#Man... Its been so long since LL stopped updating

[marmadelin]

Last Legacy is my Roman Empire

[vanchlo]

The Assistant / Chapter Thirty-Six, “I’ll Be Seeing You”

Links: 

- *NEW* Check out the new character survey I filled out from Becky’s POV here!

- *NEW* Take a look at the new character survey I filled out from Harry’s POV here!  

- All chapters can be found here!

- Inspo tag can be found here!

- Spotify playlist *updated often* can be listened to here!

Warnings: None

Word Count: 7.2k words

                                             SNEAKYYYYYYYY PEEK

“I don’t know how I’m going to get through the next two weeks with that teasing around in my head - the fact that I get to work with him every day for five days a week. A dream come true, in every way. I’m rather positive tonight will tide me over until next week when I have my orientation.

I have a good feeling for the first time in a while, so many of them actually.

“God, it’ll be weird going back to being boss and employee again. It was so much easier being just friends,” I remark jokingly, the song flowing from his lips mixing with that of my own.

“Eh,” Harry says, shrugging his broad shoulders covered in his long black peacoat. “Don’ think o’ it that way, Becks, we’re colleagues now, which ‘s even betta.”

Song Inspo: I’ll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday (click to listen and am I the only one thinking of The Notebook now?) 

               “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” - T.S. Eliot

Confliction knits together in my stomach as I travel the halls on my way to work. Enthusiasm peeks through when I pass the several courtrooms on my way, imagining myself in them sat next to Harry, his co-counsel. No longer are there feelings of disdain and longing when I pass Courtroom #5, or the mailroom I so often hid inside the walls of. Disdain found its way back to me when I entered the door for Administration, my lousy desk calling for me from its corner. I somehow can’t seem to escape that character trait. Nonetheless, a smile stuck to my lips at times throughout the morning as I browsed new work outfits online during downtime. 

The morning went by painfully slow as I waited to try and catch Sophie after her many meetings and phone calls. Suddenly, I wasn’t sure how I would survive two more weeks of the humdrum between these four walls with my new future teasing me. Not when something out of a dream had woven its way into my life now, getting to work with Harry as his mentee, and a second chance at all of it. A second chance I wasn’t going to waste this time. 

“Hey, Sophie. Good morning, I was wondering if I could speak to you about something?” I ask her, finally finding the right moment as she walks by my desk after a meeting. 

“Yes of course, love. I was just going to grab some tea, why don’t you join me?” she murmurs with a smile, waving her arm as a signal to follow her down the hallway to the nearby break room. “Does this have anything to do with the glowing recommendation I gave about you to a certain Mr. Styles yesterday?”

“Maybe,” I laugh softly, holding open the door for her. 

“Did you get called back for another interview?!” she asks excitedly, her long maroon pants twirling around her legs when she turns to face me. 

“Even better, I got the job!” I answer, matching her excitement easily. She lets out a yelp of joy before wrapping me in a hug. 

“I’m so happy for you, love, even though I’ll be sad to see you go,” she hums, the heavy charm bracelet on her wrist brushing against my back. 

“Thank you, I am too. It’s pretty bittersweet.” 

“Yes, indeed. When will be your last day with us?” she inquires, patting my arm on her way to the electronic kettle she’s had her eyes on. 

“The uh twenty-fifth officially, so I have two weeks left to help find a replacement and finish up my work.”

“Ah, that sounds right,” she mumbles as she removes a packet of tea from a box in the drawer, ginger tea. 

“I was wondering if there is any chance that I’d be able to take a day off somewhere in there to complete some orientation for the uh, new job. If not, that’s of course okay. I just thought I’d ask, since sometimes I’m sent home early for the day or some days are slow,” I suggest nervously, clasping my hands together to keep myself from fidgeting too much. 

“Of course. Hmmm, let me think,” she almost whispers, tapping her long pink fingernails against the counter while swirling the teabag in the steaming water. “I think next Friday would be fine, since those days are rather slow anyways. Does that work for you, love?”

“Yeah, I’ll have to uh, check with Mr. Styles about it to see if it works with him. You know, his cases and the like,” I respond uncertainly, toying with the dainty golden ring Skye got me for Christmas, an amethyst stone set into the middle. 

“Is this Mr. Styles the former boss you spoke of?” she inquires, turning to face me with a grin budding on her lips. I’m unsure of what to say and so I nod my head, but I can tell by the look on her face that I’m not hiding my expressions very well either. “What’s that big smile for, huh, Becky?”

“Nothing,” I respond quickly, trying to save myself as I walk around, reaching into the cupboards for a mug. 

“You haven’t been wearing that big smile for nothing, and it didn’t get five times brighter when I brought up his name for nothing either.”

Her name falls from my lips in a futile warning, marked by an accidental laugh. My name soon follows even though I try to ignore it as I inspect the tea drawer, packets ranging from peach, mint, ginger, green, wild berry, and even glazed lemon loaf. I indulge myself and finally try the sweet lemon one, smiling at the smell of the teabag. 

“I don’t know how to put it into words,” I suffice, picking up the electric kettle, watching how the teabag reacts to the boiling water. 

“Feelings are hard to put into words sometimes, aren’t they?” Sophie replies, somehow putting my confliction and doubt so easily into a phrase. 

“Yeah, and they’re scary to admit.”

“That they are, love,” she tuts, her spoon clanging against the ceramic inside of the mug as she stirs honey into hers. “They’re even harder to admit when you have them for somebody . . Am I getting close?”

“Very,” I respond, jiggling the teabag in and out of the scalding liquid, feeling the tendrils of steam tickle my face. 

“Answer me this, are you feeling better about going back to work for him?”

“Yes, very much so, until I start thinking about it too much,” I reveal softly, growing more comfortable telling her as the seconds pass, wishing it were this easy to tell him. 

“If it’s in your plans, perhaps you should tell him what you told me, or start it off that way. He sounded rather fond of you over the phone, you should know. A very kind and attentive man, as well,” she murmurs sweetly, tapping her spoon on the lip of her mug a few times. “Whatever you decide to do, Becky, I wish you luck and I hope you’re happy. Why don’t you go give a ring to tell him about next Friday?” 

“Thank you, Sophie, really. It means a lot to me,” I reply slowly, weight clinging to every word. 

“Sure thing, love. Now go and make me proud and call him, so you don’t have to wait two weeks to see him.”

I just nod, a smile plastered all over my face as I pick up my tea and bring it with me, feeling her hand on my arm. Few people meander the halls as I join them until I find an empty bench tucked away in a private corner. After setting down the hot mug of tea on a windowsill, I can already feel my fingers trembling pulling my phone from my pocket. Once again, the numbers flow from my fingers effortlessly as I type in his number, but then I stop. I delete them and switch over to Recent Calls, hastily tapping Harry (work) before I lose my bravery. I suppose I should get used to calling this number, anyways, I conclude amongst my thoughts. As I listen to it ring, I debate whether to pick up the tea, but when I glance at the shakes consuming my fingers, I decide against it. They only come to shake harder and faster as I wait, and wait, and wait. 

Suddenly the sound changes, but my ears are met with disappointment. “Hi, ya’ve reached tha office of Harry Styles here at Styles and Lawson. ‘m sorry I missed yer call due t’ bein’ out o’ tha office or in court. Please leave yer name and numba, and ‘ll return yer call as soon as I can,” his pre-recorded message trickles into my ears, the same cold one I’ve heard over and over again. I try to remember the last time I heard it, but it must have been years. Wow, years is a long time. 

The beep comes out of nowhere and I’m stumbling over my words already, “Hi, Harry. This is Becky. If you could give me a call back when you get a chance, that would be great. I’ll try to answer, but I’m at work . . Talk to you soon, bye.” 

Groaning, my fingers soon get caught in my hair anxiously. Taking a deep breath, I try to talk myself down and realize that this happens all of the time. He may be in a meeting, in the middle of a trial, on the phone with a client, out for the day- there are so many possibilities. They don’t soften the blow of wanting to hear his voice and not getting to. No, they can’t take that way or make up for the loss. Exhaling, I stand to my feet and go to reach for my tea, right as my phone begins to buzz in my pocket. 

“Skye, if this is you calling in the middle of my shift again, or Robbie,” I mumble behind gritted teeth, blinking hard as I sit back down. 

I don’t even glance at the name on my screen before answering it with a dreary ‘hello.’

“My goodness, don’ sound so happy t’ talk t’ me,” Harry rasps from the other side, his voice having a cooling effect on the hot frustration coursing through my body. 

“I’m sorry, I-I am. I thought you were somebody else,” I reply, trying not to laugh, but it makes its way out. 

“Ah I see, well that person ‘s in fer a bad time with you,” he titters, and I think I can almost picture it. His eyes crinkling, him doing that scrunchy nose thing, the light green speckles in his eyes sparkling, and him playing with his bottom lip. “So what’s up, Becks? I see ya left a message, but I didn’t listen, jus’ called ya back. Shouldn’t ya be workin’?” he teases, his tone changing to a cocktail of firm and teasing towards the end. My favorite sound. All of it, just it all. 

“Yeah,” I laugh nervously, thinking back to what Sophie said, and trying to focus on only the day off. “I just spoke to my boss and she gave me next Friday off, so I can come and do my orientation that day with you. Would that work for you, Harry?”

“Ah, that’s very nice o’ her. She was very helpful and lovely when I spoke t’ her on tha phone yestaday. Ya, lemme pull up me calendar t’ see what I have goin’ on next Friday,” Harry responds warmly, distraction plaguing his voice quickly. 

“Oh she was? She said you were very nice as well, and that she gave me, I quote ‘a glowing recommendation.’ So, what’d you two talk about?”

“None o’ yer business ‘s what. That’s fer me t’ know and fer you t’ not find out,” he quips with a laugh, typing and clicking appearing softly in his background. “Okay, Friday. Let’s see.” 

“Harry,” I tease not so seriously, hearing a humored hum from him. 

“Becks,” he echoes with an affable scoff. “Oh here, Friday. Ya, that should work fer you t’ c’min t’ do yer orientation. How does nine t’ five sound, bug?” he continues, clicking his tongue habitually, something I remember he does to help him to focus. 

There’s that nickname again, Becky. That’s what, how many times he’s used it in the last two days?

Okay, you have a good point, but hush. 

“Great! I mean, that sounds great. I’ll plan for nine am then, and will dinner and drinks work afterward too?” I question, feeling like I’m stepping further out on this limb that I’ve been climbing dangerously. 

“Ummmmm,” he murmurs, clicking his tongue again absentmindedly. Somehow, even that is cute and it’s just so him, and it makes the missing him ache just a little bit more. “No, ‘m sorry, Becks. ‘m s’posed t’ go out t’ dinna with my sista at half-past five,” he reports solemnly, and that ache hits a little harder now. 

“That’s okay,” I chirp, trying to mask the disappointment in my voice. I feel like I do it pretty well, but I’ve never been the best at telling. 

“No, we’ll figure out anotha day. We’ve put this off fer too long now- Okay, lemme look su’more,” he mumbles, and now I’m sure he’s playing with his bottom lip. And I’m also sure that this all couldn’t be better. I get to see him in less than two weeks, and now maybe sooner. 

Yaaaaaaay!

Yipeeeeeee!

“I see, you’re just too busy for me, because you’re such a popular man,” I sigh dramatically feeling the teasing smile tug at my lips. 

“I am not too busy fer you. ‘s jus’ a busy life bein’ a lawyer, so ya betta get ready fer it, Becks. And I dunno ‘bout bein’ popular, I jus’ think ‘s tha bloody New Years thing. All o’ these friends are comin’ outta tha woodwork, wantin’ t’ get drinks or dinna, saying oh ‘s been so long since I saw ya last blah blah. Ugh, ‘s ridiculous,” he drawls with a groan being the period to his sentence, and all I can do is laugh. 

“You can say ‘no’, you do know that right?” 

“‘Course I know, Becks, but I dunno, tha nostalgia kinda draws me in too. ‘s like oh maybe going to get drinks with Matt from uni would be fun, even tho’ he was a prick, but hey he threw those cool parties,” he explains, a chuckle soon devouring his words and then my ears. Oh, how I’ve missed that sound so dearly. “But no, you and I are gettin’ dinna and drinks. Hey, what’re ya doin’ t’night?” 

“T-Tonight tonight? Um, nothing. I work until six, that’s all. Otherwise, you could probably find me sprawled out on the sofa watching FRIENDS or old reruns of Hell’s Kitchen after that,” I stutter, tripping over my words and more so the idea he just pitched, one that knocked me off my feet rather quickly and completely.  

“Ooooo tha trashy shows,” he chuckles and I have to resist rolling my eyes. 

“Hey, you watch them too!” 

“Not Hell’s Kitchen, altho- wait, ya ‘ve watched it a few times, I admit,” he relents, earning a ‘ha!’ from me that pulls a laugh from his lips. 

Oh, I could do this all day. 

Soon you get to!

Okay, don’t remind me, because I can’t have another reason for these next two weeks to be pure torture. 

“Harry watches trashy tv, hmmm,” I coo happily, that magical sound of his filling my ears again, and then my heart. “We should watch more of it together sometime. But yes, tonight would work. What are you thinking?”

“‘m really glad it finally worked out, and ya we will. Um, how ‘bout six-thirty, does that give ya enuff time?” he poses, and hastily my heart thrashes around in my chest with excitement, growing anxious at the thought of seeing him tonight. Thank, God, he said six-thirty so I can stop home and actually make myself look decent. I didn’t even try when I got up this morning.

“Yeah, six-thirty works. Where would you like to have dinner? Um, what about . . . tacos?”

“Tacos?” he chimes in at the same time as me, sending us both into a fit of contagious giggles. “Happy we’re already on tha same page with some stuff.”

“Me too . . So, tacos and we’ll find a pub somewhere for drinks?”

“Ya, I know a good place ‘ll take ya t’,” he rasps, a light coming through in his voice. I’m not sure if it’s my own internalized buzz of emotions, or if perhaps it’s his own showing through. “Shots and e’rythin,” he purs devilishly. 

“No, Harry, no shots,” I giggle, unable to contain it for any longer. 

“Yes, at least a few. That’s how ya celebrate, not with bloody margaritas, bug. I guess I have loads t’ teach ya ‘bout alcohol, I gotta turn ya onto sumthin’ otha than those bleedin’ wine coolers ya like. Those jus’ give ya gut rot and taste like candy, don’ do anythin’ fer a buzz,” he comments, that other side of him shining through now, more and more with every word he lets go. 

“Oh boy, am I in for it with you, or what?” I exhale, happiness sticking to every breath. 

“Yes indeed, ya are, Becks. Betta get ready fer some fun t’night,” he drawls, the honey sticking lazily to his deep voice. 

“But you’re almost thirty, I thought old people can’t have fun, Harry?”

The groan lined with affable humor tells me what he’s thinking first, and then I hear him sigh, “Ya betta not start this again, ‘m yer boss again, y’know,” he snickers, feigning authority in his soft baritone. 

“No, not for a week officially. Not yet. You’re just my friend right now,” I smile, thinking of Sophie when the feelings start to bleed through into my voice, piecing themselves together, although bittersweetly. I know I can’t handle being just friends, but every second more I’m starting to realize that oftentimes, friends has to come first before more. We have some catching up to do, that’s for sure. 

“Alrighty then. Well, yer just friend has t’ go t’ a meetin’ now, and ‘s tellin’ ya that ya should prolly get back t’ work now too.”

“Wait, since when do you go to meetings? Are you trying to be a good role model for me or something? Aw, how nice of you!” I exclaim, almost confident of the surprise in my voice being genuine. 

“Becks,” Harry laughs, the sound consuming his voice and playing in my ear, but not for long enough. God, that has to be my favorite song. “‘ll see ya t’night, love. Six-thirty,” he hums happily, and for once, I don’t have to wish for what he’s having, because I’m having it too. I feel it, the bubbly hope that could drown me in a moment. I want to let it, and I decide to. 

“Bye, Harry. Have a good day, I’m excited to see you.”

“‘m lookin’ forward t’ it too, bug. Bye,” he croons, and I hope he can hear the smile in my voice, because I can see his already. I think his is filled with hope too. 

It’s a miracle that I didn’t spill my tea as I walked back into the admin office, although it may have been a different story if I hadn’t taken that few minute breather to recover. I was even more surprised when tears of joy didn’t leave my eyes when I shared the new development with Sophie during my lunch break. Although I previously thought it was impossible, my excitement for later tonight only grew when I told her about it, and we both freaked out about it. I really do think I will miss her, she was perhaps one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. 

Waiting at my desk for the time to pass, I still can’t believe that later tonight I get to go and have dinner and drinks with my favorite boss of all time. 

+

Low and behold, searching my closet for something to wear later that night seems next to impossible. Each full hanger that I pass feels like it takes with it a precious minute of my time. After trying on and tossing aside three other outfits, I finally decided on one. Luckily, redoing my morning routine doesn’t take very long, and I soon have minty fresh breath and clean skin again. At the last minute, I decide to ditch the heavy makeup, and leave it minimal. I slide my violet peacoat over the striped maroon sweater and dark jeans, and my brown chelsea boots soon enter the snow. 

The smell of tortillas, peppers, and chili powder hits me in the face when the bell tinkles above my head on the door. Voices buzz around the inside of Pedro’s, a local Mexican restaurant I haven’t been to in well, years. That thought comes to me as a shock as I look around, and finally spot the reason for my absence, sitting at the same table in the right corner we’d always claim. I linger there by the door for a few moments, admiring him as he stares at his phone intensely. Unsurprisingly, I find it adorable how he toys with his bottom lip between his two fingers and jiggles his leg resting on the chair’s rung. A warmth grows in my chest at the sight of him, and a combination of excitement and relief builds with every step I take closer to him. I can’t count the number of times I’ve felt it escape me with every step I’ve put between us, and finally now I’m returning to him. 

The red and white menu is glossy between my hands, and sticky in some places when I take a seat across from him. I don’t let a word slip and only focus on the menu, despite his green eyes waiting for me silently. 

“Yer late, y’know. Not makin’ a very good impression with yer boss, are we?” Harry comments, pulling back the scarlet fabric of his button down to tap his watch. 

The menu falls with a feathery sound to the table when I belatedly make eye contact with him. I try to resist the feelings that tug at my lips when I watch the corners of his curl. 

“Hush, it’s six thirty-four. The traffic was horrid, and it’s after hours, boss. And, I haven’t even started working for you again yet,” I chuckle, savoring the way the dimples fall into his cheeks effortlessly, not there a second ago. He seems to relent, shoving his phone away in his pocket, his eyes lifting to mine again. 

“How was yer day then?”

“It was a typical boring Friday. How was yours?” I reply, resting my hands on top of each other and mindlessly letting my fingers dance atop each other. 

“‘Bout tha same. ‘m tryna find a new case, but now I gotta keep you in mind. I gotta rememba ya’ll be workin’ with me in two weeks, so I gotta do stuff like clean my bloody office and be mo’ stringent when pickin’ cases ,” he titters, touching his pointer finger to his head as I try not to lose myself in his mossy green eyes. 

At the sound of his words, I find it even harder not to. I don’t know how I’m going to get through the next two weeks with that teasing around in my head - the fact that I get to work with him every day for five days a week. A dream come true, in every way. I’m rather positive tonight will tide me over until next week when I have my orientation. 

I have a good feeling for the first time in a while, so many of them actually.

“God, it’ll be weird going back to being boss and employee again. It was so much easier being just friends,” I remark jokingly, the song flowing from his lips mixing with that of my own. 

“Eh,” Harry says, shrugging his broad shoulders covered in a thick black Northface coat. “Don’ think o’ it that way, Becks, we’re colleagues now, which ‘s even betta.” 

“Sure. ‘Associate and partner’ and ‘mentor and mentee’ don’t really sound that way, but okay. It’s not like you have almost ten years of experience over me, or anything.” 

“Well ya, that’s what happens when yer tha new fish in tha pond, it happens t’ us all. Ya jus’ gotta climb tha ladder one step atta time, love,” he replies, the dimple in one of his cheeks finding a permanent residence there. 

“Fish can’t climb ladders, silly. And I know, but it’s odd to think that you’re only three years older than me, and have so much experience in law when I’m just starting. I guess that’s why you don’t putz around like me,” I note, drawn in by him randomly sliding a plain silver ring with a black line in the middle, up and down his left middle finger. 

“Wait, what was that, ‘m only how many years older than you? I didn’t catch that,” he teases, cupping his hand around the outside of his ear, inching his neck towards me with the funniest look on his face. 

The only response I give him is the old stink eye which almost makes a laugh explode from his lips. 

“Ya betta watch those ‘old jokes’ y’know. I have power ova you ‘gain, Becks,” he quips, wiggling his eyebrows at me while he does the worst impression of an evil laugh. 

I’m waiting for him to start choking on it so then I can finally laugh. 

His words try to propel me back to the times when I would take his words seriously, but I don’t dare go there. I can’t do that again after all of our random visits earlier this year, and how much they changed everything, including assuring me that he’ll never be that douchey boss to me again.

“Oh yeah!” I exclaim, something sparking inside of my brain. “You’re almost thirty! Ooooo, my prime joke time is coming up,” I squeal with a devilish laugh, rubbing my hands together as he shakes his head disapprovingly, although with reddening cheeks. My name leaves his lips in a breathy giggle as those dimples peek out from his cheeks, saying hi to me. 

“By tha way,” he begins once he recovers and has the bravery to look back at me. “‘m already sick o’ you, so you’ll be working with Myles fer tha week o’ February fourth. I have a case in Glasgow that entire week. Plus, he has an interesting case in Family Court that you should really see, it’ll be interesting.”

“Oh lovely, you’re already tired of me and passing me off to somebody else,” I groan, some dramatics playing in my voice, but not entirely. 

I wish I had a drink already so I could twirl my straw in it absently, trying to hide my heart-crushing disappointment. I remember he had said sometimes I may work with Myles or Rose for a case if there was something better elsewhere, but I didn’t think it’d be almost as soon as I started. Talk about anti-climatic, I ponder silently while my eyes stay glued to the menu, even though I’m not reading any words. There are too many whizzing around in my head for that to happen. 

“Stop it, you pout,” he teases, his hand ruffling my hair. I look up and do my best pout, puppy dog eyes, bottom lip sticking out and all. “‘m sorry t’ break yer heart, but ‘s fer yer best interest, Becks. ‘ve had tha case set up a while, which happens, and ‘ll already have started on it by tha time ya start, but you’ll still be able t’ help me. Myles’ case ‘s far mo’ interestin’ and you’ll learn loads from him. What, has sumbody missed me?” Harry hums, a hand dancing along my arm until it arrives at the crook of my neck where it touches my tickle spot. I squirm and jerk away from his ticklish touch, whimpering in annoyance. “C’mon, pout, let’s go and order.” 

I slide off of the hightop red barstool, following him to the counter begrudgingly and slowly. I mumble a question to him about what we’re getting and he automatically tells me that we’re getting the usual, as if there was another option. We get stuck waiting in a line and when Harry looks over to me, I play the pout extra hard. 

“What’re you still poutin’ ‘bout, Becks?”

“You’re passing me to Myles my second week back,” I whimper, crossing my arms over my chest. 

“Oh stop it, you’ll be fine. He likes you and he’s easy t’ get on with.”

“No fair,” I reply, looking away as the disappointment worsens inside of me. I know I’m being selfish, but I just want him all to myself. I figure that’s not too much to ask after everything that’s happened, but apparently it is. “I’m supposed to be your mentee, and I hardly get to work with you my first week there.” 

“Oh, baby Becks, you’ll do jus’ fine, love. My case ‘s incredibly boring, and tha travellin’ wouldn’t be any fun. I know you’ll miss me, that’s tha real reason yer sad,” he cracks, throwing his arm around my shoulder and pulling me into his side. The sudden wave of his woodsy-vanilla scent conflicts me as does the utterly adorable nickname he used. I want to stay there snuggled against his warm side, but at the same time, I want to pull away to prove my point. By now, I’m not sure how much of my pouting is dramatics or just the plain truth. I have to wait two weeks to work at the firm, just to be passed to Myles within five days. It’s discouraging to think about when my thoughts have been consumed by him in just the last few days, and I haven’t looked forward to something this much in a while.

“Hmmmph,” I respond, sufficing with turning away and not looking at him. I find it difficult to not think about what it would be like travelling with him for a case. My thoughts consist of those like sitting beside each other on a plane, hotel rooms, and sharing a car. Sure, Harry, you say it wouldn’t be any fun, but I’d beg to differ there, sir.

“Hey, don’t be that way with me. Ya still get t’ help me with it fer tha first week, and then ‘m all yers when I get back. Sound good?” he murmurs, rubbing his hand along my shoulder as he presses me to his side again. 

“Fine, only because you’re hard to stay mad at,” I respond with a sigh, soon hearing his melodic giggle that helps to weed away the disappointment wreaking havoc inside of me. 

“Good, coz ‘s only five days, bug,” he hums gently. The closer I am to him, the more I wish he would kiss the top of my head, like he used to do. Ugh. “Ya think ya can survive without me fer that long?”

“Yeah,” I tell him automatically, but quickly I’m unsure of that. I don’t know how well I’ll do with the tease of getting to work with him for a few days, and then having him leave again after that, if only for a few days. This is all turning out to be full of teases with my visits with him being peppered amongst the next few weeks. “It’s right after your birthday.” 

“Ya, happy birthday t’ me on that one,” he exhales, but I hear the smile even if I don’t see it right away. My sudden sadness is forgotten when ideas blossom inside my head of what to get him for his birthday, as he squeezes my shoulder. It’s also hard to ignore the fact that his arm is still around me, and the all consuming fact of never wanting it to leave. 

Soon, the line moves and with it, his arm falls from around me when Harry steps up to order for us. I make him take the plastic cups to fill up our drinks after I get my card out first to pay, him shaking his head as he waddles over to the soda machine. 

“If you’re going to be all sad about it, then you can pay for drinks, as long as it doesn’t get too expensive,” I tell him, listening to the whoosh of the orange liquid pouring into my cup. 

“‘ll pay fer all o’ ‘em, cheap or not,” Harry hums confidently, bumping shoulders with me softly on his way back to our table. 

We both slide off our coats to hang over the back of our chairs, and the chatter of other customers fills my ears as we sip at our drinks. My eyes quickly wander to the scarlet button up fastened just high enough to show his silver cross necklace, black floral designs covering the fabric. It pains me to look away from the thick dark brown chest hair blooming below the cross charm, unsure of when it was the last time I saw that.

“So, what have ya been up t’ since June?” he remarks, replacing the clear plastic straw between his cherry lips. I find it difficult to tear my eyes away to ruminate on his question enough to answer it without sounding stupid. 

“Um, pretty much just uni and working.”

“Oh ya, bloody hell ‘m dumb, ya jus’ graduated. How was it all? I wanna hear all ‘bout it, Becks - tha good, tha bad, and tha ugly,” he continues, warmth filling his lips as his green eyes stare back at mine. Sometimes the rawness inside of them is too much to handle and they take my breath away, every glint of gold and green in them. I’m not sure if you really know what you’re signing up for there, bud. 

“There’s not really much to say you haven’t heard before, or well, experienced yourself during your degree. It sucked at times, the Bar was awful although I feel like the worrying was worse than the exam, and I’m just really glad to be done and to finally have found a job. And, graduation was pretty gratifying,” I recall aloud to him, savoring how he devotes every second of his attention to me and what I’m saying. It’s both lovely and nerve wracking at the same time, especially as a thought pops into my head. I wish he could’ve been there in the stands, watching me walk the line, and hugging me afterwards. I wish . . 

“Ya, sounds ‘bout right. ‘m sorry ya didn’t have tha best experience, bug, but hey like ya said, ‘s ova. Onto bigga and betta things, like they say,” he smiles, and I swear it sparks something inside of my heart that has begun to return in the last couple of days. Something I’m finally ready to feel again. “Where’d ya do yer clinicals at and how’d they go this last Fall?”

“You’re right, and I did them at Turner and Jones over on the east side. They went well, but it was hard at times. It was a whole new place, and instead of sitting at a desk every day listening to lectures or doing assignments online, I was in the thick of it every day. I worked with just about all of their six lawyers there, and got to argue my first case with their help. I even won it, which was hard to believe. They were pretty great, and at the time I was sad I wasn’t able to find a job there, but now I’ve found my way back to you.” 

The way his lips curl up into his cheeks that round out from the expression feels good and hurts at the same time. It chips away at the wall around my heart that’s slowly been cracking ever since I laid eyes upon him again yesterday morning. 

“Bloody hell, ya make me mo’ and mo’ proud o’ you, y’know that? Great job, love . . That’s quite tha trek e’ry day t’ be drivin’ from tha west side ova t’ Turner’s. I bet yer glad t’ be done with that. ‘ve heard good things ‘bout ‘em, and a friend o’ mine even works there. I mean, ‘ve come up against many o’ em in my time in cases, but I respect ‘em,” he muses to me, stealing my idea to twirl the straw around in his ice chips and Coke. I feel the cracking of the barrier inside of my chest as his smile glows brighter in front of my eyes. It’s poised right at me. “Ya, funny how that works, huh? Kinda, ‘circle o’ life’ or sumthin, huh?” I mumble a confirmation, but the rest of my words are whisked away when his name is called from the counter where he escapes to. 

“I can’t believe n’body else was hirin’, that’s mad,” he notes, setting down the red plastic tray that hits the table heavily with wrapped food. “I can’t complain tho’, got tha best new associate I could ask fer.” Words escape me and leave a hot smile on my face as I pick up a hard-shelled taco, gratefulness etched into the lines of my lips. Boy, is he dreamy in so many goddamn ways. 

“What was your life like uh, recently?”

“Crazy busy, I was filled up tha arse with cases. I was in Scotland fer prolly a few weeks total, up in Edinburgh, Glasgow, then Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and all ova London,” he answers, crinkling of the paper wrapper accenting his words. A pause follows his reply as he chews a bite of his soft-shelled taco, two more on the tray in front of him. The smells of cheese, queso, freshly fried tortilla chips, and the sweet churros make my taco taste one hundred times better. The nostalgia and absence only makes each bite taste better than the last. “I became an uncle again a few weeks ago, so that’s been pretty exciting. My sister, Gemma, had a li’l boy afta Christmas. Harper’s ova tha moon ‘bout him, his name ‘s Oliver or they call him Ollie.”

“Awwww, Harry, that’s so awesome! Babies are so much fun! How old is Harper now? I don’t think I’ve met her before, but I’ve heard loads. You should have your sister stop by the firm one day, I’d love to meet them!” 

“Ya, ‘course. ‘m sure they’d love t’ meet ya too, all three o’ ‘em. Speakin’ of, Harper will be four soon. It blows me mind,” he giggles, eyes drowning in the steaming container of queso he plunges a chip into with fingernails coated in pink polish. 

“What else, Mr. Lawyer?” I inquire simply, realizing my fault when he looks at me with confusion screwing up his features, chewing the cheesy chip noisily. “What else have you been up to besides work? Like, did you have a fun summer?”

“Ya, I reckon. I took my mum onn’a holiday down south, that was loads o’ fun. I had some good days at tha beach with Rory, who you’ll meet soon, he’s anotha one o’ me colleagues. He came t’ work at tha firm afta you had left, but ‘ve known him since uni. He’s prolly one o’ me best friends, that bloody idiot, but he’s loads o’ fun,” he responds, reaching for another chip and I take his lead, holding back a moan at the long forgotten taste of Pedro’s homemade queso. The enjoyment spills out of me when I spot the weary look stealing the happiness from Harry’s features as he zones out staring at the table. 

“What’s wrong, was it not the best summer ever?” I ask jokingly although softly, and as soon as the words fly from my mouth, I think I regret them for a few reasons. 

He hums an amused sound, tapping his finger against the side of his half eaten taco before his rosey pink lips part, “It was good, but it wasn’t tha best, by any means. I uh, dated this girl fer a bit, but it didn’t go anywhere. I mean, she was nice and pretty, but it was a mistake o’ sorts. I thought it’d make me happy datin’ her, but it didn’t,” he recalls sadly. 

At the first words about her, my eyes fall and I can look at him no longer, instead drawing shapes in the queso with my chip. I want to eat it, but a tight queasiness knits together in my stomach, and I wait for it to pass. I wait for him to stop talking about her, and for me to stop caring as the confliction runs deep within my bones. I can’t decide if I’m grateful or seething to hear the words that spill from his mouth. They bring me back to the summer from hell and also answers so many questions I’ve had. 

Girl, don’t even go there. 

Stay positive! 

Angel’s right, did you not hear how he said it wasn’t right for him? About how it was a mistake? Not to mention, that he wasn’t happy? 

Okay, you have some good points. 

No shit, Sherlock.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, bringing the chips to my lips. 

“Oh, ‘s fine, Becks. It was months ago, and ‘m ova it. Guess ‘m jus’ glad I realized early on it wasn’t workin’ fer me.”

“Yeah, that’s good,” I say softly, warm cheese and soft peppers tickling my tongue as many other words wish to do the rest. His revelation tries to sink underneath my skin, but I try to brush it away instead, not sure of what to do with it. I’m feeling both sides of the emotional spectrum at the mere mention of his relationship with her. I don’t know how to feel about it, and I don’t want to have to decide. 

“How ‘bout you, did ya meet anybody ova tha summer or I guess, tha fall?” Harry queries lightheartedly, and the surprise of it all pulls my eyes to his. The hints of anger left over from his confession melt away at the care I find in his eyes. Another feeling trickles in when for a second, I think I see an anxiousness hiding in the shallows. 

“God, no. Working, clinicals, and the Bar were more than enough for me. Skye’s the only person I really need,” I respond immediately, surprised at his question, although mutual. My word vomit seems to be biting me in the ass already, and quickly I wish I hadn’t phrased it that way. No, not when I want him to be my person. “What I mean is she’s my bestest friend besides Robbie, but nah, I don’t have much luck with guys.” 

I blink hard with hot cheeks as I finish my first taco and hastily grab another one, hunger and embarrassment fueling my actions. The shell is crunchy and anything but soggy between my lips, and the spicy signature sour cream is warm against my tongue as the cheese melts with every bite. 

“Sounds like we both got shit luck with love, huh?” Harry sighs, shaking his head as he grabs another taco. 

“Yep, it’s the worst,” I agree aloud after taking a sip of my soda, which turns out to be more noisy than I thought it would be. 

Thank God it’s empty so I can go and fill it up and escape this awkward fest, but at the same time there are so many words threatening to spill from my lips. They all basically revolve around the fact that I don’t care if I have shit luck with love, as long as my luck finally turns around for him, belatedly. 

[sabine-leo]

A smile to remember

Author: @sabine-leo

Chapters: 3/?

Genre: Fluff and Humor

Note: Thank you so much for your likes, reblogs and comments. You don´t know how much i aprecciate them! Hope you enjoy chapter 3 !! 

                                                -Chapter 3-

The one where you watch a short movie in your head…and feel guilty  

 Totally in thought you put away a toy that was left on the ground. Standing by that shelf you grin inwardly.

He is reading again. Blimey, he is here again. Gosh, that voice. He could read the manual for a toaster and it would sound awesome. Was it rude to get him to read? He seemed not to worried about it. But that spark in his eyes. 

You were lost in your thoughts as a big hand lightly landed on your shoulder. Too big to be from a child or any of your co-worker. You jump a little and turn around.

“Oh, sorry. I didn´t mean to scare you.” Tom was standing in front of you and grinning as if he wasn´t sorry at all. He put his hands in his pockets and teetered on his feet. His head sinks down a bit and he looks up at you if that is even possible with him being a head taller then you. One hand left his pocket and messed up his curly hair.

“If you were a child, I’d think you had something to confess.”  Tom gave his signature laugh and looked into your eyes. “I guess you are right. I may have to confess something.” “Out with it!” you try to say in a stern voice. He was about to talk but stops to laugh inwardly and ruffle his hair another time.

“I may or may not have promised the kids to be back tomorrow and read another chapter. Mischievous little ones!” “Says the God of Mischief on screen.” You retort. He laughed out loud this time. And there it was, that big boyish grin which was imprinted on your eyelids since last Monday.

“I hope that doesn´t cause any problems... With me being here to read?!” You have to compose yourself for a second after that smile and shake your head. “No, no problems at all. Just be here around the same time as today and I´ll be happy to let you in and read to the children.”

His nod and thankful smile made you smile too.  

“Then… I´ll be seeing you again.” He repeats his words from last week… again in the voice of Loki and leaves backwards to help Dylan get ready to go home. You shake your head laughing quietly.

Is this becoming a theme?

Some minutes later Dylan hugs your leg and says his goodbyes. Tom is standing right behind him “See you tomorrow Mrs (Y/L/N).”  “Have a good afternoon Dylan. You too, Mr Hiddleston” You smile at each other. Dylan grabs Toms hand and starts walking. But Tom stops him for a second. “Wait, before I forget. This is for you.” He hands you a folded paper. “Thank you.” You say without looking at it and waving back at Dylan. Dylan sends the sweetest smile your way and holds out his arms over his head, looking at Tom. Tom looks at him “What are you doing buddy. Are we walking out like this?” He holds his arms up like Dylan does. Dylan giggles. “Silly uncle Tom!” You laugh quietly as Dylan keeps standing that way.

“I wanna fly out like a superhero! Like THOOOOOR!” he was giggling away as if that was a secret, shared between them. “Dylan, Dylan, Dylan…I told you, you picked the wrong brother!” With those words Tom grabbed his nephew and turned him upside down. “Now you will walk out on your hands! Thor… please!” He added playfully abash. Tom looked at you from his upside down state and shrugged his shoulders. “Uncle Loki is a…” he was searching for the word. “…Villian” Tom laughed and carried his nephew out…upside down.

Before you get the chance to take a close look at the paper in your hand you get called from Clara. She needs your help in the kitchen. You tuck the paper in your bag and get to work again.

The walk home hours later after work was a chilly but nice one. At your door you rummage in your bag for your keys. “Ah there they…” you fish out the paper from Tom. Curiosity finally gets the better of you and you unfold it. The laugh that comes out of your mouth is whole heartedly and loud. Looking back at you from the piece of paper was a gorilla. Hand drawn.

Signed with 

Tom

 You unlock your door and pin this masterpiece in your hand onto your magnetic board in the living room. Shaking your head, still laughing.  Sitting down after you get yourself something out of the fridge you think about the day and can´t help the smile that won´t come off of your face.

Adorable, silly man. With a voice of velvet and dark melting chocolate.

And you´ve only heard him reading a children’s book. You really haven´t seen nothing yet. Thoughts of him reading something more for adult ears creep up on you. Like your romance book for example. The way he would sit in an armchair. Adjust his glasses and look at you when pausing. Suddenly you feel a hot flash going through you. And a whole movie was playing in your head before you knew it. How could listening to somebodys voice be so affecting?

Picturing him in that armchair of yours, next to the reading lamp. Leaning back comfortably. His long legs crossed. That knowing smile, of how much he can affect you with his voice, toying with his lips. The pause before the protagonists’ kiss. This rumbling in the back of his throat that he´d make. Goosebumps break out on your skin. The hair at the back of your neck stirs.

“Stop it!” You jump out of your seat. “I can´t do this. That´s so rude.” You chastise yourself.

Going over to the sink you flash your face with some cold water. Get a grip (Y/N) this can´t be happening. He´s somehow a client and a decent human being who shouldn’t be reduced to his looks and his voice. Maybe you should start reading a thriller instead of that romance. It´s messing with your head!

What you wouldn´t acknowledge to yourself… it wasn´t the book messing with your head.

It was Tom.

Not that far away Tom was sitting at his table staring at a script he needed to read. But the words he read couldn´t get a hold in his brain. He is thinking of you. Trying to imagine what your reaction to his drawing was. He bit his lip, tossing the script on the table. Tomorrow he´d go read to the kids again. And hopefully exchange some words with you. But for that to really happen he needed to finish reading. He got up, made himself a cup of tea and tried anew.

The cold water helped. At least a tiny bit. After discarding your clothes, you take a shower and change into a comfy t-shirt and yoga pants. Day slowly turns into night and you lie awake for quite a while. Eventually sleep finds you. But your dreams revolve around a man who probably needs to get an excuse for your behaviour tonight. Good thing that he doesn´t know what you thought.

The next day at work you find yourself looking at your watch. Would he show up? Would he keep his word? Everything was ready. The book lay ready next to a pillow, the kids were at their best behaviour today. You thought you heard the door some minutes ago, but that could´ve been someone else walking in or out. You sit down to go over some files that needed to be updated. Clara was looking after the children so you could concentrate.

Tom walked in and made a little detour into the kitchen. Charming as he was no co-worker of yours could say no to his request to put a little something into the pocket of your jacket. As he enters your room, he smiles your way. But you´re so deep into the paperwork that you don´t notice. Quietly he sits down at the pillow in the far corner of the room and watches you. Post its going into files. Notes written down. In his eyes you look intense but so lovely nibbling on your pen. He could just sit here and watch you for the rest of the day, but It doesn´t take long for the kids to find him. Soon he starts reading to them.

Eventually you look up from the files in front of you and notice the quiet room. Since your attention is no longer on the paper work your head turns almost out of its own will to your left. A little almost shy wave coming your way lets you smile. “Hi.” Tom mouths. You incline your head a little and mouth back “Hi”

“Tooom, don´t stop!” a little boy yelps. Tom excuses himself and finishes the chapter.  Hugs and high fives were given in this little group surrounding Tom before he stands up and arranges his dishevelled hair. You see that he´s walking over to you. “Hello Mrs (Y/L/N)” he holds out his hand and waits for you to take it. “Hi Mr Hiddleston” You take his hand and he tucks you up from your chair. “We finished the chapter. And I got a new request from James...and Dylan.” Tom laughed lightly. “They want me to read The Dschungel Book” You look into his smiling eyes and then over to James.

“You don´t have to do that. You´re surely a busy man who doesn´t have time to read as much as you did the last days!” “Probably not every day, but for the next months I could try to be here for Storytime…say…one day every week?!” “Only if you are willing and it doesn´t cost you to much of your precious time.” “Don´t worry. I quite like spending time with you… here… I´m mean with Dylan!” he spluttered.

Throughout this conversation your hand was in his. It seems neither of you had noticed it.  

Tags for @theoneanna & @shegatsby Hope you enjoyed <3 

[roseamongroses]

Antithesis: “what do you have? “ I have a kNIFE” “NO”

[Specific-Summary]: They should expect growing pains. For not everything to feel right or make sense. That doesn't mean it'll always hurt, nor does it mean they can't have fun along the way. It's senior year. Everything may be different. It won't be senior year for long. Everything will be okay.

[General Warnings]: Implied Emotional Abuse, Implied Physical Abuse, Bad Parents are Bad Parents, Mild Sexual Content/jokes,Mentioned Homophobia, Mentions of underage drinking (backround), Some Catcalling,Cursing , Self Hate,implied pregnancy talk/inability to become pregnant, adults arguing where the “kid” can hear it, adults drinking,

[Tags/mood:] highschool au,  fluff and angst but its all good, chat fic, teen stress, its flordia no snow we die like men [Pairing:] Roceit (Roman Sanders/ Deceit Sanders), hinted future/possible logince/roloceit/loceit [Characters]Roman Sanders/Deceit (Dmitri) Sanders, Virgil Sanders, Logan Sanders, Patton Sanders, Remy (Sleep) Sanders, Nate Sanders, Dragon Witch (Diana) Remus “The Duke” Sanders (minor/brief)

(Ao3) (Previously)

(8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)

(16) (17) (18) 

L: I May Have Lost Roman

V: nice

P: not nice :)

V: i feel vaguely threatened

Rem:@L how the fuck did you manage that Rem: nvm i know how just give me details

L:I don’t know ? One second we were at check out L: Next minute he was Gone and Nieve is looking suspicious

L:Hold on lemme ask Dmitri

V: why is he there

L: I mean he’s actually pretty chill L: But he dropped Roman off and Nieve got attached L:I’m...not sure if she’s planning on letting him go?

V:logan, my friend, my buddy, V:the only person in this chat with basic reading comprehension

Rem: that’s pretty fair

P: it really is tbh

V: Send. Pictures.

L: Okay L: Slight Issue

V: you lost the snake too

L: I lost Dmitri too and Nieve is not spilling

Rem: oh they’re defeinately fucking

L:...Where? The bathroom?

Rem: Don’t knock it till you try it ;)

V: not to be that guy but im vetoing this discussion V: cause thats a Yikes even for you Remy

L: Alright time to find them

Rem: check ;))) the;))) bathrooms ;;))))

L: Remy.

Rem: alrighlright too far ill stop

L: Thank you.

V: keep me updated V: i only have silence and physics homework as company

L:Huh L:Found them

L: Roman….found a katanna…

V: im sorry WHAT V: Why The Fuck Does He Have A Sword

Rem: drop the location of that store man

L: 1) It’s a Katanna L: 2)I will certainly Not. L: 3) He’s trying to convince Dmitri why he should have it

L…..and Dmitri looks more amused then concerned

V: if I can't have a tarantula he sure as hell cant have a sword

L:I told him it was probably fake/ poorly made and that he should take the time to invest the proper skill in money in a real one

V: goddamit logan you cant logic roman.

L: It worked. He put it back. L: So I say I can do what I want with roman

Rem: some spicy takes from the chats only brain cell ;)

---

“So you’re turning eighteen, in a few months. ” His aunt said, dabbing her cheeks with a napkin. She still managed to hold an air of prestige despite getting utterly shitfaced the night before. Her appointments have been going well.

Dmitri looked up, masking his surprise and holding his tongue.

Dr. Montag looked over, quieting the running water and placing the dish was he was cleaning down, “Really?” he said, brushing his hands, “You got any plans?” he asked, Dmitri.

“Oh we usually do something small,” His aunt interjected, “But seeing as he’s my father’s favorite grandchild,” Only grandchild, “He’s is flying from Paris to join us. And he was never a man of modesty so I’ve been thinking about doing something special for the occasion.”

Oh.

Dmitri fought the smile creeping on his face, ducking his head. He shouldn’t be surprised that she remembered after all if his grandfather was visiting. It’s how he got his phone, laptop, his car.

It’s probably why she puts up with him, to begin with. Cause it wasn’t guilt.

“--We should get your hair cut,” She continued, and Dmitri snapped out of his thoughts, “Maybe invite Diana--he’d like her,” she murmured.

“Diana and I a-” He closed his mouth, and his aunt’s eyes shot over.

“You broke up?” She narrowed her eyes, examining her nails, “Huh, makes sense seeing as...” she gestured at him vaguely, “So who have you been sneaking around with?”

“I’m not sneaking around with anyone,” Dmitri said, meeting her gaze. And technically he was right, it’s not sneaking if she just hasn’t been asking. And he’s given up on telling.

Dr. Montag’s eyebrows knitted together confused,” Well that isn’t true,”

Dmitri’s eyes went wide, stomach sinking.

His Aunt’s grin spread, “Oh really?”

Fuck, Fuck, Fuck, Fuck--

“He’s been helping me out, hon,” Dr. Montag set down a glass of water and pills beside her plate, “You’ve been so stressed lately,” he looked guilty and produced some tickets, “I thought I’d surprise you.”

Her face softened and like that the tension left the room. Those two got to linger in whatever lovey-dovey spell had taken hold of them in the last few months, but Dmitri was still on edge.

She still kept him on edge, but he could get her back. Even the playing field. Anytime he could leave this—Anytime he could flip this switch and put her on edge and make her—

He stopped eating, setting his plate aside.

He felt sick.

---

R:helllloooo R:anyone up R: sigh R: allll by mySELLLLF

L: Roman?

R: the one and lonely yes hello human contact???

L: Are you alright? It’s 3 am why are you still awake?

R: why are YOU up mm????

L: My parents have newborn twins. What’s your excuse?

R: well fuck got me there

R: i was texting dee but he was rlly tired and i stILL can’t sleep

L: Any particular reason?

R: u m

L: Private chat?

R: please

- [TheTruthAboutTheMoon]

TheWalkingMouth: Okay shoot

Cowboy:it's stupid

TheWalkingMouth: I’ll tell you if it's stupid or not just say it

Cowboy: i just….like Cowboy: it's all kinda….hitting me a ll at once and i Really don’t like thinking about it but i cant bottle shit up either like you bastards so i feel like the human equivelent og a washing machine with too much laundry in it

TheWalkingMouth: Then don’t? TheWalkingMouth: Even if it's too ‘stupid’ for me I’m sure Dmitri wouldn’t mind

Cowboy: yeah but i feel like im going to say something shitty to him i Cowboy: like we should talk about it Cowboy: and i will Cowboy: but not now--later when it's not too stressful for either of us

TheWalkingMouth: Why would you say something shitty?

Cowboy: idk id jst get frustrated trying to explain it Cowboy: like hes smart as hell and probbaly get it without me saying anything but like Cowboy: I have neither the patience nor articulation right now to explain like a civil person and he doesnt need me being shitty about it

Cowboy:like,,,,,for example,,,,, if he fucks up in school, he’ll get recommended a tutor and teachers would assume hes doing his best and hes such a sweet and quiet boy

Cowboy: like he is sweet!!but hes a little shit too!! And gets away with it!!! Half those pranks he pulled on virgil, as Iconic as they were he never got in trouble for them!!!

Cowboy: when i fuck up i

Cowboy: god it's stupid

TheWalkingMouth: Might not get a second chance? Yeah I get it.

TheWalkingMouth:Remember when I first transferred here? None of the teachers would take me seriously bc of my accent and if they did, they were afraid of me. I could repeat something another kid said word for word and still be told I had an attitude.

Cowboy: god i remembered that Cowboy: you answered his yes or no questions in a fuckin montone, quiet ass voice and he legit called in the office cause he got scared of a goddamn freshman

Cowboy: But ye when i fuck up Cowboy: im suddenly the lazy ass brown kid who should spend less time corrupting youth with my feminine hips and curls Cowboy: like it's not like a lot of them say it outright but it feels like if im not perfect im fufilling all the stereotypes

TheWalkingMouth: Ah okay, rant away

Cowboy: OK like like like im not like virgil right?? in a lot of ways and it fuckin shows

Cowboy: he’s been planning on going into engineering since sixth grade meanwhile i only got my shit together in highschool

Cowboy: and like now that im here/???what now??? My mother expects me to have my shit together meanwhile im over here freaking the fuck out over whether not it's worth it to even try Cowboy: like yes mother i want to go to an art/or librel arts school that may or may not accept me that we may or may not afford to find a career in who the hell knows because if i have to sit in a healthcare class or a applied mathmatics class like you did i miight actually shank the professor????

Cowboy: that i dread the thought of not trying to explore my options outside of this fucking state but i dread the thought of going bc i cant stand the thought of being away from home but i cant fucking find a reason to stay cause everyone i love is leaving or planning their own life anyway???

Cowboy: like remys gunna fuck off to who knows where regardless of whether or not he has a plans or money, pattons gunna take care of his grandmother whereever the fuck a canada ,moms moving in with tia, virgils already mentally flipping me off ready to fuck nasa , and i only fucking hope dmitri even getss the chance to choose where he goes but hes g o n e and i die from yearning behind a screen like the gay victorian i am , and you….i actually dont know

TheWalkingMouth: Teaching for either biology or physics

Cowboy: huh it fits but what about chemistry??

TheWalkingMouth: Fuck chemistry.

Cowboy: oh thank god we’re on the same page

TheWalkingMouth: Anyway, I assume you’re more worried about whether you should apply rather then if you could get in?

Cowboy: i think so

TheWalkingMouth: Well if my opinion means anything to you

Cowboy: more than you’re assuming but yeah continue

TheWalkinMouth: Wait

Cowboy: nothing nothing continue

TheWalkingMouth: Okay-- I think you should go for it but you don’t need to dive head first into it and commit to everything 100% like virgil did.

TheWalkingMouth: You’re allowed to keep your options open, to have backup plans for back up plans

TheWalkingMouth: It doesn’t mean you’re not passionate about your art. Doesn’t mean you’re inevitably going to get a office job and abandon all your dreams. It means you’re being smart and not backing yourself into a corner

TheWalkingMouth:It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay not to have it all figured out

TheWalkingMouth: Nobody does.

TheWalkingMouth: Even if no one else gives you a second chance at least give yourself a second chance.

TheWalkingMouth: It’s perfectly normal to be afraid to fuck up and get fucked over TheWalkingMouth: That doesn’t mean you will everytime TheWalkingMouth: And it certainly doesn’t mean it's the end

Cowboy:

Cowboy:

Cowboy:

[...Cowboy is typing…]

---

@daflangstlairde

@ace-anx

@cataclysm-al

[thiswreckageivebecome]

The Winter Soldier is Still Here (Part 25 - “Hail Hydra”) (Bucky/Winter Soldier x reader)

Description: You’re working at the local farmers market when you meet Bucky and catch his eye, not only because you’re the only one who sells plums, but because you treat him like a normal person. As a friendship begins to bloom, it quickly grows into a relationship and you learn that life with Bucky isn’t as easy it originally seemed. I SUCK AT DESCRIPTIONS!

Word count: 2044....a short one, I'm sorry, but I thought a short update might be better than none. In the words of Peggy, “It’s been so long.”

Warnings: Language.

Author’s Note: I don't own art.

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READER POV

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I stared in disgusted awe at Jake. This...this was not happening. He was...

"Jake, " I asked almost silently. "Who are y-? Why? What is going on?" He scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"Oh please, " he now spoke with a heavy Russian accent, "don't even start with dramatics and hysterics. None of that will help you. Nothing will, really. Oh, the Asset thinks he will save you. Hell, he probably believes he'll sacrifice himself for you, but no. He has no idea the storm that will soon hit him."

"But, Jake....you're...you're... what about the hospital? The hike? Our relationship."

"Oh, you thought that was real," Jake questioned in the voice I recognized. Then he laughed aloud. "Woman, you're a fool. The Asset really fucked you up, didn't he? You fell so easily into the trap. You've been the easiest target we've ever had. If you had left him be you'd have never become involved, yet here you are, still pining for him in New York."

I attempted to get up but the threatening tone that propelled itself at me stopped me cold.

"Don't dare fucking move, you bitch."

"I just, I don't understand. Any of it."

"Боже. ты идиот, но теперь долго, маленькая сука. Look, you're pathetic so I'm going to tell you this and then it's lights out. I'm not Jake. I wouldn't have such a trashy American name. You were the target to get to Barnes. Soon enough he won't remember you and you'll have no way of remembering him. Therefore, rest well knowing that you're the reason he will be serving Hydra once again."

As promised I was unconscious in the next second. The last thing I remembered was his cold hands around my throat and the room slowly dimming until there was nothing but pitch black.

BUCKY POV

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I ran to the weaponry faster than I had run in quite some time. I had to get to (y/n) soon. If I didn't get there quick enough, they'd kill her just for spite. As I got to the vault, a message came through on Steve's phone which I would have to steal. It was a location: Jumping Jack Powerplant. While the actual location of this plant had been erased from public record, I knew it well as the hideout Hydra had used when it was after Nick Fury and after its full control attempt at overtaking S.H.I.E.L.D. The location had to be close enough to D.C. to arrive in a short time yet far enough so that it was off of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s radar. I quickly grabbed all of my usual choices: Gerber Yari ll Tanto, SIG-Sauer P220ST, and Vz.61 Skorpion. To be honest, I didn't plan to put up much of a fight unless that's what it took to free (y/n) and get her to safety. Otherwise, I was planning to do what they asked but it was best not to go empty-handed. I closed the vault quickly and as I turned around Natasha was standing in front of me.

"Barnes, what's going on?" The tone of her voice told me she already had a clue.

"Nothing, Natasha. Don't tell anyone I'm gone. I have to go." I pushed past her but she quickly caught up.

"It's Hydra isn't it," she asked as she followed me down the steps. I'd make it downstairs quicker that way.

"Natasha," I called over my shoulder, "please, just go back and pretend you never saw me."

"No," she wouldn't leave me. I halted and turned to her quickly but before I could speak, she figured it out.

"They've got her, don't they?" Her words hit me again like a fresh ton of bricks, the reality sinking in more than it already had. I halted for a second to stop myself from stumbling as the weight on my chest began to cave in. I began to continue my descent but she didn't move.

"They're just trying to get to you, Barnes. They only want you."

"You think I don't know that? I don't care. I can't let her die on my account."

"Just so we're clear."

She quickly caught up with me and actually passed me. By the time I made it down she already had the vehicle pulled to the door.

"Get in." After I was in and the door just shut, "where to," she asked.

"Jumping Jack Powerplant. It's North o-"

"Of D.C. Yeah, I remember." I simply nodded. We rode in silence for quite some time. When we were about 15 minutes out, she broke the silence. "So what's the plan when we get in." I remained silent. "You do have a plan, right," she asked worriedly.

"Yeah. Kill anyone who gets in my way to (y/n)."

READER POV

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I awoke with bright lights shining in my eyes, lights so bright that I immediately had to squint. There was a beeping noise. It started to speed up and then I realized it must have been a heart monitor.

"The stupid princess awakes," Jake...or whatever his name was...spat. "The asset isn't here yet so you might as well calm down. No use in screaming either, no one will ever hear you and we made it where you can't reach your full voice anyway."

I tried to speak but no sound came out. I began to panic. What had he done to me? He smiled.

"You're one of the most stubborn women I've ever met. I just told you-you cannot reach your full voice, yet what is the first thing you try to do? You won't be able to scream or even speak for a while. You might as well calm down, otherwise, I'll put you back under." I attempted to calm down. I needed to be as aware of everything he would do as I possibly could. I tried to lie still and keep my face even and emotionless. After a few moments of this, he commented on it. "Hmm, maybe there's a reason you and the Asset got along so well. You're both able to turn off your emotion so well. Granted I'm sure the serum helps." I had to stop my eyes from growing and becoming restless again as he got ready to continue.

"You know, this little serum right here," he held up a syringe that held an almost clear, slightly blue-tinted liquid inside, "took us many years to perfect but once we did, we made vats of it. We keep it stored safely away in a top secret location, of course. I can't wait to use it on you. The ladies always have the best reaction," he finished explaining eerily. He began wrapping an elastic band around my arm and I couldn't remain calm any longer. I started to try and shake the table straps loose so that I could, in turn, get away. I knew it was useless but I had to fight. If nothing else, maybe I could keep him from getting whatever serum he was so in love with, within my body. I couldn't scream but that didn't stop me from trying. I could feel the tight sinched air attempting to scratch its way out into the warehouse but it wasn't going far. I didn't struggle for long. He stuck a different syringe quickly in my arm and there was the darkness that immediately surrounded me.

BUCKY POV

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Natasha parked far enough away that we wouldn't be detected and I got into the driver's seat and drove slowly up to the building, on high alert for any sneak attacks. I knew Natasha wouldn't be far behind me, probably already making her way into the building before I pulled up and parked outside of the locked fence. After I took a quick observance of my surroundings, I got ready to jump the fence when the gate to my right began to open. They knew I was here. They had learned how to hide their cameras better than they had in the past.

I entered the grounds, even more, hyperaware of the fact that they had eyes on me even though I didn't have my own on them than I was before. After I had walked about 15 feet I saw them, I saw him. I recognized him immediately which was surprising considering I couldn't remember much else. As soon as he spoke I knew this was the man who had posed as Jake.

"Charscovsky."

"Soldier."

"What an honor that you'd meet me at the entrance, " I attempted not to sneer. All he did was smile mischievously.

"Oh, come now, Soldier. You act as though we weren't close once."

"You and I have very different definitions of 'close' then."

The eerie smile never left his face. He turned on his heel and began to leisurely lead the way into the building. As he led me in I noticed just the faintest blur of red hair to my left before I entered and I was grateful in that moment that Natasha had refused to be left behind.

"(Y/n) has had such wonderful things to say about you."

"Take me to her."

"Oh, now, now, Soldier. You'll be reunited soon enough. First, we need to discuss a few things."

"We don't need to discuss anything except you telling me where (Y/n) is. Once she's out of here we'll discuss whatever you like."

"You see, that was a huge problem that we never did perfect with the soldier serum."

He waited for me to respond but I refused. He stopped at a door and turned to look at me.

"You're not curious, huh? I suppose I'll say it anyway. It'll be valuable information to you very soon."

He paused again waiting for a response but when he realized I wasn't going to, that smile he had held for the entirety of the time since our eyes had met, began to fade which almost brought one to my face.

"Whether you're curious or not, Soldier, what I'm referring to is the ability to negotiate. You see, we didn't think about that at the time. Elimination and defense were the prime qualities we wanted but now, looking back, I can see it is something we will need to work on in the future. I imagine you'll soon wish we would have too." He arrived at a door and stopped. Four guards stepped between us as he leaned down and pressed his face to a retinal recognition. I suppose they knew I would be tempted to attack and dissemble in order to get to her if he were left unprotected. I heard the door unlock before opening into darkness. My body tensed as I didn't know what this meant. He waved off the guards so that they walked behind us and he led the way into the dark.

I then heard two thumps on each side of me. I turned, fully alert, ready for a fight, but instead, I saw nothing but as the room lit, a dash of red flew past me and took down Charscovsky, pinning him to the floor.

"Oh," he smirked, "Ms. Romanoff, what a pleasant surprise."

"Where is she?" Natasha sneered.

"Oh yes, you have become fond of her too, haven't you?" Natasha pushed down against his throat more, so that he had to put more effort into continuing, "не волнуйся, ты скоро ее увидишь." He smiled again, mischief playing happily across his eyes. Natasha stood and jerked him up along with her. I stepped to him, toe-to-toe. "Where the hell is she?" I was now snarling. He smiled and remained silent a moment. He was clearly enjoying himself.

"Oh, зимняя принцесса," he said louder as if he was calling to someone else.

"What?" Natasha quickly questioned.

"No," I said, not wanting to believe what he was saying. Fear and anger took me over. My vision blurred. "No!" I exclaimed, pushing him into the wall to my left. My left hand grasped his throat, the metal plates of my arm shifting to strengthen my grip. All the while he smiled.

"Bucky, what is it? What's he saying?" Natasha asked, worry filling her tone. She didn't have to wait long to find out.

[orbemnews]

Tired of losing, woman buys her 'last' $3 lottery ticket in Beaufort, then wins $100,000 Tired of losing, woman buys her ‘last’ $3 lottery ticket in Beaufort, then wins $100,000 Lottery officials say the woman, who purchased the ticket on Boundary Street in Beaufort, plans to buy a house with the winnings. Updated: 11:46 AM EDT Apr 27, 2021 Hide Transcript Show Transcript RIGHT NOW ON WJCL 22 MORNING NEWS .. A CHANGE IN POLICY OV ER MASK- WEARING OUTDOORS. THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT FROM PRESIDENT BIDEN OVER NEW GUIDANCE FROM THE CDC. PLUS— DROP IN DEMAND. A LOCAL MASS VACCINATION SITE WILL STOP DEALING DOSES. WHEN YOU CAN EXPECT THAT TO HAPPEN. AND—- HELPING CONTINUE TO FEED KIDS OVER THE SUMMER THE NEW ASSISTANCE JUST APPROVED BY THE FEDERAL VEGORNMENT. – ***2-SHOT***} THANKS FOR STARTING YOUR DAY WITH WJCL 22! GOOD MORNING, I’M ASHLEY GARRET T. AND I’M CHRIS TATUM… WJCL’S METEROLOGT IS MELISSA HALL IS ALSO HERE… WITH YOUR CERTIFIED MOST ACCURATE FORECA. NOW, HERE’S YOUR STORM TRACKER RADAR… TUESDAY PATCHY FOG BEFORE 8AM. OTHERWISE, SUNNY, WITH A HIGH NEAR 79. LIGHT AND VARIABLE WIND BECOMING SOUTHEAST 6 TO 11 MPH IN THE MORNING. TUESDAY NIGHT PATCHY FOG AFTER 4AM. OTHERWISE, MOSTLY CLEAR, WITH A LOW AROUND 62. SOUTHEAST WIND 5 TO 7 MPH BECOMING CALM AFTER MIDNIGHT. WEDNESDAY PATCHY FOG BEFORE 8AM. OTHERWISE, MOSTLY SUNN Y, WITH A HIGH NEAR 81. LIGHT SOUTHEAST WIND BECOMING SOUTH 6 TO 11 MPH IN THE MORNING. WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOSTLY CLEAR, WITH A LOW AROUND 64. SOUTH WIND 6 TO 10 MPH. THURSDAY MOSTLY SUNNY, WITH A HIGH NEAR 85. THURSDAY NIGHT PARTLY CLOUDY, WITH A LOW AROUND 68. FRIDAY A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS, THEN A CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS AFTER 2P M. PARTLY SUNNY, WITH A HH IG NEAR 85. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION IS 40%. FRIDAY NIGHT A CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. MOSTLY CLOUDY, WITH A LOW AROUND 61. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION IS 30%. SATURD AY A SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS, WITH THUNDERSTORMS ALSO POSSIBLE AFTER 2PM. MOSTLY SUNNY, WITH HIA GH NEAR 75. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION IS 20 %. SATURDAY NIGHT A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. PARTLY CLOUDY, WITH A LOW AROUND 58. SUNDAY MOSTLY SUNNY, WITH A HIGH NEAR 78. SUNDAY NHTIG PARTLY CLOUDY, WH ITA LOW AROUND 62. MONDAY A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS. MOSTLY SUNNY, WITH A HIGH NEAR1. 8 A DEADLY CRASH ON TYBEE– ON HIGH-WAY 80 AT LAZ-A-RETTO– CREEK– BRIDGE. AUTHORITIES SAY-T I CAUSED THAT STRETCH TO BE SHUT DOWN FOR SEVERAL HOUR S. TYBEE POLICE SAY- THE CRASH HAPPENED AROUND– 11-30 LAST NIG. HT THE NAME OF THE VICTIM– AND– THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH–IS NOT YET KNOWN. RIGHT NOW– WEE ‘R TRACKING SIGNS OF VACCINE SLOW DOWN– IN GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAROLINA. WJCL’S DANIEL ROBINSO- N REPORTS– THE BIGGEST CONCNSER– FROM LOWCOUNTRY DOCTO. ASHLEY – AS FACEMASK MANDATES IN SOME LOWCOUNTRY AREAS BEGINO T BE LIFTED – DOCTORS AT BEAUFORT MEMORIAL WORRY – WITH LESS GETTING VACCINATED – TT HA COULD LEAD TO A SPIKE IN CASES IN THE FUTURE… RIGHT NOW – THE HOSPITAL SAYS FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS…. THEY ARE SEEING AROUND00 3 PEOPLE A WEEK – FOR A COVID-19 VACCINE. WHICH THROUGH BEAUFORT MEMORIAL IS THE PFIZER VACCINE. THAT NUMBER IS COMPARED TO THE MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE A WEEK – THAT THEY HAD BEEN SEEING – EARLIER TS HIYEAR. “I THINK THAT SOME OF THIS IS HESITANCY, I THINK THAT THE FOLKS THAT WERE GOING TO G ET VACCINATED DID AND A FEW THAT WAS ON THE FENCE BUT NOW THE PERCENTAGE THAT WE ARE SEEING IS THE FOLKS THAT DECIDED FOR WHATEVER REASON THEY ARE GOING TO WAIT AND SEE OR JUST NOT GET VACCINATED…AT ALL… WHICH IS UNFORTUNATE BECAUSE WE ARE SITTING AROUND IN THE HIGH0 2 PERCENT IN THE STATE AND 30 PERCENT NATIONAL. LY DR. GAMBLA SAYS IF THE GOAL IS HERD IMMUNITY AGAINST COVID-19 – WE WOULD NEED TO BE AT 80 PERCENT…. FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE EITHER RECEIVED THE VACCINE OR FULLY RECOVERED FROM THE VIRUS. SO FAR IN BEAUFORT COUNTY — THE CDC SAYS MORE THAN 74 – THOUSAND PEOPLE HA VE GOTTEN AT LEAST ONCE DOSE OF THE VACCINE – COMPARED TO THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE ABOVE 15+ IN THE COUNTY…. WHICH ISOR ME THAN 154 – THOUSAND. WHILE DOCTORS SAY – THE CURRENT RATE OF COVID-19 CASES – IN THE COUNTY– HAS SEEN A DECREASE – THEY WOR RY ASHLEY – THAT IT MIGHT NOT STAY LIKE THAT FOR LONG,S A WE HEAD INTO A BUSY TOURIST SEASON – IF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AREN’T FOLLOWED. ASHLEY… ASHLEY: DANIEL — NEW DATA SHOWS SOME PEOPLE– ACROSS THE U-S– ARE NOT BE GOING BACK– FOR THEIR SECOND DOSE… WHAT– HAS BEAUFORT MEMORIAL BEEN SEEING? DAELNI: ASHLEY – THAT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH ABOUT 8 PERCENT OF PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNY TRNOT GOING BACK FOR A SECOND DOSE – IF IT IS REQUIRED – BUT – BEAUFORT MEMORIAL SAYS THEIR COMPLETION RA TE – IS OVER 90 PERCENT – A ND THAT HASN’T BEEN A BIG CONCERN FOR THEM. AS OF YESTERDAY—- ONLY 23 PERCENT OF GEORGIANS ARE FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19. ONLY 34 PERCENT HAVE D HA AT LEAST ONE DOSE. TSEHE NUMBERS COME– A – *MONTH*– AFTER VACCINATIONS WE EROPENED TO– EVERYONE 16 AND OLDER. 70 TO 80 PERCENT OF THE– POPULATION– NEEDS TO BE– VACCINATED– TO– A-CHIEVE– HERD IMMUNI. TY AS GEORGIA CONTINUES TO SEE LOW DEMAND FOR VACCINATIONS- — THE FIRST MASS VACCINATN IOSITE IN COASTAL GEORGIA— T HE GULF-STREAM SITE– – IS CLOSING. EVEN THOUGH THE STATE’S VACCINATION NUMBS ER REMAIN LOW— ONE OF THE LOWEST IN THE NATION, IN FACT– — THE GEORGIA EMERGEN CY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SAYS IT DOES NOT PLAN TO RENEW ITS CONTCTRA WITH GULFSTREAM. IN ADDITION— ALL STATE MASS VAINCCATION SITES WILL STOP OFFERING THE FIRST DOSE OF PFIZER VACCINES ON APRIL . 30 GEMA SAYS E TH AVAILABILITY OF VACCINES AT MOST PHARMACIES— COMBINED WITH A DECREASE IN DEMAND— IS LEADING THE AGENCY TO FOCUS ON FULLY VACCINATING PEOPLE. ANOTHER BIG TALKER– IN JUST HOURS WE’RE EXCTINPEG- NEW GUIDANCE ON– – WHEN– U YOSHOULD– BE WEARING A MAS K. ABC’S IKE– E- JOCHI –BREAKS DOWN–WHAT CHANGES– WE COULD SEE–AND THE RACE–TO VACCINAT E. THIS MORNING A NEW MILESTONE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE CORONAVIRUS. NEARLY 96 MILLION AMERICANS ARE NOW FULLY VACCINATED. THE CDC IS EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE NEW GUIDELINES FOR OUTDOOR MASK WEARING FOR THOSE FULLY VACCINAT. ED SOT DR RIBEIRA: “WE’VE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT THE VIRUS IN THE LAST YEAR AND RECENT RESEARCH REAL LY SHOWS A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF INFECTIONS – LESS THAN 10% – HAPPEN OUTDOORS.” MO S: “I THINK EVERYBODY’S READY FOR THIS. WE’RE GETTING BACK TO NORMALCY.” A GROWING NUMBER OF STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE LIFTING THEIR OUTDOOR MASK MANDATES. THISS A VACCINATION SITES BEGIN TO ONCE AGAIN OFFER JOHNSON AND JOHNSON’S ONE SHOT VACCINE. THE CDC CLAIMS T HE VACCINE’S BENEFITS OUTWEIGH THE RIS. KS GFX: OUT OF THE 8 MILLION J&J DOSES GIVEN, 15 WOMEN SUFFERED RARE BLOOD CLOTS AND THIS MORNING- DOCTORS IN CALIFORNIA REPOING RT THE CASE OF A MAN IN HIS 3S 0’ NOW RECOVERING FROM A CLOT IN HIS LEG GFX THE MAN RECEIVED A J &J SHOT-THE CDC HAS NOT CONFIRMED ANY CONNECTION A NEW ABC NEWS POLL TAKEN REVEALS THE VACCINE PAUSE MAY CAUSEDOW LER TRUST IN THE VACCINE. LESS THAN HALF OF AMERICANS SEE THE J&J VACCINE AS SAFE. AND 73 PERCENT OF THOSE NOT YET VACCINATED SAY THEY WOULDN’T TAKE THE SH OT SOT MORRIS: “AND THEM ALSO PU TTING THE JOHNSON AND JOHNSON ON PAUSE, IT REALLY MADE ME THINK MORE TN HA TWICE ABOUT GOING BACK A ND GETTING THE SECOND ONE. ” DAILY VACCINATIONS DROPPING TO AN AVERAGE OF 2.75 MILLION DOSES. 24 PERCENT OF AMERICANS ARE NOT INCLINED TO GET A COVID-19 VACCINE. YET EFFORTS CONTINUE AROUND THE COUNTRY TFIO GHT VACCINE HESITENCY. IN WEST VIRGIN- IAGOVERNOR JIM JUSTICE OFFERING A 100 DOLLAR SAVINGS BOND FOR ANY 16 TO 35 YEAR OLD WILLING TO GET A SHOT. SOT GOV. JUSTICE: “I ‘M TELLING YOU, IT’S TIME, WEST VIRGINIA, TO SHUT THIS THING DOWN.” TAG: THBIDEE N ADMINISTRATI ON ANNOUNCING A PLAN TO SEND PPE AND MILLIONS OF DOSES OF ASTRAZENECA VACCINE DOSES TO IIAND, WHERE THEY’VE SEEN NEARLY ONE MILLION W NE COVID CASES IN JUST 3 DAYS. IKE EJIOCHI, ABC NEWS WASHINGTON SPEAKING OF TRUSTING THE VACCINE–HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE JOHNSON AND JOHNSON VACCIN E? WILL YOU GET IT– NOW THAT’S ITS BEEN– DEEMED– SAFE ENOUGH TO ADMINISTER? TAKE PART IN OUR POLL ON THE WJCL TWITTER PAGE RIGHT W NO SO FAR IT’S PRA ETTY EVEN SPLIT OF THOSE WILLING TO GET THSIE NGLE SHOT AND OTHERS WHO DON’T THINK ITS SAFE. A DEADLY CRASH ON TYBEE– ON HIGH-WAY 80 AT LAZ-A-RETTO– CREEK– BRIDGE. AUTHORITIES SAY- IT CAUSED THAT STRETCH TO BE SHUT DOWN FOR SEVERAL HOURS. TYBEE POLICE SAY- THE CRASH HAPPENED AROUND– 11-30 LAST NIGHT. THE NAME OF THE VICTIM– AND– THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH–IS NOT YET KNOWN. BRAND NEW THIS MORNING. .. A STORY OF SURVIVAL AFTER A CAR EXPLODES INTO A MASSIVE BALL OF FIRE… YEAH ASHLEY… LETS PLAY THAT HEART-STOPPING VIDEO RIGHT NOW… NATS OF PEOPLE IN VEHICLE THOSE ARE PEOPLE IN A PASSING CAR REACTING TO THAT EXPLOSION… IT HAPPENED SUNDAY…N I A DALLAS, TEXAS SUBURB… THE VIDEO SHOWS THAT CAR WAS ALREADY ON FIRE WHEN THE DRIVER PULLED OVER.. NO WORD – YET – ON WHAT CAUSE THAT FIRE – – AND EXPLOSION. .. AMAZINGLY THAT DRIVER IS OKAY. “I HEARD A BIG CRASH KABM OO AND LOOKED OVER ON THE BRIDGE HERE AT BLACK RIVER AND COME TO FIND OUT WE HAVE AN 18-WHEELER HANGING OFF THE BRIDGE WHAT A STORY THAT SOUTH CA ROLINA MAN HAS TO TELL THIS MORNING… HE WAS FISHING FROM HIS BOAT WHEN HE HEARD THAT COMMOTION ABOVE HIM… AND TURNED TO LOOK… THERE IT WAS… AN EIGHTEEN WHEER EL TEETERING OFF THE EDGE OF A BRIDGE ALONG HIGHWAY 17… IN GEORGETOWN COUNTY. .. THE CRASH SHUT DOWN THAT STRETCH OF7 1FOR HOURS… THAT TRUCK DRIVER IS OKAY THIS MORNING. .. NO WORD ON THE CONDITION OF THE OTHER DRIR VE INVOLVED IN THAT CRASH AFTER SEEING BO DY CAMERA FOOTAGE OF THE POLICE SHOOTING OF ANDREW BROWN, JUNIOR- — HIS FAMILY AND THEIR LAWYERS ARE CALLING HIS DEATH *AN EXECUTION.* THE FAMILY WAS ONLY ALLOWED TO SEE 20 SECONDS OF FOOTAGE—- WHICH ANGERED NOT ONLY THE FAMILY— BUALSOT THE PROTESTERS WHO HAVE BEEN CALLING FOR THE FU LL RELEASE OF THE BODY CAME RA FOOTAGE SINCE BROWN DIED LAST WEDNEAY. SD ONE THE BROWN FAMY’S IL ATTORNEYS SAYS THE PART OF THE VIDEO THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE SHOWED THAT BROWN WAS NOT A THREAT TO PASQUOTANK DEPUES ATIS THEY TRIED TO SERVE HIM AN ARREST WARRANT. CHANTEL LASSITER, BROWN FAMILY ATTORNEY: “HEAS W NOT REACHING FOR ANYTHING, HE WASN’T TOUCHING ANYTHING, HE WASN’T THROWING ANYTHING AROU, ND HE HAD HIS HANDS FIRMLY ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY RUN UP TO HIS VEHICLE AND SHOOT HIM.” (GAS) PS THE PASQUOTANK SHERIFF SAYS THE SHAKINESS OF BODY CAMERAS CAN MAKE IT HARD TO DETERMINE EXACTLY WHAT’S HAPPENING— AND THE INVESTIGATION INTO BROWN’S DEATH IS ONGOI. NG IN THE MEANTIME— THE COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS FILED A MOTION TO HAVE THE BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC. AS FORMER MINNEAPOLIS OFFICER DEREK CHAUVIN AWAITS HIS SENTENCING TRIAINL JUNE— — HE MAY TRY TO APPEAL HIS CONVICTIONS IN THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD. HOWEVER— THE MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS THAT’S SOMETHING HE’S NOT WORRIED ABOUT. KEITH ELLIN SO MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL ELLISON – “WELL LOOK, Y AN CASE IS GOING TO BE APPEALED. YOASU K THE CRITICAL QUESTION AM I WORRIED ABOUT IT? I’M SUFFICIENTLY CONCERN ED BECAUSE I NEED TO BE, YOU KNOW, WE’RE NOT GOING TO GET CARELESS… BUT I FEEL THAT THE TRIAWAL S SOLID AND IT WAS FAIR AND THAT DEREK CHAUVIN HAD AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A FULL AND FAIR TRIAL.” ATTORNEYS FOR FORMER DALLAS POLICE OFCEFIR AMBER GUYGER WILL APPEAL HER MURDER CONVICTION TODA Y. GUYGER SHOT AND KILD LE HER NEIGHBOR– BOTHAM JEAN— IN 20-18. SHE SAID SHE ENTERED HIS APARTMENT BY MISTAKE — AND THOUGHT HE WAS AN INTRUD. ER SHE WAS CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS IN PRIS. ON HER ATTORNE AYSRGUE SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE— INSTEAD. THAT USUALLY CARRIES A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF TWO YEAR S. THE JUSTICE DEPAMERTNT IS LOOKING INTO THE LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY POLICE DEPARTMENT … AFTER THE BOTCHED RAID TT HA KILLED BREONNA TAYLOR. THE 26-YEAR- OLD WAS SHOT DURING A NO- KNOCK RAID WHILE SHE AND HER BOYFRIEND WERE SLEEPING LAST YEA R. HER BOYFRIEND FIREDT A POLICE, SAYING HE THOUGHT THEY WERE INTRUDERS. POLICE FIRED BACK, KILLING TAYLOR. THE JUSTICE DEPARTM Tired of losing, woman buys her ‘last’ $3 lottery ticket in Beaufort, then wins $100,000 Lottery officials say the woman, who purchased the ticket on Boundary Street in Beaufort, plans to buy a house with the winnings. Updated: 11:46 AM EDT Apr 27, 2021 Above video: Your latest headlinesLottery officials say two friends played the lottery in Beaufort. And while one lost, the other won $100,000.But there are no hard feelings between the two.”My friend was happy for me,” the winner, who chose not to be identified, told South Carolina Education Lottery officials. “I was excited and conflicted, because she deserved to win too.”Her friend talked her into buying a ticket at the Amoco Food Shop on Boundary Street in Beaufort. She says they like to scratch tickets together, but she was tired of not winning and said the $3 Lady Jumbo Bucks Crossword ticket would be her last.Since the win, she’s had a change of heart.”Every once in a while I might buy a ticket with her,” she laughed.In the meantime, she’s buying a new house.For selling the claimed ticket, Amoco Food Shop in Beaufort received a commission of $1,000. Above video: Your latest headlines Lottery officials say two friends played the lottery in Beaufort. And while one lost, the other won $100,000. But there are no hard feelings between the two. “My friend was happy for me,” the winner, who chose not to be identified, told South Carolina Education Lottery officials. “I was excited and conflicted, because she deserved to win too.” Her friend talked her into buying a ticket at the Amoco Food Shop on Boundary Street in Beaufort. She says they like to scratch tickets together, but she was tired of not winning and said the $3 Lady Jumbo Bucks Crossword ticket would be her last. Since the win, she’s had a change of heart. “Every once in a while I might buy a ticket with her,” she laughed. In the meantime, she’s buying a new house. For selling the claimed ticket, Amoco Food Shop in Beaufort received a commission of $1,000. Source link Orbem News #AmocoFoodShop #Beaufort #BoundaryStreet #buys #Losing #Lottery #lotterywin #SouthCarolina #SouthCarolinalottery #ticket #tired #wins #Woman

[miax1119]

Old friends - Call the Midwife Updated

Patrienne fanfic Summary: Sister Julienne and Doctor Turner have been friends for years. Just friends?                  In this story Dr. Turner isn`t married and doesn´t have Timothy.

 Sister Julienne and Doctor Turner had known each other for years. They were good friends and could rely on each other.  When Sister Julienne first met Doctor Patrick Turner he was a young man in the beginning of his thirties and Julienne was in her the beginning of her forties. She had been a nun for twenty years now and so far she had never felt great doubt about her choice to join the order. But the minute Patrick Turner entered her world her perspective began to change. His eyes and the way he looked at her. The way he would “accidently” brush her hand when reaching for something. She would blush and look down a little shy. They shared the same humor and they both felt connected - somehow. Within his first year as a GB in Poplar, Patrick got the habit of joining Sister Julienne for tea before evening prayer. They would either sit in her office or in the garden talking about their day. Not every day but more than once a week. It didn’t go unnoticed by the other nuns and nurses, but since they spent almost all their time together within ears shot no one thought of it. During his first winter in Poplar things evolved a bit. Patrick and Julienne were helping a young mother delivering twins at the far end of the docks. It was almost 3 am before they could call it a night. Julienne got on her bike. There was a dense fog surrounding the docks. Frost was slowly covering the ground and making the wet cobbles icy. Almost no sound could be heard except  from water running in the harbor and the groaning from rope holding on to the boats. Two cats ran across the road and tipped over a few wooden boxes. It scared the hell out of Julienne who tried to avoid the silly cats but the tires slipped and she fell over on her bike. She hit her head hard on the cobbles. Darkness engulfed her. A few minutes later Dr. Turner came by in his car. The headlights shone bright when they hit the metal of the bike. He stopped the car, got out fast and ran to Juliennes. “Sister, are you alright? He kneeled and turned her onto her back. She had a large gash on her forehead and she was unconscious. He lifted her into the back of his car and got her bag too. The bike was left behind, safe against a wall. They were close to Patrick’s one-room flat so he brought her there. He didn’t have a settee, so he carried her to his bed where he examined her head for a concussion and cleaned her head wound. He removed her wimple and light brown hair flooded into his hands. She looked absolutely beautiful. He tried to make her comfortable and while waiting for her to wake up, he made himself a cup of tea. He called Nonnatus House to let them know the whereabouts of Sister Julienne. It had been a long night delivering the twins. Doctor Turner sat himself on the opposite side of the bed. He was exhausted and slid down on the pillows. As the sun rose outside a bright ray of light awoke Julienne. Her head felt as big as a house, throbbing, she was a bit nauseous and felt something heavy across her stomach. She slowly opened her eyes and turned her head to the left to find Doctor Turners face inches from hers. His left arm around her stomach. With big eyes she tried to remember what had happened. She found it hard to focus on her surroundings. Then she remembered her bike accident. Her right hand went to her forehead and felt a big bandage. “What on earth was going on here?” she thought to herself Doctor Turner felt her stir and opened his eyes to look straight into her blue ones. They looked at little shocked. He removed his arm and got up a little fast “Oh good you´re awake. How are you feeling?” “I’m, I’m…” She wasn’t quite sure how she felt. Patrick found his stethoscope and checked her out. ”You seem better Sister. I´m sorry for the location. The fog was pretty dense and we were close to my flat. I hope it´s alright? I phoned Nonnatus and they know you´re here” Julienne sat upright and placed her feet on the floor holding her head and ribcage and tried to stand, but she underestimated her balance and landed on the floor and cried out. Her ribs hurt like hell. Doctor Turner fast at her side lifted her from the floor and onto the bed again but lost his balance and landed on top of Julienne. She let out a loud sigh - her ribs screaming in pain. “Oh God my ribs!” She almost couldn’t speak the words, the pain was overwhelming. “Sorry Sorry… you hurt your ribs?” She didn’t answer; she was out of breath - Her hands holding her ribcage - gasping for air. Doctor Turner quickly removed her apron and opened her habit, but she still had a layer of undergarment to go through, so Patrick decided to rip the last layer and finely he could take her ribs into assessment. They were dark blue on her right side. He tried to calm her down while he felt around her ribcage. She had a few bruised ribs and Patrick gave her a shot of morphine. Her breathing became lighter. “Oh I´m so sorry Julienne” “It´s okay Patrick” She whispered still finding it hard to breathe. They had agreed first names were fine as long as they were alone. It was quite unorthodox – not even the sisters left out their title when addressing each other. “I´m so sorry about your dress” She hadn´t noticed –she was occupied with her breathing. Her hands found the shredded material and tried to cover her stomach. Patrick pulled a blanket over her for privacy and left to telephone Nonnatus. It was almost 8.30 am and he wanted to let them know of the situation. 15 min later Sister Monica Joan arrived on her bike to assist the doctor. Julienne was asleep and fortunately Sister Monica Joan didn’t notice the state of Juliennes torn habit because of the blanket. But she did comment on her missing wimple. But the bandage on Juliennes forehead made a wimple impossible. The morning went by. Sister Julienne was moved back to Nonnatus where the sisters cared for her. A few weeks later Doctor Turner stopped by to check on Julienne. She was reaching for some boxes of aprons in the cupboard. Patrick heard noise from the cupboard and arrived just in time to catch Julienne as she buckled under the big box clutching her ribcage which was still very sore and took her breath away. Patrick caught Julienne and pulled her back as the heavy box landed before their feet. He held her quite close. They were staring into each other’s eyes and he couldn’t resist the temptation anymore - he kissed her!  A little hard at first, afraid she would pull back. But when she didn’t pull away - their kiss softened and became passionate. When the kiss stopped they just stared at each other. “I´m sorry” Patrick whispered “”Don´t be” she answered. She sighed when he let go of her. Her ribs hurt. “Those ribs still bothering you?” “Just a bit” she lied holding on to her side, slightly out of breath. “Would you like me to have a look at it? I´d like to make sure you´re okay” “Alright. But we better get a supervisor” She smiled at him – a twinkle in her eye – sending butterflies through his stomach. They went to her cell with Sister Monica Joan as their chaperone. Julienne got undressed and was standing in her underdress only. Bra’s were not standard issue for a nun, so she couldn’t very well drop the underdress, therefore she lifted it up to her chest, but the action hurt her ribs. Arms in the air was not a pleasant position. Sister Monica Joan was reading in the corner, somehow forgetting to pay attention to the reason why she was there. She had become more and more distracted lately. Forgetting places and situations. Patrick felt the soft skin of Juliennes waist and ribcage. He couldn’t help but notice the round figure of her breasts and the dark circle of her areolas through the thin fabric of the underdress. He saw the lower side of her breast: A handful each he thought to himself. He really had to focus on her ribs, but by accident his hand brushed her right breast and she inhaled a bit fast. This caught Sister Monca Joans attention: “Are you in much pain sister?” Monica Joan asked? “I’m sorry sister” Patrick said, as to answer Monica Joan’s question and not lead her attention to the quite naked scene taking place in front of her. “It´s alright doctor” Julienne blushed a bit, very much aware of the state of her undressed body and its influence on the man in front of her. “Sister Monica Joan, could I ask you to bring me three bandages from the clinic room downstairs? I´d like to make a compression on Sister Julienne’s ribcage again. I´m afraid we removed the previous bandage too soon” Sister Monica Joan was in a different world, thinking of the perfect place for Sister Evangelina to hide the afternoon cake. But she suddenly remembered her time and place when the doctor addressed her. “Of cause doctor, I´ll be right back” Julienne let down her dress and looked directly into the eyes of the good doctor. As soon as Sister Monica Joan left the cell, Doctor Turner turned towards Julienne and embraced her softly. She cupped his face and they kissed slowly – deeply. His hands roaming her back as one hand found the soft round breast and its hard nipple. She was a bit cold but also very turned on. Oh God she felt so good – so soft Patrick thought to himself. They both groaned and he backed her towards the wall. She let out a whimper from the pain in her ribs as she gently hit the wall with her back. Patrick pushed himself against her and lifted her left leg and it went around his hip. His fingers slipped under her dress and caressed her bum and almost further in between her briefs. He almost felt her down below but Julienne stopped him. This was going too far. Sister Monica Joan would be back any minute now. They stopped kissing - resting their foreheads against each other. Breathing heavily. They took a few steps away from each other as they heard footsteps on the stairs. Sister Monica Joan returned with the bandages and Doctor Turner wrapped Sister Julienne nice and tight around the ribcage.   They continued their friendship – opportunities of small endeavors and meetings in the early night. Mostly they just met in Juliennes office for afternoon tea. They controlled themselves – most of the time. The year was 1949. Doctor Turner was 35 and Sister Julienne was 44. They joked and smiled talking about patients in the kitchen of the community center. It had been a long day and the rich thick summer air and the orange afternoon light filled the room. Dr. Turner opened a few buttons to get some cold air to his neck and ran his handkerchief over his forehead as he was leaning against the kitchen table only a few steps away from where Julienne was boiling water and cleaning some instruments. They were talking and laughing about how Sister Evangelina’s temper had gotten the better of her, when all of a sudden the heat from the boiling water, the hot summer air and the heavy uniform and wimple all of a sudden became too much for Julienne. She swayed a bit and griped the tabletop for support. She swallowed hard as dizziness overcame her. Doctor Turner noticed her change in posture and supported her by her elbow and around her waist. “Sister, are you alright?”  He steadied her and led her towards the nearby chair and where she sat down. “I´m sorry.. I don’t know what came over me”. He kneeled in front of her and put a hand to her forehead and to fingers to her wrists for her pulse. She was clammy, red cheeked and she was a bit out of breath. “We need to cool you down a bit my dear” Her eyes were closed as she tried to stop the world from spinning. Doctor Turner put a wet cold cloth on her forehead and to the back of her neck. “Please let me to remove your collar and unbutton your uniform? Let’s get you cooled down”. She nodded her consent thinking nothing of it with Doctor Turner being her old friend, colleague and GP. He opened her uniform in the front and she pulled it down her shoulders. Dr. Turner brushed the back and front of her neckline to cool her down. He repeated his actions over and over and slowly her dizziness reduced. He was pleased his actions were working and her breathing normalized. Being her friend didn’t stop him from being a man, and he couldn’t help himself as his eyes followed a few drops of water running down her cleavage. Her white underdress was getting quite wet. He stopped his actions for a moment and placed two fingers on her wrists feeling her pulse. She looked at his hand and turned her own to hold the doctors hand: ”Thank you. I´m all better now” she smiled at him. He squeezed her hand and flashed her one of his famous smiles “I´m glad – you must take care of yourself” “yes doctor” she began to button up her uniform realizing it was quite wet. “It seems I´m in need of a dry uniform” she smiled. “I’m sorry, I might have gone a bit too far on the amount of water, but better to be soaked than passed out on the floor” “you´re quite right doctor” She smiled. “Are we the last ones left?” She asked “I believe so! Let me give you a lift back to Nonnatus!” “Thank you doctor. That’s very kind of you” “Speak nothing of it” He helped her put on her collar. “There, all set” He lend her his arm for support just to make sure her dizziness was gone. He held her close to him and kissed her on her cheek. They walked out the door arm in arm stopping on the steps. Julienne took a deep breath and slowly exhaled “Mmm the smell of afternoon summer sun” “Yes, perfect weather for a picnic wouldn’t you say sister?” They walked towards the car. “I can´t even begin to remember the last time I went on a picnic” They were seated in the car and the engine was turned on. The doctor felt sorry for his friend. Surely a picnic could be arranged. Just because you were a nun didn’t mean life should pass you by.  It was the little things that could make life worthwhile.

Three days later Sister Julienne and Doctor Turner were driving to the countryside talking and laughing. Windows rolled down and the hot wind in their faces. They stopped at a small stream and were seated on a blanket. Julienne had brought sandwiches and the doctor a bottle of cold cider.   It was times like these Julienne envied women in summer dresses and loose hair in the light summer wind. She felt like she was cooking in her own dress and decided there would be no harm in removing her shoes and let herself feel the grass between her toes. It pleased the doctor that his friend felt comfortable enough in his presence to let her guard down a little. He loved seeing her like this. Like a woman and not a nun. He felt sorry for her in her warm uniform. He spotted a chance for a bit of a cool down, the stream. He offered her his hand “Let´s get our feet wet, shall we?” “Oh yes, let´s” She used to love going for a swim. Now she had to satisfy for her feet to swim and not the rest of her. The rocky ground was a bit slippery, so they sat by the bank of the stream with their feet in the water. Sun in their faces - Julienne was still cooking inside her wimple. So she made a decision: She removed her wimple!  Dr. Turner looked at her smiling from ear to ear. Julienne shook her head and her damp shoulder long hair felt fantastic in the warm breeze.  Julienne decided her collar could go as well and for a moment the good doctor wondered how far his good friend would let go. Julienne stopped by removing the front side of her uniform, her apron you might call it. All that was left was Julienne sitting in her basic uniform. She opened a few buttons at her neck and lay back on the grass. Doctor Turner followed her lead. They laid there in silence enjoying the sun on their faces and the cold water around their feet. Turner took hold of her hand and Julienne squeezed his hand in return. He thought of what the world would have looked like if his good friend had not been a head nun. As if she could read his mind she said:”If anyone came by they would mistake us for a married couple, don’t you think? - Imagine what the world could have looked like for the two of us, had I not given my vows to the lord?” He was surprised at her statement and popped up on one elbow - his head resting on his shoulder looking at this beautiful woman laid next to him. His eyes followed her peaceful face, her hair on the ground, down to the rising and falling of her chest. Her right hand resting on her abdomen. Her legs slightly bend and parted, and her feet slowly moving in the water. “Do you realize how absolutely breathtaking you look right now?”   She opened her eyes and stared right into the calm eyes of the man she had come to trust more than anyone. She smiled a bit and continued to hold his gaze. He leaned forward stopping just in front of her face. He searched her eyes for permission and he had it. He kissed her gently at first. Then more fiercely. Her right arm went around his neck to his soft hair. He was lost. Her soft moan sent him over the hill. His left hand stroked her ribs and down her waistline, down her right hip to her thigh. His finger softly removed her dress on her knee and he suddenly felt her warm skin. He continued his kisses down her neck and back to her soft lips. She was everything he had imagined, and yes he imagined about her… as his hand moved from her knee to the inside of her thigh she stopped him. A hand on his chest: “Doctor – maybe we should stop. We are after all in a public place” He looked deep into her eyes “yes – you may be right” he smiled and retreated his hand. Still longing to feel her. He stood up and offered her his hand. “let’s cool off in the water shall we?” she smiled back at him “yes lets” They walked on the rocky ground in the stream not talking just enjoying the water and relaxing watersounds.. Without the front of her uniform Sister Julienne looked like a regular woman enjoying a day off. They were not more than an hour drive from the East End but it felt like a different world. The sun was getting a bit low in the horizon. “Should we be getting back Patrick?” He didn’t want to. He liked haven her all to himself. “Yes maybe we should” They turned around and started walking upstream again, Sister Julienne first in line, when her foot slipped on the small stones and she landed face down in the water. Dr. Turner fast at her side helped her onto her feet both laughing. “Somehow I always end up covered with water in your company Patrick” “Yes what a mess” he grinned “Let’s get you home and into some dry clothes. Again” When they arrived at the car Doctor Turner embraced Julienne. Wanting her to himself one last time and not wanting the day to end. “How many years have we been doing this dance darling?” She placed both her hand on each side of his face caressing his cheeks. “I´ve stopped counting” she smiled “You´re soaking wet – you´ll catch a cold. We should get you out of those wet clothes” “Oh wouldn’t you just love that sir!” she giggled. He would actually he thought to himself. “There´s a wooden cabin not far from here. We could go there, get you out of those wet clothes and enjoy the rest of our dinner. Or would you prefer arriving at Nonnatus looking like this? And a thousand questions” “It´s almost six o´clock. The others will get worried” “Alright – but did warn you. Sister Evangelina will have a few questions for sure”.

They got into the car and Doctor Turner turned the key but nothing happened. He tried again still nothing. He got out of the car and popped the hood when a rodent almost jumped into in his face. “Jesus, what the hell does that thing want in the engine room?” but quickly he realized the wild animal had a bite on one of the wiring. Needless to say they were stuck here. In the middle of nowhere. “How long will it take to walk to the nearest village?” “At least three hours. We drove for quite a while to get here. I´m sorry love. What a mess” Julienne shivered “Think nothing of it” Julienne rubbed her arms, she was freezing. The sun had lost its heat and the fabric of her uniform was not getting dryer. “The wood cabin is not more than a mile from here. What do you say? Should we seek shelter for the night?” Turner asked “Had my clothes not been wet we could have walked to the nearest village. But I must admit I’m getting quite cold. Let´s go…and hope we can start a fire”

They brought their picnic blanket, food and cider and made it for the cabin.  15 minutes later they had the small cabin in sight over a small hill. They had left a note by the car, explaining their whereabouts.

As soon as they got inside the cabin Patrick found some wood and fired up the fireplace. Julienne got out of her wet clothes but was unsure of how much she should strip off. Patrick and julienne had been friends – and almost more- for a few years. Stolen kisses and sometimes a bit more. But he had never seen her completely undressed before. So she left her undergarments on. Just as she was about to cover herself with their picnic blanket Patrick turned around “You better get that wet thing off too dear. The blanket will get wet and then we have nothing to warm us in the night”. She looked down a little shy and he felt her embarrassment. It was getting darker outside. The big forest trees were hiding the last light of the sun. But the light from the fire lit up the room a bit. Patrick walked over to Julienne. “I promise you, nothing will happen – unless you want it to” He smiled at her and she returned a small smile. Patrick lifted her underdress over her head and she held his gaze as she stood naked in front of him only wearing her briefs. She held herself to shield her breasts but the good doctor was forever the gentleman. He wrapped the blanket around her, never looking down.. They sat in front of the fire finishing the last of the cider and chatting. Joking and laughing so hard the blanket slid down Juliennes shoulders revealing bare skin in the firelight. Julienne couldn’t stop laughing and hadn´t noticed, but Patrick had. Oh how he wished for the blanket to reveal more… She noticed he had stopped laughing and looked him in the eye following his gaze. What she saw was raw desire and she felt herself getting hot inside. She stood up slowly and walked over to Patrick - and then she let go of the blanket. He too stood up and embraced in a hot desire of kisses. Patrick quickly spread out the blanket on the floor and they lay down. Patrick was quick to lose his shirt and pants. Julienne lay on her back. Patrick lay on his side popped up on one arm. He caressed her cheek, her shoulder, her arm, her chest, her breast, her stomach, her abdomen. “I´ve dreamed about this for years love” She gave him a dazzling smile “Me too dear” Julienne reached for him and pulled him into a deep kiss. She opened herself to him and he got in between her legs. They felt comfortable, like this was nothing new. They made love and they slept in each other’s arms – wrapped in a picnic blanket.

They awoke by the first morning light. Wet clothes had become dry and so they set onwards for the long trek towards the village, but it didn’t take long before they were met by Fred’s little truck. He had been out searching for them for an hour. He took a look at the doctors car and fortunately Fred was quite the mechanic. He was able to fix the doctors car temporarily. They returned home. Their lives continued. Their friendship continued but no more time for picnics.

 A week or so later Patrick was looking for Julienne at Nonnatus House: “Excuse me Sister Bernadette, have you seen Sister Julienne?” “Yes she is in the uniform cupboard. She shouldn´t be long. I can get her for you?” “Oh no, thank you sister. I know my way” he smiled at the young nun. When he reached the cupboard with the uniforms, he sneaked inside without a sound and grasped Julienne around the waist while turning her around “Hello pretty girl”. Julienne let out a loud gasp – surprised by the touch and by the company.  “Patrick! – what on earth?” He pushed her further in the closet with his hands on her hips seeking her lips for a kiss while the door closed. “Patrick what are you up too?” “Not much. Just this!” He kissed her a bunch of small kisses as he drew her close to him. Her arms came around his neck and kissed him in return: “But Patrick we are …” “I know where we are love, I just couldn´t ..” He didn’t get to say more before the door was opened by Sister Bernadette. Juliennes arms flew to her side and Patrick spun around. “Doctor, Sister – I didn’t know you were still here” “Well..” Patrick stammered. “Is there something I can do for you Sister Bernadette?” Julienne asked “Just fetching an apron” Julienne turned around and reached for an apron and handed it to Sister Bernadette. “Thank you sister” Bernadette didn’t know what to think exactly, about what she had witnessed. Surely the doctor and her mentor Sister Julienne knew what they were doing. They must have been talking – even though they were standing very close – was it even permitted?: To be alone with a man? She went off. “Well that was close” Patrick took a step back “I´m sorry if I have brought you in a difficult spot” “yes – well, I wasn´t exactly forced, was I?” She smiled. He took hold of her hands and kissed her fingertips and then the palm of her hand. “I better be off before I get us into any more trouble” “It was nice of you to stop by” Patrick kissed her forehead. “I don’t know how to stay away. Please tell me to stop” “But I can´t” Julienne gave him a twinkle. “Oh god you smell good” He nuzzled his nose close to her neck, kissed her jaw line. “Patrick?” He cupped her breast. So much woman. Such rich and round figure. Curvy hips. She should be his. “Love, I would give anything to have you - to be mine” “Oh Patrick, don’t say that. you know…” “Yes I know. I´m awfully selfish. But I can´t help it. I feel like you´ve been mine for years…” He took hold of her hands again. “I would give anything for you to be mine. Come live with me? Be my wife?” She looked at their hands. Patrick touched her ring with his thumb: “The thought of loosing you… I can´t bear it” Patrick stopped talking. “You won´t lose me, darling” She looked him directly in the eyes. “You won´t loose me”

Work continued and so did the British summer which was quite hot that year. The nuns, nurses and the dear doctor went about business as they used to. The doctor came by Nonnatus when time allowed it. One evening after supper he came by for clean instruments and saw Sister Julienne sitting in the garden enjoying the last sunlight with her eyes closed. The singing from the birds were particular beautiful and the smell of evening dew was intoxicating. “Hello, might I join you this lovely evening?” She opened her eyes to see Patrick taking a seat next to her on the bench. She smiled and reached for his hand and held it in her lap. “You´re always welcome – you know that ” They talked a bit about their day. Julienne heard footsteps coming towards them and Patrick let go of Juliennes hand. “So this is where I should find you sister!” Sister Evangelina stated. “It´s almost time for our evening prayer” “I´ll be right there Sister” Julienne gave Patrick a small apologetic smile as she stood up. “I´m sorry, please excuse me” she briefly brushed his shoulder. “See you … another time” He took hold of her hand and smiled a little sad “Of cause” He hated to let go of her.. The little incident didn´t go by Sister Evangelina. Maybe the doctor had a tough experience during the day, and therefore needed the consolidation of the head sister. Evangelina thought nothing more of it.  

A few weeks went by. Work was a constant companion and they all felt the pressure and fatigue. They were all at work in the community center. Busy bees flying about tending to their duties. Julienne felt fatigued and nauseous this day. Several times she had to excuse herself to the bathroom. She stopped short to support herself on a nearby chair. Nausea and dizziness overcame her. She put a hand to her mouth - swallowing hard trying to contain her stomach contents. She swayed on her feet. Sister Monica Joan came up next to Julienne and steadied her around the waist. “Let´s sit you down dear. You´re not well” “I don’t know what came over me. I find myself quite dizzy and nauseous”. “Clinic will be over soon. Why don’t you go home and put your feet up. The rest of us will finish up here. Not much left anyway” “but…” “I´ve seen you dear. You´ve been poorly all day. Go home. Find rest. You clearly need it!” Julienne agreed to call it a day. She smiled at Patrick on her way out. They could all need a break - he too looked tired. Julienne thought back at their picnic. The sun, the water between her toes and… she felt herself blush at the thought of the ending of that day.. Her eyes met Dr. Turners and she quickly looked away while smiling shy. Her shy smile didn’t go unnoticed by Patrick who could only guess the cause of his blushing friend and he too smiled wicked at the memory of the firelight in the wood cabin. The warm soft skin and gentle kisses. He longed for her touch, her embrace and lying in her arms. Felling her body against his. He forced himself to change his mind of thoughts. This was not proper thinking in public.

Summer gave way to autumn. Once again doctor Turner and Sister Julienne were alone in the kitchen – she was boiling water but this time for a cup of tea, and the good doctor was joking away next to her when she all of a sudden became dizzy and nauseous. She reached for him and he immediately saw what was coming and quickly grasped her by the waist and steered her towards the sink  where she threw up. “Are you okay love?” Her eyes were closed and her hand went to her forehead while the other hand was holding on to the tabletop. “I´m not sure. I´ve been having these dizzy spells and nausea for a couple of weeks or so” Sister Evangelina was entering the community center but came to a halt behind the door to the kitchen, when she overheard the conversation between the doctor and Julienne. Did her just call her love? What was going on here? “A couple of weeks?! And you didn’t think to tell me?! Sit down let me take a look at you” Doctor Turner sat down in front of Julienne: “Look at me please” She did. “You´re white as a sheet. Have you experienced any other symptoms?” “Yes - Nausea, fatigue and then the dizzy spells” She looked at him. Afraid what he would assume. “Right… You know what this sounds like, don’t you?” She kept her eyes on him “Yes. But surely at my age…” “How long since our picnic?” he asked “I´m not sure - about three months?” she answered “But surely Patrick – I can´t be… Please tell me that can´t be” “Come by the clinic tomorrow and we´ll do a blood sample.. It´s probably just fatigue. You´re overworked. I´ll drive you home. You need some rest” At this point Sister Evangelina had heard enough and made her presence know. “Are you coming back today sister or should I come back tomorrow?” Doctor Turner quickly stood up by Juliennes side. “Please take Sister Julienne back to Nonnatus and straight to bed. She´s overworked and needs to rest. See that she comes by the clinic tomorrow. If she´s too tired I´ll stop by on my rounds. Just call me” He squeezed Juliennes shoulder “take it easy okay?” “Yes doctor” she smiled at him and brushed his hand. Evangelina supported Julienne on their way out.

When they arrived back at Nonnatus Julienne went straight to bed – Sister Evangelina saw to that. After the evening prayer Evangelina went to Juliennes cell - Knocked and went in and sat beside Julienne on her bed. “So Sister how are you?” Evangelina took hold of Juliennes hand. “I overheard your conversation with Doctor Turner……” She looked down “What exactly are your relations with the doctor? Are you having a love affair with him?” Julienne was a bit stunned but from whom, if not Evangelina, to expect a direct question? “Doctor Turner and I have been close friends for a number of years, but never lovers… ” “Your picnic? Was that a part of the plan, cause I´ll tell you! We were worried sick about you - where you were – what might have happened” “No It was not planned. He´s my good friend…” Julienne looked down at her hands. “I´m so sorry sister… I don’t know what…” “Well, get some rest like the doctor ordered” Evangelina made for a stand but Julienne took hold of her hand “surely I can´t… I can´t be…” She couldn’t get the words over her lips. “Couldn´t what sister?” Apparently Sister Evangelina hadn`t heard everything in the kitchen and didn´t assume the outcome of their night in the cabin. “Never mind” Julienne thought better to keep it to herself. For now.

Julienne spent the night speculating. What were her options? Could this be happening? How in the world could this have happened? She had seen how women had tried to get rid of their pregnancy – hot baths or drinking Epsom salts. She could try that. But better wait and see what the blood sample would say. She wasn´t alone – she had Patrick – of that she was sure. She needed sleep.

Next morning she awoke to the commotion of nuns and nurses. There were 18-100 births taking place every month in poplar. They had seven women in labor all at once, and Sister Julienne suddenly had other things to tend to. She crossed path with Doctor Turner at one of the home deliveries in the late evening. He kept an eye on her – she felt it. They met in the small kitchen where he took hold of her hand if only for a second. “How are you?” “I´m much better thank you. Just a little fatigue” She didn’t dare look him in the eye. He would see straight through her. He squeezed her hand. He knew she wasn´t telling the truth. The labor was a difficult one and morning had become afternoon and the labor continued into the evening and night.. Patrick telephoned for Sister Evangelina to take over. Exhaustion was evident on Juliennes face, though it was rare she didn’t follow a childbirth to the door. She was nipping on a Marie biscuit when Patrick approached her from behind. “I hope you´re going straight home to bed” She didn’t turn around - she was fighting a brush of nausea. “I am doctor. Just making sure Sister Evangelina has the information needed to take over” “May I give you a lift to Nonnatus?” “Are you not needed here?” “I think Evangelina is on top of things, and can spare me half an hour” He put his hand on her shoulder “Come now love, let’s get you home” “YOU STILL HERE SISTER?” Evangelina was in command mode, and the scene in the kitchen didn´t go by unnoticed. What was going on between the two of them she thought. “I´m taking Sister Julienne to Nonnatus if you can spare me Sister?” “Well of cause I can. Now get going. This baby will be here within the hour, I guarantee it. I will call you if I need you doctor” In the car Sister Julienne got comfortable in the seat and even though it wasn´t more than a 10 min drive to Nonnautus, she was fast asleep before they rounded the first corner. Patrick was driving slowly. When they arrived at Nonnatus he turned off the engine and faced his sleeping darling. She looked peaceful. He missed their night in the cabin, on the floor with her in his arms. Maybe he should kidnap her and force her into marriage with him. Living in an isolated island. Having her all to himself. He was being foolish... He kissed her forehead and her cheek. She stirred and looked straight into his eyes. She smiled a bit. “I must have dozed off” “No wonder. You´ve been on your feet for more than 16 hours. Have anyone ever told you how beautiful you are when you´re sleeping?” He smiled “ I´ll help you inside” She welcomed his help. Arm in arm they walked up the stairs. From a window a few feet up Sister Monica Joan watched the two friends coming up the stairs and to a stand at the front door - but what came next she certainly hadn´t expected: Standing at the front door - holding her hands - Doctor Turner leaned in and kissed Sister Julienne!… on her lips!.. in the still of the night! Sister Monica Joan caught her breath – hand to her mounth.. Doctor Turner slowly pulled away still holding her hands. “Patrick we need to talk. This can´t go on” “I know love. We´ll talk tomorrow when you´re well rested. We could go for a drive. You´re not alone – you know that right?” She looked at their hands then put her right hand on her abdomen. She looked him straight in the eye. Talking without words just with their eyes. “You are not alone, love!” “I feel alone. I feel despair” He pulled her into a fierce hug He couldn´t stand her words - he would make her the happiest woman alive – if she´d let him.   They pulled apart and he put his hand on her abdomen. “This is a part of me too, remember. We´ll have to tell soon. You´ll be showing before long. You can’t hide it forever”     Tears were forming in her eyes. “Yes I know – sorry, I better get in” “Of cause. I´ll see you tomorrow. I love you” He kissed her again, and from Sister Julienne returned his kiss. “And I you” She entered the hall and walked inside. In a small window no more than a few feet up, Sister Monica Joan didn’t know what to think – both the kissing but also the words she had just heard. She just sat there – astonished! Was Sister Julienne in a relationship with Doctor Turner? Was she caring his child? She couldn´t believe it!

A week went by. Then another and another. Thankfully things had slowed down a bit at Nonnatus. Outside the rain and autumn stormy weather was reminding them that summer was gone and soon winter would be here. Sister Monica Joan had been keeping an eye on Sister Julienne. She didn´t forget what she had seen nor heard. The doctor had been coming by almost every day and on top of that, he was dining with them tonight. Always pleasant company though the relaxed tone between him and Julienne was quite gone this evening. In fact they were not even seated near each other as they used to… She had been avoiding him. It was almost 5 months since their picnic by the stream. Patrick kept asking Julienne to marry him. She kept him in the dark. She was lost. She didn’t know what to do. Where to turn? She loved God, but could she love him still if not in his service? Late that night she was sitting by the alter in the chapel. Her wimple on a nearby chair together with her collar and the apron of her uniform. Everybody was at sleep.   She was praying on her knees. She had opened her dress around her abdomen finding it very tight especially in the afternoon and evening. She missed Patrick. She missed him so much. She had told him when he left that evening. He begged her to come live with him but her thoughts were amiss. She cried silently. Praying for answers. She didn’t hear Sister Monica Joan and Sister Evangelina approaching her. They sat on each side of her and put their arms around her. She was startled and tried to compose herself. Trying to button up her dress – hiding her secret. “Shyyy it´s alright dear” Evangelina pulled Julienne into her chest. “We know you´ve been troubled. Try and relax. Breath” Julienne focused on her breathing and she relaxed a bit. “What exactly is it that you think you know?” Julienne asked Sister Monica Joan took Juliennes hand and looked her in the eye “I saw you and the doctor on the stairs a while back. From the look of it, it would seem the doctor believed you to be with child. His child – am I right?”   Julienne looked down at her open dress – tears spilling and shaky hands trying to hide the obvious. She went for a stand but got dizzy on her way up. Evangelina and Monica Joan fast to catch her and help her to the floor. Julienne was placed against Monica Joan and Evangelina put her hand on Juliennes abdomen, pressing it lightly. “How far along are you sister?” Julienne looked away “about 5 months” she whispered. “Have you been having these dizzy spells for long?” “Yes” “Nausea – fatigue?” “Yes” Evangelina kept feeling Juliennes abdomen “Maybe you should talk to the doctor about these symptoms. Distaval might be an option to prevent the fatigue and nausea” Julienne gave Evangelina a stare and tried to close her dress – unsuccessfully. “Please excuse me!” She stood up and took hold of her wimple. “What will you do?” Sister Monica Joan´s shaky voice from behind was more than Julienne could bear. She buried her head in her hands. “I don’t know… I love GOD…but I love Patrick too.. We have loved each other for a few years” “We must see what love can do then. You can´t stay here for much longer” Sister Evangelina said. “Either you should go to Chichester or…” “or what?” Julienne asked “Well this child is coming – liking it or not. And you could marry Doctor Turner, though I hate the thought of loosing you Sister. But it seems to me God has already made en decision for you: You are leaving in one way or another!” Sister Evangelina could be brutally honest, but she was right. No more dancing around the fire. Julienne had to face whatever was coming her way.

Next day she telephoned for Patrick and they went for a ride in the evening. Just outside town they stopped the car. Julienne took off her wimple and let her hair down. She was going to have this conversation as Julienne the woman, and not Sister Julienne the head nun. She knew how Patrick felt, and now she explained her feelings to him. He listened, nodded and finely when it seemed like she had run out of word, he opened a little box and held a gold ring between his fingers. “Julienne, we have loved each other for years. Our night in the cabin was the happiest night in my life and I have longed for you in my arms ever since. We´re both mature people, but we could have at least 30-40 years together still. Our child is made out of love - Please – I cannot stand the thought of living without you - Will you be my wife?” His eyes almost held no hope. He was prepared for the worst. She gave him a big smile when all of a sudden she felt a flutter of small bobbles in the abdomen. Her hands went straight to her stomach with great surprise and a small gasp. “What is it love? Are you in pain?” She couldn’t help but laugh a bit “No dear – your child simply just wanted to say hello – to its dad” She looked at Patrick with great love and took hold of his hand and led it to her abdomen. He too felt the little kicks of their child. “Yes Patrick, I will be your wife! We will be yours” He was over the moon - filled with gratitude and happiness. He kissed her like she had never been kissed before, with fierce and deep felt love. He put on the gold ring. She was his – finally.

A new life could begin.

Sister Julienne carried her new engagement ring in a long necklace underneath her uniform. She had called mother Jesu Emanuel at the motherhouse and informed her of her situation. She was very displeased and wanted Sister Julienne to give it at good think. But Julienne didn’t feel time was on her side, since she was beginning to show rather much. So they agreed Sister Julienne would leave Nonnatus after Christmas and new year… Hopefully Julienne wouldn’t be showing too much by then being almost 6 months along.

Christmas came and as usually it was a busy time of year. Not only with a lot of deliveries but also a lot of preparations for the holiday and advent prayers. Fortunately Sister Julienne had Sister Evangelina and Sister Monica Joan by her side making sure she didn’t take on too much work. They hadn’t told any of the other sisters or nurses of Juliennes situation. All they knew was that Sister Julienne was leaving the day after New Years Eve and that she was retiring to Chichester. A pregnant nun could not be approved but Sister Juliennes work could not be spared at this time of year. It was getting more and more difficult for Julienne to conceal her pregnancy. The apron of her habit did a good job hiding her secret. But today was a special day of prayer and faste – not eating until late night. These rules didn’t imply for pregnant women, but there was no such thing as a pregnant nun – in theory. Julienne was out on a house call. Sister Evangelina was assisting her. They had been on duty for more than 12 hours without food and Julienne – being close to 6 months pregnant - was beginning to feel the effect of lack of food.. She was a bit dizzy..Sister Evangelina gave her some marie biscuits to keep her blood sugar up and told her to sit down and rest. Fortunately they were wearing their white habit – her secret was safe, but a little accident with one of the smaller children sent Juliennes white habit off and she had to work in her normal basic uniform, not leaving much for the imagination. The mother in labour didn’t notice much, but to Sister Evangelina it suddenly became very obvious that her fellow sister was in a family way and she felt compelled to protect her friend.  Finely the baby was born and Doctor Turner came by to check mother and baby. He too noticed Juliennes obvious condition. Not only her growing stomach and other virtues, but also her apparent state of exhaustion. He took her hand while they were standing in the corner of the room attending the newborn baby. “You look terrible. You don’t get enough nourishment nor sleep. I´m worried about you” She smiled kindly at the man she loved grey circles underneath her eyes: “I must admit I’m worn out” she put her hands on her stomach where their little secreat was having a field day kicking around. Your child is quite demanding already. It´s quite hard to ignore.” “Let me give you a lift to Nonnatus. Pack you things and let Sister Evangelina stay here for a bit. I´m taking you home” He squeezed her hand a bit and she nodded her consent. Sister Evangelina nodded too, and Patrick got julienne her coat, both as a gentleman, but also to conceal the obvious.

Back at Nonnatus Sister Bernadette was preparing a cup of horlicks when Doctor Turner and Sister Julienne entered the kitchen. One look at Juliennes exhausted posture and she insisted they both sat down and served them a cup each. She did notice Julienne was missing the front apron of her habit and that she looked very much pregnant – but that couldn’t be – so she dismissed the thought. Julienne had experienced lower back pains a few times during the day and now – once again-  she was crumpled in pain as one of her hands went to her side the other to her back. She couldn’t help but let out a moan as the pain spread to her abdomen. “Love, what is it?”   She didn’t answer until the pain subsided. “Just a little cramp – it´s been coming and going through the day” She looked him in the eye, both of them were concerned – both of them knew the risks of her being an older gravida. “You´re going to bed now! – and I will do a short examination of you” Patrick put an arm around her waist and escorted her towards her room. “Would you like me to come with you sister?” Bernadette offered – concerned her sister being alone with a man – doctor or not. “No thank you that won’t be necessary” The words almost didn’t slip over her lips when the pain returned and her legs buckled under her and she groaned loudly “oh, oh God” Patrick supporting her ordered Bernadette to fetch Sister Evangelina and Sister Monica Joan immediately. Bernadette ran for the Sisters. Patrick lifted Julienne into his arms - one of her arms around his neck the other hand on her abdomen as she moaned and tried to control her breathing – panting. “Oh no please God!” Patrick prayed out loud. He was met by Evangelina and Monica Joan at the top of the stairs. “What is going on here?” Evangelina demanded. “Julienne is going into labor. We need to stop it. Let’s get her into bed and one of you can examine her. Or would you rather I did it?” “Oh no Sir. This wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for you… Here, put her down” Patrick carefully eased Julienne down onto the bed. She was clutching her stomach and moaning. Patrick caressed her face and kissed her brow. “I´ll be right outside love” She nodded. Evangelina and Monica Joan helped Julienne get comfortable and Evangelina examined her. There was spot bleeding. Bed rest was mandatory from now on. Patrick gave Julienne a mild sedative and talked to Evangelina and Monica Joan in the hallway – Sister Bernadette sat down beside Julienne, taking her hand and caressing it.   “Doctor she should be in a hospital!” Evangelina said. “That is not an option Sister – and you know why – a pregnant head nun - the rumor mill would have a field day. She will need complete bed rest until further notice!” They continued their debate.

Inside Juliennes room Bernadette looked at Julienne sleeping. Her eyes wandered down her stomach and abdomen. It was clear Julienne was expecting – Bernadette was compassionate but also inquiring: Why would the mentor be pregnant? Had she been attacked? How? But then she thought about it – what she had seen between Julienne and the doctor the last couple of months. It became clear to her, that this baby was a product of love. Forbidden love but love non the less.

[faces-in-unexpected-places]

Do You Have the Time? Episode 023: The Deal

Synopsis: Leopold takes a totally non self-destructive break from his stress. Jeremy and Madison demonstrate a vastly different relationship in their recent past.

[April 24th, 2018, 18:13]

           Leopold heaved himself up onto the lab bench and sat right next to the melted surface that Sophia pointed out. The lab was in total and complete disarray. He’d collected many of the large pieces of glass, but the floor was still sparkling with fine shards and glass dust. There were also many jagged pieces still sticking out of the window frame as well. Combined with Sophia’s news, his motivation to keep up a good appearance for Jeremy and Leslie was quickly plummeting. He considered waking IO out of its slumber for help with the cleaning but putting on a face even for a robot felt like a massive undertaking. If he told the others that the glass was taking longer than expected, Leslie would just volunteer herself and Jeremy to help it go faster. And then he would have to tell them what happened while they were gone. If he didn’t, they would notice that something was wrong.

           At least Leslie would.

           He wiggled his phone out of his pocket and reached out to them for an update.

[LEOPOLD_LESLIE_JEREMY_CONVERSATION_START_18:18]

LL: hey there you 2, how’s the search going :)

JB: Good. Leslie’s driving and we’re on our way back. JB: We took the long way.

LL: ok no problem

JB: Leslie is yelling at me to tell you that it was an accident. JB: She didn’t know where the Home Depot was.

LL: but we were just there…?

LG: I was listening to ur sotyr abt Woodstock that isn’t fair!!

LL: i thought she was the one driving?

LG: red light

LL: where r u guys? LL: hello

JB: Aaand now, it’s a green light. JB: The GPS says we’re about 20 minutes away. JB: We actually just passed Leslie’s house a few minutes ago.

LL: i finished the cleaning a little bit ago LL: y don’t u 2 just head home tonite and bring the supplies tomorrow?

JB: Are you sure? It’s only 20 mins.

LL: u guys r already in ur neighborhoods LL: and u 2 have been staying late and coming in early to work alot lately LL: u deserve a break :)

JB: She wants to know what time we’re coming in tomorrow.

LL: just be here at 9am lie everyone else LL: like* everyone else LL: hello?

JB: Sorry, just rerouting. Rush hour.

LL: no worries!

JB: Okay, Leslie’s going to take me back to my house and head home, then. JB: She’s keeping the supplies in her car overnight and will bring them tomorrow morning.

LL: ok sounds good LL: see u guys then! LL: great job today !

JB: Thanks. You too. JB: Leslie says thank you, too. JB: Sorry, she says, “Thank you!! <3”

LL: lol LL: that sounds like her

JB: Have a good night, Leopold. See you soon.

LL: see u !

[LEOPOLD_LESLIE_JEREMY_CONVERSATION_END_18:30]

               Leopold grinned faintly but it was quickly washed away with exhaustion. His face was heavy and expressionless. Tired. He let himself fall off the workbench and landed on his feet. The promise of solitude filled him with a vague relief. He trudged over to the entrance to the lab and locked the doors. Many of the labs nearby had turned their lights off and were left empty for the night. He lugged himself back across the lab and carefully stepped through the sheet of glass dust on the floor of his office until he reached his desk. The lowest side-drawer contained a mess of papers and wires and junk that he should probably have gotten rid of long ago.

               All the way in the back was a plastic bag and some flimsy, palm-sized pieces of paper. A small bag next to it contained a pile of grassy-looking balls. He retrieved the two bags, sat down, and dumped a dirty-green colored bud onto the paper. In his top side-drawer, he pulled out a mortar and pestle. When he ordered materials for his lab decades ago, he “accidentally” ordered an extra mortar and pestle. He ground the bud in the bowl with the pestle, sprinkled the green dust into the paper, rolled it tight, licked it together and lit it up with his handy zippo. With his feet up on the desk he took a long puff of his favorite medication and stretched his limbs out.

           If he was going to be there for a while, he might as well get comfortable, too.

           After today, he needed a break.

[May 13th, 2016, 1:57]

           Madison sat anxiously on the couch of a dark living room, scanning the quiet, suburban neighborhood through the window for cars. She checked her phone again. A message from Jeremy ten minutes ago. It said he’d be here in five minutes. She glanced to the clock for the 3rd time. She wasn’t sure what she expected to be different, as if he would somehow arrive faster. A car slowly emerged from behind the next-door neighbor’s hedges and parked on the street in front of the house. She waited for a few seconds, then the car flashed its headlights three times. It was him! She leapt off the couch, stuffed her bare feet into her shoes and silently slipped through the front door, closing it gently behind her. She jogged down the driveway to meet him on the sidewalk.

           “You made it,” she said.

           “I did. How’s the situation in there?”

           “They’re asleep. Went to bed around eleven or midnight.”

           “Okay. We should be fine, then. Thanks for doing this,” he said.

           “Sure. I wouldn’t deal with them if I didn’t have to, either.”

           He shut his car door as quietly as he could and followed Madison up the driveway. He carried a small, flattened cardboard box under his arm. They entered and both took their shoes off out of habit. He followed behind her through the living room and down the hallway. They tiptoed past their parents’ bedroom and stopped at Jeremy’s old room, across the hall from Madison’s. She led him inside, shut the door and used the light from her phone to see. Jeremy observed and did the same.

           “So, what are you looking for?” she asked.

           “I want my keyboard and all the accessories that go with it, wax warmer and the wax cubes, and some old notes I took for some of my classes. Those can go in the box. I also want to take my bedspread and my old bookshelf. Those, I can fit in the backseat.”

           “Really, the keyboard? Even after mom cracked down on your knuckles every practice session? I haven’t heard you play in forever.”

           “I haven’t, really. But I can still play, and it is still mine, so I’d like to take it back.”

           “Fair enough. Okay, we can do that.”

           Aside from periodically bumping into each other in the dark, the plan worked out without a hitch. First, the box was taken to the car. Then the bedspread, and lastly the bookshelf. They had to be extremely careful to not bump the bookshelf into any walls or fixtures. Luckily, they had the carpeted floors on their side, so setting it down was no problem. Walking without shoes on carpet was essentially silent, as well. After waddling out to his car with the shelf, they set it down on the tree lawn to take a breather.

           “You sure this is okay?” Jeremy asked.

           “A little late to be asking that question, dontcha think, Jay?” she laughed through her breath.

           “Will you be okay tomorrow?” he rephrased.

           “I think so. Probably. Mom still goes in your room all the time, but I’ll just put one of your old bedspreads on the mattress. If she notices, I’ll just tell her that I’m washing the bedspread you took, or something.”

           “What if she asks about it later?”

           “I dunno. Guess I’ll figure that out later. At least I’ll buy some time to keep her off my back in the meantime. Besides, that’s only if she notices. No offense Jay, but all the comforters you’ve ever had have had stripes. They all kinda look the same.”

           He chuckled, sheepishly.

           “Well, just be careful.”

           “I always am,” she shrugged, “So, what’s your plan now? Graduating college and everything?” she asked and took a seat on top of his trunk, “You moving far away from here? I can’t imagine the two-hour drive right now is enough distance.”

           Jeremy hopped up to sit next to her. They both laid back and looked at the few stars still visible in the suburban light pollution.

           “I actually came to talk to you about that,” he said.

           “Hmm. So, out with it, then. Where you headed?”

           “Nowhere,” he replied.

           “Oh, come on, you’ve gotta have somewhere to go.”

           “No, Maddie. I’m staying in Curiesville.”

           “What? Why?” she sat up and cross-examined, “Don’t you want to get the hell out of Crazy Town?”

           “Of course, I do. But I got accepted into a PhD program at CVU in the fall. So, I’m staying there for a while longer.”

           “Wait, you’re going back to school? What the hell, man, why?”

           “Most jobs I can get are entry level right now, and advancement will take a while. And I’ve always wanted to do research,” he shrugged, “A PhD is a surefire way to really contribute to the body of science. To make some real advancements. To make something new and to make the world better, you know?”

           “I guess, man. If it makes you happy, at least.”

           “You’re almost done with high-school, right? Two years left?”

           “If half-way is almost done in your mind, then yeah, sure,” she scoffed.

           “How’s it going so far?” he asked, “I know we haven’t had much time to talk about it since you started.”

           “Honestly, I bitch and complain about a lot of stuff, including school, but it’s actually not so bad. I’m not in any of those fancy-pantsy AP science classes like you were, but they’re still interesting. I’ve written a few articles for the school newspaper, actually,” she smiled, “My journalism teacher runs the newspaper and seems to like having me on the team. It’s a nice way to forget about mom and dad at least.”

           “That’s great. Have you thought about what you want to do afterwards?” he asked.

           Madison laughed and rolled her eyes.

           “You sound like everyone else, now. ‘What are you doing with your life, Maddie?’ ‘Apply to colleges early, Maddie!’ ‘Don’t vape in the girl’s bathroom, Maddie!’” she mocked.

           “Wait, what?”

           “To be honest, I just planned on making a break for it when I turn eighteen.”

           “Where to?”

           “Dunno, don’t care. Across the country maybe. They have Targets and Walmarts in every state, figured I’d just work at one of those,” she said flippantly.

           “You think you’d be happy with that?” Jeremy interviewed.

           “Beats wasting away at forty, living in mom’s spare room, listening her talk about what a disappointment I am.”

           “You don’t want to go to college?”

           “Pfff, fat chance. Nowhere to live, no colleges in mind, and no money to pay for it.”

           “There’s always financial aid. Loans to take out. Scholarships, all kinds of stuff. You just have to know where to look,” Jeremy persisted.

           “Yeah, maybe you could get scholarships, genius. Do I look like someone who could do that?”

           “Maddie, if you have a pulse, you can get scholarships. I applied for one that awarded me $500 for having a GPA above 3.0 and explaining why I thought I deserved the scholarship. It really can be that easy.”

           “I guess so. That’s still just one piece of a way bigger puzzle, though.”

           “Alright, I’ll just get to the point,” Jeremy sighed and sat up, “I get a yearly stipend of $30,000 to live off while I get my PhD. With some careful searching, that can cover basically all our living expenses. Both of us. And it could leave us with a little extra left over if we need it. We can get you financial aid and loans to pay for your classes,” he argued.

           Madison turned to look at him directly. She pursed her lips and furrowed her brow, ruminating with her internal conflicts.

           “Whoa, whoa, man. You’re… not serious, are you?” she asked.

           “If I was joking, you would be laughing, Maddie,”

           She furrowed her brow and scoffed.

           “Shut up,” Jeremy scoffed back, “Yes, I’m serious. So, what’s your answer?”

           “…It sounds nice, honestly, Jeremy, but… I couldn’t put you out like that. You’re… I mean, God, I hate that I’m going to say this, but you’re brilliant! Crazy smart and hard-working, and shit just comes to you, but it doesn’t work like that for me. I’m not anything special. I don’t even know what I would study…”

           “You’ve got time to figure it out. Just think about it. Or you could work at Target in Curiesville with a familiar face around and build up some savings. Either way… you don’t have to fend for yourself if you don’t want to.”

           “…You’re really okay with that. Sharing a place and supporting the family fuck-up?”

           “You’re not the family fuck-up, mom and dad are.”

           She nodded and grimaced in agreement.

           “Where would we live?” she probed.

           “Probably an apartment. They’re usually cheaper. There’s all kinds of options that we can look at, especially when you get closer to eighteen and have been accepted to the university and/or gotten a job at the Target of your choosing.”

           “…And you really think that I can do college?” she persisted in her skepticism.

           “You don’t have to be perfect. All you have to do is try your best, study, and talk to your professors. Most of them really want you to succeed, too. And I’ll be there to help you along the way if you need it. Seeing as how I just went through four years of college; I could probably answer a lot of questions for you. You would just have to keep me updated on how things are going and ask for help when you need it. If you want to quit and get a job instead, that would be okay, too. Just don’t give up on your classes without withdrawing and dropping out of the next semester. Otherwise, you’ll just build debt from classes you didn’t plan on passing, and that will be harder for us to deal with.”

           “Well… I guess it would be nice to know that I’ve got a place to go once I can leave…” she said to herself, “I’ll think about the college thing. But if you’re totally sure that you’re okay with finding a place together…”

           “I am,” he said firmly.

           Madison slowly let go of her prudent attitude and let her beaming smile shine through. She squealed under her breath and glommed onto Jeremy in excitement. He grinned and returned her hug.

           “Oh, our place would look so great, too! Can you imagine? I can already see it, now! Nice couch, sweet-ass TV for movie and videogame nights with ice-cream, ugh! Why can’t I just fast-forward two years already.”

           He pulled himself away to look at her.

           “It’ll go by faster than you think. Especially since you have school to do until then. Make sure to keep your grades up and build some good relationships with your teachers now, so that you can have a good application to CVU, if you want it, alright? You’ll need them to write good letters of recommendation. Next time we talk, we can talk about the SAT, too.”

           “Oh yeah, I actually convinced mom to get me one of those study books for it? You know the ones.”

Jeremy smirked.

           “So, you were already thinking about college, then?” he analyzed.

           “Wh—I—I mean—yeah, a little. Just out of curiosity. With everyone talking about it, and everything…”

           “Okay. Sure. Good for you,” Jeremy teased.

           “What!”

           “Nothing!” he laughed, “Just impressed. Study hard. I’m sure you’ll do very well.”

           “I’m not a nerd like you though, let’s make that clear,” she guarded, pushing her hands out, defensively.

           “I didn’t say anything,” he grinned.

           “Yeah, but you’re looking at me with that shit-eating grin!” she slapped him on the arm.

           “Oh!” he exclaimed, “Alright, there’s no need for violence, here. Especially since nerds can’t fight, anyway.”

           “Hey!” she protested.

           “What? I just meant me,” he taunted, “…and those closely related,” he mumbled.

           “Jay!”

           “What?! Come on, let’s get this bookshelf in the car before the sun comes up, and mom puts us in a cage or something.”

           Jeremy hopped off the trunk of his car and helped Madison down, as well. They muscled the bookshelf on its side into the back of his car and shut the doors. That was everything Jeremy had returned home for. They stood on the sidewalk, avoiding the goodbye that neither wanted to say.

           “So… what are you doing, now?” she asked.

           “Well, I’m taking this stuff back to my place and setting it up, I suppose. I’ve had a bit more free time to make the trip out here since I graduated yesterday. Everything been okay here with mom and dad?”

           “Eh, well, not much has changed, if that’s what you mean. Mom is still the same dictator she-demon she’s always been, rambling about you and how you’re basically science’s second coming of Christ, but also she hates you for moving away?”

           “Makes sense.”

           “And dad is… well, he’s nice sometimes, I guess. But he’ll never stand up for either of us when mom is going on an abusive tirade. Honest to god, I think he should just divorce her for his sake, even if I have to stay. He’s not here against his will, I don’t know why he doesn’t just leave.”

           “Who knows. Fear, maybe? One thing I learned about dad early on is that when fear kicks in, he’s basically useless. And so long as he’s married to mom, he’s scared all the time.”

           “Ain’t that the truth,” Madison agreed, “Well, I’m not too scared to leave, and when I do, you and I are living it up!”

           “It’ll be great,” Jeremy smiled faintly.

They both trailed off, and their talk met its natural end. He knew it was time to go. Madison watched his smile fade away, and hers followed quickly behind.

           “I guess this is it, huh?” she said, “You gonna be okay making the drive back?”

           “I think so. I slept in today on purpose today.”

           “Heh. You even plan on sleeping in…” she chuckled, “…When are we gonna see each other again, Jay?”

           “…I’m not sure. The summer will be busy for me while I work to save up some extra money for us. Maybe sometime in the fall when I get the hang of my new program.”

           “Okay,” she frowned, “It’s just that… I miss ya sometimes, ya know?”

           Her eyes swelled up and a tear rolled down her cheek. She kept herself composed and quiet to avoid waking anyone up.

           “I miss you a lot, too, Maddie. Why do you think I planned out the next two years of your life?” he joked.

           She let out a half-laugh-half-gasp.

           “I guess that’s true.”

           “You have my number still, right?”

           “I do.”

           “Good. Maybe we can talk more that way, send each other pictures and whatnot,” he sniffed.

           “Yeah, good idea. We should do that.”

           They both suddenly clung to each other and held on as tight as they could, quietly sniveling into each other’s shoulders. They clinched each other until their arms were tired, since they knew they wouldn’t be seeing each other for six months. Jeremy quietly spoke into her shoulder.

           “Thank you for helping me,” he said.

           “Heh, aww, come on, it was nothin’,” she said, “Anything to see my state-issued nerd, again,” she smiled and wiped her eyes with her forearm, “Thanks for planning me a better life.”

           “It wasn’t that hard,” he chuckled, “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

           “Okay. Love you, Jay,” she whispered.

           “Love you too, Maddie.”

��          They squeezed each other tight once more, and disbanded. Madison then gave Jeremy space to get into his car. She stood on the sidewalk with her arms folded in front of her, watching him get ready to leave. He pulled into the next driveway across the street, turned his car around, and flashed his headlights on his way out. Madison waved goodbye from the tree lawn until she watched him turn down the next road.

           Then, her neighborhood was as quiet and still as it was before he came.

[currenthealtheventsblog-blog]

Fortnite Battle Royale update news, patch notes and more

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Fortnite Battle Royale update news, patch notes and more

In such a short space of period, Fortnite Battle Royale has become certified gaming phenomenon. Pitting 100 players against each other on a single map, it melds fun, cartoonish gameplay with a fierce competitive streak, and has attracted millions of players across the globe across all ages and demographics.

Season 9 is now officially live, and we& apos; ve got details of all the latest updates. We knew from the teaser tweet that we had a futuristic topic to look forward to, and so it& apos; s been proved.

To help you keep on top of what& apos; s new and what& apos; s come through here in Fortnite, we& apos; ve put together this handy page which will be updated with all the latest announcements. So to get you ready for blast off, here& apos; s everything you need to know about Fortnite.

iframe> What is Fortnite?

There& apos; s been a lot of hype surrounding Fortnite since its release in July 2017. But what exactly is it?

Fortnite is a battle royale game which sees you hurl onto an island with no weapons or armor and it& apos; s up to you to scavenge for supplies and fight for your life to be the last man or squad standing at the end of video games- with the added pressure of a shrinking map that closes in as the match progresses, forcing players into tighter skirmishes.

The game is available for free on PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android, with in-game purchases limited to strictly cosmetic options.

How to download and play Fortnite on mobile

Fortnite update news and Fortnite patch notes What's new? Fortnite Season 9 is live and we& apos; re now on update 9.30. See the new Chug Splash item in action below.

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Fortnite is now into season 9 and version 9.30 is our latest update. The big addition introduced in this update is Chug Splash. It were not able to sound like the most appetizing drink but this throwable will allow you to heal yourself and other players.

The Chug Splash throwable is essentially a six pack of drinks which, when thrown explodes on impact. Any players in scope of the explosion( yes, that& apos; s friends and adversaries) will receive 20 health if injured. If health is full, then 20 shield will be added.

The item can be found in a wide range of places, including as floor loot, in chests, in vending machines, supply drops, and llamas. They drop in stacks of two, up to a maximum of six.

Items being vaulted with this update are Boom Bow, Dual Pistols and Dynamite.

Alongside Chug Splash, there are three new Limited Time Modes in the rotation.

Sniper Shootout Duos is fairly self-explanatory, pitting players against each other when armed merely with sniper rifles; Trios is the classic Battle Royale game but with squads of three; and Solid Gold Squads is a popular mode which insures players fight using only Legendary weapons.

You can access the patch notes in full and ensure the latest Bug Fixes and Updates on the official Epic Blog.

See also: how to unblock Fortnite at school or the officeOr check out: the best gaming keyboards for Fortnite Can I play Fortnite on mobile?

Yes you can! Well, perhaps. After months of waiting, Fortnite is finally on both iOS and Android, though you& apos; ll need a phone that can actually run the game.

iOS users can download straight from the App Store. As long as you& apos; re using iOS 11 on iPhone 6S/ SE, iPad Mini 4, iPad Air 2, iPad 2017, iPad Pro devices or later you& apos; ll be fine. Oh, and you& apos; ll need an internet connect, naturally.

Fortnite also hit Android phones this summer, and finally came out of beta in October. You can see the full list of phones- and how to find the Fortnite Installer- on our Fortnite on Android page.

Is it the full game?

It is the full Fortnite game. There are some small differences: it’s not quite as visually impressive as it is on more powerful devices, the controls are touchscreen, and a lot of audio cues have been made visual so you can play comfortably in public without the need for headphones. But you won’t be missing out on any key features.

What& apos; s the deal with cross-play?

A sweet deal is what it is. While previously Xbox One and PS4 proprietors couldn& apos; t play video games together, Sony& apos; s U-turn on the matter means that now everyone across Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android can all take part in the crossfire.

So if you& apos; ve got friends that prefer PC, others that prefer console and you& apos; re off on holiday with your mobile, that& apos; s no reason for the fun to stop.

There& apos; s also cross-progression. So, if you& apos; re logged into your Fortnite account on mobile and you later log into your console to play there, everything you did on mobile later that day is were carried forward.

Sounds great, how do I get it?

We have a guide on how to get Fortnite on mobile on TechRadar and we& apos; re constantly updating it with the latest rollout news. If your device isn& apos; t there yet, maintain checking back and one day it probably will be.

What's a Fortnite Battle Pass?

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The Battle Pass is a purchasable item in Fortnite that gives you access to exclusive in-game rewards.

As players complete daily challenges and level up their rank, they earn Battle Stars which can then be used to unlock Tiers in their Battle Pass. Each new Tier you unlock will bring both Free and Premium rewards. The Tiers vary from season to season but in season three you get about 100 items in each Battle Pass which can take anywhere between 75 and 150 hours of play to unlock.

Everyone that has a Battle Pass will get the Free reward they unlock, but only Premium Pass holders will get the Premium reward. Battle Pass Premium can only be purchased with in-game V bucks and not with real money.

You can buy a Battle Pass for around PS7 /$ 10 in the Battle Pass tab of the game’s menu.

Twitch Prime benefits

Those who use Twitch Prime and play Fortnite will be glad to know that they have access to free pillage right now. Those with a Prime account can claim the Fortnite Twitch Prime Pack and the Fortnite Twitch Prime Pack 2 which include a host of cosmetic items and are available across all platforms.

The first pack includes two exclusive gliders and attires: the Havoc Outfit and Back Bling, plus the Sub Commander Outfit and Slipstream Glider. The second pack is divided into three exclusive items for Fortnite’s Battle Royale mode including the camouflage-heavy Trailblazer Outfit, the True North Back Bling, and the Tenderizer Pickaxe. There’s also a brand new dance emote for those that like the dance floor as much as the battleground.

The packs can only be claimed on a single platform, but they can be shared across PC/ console and mobile as long as you use the same Epic account across these platforms. You can’t however, share your loot across PS4 and Xbox One even if you are using the same Epic account.

( Image credits: Epic Games)

Sick of get schooled in Fortnite? Here’s what happened when we hired a Battle Royale teacher

Read more: techradar.com

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The 35 best indie games on PC and consoles

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The 35 best indie games on PC and consoles

Update: Added the open-world survival indie RPG Outward

Although the best PC games with money to splash are quickly evolving, so are the best indie games you might not have heard of.

One of the best things about our best indie games list is that most of these more obliterate titles, unlike AAA game publishers, don’t try to manipulate you out of every penny any chance they can get. Free from corporate influence and constant badgering for your fund, the best indie games represent the pure artistic vision of the developers- especially if you have one of the best gaming PCs.

However, merely because the best indie games don’t make a lot of money, doesn’t mean they can’t keep up with the latest AAA reaches in scope and ambition. In fact, the opposite is true: the best indie games can easily rival or even exceed mainstream games in both quality and scope- becoming artistic masterpieces in the process. And, they don’t have to rely on tired tropes just to sell millions of copies, like their AAA counterparts.

This is all exciting stuff, and if you want to dive into the best indie games, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list all the best indie games on the PC market today. We’ve included both in vogue indies like Return of the Obra Dinn and Outward, alongside classic titles like Braid and Dwarf Fortress. And, don’t worry, we’re going to keep such lists updated with all the latest and greatest indie makes.

If you’re looking for the next great indie title, keep reading.

Linux, Windows or Mac – which one is best for you? Watch our guide video below :P TAGEND

Bill Thomas, Joe Osborne, Kane Fulton and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article

Yeah, it’s not out yet, with Double Fine promising it’ll be out’ soonish’. Still, Ooblets is staying on our radar. Ooblets is being developed by first-time studio Glumberland, and is backed by Double Fine. The game is described as some kind of combo between Pokemon, Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing, which has certainly captured our attention- and it should probably capture yours, too. The game blends an art style curiously reminiscent of post-apocalyptic sensation, Adventure Time, with gameplay that revolves around gathering animals called ooblets in the town of, uh, Oob.

In the game, you’ll be able to train and battle your ooblets against other ooblet trainers. At the same time, you’ll have to balance your ooblet training with the real-world responsibilities of being a farmer. That’s right, drawing influence from the likes of Stardew Valley, you can cultivate produce and decorate your house with various trimmings as well. You’ll also be able to join an Ooblet Club comprised of friends( NPCs) you’ll gratify along the way.

If you don’t know what to do in Ooblets, simply walk around and discover new shops and builds that suit your interest. Better yet, you can open up your own shop and sell make that you’ve grown on the farm as well as items that you’ve scavenged throughout the world. Otherwise, you can feed the leftover harvests to your ooblets to watch them level up and learn new techniques to be used in the turn-based, RPG-style battles.

Expected:’ Soonish’

Jonathan Blow& apos; s brainchild first appears to be a simple pastiche of Super Mario Bros, with a middle-aged curmudgeon replacing the titular plumber but still seeking to rescue a princess.

The longer you spend in the game, however, the more that’s revealed to you, progressing from a series of time-bending puzzles to quiet reflective texts- which doesn’t stop it from being the smartest puzzle game since SpaceChem. Blow himself has subtly hinted that the ultimate narrative may revolve around the atomic bomb.

First released as PC freeware by Japanese decorator Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya back in 2004 after five years of 100% solo developing, Cave Story predates the recent indie renaissance by a few years. Because of when and how it was first released, it& apos; s often omitted in indie gaming discussions.

However, this classic more than deserves to be on every best-of list for its caring homage to the classic action platforming games of the Super Nintendo era , not to mention its unbelievable music and breathlessly vibrant world. Oh, and don& apos; t forget the hugely intuitive controls, gobs of secrets and weapons that are simply too fun to use. If you& apos; ve yet to enjoy this one, you need to set it on your backlog already.

From family-owned and operated Studio MDHR, Cuphead has connected with millions of people around the world, many of whom commonly wouldn’t touch a run-and-gun platformer with a ten-foot pole.

Although its gameplay was inspired by classic games such as Mega Man and Contra, most gamers would likely compare it to a Fleischer Studios cartoon like Betty Boop. Because Cuphead employs a hand-drawn art style likened to a 1930 s animation, it’s been universally praised for its gorgeous visuals.

Cuphead is more than just its stunning visuals, however. It’s a series of 19 challenging and engaging boss, with platforming bits interspersed between them. It already attained our list of the best indie games, but Studio MDHR has announced that the Cuphead: the Delicious Last Course DLC, slated for 2019, with a new isle to explore, new boss to conquer and, most importantly, a new character to master.

Many AAA games serve as escapist power fantasies, where the player is ultimately able to dominate the game’s cosmo- right until video games aims. But, many indie games are the exact opposite- like the IGF award winner and suffering simulator Cart Life.

Papers Please is similar to Cart Life in that it& apos; s also an IGF winner with elements of misery about it. Merely, it& apos; s better – it’s a smart, weird sim about the compromised life of a border guard living under a totalitarian regime. It& apos; s ugly and desperate, but also innovative, uproariously funny and terribly smart.

Among the hardcore gamers we know, Spelunky is the go-to drug. Even today, several years after its release, some of them still play it every day, despite having completed it many times over. That& apos; s because Spelunky, an ostensibly rogue-like platformer with a definite objective, is tough, differed and highly randomized.

It also has more dark secrets than a presidential candidate, meaning there are a boatload of ways to finish it, and its daily challenges are a sure-fire way to public humiliation.

Does humor belong in video games? Well, according to the Stanley Parable, that’s a resounding’ yes ‘. This game is hilarious without being dumbed down. Players follow( or don’t) a very British narrator who alterations the world around you, based on your choices.

No choice is penalized, and every playthrough will be fresh with new humor and weird goings-on. Being trapped in the closet in The Stanley Parable is more moving and funny than the majority of members of other indie games.

If you missed out on this ironic gem back when it first launched, you’ll be happy to know that the developer announced the Stanley Parable Ultra Deluxe edition for 2019, with fresh content, more endings and a console release. This Ultra Deluxe edition actually sounds pretty tempting, even for us- and we played it a whole lot when it first came out.

Farther reading: Retro-me-do! Digitiser’s Mr Biffo on his top PC games of all time

It took more than nine years to build, but Owlboy is definitely worth the wait. Originally designed for PCs and released in late 2016, this clever indie game masterpiece is now available to experience on Mac and Linux as well- and there’s even a Nintendo Switch version! Owlboy centres around a race of owl-human hybrid characters called, and aptly so, Owls. Of them, you control Otis, an Owl who is censured by his mentor for his inept flying skills.

The story finds Otis’ village destroyed by pirates who clearly have is consistent with the Owls. As a result, Otis has to work with an assortment of villagers in-game to take out foes. Of course, when boss combats develop, you’ll need to manage friends accordingly, as each character comes with their own situate of unique skill sets to use in conjunction with one another. If you’ve ever played and enjoyed a Kid Icarus game, this is one for the books. Otherwise, play it anyway.

Similar to The Stanley Parable, Gone Home falls into the unofficially labeled’ walk-to simulator’ genre. Where it diverts from the clever and philosophical Stanley Parable, however, is its focus on life’s difficult realities, as opposed to light humor.

After arriving at your childhood home following an overseas visit, you play as 21 -year-old Kaitlin Greenbriar who is greeted by an empty home. While gameplay is essentially limited to scavenging through notes to find out where your family is, the gripping narrative is exceedingly emotional and obligating, as long as you keep an open intellect. After all this time, Gone Home stands out as one of the best indie games out there.

Only SpaceChem has mixed learning with amusement as successfully as The Kerbal Space Program. The game is simple – design and build a spacecraft to take the cutesy Kerbals to the Mun and beyond.

Yet its focused use of real physic means that you& apos; ll find yourself following NASA as you’re building multi-stage rockets and space station as well as exploring the Kerbal& apos; s strange world on EVAs, before bringing your discoveries back for research on the Kerbal planet – that& apos; s if you can get off the ground at all. It& apos; s a huge, complex, challenging and fun game, that manages to be super smart without being preachy.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is the exact opposite of something like Kerbal Space Program – it’s an action roguelike par excellence. You play as a young son attempting to kill his damned siblings, mom and possibly the Devil, using only your tears, which he shoots from his eyes, naturally. This indie games is matched only by the equally visceral Nuclear Throne.

With dozens of bizarre items to collect, endless procedurally-generated levels, and tons of secrets, the Binding of Isaac is a very dark take on the exploratory model established by Spelunky.

Don’t let the pixel art graphics put you off- Undertale isn’t a game that would have fit on the Super Nintendo. That’s because, in Undertale, the decisions you attain have a huge impact on how the game objective and, more importantly, how it continues in New Game Plus.

While playing Undertale, you’ll come to realize just how much freedom the game gives you. Despite its highly inspired , not to mention intense, boss matches, you’ll be able to make it through the entire nine or so hours of Undertale as a total pacifist. Plus, when you go through the game a second time, you’ll bear the weight of the consequences from your previous operate. What’s even better is , now Undertale is out on the Nintendo Switch, so you can take this masterpiece of game design wherever you go.

From developer Playdead, Inside is comparable to its predecessor, Limbo, in some ways, merely with an added layer of depth that inspires constant wonder. This is mostly a result of the unspoken narrative, which revolves around yet another nameless boy. In Inside, however, the boy in the story is running away from a group of men who- if you fail to stay out of their sights- will try to mercilessly kill you.

Though it isn& apos; t quite clear why the boy is running from these men or why you should even care since you don& apos; t know who he is, so Inside will leave you begging for answers. The bleak, lifeless defining of Inside is more than worth the price of admission. Its minimalist art style alone is avant-garde enough to feel right at home in a museum. Factor in the fact that this game that& apos; s both fun to play and dripping with curiosity, and Inside is one of the best indie games fund can buy.

Developed single-handedly by Eric Barone, Stardew Valley is undoubtedly a technical feat for that little fact alone. If you’ve ever played a Harvest Moon game, you’re already very well known the premise of Stardew Valley – you may merely not know it yet. Stardew Valley is an addictive farming simulator, which assures you interact with townees to the point where you can literally marry them.

Stardew Valley isn’t just farming, though – it’s a whole bunch of interesting thing at the same time. You can go fishing, you can cook, you can craft stuff. You can even run explore procedurally-generated caves to mine for items and even fight slime-monster-things. However, you should keep in mind that your health and energy are finite, so you& apos; ll want to keep your character rested and fed to avoid suffering from exhaustion. Pass out and you’ll lose a considerable amount of money and items you’ve worked hard to attain. Stardew Valley will have you playing for hours on end, for better or worse.( Definitely better .)

From Canadian game developer Alec Holowka, inventor of the award-winning Aquaria( also featured on this list ), and independent artist/ animator Scott Benson, Night in the Woods is an unconventional side-scrolling adventure game centering around a 20 -year-old protagonist named Mae who drops out of college to move back in with her parents.

Featuring a tale largely based around dialog choices and mini games that set a spin on mundane tasks, like carry boxes up the stairs and eating perogies, Night in the Timbers is a timeless coming-of-age tale. Not only will you experience middle class America through the eyes of a personified cat, but virtually every interaction in-game will have you laughing aloud. And now that it’s available on the Nintendo Switch, you’ll be able to take it wherever you go.

If you’re a fan of the recent wave of games inspired by Dark Souls, you’ll perfectly love Hollow Knight. You take control of the Hollow Knight, and result them through the deceptively adorable scenery to take on boss and other difficult challenges. Much like Dark Souls, it’s not immediately clear what you’re actually supposed to be doing as the narrative is intentionally obtuse.

The Dark Souls inspirations don’t end there, however. It also embraces Dark Souls’s’ tough but fair’ philosophy, where the game is only as hard as you make it – you can overcome anything as long as you have patience and learn from your blunders. Hollow Knight takes these lessons from Dark Souls and injects them into a MetroidVania, with all the side-scrolling and upgrades you could possibly want. You can even play it on the Nintendo Switch now.

If you’re looking for a game that’s as unforgiving as it is fun, seem no further than Dead Cells. It takes gameplay inspiration from so many places- from roguelikes to MetroidVania. There’s even a clue of Dark Souls in there, to create a unique action game that will test your restrictions.

Each time you play this game, it will be different. And, while you’ll lose some progress each time you die- and you’ll die a lot- the game will become more and more rewarding as the complex and fluid combat becomes second nature. In the final release of video games, you get access to over 90 weapons, skills and abilities that’ll let you tailor your gameplay however you want.

Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged when you fail. Get up and try again, and Dead Cells will merely reward you in the end, which is why it has our vote for one of the best indie games in 2019.

Introversions was one of the earliest& apos; indie& apos; companies, releasing games like Uplink, Defcon and Darwinia whilst Vlambeer was still in short pants. After years of struggling, they& apos; ve eventually hit a huge success with Prison Architect, a game where you construct, faculty, attire and manage a maximum security prison, of all places.

With smart captives who are willing to do anything to escape, you& apos; ll struggle to keep them all inside – or keep them from rioting – and turn a profit. It& apos; s eminently playable, even more so in the near future as Paradox has acquired it and plans to make it available on all platforms.

These days, it’s hard to find an RPG that will really push you to your restrictions. Outward, with its focus on survival and tough combat, is one of these RPGs. There isn’t much in the way of narrative, but you’re placed in the middle of the world of Aurai, where you’ll have to struggle to survive. You’re not a hero, however, just the everyman trying to survive in a harsh world.

In many styles, Outward is like The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. There’s a heavy emphasis on exploration, but you aren’t dedicated quest arrows or any kind of waypoint. You have to rely on your own ability to use a map, along with any directions that are given to you by quest NPCs. If you’re looking for a challenging RPG, this might be one of the best indie games for you.

Dwarf Fortress is its own genre, its own industry. This is a game that, before you& apos; ve even set foot in it, has to generate the entire geography, myth and history of its massive world. Then it tracks every single one of the dwarfs you& apos; re managing down to the hairs on their legs, and the particular horrible elephant murder that they’ve witnessed and are now carving on an ornamental chair.

Your undertaking is to keep the dwarves alive as they carve out their subterranean kingdom – given that insanity, monsters and starvation beset them at every stage, that& apos; s not easy. And dwarves, always, always mine too deep.

Run. Jump. Die. Repeat. That’s essentially the gameplay loop of Super Meat Boy, a fiendishly addictive 2D platformer that’s also bloody hard, with an emphasis on bloody. Gallons of blood is spilled as the game’s eponymous meaty hero leaps over deadly fells, spinning finds and strolling chainsaws in a bid to rescue his girlfriend, Bandage Girl, from the evil Dr Foetus. Obviously.

Boasting solid controls, lots of humor and vibrant graphics, Super Meat Boy leapt onto the PS4, Vita, and Nintendo Switch in style.

It might not be Playdead’s most recent game, but Limbo is timeless. Even five years after its release, the game’s haunting storyline still affects us. You play the Boy, a child with glowing eyes who is cast into Limbo to find his sister. Making your style through a bleak and dangerous world full of hostile silhouettes, giant spiders and deadly gravitational fields, you’ll need to think quickly and perfectly day your motions if you’re going to survive.

Limbo is much more than a simple platformer: it& apos; s an experience, and one that will have you pondering the very essence of life by the time you finish. Deep, profound and absorbing, it& apos; s one indie game everybody should take time out to play.

If you& apos; re yearn for a retro-inspired multiplayer archery combat game( aren& apos; t we all ?), TowerFall: Ascension is the pick of the plenty. Fast, frenetic and teeth-gnashingly hard in hardcore mode, the game& apos; s mechanics are simple: fire arrows at your foes or jump on their heads to stay alive until the round ends.

Arrows that don& apos; t hit are embedded in walls, making for tense scenarios when you have to traverse the map while dodging foes to retrieve them. As such, practicing until you achieve Robin Hood-esque levels of accuracy is recommended. Ascension is best experienced with friends in local multiplayer mode, which remembers Super Smash Bros& apos; most manic moments.

It’s not often that a platformer manages to balance challenging and engaging gameplay with an emotional and thought-provoking narrative, but Celeste pulls it off. From the developers of Towerfall, Celeste follows the story of Madeline, a young girl who decides to face her mental health issues by climbing to the top of the mysterious Celeste Mountain. In doing so, she learns more not only about the mountain, but about herself as well throughout the process.

An inevitable classic, Celeste integrates the obvious jumping, air-dash and climbing controls into a brutal series of platforming challenges in upwards of 700 unique screens. And, if that’s too easy, you’ll unlock B-side chapters along the way, designed for only the bravest of hardcore players. Better yet, you don’t have to worry about waiting an eternity between each respawn. Instead, Celeste brings you back from the tomb in an instant, a welcome deviation from the typically extensive loading screens.

Have you ever wanted to land on an foreigner planet, and build a factory? We admit that it’s an odd premise, but we promise that it works in Satisfactory. You’ll land on one of three planets of varying difficulty, where you’ll be tasked with building and automating a factory to exploit the world around you.

The premise audios bland, but being able to explore these beautiful worlds in first person, while scavenging materials and fighting off hostile wildlife builds it all that more exciting. Plus, is there something better than sitting back and admiring something you worked hard on?

Satisfactory is in early access right now, and exclusive to the Epic Games Store, but if you can get past all that, you’re sure to get hours of wholesome simulation out of it.

After the fury success that was the original Nidhogg, it’s a shame to see the superior sequel get thrown under the bus. Nevertheless, in spite of its controversial art style, Nidhogg 2 packs a refined, stunning appear that the first version, a cult-classic, couldn’t even think to compete with.

In still frames, we can see how this could get misconstrued, but fortunately, it’s the fun and addictive local multiplayer gameplay that makes Nidhogg, well, Nidhogg. And it’s all there in Nidhogg 2. Additionally, every time you respawn, you get one of four unique weapons that only bolster the challenge.

Esteemed indie designer Jon Blow& apos; s follow up to Braid may look like an entirely different adventure, being 3D and all. However, the two are more thematically alike than you might think. The Witness, at its core, is another puzzle game that tells an interesting story through said puzzles.

This puzzler takes place in an almost equally impressionist- albeit heavily Myst-inspired- world, but it& apos; s story is far more nuanced and mysterious than Blow& apos; s previous. At almost every corner of this island that you& apos; ve simply woken up on( or beneath ), there is a clue as to how you got onto this island and why you& apos; re here.

Don’t get us incorrect, we liked Bastion, but we won’t deny that Transistor was SuperGiant Games’ best work to date. Much of that has to do with the blending of action-based and turn-based RPG parts contained within its cyberpunk futurescape. Likewise, in classic SuperGiant fashion, those mechanics are complemented with a stunning art style and a music rating so unforgettable it’ll induce you want to buy the soundtrack.

Leaving key gameplay beats up to the player, the narrative isn’t so variable. Transistor’s main character, Red, is a renowned singer in the city of Cloudbank. However, she’s been attacked by a group of vicious robots who call themselves the Process, operated by another group called the Camerata. In her journey, she detects the Transistor, a mysterious sword with the voice of a man. Soon enough, she’ll learn more about him and how he will shake up her world.

It’s weird to think that Oxenfree came out before the first season of Stranger Things, and yet, the two coincidentally have a lot in common. The 80 s-inspired heavy synth music composed by scntfc, for one, accentuates some genuinely gripping sci-fi horror focusing around – you guessed it- groupings of teens stuck on an island.

The story involves a handful of uniquely written characters, namely the main character Alex, along with her stoner friend Ren, her newfound stepbrother Jonas, her dead brother Michael’s ex-girlfriend Clarissa and her best friend Nona( who Ren happens to be in love with ).

The plot is explained through branching speech dialogues, similar to Life is Strange or modern-day Telltale games, and it features five different endings depending on your choices.

Exploring a surreal wilderness seems like quite the trend these days in gaming, and developer Campo Santo& apos; s debut only serves to keep it going strong. Set in the wilderness of 1989 Wyoming, you& apos; re playing Henry, a fire lookout that& apos; s all alone in the woods after exploring something strange in the distance.

That is, save for your partner on the other line of a walkie-talkie: Delilah. She& apos; s your only phase of contact as you explore the wilderness. Will you make it back alive? Will the decisions you stimulate help or harm the relationship with your only lifeline to the outside world, your boss? Don& apos; t worry about those questions just yet- admire those forestscapes first!

Rust is one of the more successful indie titles of recent times. By the end of 2015, it had sold more than 3 million transcripts, which isn& apos; t too shabby considering it wasn’t even finished — the game has been on Steam& apos; s Early Access scheme since launching in December 2013.

It seems people can& apos; t get enough of the Day Z-inspired survival sim. It ensure you use your wits and bearings to survive its harsh open world, starting off with nothing but a boulder. After assembling resources needed to build a house and weapons to fend off attackers( other online players, in other words ), Rust gradually becomes more intense as you defend your growing base — or attempt to breach others& apos ;.

Fans of the original Overcooked will not be disappointed by its second installment in the chaotic couch co-op series from British indie game developer Team1 7.

This time around, your undertaking is to defeat the& apos; Un-Bread& apos;( zombie baked goods) that have taken over the Onion Kingdom, by battling through brand new recipes including sushi, pizza and burgers in increasingly chaotic kitchens with up to three other people.

To add to the frantic fun, you must battle obstacles including random flames, collapsing floors and interfering passers by, all while get your orders out to the pass in time.

Things get complicated incredibly quickly, and relationships, friendships and family bonds will be tested as you work together to complete your recipes on time, inducing it a fun and challenging sofa co-op game that will construct you truly understand the meaning of “too many cooks spoil the broth.”

The natural progression of survival games, SCUM takes what predecessors like Rust and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds both succeeded at and iterate in impressive ways. And, while it’s still in early access, it offers a unique twist- combining the frenetic gameplay of battle royale games with the slow, thoughtful gameplay of a survival sim.

SCUM, unlike other similar games, is extremely heavy on the simulation side of things, however. You shouldn’t expect to run in firearms blazing, as you’re going to get tired promptly( just as you would if you tried running outside in person with a ton of stuff in your knapsack ). But, if heavy statistic systems is something your into, there’s a lot to love here. It’s like spreadsheets with a physic engine.

Just don’t go in expecting a polished experience , not for now. However, developer Croteam promises to add more features over hour, and as they’re backed by Devolver, you can trust that video games is going to shape up into something great.

Every so often, there’s a game that perfectly mixes and balances aesthetic, gameplay and narrative- where everything feels like it only, well, fits. The best indie games always excel at this, and Return of the Obra Dinn is proof. A mystery taking place on a derelict ship, you’re tasked with figuring out how the crew of this lost ship died, disappeared or worse.

The entire game has this old-school visual styling that, combined with the simple controls and gameplay technique make it keep feeling a nostalgic sort of adventure. Right from the sets menu, you’ll get to choose what kind of monitor you’d like to emulate- we picked an old school Macintosh option- that should give you an idea of the type of retro revivalism on offer here.

Return of the Obra Dinn is a game that will require critical thinking, exploration and a ton of reading. If that all sounds appealing to you, and you’re all good with retro aesthetics, you will love this game. In fact, it’s one of the best indie games in a season marked with AAA decadence.

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably spent hundreds of hours playing Roller Coaster Tycoon during your childhood. And, while there have been plenty of amusement park simulators over the last few years, they’ve never quite hit that place.

Until now.

Parkitect is the closest we’ve ever gotten to those early aughts park simulators, and we’re absolutely in love. From the cartoonish art style to the realistic simulation and Steam Workshop integration, Parkitect is one of the best indie games 2019 has to offer.

For years, thatgamecompany has been behind some of the best indie games on the market, merely most of them had been exclusive to PlayStation. One such game was Flower. Serving as a kind of a precursor to the beloved Journey, Flower puts you in command of a bloom petal, surfing through the wind.

You’ll activate different colours of flower beds to affect the environment, which will also get you different colored petals, until you have an entire trail of colour surfing high winds. It’s an incredibly relaxing and artful experience, and it might just be hiding a message about the industrial world we all find ourselves living in. Trust us, give it a shot as it’s one of the best- not to mention, most legendary- indie games ever.

Read more: techradar.com

[news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog]

The Myspace-era bands keeping the internet's weirdest music genre alive

The internet can be a deeply unsettling place, especially when you stumble upon videos that you probably should've left alone. But, if you were like me in 2011, you sought out the weirdest of websites and the creepiest of pastas, then shared your intel with all your post-emo friends.

By 2016, I was surfing the internet for some quality spooky material during my college years when I stumbled across something called witch house.

SEE ALSO: Meet the man who makes music with vegetables

It was a musical genre most had pronounced dead — and yet was still surviving and thriving in the weirdest corners of the internet. Two major artists from the early days of witch house, known as White Ring and Ritualz, have been instrumental in helping keep the genre going.

"I really don't know if witch house was ever really alive honestly," Bryan Kurkimilis, one-third of White Ring admits. "It seems like it's always going to be in a perpetual adolescence when it came out 10 years ago, and it's kind of stuck there now."

Kurkimilis' White Ring started off back in 2006 as a duo featuring him and vocalist Kendra Malia. In 2011, the duo went on hiatus, and in 2016 Adina Viarengo joined the band to serve as the group's second vocalist. Now in 2018, with their debut album Gate of Grief finally complete, White Ring is back on track and very much determined to keep witch house relevant.

According to Vulture, witch house music was birthed during the late 2000s and early 2010s during the end of the Myspace era. But the genre's deep, dark electro-wave sound, and the occult imagery in its lyrics, fashion, and music videos have continued to draw fans in well past the genre's prime. 

Early witch house artists typically produced spooky tracks that sampled from '90s and '00s horror films and hip-hop records. They layered these samples with heavy bass riffs, lots of synth, and sometimes vocals. Visually and aesthetically, people in the community reflected this dark music by incorporating magic symbols, upside down crosses, and pentagrams into all black hip-hop clothing. 

Like many things created on the internet, witch house had a relatively short shelf life. The term itself appears to have come about in 2009. Travis Egedy (known as Pictureplane) used it in an interview to describe the music he and his friends were producing. 

"Mark our words, 2010 will be straight up witchy," Egedy wrote in Pitchfork. 

Travis Egedy in his warehouse/studio

Image: Denver Post via Getty Images

He wasn't wrong about 2010, but mainstream interest in witch house didn't last long. The genre tapered off in the early '10s when it was overshadowed by vaporwave, another internet-fueled genre of music.

"I think people are still looking and hoping for witch house bands that have gone away to find a way to come back," Adina Viarengo of White Ring said. "I feel like there's a really devoted base that wants more of this kind of stuff. There's a need for it right now."

The demand for this type of music is something that drives artists like JC Lobo of Ritualz to continue to producing tracks. He started his career on Myspace in late 2009 with just a computer, and to this day Lobo continues to make music that is influenced by this largely forgotten era of music. He released a Ritualz album titled Doom earlier this year.

"It's really different now because witch house isn't as visual anymore because everyone's been a part of the scene for a while," Lobo explained in a phone call. "But the music is different. It's definitely a lot more techno and ravey compared to its earlier hip-hop sound."

"I'm not really a part of the scene anymore," Lobo said. "But when I'm on tour, I play witch house songs and all of the kids from the community come out and listen along."

Lobo posing for the camera.

Image: Courtesy of JC Lobo / Taken by Francisco Mendez

"Witch house was innovative," Lobo said. "It was new and dark, which was really important because it had been a long time since that kind of music was appealing to a large audience."

What made witch house such a strange phenomenon was its purposeful obscurity. Witch house musicians hid. When I accidentally stumbled upon the genre after listening to a witch house remix of a Charli XCX song by BLVCK CEILING, I was happy to know there were a ton of artists and tracks out there — even if they were hiding their names behind band names made up of random symbols.

While BLVCK CEILING was my own personal introduction to the genre, other artists from the community have made their mark on the scene, some even as early as the Myspace era. A few notable artists from the community include GR†LLGR†LL (pronounced GrillGrill), oOoOO, and Salem.

Artist names featuring crosses and inscrutable symbols are typical. For someone outside of the scene, it's a challenge to find specific tracks or musicians. While Ritualz hid behind the logo "†‡†," White Ring had an all-white Myspace page that required the user to highlight the entire page to see text about new tracks and announcements.

"I always think of it as having a punk spirit where everything is always a 'fuck you,'" Kurkimilis said. "It's like I'm gonna release a song, but I'm gonna do it in this weird way."

Having an immortal punk spirit is obviously cool and all, but the people who helped cultivate it eventually moved onto other projects. While White Ring and Ritualz are the only major figures to release full albums in recent years, other notable artists in the community find interesting ways to stay relevant.

Image: Nigel Ryan / Courtesy of white ring

Take witch house rapper Gvcci Hvcci (pronounced Goo-chee Hoo-chee), who was a major figure back in 2011. As one of the very few prominent women producing witch house tracks, Gvcci amassed a cult following.

In 2012, a post on crvckhouse, a Tumblr page dedicated to promoting witch house artists, claimed that Gvcci Hvcci had passed away. Lobo, who was apparently the last person to collaborate with the rapper, was the first to speak about the news, and confirmed her "death."

"Shortly after our track came out, people kept asking me where she was," Lobo said. "I eventually just started to say 'she's dead' because I was friends with her producer who said she closed all of her accounts and was going to stop releasing tracks." 

Prior to her "death," Kurkimilis says he actually had a brief interaction with the mysterious figure in 2011 over the phone. Around this time, rumors began to circulate that the pictures Gvcci Hvcci had used to promote herself were fake. Her entire identity was in question. 

"I know for sure it's an actual girl," Kurkimilis claims. "She was not the girl in the photos, because a friend of hers showed me a real picture of her. I know she's a real person."

After seemingly catfishing everyone in the community, Gvcci Hvcci had made a name for herself. Her infamy would continue to grow after her supposed "death."

Just two short years later, to everyone's shock, Gvcci Hvcci released a track titled "Bullet in the Head." The witch house community went into a frenzy. The rapper, who was now revealed to be alive, took advantage of the cultural moment. As the lyrics go, Gvcci was officially "back from the dead."

Had Gvcci Hvcci really faked her own death for recognition? The answer is murky. Some community members aren't convinced that the Gvcci Hvcci who returned is the same artist from 2011. 

"I just never denied anything and I was playing along with the myth of Gvcci Hvcci," Lobo admitted. "The producer found a different girl, or unreleased tracks, I'm not sure which. I didn't really keep up with the story but it's funny how people are still speculating years later." 

These days Gvcci Hvcci is relatively silent. An unfinished track titled "ttryan" which was released in January of this year serves as her most recent published work on Soundcloud. When we approached her on Facebook for a statement, the anonymous rapper responded with: "Guess what? Chicken butt," and sent a link to her Go Fund Me page. 

Gvcci Hvcci continuing to troll in 2018

Image: Mashable / Xavier Piedra

On the page, Gvcci Hvcci is asking for $2,500 to help produce and release her work-in-progress track, "Issa night." In the past six months, Gvcci Hvcci has raised $130 from three people of her $2,500. As of September 2018, there have been no updates on production of the new song.

Song titles hiding behind symbols and artists with mysterious personas are what makes witch house unique — and what's kept the genre fresh. 

When musicians like Gvcci Hvcci fake their deaths, or when artists like White Ring return from a years-long hiatus, it helps revitalize the community. Like any dedicated fanbase, lovers of the niche genre get excited when they hear news about their favorite artists, good or bad.

Without witch house, we wouldn't have mainstream artists like Charli XCX, Chvrches, and Grimes, who've attributed parts of their style and sound to this genre of music.

"It’s hip-hop for goths," Charli said during an interview with Self-titled magazine in 2012. "I like the whole scene – the cult imagery, the upside down crosses. I love witch house."

Charli XCX during the early days of her career in 2013.

Image: Caitlin Mogridge / Getty Images

Despite its age, witch house still has a place within our culture. While the dark aesthetic and sound might not appeal to everyone, witch house continues to persist, especially on the internet. In fact, Lobo's a firm believer that witch house marks a major chapter in the history of internet culture and music.

"I think witch house has amazing value as being one of the first generations of music born from the internet," Lobo said. "Before then you didn't have any dark or ambient music, so it was a really good balance for internet music genres like chillwave and vaporwave that had mainstream appeal."

The sound itself has shifted a bit over the past ten years, and whether or not it's a positive change is up for debate. Shifting from its hip-hop-inspired sound, witch house has become more clubby and electronic than ever. Lobo attributes this change to the need for faster music that people can dance to.

"I wish it would go back a bit to the days of droning sounds and anonymous artists," Lobo said. "It seems like a lot of people are trying to make it about dancing, and I notice that's a big focus for producers. But the appeal at first was to listen to this weird and dark ambient noise."

But why should anyone listen to this music in 2018? "I think its good to have a balance in your life especially with music," Lobo explained. "Listening to different music will help you understand different people and communities, so it's important you give it a chance and try a bit of everything."

Image: Courtesy of Ritualz / Taken by Daniela Quant

Like any genre of music, witch house has cultivated a community of followers who are dedicated to their favorite artists. Specifically within the witch house Reddit community, the page stays somewhat active as new artists create and share new tracks, or when, for example, White Ring makes an unexpected return.

"Once a genre is created, it can never really go away," Viarengo said. "I know there are pockets of people all over the world who are into witch house that are going to continue experimenting with it."

Lobo agrees and believes that witch house's hip-hop and electronic roots will allow it to evolve alongside these genres.

"I don't think it will ever get stuck," Lobo said. "Hip-hop and electronic music has been changing over the past 30 years, and witch house's sound will continue to be influenced by those two styles of music. Audience-wise it might get stuck, but it can get bigger still, it just need some more time."

With White Ring and Ritualz at the recent forefront of the witch house movement, the community and genre are still in good hands. While I wait for more tracks to feed my goth fantasies, I'll be casting spells to Gate of Grief and Doom on repeat.

WATCH: We made that scene from 'The Shining' a lot less scary with bad foley

[weholyperfectioncollectorme-blog]

Do i need business car insurance???????

Where can I get affordable dental insurance?<br/>I am self employed and need dental work.<br/><br/>BEST ANSWER Try this site where you can compare quotes from different companies: http://saleinsurancequotes.xyz/index.html?src=scoop<br/><br/>RELATED QUESTIONS<br/><br/>What cars are cheap for insurance?<br/>i haven t passed my test, but am thinking about getting a little car. i need it to be cheap on a full uk lisence otherwise i won t be able to afford it. i would also aprreciate your help if you know any cars that have good consumption rates and are cheap to run.     thanks in advance <br/><br/>Which auto insurance companies offer road side assistance and what exactly do they cover?<br/>Which auto insurance companies offer road side assistance and what exactly do they cover?<br/><br/> Am 54 and have a repayment mortgage for 245,000 what insurance shud I get? <br/>No I ve checked with the wife it s an interest only mortgage , sorry guys <br/><br/>Auto Insurance Company?<br/> I wanted to know if auto insurance companies check to see if you are really married? reason I ask is because my premium for auto insurance is $1,266.00 every 6 months and since i m getting married in July 2014 I checked with Geico and they are offering me a quote of $78.00 a month vs $211.00. 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They want us to work right?<br/><br/>My license is suspended but the car is not in my name only on the insurance. if my plates are ran will my suspended license come up?<br/>My license is suspended but the car is not in my name only on the insurance. if my plates are ran will my suspended license come up?<br/><br/>Do Liberals know that Affordable Care Act will in fact make healthcare insurance far less affordable?<br/> On Jan. 30 the IRS released new regulations regarding Obamacare - remember that the IRS is in charge of penalizing you should you fail to purchase the mandated insurance - that included cost estimates for the plans the government will offer.    Obamacare Lie #4: Obamacare will   cut the cost of a typical family s premium by up to $2 <br/><br/>Can a car insurance claim get denied for not proof?<br/> If someone only has your license plate number and pictures of the damage can they make a claim?   If they don t have a police report, my name, my insurance info, or any evidence besides the damage photo and my licsense plate does my insurance company have a high chance of denying their claim since they have little proof? Can they even find my insurance with only my plate number <br/><br/>Where can I get affordable dental insurance?<br/>I am self employed and need dental work.<br/><br/>What is the cheapest life insurance a 66 year old man from california can get?<br/>We live in Sacramento.<br/><br/>Will my insurance cover invisalign?<br/>I m 13 turning 14 in March.  I have a over bit and my bottom teeth are REALLY bad . Some are turned in and some are out And some over lap. Does anyone know if Amerigroup community care tenncare medicaid will cover for invisalign??<br/><br/>Will it raise my insurance?<br/>this was my first speeding ticket. i was going 42 in a 25 mph zone. i live in oklahoma and i have state farm. will it goto my insurance?<br/><br/>Cotinine and Life insurance question?<br/> So i stopped smoking about three months ago. On my worst days I would smoke half a pack but typical days were 3-4 cigarettes. I ve been looking into getting life insurance and I was wondering,when they do a cotinine test or any sort, would I pass? I hear that it can stay in your system for up to 6 months but I also hear that if you stop smoking a week before you ll be fine. I don t know who to believe. Should I wait more time just to be safe? <br/><br/>Where can i find cheap/affordable auto insurance?<br/> Just because I have agoraphobia does NOT mean I cannot drive.  There are different types.  I have a hard time talking face to face with people.  I was diagnosed when I was 15.  And I havent gotten any quotes yet!  not sure why some people can be so rude.  If youre going to answer my question being some kind of smart *** or make rude remarks then dont answer.  You have no idea what others are going through so you shloud always think before you speak...you might just set them off!!!!<br/><br/>Why does the media almost never say anything positive about Obamacare?<br/> 1. Healthcare spending is down (Source:   http://www.businessinsider.com/health-care-spending-growth-slow-2014-7 )    2. The percent of uninsured went from an average of 17% to 13.4%. (Source:   http://www.gallup.com/poll/172403/uninsured-rate-sinks-second-quarter.aspx )    3. People are happy w/their new health insurance (Source: http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/data-mine/2014/11/14/obamacare-plans-earn-high-marks )   4.Healthcare quality has increased:    http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2014pres/05/20140507a.html    I understand there are negative effects of the new law, but the mainstream media has virtually never shed light on any positive news. It seems very biased to me. For example, more open enrollment is beginning, on Nov. 15, if more people knew this it could save lives and money, but the media did not report on that. Instead they chose to report about what the MIT professor said about the law over and over again.    Why does the media almost never say anything positive about Obamacare? Thoughts? <br/><br/>How should i select PIP in car insurance...?<br/> Hi..    I am going to take a car insurance and i am not very much clear about PIP. what is the best option to take as there are 4 PIP options given to me    I have a health insurance that covers me till 80 % of the expenses. So if i take PIP option in my car insurance will it cover me the rest of the 20 %? will both the insurances work together? Please let me know. Thanks<br/><br/> If auto insurance were not required, what percentage of drivers do you think would actually buy it?<br/>its about personal responsibility. given the choice many will opt to gamble if it s others who will pay the bills.<br/><br/>Transgendered Health Insurance?<br/> I am looking for insurance that will cover my transition. I have chosen a doctor for my srs ffs and vfs but need insurance that will help pay for these and maybe even my hrt which I have been paying out of pocket since I started my transition in 2012.   Does anyone know of any health insurance plans in Indiana that will cover these expenses in part or whole?<br/><br/>On average how much does home insurance cost?<br/>Or if you could help me out further, how much would home insurance normally run on a $200,000 house? <br/><br/>Is motorcycle insurance available for six months?<br/>I live in an area where I can only ride for half the year, yet all of the policies cover 12 months. Does anyone know of a company that offers six month packages? A second question, does taking a Riding course offer a sizable discount with insurance companies? Thanks <br/><br/>What are the average insurance rates in ontario?<br/>yes canada, and im under 18 but im just wondering about the prices so i can prepare <br/><br/>Will a sex change from male to female result in lower car insurance?<br/>Females have lower car insurance then males.  So if a male gets a sex change does the car insurance company change their sex in their records and lower their car insurance?<br/><br/>Most reasonable health insurance?<br/>Most reasonable health insurance?<br/><br/>I am leaving country for couple of months. I want to cancel my car insurance. Is it possible?<br/>It s Liberty Mutual.<br/><br/>Am I covered under my parents health insurance?<br/> I am 20 years old, and I heard that the new national law is that any child under the age of 26 can be covered by their parents health insurance. My fiance is 23 and he is still under his dad s even though we live in our own place. My parents live in Michigan and I am in California, and I was wondering if this still applies for me. Can my parents add me to their health insurance and have me covered out here untill i m 26? <br/><br/>What is drivers insurance?..?<br/>What is drivers insurance?<br/><br/>Anyone got a rough idea what 3 points on a licence will cost to my insurance policy?<br/> I have just been served a Notice Of Intended Prosecution for doing 37mph in a 30mph zone & the mandatory penalty is a 60 fine & 3 points on my licence.I won t know until I get the conviction code to give to my Insurers (Churchill). My renewal will be in Jan 08. Up to now, the licence is clean, 5 years No Claims. I just wanted to get a rough idea what the 3 points will add in money terms if anyone can help. Thanks in advance. <br/><br/>Can two people (unmarried and unrelated) have car insurance on the same car?<br/>Can two people (unmarried and unrelated) have car insurance on the same car?<br/><br/>A few questions about health insurance (recent college grad still on parent s insurance)?<br/> I asked a similar question yesterday but realized I was a bit vague. So, here s my situation. I am a recent college grad working a job that does not offer me health insurance, and I receive excellent coverage under my parent s plan. I recently went to a job interview for a position that offers insurance, but I would have to pay a pretty large chunk of change for it monthly ($500+, which is a lot if you re working an entry-level position), and the coverage isn t nearly as good as my current plan. (For example, I currently pay $3 for a three month supply of my prescription. The new plan would charge me $30-90 for the same amount pills). I saw a clause in the Affordable Health Care Act that said I would only be able to do this after January 1st, 2014....I really wish this went into effect in 2013 instead!    So, my questions are:    Can I opt out of this insurance and remain on their plan?    If I were to take this job and the insurance plan, would I be able to re-enroll under their plan if I stopped working at this place and worked at a place that didn t offer insurance? (I m under 26, and my family s plan covers both my parents and another sibling) <br/><br/>Where can I get affordable dental insurance?<br/>I am self employed and need dental work.<br/><br/>What the best life insurance for a 23 year old female?<br/>i want what best so when something happen to me my girls has the money to buried me nice. I want something that don t go away in 30 years and i half to get another policy. Female,23,don t smoke. thanks for any help no rude answer plz. <br/><br/>Who pays home insurance when you re renting a home out?<br/>Okay, great advice. Thanks guys! <br/><br/>Long-term care insurance?<br/>Has anyone invested in long-term care insurance?  Are you counting on that to get you through if you need help?  I am fairly alone in the world and am considering this to help provide for my future if necessary.<br/><br/>Bank Term Life Insurance vs Term Life from Major Insurance Company?<br/>What is the difference between buying a term life policy from let s say Metlife or HSBC bank. If the policy were to be for the same coverage.<br/><br/>Life insurance: Cancel and refund %?<br/>It is a Life Insurance Policy and as of Oct. 6th, 2006 I could have cash value of about $475.00 USD.  There did say something about a loan I just can t find it at the moment. <br/><br/>HELP! best auto insurance for new driver?<br/> Hi, i am a new driver. got my licens in 2011 but due to college i wasnt able to drive around much. after graduation i decided to buy a car and look for insurance. and after reading insurance company reviews ... its kinda scaring the crap out of me. it seems that they are all interested in you buying their service but once you get into an accident you are on your own. i know internet reviews can be bias, so I kinda want to know which auto insurance company would you recommend. here is my basic info: am 23 years old, college graduate, live in a relatively decent neighborhood in southern California, had my license since 2011, and the car am looking into buying is either a new 2013 Toyota corolla or a Nissan sentra. oh and i have never had auto insurance, am not sure if i was covered in my mom s previous insurance but chances are nope. one more thing what kind of coverage would you recommend? and deductible? oh lol and which car would you recommend Nissan sentra or Toyota corolla? and any buying car tips ? thanks you so much for your help, I will defintly be choosing a best answer :) <br/><br/>Im 21 and jus passed my driving test...not sure wat car to get cos of insurance.?<br/> ok, basically, i jus passed, (i live in the UK) and im lookin to get my own car this june.   I do not want to get a small  car like a vw polo, or yaris (forget about ford, vauxhall etc) but i would want  a bigger, more nice car (seeing as all my friends passed wen they were like 17 and now they drive in bigger cars).    im looking to get the bmw e36 316/318 but insurance is a problem because i would have to be insured as a second driver under my dads.   i really want the toyota celica but i cant afford the insurance for it.   wat do u think i should do?   should i start of with a small car, build up no claims first? see i would have done that if i passed at the age of 18...but im 21 now...    also if i were to get a bmw e36 316/318 with some modifcation such as an m-tech bumper, should i tell the insurance company? im scared that if i do the insurance will be too much then...     so people wat am i to do?!!! <br/><br/> How good is a life/health insurance agent career, would it be a good choice? <br/> Hi, I was a mortgage broker for 5 years and at one point I making almost a 6-figure income. Right now things are not that great and my income took a major decrease this year. I am thinking about getting my insurance license but then again I m not sure if I would make very good money at it like the mortgage industry. This would be something new for me and I am not sure if it is worth it although many agents claim that it s so great and they re incomes are through the roof, not sure if that s true or just HYPE? <br/><br/>Car insurance help !!?!?<br/> In November my car insurance will expire. It started last November and i paid a one off initial payment of 366 ( yes my quote was extortionate as first year if driving). Since then I ve been paying a monthly payment off 200 so December to present. In the contract it says a one off payment of 366 then 10 monthly payments including interest ect. So I ve actually paid 10 months already and paid the full amount I calculated it several times. So I m guessing I will pay this months payment as usual but if it expires on the 12th November and payments usually come out on the 13th ( usually ends up days late as they are pretty useless) will I have to pay in November. Currently with Aviva and did a quote with Diamond and was shocked at how good it was compared to last year. I have a 1.4l engine! Diamond said I can set up with them ready for when my current one expires but I still have to pay the other insurer so my No Claims Bonus isn t affected. I m rather confused as my sister said i don t have to pay the other insure??? Please help!<br/><br/>Can student loans cover health insurance?<br/> I am attending University and I do not agree with the Health Insurance my University provides. The semester expense is $1875 and it is applied to my tuition costs. Those costs are being covered by a mixture of scholarship and student loans. If I opt to purchase my own student health insurance through a different provider - can I pay for it with Student Loans?<br/><br/>Can I sue in California if I had no auto insurance?<br/> I was recently in a car accident, I was crossing/driving the intersection and a car ran the red light and hit me in the driver rear tire.He was going so fast that my car spun around and slammed into a parked car in a residential street. I called my car insurance to report the accident and got a call back saying my insurance was cancelled days before (due to the bank denying payment). I am trying to find out why the bank would reject payment if there was indeed funds, however they are no cooperating.  So my question now is, can I sue the guy that hit me.... which by the way is denying he ran the red and is saying I was the one who ran the red....? <br/><br/>Car Insurance Coverage HELP?<br/> Can you get Car Insurance coverage to just cover the other driver if u get into an accident? Like lets say, I have a car that means nothing to me I bought it dirt cheap ect, I don t care if it gets smashed up, I ll just get a new 1.    Is there a way to just get insurance to cover other drivers? and nto my self, would this be a lot cheaper? <br/><br/>Buying a used Honda Civic 1996? First Car? Insurance?<br/> Hi guys.    I m a College Freshman, and I got my California Driver s License last winter break.    I am thinking about buying a used Honda Civic 1996.    I know the only way I can find out how much insurance would cost me every month would be by me getting a quote.    But on a rough estimate, how much would I be paying at age 19 for a Honda Civic 1996, on my own plan.    Not on a family plan or anything.    Also, plus gas and everything, how much roughly would I be paying every month?    Best detailed answer gets 10 points.    Thanks!!! <br/><br/>What s the cheapest van insurance for a new driver aged 27?<br/>wa14 postcode fully comp really<br/><br/>File a homeowners insurance claim due to theft but have no receipts?<br/>The person paid in cash. I have seen that you can submit pictures or video, a remote, what about witnesses? <br/><br/>Where to get Individual Health Insurance Quotes online?<br/>http://unblockxanga.cn/health-insurance.html<br/><br/>How much should I expect to pay per month for auto insurance?<br/>I live outside Miami<br/><br/> Roughly, How much do you think my car insurance will cost? <br/> I m getting my license when I turn 18 in may, I m prob. gonna have a honda, or an ultima.. i live in raleigh. nc that is.. this will be my first time getting my license.. i work at walmart(if that matters) make 9.00 and hour.. i didn t take drivers ed i never had a permit.. how much do you think it s gonna cost me??.. and also.. would it be cheaper if i get on my moms insurance??? <br/><br/>How do i go about getting points taken off my license?<br/>I have points on my license tht are due to come off 2 weeks ago how do i get them off???<br/><br/>Life Insurance question?<br/>My Grandpa just died last week and the family has no idea if he had life insurance. Is there any way that we can call or look up any information on if he had insurance or not?<br/><br/>Where can I get affordable dental insurance?<br/>I am self employed and need dental work.<br/><br/>Regional Vice President   <br/>What does it mean in insurance company?<br/><br/>Healthcare Insurance: True or False?<br/> 1. The Affordable Care Act does not require employers to provide health insurance for their employees.    2. No employer, in any state, is required to provide health insurance to any employee, full time or part time.    3. Employers do not have to report the cost of insurance on employee W-2s in 2011. This reporting is optional in 2011. The reporting requirement is intended to be informational and provide employees with greater transparency into health care costs. The amounts reported are not taxable. <br/><br/>What is the best company to buy term life insurance?<br/>I m trying to find a company to purchase term life insurance. I want a good brand and not some scam. Thanks to anyone that replies.<br/><br/>Esurance insurance question?<br/>Hi,     I was looking into getting car insurance, and Esurance gave me a great quote for NYC. Can any one share any experiences with them, I wanna know what kind of company they are, how they deal with claims, and just over all how the company is. Any help would be appreaciated. Ty <br/><br/>Where can I find affordable renters insurance in northwest indiana?<br/>Where can I find affordable renters insurance in northwest indiana?<br/><br/>How much does pregnancy cost and what is the best insurance to get that could cover the birth??<br/>How much does pregnancy cost and what is the best insurance to get that could cover the birth??<br/><br/>What is the difference between whole life insurance and term and which would be better for a 77 year old male.<br/>What is the difference between whole life insurance and term and which would be better for a 77 year old male.<br/><br/> Regarding title insurance, what is a site inspection?  How much does it typically cost? <br/>Regarding title insurance, what is a site inspection?  How much does it typically cost? <br/><br/>How much does urgentcare cost WITH insurance?<br/>lol thank you rtfm! i just don t want my parents to find out. I am 18 years old.<br/><br/>How can I get insurance for my kids?<br/> Does anyone know of any affordable insurances out there?   We are a family of 4 and my two kids dont qulifiy for Chips, or medicaid. Is there any advice anyone can give? My kids are little. 1 and 7.   It really sucks because my husband and i work full time and arent bums and cant even get any insurance for our kids.But i wont even get started on all that!. <br/><br/>How much would adding a person under 25 to an insurance policy for a car?<br/>Im a high school student who had completed drivers ed with a provisional liscence. I am also a 4.0 student. I have heard those come into factor.<br/><br/>Ontario mobile home insurance companys?<br/> today a major insurance company advised me that due to a added room to mobile home cannot be insured and all other perils pass.   they quoted me about $450.00 which is better than my current insurance of $750.00 per year.   the home is 800 sq feet and the added rooms total is 600 sq feet.    if you have a mobile home with a added room attached located in   ontario who is your insurance company and how much do you pay?    In general it is hard to insure mobile homes but it is required for the bank of a 103,000 asset. <br/><br/>Which is the best Life Insurance for a 33 year old?<br/>I have family of 1 child<br/><br/>Can I sue my car insurance company or maybe the state?<br/> I was in a car accident due to bad road conditions, My car hit a patch of ice and went of the into a ditch full of very large rock. My car was totaled out by the insurance company. I have bad injuries due to the accident(2 herniated disc in my neck)     Is there anything that can be done about this, Should I be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering?     This is a serious question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   So, Please I don t need people leaving sarcastic remarks     Thanks :-) <br/><br/>Divorce and custody questions in California?<br/> My soon to be ex husband and I have a 3 month old son. I know we can work out the custody agreement but if either of us get married again, can the step parent adopt the child as their own even though both biological parents have custody?    Also if not, is there a way to give the step parents rights to the child like authorizing medical care, to be on the step parents insurance, ect... <br/><br/> Online auto insurance quote, free?<br/>Is it easy to find auto insurance quote online? And is it true that you can get it for free?<br/><br/>Insurance rates 18 years old?<br/>I am an 18 year old male who has been driving for about 2 and a half years. About how much more would a coupe cost for me than a sedan?     http://www.nissanusa.com/altimacoupe/#   vs.   http://www.nissanusa.com/altima/<br/><br/>Cheapest car and car insurance for an adult first time driver?<br/>hi   i just passed my driving tests and looking for a cheap, small and reliable car.   i am 27 and a full time student. i live in small UK city. would like to how much to expect to pay for    car and road tax. what other things to expect to sort out.   god bless you <br/><br/>How do I get auto insurance quotes?<br/>How do I get auto insurance quotes?<br/><br/>Should we get married for health insurance?<br/> Mt fiance and I live in Massachusetts.  I recently left my job that had blue cross health insurance and have no insurance. I am offered cobra coverage but it is far too expensive. My fiance has insurance through her mother s employment, she has coverage until age 26. Her insurance however doesn t include dental and she needs a tooth extraction.  Should we get married and apply for state insurance(Mass Health)? What are the best options? Thank you <br/><br/>Where can I get affordable dental insurance?<br/>I am self employed and need dental work.<br/><br/> https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-much-does-cost-insure-teenage-driver-austin-mckay/

[lorettalivingston6911]

Oscars 2018: All The Viral Moments!

I look younger now than when I was in my early 20s

With so much star power in one room, we knew SOMETHING memorable would go down.

And, thanks to Twitter, all of the noteworthy moments from this year's Oscars have been documented online. No, really!!

Photos: All The Oscars Red Carpet Fashion!

Case in point, Jennifer Garner got the GIF treatment, when she seemingly came to an epiphany during the ceremony. Specifically, Ben Affleck's ex was seen clapping with the rest of the audience, when her hands noticeably stopped moving and an "OMG" look crept upon her face. LOLz.

Be sure to ch-ch-check out ALL the viral moments from the show for yourself (below)!!

Jennifer Garner Realizes Something Mid-Award Show

What realization did Jennifer Garner just come to? pic.twitter.com/pWtycEDEVs — bobby finger (@bobbyfinger) March 5, 2018

When you’re having a good time and realize you forgot to thaw the chicken for your mama pic.twitter.com/M2SStgA2VP — Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) March 5, 2018

I wonder if Jennifer Garner knows that she’s a meme yet #oscars — Reagan Pierce (@reagandpierce) March 5, 2018

Jennifer Garner figuring out what "inclusion rider" means https://t.co/jaBvhfT7PA — Easterly (@hillyeahhh) March 5, 2018

Animals Got Some Love At The Academy Awards

A couple animals got shout outs during the Oscars. Special effects make-up artist Kazuhiro Tsuji kicked things off when he made sure to thank his cats while accepting the Best Makeup and Hairstyling award for his work on Darkest Hour. Later on, Alison Janney thanked "a cast and crew and bird that elevated [her] work" during her Best Supporting Actress acceptance speech.

Just remembering that a perfectly-coiffed Kazuhiro Tsuji thanked his cats in his #Oscars win last night. And how important it is to live your truth. — Mari Uyehara (@mariuyehara) March 5, 2018

A man after my own heart - Kazuhiro Tsuji thanking his #cat in his #Oscars acceptance speech! https://t.co/TaxZW33mmU — KT #OdeToJoy Parker (@lunaperla) March 5, 2018

for the record, someday i too will win an oscar for makeup/hairstyling and just like kazuhiro tsuji i will also thank my cat — The Empress (@aesterios) March 5, 2018

kazuhiro tsuji thanking his cat and dedicating the oscar to him is my spirit animal/mood forever — Mimi (@Mimitbd) March 5, 2018

alison janney the first non-british actor to thank a bird — andy levy (@andylevy) March 5, 2018

alison janney thanking her shoulder bird in her acceptance speech gave me new life & paid off my student loans 🙏🏽 #itonya #Oscars2018 — brit wigintton (@britwigintton) March 5, 2018

The always classy Allison Janney shouted out her bird co-star in I, Tonya, who definitely deserved to share that award #oscars — Alison (@alison_walks) March 5, 2018

A Totally Unnecessary Tribute To Movies

An hour into the award show's broadcast, the Academy decided to air a movie montage in order to celebrate the organization's 90th birthday. Sadly, the footage wasn't super enjoyable, as it served no real purpose. But hey, Hollywood celebrating Hollywood isn't a SHOCKING thing -- just extra AF.

WHAT IS THIS MONTAGE ABOUT — Emily Yoshida (@emilyyoshida) March 5, 2018

Yeah, guys. We’re on board with movies. We’re an hour deep into a show about movies. — Josh Gondelman (@joshgondelman) March 5, 2018

Kobe Bryant's Win Was Not Celebrated Online

Amid the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, it seemed crazy that Kobe walked away an Oscar winner this year. In case you forgot, Bryant -- who won for Best Animated Short for the film Dear Basketball -- was arrested in '03 for sexual assault after he was hit with rape claims by a hotel staffer. Ultimately, the criminal charges were dropped and Kobe settled the matter out of court.

now show me the sexual assaulter winning an oscar in slow mo !! — Joanna Rothkopf (@joannarothkopf) March 5, 2018

Hollywood - "Women are important!"

Also Hollywood - "Here's Kobe Bryant, who sexually assaulted a woman!" — ChrisWarcraft@mastodon.social (@ChrisWarcraft) March 5, 2018

Accused rapist Kobe Bryant just won an Oscar. Hollywood loves (alleged) rapists and pedophiles. #Oscars — Makada 🇺🇸 (@_Makada_) March 5, 2018

Kobe Bryant joins a long line of men who have both won an Oscar & have been accused of rape. #MeToo #Oscars — Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) March 5, 2018

Gary From Chicago Was MIA -- And The World Took Notice

Host Jimmy Kimmel certainly tried to recreate the viral Gary from Chicago moment from last year's Oscars, as he brought Gal Gadot, Ansel Elgort, Emily Blunt, and others to visit with unsuspecting movie watchers at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. In an attempt to incorporate the elated fans who were surprised with A-listers, Jimmy brought up Mike Young from Lake Elsinore to introduce Tiffany Haddish and Maya Rudolph.

Unfortunately, Mr. Young did NOT leave a lasting impression...

update: gary from chicago with smartphone > mike from california with junior mints — Laura (@laurahopkinz) March 5, 2018

That dude was no Gary from Chicago. #oscars — Ann Lurie (@littleayun) March 5, 2018

*Narrator - he was not Gary from Chicago — It's Just Me (@JustNMS) March 5, 2018

Tiffany Haddish Recycles A Look For The Oscars

Tiffany is without a doubt the most relatable celeb out there right now. We mean, we just LOVED seeing Miz Haddish in the white Alexander McQueen dress she wore on Saturday Night Live AND to her Girls Trip premiere. The comedienne has previously joked that she spent "a lot of money on this dress" (priced at $4,000 gown). Get your money's worth, girl!!

#TiffanyHaddish wearing that same dress makes me appreciate her normalcy #StayingRich — HappinessOverload (@LadyWithBalls) March 5, 2018

Tiffany Haddish wearing the SAME dress she said she would wear everywhere on SNL.

A woman who sticks to her word. — J'na (@jnajefferson) March 5, 2018

Did @TiffanyHaddish's dress at the #Oscars look familiar? https://t.co/Fu3ElwbWHV pic.twitter.com/r3yrH18rEM — Variety (@Variety) March 5, 2018

I have endless appreciation for celebs who maintain frugal habits. Tiffany Haddish wearing that dress again to get her money’s worth is fucking dope. #oscars — Chrissa Hardy 🧟‍♀️ (@chrissahardy) March 5, 2018

Wait. Is Tiffany Haddish wearing her SNL monologue dress, which was also her Girls Trip premiere dress, which she joked about wearing repeatedly because it cost $4k, to present at #Oscars? HEREFORIT. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/fNo1Wcwp6s — Lindsay L Miller (@lindsaylmiller) March 5, 2018

Frances McDormand Celebrates All Women In Her Acceptance Speech

During such an empowering show, it only seemed right that France McDormand celebrated all women in the industry amid her Best Actress acceptance speech. (She also gave a special shout out to Olympian Chloe Kim too). Unsurprisingly, Twitter has since rallied around the A-lister's battle cry!

Be sure to watch the speech AND take a look at the reactions (below).

Frances McDormand recognizes women in Hollywood during her Oscars acceptance speech. McDormand won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri" https://t.co/AWx0OL64KA pic.twitter.com/X49wgnxl2J — NBC News (@NBCNews) March 5, 2018

gary oldman used his speech to 'salute' racist war criminal winston churchill.

frances mcdormand used hers to literally celebrate every other woman nominated and push for more inclusive casts and crews on productions. pic.twitter.com/oSPuYMgMny — Ryan John Butcher (@ryanjohnbutcher) March 5, 2018

Wait, did Frances McDormand just began her #Oscars acceptance speech by shouting out @chloekimsnow? I am deceased. — Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) March 5, 2018

Frances Mcdormand had two words for everyone last night in her acceptance speech: Inclusion. Rider. Curious as to what that is? Here’s your answer, care of the extraordinary Stacy Smith at @Inclusionists https://t.co/n0ID4uGSBg — Amber Tamblyn (@ambertamblyn) March 5, 2018

Frances McDormand dominated awards season, which is why its so cool that best actress nominees-Meryl Streep, @MargotRobbie Saoirse Ronan & Sally Hawkins-in group embrace after Frances won tonight, closing out months of "competing."Even more touching after Frances’ speech #oscars pic.twitter.com/kt4EeSd1Pp — Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) March 5, 2018

AH-Mazing.

What did YOU think?? Did you have a favorite moment??

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2018-02(FEB)-Saturday--internet stuffed AGAIN--HIGH HEAT & FEELING VERY UNWELL BECAUSE OF IT--FALSE CALM.

2018-02(FEB)-Saturday--internet stuffed AGAIN--HIGH HEAT & FEELING VERY UNWELL BECAUSE OF IT--FALSE CALM.

internet stuffed AGAIN -- Yep, absolutely stops absolutely DEAD for no reason whatsoever. EVERYTHING STOPS. And when it restarts up again, everything is as usual dead bloody SLOW. - Welcome to thie hellhole of this shitty area, where crime is high but any internet speeds and connectivity is not. It's been like that since late 2015.......

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It's a bloody HOT day again...........currently as I write this, it's about 36 C, or around 98F depending if I can focus my eyes in the sweat running down over all my face and into my eyes outside.

So much AGAIN for the bullshit forecasted 'mild' day. - Weather forecasts that mean absolutely NOTHING of reality to this hellhole area and are never applicable. As always......

Was cloudy/overcast earlier and the humidity was sky high too. Bt that soon all burned off and now there's just the damned heat....as always...the damned merciless heat.....

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Had to do some physical work outside, nothing extravagently physical, not that I'm able at all to that, and today what I struggled to do it exhausted and nearly killed me....all whilst the sole remaining chicken was going crazy......for no reason......

The sole remaining chicken the insane one Fliss literally found wandering the streets and at the Koongamia shops area, and then dear Fliss brought it to this place to be with our other happy chickens), that chicken the last one alive kept as a pet and as a reminder of time long gone and now dead of when things were happier and not destined for me to die and be dead, it was LOUDLY carrying on and squawking and running/fluttering about in assumed terror. Then AS ALWAYS, after I was done in its fenced-in chicken plot area making the ground nicely cool and damp, then overlaying it with fresh clean straw, the chicken suddenly shut up and thought nirvana was there again.......the entire place there needed that or else the dark dirt gets so VERY HOT in the terrible heat....and what thanks did I get? What thanks or recognition do I EVER get for anything good I ever do in my life for anyone or anything...about ANYTHING? - NOTHING. - ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOTHING.

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Returned inside this hovel and nearly collapsed. Utterly drenched in sweat. Had a very cool shower and also washed my clothes and hung them outside to dry in the damned heat under shade. I've since brought them in now because they were dry as if having been being in an oven drier....even in the shade it's so damn hot.

Just took poor Sam and poor Max outside for them to desperately water the ground, and being black-furred animals, they have to come back in quick out of the sun or suffer/die from the damned effects. Not that Fliss cares for them or me it seems. Did she ever, or was it all a pretend act she's STILL putting on that everyone buys into?

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Outside is currently false calm.

Let's see what new shit will eventuate as always shall we?

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Grabbed a local free paper today, one deigned for a DIFFERENT AREA even though it covers the same areas as the one that gets delivered here but they DON'T include relevant local information in it either unless they've been allowed to. - Shit.

CRIME NEWS:-----Some abo woman in Midland Gate Shopping Centre in Midland made off (stealing) some merchandise that was chained up inside a store (she cut the chain), and despite being yelled at to stop, she ran off with it. --- Just a criminal. NOT someone in need or one of the the 'valiant' ones so championed so hard by idiot groups and idiots and fools. But just another one who shouts loudly to DEMAND to get everything for free or else they'll steal it or violentally assault & bash you for it. - How NOT civilised and expected.......

She should go into abo activism & politics......especially since ALL politicians are liars and thieves.....

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Just had to take more painkillers and another painkiller for this damned very bad headache that's returned from earlier becaue the painkiller has worn off. That's what's happens because just short time ago I dared to go outside to take dried clothes off the line under cover in the shade before they go cripsy. - And so I got another dose of damn heat upon how I already very poorly feel.

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Criminals will come out when it gets darker, as they alwasy do, fuck the lot of THEM.

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Here below is a couple of NEWS bits...once again posted here LATE because the fucking utterly useless internet now seems to REFUSE to send to me my own emails I post to myself until MUCH LATER....sometimes not even until late in the day, sometimes not until the NEXT DAY.

As if the so VERY SLOW & STAGGERING internet now has become just a huge single forever-behind-in-being-updated fucking 'internet cache', and that has been plaguing me since late 2015....which for Fliss caused her to actually BLAME ME for the damned problems in my trying to keep in contact with her and reconciliation during it all....... -- Am I bitter about that? - FUCK THE WORLD AND PASS ME THE BUTTON TO BLOW IT ALL UP WITH. - PRESS. PRESS. PRESS.

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a VICTORIA AUSTRALIA NEWS BIT:------(CALLOUS CRIME ATTACK ON 77yo)----Elderly woman fighting for life after being assaulted while walking dogs in St Albans

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-02/woman-fighting-for-her-life-after-st-albansl-assault/9387354

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BTW, dear Fliss loves murder stories and gets great 'enjoyment' out of them, and the uncovering of the facts. But she is SO IGNORANT of real life things and personal values including love whilst at the same time trying to fit real life to her medically manic and delusional imaginings of crime and criminals that she revels in........which she passes off as 'entertainment'....and which is accepted by so many idiot women too....

Has dear Cath in QLD Australia yet figured for herself that I have ALWASY been telling the truth about everything? - Or has she too fallen into the delusions and bullshit and lies and other shit...?

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NT AUSTRALIA NEWS:----(ABO WOMAN MURDERS ABO MAN IN A PLACE & SITUATION LIKE FATGUTS DRIVEWAY ABO HANGOUT)-----Stabbing victim's wound was 10cm deep after fight over alcohol, court hears

Stabbing victim's wound was 10cm deep after fight over alcohol, court hears

By:--- Georgia Hitch -- Updated about 2 hours ago

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-02/stabbing-victim-wound-more-10-cm-deep-court-hears/9387300

PHOTO: (SCENE) --------- http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/9390278-3x2-940x627.jpg

PHOTO: (outside court, accused murderer Anisa Cadell is currently on trial charged with the 25-year-old man's murder) --------- http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/9390478-3x2-940x627.jpg

PHOTO: (SCENE) --------- http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/9390434-3x2-940x627.jpg

PHOTO: (SCENE with bloody murder weapon in situ) --------- http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/9387468-3x2-940x627.jpg

A Darwin court has heard a man who was stabbed and killed last year had a knife wound more than 10 centimetres deep after a fight with a woman over a cup of alcohol.

Warning: This story contains graphic details and images.

The 25-year-old man died in the community of Kalano, near Katherine, in February 2017, after an alleged fight with 22-year-old Anisa Cadell.

Ms Cadell pleaded not guilty to the man's murder and is on trial in the Northern Territory Supreme Court.

Today, forensic pathologist Dr John Rutherford told the court the man had a wound between 10 and 13 centimetres deep that had split one of his ribs and partially split another.

Dr Rutherford said the blade had continued to pierce the man's left lung and ultimately penetrated, and stopped, in his heart. A woman exits the front doors of the Supreme Court.

The court heard more than a litre of blood was found in the man's chest cavity as a result of the wound.

Earlier in the trial, the court heard Ms Cadell and the 25-year-old were engaged in a "vicious" fight over a cup of alcohol, moments before he was stabbed.

Witnesses said at one point they saw the man sitting on top of the woman and punching her.

The man's uncle, George Maroney, testified he did not see him get stabbed, but did see him fall back onto a long table beside a fridge with a knife in his chest. Wound self-inflicted 'unlikely': forensics

When asked by defence counsel John Lawrence SC whether he could exclude the possibility the injury was self-inflicted, Dr Rutherford said he could not, but it was unlikely.

"You can never entirely exclude a self-inflicted injury on basis of pathological findings alone," Dr Rutherford said.

He said there were "lots of little pointers … to suggest that it wasn't" self-inflicted.

They included:

Self-inflicted wounds with sharp objects are relatively uncommon statistically

Among those wounds, stab wounds are also uncommon

People who do stab themselves usually have a history of past self-harm or psychiatric care

There are usually other smaller wounds near the site from previous attempts where people have underestimated the toughness of the skin

Dr Rutherford said there were no other tentative stab wounds found on the body, and instead it was a "perfectly clean wound".

The expert told the court someone would need to use moderate to severe force to inflict a wound of this nature, and it was more likely the result of a strike than from a push-pull struggle beforehand.

The trial continues.

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I love you dear Fliss and want to be with you. I forgive you. You've known that too since last 2015.