excited as I am. Though it did take him a while to get used to the idea.” She gave a warm knowing smile, Griff had thought she was joking at first when she had told him that she was pregnant, and he’d quickly realised how wrong he had been.

Now Caitrin was quite traditional in many ways. She’d insisted that none of the midwives or scans could tell her what she was expecting. No doubt Griff wanted to know, he just wanted a son, but he hadn’t pressed on knowing the gender. He didn’t really mind about knowing, but Caitrin knew he basically wanted a miniature version of himself. “We’re keeping it a surprise. Especially seeing as there are two babies.” She smiled fondly and rubbed her belly softly, “I kind of think it would ruin the surprise a little to know what we were having so early, I’d rather wait.” This wasn’t the norm though, most did find out the sex of the baby, and even if they didn’t publically announce it, they still knew.

Ah so she had seen Nora at the university. She thought she had recognised her from the open days. She must have only been a year or two older than Nora, though it seemed quite strange to think that she was already married and with a family on the way. Not many of Caitrin’s friends were settled, and she was the only one who was married. “The buildings are all mazes anyway.” She gave a soft laugh, “Though I spent most of my time in the hospital, doing hands on work.”

[Lady Elenora]

She laughed before she responded, "I could understand that. It's good that he is as excited as you!" after Caitrin explained that her husband had been a little shocked at first but was has excited as she is.

“We’re keeping it a surprise. Especially seeing as there are two babies.” The nurse smiled fondly before she rubbed her belly softly, “I kind of think it would ruin the surprise a little to know what we were having so early, I’d rather wait.” Nora smiled at this because she did think that it was better for people to keep it a surprise then find out. Well, that is at least what she would do when it was her turn, but that would be a while yet. First she actually had to find a man to settle down with.

"That's great. I must admit, I like the idea of people waiting till their baby is born to see what gender it is," Nora commented lightly, smiling back at the woman. Caitrin then went on to explain that the buildings are in all in maze anyway and Nora laughed as well. “Though I spent most of my time in the hospital, doing hands on work.” She added and Nora nodded her head, remembering seeing her near the hospital building once a few years ago.

"I think I remember seeing you near the hospital once." She admitted before asking Caitrin another question about her life, for she was interested and it was a nice little break from thinking about her father's condition. "Did you always want to be a nurse when you were younger?" Most of the people that Nora knew did not know till they were older and during high school when they had to pick university course, but Nora knew what she wanted to be since she was 12 years old. And that was to be a Kindergarten Teacher for she loved going to Kindy.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Naturally it was an incredibly good thing that Griff was as excited as she was at becoming a proper little family. He had been a bit nervous at first, and he still probably was, but he’d just become better at hiding it. There had never been any question as to whether she would be keeping the baby, they’d just both been happy about it. In ways it had been good as well, as it had forced them both to grow up, and mature a little in some respects. Griff had finally sorted out the pub he owned, and the money from that was enough to keep them comfortable for now. They didn’t live extravagantly, most of the money at the moment went on preparing for the children to arrive. The money for her job helped to pay off the mortgage and expenses for the house. They had a nice little arrangement, and it suited them just fine. “He’ll probably be terrified when I actually go into labour.” No doubt she would be comforting him than it being the other way around.

Caitrin had never had any great want of finding out the gender of her children before they were born. In truth, those who did, and named the child before they were born irritated Caitrin somewhat. It was almost like they were expecting the child to be a certain way, and act in a certain manner before they had even taken their first breath. No, Caitrin wanted the surprise and she wanted to get to know the babies when they were in her arms, without imagining every detail of their life before they were even in the world. “It’s more traditional.” Caitrin agreed with a smile.

Nodding, Caitrin was sure she had seen Nora around a few times during her time at university. “I was always at the hospital really.” She pointed out, from day one she had been working absurd shifts, but Griff had always been on hand to pick her up, and bring her lunch in the middle of the night if she needed it. He’d been just as relieved as she had when she had graduated. Nora’s question took her by surprise a little, not because it was rude or intrusive, but because oddly not many people thought to ask anything like that. She nodded her head though, “I spent a lot of time in hospitals as a young girl.” Well, that had been when she had still lived with her father. After a few trips to hospital with injuries such as a broken arm, fractured fingers, and bruising all over her body Social Services had stepped in, and the rest of her life had been spent with her Uncle and cousin. The nurses had always been so nice to her, and she supposed if it hadn’t been for them she might not have got away from her father so easily. “So I knew I wanted to care for others as they had looked after me.” She pulled a small face, “As cliché as that sounds.” Caitrin then looked back to Nora, “What do you want to work as, after your degree?”

[Lady Elenora]

“He’ll probably be terrified when I actually go into labour.” Nora laughed, "I have no doubt." She remembered a little of how her father reacted when her mother had said that it was time and quickly rushed her to the hospital, so much so that he had forgotten to bring along her mother's suitcase. Her uncle ended up having to drop it off while he took care of Nora while her parents were at the hospital since it was in the middle of the night.

“It’s more traditional.” Caitrin agreed with a smile which Nora happily returned. "Yes, I do love traditions like that." Nora responded a little nostalgically, annoyed at how certain traditions were lost to new ones.

Caitrin nodded her head, “I was always at the hospital really.” And Nora understood that for she was the same with always being around the teaching building and nursery school on the campus.

Nora listened carefully as Caitrin explained her reasons for wanting to be a nurse. “I spent a lot of time in hospitals as a young girl.” The look on her face made it sound as if maybe Caitrin's childhood wasn't that great and Nora felt great pangs in her heart for her if that was so. She did not want to press for more information on it though, for it felt out of place for her to do so. Especially since they had just met. “So I knew I wanted to care for others as they had looked after me." Then she pulled a small face, “As cliché as that sounds.” Caitrin told her before she looked back at Nora. "That is an admirable reason for wanting to become a nurse." Nora complimented her sincerely, before Caitrin asked her a question in return. “What do you want to work as, after your degree?

"Well," Nora began with a small smile, "My hope is to get a job at a local Kinder garden as a teacher or perhaps work at the local nursery school for I do have a huge fondness for babies and the younger children."