Two Worlds (Modern AU)

[Caitrin de Archer]

One of the more amusing parts of the prospect of her labour was wondering what Griff’s reaction would be. He would probably be panicking just as much as her, and he would want to be as far away from the delivery room as possible. She grinned to herself, she wanted him to be there, mainly as a way to see what he had caused, and what she was going to go through. She wanted a natural birth of course as well, and she would only let them give her the drugs she really needed. “In truth, he’ll probably panic more than me.”She stifled a chuckle, as she didn’t want to appear disrespectful in such a situation, so instead she settled with a small smile at Nora. She had to agree with the woman as well, as Caitrin did love the idea of waiting to see what you were having, rather than ruin the surprise. She had the scans to check that the babies were healthy and nothing more, she wanted to get to know her children when they were in her arms. Until then she just did what she could to protect them.

Caitrin was glad that her words hadn’t been too cliché, as they had really had the potential to be, even though every syllable of them were true. Ever since she had been a little girl, it had been the only career which had made sense to her, throughout school that ambition had never changed, even after she had been sent to live with her Uncle. He was a little apprehensive of her choice at first, but he had eventually warmed to the idea, and had supported her throughout University. “Thank you.” She said softly, as she couldn’t think of much else to say. She didn’t want anyone else to suffer as she had, and she wanted to help those unfortunates who did. One day she hoped to work in a children’s hospital one day, but that was another dream for another day.

It sounded like a fantastic career path, for what Caitrin had already seen of Nora she was a gentle person, and would work well with that age group. “That sounds like a wonderful job.” For those who were well able to cope with young children a career in that area was always well suited. Caitrin then thought that she should check on Nora’s father, so she took up her clipboard and took his blood pressure, and some other readings that she would submit the results to her superiors later. “If you want to ask me anything, or just see me for anything then I’ll be out by reception.” She explained, and took her leave, as she did not want to overstay her welcome, “It was nice to meet you Nora.”

[Lady Elenora]

“In truth, he’ll probably panic more than me.”Caitrin admitted before she stifled a chuckle, and Nora supposed it was because she did not want to appear disrespectful considering the situation. So she smiled at her, which Nora returned equally before she responded, "Indeed. For it seems men tend to freak out about these things more than we do." Though, Nora had no personal experience with this, she had seen a few expectant fathers waiting anxiously while she visited the hospital when her father was in there getting treatment.

Caitrin smiled a little back at her when she complimented her on her reasons for wanting to become a nurse, before she said, “Thank you,” softly. Nora smiled warmly back at the woman, "I would have loved to have been a nurse or doctor, but I have a low tolerance for blood." And it was true. For Nora did like helping people so much, but nursing was not suited to her. Instead she found that helping children to learn was her specialty.

“That sounds like a wonderful job.” Caitrin told her sincerely when Nora spoke about her career goals and Nora appreciated it. "It is," Nora started to explain, "But it can be draining too." For dealing with children was hard work, physically, emotionally and mentally. But Nora would not want to do anything else. Caitrin then started doing some more checks on her father, by taking his blood pressure and some other readings and Nora felt bad. Bad for interrupting her from doing her job. But she could not help it, Caitrin seemed to be a very nice and caring person. One that would indeed make a good friend.

Nora's thoughts were interrupted when Caitrin then told her softly, “If you want to ask me anything, or just see me for anything then I’ll be out by reception.” Then she went to take her leave, before she said, “It was nice to meet you Nora.”

"I will," Nora began and was touched by her kindness, "It was lovely meeting you Caitrin."

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin just nodded on at Nora as she spoke about how panicked men became in situations like that. She would like to think that she would remain quite calm when she went into labour, because Caitrin was never not in control, but her labour was the one thing she would never be able to have control over. That scared her in a way, because when she came near her delivery date, the children could just decide when to make their entrance into the world. She would deal with that when it came to it though, there was still a few more months to go before she had to worry about that though. She chuckled a little at Nora’s reasons for not becoming a nurse or a doctor. As a nurse, Caitrin did have to put up with quite a lot of blood as responsibilities like the blood tests and suchlike were usually in her line of work so it just came with the job really. “Blood has never really bothered me.” Caitrin shrugged it off, as it was completely true.

She could only imagine how draining it must be to have to work with children all day. She supposed that it would be tiring looking after the twins when they were born, but looking after somebody else’s children was a different matter altogether. After all, you looked after your own children because they were yours to care for, but it took someone special indeed to be able to handle so many different children with their personalities and moods. “I can only imagine.” Caitrin said softly with a smile. The babies seemed to have settled a little so she felt a little calmer in herself. “It was nice to meet you too Nora.” Caitrin replied with a wide smile as she took her leave and headed back to the nurses station.

The station was empty, so Caitrin supposed she should man it for the time being. There was little else to do before her shift finished anyway, then she could go home and hopefully Griff would have left her something for dinner. Her husband owned the pub they lived on top of, so he was at home all of the time, except when he was dealing with suppliers. So she sat at the main desk, looking over the rota, wondering if Nora would be alright in the room. Most family members came to see a nurse after their visit to see if anything was going to happen concerning their loved ones. Anyway, Caitrin hoped Nora at least came to say goodbye, she was quite fond of her already.

[Lady Elenora]

Caitrin shrugged off the issues of blood, saying that it never really bothered her. Nora giggled a little, "Well I suppose that is good then seeing as you deal with it everyday." Nora had seen a few incidents of children hurting or cutting themselves and that was enough for her. So being a nurse or doctor was something she would not be good at doing, but something she greatly admired.

“I can only imagine.” Caitrin said to her softly with friendly smile. "Yes, but I wouldn't do anything else." Nora told her sincerely, before Caitrin told her that it was nice to meet her and left, which Nora assumed was back to her nursing duties. Though, Nora was a little sad to see Caitrin go, she was grateful to her. She needed to spend some time with her father. But she was glad to have meet Caitrin, not only because she seemed to be taking very good care of her father, rather because she seemed like a good person to have for a friend.

The next hour or so Nora sat by her father's beside, holding his hand and talking to him about her day, about uni and how lovely Caitrin seemed to be. Eventually, she ran out of topics to discuss with him and looked down at her watch only to realize that it was nearly 5pm, the end of visiting hours. She gave her father one more gentle squeeze of his hand, before bending down to place a kiss on his forehead and whispering, "Goodbye, Dad. See you tomorrow." And with that, she walked out of his room and down to the nurse's station to see if Caitrin was there.

Nora was inwardly happy to see that she was. Walking closer and closer towards the desk, Nora greeted the woman, "Hi Caitrin. I just wanted to say thank you for your help," She smiled at her warmly before she asked,"And I also wanted to know if a doctor is going to be seeing him soon?" She had yet to speak to the doctor about what kind of treatment her father would be on. She knew that he was dying, but she wanted some reassurance that he wouldn't be in any pain.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin knew she still had quite a bit to do before her shift ended. In a way she would be glad to go on maternity leave, just to get a break from the day to day running of this place. It wasn’t that she didn’t love her job, but being as heavily pregnant as she was now, and knowing it was only going to get worse over the next few months, just didn’t sit right with her. She was already exhausted, when it came to actually leaving she would probably be going round in a wheelchair the rate her belly was growing at. She wouldn’t get much peace at home either; Griff owned a pub, or to be more precise they owned a pub, but Griff was there all the time, and it was called the Aubert Arms. Caitrin didn’t really mind much about the owning of the pub, it gave her free drinks and they were both doing well enough from it.

She began to flick through the emails that had accumulated throughout the morning, there wasn’t much of interest, and she started writing a reply to the first one. As she did, she felt the babies within her stir, and begin to kick again. She gasped loudly; one of the junior nurses turned round to help, but Caitrin waved her away. It wasn’t the pain so much, but the shock which got to her sometimes. Looking down at her bump as it began to settle, she sighed and ran both her hands over the skin smoothly, and slowly, “Knowing my luck you’ll both be miniature versions of your father, and you’ll be just as smug about it.” Sometimes she grew sick of being pregnant, she wanted to be a normal size again, and be able to go five feet without someone staring, or asking her when she was due. Her emotions were bad at the best of times, but recently they had gotten so much worse.

Her hands ran across her belly again as she saw Nora approaching the desk. She gave her new acquaintance a warm smile, and gestured to the seat on the opposite side of the desk. “It’s no problem.” She waved it away with a gracious smile, it was nice that their work was recognised sometimes, yes, this was their paid job, but a little thanks went a long way sometimes. “I’ll just check for you.” Caitrin turned back to her computer and pulled up Nora’s fathers medical records. “According to this the doctor is booked in with him tomorrow morning to review his medication.” Caitrin squinted a little at the results to make out the document which had been scanned in. It was true what they said; Doctor’s really did have illegible handwriting, “Do you want another drink before you go?” Caitrin asked, “Perhaps a tea, or coffee?”

[Lady Elenora]

Nora's new potential smiled to her and gestured towards the sit in front of the desk, which Nora accepted in a sigh of relief, not having the willpower to stand up for long after the long emotional day she has had.

“It’s no problem.” Caitrin waved it away with a gracious smile, and Nora knew it was because nurses rarely recognized and she knew that when they were recognized they were grateful for it. It's a part of human nature to feel like your work and help is recognized, especially as it makes you feel motivated to do more.

“I’ll just check for you.” Caitrin told her softly before checking her father's medical notes on the computer. It did not take long before Caitrin found them and told her, "According to this the doctor is booked in with him tomorrow morning to review his medication.” Nora noticed Caitrin squinted a little at the results to make out the documents. No doubt due to the doctor's unreadable hand writing.

"Okay, do you know what time in the morning he will check on my father?" Nora asked as she had a tutorial at uni in the morning at 8am and while she didn't want to miss another class, she would do so if her father needed her.

“Do you want another drink before you go?” Caitrin asked her nicely, with a kind smile upon her lips, “Perhaps a tea, or coffee?”

Nora nodded her head, "Yes, I would love to have a cup of tea. Are you still working or are you about to go on a break?" Nora asked a little nervously. She wanted to see if Caitrin would be up to having a drink of tea with her and scared that she might say no. No doubt because she might be busy or maybe she didn't want to get to know her a little more. Nora was not sure and waited anxiously for her answer.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Though Caitrin felt sorry for most of the families here, well all of them, she felt a particular strand of the emotion for the girl sitting at her desk. Of course in her line of work, Caitrin couldn’t afford to get emotionally involved in everyone who walked through the door; she had learnt to detatch herself when she had started here. But she did feel sorry for Nora, perhaps it was because Caitrin knew how stressful university life could be, and she knew that in the same position, she probably wouldn’t be coping as well. Well, not if it was her father of course, but if it was her Uncle perhaps, Caitrin wasn’t sure she would be able to keep as composed as Nora seemed to be.

“Erm.” Caitrin scrolled up and down the notes trying to find a time to give Nora. To say these medical records were supposed to be some of the best kept in the country, they were certainly the most confusing. The handwriting still wasn’t helping. “Ten O’Clock, so later morning, but still.” She smiled a little at Nora, “It’ll be a check up on his medicine, and a general health test.” She paused slightly, “Would you like me to write it down for you?” Some people did not like going to these tests, as it showed them how weak and vulnerable the person they loved had become. Some, however, saw it as their duty.

She wasn’t due on her break just yet, but neither was she doing much of interest either at the moment. Caitrin had already finished her rounds, and now it was her own personnel documentation she needed to see to before she went home, “I can go on my break now.” She said with a warm smile, “I can’t be too long, but long enough for a good cup of tea.” She winked at her guest, “Now, what would you like to drink? If you want we can sit outside to drink as well?” It was more peaceful and quiet outside. Not many of the patients made it outside anymore, so it was usually just for staff, and guest purposes. “We have a lovely little garden in the back.”

[Lady Elenora]

Caitrin explained to her with a smile that the doctor would be coming at around 11am to check her father's medicine and do some general tests. Nora thought a little, seeing if she could maybe leave her tutorial early to come down the hospital. Luckily, it was only 10 minutes away from campus so it was not too far to drive.

Nora smiled back when Caitrin asked her if she wanted her to write it down. "No that is fine. I can remember that. I should get here in time tomorrow" Nora waited anxiously to see what Caitrin would say in regards to her offer of having some tea. She was relieved that she was able to, if only for a short amount of time. Caitrin asked her warmly, “Now, what would you like to drink? If you want we can sit outside to drink as well?” Nora nodded her head, "I would like a cup of tea as I can't stand coffee." She laughed before saying, "Outside sounds good." After all Nora loved nothing better than being amongest nature and by the sounds of it, it looked like the hospital had a lovely one.

She waited for Caitrin to lead the way to the garden. Though, her father had been here for a few weeks, Nora still didn't know her way around the hospital that well. "What time do you finish your shift?" Nora asked her, hoping to engage her in more conversation.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was used to conversing with the patient’s family on a one to one basis, sometimes it helped them to cope, knowing that their loved one wasn’t being looked after by a complete stranger. Caitrin never pretended to understand it, she just rationalised it now and again, and tried to guess what she would do in this situation. She did want to help Nora as much as she could, she had taken the girl to heart almost. Caitrin knew she had other patients and other duties, but she knew she would be finding more time in her day to tend to this particular family. Plus, as she was pregnant, she had found that she had been given less duties, and patients to manage, as she probably wouldn’t be here to oversee their treatment, and really most people needed a familiar face throughout their stay here. Caitrin didn’t resent it of course, she knew the reasons for it, she just hated not having anything to do. She had started to feel like the tea lady.

She nodded as Nora spoke, “I’ll probably be around somewhere, I’m on the early shift again tomorrow, so I’ll be overseeing your fathers treatment. There’s always a nurse on hand you see.” That was mainly to make the patient feel more comfortable, and to convey things the doctor perhaps struggled with. There were the practical things as well, like the blood pressure, and so forth that needed doing. Caitrin laughed at Nora’s comment about coffee, “I used to love it, but as soon as these two popped up, I suddenly couldn’t stand the taste of it.” She shrugged, she couldn’t really understand it, but she hoped the effect wouldn’t last. Quickly, she fixed her and Nora a cup of tea each, and handed her the cup, and began to lead her to the garden.

The garden was designed to be like a peace garden, so that the patients could sit out here at ease. In truth it was hardly used, the weather was so bad that they could hardly get anyone out of bed in time to soak up what little sun they could get. “I finish in a couple of hours.” Caitrin explained, taking a seat on the bench and gesturing for Nora to join her, “Do you have to go back to university this afternoon?”

[Lady Elenora]

They walked comfortably as Caitrin explained that she would be around tomorrow seeing as she had the early shift and overseeing her father's treatment. And this made Nora feel instantly relieved knowing that her father had a competent and caring nurse looking after him.

"I'm glad," Nora commented softly. "I must admit it makes me feel better knowing that there is always someone around him when I'm not." She always felt guilty that she could not spent every waking moment with her father. But, it just was not possible with university and working and trying to pay the bills.

Nora laughed when Caitrin explained that she use to love it but since getting pregnant she didn't like it as much. "What foods do you prefer now?" Nora asked her, interested to know what kind of cravings she had. Nora had a few friends who had children and the food combinations they craved while they were pregnant shocked her.

Finally they made it to the kitchen where Caitrin fixed them two cups of tea. Nora expressed her thanks, before they made their way towards the garden.

As soon as Nora saw the garden, she wonder why she had never been there before. It was so peaceful with its many different flowers and green bushes. But then the weather was usually bad anyway. Even so, Nora was glad that she now had the opportunity to sit out there.

“I finish in a couple of hours.” Caitrin explained to her as she took a seat on the bench and gestured for Nora to join her, “Do you have to go back to university this afternoon?”

"Okay," Nora responded, glad that Caitrin would be around for her father for a few more hours. Nora started to feel uneasy again when Caitrin mentioned university. "I'm meant to be at a class now, but I just can't bear to leave him..." Tears once again forming in her eyes, threatening to fall.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin smiled at Nora, as long as she knew that she was giving the girl some reassurance with her care it made it worthwhile. She didn’t ask for rewards for doing her job, and neither would she expect them, but it was nice to know that their work was appreciated sometimes. “He’s in the best hands here.” She said proudly, but also with an air of reassurance.

She shrugged a little when Nora asked her what kinds of foods she preferred now. At some of the pregnancy classes she had been forced to attend some of the women told her about the strangest combinations of foods that they now liked. One woman now ate toast with ketchup. Caitrin didn’t have anything like that yet, but she still had quite a way to go. However, if she did start having weird cravings then Griff would never let her forget it. “Aside from not liking coffee, I get cravings for fish, and seafood. Weird I know.” She rolled her eyes a little; most of her meals now consisted of fish, she didn’t care what kind of fish, any type did her, but she just knew that she needed it. “I can’t go more than a day without at least one meal of fish.” She chuckled a bit, “By the time I give birth my husband will be tired of seafood paella.” Running a hand through her hair, she wondered when Griff would be brave enough to request a meal other than fish. He had given up arguing with her for the time being as her hormones had been up and down recently.

She took a sip of her tea, glad that she hadn’t gone of this drink. Caitrin wasn’t sure how she would be able to cope without being able to drink tea or coffee. Her stomach turned a little even at the thought of coffee. She couldn’t understand how it repulsed her so much when only a few months ago she had been drinking it by the bucket load most days. She noticed the tears forming in Nora’s eyes as she spoke of her father, and how she couldn’t bear to leave him. Caitrin placed a small reassuring hand on the girls shoulder and gave her a soft smile. It was easier sometimes to let the family members play out their grief however they felt it needed to be done. Caitrin’s job as a nurse was partly looking after the patients, but the other half of her work involved speaking to the family members, and helping them out as well. “Is there a family member who could watch over him while you go to classes?” She asked kindly, only trying to help, “He’s in good hands here, our nurses will make him as comfortable as he can be. You have my word.”

[Lady Elenora]

Nora felt a strong sense of comfort at Caitrin's assurances that her father will be taken well of. She knew he would be if Caitrin and the other nurses like her were around the place. Her father was in capable hands.

She laughed as Caitrin talked about her cravings for fish. "Well at least it is healthy. Though are pregnant women allowed to eat all types of fish?" She asked, intrigued because she had heard that women could not eat certain types of foods, including fish. She giggled again when she joked that her husband would be sick of fish by the end of it. "Well I'm sure that he bears it wonderfully knowing that you are about to bring two beautiful babies in the world."

She felt Caitrin soft hand upon her shoulder and looked up to see Caitrin looking at her with compassionate eyes “Is there a family member who could watch over him while you go to classes?” She asked kindly and Nora shook her head sadly. “He’s in good hands here, our nurses will make him as comfortable as he can be. You have my word.” She nodded her head, "I know he is, its just I wish my extended family lived closer. They live in Australia and can't afford to fly back." She explained to her woefully, feeling very much alone.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Of course, all Caitrin could do was reassure Nora that her father would be well looked after, as she could not tell her that he would fully recover, because they both knew he would not. She sighed a little, she always hated this part, and though she always told herself she would not get involved with individual cases, she could not help herself sometimes, especially in cases such as this. Caitrin smiled up at Nora and shrugged, she had not been told she was not able to eat fish, but then, Caitrin had not asked either, “My midwife never seems to mind, as long as I don’t have it all the time.” There were many things which were suggested to have a negative effect on women’s pregnancy, though the only things which were agreed to have a real effect on a child’s development were drugs, smoking and alcohol. She engaged in none of those, and so kept herself healthy enough.

Caitrin laughed, but nodded, “True enough, but unfortunately I fear my husband will tire of my excuse of ‘I’m pregnant’.” She grinned a little, knowing that Griff would always care for her, even though they had both had their ups and downs. At the end of this little journey they would have two beautiful babies to behold, and they could start arguing on what to call them then as well. She grinned a little; she was so lucky to have Griff really. It was sad of course to hear that Nora’s family lived so far away. She thought that her family had lived far away, as they lived in the north of England, which was not far enough in her opinion. Caitrin didn’t have a good relationship with most of her family; she had been taken off her father by social services at the age of six; only her Uncle had moved to take her in. If he hadn’t she would have been lost in the adoption services, Jesu only knows what would have happened to her then. “I see, well, he is well attended here with our team of nurses, I shall ensure he is well looked after.” That was all she could promise really, in such circumstances.

[Lady Elenora]

Caitrin shrugged before explaining that her midwife told her that it was okay as long as she didn't have fish all the time. Nora nodded her head, and listened and laughed a little when Cait joked that her husband would soon tire of hearing the excuse of her being pregnant. It seemed that Caitrin was very lucky to have a loving, dedicated husband and that made her glad. For she was a very kind, compassionate person so far and she deserved a supportive husband, especially seeing as she was a nurse and worked long hours.

As Nora explained the situation of her family, once again the other woman reassured her that her father would be well attended to by the team of nurses and that she would see to that, making a few tears appear in her eyes at Caitrin's generosity. But she quickly vanished them away, by sheer will before they were noticeable.

Instead, she decided to change the focus, "Are your extended families happy about two little babies joining them?" She smiled, hoping that it looked like she was coping somewhat. She didn't want to be a headcase, knowing that Caitrin was busy and probably had a lot of other duties to attend to.