Thread: The Deduction of Human Emotions (Dreamer- and Elise)

The sound of Joan's alarm clock pierced through the air and she opened her eyes at once. Her hand reached for it automatically and soon enough the irritating sound stopped, leaving the room silent again. Joan rolled over in her bed with a sigh, she really didn't want to get up. Her eyes closed again, and she almost returned to the soft land of beautiful dreams, but a small voice in the back of her head brought her back to reality. Patients, said the voice, sick patients that require your help. Also, killing Stacy. Wake up. Joan let out a frustrated groan and pulled herself up into a sitting position, sometimes she hated her own brain. She was half asleep when she walked into the bathroom and went through her morning routine as fast as she could with her eyes half closed. She only managed to wake up completely when she pulled on some very uncomfortable clothes and brushed her hair. She never had breakfast at home, so she grabbed her bag and hurried outside. Joan glanced at her watch before she walked into the clinic - she still had some time, which meant that she could have a word with Stacy. Good morning Dr. Watson, Stacy greeted her with a large smile, I hope you'll have a wonderful day. Joan stopped right in front of the woman. Stacy, she said, are you aware of the fact that you are not allowed to give my phone number to patients under any circumstances? Stacy looked a bit taken aback, but the smile returned to her lips very quickly. Oh, are you talking about Richard? she said, that was ages ago, did he finally find the courage to ask you out? Joan raised her eyebrows, this was unbelievable. This is extremely inappropriate, she said, we have clear rules - but Stacy cut her off. I'm sorry, Dr. Watson, but why is it so wrong about it? she asked, using the most innocent voice, Richard is a very fine man. He is rich, intelligent, handsome. What seems to be the problem? Joan was confused by the sudden bold question, and all she managed to say was I don't really do that, to which Stacy responded with do you only date women? and Joan was speechless for a few very long seconds. What, no - she said, but Stacy cut her off once again. It's alright if you do, she said, I do too. I was actually thinking about asking you out myself, I just wasn't sure... This time Joan was the one to cut her off. No no - stop right there, she said and placed her hands on Stacy's shoulders to keep her in a safe distance from herself, what are you talking about? Stacy, when I said that I don't really do that I meant that I don't date patients. Or coworkers! This is so inappropriate... And I'm not even gay! What is it with everyone asking me out lately? Are you out of your mind? No, I'm sorry, I can't deal with this right now. She released the woman and turned around, heading to her office. She could feel Stacy's eyes following her back and the feeling disappeared only once she closed the door behind her. Joan turned on the lights and took off her coat, hanging it in its usual place. She pushed the button to turn on the computer, and took her seat by the desk. Just a few moments ago she was simply angry at this woman. Now, however, she didn't even know what she was feeling. She knew for sure that she won't be able to look into Stacy's eyes again, and she was very uncomfortable even thinking about that woman. Joan checked the list of patients for the day in her computer and was delighted to see that it was a bit shorter than usual, which meant she could come home earlier and spend a nice evening with Sherlock. Her first patient was supposed to come in in fifteen minutes and she considered getting herself some coffee. However, that would require getting out of her office and passing by Stacy - which she was certainly trying to avoid. So instead, she took out a piece of paper and started doodling, trying to ignore the urge to go out and get this cup of coffee despite everything. The first patient came in right on time, and from that moment on Joan's mind was completely devoted to all of the patients who came into her office. There was nothing particularly unusual about any of them and it was quite pleasant, just the same old routine over and over again. When it was finally time for lunch, Joan was surprised to see how quickly the time was passing by. Fortunately, Stacy was gone for lunch too and the coast was clear. She managed to eat in peace, but then her phone rang. It was the same number as yesterday, and Joan answered unwillingly, knowing it was Richard. Hello Dr.Watson, he said, I'm calling about our date. These words startled her, only then she completely realized how serious he was. Yes, about that, she said, listen, I'm really sorry but I can't go out with you. Don't take it personally, it's just that - but Richard cut her off. You're gay, I know, he said, Stacy told me. Joan's mouth dropped open, she told you what? she said, but then it hit her. It could be an opportunity to hurt his feelings much less. Oh yes, she said, that's right. I'm gay, completely gay. Sorry, it's not your fault, but I only date women. There was a pause, then Richard asked why did you say yes then, when I asked you yesterday? Joan thought for a moment, then said I thought it was merely a suggestion to spend a friendly evening together, I didn't realize it was supposed to be a date. There was another pause, then Richard said oh well then, it didn't hurt to try. Have a good day, goodbye. He hung up without waiting for her response, and Joan suspected it was because how she ended their conversation last night. The rest of the day went very well - Joan succeeded at avoiding Stacy and the patients were very nice. For once, nobody was rude and it was a quiet day overall. But when it finally came to an end and Joan pulled on her coat, she realized that she had to pass by Stacy on her way out of the clinic. She turned off the lights in her office and took a deep breath before stepping out of it. Watson, out, she told Stacy without looking at her. Got it, said Stacy as usual, and sorry for - Joan stopped and turned around to face the woman. Don't, she said, just don't. Alright? Let's forget about it. All I ask, is that you never give a patient my number again. Ever. And no inappropriate comments, got it? Stacy nodded and Joan sighed, glad to get rid of the tension. Goodbye Stacy, she said. Have a nice day, Dr.Watson, Stacy called after her but she didn't answer. On her way home, all she could think about was the dinner with Sherlock. She wanted to tell her about Richard, and Stacy, and how weird it all was. She wanted to share her feeling, even though she knew perfectly well that talking to Sherlock about feelings was quite the waste of time. Sometimes she could feel very comfortable around Sherlock, and even though the woman wasn't helpful at all when it came to feelings, it was still nice to talk and have a somewhat casual conversation with her. Glancing at her watch, Joan wished the bus could go faster and was eager to come home already.