Hospital in Maine
Characters
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| Lizzie Young-Bennett |
Rory Bainbridge | Jenna Donovan |
The hospital is a steady strum of noise. People in the hallways, the nurses coming in and out, the drip of the IV, the sounds of various other machines in the room, including the heart monitor with it's steady beep-beep-beep, stating that she's still alive.
Lizzie hasn't been in a hospital for a while. The last time she was, one of the girls in her ballet class fell off the stage during a production and broke her leg in two pieces. She's never been in the hospital for herself.
But it's interesting. She's never really alone; not really. The doctor has been in a few times, and the nurse keeps giving her updates on how close her mother is; which of course always happens just as Lizzie is starting to rest.
Picking at the thin sheet that's laying over her, she fusses with it. It's not hardly as threadbare as the one she's had for the last few days, but it's become a nervous habit. The only television she has in her shared room happens to be the hospital's own channels. Which means she can learn how to properly dress a wound, or how to breast feed. Neither of which she really cares for.
~*~
Rory has been making a point of keeping himself apprised of the various statuses and locations of those rescued from the bunker. Some are unfortunate enough to be in ICU, one is in the infectious wing, and one actually is in the burn center. The two youngest are in the pediatric wing of the hospital. One is an orphan and ward of the state, however, since becoming aware of her existence, the local werewolf pack has been in with toys and clothes, and Rory doesn't think she'll be a ward for long. The Maine branch of the Priory is handling that, which leaves him free to rotate between the others.
The young man has peeked in on Brooke Bishop, but her (vampire) boyfriend is there hovering protectively and he doesn't need to stray inside. Harper's wife is never alone, and he did stop briefly to exchange quick words with Harper, but there really isn't time to play catch up. He's now headed to Lizzie Bennett's room, to see if her mother is there or just to keep her company if she needs it.
Peeking in, Rory gives a soft rap of his knuckles on the door. "Miss Bennett?" If she's sleeping, he doesn't want to wake her.
~*~
Snapping her head up, Lizzie blinks. "No one but my instructors bother calling me Miss Bennett," she says with a smile. As much of a smile as she can muster at the moment. She's (thankfully) not as drugged up as some of the others. Broken ribs are something that they'll give pain medications for, but not something they feel the need to knock her out for. Since her ribs have been wrapped, she hasn't been in too much pain. Only if she moves too much.
"It's Lizzie."
It takes her a second, but then she recognizes the man at the door. "You were there?"
~*~
"Yes, I was. We didn't get to talk much. It was rather hectic." Rory steps further into the room and gives her a friendly smile. "All things considered, that's not too surprising."
Crossing the room, he extends a hand to her. "We haven't formally been introduced. Rory Bainbridge, New York Priory office. I'll call you Lizzie so long as you call me Rory."
~*~
"Eliza Bennett," she tells him with another smile, taking his hand. "That woman said you were British. She mentioned the accent… I can hear it better now." Motioning toward the chair, Lizzie queries, "Have you been checking on everyone then? There were a few I heard that had no families at all? They're being taken care of, right?"
Glancing toward him, she asks, "Are Siobhan and Brooke alright? I haven't been too worried. I figured if something happened, someone would've told me."
~*~
She has a pretty smile. All cleaned up, she's a pretty girl, Rory notices. Then again, none of those they rescued were exactly hideous or unattractive and they all look much more appealing cleaned up.
Rory takes the seat with a nod. "I have been. Keeping everyone who needs to know apprised of what's going on."
Beat.
"You don't have to worry about that. The Priory will handle the medical treatment and bills of those who don't have any family. No one is going to be untreated or left alone right now. I'm sorry I didn't get in to see you sooner, but I was told your mother is on her way?"
Rory gives her another smile, this one conveying comfort. "They're both going to befine. Brooke's boyfriend is with her, and her family is en route, if they haven't arrived already. She has a broken wrist, and is a bit drained from the ordeal, but she'll likely be released in a day or two. Siobhan's family is with her, and her husband hasn't left her side since he got here. She's got a broken ankle, but I've been told it's going to heal up perfectly. Other than that, she's in the same place as you and Brooke: a few days of intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and liquid vitamins and then discharge." Rory doesn't know if Lizzie knows how depleted her body and magic are, and if she doesn't know, he's not going to be the one to tell her.
~*~
Wrinkling her nose, Lizzie nods. "I can handle a few days. Any more than that, and I'll go insane. I guess it'll be the same at home though. I can't get much practice in while my ribs are broken."
Beat.
"You don't need to apologize, I wasn't expecting anyone to look in on me, really. My mom should be here soon enough. Last time the nurse peeked her head in, she said in about thirty minutes, and that was probably about twenty minutes ago? Maybe fifteen. I haven't really been checking."
Fussing with the blanket again, she looks down. "I'm glad they've got people to help them. I'm glad that there are people like you to help them. Some of them are really quite young." Heck, she's still pretty young, but there were plenty of children there.
"Did they… get all of Cruz's toys? I mean, rescue them?"
~*~
"I'm sure there are Coven witches around who can try a healing spell once your body has recuperated a bit?" Rory suggests. He's heard enough to know that none of the witches and sorcerers rescued are up to a proper magical healing just yet.
"Me too. No one should be alone right now. If you want me to, I can pass on messages to them the next time I'm there?" The women aren't allowed out of bed yet, or else they'd be by to visit themselves. Or so he's gathered from what little he's learned about them.
Rory's face hardens briefly. Cruz is a person he'd like to see rent from limb to limb and his head placed on a stake. He forces himself to relax, "Yes, they've all been rescued and accounted for." Two are in psych care and probably will be for the rest of their lives, and one is under suicide watch. The others … the jury is still out on them. "Cruz has been apprehended as well."
~*~
"Oh thank god! I was worried that he might have tried to kill them all." Lizzie pales a little, and she continues to fuss with the blanket. "He wasn't a very nice man," she says, as though Rory doesn't know that already.
"If you could just tell them that I wish them both well, and speedy recoveries? I know Siobhan must be pretty pissed about her ankle. I would be too, if I'd hurt my ankle. Ribs are bad enough, but leg or foot injuries on a dancer really suck."
Shaking her head, she smiles. "I'll be fine letting it heal the old fashioned way. I've got just over three months to practice, and even if my ribs hurt I can do a pliee or two."
Beat.
"I'm really sorry if I embarrassed you during the rescue at all. I was apparently in shock and babbling."
~*~
Rory thinks that if Cruz hadn't been concerned with adding another addition to his 'collection,' the man might have done just that. His twisted, perverted interest in Siobhan Donovan saved those lives, though Rory is hardly going to say that to Lizzie. Or anyone.
He will, at some point in time, tell Harper that he did amazingly well and his wife is hot - even fatigued and injured as she is now. Though that will wait until all this has blown over.
"Right now, I think she's pretty out of it. I'm sure she'll be upset when she's more focused. Though I will give them your message."
Rory laughs. "I don't recall you doing or saying anything that would be embarrassing. No crazy screaming, no drooling or babbling." He winks. "I think you held up well."
~*~
"I bet she'll just be happy that she's alive." Lizzie knows that she feels that way. It doesn't matter about her injury. She'll heal from that, even if it takes a while. The fact that she's alive is the reason she's even able to smile now.
"I'm so very glad that you don't. I think I'd die of embarrassment if you did." Though she knows she was babbling to the woman. It was the only thing keeping her standing and not crying.
"Have you rest yet? I mean, you've had to have had a long night too, and you'll burn yourself out if you don't rest."
There is a noise in the hall, a raising of voices, though Lizzie can only make out her mother's. She wants to hide under her blanket and ignore it. Instead of doing so, she clears her throat a little. "I don't suppose you'd mind pouring me a glass of water? I'd do it myself, only they told me not to twist too much."
~*~
"I'm sure she is."
Beat.
"Or maybe I'm just saying that so that I don't embarrass you?" Rory gives her a smile to show that he is only messing with her and not trying to spare her from embrassing memories.
"The hospital staff was kind enough to let me kip off for a spell in one of the on-call rooms." The Priory provided a room at a nearby hotel and Rory will take advantage … eventually.
At the voices in the hall, Rory turns his head for a minute. He'll let it go for now, but if it keeps up, he might just poke his head out and remind people that this is a hospital.
"No problem, luv." He has to stand to reach the pitcher and the cup, but it isn't a problem. Once the water is poured, he plucks one of the straws in the cup and hands it to the young witch.
~*~
"Thanks."
Taking the cup and straw, she sips at the water daintily for a few seconds. Rolling her eyes at the door, she cradles the glass of water in her hands.
"It's my mom."
Beat.
"I hope she doesn't come in here just yet."
Blinking at that, she quickly says, "Because she seems to be in a mood. Not because, er…"
~*~
There is an argument going on outside between her father and some woman. Jenna has no idea who she is, but she does pick up that it's a very personal matter. One that involves the girl in the room. Frowning, she does her best to slip by her father, but still picks up on a bit of the conversation.
"I don't care, Byrony! I damned well had a right to know." Sam spots Jenna, and motions for the woman to come with him away from the doorway. "We should talk about this elsewhere."
Shaking it off, the little empath peeks her head in the door. A vased bouquet of roses in one hand, and a cute dancer-teddy bear in the other.
"Lizzie, right? Oh! I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?"
~*~
Rory raises eyebrows. "Your mom?"
Beat.
"Sounds like she's giving it to the hospital staff." He says it to lighten the mood and help the girl fight through the embarrassment that she's probably feeling at the moment.
Turning at the new voice, Rory gives a slight shake of his head and smile, beckoning the young woman in. "Rory Bainbridge," he says by way of introduction. "I'm with the Priory and was checking in on Lizzie."
Beat.
His gaze shifts between the two women who could be sisters. "You're Jenna, right? Harper's sister?" Rory has read the file and seen snapshots, but even so, it's hard to miss the family resemblance. Lizzie has it too, and he'll have to do some digging into Priory records to see if the three are distant cousins and don't know it.
~*~
"Maybe." Lizzie grins at the young man, then turns her attention to the newcomer.
"Yes, I'm Lizzie. Are those for me?" She looks at the girl curiously, wondering who sent her.
"If so, thank you. That's really nice of you." Even if she doesn't know who the girl is.
~*~
"Your mom?"
Beat.
"Actually, I think she was having an argument with my father, but they've gone off now." Jenna shrugs her shoulders, and knows she'll be talking to her father about it a little later.
"That's right. I'm the cute one," the little empath says with a grin.
"These are for you. I figured your room could use just as much cheering as Siobhan's could. She's my best friend, and she did ask if you were alright. I can let her know that you are, if you'd like? I'll be staying here until visiting hours are over, just to make sure my brother gets his cot and doesn't try to crowd Shivvie too much on her bed."
~*~
"But … you two don't know each other?" That's curious to say the least.
"Lizzie Bennett, Jenna Donovan. Jenna is Sibohan's sister-in-law and roommate, I believe." Rory smiles at Jenna, "I'm Priory. They pay me to know these things."
Beat.
"Just to further mix things up and show you how small the world is, however, I did spend a year as Jenna's brother's RA up at MIT a couple of years back."
Beat.
"He wasn't married then." He wasn't even dating Siobhan, because Rory is pretty certain that there's no way he could have kept a girlfriend who looks like that hidden and secret.
~*~
"They do brighten the room considerably. I love roses. Was that just a lucky guess or did you manage to buy roses for everyone?" Lizzie looks at the flowers, and then smiles a little more brightly. It's strange for someone she doesn't know to gift her with nice flowers, but even stranger for it to be someone that her mom might know.
"It's very nice of you, Jenna."
~*~
"Never met her before in my life. It's nice to meet you, Lizzie." Jenna beams a bright smile at the two of them, and then ohs. "Harper did talk about you last summer. He had been trying to convince me to come visit him at school, but I was too busy with Tisch."
Beat.
"Ye-ah, well the wedding happened quickly, but we all figured it would some day happen anyhow. I mean, Siobhan's been in love with him for at least ten years and it took him long enough to realize it. Then they eloped, and…"
Beat.
"Here I am babbling about their relationship when I came to see if I could get anyone anything."
~*~
"It is very nice of you, Jenna. Hospital rooms always look better with flowers." Rory gives another nod. "Flowers and balloons. Just as long as they're not those sad weepy flowers that look like they belong at a funeral."
Rory listens to Jenna, his mouth curling up into an amused smile. He does recall one thing Harper said about his sister: that she's a babbler. "Yes, he was intimating that he thought we should meet." Meaning that he probably was considering fixing Rory up with sister, or seeing how they would hit it off. Rory played dumb, because he knew he was going to back to England. He hadn't realized at the time that Harper had probably been reading his emotions the entire time.
"Eloped, yeah? I'm going to have to take your brother out for a pint when we're back in the city. Sounds like quite the story to tell."
Beat.
"I think right about now, a good story is welcome."
~*~
"An elopement? Siobhan never mentioned." Lizzie grins at that, knowing that there were much more important things to discuss in the cell. She's trying to take things in stride, but she figures it'll hit her quite a bit later.
"So let me get this right, Jenna's brother… Siobhan's husband… was trying to set the two of you up, but you've never met before now? I'd say it was fate or something. I mean, you can't argue that Rory's cute."
~*~
Jenna blinks, and then giggles. "Balloons! I knew I forgot to get something else. At least the teddy bear should help." Setting it beside Lizzie on the bed, she glances at Rory.
"I did figure that was his intention, but I was rather focused before last summer. School, Broadway, etcetera. Still am, if I'm being honest." The little empath turns to Lizzie and stage whispers, "You're right. He is. He's British too, isn't he?"
Beat.
"Why don't you just come to the vow renewal this fall? Oh! You too, Lizzie! I'm sure Siobhan won't mind the invites, and with Rory being one of Harper's friends it's a given that now that he's back in the country he'll get one… and since you shared… this with her, you should get one too. It'll give you something to look forward too besides school."
~*~
Rory doesn't say it, but he doubts that discussing her romantic endeavors was high on the list of things to be brought up while in captivity. Fortunately, he doesn't get to follow that line of thought very far before he hears Lizzie's compliment. He doesn't outright blush, but the tips of his ears do darken a bit as he clears his throat. "Or just another sign that there really is no such thing as coincidence."
"Vow renewal?" Maybe Rory hasn't been brought up to speed on everything. But, again, the big celebrations wouldn't be pertinent to Siobhan's file. "Let me hazard a guess: the families weren't happy at not being there to share in the nuptials the first time around?"
He grins gamely at Lizzie. "I wouldn't say no if I were you, Lizzie. From what I've heard, these types of events are quite lavish affairs and shouldn't be missed."
He knows first hand having grown up in such a world in London.
~*~
"You don't have to worry about balloons. The flowers are really enough. I wasn't expecting anything, except a worried mother who demanded I be taken back to Jersey." Lizzie takes a little sip of the water, and then moves to set it aside. Unfortunately, she can't twist enough and ends up spilling it on the floor.
"Crap. I'm sorry!"
~*~
Looking down at her shoes, Jenna waves it off. Picking up the glass, she says, "Don't worry about it. I've got another pair at the hotel, and these are hardly wet. Let me go get some towels." Scurrying toward the bathroom, she looks down at her shoes and knows she'll have to send them to be cleaned so they don't spot. It's not a big deal, really, so she grabs a towel and comes out to mop up the floor.
"Exactly, Rory. That's it perfectly. I think it's more for them than anything, and as far as I know, it'll happen really close to their anniversary, so it'll be a nice party either way."
Beat.
"Besides, people find it really hard to say no to me. I'll get both your information, and I'll mail out the invitations as soon as we get back to the city."
There's another pause.
"You might get to meet quite a few people from the New York City Ballet Company, Lizzie. A lot of them are friends of Siobhan's."
~*~
"Is that your superpower? No one can say no to you?" Rory asks. He was going to get a towel, but Jenna is faster.
He looks over at Lizzie. "And it looks like she's even sweetening the offer for you, Lizzie. How are you going to say no to that?"
"You've won me over, Jenna. I certainly don't want to miss it. It might be the one party I get to attend this year."
~*~
Lizzie laughs. "I guess I can't really say no to that. Networking of that scale, I likely wouldn't get to do until my final year." Looking over at Rory, she almost says that the offer was already sweetened, but she keeps her mouth shut. It's one thing to mention that he's cute, it's another to entertain any ideas where an older guy is concerned.
"If I get an invitation, I won't say no. You'll just have to help me pick something out for the happy couple is all. I've never been to a wedding before."
~*~
"Yep," Jenna says, dropping the towel on the floor. Sopping up the spilt water, she turns to Rory. "Well, let's call it a secondary power. Preston always says that I can convince an elephant to climb a tree."
Beat.
"Oh! I'm glad you'll both come. Outside of the gala this summer, it's going to be the event. I swear it will be. I'll sit you at our table, so neither of you has to sit alone either, and that'll round us out nicely. Some of us are in the wedding party, but we're leaving the head table for two. The rest of us are going to sit with our friends."
~*~
"Most couples register for the things they want and need," Rory knows that much about this sort of thing. "If there's nothing on the registry that strikes your fancy, I've never known anyone to say no to a gift card, a cheque, or a good bottle of wine. If you need help, Lizzie, I'll be happy to assist since I'm going to have buy a gift as well."
Beat.
Rory grins at the two women. "Just another service the Priory provides."
Rory laughs. "Alright, that's an interesting turn of phrase. Sounds like this chap Preston would be fun to meet."
~*~
"Okay. I'd like help though, because I don't have a clue about anything on that side of the city, and I don't want to step out of bounds with something for a couple of people I barely know." Lizzie makes a face as she twists her body a little too far, and then falls back on the pillows.
"Gala this summer? Is this something you guys do a lot of? Socializing with the elite or whatever?"
~*~
"They're registered, though honestly the best thing you can get them is something small for their new house. Shiv has a bit of stuff, and Harper's been working on filling it, but he's a guy and has likely forgotten things like dishes, and cutlery. I'll find out what her favorite kitchen store is, and let you know the things from the registry she'll need the most, I promise."
Beat.
"Though a nice set of wine glasses and a bottle of wine would always be a welcome gift."
Jenna smiles at the both of them, then giggles at the Priory comment. "Oh! Preston should be around here somewhere. I'll introduce you later. I think he's been taking care of Siobhan's cousin, just keeping her company while they wait their turn to go in and visit, you know?"
~*~
"Siobhan has a lot of people here for her. I hope she realizes how lucky she is." There are those who don't have anyone, and the witch is lucky to have so many people gathered around her. Rory does hope that someone imparts knowledge of that gift to the woman.
"That's what it's all about. Parties and glamour," Rory gives a stout nod. Then he grins, "At least it is from what I've seen on the telly from all your American shows." He winks to show that he's teasing.
~*~
"She is lucky. We all are. You found us. There were plenty that weren't so lucky," Lizzie says quietly. "And I hope their souls can rest easily knowing that evil is no longer there."
Fussing with the blanket, she glances over at the two visitors. "Sorry. I didn't mean to get all morose. It's just my way of dealing with it, I guess. Dark humor and all that."
~*~
"I'm going to visit everyone," Jenna tells Rory. "I might not have gifts for all of them. There are more than I was expecting… but I can offer time, and babble, and my sunshiney personality, I guess." It's not fair that some people have no one to visit them, and she can easily run off to see her brother and best friend if one of them calls.
"That's what it's all about. It's what we do. Dance, party, and have fun. Of course, I work at a restaurant for Mr. Collins, and I've got a role coming up on Broadway in the fall… you know, normal Upper East Side stuff."
~*~
Smiling sadly at Lizzie, Rory reaches out to lay a hand lightly on her shoulder. He's not a tactile person, both because of his upbringing and his abilities. He has to focus on keeping people and impressions out, or look like a germophobe and wear gloves. "That you're dealing is the important part. How you deal is all a matter of who you are and how your mind works."
Rory stares Jenna for a moment. "That's very kind of you. You're a born philanthropist, I think."
"You have a role on Broadway?" Rory is impressed. It might have been in the file, but it's extraneous and not something that he would have paid a good deal of attention. "What show?"
~*~
The only impression he might pick up from Lizzie is that she's not entirely just witch. Otherwise, her body is too drained to give him much of an impression.
"I guess so. I hid in the corner of the cell mostly, until they brought Brooke and Siobhan in. I pretended to be a pile of discarded blankets, so that they wouldn't hand me over to Cruz." Shivering, she picks at the blanket again, and then shakes her head.
"Enough of that."
Beat.
"So why're you in the States, Rory?"
~*~
"You think so? I just don't think that anyone should be alone after that. My best friend has tons of people to surround her, and a few people have families that are either here already, or will be coming shortly. I know I wouldn't want to be alone after all that." Jenna winks at Rory, and points out, "It's the empathy, really. If I can help alleviate any of the fear, then I'll feel better, so it's not entirely altruistic."
Beat.
"Not a starring one. I'll be part of the ensemble in Rock of Ages this fall. I took a bit of a break after a six month stint on Mamma Mia!, and only because I had to really focus my attention on the theatrical productions at Tisch for my final grade and graduation."
~*~
"Two years," Rory holds up two fingers. "Mostly because I could. I wanted the opportunity to live and study in the States. I knew people who'd done it, and I thought it sounded like fun. Living in another country and experiencing that culture is an experience to be had."
Beat.
"I liked it so much I opted to come back."
Rory grabs the other chair and pulls it up next to Jenna's and beside the bed. "I'm probably not as young as you think I am. I grew up in this. The Priory. My mother, her father, his parents and back for generations. My father's family too usually had someone involved on one side or another even though my father opted out."
"Don't sell yourself short. You're still young, there's plenty of time to make your mark." He can't speak to Jenna or Siobhan's talent because he'd be a poor judge of it, but the women must be good at what they do.
"That would be great, Jenna. Thank you."
~*~
"So four semesters then?" Lizzie tries to figure it out, then stops. "Oh, come off it. You're like what? Maybe twenty-five at most. Probably younger, but I didn't think you were twenty or anything. Not if you were acting as RA. They usually don't give that position until a person is in their third year of school." Only because by then, they think people are responsible enough to look out for others that aren't that much younger than they are.
"We'll see. I doubt I'm good enough for a Company, but that's okay. I wouldn't mind teaching, or doing choreography for dancers… or like, on one of those musical television shows or whatever."
~*~
"I'll see to it once we're back in New York then. I should have my fall schedule by then. I'll be traveling a bit this summer, so I'll be back and forth, but I'll definitely make sure you all have tickets." Jenna takes out her phone and writes a reminder for herself.
"I'll take care of those invitations too, and maybe if there's any tickets left, see if you both can't come to the big gala."
~*~
"Almost. Twenty-four, but I have been learning and trained for this my whole life. Doing work for the Priory is nothing like learning to dance. You haven't finished school yet, and who knows how much polished and improved you'll be in another couple of years?"
Rory almost calls it the 'cock strut' gala, but catches himself in time. It's not polite to say, even if he did hear it called that first from Kayla. "The Kostas' Foundation Annual Mid-Summer Gala? I think I have required attendance."
~*~
"See, you're not old at all." Even though it is five years difference. It's not like he's in his mid-thirties or something, or the same age as any of her teachers.
Lizzie wiggles her nose a bit, but smiles. "True, but doing choreography could be a lot of fun too. I mean, getting to make up dance moves that others are going to use, and being able to be that creative all the time…"
~*~
"That'd be the one," Jenna replies. "Oh, that's right. I met Mr. Blackwell there briefly last year. We always go, but we generally slip off to one of the quieter rooms with just the younger people. So if you're forced to go, at least come and see some friendly faces."
Though, she's going to have to double and triple check her schedule to ensure that she and Chance are around for it.
~*~
"Very true. There's nothing wrong with choereography. Without it, all thoe musicals and ballets would be a cacophony of visual chaos," Rory agrees.
"I'm not a fan of these black-tie affairs." Rory's been to too many of them in his life. "However, it's good to know I can escape the stuffiness to friendly faces who share my thoughts and feelings."
~*~
"I've never been to one."
Beat.
"A black tie affair that is. They don't have a whole lot of them in Jersey." Lizzie rolls her shoulders, then makes a slight yelp. Staring wide-eyed for a second, she sets her hand to the bandages around her body and takes a deep breath.
"Sorry, gotta get used to not doing that for a little while."
~*~
"Exactly! I would never be able to be on Broadway without a good choreographer. I think if that's something you want to pursue, then you should go for it. Heck, Shiv's mom is a dance instructor and sometimes choreographer… she's a good resource to talk to if that's a direction you want to go in." Jenna nearly jumps out of her skin at the yelp, and she's on her feet to see if she can help the girl with anything.
Realizing it was just a wrong movement, she relaxes again.
"There are two places you can hide at the Dunamis Estate. The parlour, or the garden. It's less stuffy than the ballroom. We only ever slip out to the ballroom to dance."
~*~
At the yelp, Rory too turns and is halfway toward Lizzie before she gives explanation. He nearly suggests calling the nurse for more pain medication but realizes they probably want the witch to feel pain so that she doesn't over exert herself.
"It's all about networking. Not the most expected or brilliant circumstances to network under, but if something can be salvaged from this, it's that you've met new, good people."
Beat.
"If these were Victorian times, I'd have to ask you both to save me a space on your dance cards."
~*~
Lizzie blushes a little at that, but doesn't comment on the saving a dance for him. Besides, he's really just being friendly to try to keep her in good spirits.
"I guess that wouldn't hurt. Networking, I mean… and maybe my ribs will be better by then so I can actually wear a nice dress."
Not that she'll be able to afford anything like the evening gowns that people normally wear to galas, but maybe she can make one if she can find the right pattern.
~*~
Giggling, Jenna smiles at Rory. "I'm sure Chance won't mind if I save you a dance. It'll give him time to relax and be off his feet." Or it might just make him extremely jealous and possessive later, which she wouldn't mind at all.
"I can introduce you to a few people, Lizzie. Some of the benefactors of the different dance companies, and some people from Broadway. Maybe you can work toward getting an internship next summer with a choreographer if you want to. They pay crap, but it's really good experience."
~*~
"Then it's settled. Two dances." Rory holds up two fingers and smiles between the pair. Lizzie said no such thing, but she didn't object. He is being friendly, but he doesn't see anything wrong with that. Given all that's happened, both of the young women could use some friendliness and distraction. He could, too, since he has to go back to paperwork and liasing soon enough.
"I won't forget to collect."
~*~
"If you do, that's alright." Lizzie starts to shrug, then recalls the pain and simply lays back on her pillow. "I should probably rest or something, because I doubt I'll be able to once mom comes back." Whatever her mother and Jenna's father were arguing about, she'll worry about later. She just wants her mother to be in an alright mood when she shows up to see her.
~*~
Moving the notepad on the table over, Jenna jots down her contact info. "If you need anything while you're stuck in here, call me. If my brother actually goes to his graduation, I may be gone for a day, but I'll make sure someone takes care of it for you, alright?"
Smiling down at the girl who looks very similar to her, she blinks. The similarity was noticed before, but it actually hits her right in that moment.
"Thank you for helping with Siobhan, and for being there with her. I know it sounds stupid but I think it means a lot to everyone that she wasn't going through all of that scared and alone."
Beat.
"And that you didn't have to be either."
~*~
"I should leave you to that." Rory stands and tugs his shirt to straighten it. It's not his typical, but it's what the Maine Priory provided once they got sizing. It will do until he can change into his own clothing.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a business card. Unfortunately, he doesn't have his own yet, so he takes out a pen and scribbles his name and personal cell on the back. He places that one with Jenna's note. "That's my contact information. The number on the front will get you in touch with the main Priory House. My information is on the back."
After a moment, he pulls out a second card, does the same and hands it to Jenna. "I don't think I gave one to your brother. You can use it to contact me, too, if you need to."
~*~
Eyes watering up a little, Lizzie plucks at the sheet again. "I'm glad there was someone to talk to too. Even if we didn't make it out without help. She tried." The little witch reaches up to wipe her eyes and makes a frustrated little sound.
"Sorry."
Beat.
"Thanks, guys, for checking on me, and keeping me company. I really appreciate it."
~*~
Taking the card, Jenna nods. "I'll make sure Harper gets the number, and I'll jot it into my phone just so I've got it in case something comes up."
Giving a little wave to Lizzie, she smiles, "I'll come back before visiting hours are over."
