Orlaith's been left high and dry when her roommate ducks out on her to chase after a fleeting romance. She posts an ad at work, hoping she'll get at least one taker to prevent breaking her lease. She surprisingly finds success in her last-ditch effort when a certain weathered attending comes through.
A/N: Jack Abbot x OC (Orlaith O'Hara)
!!CW!!: religious trauma, mentioned rape, description of rape kit procedure, mention of assorted mental health disorders (anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, insomnia, post-partum depression, I'm sure I'm missing some), one-to-ones, absentminded flirting. If you see anything not listed, please lmk.
Dear Mom,
Sorry for the late update. Life’s been hectic since the move; I’ve barely had time to think, let alone write. I wish I had time for pleasantries, but I know you appreciate it when I get down to business. It all started well, and I was able to set up in my new apartment near the hospital where I work. I can’t remember if I mentioned it, but I moved in with who I thought was a friend from my master’s program. To my surprise, she moved out within the first week to chase after a man she said she was in a relationship with; I later found out that they’d only known each other for a few weeks.
She said, “It was love at first sight”.
Gag.
Anyway, she had enough decency to cover her half of the rent for next month, but left me on the hook after that. So, now I have to find someone to live with or break my lease and try to find a studio in my budget. I know you won’t approve, but I’m posting an ad on the hospital’s bulletin board today. I know, I know that’s an invitation for trouble, but I can’t think of any other good way to get the word out. I really like the place, and it’d be nice not to have to move again within a month. It may only be a half-step above Craigslist, but it may be more successful as a physical ad, because of the prime location near the hospital. Plus, it’ll only be for ten months. And I mean, you do always say, “What’s life without a little adventure?”.
My new job is going well. I mean, as well as any behavioral health position can go. I really shouldn’t complain; I knew what I was getting into. I’m lucky enough not to have experienced any burnout. Knock on wood.
My social life is, as always, dismal at best. I promise I’ll join a few social groups when I feel more settled. I’ve looked into a pottery class and a book club at a small independent bookstore. I just have to get over the nightmare of finding a new roommate.
My symptoms are stable for now. No change to my medications, but I don’t have to tell you how quickly that could change. I haven’t had any depressive episodes since the move. I think my anxiety is keeping me up. Only one or two hypomanic episodes. I haven’t told any of the new coworkers about the whole bipolar thing; they just think I’m really happy-go-lucky. Speaking of it’s almost time for me to leave. I’ll write again soon.
Love Always,
Orlaith
“All beds in Behavioral Units One & Two are full. Upstairs, speculated that five patients from Unit One will be discharged or transferred tomorrow before noon. Two of those spots will be taken over by patients moving down from Unit Two. In the ED, two patients have been voluntarily committed, and one has been involuntarily committed. Involuntarily, is in BH room two and currently has a one-to-one; he’ll be waiting for a bed here in BH Two. Both voluntary patients are waiting for transport to other facilities; one is in BH room one and the other is in room six. The ambulance for the patient in room six will be here within the hour. I’ve been waiting for a call for the pickup time for the patient in BH room one.” Kiara said, giving Orlaith the debrief as they hand off from day to night shift, “We also have a rape victim in room fourteen, Jodi Crawdford, 17. Her file has been flagged to only have contact with female staff. She was brought in by PBP and is waiting to receive a rape kit; I’d like for us to stop in before I leave to ensure a seamless transition. She’s young and understandably nervous. I think she’s still in shock and has not fully processed what is going on. I would like to have her set up with a counselor and establish her support network before discharge. We have a body in the viewing room, waiting on the funeral home to pick them up; his two adult sons are waiting with him. And, and I think that’s all.” Kiara paused, with a faraway look on her face. Orlaith knew that look well. The blank look she also got when wracking her brain for anything missed, that could potentially help her relief or their patients. Anything that could alleviate the pressure built over the duration of a shift. The act of equal parts altruism and selfishness that would aid Orlaith while simultaneously making it easier for Kiara to sleep tonight.
“Got it,” Orlaith said, interrupting Kiara’s train of thought, forcing her to come back to the present, “If you’re ready, I’m set to meet the survivor in fourteen.”
“Alright,” she nodded in response, a relieved smile working its way across her face.
“For fourteen, has anyone talked her through what a rape kit involves?” Orlaith asked.
“I briefly explained the procedure, but she was in a daze. You may have to run through it again.” Kiara answered as they made their way from the back offices off the floor to the room in question. Orlaith stopped short of running directly into a firm chest as she took a turn around the corner too fast. A cold palm grabbed her shoulder gently, but firmly, to help balance her.
“Shit, sorry,” she said, taking a step back once she found her footing. She was met with a pair of striking hazel eyes she had become familiar with in her first three weeks at PTMC.
“You alright?” Abbot, the head nightshift attending, asked as he released her arm.
“Yeah, just still working on looking where I’m going.” She replied sheepishly as they all made their way back on the floor.
“I’d never downplay the importance of your job, but if you keep this up, I’m gonna have to write you up for running in the halls.” He replied. Despite his gruff tone, she could see in his eyes that he was joking.
“Shit, didn’t know you were moonlighting as a hall monitor; I’ll keep that in mind,” Orlaith replied jokingly, earning a huff of a laugh from the attending before he peeled off to most likely look for his own daytime counterpart. When she turned her attention back to Kiara, she was met with an amused look.
“What?” Orlaith questioned,
“Nothing,” Kiara replied with a grin, before turning her head straight as they continued to the room. They didn’t talk for the remainder of the walk. Orlaith mentally geared up for her shift, as Kiara was simultaneously winding down. They paused at the door after knocking, only opening it once they heard a faint, “Come in”.
Orlaith schooled her face as she gave the young woman a once-over. She was sitting up, back straight in perfect posture, on the exam table. Orlaith noted that she was still in her street clothes, meaning that whoever was completing the forensic exam hadn’t arrived yet. The only other person was someone she recognized as a female behavioral health tech acting as her one-to-one.
“Hello, again,” Kiara started, garnering the young woman’s attention, “This is social worker Orlaith O’Hara. She will be relieving me for the night shift. If it is okay with you, she will be taking over your case. If you prefer, I can stay until your procedure is over.”
Jodi continued to look ahead stoically, before answering in a hoarse voice, “It’s fine,”
Orlaith noted the bruising on her lower throat along with the skin surrounding her mouth. She also clocked the golden cross necklace adorning her neck.
Kiara nodded, “I will leave you in her capable hands then.”
Kiara quickly glanced at Orlaith before Orlaith nodded at her. Silently communicating that she had it covered and it was okay for her to leave.
“May I?” Orlaith asked, gesturing to the wheeled stool. Jodi nodded, not losing the faraway look in her eyes.
“I know, Kiara already went over the steps in this procedure. Do you have any questions before the forensic medical examiner comes?” Orlaith asked.
“It doesn’t matter.” Jodi, mumble, looking away.
“What doesn’t matter?” she asked back softly.
“I’m chewed gum.” She answered definitively, before her bottom lip wobbled and a storm of emotions overtook her. Orlaith quickly swiped a box of tissues off the counter and held it out to the teen, making sure to avoid touching her. Not only for the exam’s sake, but also because of the risk of traumatizing her more with unwanted touches.
Orlaith refrained from any more questions, not that she needed to ask any. Her own Catholic upbringing made her painfully aware of the mindset this girl was experiencing. As if abstinence-only sex ed didn’t do enough damage, many young girls in Christian and Catholic denominations were taught that their worth, their virginity, was akin to a piece of gum. Once chewed, it can never be taken back to its original form. When Orlaith was a child, she had experienced the same religious propaganda, but instead of gum, it was a piece of tape. She was taught that once a tape lost its ability to stick, it was rendered useless and unwanted. Unlike Jodi, Orlaith had been blessed with a Grammie who immediately called bullshit; appalled to the extent that Orlaith was transferred to public school the next year, and her monsignor got an earful after that Sunday’s sermon.
Once she was able to get Jodi’s breathing back in order, she broached the subject.
“Why do you think you’re chewed gum?” Orlaith asked, once again seated, waiting patiently for Jodi to answer on her own time.
“No one,” she paused, taking a shuddered breath, “No one will ever want me now that I’ve been used.”
Orlaith nodded empathetically as a fresh set of tears ran down the girl’s face. Her heart broke for her, but Orlaith’s emotions didn’t matter, not now.
“You are so much more than an object,” Orlaith said calmly, keeping her composure, “The person I see in front of me possesses immense strength and bravery.”
Jodi shook her head fiercely, eyes shut tight as more tears rolled down her face,
“Hey, hey,” Orlaith said gently, regaining her attention, “It’s true, I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but despite it all, you’re here. If that isn’t brave, I don’t know what is.”
“I,” Jodi started taking another broken breath, “I-I just don’t want him to hurt anyone else.”
“That’s selfless,” Orlaith affirmed, “To be able to garner that strength that brought you here today is immeasurable.”
“My roommate, she, she” Jodi took a deep breath, “She’s the one who brought me in.”
“She sounds like a good friend to have,” Orlaith responded.
“She is,” Jodi confirmed, “I had to convince her to leave me for this. I, I just don’t want anyone to see me like this.”
“No one, but those who need to know, will have access to this,” Orlaith said.
“This,” she said, gesturing around them, “stays here. Your say goes. It is your right to stop things if it’s too much or doesn’t feel okay. Okay?”
“Okay,” Jodi nodded, taking a deep breath.
“Do you have any questions about what to expect?” Orlaith asked, holding out a small trash can for Jodi’s used tissues.
“I don’t remember what the other lady said,” Jodi confessed, “I’m sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry about,” Orlaith affirms, “Would you like me to walk you through the process?”
“Yes,” she answered, nervously wringing her hands.
“It will start with the removal of your clothing, and photo evidence taken of any bruising or marks on you. Then, you will be changed into a gown. Your medical history will be taken, and the examiner will begin to take oral, vaginal, and anal swab samples, along with samples from under your nails, hair, blood, and urine. If at any point, and I cannot stress this enough, you would like to stop or opt out of certain tests, you can.”
“Okay,” Jodi nodded, resigned as a knock sounded out at her door.
“Would you like me to stay?” Orlaith asked as the examiner entered the room.
“Please,” Jodi responded, sitting up straighter, anxiety radiating off of her.
“Hey, I’m not going anywhere,” She reassured, “Okay?”
“Okay,” Jodi replied.
Orlaith took a deep breath as she collapsed into the computer chair in her shared office. It had already been a night, and her shift was only a third the way through. She had managed to secure a spot at a behavioral unit nearby for their behavioral patient who was in limbo and had supervised both of their and the other voluntarily committed patients’ transport. Jodi’s discharge was planned, and a session with a trauma counselor was scheduled. She was awaiting discharge as her support network was making the trip in from Altoona, PA, where she’s originally from.
In what she knew was a fleeting moment of peace, Orlaith stuffed her face with a protein bar and pulled out her phone. She braced herself for the possibility of no responses to her ad posted in the locker area in the back of the ED, but was pleasantly surprised. She has had four applicants apply so far. Instead of giving out her number, she had put a QR code on her ad and kept her identity private. She’d seen enough horror stories to risk advertising her address and the fact that she was currently living alone. No, the ad didn’t mention any of her details outside of the barebones information. It only had the address, apartment details, and the rules of the building.
The QR code led to a simple survey of the applicant’s information: name, credit score, whether they had any regular guests (partner or children), work hours, and some quick preference questions. Orlaith had lived with enough people over the years to know what quirks got under her skin. Loud gaming, dishes left for more than a day, and excessive hookups were top of the list. She recognized the first two applicants as nurses from the day shift, then there was a woman she was 80% sure worked in security, but the last applicant caught her attention first.
Jack Abbot
She couldn’t help but question why an established attending would want and/or need a roommate. She knew he easily made twice her salary, and that was a conservative estimate. She quickly scanned his information, forgetting about her protein bar and water. He was a great match, no partner or children, was a clean as you go person when it came to messes. The only annoying trait listed was that he listened to the police scanner in place of white noise. She could work with that.
Before Orlaith could look at the other applicants, she was pulled away by a resident, Ellis, who wanted a second opinion on a possible domestic. From there, Orlaith was pulled from a behavioral evaluation, to gathering resources for a family finding end-of-life care for their grandfather, to aiding a young couple navigate their insurance coverage for an emergency surgery their infant needed.
It wasn’t until the end of her shift was in sights that she had managed to sneak away to the breakroom for an energy drink and to eat the carrot sticks she’d packed to go along with her uneaten dinner. She knew at this point that the meal was a lost cause; she’d just get some breakfast takeout from somewhere post shift. No, for the next few minutes of peace, she was gonna turn off her brain and doom scroll. Orlaith hadn’t taken more than a single bite of her carrots before a voice was pulling her focus.
“Baby carrots and a Red Bull, that’s a new one.” A certain someone she had been trying to talk to her whole shift quipped to her left. Her head snapped up to find Jack’s eyes already on her as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
“What can I say, I’m a visionary.” Orlaith joked back.
“First thing you’ve eaten today?” he probed, in a tone of discernment.
“What gave it away?” She asked, shoving another carrot into her mouth; her drink already half gone.
“I’ve never seen anyone outside of a rabbit be that ravenous for carrots.” He answered honestly, Orlaith could feel the tips of her ears redden from embarrassment as she slowed her chewing.
“Damn, wasn’t expected to be read that badly over trying to be halfway healthy.” She replied after washing down the carrot with the last of her drink.
“Halfway healthy?” he asked, with a quirked brow.
“Carrots for nutrients, and Red Bull to keep me going.” She shrugged.
“At least you have the next four off, right?” he asked.
“Yeah,” she nodded, “but as soon as I’m off, I have to go back to trying to find a roommate.”
“Was that your ad in the back?” he questioned, taking a swig of his black coffee.
“Yeah,” she nodded, “Only got to glance at the submissions earlier, but saw yours. Can I ask why an attending wants a roommate?”
Before Jack could answer, Lena, the nightshift charge nurse, poked her head into the breakroom.
“GSW, four minutes out.” She called out, before disappearing again behind the door.
“Are you free after work?” he asked, dumping his coffee.
“Yeah,” she nodded.
“Do you want to get breakfast and talk about it?” he asked, tossing his cup in the trash.
“Sure,” she agreed. Abbot nodded with a curt smile before rushing out to the trauma, leaving Orlaith once again alone in the breakroom. That solace, as always, was fleeting as she was pulled to talk to a new mom who was having issues with breastfeeding. What would have only been a fifteen-minute tops interaction on referrals to breastfeeding resources was quickly extended when Orlaith clocked textbook signs of postpartum depression. It only took Orlaith asking broadly how the mom was doing for her to lose what little composure she had left. Orlaith held the baby as the mother bared her soul to her. She comforted the fussy newborn as she simultaneously affirmed the mother’s emotions and stress. After half an hour, they had a plan in place for the mother’s emotional needs, along with her child’s physical ones.
Orlaith felt dead on her feet by the time Kiara’s smiling face came through the doors to their office, coffee in tow.
“You’re too good to me,” Orlaith sighed, taking a sip of her iced mocha latte.
“You say that like you’re bake goods aren’t the only things keeping me going some days,” Kiara responded, taking a seat opposite her. That was the only pleasantries they could afford as Orlaith dove into debriefing her.
“Did you see a baby?” Kiara asked, as Orlaith rose up and began to collect her things.
“Yeah,” she nodded, mildly confused, “But she’s already been discharged.”
“It looks like she left you a parting gift,” Kiara responded, motioning to Orlaith’s left shoulder. She let out a groan as she shed her spit-up-stained cardigan and shoved it into her bag.
“I’ll see you on Friday then,” Orlaith said, tugging on her coat. Kiara was only able to nod in response as she took a call from their office phone.
For the second time in thirteen hours, Orlaith O’Hara ran straight into Jack Abbot’s chest. To put insult to injury, it was the same exact spot.
“You know I’m really gonna have to get a citations book if you keep this up.” Jack joked as Orlaith let out a defeated groan.
“Ha, ha,” she replied in a monotoned voice, earning another laugh from Jack as they made their way out of the building.
“Did you drive?” he asked, as they stopped at his locker to grab his bag.
“No, I’m walking distance,” Orlaith replied.
“You still up for breakfast?” he asked. She let out an affirmative hum as she took a long sip of her coffee.
“Alright, I can drive if you’d like,” Jack said, car keys in hand, “Any preference on where we eat?”
“Anywhere with pancakes.” Orlaith decided,
“That diner three blocks over work?” he asked,
“Saplings?” she clarified,
“Yeah,” he confirmed, leading her to the parking garage.
“That’d be perfect, it’s catty-cornered with my apartment building.” She responded.
“The old brick and mortar?” he asked,
“Yeah,” she confirmed.
Their conversation stalled as their joint exhaustion gave way. Luckily, the five-minute ride over gave Orlaith enough time to finish her drink and rally enough energy for this conversation. They ordered as soon as they sat down, two coffees, an order of pancakes, and bacon for Orlaith and an order of French toast and sausage for Jack.
“So, if it’s alright to ask, why do you want to move in?” she probed, taking a sip of her coffee.
“I’m sure you already know I’m a veteran.” He started, “I’m in therapy for PTSD and have related depression, anxiety, and insomnia.”
Orlaith nodded empathetically, hands clasped around her mug as she allowed it to warm her hands.
“I own and live in a townhouse, but it’s too big for me. Under advisement from my therapist, I’m looking to downsize to hopefully help ease my anxiety and help with my mobility issues.” He continued.
“Why a roommate, though?” she asked, “I’m sure you could afford a place on your own.”
“Honestly, that was part of the appeal of your ad,” he confessed as the waitress placed their food down and left, “I have a tendency to isolate, so having someone there to force me to have human interactions wouldn’t be a bad thing. I know that’s a lot to ask, you deal with other people’s problems daily but-”
He paused as she held up a hand.
“That actually doesn’t sound like a horrible system.” She started, “This stays between us, but I’m Bipolar Type II. It actually sounds kind of nice to have someone around who can clock the warning signs before I dip into a depressive episode, or don’t realize in the middle of a hypo-manic one.
“We could be each other’s one-to-ones.” He offered.
“Like the buddy system?” she asked.
“Yeah, like the buddy system.” He confirmed, with a soft smile.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed. I'm not sure when my next update will be. I'm in the last three weeks of school before the end of my semester. I may be able to sneak something during fall break, but we'll see.
Summary: No one really knows what to expect in the Outer Wilds, past some very educated guesses. There are still dangers to discover at every turn, but Outer Wilds Ventures has done well enough for themselves using an advanced combination of research and luck. That seems to be enough, until it really isn’t and Timber Hearth’s finest astronaut gets themselves stranded in Dark Bramble. Now no one knows what to do next, but it’s the Hearthian way to carry on.
Rating: Teen
Warnings: Aftermath of Trauma, Alcohol Use
Characters: Slate, Player Character (Obsidian), Gabbro, Esker, Gossan, Feldspar, Hornfels, Chert, Riebeck, Micha
Tags: The Universe Lives/Nobody Dies AU, No Timeloop AU, Feldspar is Found Almost Immediately, Feldspar is Stranded a lot Longer than That, Angst, Fluff, Feldspar and Gossan are siblings, Established Relationships, Breakup, Not Beta Read, Multiple Pov, The Founders Have Hatchlings - Let’s Find Out Who!
Chapter Preview
They're feeling terribly helpless when their partner reminds them they are always available to help by startling Hornfels.
“Thought I might find you out here.” Esker says head peeking out from between two old creaky bracers. There's a loose roof panel Hornfels never bothered to fix because it gave them easy access to this spot. Hornfels watches as Esker shoves the loose roof panel further aside and pulls themselves through the hole and onto the roof, knocking their hat askew in the process.
“I just have a lot on my mind.” Hornfels admits tiredly.
“There's a lot to be thinking about.” Esker acknowledges stepping carefully across the roof until they can sit beside them.
