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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Dec 21, 2017 13:23:47 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2017 13:23:47 GMT -7
Brandon felt exhausted. Physically, mentally, emotionally. He honestly just wanted to be out of the hospital, but that wouldn't happen for a while yet, though no one knew exactly how long it would be. He was glad for the people that visited him, chief among them his girlfriend Rosie, but she couldn't be there all the time. Now Adonia was gone too and while she also visited him daily, not having her there constantly made things harder than he originally expected. She was a good friend, an easy person to talk to and now he was alone in this stupid room, waiting for his body to heal. His spine was almost intact now and he'd started having a little bit of feeling in his hands. He was working on movement now, small movements like twisting his head and lifting his hands. Soon they said he'd get to see a physical therapist and hopefully that would help, but stuck here in this dark room ... Brandon was finding it hard to hope for anything positive.
@callisto
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Dec 22, 2017 12:08:18 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2017 12:08:18 GMT -7
Callisto hadn't really gotten a chance to talk to Brandon one on one since he was admitted. There was that other girl, his classmate, for a while and he had a lot of visitors. Plus... she was scared. She was scared to talk to Brandon, one of the people she considered a key part of her life. But now he was alone, and had no visitors today, and she had a lunch break. She couldn't make anymore excuses.
She went to him, her brow furrowing as she stood in the door way and watched him for a few seconds. He looked nothing like the teenage boy she loved. He was older now. Harsher, his features more defined by grief than by joy. He was falling apart, and putting himself back together. She could see it happening, the pieces falling and mending, but going back in the wrong places.
She stepped in, "Brandon, hey," she greeted, crossing quickly to him and standing beside his bed. She offered a hand to him, gently touching his arm.
@brandon
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Dec 22, 2017 18:13:39 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2017 18:13:39 GMT -7
Brandon was lying in his bed, staring at the wall. It was a bit of an improvement from watching the ceiling, but not really. He wanted to get out of here, but he couldn't. He was stuck, waiting for his body to heal. He was so focused on the wall that he didn't notice Callisto at the door. At least, he didn't notice her until she spoke, saying his name as she entered the room. He looked at her, turning her head as he watched her come closer. He offered a small smile, "Hey Callisto. How's work?" He started the conversation, nervous where it would go if she asked him questions first. He couldn't talk about himself right now. His thoughts were too dark.
@callisto
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Jan 6, 2018 15:22:24 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2018 15:22:24 GMT -7
He turned his head toward her and smiled a little, which was nice considering he couldn't really do either of those things a few days ago. He asked her how work was, of course he was asking how she was instead of talking about himself. Maybe that was what he needed. As a healer, she understood that sometimes people just needed to focus on something else. She moved the chair closer to his bed and sat down, hand still on his arm, a little more firm now. "It's fine. I'm on lunch now, I ate something quickly," she explained. She bit her lip, eyes hard on his, "I... assume you want to talk about me, not yourself so... I met someone," this was a good distraction, right? "It's not who I wrote you about it's... someone else," she couldn't help but smile, "he's annoyingly positive, and a goofball. Kind of like someone else in this room right now."
@brandon
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Jan 6, 2018 23:29:58 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2018 23:29:58 GMT -7
Callisto explained that she was on lunch and Brandon nodded, keeping that smile on his face. "I'm glad you came. It's nice to see you," he admitted. Of course Brandon knew Callisto worked here and she checked on him quite a bit, but they hadn't really talked since he came to the hospital. She sat down next to him and Brandon was glad she felt comfortable enough around him to do that. The old Callisto would have stayed standing and been incredibly serious, if he remembered right. She'd changed, which wasn't a bad thing. He noticed her bite her lip as she watched him closely. Then she said she thought he wanted her to talk about her and he nodded automatically, his eyes widening when she admitted that she met someone. Someone she didn't tell him about? She smiled, which was what let Brandon know she was serious about this guy. She liked him. Then she started to describe the guy, mentioning how he was like someone else in the room. Brandon chuckled, assuming that's what she expected, but his heart wasn't in it. He didn't feel like that person anymore, not that he wanted to tell Callisto that. Then she'd be more worried than she already was. "Sounds like you have a type," he teased, trying to drag out that annoyingly positive goofball that he used to be. "Does this guy have a name?" he asked curiously.
@callisto
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Jan 17, 2018 18:49:48 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2018 18:49:48 GMT -7
Brandon said he was glad she could come and that it was nice to see her, and she just hoped he meant it. She still felt sick about what she had done to him, but she was a different person not and he had to know that. She would prove that to him by actually being a good friend here, which was already a hard thing for her to do. Not that she didn't want to, but even showing friendly affection was new to her. She was glad she had guessed right that he didn't want to talk about himself, and he smiled when she spoke about Shawn. Then chuckled. She was surprise she could get such positive reactions out of him in his current emotional state. He said she had a type and she sighed, nodding a little and leaning forward. "Shawn," she said, answering so quickly she surprised herself. "Ashcroft. He's the Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts?" she suggested, seeing if he knew who Shawn was, since he had been at school with Shawn the last year. "He's... too good for me, just like you," she added, her brow furrowing. She felt emotions bubbling up and wanted to stifle them, but remembered that friends shared this kind of thing. She groaned, leaning forward until her forehead landed on the mattress, "I just want to be with him all the time," she looked up at Brandon, "It's so annoying."
@brandon
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Jan 17, 2018 22:07:31 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2018 22:07:31 GMT -7
He heard Callisto sigh when he mentioned her having a type and knew he was right, though she'd basically admitted as much before. She told him the man's name, explaining that he taught at Hogwarts and Brandon closed his eyes a moment, trying to remember. "I think I know who he is," he said after a moment, looking at Callisto once more and offering a small, forced smile. He was trying so hard to be positive for her. She was happy. It shouldn't be this hard, except he was so miserable. No! He wasn't going to think on that right now. He wanted to be there for her. "I haven't ever spoken with him though," he admitted. "Want to tell me about him?" Please. He'd get to learn more about what Callisto thought of this man and it would distract him from his dangerous thought. That was a good thing, right? He shook his head at her words, his smile a little more sincere now. "You're better than you think you are, Callisto," he said gently, really meaning it. She was too hard on herself. Then she groaned, leaning until her head was on the mattress and Brandon lifted an eyebrow at her, even though she wasn't looking. "That's a good thing, even if it's annoying," he answered. "It means you're not made of stone," he smiled again to show he was teasing, but then paused. He didn't want her to misunderstand. "I didn't mean that," he added quickly. "I was teasing, you know. It's a good thing you want to be around him all the time. Do you meet with him often?"
@callisto
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Jan 25, 2018 12:21:37 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2018 12:21:37 GMT -7
Brandon said he thought he knew who Shawn was, and then gave her another one of those smiles that made Callisto feel sick to her stomach. She knew all about forced and fake smiles. She was the queen of giving those. She didn't want to call him out on it, though, not wanting him to feel embarrassed. She would rather him think that his fake smile was working... at least a little. He said he hadn't spoken with Shawn, but asked if she wanted to tell more about him. She wasn't sure if that would be a nice thing to do, take all the attention for herself... but she had said she would try to distract him from thoughts of his own life. What better way then to talk about Shawn?
Brandon said she was better than she thought she was, his voice genuine and soft. Her head was still on the mattress has he spoke about her not being made of stone. She looked up as he started to contradict himself, saying he was teasing. "No, no. I know how I come across Brandon. It's not on accident, most of the time," she explained, "but I also hope Shawn doesn't see me that way... at least not always," she moved her hands under her chin to rest on them. "We've accidentally run into each other a few times, and we're going on a real date," she rolled her eyes even though her stomach was all nerves, "next month. He's smart and funny and always making stupid jokes," she said, trying to sound annoyed, but it wasn't convincing. "But I..." she turned her face back to the mattress so he couldn't see her face, "am scared."
@brandon
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Feb 3, 2018 11:41:17 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2018 11:41:17 GMT -7
Talking to Callisto was helping, which was a good thing. As a general rule, talking to most people helped Brandon feel better because it distracted himself from his own struggles and worries. He was glad that she came to visit him when she wasn't working. When he apologized, she said it was fine, that she wanted people to see her that way most of the time. He smiled when she added that she didn't want Shawn to think she was always so hard. "I'm sure he doesn't," Brandon assured her. "I mean, you said he's kind of like me, right? If he's anything like me, he'll be able to tell what's an act and what isn't." Sometimes Brandon thought that Callisto didn't know the difference herself, but he could see it. Maybe that's why he was interested in her in the first place and why they were friends now. He listened as she explained that they ran into one another a few times, but that they'd be going on a date next month. "Do you know what you'll be doing?" Brandon asked curiously, ignoring her comment about stupid jokes. It was obvious Callisto liked Shawn's jokes. She buried her face in his mattress and Brandon focused on his hand that was resting not far from her. He wanted to move it, to touch her or something. He was sure that would help her feel a little bit of comfort and it would help him feel better about his situation. He clenched his teeth as he ordered his hand to move. It slowly and shakily lifted a few inches off the bed, and with a monumental amount of effort, Brandon made it move so it rested on the back of Callisto's head. He exhaled heavily, not even realizing he was holding his breath before. "Why are you scared?" he asked softly.
@callisto
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Feb 10, 2018 12:44:56 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2018 12:44:56 GMT -7
Brandon assured her that Shawn didn't think of her the way she saw herself, and mentioned that if Shawn was anything like him he'd be able to tell what was real and what wasn't. Callisto caught her breath, feeling that pang of guilt again from leaving Brandon behind all those months ago. A part of her wished she could have somehow made it work, but... she ruined it, and now they were different people in different lives. And that was okay, she was sure. "I... I think you're right," she said softly. She prayed, hoped, wished he was right.
Then Branon asked what they'd be doing for the date and she shook her head, "he's planning something, I think. He's good at that stuff. I'd probably just come up with something incredibly boring for someone like him," she tried to chuckle, but her nerves about it made the sound catch in her throat. Then, she felt his hand on the back of her head and she raised an eyebrow at him - concerned - but didn't make a comment about it yet. "Because," she spoke just as softly, "I leave good people behind, Brandon. It's what I do."
@brandon
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Feb 19, 2018 19:53:43 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2018 19:53:43 GMT -7
She admitted, in a very soft voice, that she thought Brandon was right and he gave her a sly smile. "Of course I'm right," he told her easily. "That's why we're talking about this." He smiled, trying to be reassuring. As she continued to talk, Brandon could easily see how nervous she was. "Hey hey, it's fine. That's the thing about relationships, Callisto. It's not about trying to impress the other person, it's all about being yourself. I'm positive Shawn isn't expecting you to plan major things. He's interested in you because of who you are." Brandon felt like he was saying this all wrong, like he was making things worse, but he hoped he wasn't. He listened carefully as she looked up and answered his question. "It's what you've done," he responded, still speaking quietly. "That doesn't mean it's what you have to do it now. You can do this." A part of him was sad that he hadn't been enough for Callisto to break that habit, but he was doing well now. He had Rosie and he knew she cared about him. He was happy with her.
@callisto
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Mar 16, 2018 18:19:46 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2018 18:19:46 GMT -7
His smile eased her a little, but not much. He said that it was fine to just be herself with Shawn, and that he didn't expect her to plan major things. That made her throat close up a little as she felt emotion prickling behind her eyes. Darn Shawn making her feel things. "I don't know why he would be. And I don't mean that to be self deprecating," she said, when he said Shawn liked her for herself. "I just mean he seems more like he'd like to be with someone more upbeat and fun. I don't get it," she admitted.
He said that just because she'd done something in the past didn't mean she needed to do it now. "I... guess that's true. Growth is the hardest part..." she shook her head, then sighed, standing up and shaking her hands at her sides. "I hate this. Caring what someone thinks," she chuckled, furrowing her brows at him.
@brandon
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Mar 24, 2018 20:44:07 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2018 20:44:07 GMT -7
Brandon shook his head as Callisto explained that she didn't understand why Shawn would want to be with her. "That's not always how it works. You should know that," he said with a sad smile. He wasn't upset anymore over what happened with him and Callisto- he was grateful for it, in fact- but he understood what was going on. Maybe he understood it better than she did. He'd cared strongly for her, even though Callisto hadn't been the type of girl Brandon really saw himself liking. He decided to tease her a little. "Haven't you heard the phrase about how opposites attract?"
Callisto was obviously struggling with her emotions and the situation. "Well if talking helps, I'm here for you," Brandon chuckled darkly. Literally. He was here and would be for the next while, but he'd meant that he was here for her emotionally. "It's hard letting people in. Not just for you either. Lots of people struggle with it. The important part is working through it and having people you trust to confide in." He smiled, "You'll do fine."
@callisto
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last online Mar 28, 2024 12:33:40 GMT -7
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Apr 16, 2018 13:35:49 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2018 13:35:49 GMT -7
Brandon did have a point, he always did. He spoke about opposites attracting and she chuckled, shaking her head, "well, I guess we were attracted to each other too. I must have a type. The good guy," she said, chuckling. She looked at him a little sadly, her brow furrowing. "But I guess I know what you mean. It matters how we feel, not if it logically makes sense... that's the hardest part," she admitted.
He said if talking helped he'd be there for her, speaking about letting people in and how she's not the only one who struggles with it. She smiled back, "at least I do have you," she reached her hand over to touch his arm. They spent the rest of the afternoon talking. Well, until she had to get back to work. He always put a smile on her face. Did he have that affect on everyone?
@brandon (the end)
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