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Post by Geoffrey Montgomery on Aug 4, 2009 23:11:34 GMT -5
Ten days had passed since Geoffrey had been attacked in the Ministry, and finally Dr. Kelly had agreed that he was ready to go home. Seeing Riley had helped, although he was still having the dreams and the blurring of reality. He was constantly asking Christine or whomever else would listen whether Riley was really OK, or Roland was really alive. But after promising Dr. Kelly that he would continue to have sessions with a counselor, he was finally released. His parents and Christine showed up at the hospital to take him home.
"I can't say I'm sorry to be leaving this place," he said of the dimly-lit, windowless room.
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Christine Montgomery
 
Seventh Year[M:10]
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
Posts: 925
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Post by Christine Montgomery on Aug 5, 2009 8:06:26 GMT -5
Christine had become like a mother bear with a cub, and at the same time she felt like the cub herself. They leaned on one another now, more than ever before. Christine had faithfully snuck into the hospital every night and now that they were taking him home she was of course by his side.
He'd ask about Riley, and about Roland, and anything else and she would find the answers to give him, staying by his side nearly 24/7 taking a brief respite when the hospital staff informed her she had to leave, then she'd wait an hour or so before getting back to him.
It was as if he had become her lifeline, the only thing she cared about was holding on to this one part of herself, something that didn't feel tainted or helpless, but rather made her feel strong. Of course there were other things in her life, people who wanted to be there for her, and hobbies or whatever that she could have latched on to, but considering how frayed her nerves were, her relationship with her brother was the only thing she could manage to focus on, even that took all her energy. Not that she wasn't grateful for it, she needed that connection, something that tied her back to her humanity and the girl she used to be.
Except today, today she was estatic and it showed on her face and in her actions. Since the attack it had become unusual for her to meet eyes, or even talk with other people but today she was doing so, both with her parents and others, and it was all because Geoff was coming home.
"Oh just wait..." she teased him, "You thought the hospital was bad, just imagine what kind of confinement you'll find back home when mom gets her hands on you."
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Post by Geoffrey Montgomery on Aug 5, 2009 23:36:44 GMT -5
If he had been her lifeline, she had certainly been his. When the lines of dream and reality began to blur, she was there to cling to, to ground him and pull him back from the edge of sanity. When she was with him, he was actually able to be calm enough to slip into a light sleep. He still had the dreams, but it helped having her there when he woke.
But, Merlin, he was still so tired. It showed in his eyes, which were bloodshot and sunken into his face. His usually bright skin had taken on a grayish tone, and the usual smile was absent from his face.
But seeing Christine happy did help. His eyes looked brighter than they had for a while, at least. "I can only imagine," he said, squeezing her hand. "But at least the food will be better."
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Christine Montgomery
Seventh Year[M:10]
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
Posts: 925
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Post by Christine Montgomery on Aug 6, 2009 5:24:41 GMT -5
"I'll do what I can to see that it will be." she nodded vowing in her own way once again that she'd take care of him. She gave him a carefree smile, one that was less fake than the ones she barely managed for others.
"At least I don't have to sneak in anymore, I thought for sure I'd get caught at least once." she chuckled.
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Post by Geoffrey Montgomery on Aug 6, 2009 21:34:35 GMT -5
Geoffrey didn't want to say anything to Christine, but he had a feeling that Dr. Kelly, at least, had suspected that she was sneaking in at night. Given the reason he was in there in the first place, she probably shouldn't have been allowed to sneak in, but it was obvious that her visits helped him more than anything the good doctor could have done.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, Chrissy," he said, managing a weak smile and reaching up to rumple her hair. "I'm just glad I don't have to find out."
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Christine Montgomery
Seventh Year[M:10]
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
Posts: 925
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Post by Christine Montgomery on Aug 7, 2009 0:00:52 GMT -5
She grinned brightly at him, then straightened her hair. Sighing she continued to take the small things down, pictures she had brought him, and other nic nacks from home that she had brought to make it easier to bear. She handled the small items like precious treasures while she packed them.
Silently she vowed that he wouldn't ever have to know what it was like without her, and she hoped deeply that she would never have to figure out what life was like without him.
"Of course not."
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Post by Geoffrey Montgomery on Aug 13, 2009 17:37:17 GMT -5
Even in her depressed state, Christine still had a powerful zest for life that was impossible to deny. It was one of the most notable personality traits that the two of them had always had in common, although Geoffrey had always been the type to stay close to home, while Christine loved the adventure of sailing the world. But now, he was relying on Christine to remind him of the beauty of life. For him, life seemed painful and scary and confusing.
Sighing, he sat down on the edge of the bed and looked toward the door. His parents were supposed to come in with the doctor to sign his release papers. He just wanted to get out of here and go home; maybe things would make more sense there. At least he'd be safe.
"Riley's really OK, right?" he asked for the thousandth time. He had to keep checking.
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Post by Riley Neves on Aug 13, 2009 19:27:21 GMT -5
As if on cue, Geoffrey's door opened, and Riley stood framed in the doorway. She had more color to her cheeks, she was smiling when she saw him. Just maybe, he might have his best friend back.
"I saw your dad down the hall," she said, nodding to Christine too. "He looks buried in paperwork... I thought I might have time to sneak in and congratulate you on getting out of here." She was honestly thrilled that he was able to leave, and she hoped that he would look at her and know she was okay. Whether or not she heard him ask Christine that very question was unknown.
"You look good, Geoff."
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Post by Geoffrey Montgomery on Aug 13, 2009 21:02:15 GMT -5
His eyes seemed to light up at the sight of her, and he got to his feet, throwing his arms around her. He needed to feel her in his arms, to prove to himself that she was real. "Riley, you're here!" he said, smiling.
Anyone who knew him well--namely, the two women in the room with him--would notice that though his smile was bright, there was still something missing from it. It wasn't quite the innocent, care free smile he had always been known for. There was a sadness to his smile now, an awareness. It was entirely possible that he'd never smile quite the same way ever again.
"I'm feeling better," he said non-committally. "You're not still being kept here, are you? I thought you'd gone home."
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Post by Riley Neves on Aug 14, 2009 1:00:20 GMT -5
Riley noticed it. She would never forgive herself for being the one who did that to him. But they would work through it together. She was determined to be there for him now.
"No, they let me out a couple days ago," she assured him, hugging him tightly. He did look better, and she was glad he was going home.
"Actually, the last time I came in, I made Dr. Kelly promise to owl me when they released you. I'm sure your family wants the time with you, so I won't stay long. But I wanted to be here."
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Christine Montgomery
Seventh Year[M:10]
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
Posts: 925
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Post by Christine Montgomery on Aug 14, 2009 4:30:40 GMT -5
Christine turned toward the voice behind her and gave a small nod to the girl. She had been hurt enough already just like the rest of them, and Christine supposed that united them in some ways. She was happy though that Riley was alive, glad that the girl could ease Geoffrey's guilt in person, and that she didn't hold any grudges at least. As for Christine however, she found it quite difficult to think outside of her brother's happiness and her own. While she certainly didn't wish anyone ill will it was hard to wish for good things for everyone as a younger Christine had.
She stayed quiet letting the two talk and sort things out.
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Post by Geoffrey Montgomery on Aug 15, 2009 10:56:45 GMT -5
Geoffrey was glad that she had been released, even if, in the back of his mind he was unable to squelch the thought that she gone home with Roland. He was truly glad that she was happy, but Merlin, it still sort of hurt to think of her settling down in domestic bliss with Roland. He couldn't even quite identify the reason why.
Almost unconsciously, he glanced toward Christine, silently asking her to confirm that Riley was, indeed, there in the room with them. Strangely, through all of this, the one constant, the one thing he never doubted was Christine. He knew she was really there; he had never questioned that.
"I'm glad you're here," he said to Riley. "How have you been?"
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Post by Riley Neves on Aug 15, 2009 11:56:51 GMT -5
Riley caught the look he gave Christine, and she sighed softly. "Geoffrey," she said softly, drawing his attention back to her. "I'm really glad you're going home."
She pulled him close to her and held him tight, whispering in his ear. "I know what it's like. I'm going through it, too. But I swear I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."
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Christine Montgomery
Seventh Year[M:10]
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
Posts: 925
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Post by Christine Montgomery on Aug 15, 2009 14:58:44 GMT -5
To see that look on her brother's face was heartbreaking, her immediate response was to hold him and she moved to do so when Riley's voice stopped her. She licked her dry lips and gripped the current thing in her hand which turned out to be a picture frame. She just wanted all of the turmoil and confusion to stop, she felt awful inside for her brother and for Riley, and for the whole situation.
He was the only reason she was keeping strong these days, bbecause in a way he needed her, and she needed him to need her. She needed to stay strong because someone was depending on her being sane, it was the best thing for her now. Without him...heaven only knew what ends she might have jumped off of...deep or otherwise.
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Post by Geoffrey Montgomery on Aug 15, 2009 23:37:59 GMT -5
He turned his gaze back to Riley, gripping onto her like a lifeline. If she felt real, if she held him up, that had to mean she was real, right?
He sighed, looking down at her face. He wasn't sure if it helped that she was going through the same thing, or if it made it worse. She didn't know what was real, he didn't know what was real... did anyone know? Were they just all blundering around in a dream world?
Of course, there was one person who Geoffrey was sure never had trouble knowing what was real or what was a dream. Surely Roland never had problems like that. He still had that infuriating way about him that made Geoffrey think he could control the universe with a nod of his head or a quirk of his lip.
But that was probably another thing that was just in his imagination.
"I'm glad to be going home, too," he said, keeping his tone light. "The food in this place sucks."
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Post by Riley Neves on Aug 16, 2009 17:05:35 GMT -5
Riley waited for a moment to let him go. When she did, she laughed. "Yeah, the food here is pretty bad, I'll give you that."
But it was still food, and it was still real. Right now, that made it good to her. "I'm really glad I was able to come see you. When Dr. Kelly told me they were releasing you, I thought I would make it here too late."
She smiled at Christine. "Thanks for making sure the doctors were taking care of him all right. How are you?"
She was trying to be as happy and as upbeat as possible. It was great news that Geoff got to go home, and she was genuinely glad for it. She just hoped he'd be okay.
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Christine Montgomery
Seventh Year[M:10]
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
Posts: 925
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Post by Christine Montgomery on Aug 20, 2009 21:27:49 GMT -5
She hadn't really talked to many people outside of family, and even then not much, but since she had been visiting Geoff, a lot of that had changed and she was getting a little more vocal. She answered Riley's question with a nod and then quietly, "I think we've all been better...but we're all alive." she offered with a small encouraging smile.
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Post by Geoffrey Montgomery on Sept 2, 2009 17:46:35 GMT -5
It shouldn't have been so important to see Christine and Riley interacting. But it was. If Christine was speaking to Riley, that meant she was really there and not just a dream or a figment of his imagination. He managed a weak smile.
"I'm hoping I'll be able to sleep better once I'm in my own bed. These aren't exactly the most comfortable beds in the world, either."
He was just making small talk. But what else could he do? He felt like there were too many things he couldn't tell her. And he didn't want to ask about Roland.
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Christine Montgomery
Seventh Year[M:10]
In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
Posts: 925
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Post by Christine Montgomery on Sept 2, 2009 18:42:47 GMT -5
"Tell me about it." she said stretching a little to ease the discomfort. As it turned out the only time she could sleep these nights was when she snuck in the hospital and fell asleep with her brother, and if one in the bed wasn't comfortable two was a nightmare, but it was the only way she felt protected, and felt as if she could protect.
Knowing she had said something she shouldn't she gave her brother a small covert smile then went back to packing.
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Post by Geoffrey Montgomery on Sept 15, 2009 23:54:30 GMT -5
Geoffrey gave a joyless laugh. He was tired, and yet there was still that little part of him that felt like he needed to play the host. It was the Montgomery in him; the family had pretty much ingrained in him the proper way to treat a guest.
If only he knew what to say. He sighed and looked at Riley. Even if he didn't want to ask about Roland, there were other things he could talk to her about, right? "So, how's the baby? Are you still having trouble eating?"
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