Thread: My Silver Lining (Ava & RocLobster)

James' hands would wave dismissively at her first comment, cracking another smile on his weary face as he tries to explain. I can't afford that time, sadly. Not in my work hours at least. Even when off the clock I'm quite rushed... I have to sort through all my correspondence here. And I don't want to leave my mother unattended... I'm always worried she may start to feel alone in that ward. His last few words came packaged with a deep, exhausted sigh. James had been putting a lot of his own troubles on hold for the sake of supporting his mother. Whenever he could find the free time, or shirk the work he was supposed to be doing, he would be visiting dear old Ms. Harrison. Sitting by her bed and holding her hand until she fell asleep. I thank you for the offer of support, Miss Perkins. I really do. But I wouldn't burden my worst enemy with my troubles right now. Things are hectic to say the least... I've promised the chief of medicine that I wouldn't let it interfere with my work. Been skirting that line for weeks now and I don't want to cross it. Lifting from his seat he'd remove his coat and dress it over the back of his chair. Moving to the window and taking a look outside while breathing in some fresh air. Even during his allotted breaks James could be found working. If not in his office, then with a patient. Some of the nurses had taken to calling him the Zombie Doctor of late, due him never seeming to rest and looking as though he just crawled out of his grave. Using his fingers to comb through his hair James would turn back around and face Gabby. Forcing a smile onto his lips in an effort to brighten his depressing appearance. It wasn't hard to do, mind. Gabby had that bubbly infectious air about her that made other people around her happy. That cocktail of charm, concern and good looks that few seemed to balance well. The longer he looked the easier it became for him to smile. That was until he realised he was staring at the poor girl, a flush of crimson burdening his cheeks as he cast his gaze down. Almost throwing his glasses off in the process. I'm sorry! I just... Switched off for a moment there. His next destination within the cluttered office would be the water cooler, hiding beneath what one would assume was a dirty shirt James was yet to sort into his laundry. With an embarrassed chuckle he'd toss the garment behind his desk and help himself to a quick drink. His eyes surveying the room as Gabriella mentions offering him some furniture. Well... It would certainly help in making this place look a little more organised. And being able to separate my patient files from my credit card correspondence would help return at least -some- of my professional image. He couldn't help but crack at the last comment. 'Professional image' he said to himself. People could probably look at James right now and be lead to the assumption that he's a black market physician who was given residency at the hospital. With his faded white coat, dishevelled appearance and ever present 5 O'clock shadow he did portray quite a shady character to those who didn't know him. When Gabby mentioned the phone calls however, his demeanour would alter drastically. His hands would cover his face as he blurted out an irritated grunt. Urgh that fucking kraut... I'm sick of her calling me here! I'd told her to go through my lawyer from now on! His voice had raised just enough so that anyone passing by the office could hear. And it seemed as though someone did. A moment later a short blonde girl with a pink stud earring would poke her head through the door. Scanning the room with a concerned look and focusing on Dr. Harrison. Is everything alright in here, doctor? she'd ask, he voice as meek and quiet as a fragile mouse. It's fine, Lindsay. Just... Lauren's been calling the hospital again. You know how angsty I get. he replied. He wanted to give the girl a comforting smile but in his current rage he couldn't stomach it. His soon to be ex wife was getting under his skin again and all he could focus on were the dark thoughts that people harbour towards their worst enemies. Lindsay would quickly make her presence scared. Departing with an understanding nod and quietly closing the door. She could be heard just outside the door explaining to another nurse, albeit in a non too kind tone towards James. Hearing such muffled yet scornful words cut through the glass he couldn't help but hang his shoulders in shame. Removing his glasses for a moment and rubbing his darkened eyes in frustration. I'm sorry about that, Gabby... It's my ex wife. Or soon to be ex wife rather... She brings out the worst side of me. he'd admit with a heavy sigh, taking a few moments in the dark of his closed eyes to count to ten and calm his nerves. Once the dirty sapphire hues were revealed to the world again he'd turn to the kindly nurse before his desk and smile. I'll speak with Dorothy when I get a moment to see about putting you on the three till seven shift. That's when we're hurting the most at the moment... I've been having to wake up in the middle of the night to help with emergency admittances a couple times over the last month. Would be nice to get a full nights sleep for a week straight. A weak chuckle accompanied his minor confession. Confirming to her that James has in fact been living in his office for quite some time. He'd skulk over to his desk again and fall into seat. Starring at the huge pile of letters and cream coloured folders on the obscured mahogany surface. After a brief moment of awkward silence he'd look back up to Gabriella. Smiling as bright a smile as he's managed yet in their short meeting. Well... I've still got another ten minutes. Is there anything else I can help you with, Gabby? You don't mind me calling you that do you?