September

September Rothberg * 23 * Former Psychiatric Student Men are more moral than they think and far more immoral than they can imagine. -Sigmund Freud

[dead-runner]

Alright, then... listen up.

Julian stood in the center of the camp, near the fire pit with the majority of the campers within earshot. He stood firmly, looking at them. They were his people and he’d let them down again. Twice.

"We’re implementing new rules. There will be guards awake and patrolling twenty-four hours a day, every day. I will take volunteers first, but everyone needs to pull their weight. No one is to be out wandering around after dark. It’s clearly dangerous here, we need to protect ourselves and I cannot help you if you refuse to help yourself. I’m taking steps to eradicate these tragic happenings. Your full cooperation is expected. Any questions?"

[clinical-pirouettes]

Ember came up behind him as he finished his speech and stepped away from the spotlight of the camp, grinning as she ran her hands up and over his shoulders, bring her lips to press against his neck, just below his ear. "Have I ever told you how sexy it is when you get all authoritative?"

[ezekiel-cassel-deactivated20140]

Zeke’s head tilted to the side before he curiously asked. “Do you have a theory about who the serial killer is?” He eyed her suspiciously as he awaited an answer. When the conversation shifted to a lighter matter he smirked. “I’m pretty good at poker actually. I’d have to throw the game, or something. Ahh…Jesus Christ did you just call me endearing? Why not just call me nice?” Shaking his head he let out a chuckle.

[clinical-pirouettes]

"I do. But I don't want to disclose that to anyone put Julian. I have a firm belief that anyone who knows is in serious danger, especially myself, and I do not want to risk putting that danger down on anyone else. You least of all, you're almost my only friend here." Shaking her head she sighed and pushed her hair out of her face before pulling it back and securing it with a brown elastic that had rested around her wrist. Laughing once more, her eyes finally dry, Ember shook her head. "Julian is a good loser, I think he would just rechallenge you until he won." Her affection for the man was clear enough in her voice, the way her features softened when she did. 

[mj-hartman]

I would rather prefer the medication, but if you insist. As she's sitting down she explains. These night terrors are my boys, having to see them in that condition and having to shoot them myself. I feel like it’s a record playing over and over in my head seeing the sight’s and smells, with the blood all over me and holding my sons, like it was just hours ago that it had happened. Those boys were the love of my life and to see that condition let alone to having to end it , almost puts me in tears trying to get this out. Thinking to herself, I need sleep.

[clinical-pirouettes]

Ember listened as she moved to take a seat across from the other woman, reaching for the case by her chair and popping it open to pull out one of her notebooks, jotting the woman's name on the front before opening so she could take notes. "That is something that is of course terribly traumatic and these dreams are your subconscious trying to deal with that trauma. It's the same way that your body tries to heal a physical injury, your mind is trying to heal an emotional wound. I don't want to immediately resort to drugs, but I have some low strength sleep aides, and then maybe we should set up weekly sessions. Narcotics are highly addictive and I'm trying to keep their use to an absolute minimum."

[doctoralvarez]

Right… I was under the impression that he wanted to, um, be better? For lack of a better term. It’s really tragic.

[clinical-pirouettes]

He did, and he was well on his way. It's... a blow, actually. I cared about him.

[ezekiel-cassel-deactivated20140]

"Don’t worry it will come, and sometimes the simplest answer are the right ones." Listening to her as she propped Julian he gave her a placating smile."Yeah maybe at some point I should walk over to his RV, and ask if he wants to drink scotch and play cribbage." Scrunching his face he gave her a playful wink. "The difference between you two besides your beauty is that he has the ability of kicking Noah and me the hell out of here. Have you met my brother…were not exactly what you call normal." Zeke would gladly make a joke at his own expense to see her smile.

[clinical-pirouettes]

"I don't think there is anything simple about this situation. This entire thing is getting really out of hand and there is nothing that I can do about it. I have no proof and I keep getting stone walled at every attempt I make. It's frustrating and terrifying." Sighing the sound melted into laughter at his jesting.

"Actually, that might actually be the perfect thing to do, just forget the cribbage and try poker. Both your brother and yourself are incredibly endearing and I can tell you that neither of you have anything to worry about there."

[ezekiel-cassel-deactivated20140]

He smirked with her acknowledgment of his sound advice. “Well Dr. Rothberg my education stems from standing on the inner city side lines waiting for the next tragedy to come rolling out of the back of a truck. It’s only life that I pull my fortune cookie wisdom from.”  He shrugged his shoulders when she commented about Julian. ”I avoid him and Fiona like the plague. I’ll like to stay under the radar.” He didn’t like her considering a genuine emotion weakness. “Your secret is safe with me. Although in my humble opinion there is nothing weak about compassion and sympathy, and if Julian considers them that rather then a sign of strength perhaps you should reconsider him.”

[clinical-pirouettes]

"And that is the best experience to have. I probably don't have as much 'street' know how as others, but I've always had a knack for people and I get why they do things. Hence my profession." Offering him a thankful smile she sighed and shook her head. "I doubt that he would, I have seen him at his worst under just such circumstances, but... this just isn't something I need to worry him about. Julian is a good man, Zeke, you shouldn't avoid him, you should get to know him. He's intimidating because of the air of self assuredness he holds and I understand that, but think about it. It's the same way I hold myself, and it didn't ever turn you off of getting to know me."

[ezekiel-cassel-deactivated20140]

He returned in kind with his own haphazard smile. In general it bothered him to see women cry, but it was even worse when it was a friend. ”You will never say everyone, and the sooner you accept that the easier it will be. Instead of those you lose you count the once you helped, Ember. Carry them around with you when you doubt yourself, or feel like giving up.” Reaching out again this time resting his hand on her upper arm he gave it a slight squeeze.

[clinical-pirouettes]

Ember listened and sighed when he spoke, knowing he said the truth. "Who is supposed to be the psychologist around here? You or me?" Laughing softly she sighed and leaned against her friend, running a hand through her hair. "Don't tell Julian and I had a moment, alright? I don't want him to think I'm weak. I think... I think he counts on me, and.. and I like that. It means so much to me."

[ezekiel-cassel-deactivated20140]

While at first he was slightly torn. Knowing her well enough she wasn’t one to usually display such emotions so he was unsure if she would accept comfort. Giving her a squeeze before he rounded from her back so he could rest his eyes upon her. Face drawn in concern he added. “I’m sure you were helping him. The last time I saw him he seemed different, and according to others he was doing better. You did that…you’re a healer.” Paused for a moment before he finished. “I know what it’s like to lose someone you’ve poured so much energy into. I’m very sorry.”

[clinical-pirouettes]

She didn't even lift her eyes to him until he said she was a healer, and the words touched her more than she ever would have expected, and all she could do was offer him a watery smile. "No, no, you're right. I was... he was... I just... God, he was such a good man beneath it all. Or he could have been." Taking a deep breath she wiped at her eyes and offered him a brighter smile, though she didn't feel all that bright. "I wish I knew how to heal this camp."

[ezekiel-cassel-deactivated20140]

Zeke could have swore he heard a tremble in her voice. Getting closer he rested his hand softly on her shoulder. “Ember…it’s going to be okay.” The entire camp seemed to be draped in sadness.

[clinical-pirouettes]

Feeling his hand, her eyes slid closed and she tried to keep the tears at bay, but it had been surprisingly painful when she'd heard and it was hard for her understand. She wasn't usually one for such strong attachments, especially to people. Except her equals of course, like Zeke and Julian. "I was helping him. I was.... trying."

[missviviengray]

Vivien approached the small crying woman wearily. “What’s got you all upset? Or should I ask if maybe you need a session?”

[clinical-pirouettes]

"People have died, and it's upsetting to those of us who knew them. Grieving is natural and healthy."

[clinical-pirouettes]

Just... In a minute. 

[lovethewillows]

If you want sweaty, lemme see if Jonah want’s to help.

If not, I’ll still go shirtless for you.

[clinical-pirouettes]

I wouldn't want to see that milky skin get burnt, so topless would be a bad idea. But, a woman with a blow torch is still sexy.

[lovethewillows]

My tent has two bars that won’t stay together. I’m gonna make them stay.

[clinical-pirouettes]

Well then I guess I'll just sit back, fan myself, and just watch you work.

Feel free to get sweaty.

[doctoralvarez]

Are you sure you feel that way?

[clinical-pirouettes]

I just- it's shocking. I mean... I was- treating him. 

[clinical-pirouettes]

[lovethewillows]

[clinical-pirouettes]

What.... are you doing?

[dead-runner]

Julian thought for a moment, face screwed up in concentration before he looked back at her and very firmly shook his head ‘no’. “I have no reason to get jealous about you. You’re a loyal member of my team. Even if you wandered off… I venture to think all I’d have to do is whistle — figuratively, of course — and you’d come back.”

[clinical-pirouettes]

Loyal was right, though she wasn't even sure if he was aware just how loyal she was to him, not that it mattered. One day he would. Brows lifting as he continued, Ember wasn't entirely sure how to take that. Had he just compared her to a dog? Like she'd come at his beck and call and would never think to step out of line? On the other hand, it was flattering to think that he had so much faith in her to believe that she would always be there. Even if he was right, because she would. "Oh, and if I was to whistle, would you as my partner come back as well?"