Campus Corner (Open)

[CarnivalBarker]

I kiss your head. "Okay. I don't think you can come back to work until you use your visits."

 

[celestialdragon]

"No, please, let me continue to work," I beg. "I want to work, please. . ."

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Baby, no." I say. "I don't want this to happen if you have to go to the kitchen for Scott, or if someone cuts their hand on the cook table, or if there is a loud bang because Sheila drops a tray. And it's not because of work or the bar, but it's because I can't handle watching you suffer like this. It kills me, baby."

 

[celestialdragon]

I begin to cry again, knowing you're right. "Baby, please," I beg you again.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"No, baby." I say, not giving in on this.

 

[celestialdragon]

"I don't want to stay at home all day," I mumble. "I want to be out, and working, and being with friends and you. . ."

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"I know you do, baby," I say, rubbing your back. "You will be. But we have to get you better first."

 

[celestialdragon]

I nod and suddenly latch onto you, crying again. I was feeling better, and then I had just looked over at where it all happened, and I turned into a scared mess again. And I hated that.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"It's okay, baby girl," I say. "You've been through a lot."

 

[celestialdragon]

I nod and continue to cry, just wanting the close contact between the two of us. "How long am I on leave?" I ask a few minutes later.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Probably three weeks. You have five more counseling visits and they only do two a week. I want you to use them all. You can still go to class and school stuff. Your sorority stuff has been pretty neglected since you moved in. That might do you some good."

 

[celestialdragon]

I nod. "Let me call my chapter president and let her know what's going on," I say. I grab my phone and called her.

"Hey, Brander? Yeah, it's me, Lynn. . .Listen, I'm sorry I wasn't at chapter last night, but here's the quick version of what's been going on. . . I got engaged a few weeks ago. . .Yep, while in Chicago. . .Thanks, honey. . . Yeah. . . yeah, listen you know how there was the assault at the bar on Campus Corner, but they never mentioned the girl's name? Yeah, that was me. . ." I give a sniffle. "I'm doing okay, my fiancé/boss is giving me time off from work, and I'm going through counseling. . . Listen, is there a volunteer thing at the philanthropy coming up within the next three weeks? There is? When? Thursday? What time should I be at our house? 4? Alright, I'll be there. . . No, you don't have to waive the fine, I'll pay it. . . Brander, you're amazing. . ." I give a large sniffle. "I will sweetie, thanks. . . " I hang up and curl back up with you. "They're going to do some volunteer work on Thursday, so I'll be going. . ."

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Where will that be at?" I ask. "I think you'll enjoy that."

 

[celestialdragon]

"The local Ronald McDonald house," I tell you. "I love volunteering there." I snuggle into you.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Good for you. That way you won't be shut in here." I pat your butt. "Does that make you feel any better?"

 

[celestialdragon]

"A little bit," I say. I rest my head against your shoulder. "I'm sorry I'm such a mess. . ."

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Baby, don't start that," I tell you. "None of this was your fault and a lot of people would have this reaction."

 

[celestialdragon]

"but I'm placing a huge burden on you," I say. "and that's not fair to you."

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Baby!" I grin, and lean in to nuzzle your neck while lowering my voice. "The hottest hostess at my bar lets me fuck her as much as I want, and is going to let me forever, and she happened to be attacked by a lunatic and she still wants to see me and let me play with her?? There's no burden here."

 

[celestialdragon]

I giggle a little bit and smile a small smile. "Are you sure?" I ask softly. "I mean. . . you're taking care of me, and I like that and appreciate it, but. . . you seem to be doing it a lot, and I can't take care of you the same way."

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Baby, you can too. As soon as you're back to 100% you can. And who do you think knows just how to take care of me better than you?"

 

[celestialdragon]

I smile and relax against you. "If you say so, baby," I say. I give a huge yawn and stretch a little bit. "Can we sleep downstairs tonight?" I ask.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"We can," I say. "Something wrong upstairs?" I ask. "Need me to get your bear?"

 

[celestialdragon]

"I just want to be someplace different, baby," I tell you. "And no, I'll be fine without him tonight." I put my sling on and kiss your cheek.

 

[CarnivalBarker]

"Very good," I say. "Can I run up there and change?"