InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "'Sounds like...?' 'Up.'"

Helena Kelly {mina harker} (old_fashioned) wrote in bellumlogs,
@ 2010-07-02 11:26:00

Entry tags:

glinda, mercedes mondego, mina harker

WHO: Helena and Gina
WHAT: Introductions!
WHERE: Orange County Hospital
WHEN: June 20th afternoon
WARNINGS: One day Helena will have a log over a PG rating. Not today.

Helena had been dozing as best she could most of the day. It felt like she had been at the hospital for a long time now, despite knowing they all were checked in yesterday. Vlad had already been discharged and while he did try to argue staying with her, she remained firm and insisted he go home. He wasn’t going to get any rest sitting in the visitor’s chair and they still had all the pets waiting for them at the penthouse. Now without him she felt decidedly lonely, even a little bored, not that either of them had been much exciting company while they were on medication. Peter had visited the day earlier but she wasn’t expecting him to come by again, and she doubted he’d risk the chance of running into Vlad again.

She was just about to reach for the television remote when she heard a gentle knock at her door. She immediately straightened up in her bed – as was the polite thing to do – and just as quickly regretted the decision, the movement making her move her legs when she shouldn't have and jostle the IVs in her arms. She fell back against her pillows with a soft hiss.

(Read comments) - (Post a new comment)

justonefish
2010-07-02 08:45 pm UTC (link)

Gina was used to uncomfortable patients. She chuckled at the comment on painkillers. "Well, that's good. Some patients are too shy to express when they're in pain, and by the time they do, it's almost out of control." Her tone was light-hearted, though there was obviously a bit of instruction there: communicate.

"But if you're not in too much pain, that's a good sign. Also, there's no should here. Other than you should tell us how things are going." She smiled. "I know it's really intimidating, all these people asking you questions. But it's our job to be nosy."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

old_fashioned
2010-07-02 09:36 pm UTC (link)

Helena caught the gentle reprimand and nodded, the embarrassment still tugging at the corners of her smile. The last bit made her laugh and add, “It’s a small wonder, then, that my mother never became a nurse.” She shook her head slightly as she realized she was doing it again, quietly skirting the subject at hand in favor of polite and idle conversation. They’d be at this for days.

“It… It hurts, but not as bad as…” Not as bad as actually gaining the injuries itself, but Helena’s story at the hospital was that she remember anything that happened to her. Best to feign ignorance than to try to explain what had happened. “I keep trying not to accidently twitch my legs but it happens, and that’s not a fun feeling. At least I know they’re still working.” She took a breath as she tried to think of all the things that were bothering – in the medical sense, that is – and found it took a little time. Suddenly now that she was being asked what was wrong, her mind blanked, as if she never had an ailment in her life.

“I’ve been dozing a bit all day but not for very long. An hour at the most before the pain keeps waking me up. I think it’s going to be an uphill battle getting some real rest tonight but I’m trying. I wouldn’t mind going home as soon as possible.” Not that she felt she’d manage her pain much better at home; she’d probably be even worse straits. But it was still home, and after being away from it for so long, she was eager to return.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

justonefish
2010-07-02 10:10 pm UTC (link)

The joke about her mother made her laugh gently. "Luckily, we have a few other things to do than butt into patients' personal lives." She winked, opening up Helena's file and pulling out a pen. Glancing at the monitors, she began to jot down her heart rate and temperature, along with her breathing rate and oxygen saturation. It was fairly routine work, and she looked up as Helena spoke.

"I'm glad to hear they're working!" she chirped with a smile. However, she sobered as Helena mentioned the pain. Pursing her lips momentarily, she glanced down at the chart. "Well, we'll try to get you home soon," she said, glancing over the list of medications she was on. "I'll talk to Dr. Torres about maybe upping your morphine. You need to get a full night's sleep."

She paused, briefly recalling seeing Helena as she came in the first night. She was with what seemed to be the worst patient currently in that hospital. "Your..." She paused, unsure of what he was to her. "Friend? That was with you when you came in? Will he be able to help you when you go home? I didn't see him, as a patient, so I'm not sure if he was badly injured, too. But you're going to need some help at first, especially making sure you can keep up with your medications. Sometimes after injuries like this, you come in and out of sleep, and it's important to make sure that you maintain your regiment."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

old_fashioned
2010-07-02 11:09 pm UTC (link)

She tried not to look too eager at the mention of more morphine, but she was glad it was still an option. She had been wary about asking for more, as she didn’t want to give them the wrong impression, and she was worried they’d say she was already at her limit. This development put her instantly at ease. “A full night of sleep sounds heavenly.”

At the mention of Vlad, Helena turned a few shades of red, for several reasons. She tried to calm him as best as she could, but he had always been protective over her, and she suspected he didn’t like being at the mercy of doctors and nurses in general. It was part of the reason – perhaps the main reason – that she insisted he go home. Then there was the matter of their relationship. “He’s my boyfriend,” she offered up softly, and then wondered if Gina had seen Peter, or knew that the hospital had called her husband yesterday. So much awkwardness in such a small window of time! Thankfully they were moving on to more important things and she tried to focus on them and left her romantic entanglements by the wayside.

There was a soft knitting of her brows before she sighed. “He’d trip over himself to help me but to be quite honest I’d prefer if he didn’t. He has enough injuries of his own.” And of course, Helena would be fretting over him like a mother hen anyways but Gina didn't need to know that. “I’m pretty sure he should have stayed overnight again but he really wanted to go home.” A beat. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if anyone was glad that he insisted.” There was her knowing smile again, for she wasn't oblivious to Vlad not being on his best behavior during their stay. “I think I can manage to keep up with all my medicine just fine.” She sounded sure, perhaps a bit overly so, and she tempered it by adding, “But if I need some assistance I could always get someone to check on me. I have a few friends back at Bellum—the building I live in, I mean.” Granted, Ella was still doing her own recovery, but she just saw Lily on the forum; perhaps she could ask her for help. And there was always Peter. She could count on him if she absolutely had to ask for help.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

justonefish
2010-07-02 11:31 pm UTC (link)

Jotting a note down on Helena's chart, Gina resolved to speak with Dr. Torres - the doctor handling Helena - about upping her morphine dose for the night. The girl needed to sleep through it, or else her body would be ill equipped to stave off infection. "Okay, then, I'll make sure to get you something." She couldn't guarantee a morphine increase, but she was determined to make sure that Helena got something.

Honestly, from what she had seen of Helena's boyfriend, Gina wasn't surprised by the fact that he fought to leave. And really, she was a bit relieved. Problem patients were everywhere, and she hated handling the overprotective boyfriend that believed he knew better than the doctors and nurses for the sheer reason that he had feelings for their patient. Love was great, but it didn't make you a medical expert.

She listened intently as Helena spoke, and was prepared to talk to her about the importance of asking for help if necessary because her health was important. However, the mention of her building's name - Bellum - caused Gina to pause, eyes widening. "Woah," she said, holding up a hand. "Bellum? You live in..." She opened up Helena's chart to her personal information, finding her address. Her jaw dropped. "I'm sorry, this is so weird." She folded the chart to her chest, giving her a light smile. "I just moved there. Like two days ago."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

old_fashioned
2010-07-02 11:58 pm UTC (link)

“Oh!” Her response was immediate, the surprise obvious, although there was something in her expression, something troubled, as if Gina being Bellum’s newest resident wasn’t the best news in the world. Still, Helena quickly schooled her expression back into something a bit warmer, not wanting to alarm her. How could she explain the madness that was Bellum to someone who hadn't experienced it? “Two days ago? Then you missed…” Her hand rose, as if to motion to the rest of her body, to point out the bandages and the burns, but she curled her fingers when she caught herself. Clearly Gina missed the time traveling madness and that, at least, relaxed her.

She was torn for a moment, wanting to warn the girl. She wanted to insist that it was in her best interest never to unpack her boxes and return from wherever she came. But she knew it wasn’t much use. She’d never believe her or the wild claims she might make. And if she did come to Bellum, Helena knew that on some strange and bizarre level, Gina belonged there. It meant she was like the rest of them. She had a fictional self, just like they all did. Now just to figure out who. “Have you been there yet? Met any of the residents? Besides myself, of course.” And probably half of the hospital’s emergency intake the night prior, no doubt.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

justonefish
2010-07-03 12:17 am UTC (link)

Helena's hesitation was obvious, and it made Gina frown. Lucas had mentioned Paris to her, that he had met other residents of the building that seemed to think they were "stories." He certainly wasn't buying it, and Gina herself was skeptical. But the carnage from that building wasn't fake. Something had happened, that much was obvious - but what exactly? "Yeah, my plane landed about an hour after...most of you came here."

At her questions, she chuckled, though the sound wasn't exactly amused. "Well right after my plane landed, I got a call from the head nurse saying they were understaffed for this influx of trauma patients. So I think I've been here more than I've been at the building ever since getting here." She shook her head. "My husband, actually, got here before me. Lucas Renaud?" Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she smiled sadly. "Unfortunately, I've met a lot of other residents here." She sighed. "But." She perked up slightly. "On the bright side, you can always contact me if you need any help after you go home. And your boyfriend too, if you can get him to behave." Her tone was light-hearted and teasing, the tone of a woman that knew how men could be.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

old_fashioned
2010-07-03 03:11 am UTC (link)

"And they put you to work so quickly?" She let out a soft and incredulous laugh. She supposed it would be understandable. There were quite a few of them in Russia who needed hospitals. She could only assume the rest of the building had fared little better.

She smiled softly at the other woman's laugh, knowing all too well the sound. She nodded, although she didn't quite know her husband, she recognized the name in that he lived on the deluxe floor. Not many did. But Gina's attitude was infectious and Helena found her mood lifting a bit as well. "If I can get him to behave," she laughed softly. If anyone could, it would be her, but it wouldn't be the easiest of tasks.

Still, thoughts of Gina's presence at Bellum continued to swirl in her mind and she couldn't help but dwell on it further. "It's good that you're moving," she tried to reassure her. "The building has it's... eccentricities, yes. But some of the people there, I can't imagine life without them." Her smile turned a little fond as she thought of Vlad and Ella, both of whom she'd never have become so close to without the aid of Bellum and all it's strangeness.

"And I have to admit it's always great to have medical professionals in the building. We tend to..." She glanced nervously at the door for a moment, wondering if anyone was going to walk in. There was very little reason to mince words with her, especially considering Helena's current condition, but she still tried. Having to admit aloud that the Bellum was prone to violence - from the residents and the building itself - and life-threatening scenarios was more than a little difficult. "Things can get a bit hectic. It's good to have neighbors who... can handle... stressful situations."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

justonefish
2010-07-03 10:07 pm UTC (link)

Though her quick start had been hectic, Gina wasn't really surprised by it. Hospitals did things like that all the time. Patient care was just as much of an art as it was a science, and one could never predict the next disaster. "It happens," she said with a shrug. "It's just part of the job."

Oh, men and their manliness. Gina shook her head as Helena mentioned possibly getting her forceful boyfriend to behave. "Well," she said, smirking lightly. "I've found that when you really want to get a point across? A pair of lacy undies never hurts." She laughed, shaking her head and setting the chart aside.

Honestly, Gina wasn't sure what to make of the building yet. After seeing all the residents she had already and Lucas' explanation of France, she was starting to sorely regret moving there. However, Helena's reassurance made her smile. "Yeah?" she asked, relaxing slightly. "Well, that's something." She nodded. "I feel so bad - I've only met other people here!" Chuckling, she shook her head. "Gosh, everybody will just associate me with horrible pain."

The mention of "hectic things" put her on edge. What exactly did that mean? However, she wasn't going to press it. Not yet, anyway. Instead, she just nodded. "Well, I'm in D2 if you ever need me," she said with a warm smile. "And I mean it. Don't ever hesitate to ask for anything if you need it."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

old_fashioned
2010-07-04 01:20 am UTC (link)

Helena chuckled softly at Gina's sound advice. "I'll have to save it for a time when I'll look good in something skimpy once more." She had only glanced down at her legs when they changed out her bandages but the little bit that she'd seen, it wasn't quite pretty. So much for plans for the beach anytime soon.

She tried to wave off the woman's initial worries, succeeding only in a weak gesture offhand gesture with her hand. "We're also a incredibly forgiving sort. And besides, you're not the reason we're all here. You're helping, and who can forget that?"

Helena couldn't begin to tell Gina how incredibly at ease she felt. Even if the woman had no clue what she was walking into, or what she was offering - anything truly did mean anything at Bellum - she was glad to hear it. She knew if the emergency arose, she could ask anyone in the building for help and she liked to think they would aid her. But it was nice to actually know someone to call. "The same goes for you. Anything at all, even if it looks like I won't be much help." She gave a half shrug and a laugh; she hoped Gina didn't need any heavy lifting anytime soon. "Questions or clarifications, I can't really explain it here but... It might be a little much to absorb right now. It'll be easier to understand once you spend some time there." That wasn't much of an answer to any of the questions Helena knew were swimming around Gina's head, but eventually it would all make sense. Or at least, Gina would one day really know what Helena meant.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

justonefish
2010-07-05 12:01 am UTC (link)

It was almost sad how matter-of-factly Helena agreed to needing to wait for her burns to heal. It seemed like the best people got the worst injuries, though Gina knew that was just a bit of subjective whining. Still, it was sad to see such a nice girl in such a bad situation. "Well Dr. Torres is great, so. You'll be rocking the skimpy panties before you know it."

She supposed they must have been forgiving to stay in such a building if what Helena had hinted at was true. "This is true. And you're welcome to tell your friends about me. Really, I'm always happy to help if I can."

"Oh don't say that," she replied as Helena said she wouldn't be much help. "If I ever need something explained, I'll definitely come to you." She smiled. From what patchy things she had heard and seen, something was up with Bellum Letale. However, she wasn't sure what that was, and she wasn't one to leap into strange theories. "When things settle down, we can talk about it. In the meantime, we'll be focusing on getting you better."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

old_fashioned
2010-07-06 07:18 am UTC (link)

She appreciated the efforts Gina made to reassure her, and as she promised her that her scantily clad days were still on the horizon, Helena let her fingers do a small and happy wave. "I'll be looking forward to it then. So will the boyfriend."

She was glad that Gina was taking everything in stride, even if Helena couldn't yet tell if the woman believed anything she was hinting a right now. Then again she could easily assume she was feeling the lingering effects of her medication and simply talking nonsense. But she appreciated the politeness at the very least. They never had enough nice people at Bellum, in her opinion. So when Gina said they'd talk about it all at a less hectic time, Helena only nodded. "All better first, questions and answers later."

Helena gave her a soft smile before adding, "And over dinner, I insist. For you and your husband as well." After being married for so long, it was hard to break out of certain habits, and inviting other couples over for dinner was no exception. She and Vlad were about as serious as they could be, monthly transformations where their other selves hated each other aside. They could have a little dinner party with the new couple in the building. "Outside of the hospital Vlad is immensely more charming. I can vouch for that. So even if you don't wish to discuss the oddities, and I wouldn't blame you at all, allow me to at least make up for..." She hesitated to say Vlad's demands and behavior and instead left at, "for you not being able to catch a break the minute you came to New York."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

justonefish
2010-07-06 11:06 am UTC (link)

As Helena agreed that getting her well would have to come before questions of Bellum's strangeness, Gina smiled. Though she truly cared about all the people she worked with, she was soon finding that most residents of Bellum Letale made terrible patients. Helena's boyfriend was just one example, and even the loved ones of said patients were often very difficult to handle. Gina understood the desire to stay with the person you love at all times when they were sick. Though her father's hospitalization had been his own fault, she found herself spending most of her days after school sitting outside his room, just staying there because she didn't know what else to do. But it wasn't healthy to deprive yourself for the sake of standing in a room at all hours. It was nice to see that Helena was willing to be reasonable and take her health into consideration before whatever magic nonsense everybody else was so concerned with.

The invitation to dinner was met with a warm smile. "That sounds great," she said. "Lucas and I would be happy to do that." It was nice to see hospitality in this strange place. Her explanation made Gina laugh lightly. "Aww, that's too sweet. Yes, thank you. I look forward to meeting Vlad in a more comfortable setting." She tapped her pen lightly against Helena's chart as she jotted down another quick note. "Lucas and I are in D2. And remember you can always contact me if you ever need anything after your discharge."

After a moment of glancing over the chart fully, she glanced over at Helena and smiled. "Which will probably be fairly soon. Your vitals are strong, and you seem to be doing very well given your injuries. I'll go find Dr. Torres to arrange getting you something to help you sleep through the night, and you very well might be looking at discharge sometime tomorrow." Closing the file, she grinned. "Do you have any questions for me?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

old_fashioned
2010-07-06 05:13 pm UTC (link)

Helena shook her head lightly. “None that I can think of. If I can get something to help me tonight I’ll be a happy camper. And if not, well, I can live off the prospect of going home tomorrow.” She flashed Gina a wistful smile, knowing she wouldn’t take any offense to her eagerness to leave. She wasn’t one to be so fussy in a hospital, and despite all that was going on she knew it could truly be worse. But it would be nice to be back at home. “Thanks for all your help.”

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

justonefish
2010-07-06 05:17 pm UTC (link)

She laughed gently at Helena's hopes for going home. "Well, I'm rooting for you," she said, slipping the pen back into her pocket. "It's my pleasure. Have a good night, and I'll see you before too long." With a light wave, she exited the room, keeping the chart with her as she sought out Dr. Torres. It was always nice to find a good patient, especially one that realized that their health was important.

Upon finding the doctor, she showed him Helena's chart and suggested that he give the woman something stronger for the night. He agreed, and upped Helena's morphine so that she would have a much better chance at sleeping through the night with as little pain as possible.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

(Read comments) -