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OOTD | The Waiting Game

[freneticjo]

The Waiting Game | Jeranna

Tagging: Joanna Cargill & Jeremy Murren | mention of Cole Harris & others Location: Manhattan General; Midtown, NY Time Frame: Early evening; Fri. Sept. 25, 2015 General Notes: Jo and Jeremy wait for any word on Cole.

Ever since she spied the dark Challenger speeding off at breakneck speed, Joanna carried an uneasiness she couldn’t shake. After overhearing the earlier argument between Cole and Nolan, she hesitated then eventually followed her brother down to the garage, only she was too late to stop him. Ambling through the double set of automatic doors, she prayed that momentary indecision hadn’t cost Cole his life. Despite the heaviness that accompanied every step, Jo eventually arrived at the sign-in desk, waiting patiently to be acknowledged by the bevy of harried nurses who were barking orders to various staff members. Folding her arms protectively around her middle, her gaze traveled to the collection of chairs occupied by strangers who were likely going through the very same thing she was. Time and time again the same hollow look greeted her own and although the connections were brief, sympathy lingered. As her eyes traveled back to the desk, they fixated on a lone figure tucked in the far left corner of the waiting room. A curtain of flaxen hair disguised the owner, but Jo would recognize Jeremy anywhere. Drifting away from the numbing noise, Jo slowly approached him, simultaneously curious and wary of the answers that awaited.

Jeremy did everything possible not to think of where he was in this very moment. He didn’t want to think about his brother lying in a hospital bed and in many ways, he wanted to remain ignorant to the severity of his injuries. As he stared past the hallway that divided the waiting room in two, he saw various other members of Cole’s family who’d trickled in before him, donning their own brands of pensive and worried. He couldn’t look at them for long, most of all, Cotia. Instead, Jeremy bowed his head again, golden locks spilling around his face while he thought about what he was doing prior to arriving. Showering in the middle of the day, because why the hell not? He’d slept through the morning hours and lounged about his loft for the earlier parts of the afternoon; his only plans today had been to stop at the bank. He’d only half-heartedly been listening to the television sounding as background noise up until Cole’s name was broadcast, following by what few details could be given. The lazy motions became hasty and after calling Cotia to find out where she was, he’d hailed a cab down to Manhattan General. And now he sat, rethinking his day, again and again, making wishes and holding hopes for the better outcome of all the uncertainties swimming around his head. By chance, he’d looked up again, uncharacteristically somber in the face when his eyes fixed on Joanna. He’d been purposely sitting in the center of a double-wide chair but moved his slender form to one side so that she could join him–glossy blue eyes fixed helplessly on her brown pair. He wanted to say something, anything to her but the words wouldn’t come.

When his head lifted, Joanna groaned internally as their eyes met. The grief etched on her friend’s face did little to alleviate the worry building in her gut. After room was made, she took a seat next to him, trying to find words worthy of the situation they found themselves in. Several attempts left her frustrated while on the verge of tears she refused to let fall. Monotone announcements filtered overhead as a flurry of activity took place around them. For her, the ambient sounds faded, replaced by guilt-riddled second guesses. Why didn’t she intervene during the argument? If she had stepped in, she could have probably prevented it from getting out of hand. Why did she wait to follow him? If she had caught him in the hallway, she could have driven instead and they’d likely be sitting in a restaurant talking through their issues together instead of being separated by a hallway of unknowns. The cab ride over had been spent informing friends and family of the crisis. She didn’t have time to dwell on potential outcomes until now. All they knew was that he was in surgery and her mind ran wild with possible scenarios. Several times, she envisioned the car flipping several times. Images of Cole being thrown from the wreckage played on her weakened emotional state and the nightmare continued taunting her while she tried to think more positive thoughts. Even if he survived the multitude of injuries that surely accompanied an accident as devastating as the one Cole had been involved in, would he be the same? She couldn’t imagine not having him in her life and the thought of an existence without her little brother had her close to a breakdown. Yet something kept her grounded. A quick glance to the other side of the room sombered her mood even more, studying the faces that instantly reminded her of her friend. Similar eyes found her own and while a shared glance of support was helpful, she still searched for his smile in spite of the tragedy playing out behind the closed doors they often stared at. She was tired. Exhausted, even, but too wired from worry to even consider closing her eyes. She needed something to help her through this moment of uncertainty. Chestnuts focused ahead to the large hand on the clock, Joanna leaned to rest her head on Jeremy’s shoulder, waiting for an update.

Jeremy bowed his head again, only to lift it while pushing his hair back out of his face. He couldn’t think of a time like this in years where he’d felt anything remotely close to this. All of the stupid clichés of how waiting was the worst part but hearing it in his head like someone taunting him was almost worse than living it. No one had been told anything other than tests were being run, and it seemed the only reason they were given that information was because Cotia, and eventually Cody had arrived. His phone kept buzzing and with texts and calls from his younger sister, his agent, and mutual friends of his and Cole’s, wondering what had happened, how he was doing, if he had seen Cole yet, and the request for him to keep them updated. At some point he stopped answering everyone and turned his phone off. The splintered attention wasn’t doing him any favors; he had a lot of the same questions they all had and the only sort of an answer he had was what had happened. A bird’s eye view of his wrecked, t-boned Challenger made the news and the image repeatedly flashed in Jeremy’s head. He thought about the many adventures he and Cole had in that car, down in Florida and around the City the past few years. He thought about the times he’d teased Cole for his speedy driving but soon followed it with an exhilarated howl and sometimes stuck his head out of the window for it to be heard. The prickle at his eyes went ignored up until he felt Joanna’s head come down on his shoulder. He snapped out of the conflicting memories with a small flinch and ran a hand down his face just before his own head tilted and rested against hers. As he wiped a hand on his jeans, he moved his free hand and placed it over hers, giving a firm squeeze over her steely knuckles, keeping it there for an immeasurable amount of time.

Reasoning her thoughts were the one thing she could control, Joanna busied herself with the mundane to cope. Calls had been made to Diana and Gavin and Cotia, Jubilee, Marie, Remy and a host of others were on the way to the hospital. Remy asked if she needed anything and at the time, she didn’t, but now she could use some coffee. She wondered if it was too late to text him. Probably, so she’d have to grab a cup from the vending machine. Mark and Najah were trying to get one of their friends to babysit Imani so they’d be a little delayed. At least they were coming. She needed her other brother to help her through this. Then there was Agnieszka who was stuck on Pier 59 for an overnight photo shoot. Jo knew that she was only a text away,yet something stopped her from reaching for her phone. The shoot was the first major campaign Ags had secured since returning to New York and Joanna knew not only how excited she was to book it, but also how much work she’d put in to be ready. Her girlfriend had given up alcohol and changed her diet in anticipation for her big gig. Ignorance was bliss and Jo didn’t want her to blow her big chance when there was nothing that any of them could do. It was truly out of their hands and helplessness began to rule her emotions. Twin streaks of anguish began to roll down her face while imagining Cole fighting for his life. Silent prayers were whispered as Joanna’s thumb skimmed over Jeremy’s. Sniffling quietly, she tried to keep her thoughts positive, but fear began to take its toll.

Jeremy stared at nothing in particular while his eyes threatened to fill with fresh tears. He swallowed back hard and sighed, all the while hoping like hell that a doctor or nurse would come through the doors with any news–no, not any news. Good news. Optimistic news, even but absolutely good news would be best. It took him a moment to realize that from across the way, Cotia’s bloodshot eyes were staring at him. His lips bent in the faintest and most sorrowful smile; as though it were enough to let her know it was ‘OK’, he watched her slide her hand out from underneath Cody’s, rise from her seat and cross the way toward him and Joanna. He watched her hold herself together right up until she reached her pseudo-siblings where she dropped to her knees, burrowing her face against Joanna’s knees while she rested a hand firmly on Jeremy’s lap. Jeremy’s free hand practically disappeared in Cotia’s blonde tresses while his other hand held onto Joanna’s just a little bit tighter than before. The quiet sobs from Cotia pushed the tears Jeremy was fighting over the rims of his eyelids; he let them roll warmly down his cheeks, knowing how much Cole meant to Cotia, and how much more painful all of this had felt. Seconds were turning into minutes, which became hours. More of Cole’s family had arrived in that time; his other co-workers showed up and he overheard them assure her that they’d handle things at the station, preparing archived episodes of the show for the next week. While Jeremy knew that their words were well meant, and it was mild comfort to know that Cole’s primary focus of work would be handled at this time, it also reminded him that there wasn’t a high chance that Cole would be getting out of here before the weekend was up. He did his best not to show his conflicting feelings and instead, fixed his eyes on the doors where the doctors needed to emerge with news.

The longer they waited without a single word from a doctor or nurse, the closer Joanna was to losing it completely. Being strong in the face of such adversity was taking its toll and while she was literally leaning on Jeremy for emotional and physical support, she felt her resolve weakening every moment that passed without any news. Footsteps approached and her hope renewed only to come crashing down as her gaze connected with the reddened eyes that had cried far more tears than she thought possible. In seconds, her hands were cupping the back of her youngest sister’s head, somehow finding the strength to be strong for Cotia even if her own heart was breaking. Although she didn’t exactly trust her own words, she espoused some comforting ones for the young woman and in the process reminded herself that not everything was lost. There was still a chance Cole would somehow find his way back to them. Familiar faces arrived and she vacillated between moments of strength and moments of weakness, finally allowing herself to fall apart in Mark’s arms. He lead her away from prying eyes, preserving her pulled together image. Mark’s unwavering insistence that everything would be fine no matter the result seemed to offer some consolation and a few moments of reflection to remember the good times with her best friend. Keeping everyone in high spirits, Jo exchanged stories of some of Cole’s most notorious moments to pass the time, but once the seemingly endless memories ran out, the group of weary bystanders grew quiet, lost in thoughts no one wanted to share. After what seemed like an eternity, the large doors opened, revealing a tall man in cerulean scrubs. Searching the large crowd, he headed straight for Connor and William and though he spoke in hushed tones, Jo could make out what he was saying.

Jeremy lifted his head when Jo’s older brother showed up. He let go of her hand and nodded once at her, understanding the desire to be with Mark at this time. Cotia shifted out of the way and rose to sit down next to Jeremy in her place. He held her fiercely and breathed deeply, numerous times. In his arms, she felt drained, not returning the strong grip but merely letting herself be held. Prior to the doctor finally emerging with news, the only other time Cotia had gotten up again was when her father and uncle arrived at the hospital. Strangely enough, it had taken their arrival for it to register in Jeremy’s mind, just how crowded the waiting rooms had become; all of the friends, the family for Cole. Looking at each face reignited his need for his brother to be alright. Jeremy had fastened these thoughts to his mind while getting up as well to greet the senior Harris men with one-armed hugs and muttered ‘hello’s. But the doctor’s arrival both broke and lifted the tension lingering from everyone’s anxiousness awaiting word of Cole’s condition. As they were finally being told something new, Jeremy found himself beside Joanna again, listening closely and carefully, and hoping with every ounce of energy he had left for some of the good news he’d been desperate to hear for hours.

[freneticjo]

Phone Call | Jujo

Jo: [hits speed dial, looks out of the taxi window, staring nervously at the rush hour traffic while waiting for her to pick up]

[freneticjo]

Phone Call

Jo: [glances at phone, sees Cole’s picture, smiles while answering] Hey, I tried to stop you in the parking garage. Glad to see you’re-

Nurse: Hello, is this WW?

Jo: [brow furrows at the unfamiliar voice] Yes, who is this?

Nurse: Hello Ma’am. I’m Erica, the charge nurse at Manhattan General. I was looking through Mr. Harris’ phone and your number had been dialed frequently in the past few days. Who am I speaking with?

Jo: Joanna Cargill. [shuts eyes, breath becomes labored] What happened?

Nurse: Are you a family member? We’re trying to notify the next of kin-

Jo: [screams] I’m his sister! [chokes back tears] Please, tell me what happened!

Nurse: Mr. Harris has been involved in a car accident. He’s currently in surgery-

Jo: [stares blankly at the wall, the image of Cole speeding away replaying in her mind as tears streamed down her face]

Nurse: Ma’am, hello...Ma’am... Are you still there? Ma’am…

Jo: Y-yes, I’m still here. [stands up from the sofa, snatches her jacket off the coat rack] You said he’s at Manhattan General?

Nurse: Yes, ma’am. Do you know the address?

Jo: [voice trembling] I do. Th-thanks for calling.

Nurse: It’s no problem, Ma’am. Good-

Jo: [hangs up phone abruptly, grabs keys off the hall table, rushes downstairs to hail a taxi while sobbing profusely]

[freneticjo]

[email]

From: NWHarris@HBroadcasting.com Date: 9/23/15, 7:45PM To: Mojojojo@gmail.com  Subject: Employment Amendment

To Joanna Cargill:

Upon reconsideration, Harris Broadcasting would like to reinstate your employment starting tomorrow morning, and extend and apology for your brief termination.

Regards,

Nolan Harris, Regional President Harris Broadcasting Company 690 10th Ave New York, NY 10019

[freneticjo]

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[freneticjo]

OOTD: Job hunting with Jubilee

[freneticjo]

[email]

From: CAHarris@HBroadcasting.com Date: 9/22/15, 7:35PM To: Mojojojo@gmail.com Subject: [no subject]

WW,

I’ve been trying to get a hold of you since the show ended today and I’m running out of a means to reach you. I don’t know what happened but can we talk about this? Preferably in person? HR told me you’d been fired but wouldn’t say why. Talk to me.

CW

From: Mojojojo@gmail.com Date: 9/22/15, 7:35PM To: CAHarris@HBroadcasting.com Subject: Re: [no subject]

Cole,

I’m not sure what happened, either, but when I came back from lunch, a letter from HR was waiting for me. For reasons I still don’t understand, I was let go. I’m sorry I haven’t been available. I needed some time to process what happened. If you’re willing, maybe we can discuss what happened in a few days. I don’t want this to come between us, but I need some time to figure things out. Thanks for understanding.

Talk to you soon, Jo

[freneticjo]

Text | Jujo

Jubilee:OF course. That's what I'm here for. Excellent! Meet me for lunch tomorrow. I'll show you off and then we'll see what we can do. I have a nice view of the skyline.

Jubilee: Want me to mess with the lighting in that place? I have ways. [five praise hands] Jonny is a crowd favorite. He's going to be president some day. Lol. Good. See? We're looking at positives here.

Jubilee: Pff tell me about it. Alright, alright. I promise Pet and I are always safe though. Yeah!? Oh my God! That's going to be amazing.

Jubilee: How do you feel about being Aggie's sugar baby? She's gonna be making it big soon ;) You're going to be okay, Joey. You're hella talented.

Jo: Sounds like a plan. I'll be sure to wear my best. It's time to slay the competition.

Jo: Do you, boo. I say we have a seance to rid the place of laziness and trifle ways. Wouldn't want the next buyer to follow in such terrible footsteps. Jonny is everything and I look forward to him leading this country to greatness. You better be safe or I'll hide your bike keys! I'll do it!

Jo: I could be her sugar baby for a while. It'll give me time to finish writing these songs for the album. I think so, too. I'll bounce back, for sure.

[freneticjo]

Text | Jujo

Jubilee: You definitely were. That's what it sounds like. And for that reason I know Cole had nothing to do with this. He would never. Fuck who ever was behind this though because it is some bullshit. We'll start looking for something tomorrow after I get out of work. How does that sound?

Jubilee: That's my girl. Wait, they forced you out? As in they kicked you out? These motherfuckers I swear...

Jubilee: I know Joey. Deep breaths. I'm glad she is. Tell her to turn on her phone! Aww you saw a puppy!?!? Nads showed up to my official "goodbye to leboooooo house." [side eye emojoi] Paid Little Jonny from across the street to sell some things and I left you a key in the mailbox in case you wanted some of your shit back.

Jubilee: Meh. I'm going through phases. I think I'm at the angry phase again but that might have a lot to do with the fact that another friend of mine is going through the same and with everything else going on. Maybe Pet wants to go for another race tonight.

Jo: Yeah, you're probably right. Thanks for talking it through with me. And yes, the job hunt is officially on! I hope I find something soon because bills are a-callin'!

Jo: I was escorted by three security officers so that was an experience. Deep breaths, for sure. I'm on my mental.

Jo: Will do. Yes, we may be getting a puppy. I dunno yet. [5 laughing and crying emojis] Jonny always on his hustle. I can't be mad at that. Good lookin' out. I'll collect that espresso machine Volderlame never used. That way I can cut out my daily Starbucks run. Saving money already.

Jo: It's been a banner week already and it's not even half-done. No racing! I need you in tip-top shape for tomorrow. Okay, no racing unless I'm on the back. Did I tell you I finally got a helmet? It's on!

[freneticjo]

Text | Jujo

Jubilee: Sounds like bullshit. Oh. I had no idea. I would have never guessed to be honest.

Jubilee: Joey, I know you're upset. You have every right to be but the three of us have been inseparable since high school and we've never kept shit from each other. I don't imagine it being any different now as adults. Just...try not to think about it. Maybe reassess in the morning. Is Ags with you?

Jo: I was blindsided, tbh.

Jo: I know you're right and I'm just searching for answers. I could ask him but I'm too upset to keep a level head. We've been family for years and if I was in my right mind, I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. But it's hard. I'm trying to let it go, but it was so embarrassing. To be forced out like that. Yeah, Ags is here and we looked at dogs on that site Nadia told us about. Might have found one but don't tell anybody. That made me feel a lot better.

Jo: Enough about my problems. How are you holding up? Need anything?

[freneticjo]

Text | Jujo

Jubilee: That's insane. I can't believe it. Jesus, I'm sorry. Yeah he told me he was looking for you. What happened with Cole?

Jo: I can't either. The reasons behind it are all bullshit. My reviews have been excellent but this letter made it seem like I've been a problem employee since day one. As for Cole...I haven't said anything but things have been tense since last week. We had a disagreement over a segment for the show and I thought everything was squashed.

Jo: Cole is very high up in the chain so it's hard for me to believe he didn't have any idea that this was going to happen. He's my best friend and I like to think we could talk about everything. Maybe this was his way of avoiding an uncomfortable conversation. I don't know. I'm too hurt to think it through.

[freneticjo]

thefastermaximoff

replied to your

photo

:

Access Denied Tagging: Joanna Cargill with...

//I might be liking this but you are getting all of my side eye rn >_______________>

my work is only beginning, my dear

[freneticjo]

Text | Jujo

Jubilee: wait. What?! What happened?

Jo: Before lunch, I had a job. After lunch, I didn't. I got some bullshit letter that basically said I was fired then I had to turn my badge in. Cole's been blowing up my phone but I'm ignoring him.

[freneticjo]

Text | Jujo

Jubilee: you first. I’ve been worried sick! Are you okay?

Jo: I'm all cried out, so I guess that means I'm okay. At least I don't have to go to work tomorrow. Since I don't have a job and all.

[freneticjo]

Text: I'm sure you know by now. I left the apartment clean at least?

text: Yeah... I know... and I have some news of my own. It hasn’t been a good couple of days for either of us.

[freneticjo]

[voicemail] Hey, Jo, just calling to see if everything's alright. Call me back when you get this.