Thread: Broken Dreams {Father Figure & AnnaBeth Belle}

I'm on administrative leave as the result of an investigation into irregularities in my reported hours on shift, Noel replied without hesitation, leading to a situation where my actions allegedly, she emphasized the word with disdain, may have compromised aircraft safety due to fatigue. She sat up, both feet flat on the floor, knees together, not touching the back cushion and sat the pillow aside to clasp her hands in her lap. Her nails were trimmed short. No, they were more likely chewed short looking at the rough edges. A condition of my being cleared to return to work is that I undergo a full physical and psychological evaluation and when they certify I am just fine, her voice rose at the last two words, then. Then they'll reinstate me. That's why I'm here, she concluded, looking Dr. Ingram in the eye, though her own flickered nervously away when she sensed the calm and power in them. Noel waited and when it became apparent that Dr. Ingram's silence compelled she answer the other question, she tossed her head angrily, black hair flying like silk in the wind before a storm. Now Noel stood and began to pace, though not in any discernible pattern. Why do I think I'm here? I think I'm here because they're all intimidated by me and snitched me off so I wouldn't be able to tell them the mistakes they made every second of every day. So I wouldn't show them up and make them look dumb. I think I'm here because pilots like me, they trust me, fuck some of the even ask me out and want to be with me without ever seeing my face. They're jealous and they're stupid and why can't they do anything right? she asked angrily. I'm really, really good at what I do, Doctor. You can appreciate that, right? Noel felt like she was talking into empty space for all the reaction she could sense from the Ingram. Maybe this appeal to his own competence would get her what she needed. It's like, she ran her through her hair, the ebony strands slipping silently between them and the action pulling her shirt tight across her breasts. Noel sat back down on the couch only this time her legs were crossed at the ankles and knees apart. It's like triage, okay? she said in a forced calm and lower volume tone. She needed to look like she had it together. Only, not really. I mean...you have to prioritize. Deal with emergencies first then everyone else in order of need. You just have to know what's really an emergency and what's really important and balance that with the schedule and traffic patterns and coordinating with other towers and pilots attitudes. Imagine that there's a patient only you can take care of, right? Noel nodded, willing Ingram to nod along with her. And if you don't do it then they don't get better. Or they get sort of better but you know you could have done it better, more better, and done it the right way. So do you want to do it right the first time or let someone else do it and then clean up their mistakes. I'm fine, she said, drawing out the last word. I would never put my planes or my passengers in danger. Just sign the form and give me a prescription and I promise I'll fill it and take them like I'm supposed to. Okay? Okay. So just...make your notes or whatever and I'll be on my way. Noel smiled and stood up, feeling like the session had gone well and already planning how she'd clean things up when her next shift began. Reaching for her phone, she thumbed the volume up so she could hear the radio traffic better and half turned away from Dr. Ingram.