Lucy Barton

31. Nurse. I am mine Before I am ever anyone else's

[tom-carvell-deactivated20201224]

Baby’s first Christmas|| Lucy& Tom

[lucybethbarton]

tom-carvell‌:

“Anytime,” Tom replied and looked around the kitchen. “ Want me to put the kettle on for a coffee, you take a seat and I’ll do this.” He said and started to fill the kettle, scoffing at the comment she made. “ I know that feeling all too well,” Tom admitted. “I used to eat when Ellie was asleep. Small meals kept me going.” Turning and facing her as he switched the kettle on, Tom smiled. “ Well at least he is trying, some guys don’t.” Tom then found some ups and gave Lucy a warm smile. “ That’s all that really matters right? the fact that the baby is happy and healthy.”

Lucy sighed, sitting down in one of the kitchen bar stools and letting him take over her kitchen for the next little while. “The mugs are up in the cabinet to the left of the microwave whenever you’re ready for them.” She smiled and nodded. “I’m pretty sure the only reason we evolved to think they’re cute is so we don’t kill them in our exhaustion.” Nodding again, she was thankful Cary stepped in every once in a while. It just wasn’t at all how she had pictured parenthood, and really not how she had pictured parenthood with Cary. “It’s all I can ask for.”

[harryjwatson-deactivated2020011]

FOR: @wilmingtonstarters​ LOCATION: cafe/bookstore TIME: early afternoon

Harry had set up camp at his favorite cafe, curled up at the corner table with a large half-full black coffee, his laptop, his planner, and a stack of novels he was teaching this coming term. It was time to get on with finishing his lesson plans and organising his life for the next month,  something he’d started but had been putting off for a while now. He bounced his knee as he glanced over his notes, copying them in and setting up his classes online pages. He’d been told last year by a particularly proactive student that the amount of handouts he gave out was “seriously bad for the environment”, so albeit reluctantly, he’d committed to trying to make as much as the material accessible online rather than wasting his printing credits. 

After an hour of concentrating he felt himself itching for a cigarette, a break, a distraction, and so he closed his laptop, checking the barista (who he knew all too well by this point) would watch his stuff before stepping out the back entrance into a small alleyway where the smokers tended to gather. He pulled out his cigarettes and placed one between his lips, lighting it quickly and taking a long drag as he leaned back against the brick wall behind him, his shoulders relaxing as he slowly breathed it back out, not noticing a figure approaching from the side. 

[lucybethbarton]

Lucy had made up her mind as soon as Caleb was born that she was going to go back to school and actually start the coursework for her MSN in the fall. She’d worked out a tentative babysitting schedule with her parents, since she didn’t know exactly when her classes would be, and they were more than happy to help out. She was pretty sure it was more about getting to spend time with their first grandbaby than about helping their daughter become a Nurse Practitioner, but she couldn’t complain either way. They were watching him now so she could go to the bookstore and pick up some of the textbooks she knew for sure she was going to need and go ahead and get started on studying. 

She’d stacked up all the books on the floor of the aisle and suddenly felt like she couldn’t breathe. Escaping out the back, since it was closer, she wasn’t expecting to find anyone else there. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she walked further out into the alley. In through the nose. Out through the mouth. In through the nose. Out through the mouth. Repeating that mantra to herself, she kept breathing deeply until she felt reasonably okay again. 

[jennyxhayes-deactivated20200810]

LOCATION: The Copper Penny TIME: SIX PM OPEN TO ALL: @wilmingtonstarters​

It was bitter, the liquor running down her throat but the numbing feeling that came in the place of the twisted pain in her stomach made it worth it. Jenny lifted her hand up towards the bartender, signaling for another. If it didn’t make her feel like such a pain in the ass she would ask him to keep them coming. Her phone buzzed against the surface of the bar, the name on the screen screaming at her. It had been her brother, for the fourth time in the last hour. It was hard to admit what had happened, the fact that she not only slept with her brother’s married best friend who abandoned her the morning after to probably go back to his wife and the icing on top of the shitcake that was her life, she had ended up pregnant and three months later she lost the baby. She hadn’t told anyone the news truthfully, not knowing what she was even going to say about the whole thing but at least now she didn’t have to think of how to break the news to her family and to the father. She heard the tap of a glass hitting the bar, her fingers moved towards it, picking it up and bringing it up to her lips, drinking it down in one swift motion, not realizing that someone was slipping into the stool right next to her.

[lucybethbarton]

It was time. Caleb was with her parents. Lucy needed a drink. Just one, so she could pump and dump the milk that would be affected by it, but she needed one. The first month of motherhood had been a whole new level of stressful, not to mention the fact that she and Cary still didn’t have an official custody agreement. “I hope you don’t mind,” she half-way sort-of apologized to the woman she sat down next to. “It looked like you needed a drinking buddy, and I wouldn’t mind having one myself.”

[colekuok]

Status: open to all @wilmingtonstarters​ Location: Mystique Boutique (Birdie’s store)

   A week into 2020, and Birdie had never felt more exhausted. Now the only owner of the boutique, it’d been almost 2 weeks since they’d gotten the day off… and as much as they loved their shop, the smell of sage was getting old. They leaned against the front counter casually, flipping through an application that had been dropped off earlier absently, when the door chime caught Birdie’s attention. “Hey, good afternoon. Just stopping in, or looking for anything specific?” 

[lucybethbarton]

Lucy needed to get out of the house. As much as she appreciated the help from friends and family, she’d barely been outside in the three and a half week since Caleb had been born and she had never been a homebody. Wheeling the stroller through the door of the store, and thanking every saint she could remember that the baby hadn’t woken up yet, she smiled at the shopkeeper. “Just needed to get out of the house, and I haven’t been in here in a while.”

[lucybethbarton]

samuel-dryden‌:

“You’re sweet to try and flatter me, but I’m afraid any talent in the kitchen has been completely consumed by Beth and my mother. I’m lucky if I don’t burn the instant ramen.” Samuel laughed - but it was true. He’d always been sort of helpless when it came to cooking, which, as the only son, had always been Grace’s intention as a way to keep him coming back for home-cooked meals. 

Sam had never settled in to the fact that Martin had come back to Wilmington - there had been a time in which the idea of ever laying eyes on the man again sent him into a blind rage, but he was learning to live with the possibility such a chance occurrence might happen eventually. He was happy to hear Lucy’s situation was even marginally better. “Lucky for me, Ellie’s so perfect all of the pressure for grandchildren has been completely laid off me.” Sam laughed, nodding to her offer. “Sure, thanks.”

“Anyone can learn to cook though, you just have to apply yourself,” she teased, pouring two glasses of water before setting one in front of him. “I’m better at baking than cooking, but I could definitely survive on baked goods if I had to as long as I kept up my normal activity level.” The nurse in her couldn’t help but analyze the sugar versus exercise situation, and this time she was mostly able to keep it in her head. 

“Caleb is the first grandchild on both sides,” Lucy said, “At least, the first that we know of.” After they had split, Cary had gone out of the country for a few years, and even after getting back he was pretty wild. Sown all the wild oats he hadn’t gotten a chance to since he and Lucy and started dating their freshman year of college. “I’m anticipating a future full of grandparents babysitting so I can rest. It looks bright.”

[tom-carvell-deactivated20201224]

Baby’s first Christmas|| Lucy& Tom

[lucybethbarton]

tom-carvell‌:

“Yes, I did,” Tom said with a wide smile. “ You got your hands full so I thought I’d help out and besides I know what you are going through.” The words hung in the air as it had two meanings. Being a single parent wasn’t new to Tom but at the same time, he never forgot the fear when it was just him and Ellie for the first time.

Tom picked up the cupcakes and the dinner and moved it into the kitchen. “ Theses are just really in case you don’t get five minutes to make yourself some dinner.” He said and then turned to her. “So… how you really doing?” His voice adopted a more caring, kind nature and a soft smile filled his face. “  I know what it’s like being a single parent.” He said softly. “ How’s the little one doing?”

“Well, thank you,” Lucy said sincerely. She genuinely hadn’t expected the community reaction to the baby to be so positive and encouraging. Except for the occasional judgmental glance from an old catechism teacher or two, everyone had been so eager to make meals or offer to help her clean or babysit so she could get out of the house - not that she was really ready to get out of the house just over a week since birth, but it was the thought that counted. Most of those people, however, were her parents’ ages. Tom was an anomaly.

“It feels like I don’t have five minutes to do anything sometimes, let alone eat,” she admitted. Even though Caleb had been an easy baby compared to some, he was still a newborn and had consistent needs that couldn’t be ignored. “I feel like I can’t really call myself a single mom, because his dad does try even if it’s not as often as I’d prefer it to be,” she shrugged, “But his pediatrician says he’s looking really good. He’s almost back up to his birth weight, and he’s eating, sleeping, and pooping. So just a normal baby.”

[rozwhite]

🌈- A memory about when they first fell in love

🌋- A memory about their first heartbreak

🏠- A memory about their childhood home/where they used to live

📷- A memory that comes with a picture they have

💡- A memory that comes with an object or keepsake they have

🔪- A memory about a dangerous situation

🎈- A memory about a time they were safe and relaxed

📔- A memory from a journal/diary entry

📝- A memory of them getting to know/meeting my muse

🔗- A memory about their proposal/wedding

🐥- A memory about their children (past, present, or future)

👘- A memory associated with an article of clothing they have

⚔️- A memory about war

🌅- A memory associated with a certain location

🏚- A memory about exploration

🛤- A memory about traveling

🌠- A time they wished upon a falling star

🐕-A memory of teamwork

🐺- A memory about being alone

🌟- WILDCARD

❄️Feel Free to add more memory prompts to this!❄️

[lucybethbarton]

samuel-dryden·:

“Hey, Lucy.” Sam greeted warmly as she opened the door, accepting the invitation to come inside. “I didn’t want to intrude, but Beth mentioned you’d had the baby, so some hospitality was in order.” Still holding onto the covered dish, he’d follow her lead further into her home. “Chicken and biscuit pie. Courtesy of my mother, not me. No threat of food poisoning that way.” The blonde grinned, gingerly setting the dish down onto her counter before tucking his hands into his pockets, glancing around as if her infant would mystically appear at any moment. “Don’t worry about returning the dish.” He made sure to mention.

Sam was certain Lucy’s last concern was his mother’s dish, or the meal that she could no doubt add to the pile of other meals she’d be heating up in the coming days. He remembered keenly what Beth was like as a new mother, and there was nothing more stressful than doing it on one’s own. Having stood in time and time again over the nearly six years of Ellie’s life, Sam was well-versed. “How’re you doing with everything? I remember how much it was for Beth. I can only imagine.” 

“Thank you,” Lucy smiled warmly, pointing the way towards the kitchen. “I’m sure you’re a fine cook yourself, but please let your mom know I appreciate it. And I will get the dish back to her eventually,” she laughed, “but no promises on when ‘eventually’ will be.”

Lucy shrugged in response to his question, turning to the cabinets to grab two glasses. “It’s going okay. There’s no issues, persay, and I’m a little better off than Beth was, considering that the man actually lives in town and wants to see the baby. We were engaged once upon a time, so his parents are excited to finally be getting the grandchild they expected to have a few years ago. Water?”

[tom-carvell-deactivated20201224]

Baby’s first Christmas|| Lucy& Tom

It was the day after Christmas and Tom had promised to pop round and see Lucy since he hadn’t seen her the day she almost delivered the baby in his car. He couldn’t help but feel responsible for her and the little bundle, especially when the nurse mistook him for the baby’s father and Tom had to explain he was just dropping her off. The moment he found out the baby had been born, Tom headed out to get a basket of goodies for Caleb and a basket for the new mom. He also bought blankets and saved a full plate of Christmas dinner for her just in case. 

Tom parked up and headed to the door with all the gifts balancing precariously in his arms. He knocked and waited. When he heard the door open, Tom chuckled, “ Hey Lucy.” He said from behind the gifts and walked in and placed everything down. “Merry Christmas.” He grinned. “ I have gifts for Caleb and some for you and I got you dinner in case you didn’t get a chance to have any. I also bought mince pies and candy for us. Oh and Mia made some cupcakes which she demanded I gave to you.” He said and gave her a hug. “ How’s mommy life going?” 

@lucybethbarton​

[lucybethbarton]

Lucy had been... struggling. Motherhood itself wasn’t that difficult so far. Caleb was latching fine, sleeping fine; a perfect little bundle. It wasn’t anything to do with him. She had just never expected herself to be in a situation where she would be a single mother. Somewhere in the back of her mind the good Catholic guilt set in while she was in the hospital and hadn’t loosened its grip yet. Her parents had been nothing but sweet and helpful, at least  one of them had been over every day since he’d been born, but something was telling her they were judging her for not making Cary “do the right thing.”

The knock on the door came just after she’d laid Caleb down for his third nap of the day, and Lucy resigned herself to the fact that whoever was there was going to see a spit-up stained ensemble as she walked to the door. “Merry Christmas, Tom,” she smiled as she let him in. “You didn’t have to do all of this, really. Though those cupcakes do look good.” Shutting the door, she walked back to the kitchen to grab the glass of water she’d poured herself... two hours ago... “It’s something else, that’s for sure. At least he sleeps well.”

[samuel-dryden-deactivated202310]

CLOSED START FOR // @lucybethbarton​ // LOCATION: BARTON RESIDENCE.

Ever since running into Lucy, Sam had had her on his mind enough to ask about her to his sister, who’d been happy to announce that she’d since given birth to her son. And for Samuel, Southern Hospitality dictated he pay a visit with a home-cooked meal (courtesy of Grace Dryden, of course). The chicken and biscuit pie was clutched in a curled arm against his chest while his other hand rapped against Lucy’s front door quietly, prepared for the fact that the new infant was most likely sleeping, and the last thing Lucy needed from a visitor was the inconvenience of waking the baby.

[lucybethbarton]

It was four days post-birth, and Lucy’s freezer was full of pre-made meals from family friends all excited about the baby. Her mother was staying with her to help make things easier, and the angel woman had just taken Caleb back to get him down for his second nap of the day when Lucy heard the light knocking on the door. She made her way to the door, expecting to find... well, someone other than Sam. “Hey there,” she greeted him, opening the door wide and motioning him in. She knew she looked a mess, but at least the house was somewhat clean. “Whatever that is, it smells delicious.”

[lucybethbarton]

isobelcerci‌:

“As you should be,” Isobel said with a nod of her head. “Little boys are kind of the worst but also the most adorable.” She said with a small smile even if she had no true experience with children — or little. “I think it’s the most adorable thing when they’re glued to their mother but that also comes with them thinking gifting you a worm or snake is a nice thing to do. It’s all done with love and how can you be mad at that.”

“I swear to God,” Lucy shook her head in disbelief, “If this kid ever tries to gift me a snake, he’s going to stay with his dad for a while.” If there was one thing Lucy was absolutely shit-scared of, it was snakes. Even if her own kid gave her one... she wasn’t sure she would be able to stand it. 

[lucybethbarton]

@lucybeth:  After 41 long weeks... Welcome to the world, Caleb Matthew. A giant thank you to @tom-carvell for driving me to the hospital when I couldn’t get my mom on the phone, and all my hospital friends for checking in on us. 

[lucybethbarton]

Thursday, December 12th. 

It was almost midnight, and Lucy was in her pajamas sitting on the floor in front of the altar. She would have been kneeling on the rail, but her belly stuck out too far for that now. Her maternity leave had begun on her due date... which was five days ago, and she couldn’t sleep between worrying if everything was okay at the hospital and the little one’s kicks. The church had always been a safe place for her, and since it was open for prayer 24/7 she had found herself there more and more often on sleepless nights. Tonight she wasn’t facing the crucifix behind the altar, but the statue of Mary off to the side of the platform, and wondering how many rosaries she would have to say before her labor would finally start.

@veteranthomas​

[lucybethbarton]

carmenpts‌:

Carmen’s eyes continued to scan the items in front of her, noting all the different colors and designs used for all sorts of Christmas decorations. “Oh, I’m not shopping for anyone. I just like looking at this section. Nostalgia, I guess.” She shrugged. “I only have my grandpa to celebrate with and I usually try to gift him something handmade.” Sometimes she didn’t like telling people that he was literally her only family because they oftentimes felt bad for her but she didn’t see it as something sad, she felt very lucky to have her small two-person family. “What about you? Who do you have to shop for?” 

“Just the kid who hasn’t been born yet,” she answered plainly, pointing to her belly for emphasis. It wasn’t as if the woman could have not noticed it. Lucy looked like she was trying to smuggle a full-grown watermelon everywhere, and was very ready to be able to carry the baby in her arms instead of dealing with the extra weight in her middle. “Nostalgia seems like a good enough reason to me. I’d probably still be here even if I wasn’t about to have a baby in the house.”

[lucybethbarton]

isobelcerci‌:

“I think that’s the smartest of options. I’d be scared to accidentally let the toe in my mouth, and that arises too much other fears.” She said with a shake of her head and a wrinkle of her nose. “I’m sorry to say I’ve kissed many things far more disturbing than some dead fish.”

“I guess I got lucky there,” Lucy admitted with a shrug. “At least Cary was meticulous about hygiene.” Of all the things she could complain of about her ex, that wasn’t one of them. “I’m worried about this guy, though,” she thought - accidentally out loud - as she patted the top of her belly. Realizing that her inside thought had become an outside thought, she figured she might as well continue, “I’ve heard little boys are notoriously filthy.”

[lucybethbarton]

jcksnodycr‌:

Truly, it was any wonder how he didn’t recognize Lucy immediately, the foolish notion of offering his smoke leaving him inwardly cringing as he dropped it to stamp it out beneath his boot. “You taxpayers, pay me… to fetch cats from trees and little old ladies from stairwells. Every now and then, you’re even paying me to put out deadly, terrifying blazes, but who’s really paying attention to that.” The laugh that grew had him shifting to stand, brushing dust from the brick off his shoulder in the process, “I don’t fix giant craters in concrete, that’s far too much hard work for me, Luce.” Scooping a small tin of mints from his pocket, he snapped one up between his teeth, he could at least make the effort to mask the smell of an ashtray on his breath. “You sure? You look like you’re about to pop.” Stating the obvious, he eyed her curiously for a passing moment before he moved on. Wasn’t really ever the hovering, pressing type in the first place. “Forever is relative, it’s been a few weeks, but it’s good to know you’ve been missing seeing this face around,” he noted, amusement heavy in his tone. “You wanna’ come inside? I don’t think anyone’s broken the coffee machine…. yet.”

“Well then you should really get in contact with whoever’s job it is,” she said, only half teasing at this point. Smiling gratefully as he put out the cigarette, she finished walking the rest of the way towards him for a quick hug. “I am. And I’m looking forward to getting him earthside, honestly.” She nodded her head in response to his question, “Please, God, let there be coffee.”

[carmenpts]

“Are you Christmas shopping?” Carmen asked the person standing next to her in aisle who had been standing there for as long as she had, seemingly unable to make a decision about their purchase. Most people were holiday shopping around this time of year and she figured that was perhaps the other’s situation. Although, Carmen herself wasn’t too stressed about the holiday as there was only ever one person she bought a gift for. “Pretty tough…holiday shopping.” The brunette tried, her best attempt at making conversation.                               ( @wilmingtonstarters​ ).

[lucybethbarton]

“Sorta,” Lucy answered honestly, keeping her eyes glued to the selection of toys on the shelves. It seemed strange to buy toys for her baby now when he would only be two weeks old come Christmas. But here she was, buying them anyway. Something inside her said she’d be a bad mom if she didn’t have presents for him, even though he definitely wouldn’t remember it either way. “It is,” she agreed, “Who are you shopping for?”