Someone to Fall Back On

[Benjamin Rhodes]

It had been a particularly tiring day for Ben. His most difficult patients had been crammed into one day. One was having too big an issue with her stepfather trying too hard to be a part of her life and another was a boy who had some major suicidal tendencies because he had been abused by his mother before she divorced his father. He was a sad case but Ben had at least gotten through him the past six sessions. The first three were just of him scowling and then there was screaming but this recent session had the boy actually look at Ben. Granted, it was a "Seriously?" look after Ben tried to crack a joke. It was something at least.

He now had two more patients before he was done for the day.

Casey waddled into the office, clutching her back with a wince. "If this baby doesn't come out tomorrow, I'm going to push him out myself." She passed along a file to Ben who looked it over and grinned at Casey. "He's probably thinking the same thing. You should be home you know. I can get an intern to cover you."

"Shut up, Benjamin. I can handle myself. It's only a couple hours." Casey wiped her forehead and waddled back out of the room, announcing his three o clock had arrived over his shoulder. Ben beamed and sat up straighter. Estelle was decidedly his most favourite patient. She had been seeing him a couple sessions but she'd been such a sweet girl, despite having such a horrible family. If it was possible, Ben would snap her up under adoption papers so fast it would cause a blur.

As it were, he had no say especially since she was under the care of Hammel and he didn't know Hammel's jurisdiction and didn't want to discuss it with anyone he knew. Certainly not Cobalt nor Josh. They didn't like Hammel as it was.

When Estelle came in, Ben stood up and directed her to the couch. "Hey Estelle." He greeted her warmly, but like he was wont to do, he checked her face and saw that yes, her smile did not reach her eyes and her eyes were a darker shade than normal. It was her default mask which Ben had been trying to change for the past sessions.

"Hey," he repeated in a more sombre tone but keeping a smile on his face.

[Estelle Flores]

Estelle trudged through the slushy, muddy snow up to Mr. Rhodes’ office, staring at the ground. She’d been here a couple times before, and found that she genuinely liked the older man. He was very kind and very caring. He’d been recommended to her after she’d talked to Mrs. Barnes. The teacher had suggested that she see Dr. Neville, actually, but Estelle didn’t want to trouble anyone at the school. She really didn’t want to trouble anyone at all, but things were getting a little out of hand.

She’d emailed her brother, as Mrs. Barnes had suggested, the day after his birthday. Three days later, she’d received a message back from her mother saying that he wasn’t all that interested in corresponding right now because it would upset him and really, Estelle, couldn’t you just leave well enough alone? She’d skipped classes that day for the first time in her life and cried for the rest of the day. After that, her teacher advised she see someone about this. Estelle hadn’t really wanted to; it seemed to be a waste of a lot of people’s time, but she figured it couldn’t hurt. That, and she wanted to be better for when her mom and brother remembered that they loved her and wanted her to come home. So she still sent emails to her brother.

And today, he’d finally sent one back.

It had been short and to the point: Estelle. Quit sending me emails, it’s getting me in trouble with Mom. Focus on fixing yourself, and then we can talk. Eric.

Estelle didn’t know what else to do. She considered canceling on Mr. Rhodes and sitting in her room, but that would be rude to him and a waste of time. She thought about talking to Ruth, but her friend had suddenly gotten so much happier these past few days, and Estelle didn’t want to mess it up. She couldn’t talk to Edie, or even Robbie because they didn’t know about her family life, and she didn’t want them to feel uncomfortable.

And so, stuck and needing someone to talk to, she’d decided to go ahead and keep meeting Mr. Rhodes. He was nice and seemed to really want to help. And that always made Estelle feel a little better. After all, she couldn’t keep bothering her teachers about this. She pushed open the door, she made sure to keep her smile in place as she politely greeted his very pregnant assistant. When Casey let her in, she gave Mr. Rhodes a smile. She could tell he wasn’t fooled by her attempt to be cheerful, but she pressed on anyway.

“Hi, Mr. Rhodes, how are you today?” She asked politely, sitting down in her usual spot, “How’s Casey feeling? She looks almost ready.” She cast a smile towards the door where Casey had disappeared to. “That’s gonna be really exciting. I love babies.”

[Benjamin Rhodes]

As was usual with Estelle, her politeness shone through and she kept it up even though she knew Ben could see past it. But he obliged and humored her if only to get her to feel more in her comfort zone. Ben knew a lot of his patients who had the same disposition as Estelle. Cheerful, upbeat, polite...all they usually need is someone to be present and to strike up a conversation. Of course, Ben had to do more than that since it was in his job description but he usually let them tell him things instead of him getting it out of them.

"I'm excellent, thank you for asking. Oh Casey's apparently doing fine. She refuses to go home and rest." Ben chided affectionately as he looked in the general direction of the door. He then smiled at Estelle's clear adoration of younglings. "What's not to love?" He lifted his shoulders in an easy shrug before going to his chair.

He had many different ways to approach the subject that was bothering his patients. With Estelle, Ben didn't see her as a patient. In some ways, that may be misconstrued as an ethical boundary that shouldn't be crossed but as such, Ben tried to keep it professional between him and Estelle. It was just hard for him to see her any more than maybe a little sister. Or even a daughter.

"Would you like to tell me about your day?" It was simple and straight to the point.

[Estelle Flores]

Estelle bit her lower lip, trying to put everything into words. English and literature lover though she was, when talking about why she was upset, the words caught in her throat. She just didn’t want to offend anyone. Or talk badly about her family. They were just going through a rough patch, was all. It didn’t mean she had to go and say bad things about them; especially when they weren’t even here. It was hardly fair. “Um.” Her voice was wavering already. “Well. Um. I got my grades back today in-in math and history. I’ve pulled myself back up to an A in math, even though it’s kinda hard. And Edie and mine’s project in history went over really well with the teacher.” She smiled at the thought of the other girl, “She’s nice. She’s made friends with my friend Ruthie. Have I ever told you about Ruth? She’s one of my best friends. We’ve known each other a while. She was there for me when I got my powers.” Her smile faltered then. That day had been a disaster. “I-I stayed on her couch the night before I left for Hammel. It wasn’t… too long after when she got there too.” Her shoulders slumped for a moment before she straightened up, “Um, she’s a speedster, it’s really cool.” She sighed, putting her head in her hands, “I’m sorry, Mr. Rhodes. I’m totally wasting your time today. Um. Cutting to the chase. Uh. You know how I’ve been sending my brother emails like Mrs. Barnes told me to?” She stared down at her knees, “Well, I got one back. He says he won’t talk to me until I get fixed.”

Estelle fiddled with a string on her jacket, forcing a sad smile. “I don’t know how to tell him that going to Hammel isn’t going to take away my powers.” She looked up at the psychologist, words starting to tumble out of her mouth, “And-and it’s terrible and I’m awful for thinking it, but the first thing I wanted to do when I got that message was punch something. I was… so mad. And-and the worst part is that it’s not even something they can help feeling! They’re…” Estelle wilted, her sad smile twisting painfully, “They’re scared of me. Of my power. And-and that made me angry. Because it’s not like I chose this. It’s-it’s a biological anomaly having to do with a miscoding of genomes. And DNA.” She ducked her head sheepishly, “I like to read a lot. But…” Estelle sighed, looking helplessly up at the older man, “Don’t people know how much it hurts to have people scared of you when it’s something you can’t help?”

She shrugged then, an uncharacteristically sullen move for her, “Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t change the fact that they don’t care. Same story as ever, I guess.” As soon as the words left her mouth, Estelle’s eyes grew wide and she clapped a hand over her mouth. “I didn’t mean that!” She explained hastily, “It’s not true. My-my mom cares about me! She does, I know it! She just doesn’t…understand yet. And it shouldn’t make me angry, it’s not her fault.” She groaned, rubbing her eyes with her hands, “I don’t know what to do, but it’s messing with my grades and I don’t want to keep feeling like this. I need to be fixed.” She sighed and gave him a wry smile, “I guess I’ve just rained on your afternoon, huh, Mr. Rhodes?”

[Benjamin Rhodes]

Denial.

The word was ugly, the meaning even so. Used in any context it was negative and Ben was unfortunately wary of this. And from everything he heard from Estelle, it was clear that her blind loyalty towards family was clouding her judgment. Of course, he didn't blame her. He knew exactly how she felt. Of course, having your family be uncomfortable about your sexual orientation was way different than having them fear you for being a meta.

He dissected Estelle's words from how she talked about her friend Ruth and to her brother's reply to her email and then her 'slip up', which he thought was quite unnecessary. Ben blushed something furious when Estelle unknowingly summed up what Cobalt must have felt when Ben reacted quite negatively to his relatively harmless power. Ben needed to get over himself and make sure he didn't pass out at the shadows anymore.

At least he did a good job the last time him and Cobalt got together. And Josh wasn't even there as a buffer so...it was good.

Back to Estelle.

"Estelle," Ben started, adjusting himself in his seat. Her subtle self-reproach was met with a dismissive shake of his head. "Don't think that way. I'm here for you and nothing else." He reassured her in his most gentle tone. She didn't need to think of herself as a downer despite having a seemingly horrid day.

"What you're feeling, this anger...you shouldn't feel that it's unwarranted. Everyone is entitled to their own feelings and no one should have the ability to dictate them." Ben paused a second for it to sink in. "And I'm quite sure they do care." He was sure, in their own sordid way, this whole wanting her to not have powers, it was their way of caring. Of wanting her to be normal perhaps. But he wasn't on their side. His job dictated him to always hear what his patients have to say.

"Nobody needs fixing." Ben spoke with much earnesty. "Us humans, all we need is someone there to listen. You have me. That's not going to change."

He leaned forward, clasping his hands together. "Is there something in particular that you do to make yourself feel happy? However temporary the happiness is...is there?"

[Estelle Flores]

Mr. Rhodes was blushing. Really red. And for a terrible moment, Estelle thought she had said something wrong, or inappropriate, but the psychiatrist started talking like nothing was wrong, so Estelle let it go. She listened to what the older man had to say, giving him a weak smile at his reassurances: “Thank you, Mr. Rhodes. It’s very nice of you to be so patient. I’m sure you get this a lot.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her hair and grinned sheepishly, “This is really just a whole lot of teen angst. I’m sure it’s not as big a deal as I seem to think it is, huh?” Everyone had family troubles, right? Right.

She sighed, tugging at the sleeve of her jacket helplessly. “I mean… I understand that, y’know, cognitively, that it’s only natural to get angry sometimes and to…y’know, feel one way or another but.” Her shoulders slumped, “I don’t like being so mean. I mean, sometimes—sometimes, I just want to kick and scream and say all kinds of terrible, awful things, but I know that’s not the right way to go about this. It’s unfair, and it would be really selfish of me. I mean, dude, I have good friends, a safe place to be, a good education… I’m lucky. It embarrasses me that I feel this way when there are people who are way less fortunate than I am.” She frowned slightly, a little crease between her eyebrows. She didn’t make scowling a regular occurrence; she never wanted to seem petulant. But she was getting upset now, little tendrils of anger coiling in her stomach. She pushed them down, a little alarmed. “And maybe they have a right to be scared of me,” She mumbled, staring down at her hands. “My power is scary.”

Estelle looked at him, forcing a wry smile, “That’s what Mrs. Barnes said. She said I was gifted. That I was—was not something to be missed out on.” She sighed, “It was really nice of her to say, but if that’s true, well then, why am I here? Why am I having these problems?” She shrugged, “I mean, look at the evidence: I was perfectly happy ‘til I got these powers and now I’m sitting at a child psychologist’s office because I’m troubled.” She caught herself again, and hastened to explain, “Not that I’m not grateful to you! I really appreciate the time you’ve given up to listen to my problems, you’re a really awesome person. It’s just… there has to be a cause, y’know? And I think I’m it.”

“Oh. Uh.” Estelle was taken aback by the question about what she liked to do. “Well, I like to read. I’m doing really well in Literature. I read a lot. Um. I like to hang out with Edie and Robbie and Ruth. I just… Edie and Robbie don’t know about my parents, because I don’t wanna make them feel awkward. Ruthie knows, it’s just that she’s been so suddenly happy lately, that I don’t want to spoil that for her. I mean, she’s making friends.” Estelle smiled proudly at the thought of her friend, “I don’t know who she talked to, or what happened, but she’s doing so well, I don’t wanna mess that up with the same problem I’ve had for two years now.” She sighed, frustrated, “Something’s gotta give. I need to figure out how to fix this, or-or get over it.”

“I’m still practicing my gymnastics, too.” Estelle added helpfully, “I’m really good at that.” No false modesty there; gymnastics was the one thing Estelle loved more than any other activity in the world, and she wasn’t ashamed to show it.

[Benjamin Rhodes]

"Estelle, I've told you this before." He reminded her gently. "You really shouldn't worry about how I am getting through with this. This time is about you. Let's work on the fact that that's not going to change alright? This is one hour that no one can take from you. It's where all you gotta do is rest assured nothing you say or do will affect the rest of your day. And the rest of your life." It was a practiced line, sure. He had been telling his patients the same thing for the past fifteen years of practice but not once had he not meant it. And surely, this time. This time was exceptionally true.

He knew he was being too emotionally invested in this young girl but she reminded him of himself when he was younger. Feeling something he couldn't quite help or shake off and hoping against all odds his family would accept him because without family, he had nothing else to fall back on.

As she tried to justify her life, her family, Ben was sad that a girl so young could be burdened by such a big responsibility and for a second, he wished he could grab her and just give her a hug and not let go until she felt safe and protected and secure in her own skin. That would be unprofessional to say the least and he might even get sued for malpractice so he got that out of his head right away and listened intently.

Ben bit his tongue when Estelle said she was the cause of her problems. He had lost count how many times those words came out of his patients' mouths. And every time, it made him so terribly guilty. Ashamed of parents or family or adults in the child's life that caused these innocent young ones to say and feel like this. No. It was not their faults. It never is. Meta or no, children are still precious gifts that should be cherished and not feared. And Estelle...no there was absolutely no reason for Estelle to be feared.

He held back a sigh when after seeing a spark in her eyes when she mentioned the things she enjoyed only to revert to the frustration she had felt when she started talking about her family. If only they could see things from his point of view. They wouldn't be so quick on the draw to blame themselves. Estelle had so much potential to have no cares at all. There was just something about her that Ben found could gradually have a fulfilling life but this boulder was just sitting in front of her, unmoving and blocking her way from that life. And that saddened him so much.

"I hate to be a cliche, really." Ben said a beat after Estelle finished. "But those things that make you happy...there's a reason why you're good at them. It's a chance to escape from all the troubles you have. And if ever there was something bothering you, you can choose to either let it consume you, or let those happy moments consume it for you. However fleeting it is, it's yours. I'm not trying to say you should ignore your problems or push it down but in those moments of happiness, that's when you get the most clarity and you shouldn't be ashamed of the feeling you get from it. The self appreciation, the fact that you have something no one can take away from you. Use that to try and remember that as much as your family is causing you pain, you're not causing pain to other people who appreciate you. And that includes yourself."

He leaned back in his chair and smiled at Estelle. "Besides your family, is there anything else in your life you want to talk about?"

[Estelle Flores]

Estelle blushed and ducked her head apologetically, a sheepish smile on her face. “Sorry, Mr. Rhodes. I just… feel bad, I guess. I can think of a lot of people who have worse problems than me. I mean, Ruthie’s parent’s are dead. I can’t even imagine.” She sighed, tugging at the sleeve of her jacket, “But I don’t feel like I can help her properly until I’m all fixed up here.” She grinned wryly and tapped her head, “I mean, it’s starting to really disrupt my day. I almost blew off class yesterday because I figured ‘eh, what good’ll it do anyways’? I mean, that is not okay. I’m just worried that everything I do isn’t for me. But… should it be? I don’t wanna be selfish.” She grinned at the psychologist and threw her hands in the air helplessly, “I can’t think about it for too long or I get confused and it’s just a headache.”

And Estelle really did want to figure this out. She didn’t like feeling like something was wrong with her. When something was wrong, she wanted to fix it. Especially if it would make others happier. Namely, her family. The next time she saw them (she didn’t know when that would be, but still), she wanted to be at her best for them. She wanted to show them that even though she still had powers, she could still be a good daughter.

She listened intently to Mr. Rhodes’ analysis. When he was done, Estelle bit her lip, processing this information. “So—so what should I do? How do I… fix this? Like… these moments of clarity that I get when I’m doing something I love, how can I get it all the time?” She ran a hand through her hair, “I don’t want to feel like this anymore.” She confessed to Ben, giving him a sad crooked smile. “It gets in the way of the things I want to do and it makes me question everything I do.”

She considered his other question thoughtfully. “Um. I talked to Robbie a few days ago. He’s awesome, as usual. And—and… gosh, something really must have happened to Ruth because she’s doing great.” She looked up at Ben, “D’you think I should tell them I’ve been meeting with you? I mean, half of my friends don’t even know I’ve got problems. Should I tell them? Is it more selfish to keep it from them or let them know?”

[Benjamin Rhodes]

Ben decided it was an inherently impossible feat to convince someone like Estelle to act too selfish and think about herself too much because she just isn't that type. Fair enough. It didn't make a difference that he wished she saw nothing wrong with feeling a little selfish every now and then. At least, there was nothing wrong if she felt selfish every now and then because she had every right to be. The girl was selfless to a fault. If she continued with it, it just wouldn't do her any good and she will miss out on things in life.

"Even if you don't feel like you can think those things outside these four walls, it would at least help if you felt it here." Ben gestured to his office. "Because I can't stress enough how important it is you know that your time here is for you." He gave a small smile, hoping Estelle would believe that to be true. Even for a second.

Her concern made Ben sad. She was just way too young to have such a huge burden put on her. "Don't think about fixing it, for one." Ben offered, adjusting himself in his chair. "You are not a problem. If anything, the problem lies in your family's reaction to you having powers. You may not see it right now, but you do have to accept that your powers are not going anywhere and if your family can't deal with it, it's their loss." Ben smoothed down his eyebrows, hoping he wasn't showing too much of a frown, lest the girl think that she was bothering him. No, the girl was not a bother. Her family's inability to see her for who she truly was, that was something that Ben felt was completely unjustified.

"You are an exceptional young woman. Something like this shouldn't deter you from living your life. I know it's easier said than done, but try pushing the thought of your family's lack of understanding of your powers to the back of your mind. You concentrate on controlling your powers, you surround yourself with people who love you, like Robbie and Ruth and that might help you gain more clarity. Try not to spend too much time alone unless it's absolutely necessary."

The mention of Ruth and Robbie made Ben smile. She really loved them he could tell. He just hoped they loved her as much. "Maybe she's also seeing somebody who's helping her sort through stuff?" He offered with a smile. A recurring thought consumed him and he wondered if he was really helping Estelle but he reasoned that they've only had two sessions to work on. He shoved that to the back of his mind.

"I'm sure Robbie and Ruth wouldn't mind if you told them. If they're as good friends as you say they are, they wouldn't have problems hearing about yours."

[Estelle Flores]

Estelle fiddled with the end of her jacket sleeve absently. “Thanks, Mr. Rhodes,” She said quietly, giving him a smile, “It’s nice to have a friend to talk to.” And it was true: Mr. Rhodes had been so nice to her. And yes, it was his job, but he did it very well, and Estelle thought he should know it.

“But then I just have to… wait.” Estelle exclaimed helplessly, “I already had to spend Christmas over here, and not that I don’t like Hammel very much, but it really stinks to not be able to go home.” A flare of anger burst in her chest, and before she could tamp it own, she scowled, “It isn’t fair. There’re people here with way more scary powers and their parents still love them. And I don’t—I don’t care how weird it is, I’d still love them if they were the ones who had powers!” Her voice was starting to raise, and there was no more smiles on her face. Completely forgetting herself in the heat of her words, the teenager stood up, gesticulating angrily “And-and I’m tired of always being the nice one. How come I’m the nice one, but I can’t seem to make a lot friends? People overlook me, they don’t take me seriously, they don’t talk to me. I’m—I’m boring and I’m so sick of it sometimes, I want to punch something!” She waved her hand especially violently and a metal tchotchke from his shelf hit the ground heavily, the object twisted beyond recognition.

There was a moment of silence as Estelle stared at the twisted hunk of metal at her feet, her eyes wide and her hand clapped over her mouth. “Oh…” Her eyes filled with tears, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Rhodes. I shouldn’t have shouted. And said all that stuff and—and destroyed your things.” She sniffled, trying to keep her tears back. She already totally messed up Mr. Rhodes’ office, he didn’t need to deal with her crying.

“Um.” She struggled to pull herself together, gladly accepting the opportunity to talk about Ruth. “No, Ruth doesn’t like psychiatrists. Or psychologists. I… think she said she made a friend in town. A lawyer. Which is pretty cool.”

[Benjamin Rhodes]

At Estelle's brief calm, Ben nodded and smile gently at the young girl. "Anytime you need me, Estelle." And Ben meant that. He knew how much kids at any age need that reassurance in their lives. It was a good thing Ben had the resources and time to spare. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he knew the kids would benefit with his time.

Ben let Estelle go through the changes in her mood and didn't exactly stop her from steaming up. The girl needed time just for herself to let things go. She had way too much bottled up in her and though Ben commended her for being able to put up such a happy facade all these years, it couldn't be too healthy. People needed to express themselves or they would go senile.

The misshapen clunk of metal on the floor was gazed at curiously but Ben wasn't upset. He was sure it wasn't anything important but Estelle's reaction to it being damaged upset Ben. More than he thought possible. Screw, ethics. Ben crossed his desk over to Estelle and pulled her in a sideways hug, rubbing her arms comfortingly. "Don't be sorry, Estelle. Really. That wasn't anything important."

He waited as she composed herself before he let her go before leaning against the edge of his desk. "That's good." Ben nodded and offered Estelle a smile. He didn't make the connection when Estelle mentioned a friend in town and a lawyer until a bit later but when he was about to confirm it with Estelle, an urgent knock came at the door before it swung open, revealing a panick-stricken Casey.

"What?" Ben stood to attention, immediately noting the urgency. "My water just broke boss. Husband's stuck at work. My contractions are coming a little too close for comfort. He had been preparing for this awhile but panic set in a little too early despite not having the need to do so. His eyes set on Estelle before turning back to Casey. "Uh, do you have your bag with you?" Ben reached behind him for his cell phone, car keys and wallet, stuffing them inside his pocket and turned to Estelle. "You don't have anything to do, do you? You should come with us."

Casey nodded at Ben's question before turning to Estelle. "I'm so sorry for cutting your session short, honey but this baby is really wanting to get out right now and Kegels aren't helping."

Ben went to Estelle, helping her off the couch before both of them flanked Casey. "Wait, where's your bag?" Ben asked before grabbing it where Casey had stowed it away. They hurriedly went to Ben's car and he deposited Casey in the back seat, employing Estelle to help her breathe.

He thanked God the nearest hospital was only ten minutes away and Casey was breathing normally and there were no shouts yet. "Ben if you drive like my grandmother, I will never work for you again." Came a warning from the backseat. Ben held back a chuckle before easing out into the main street and went as fast as the speed limit allowed and without any incidents, they arrived at the hospital and Casey was put in a wheelchair.

"Estelle...I really don't want to be in the delivery room alone and I am not letting my boss see anything of me so you need to be in the room with me please?"

[Estelle Flores]

Estelle sniffled, wiping her eyes hurriedly as Ben hugged her. “Thanks Mr. Rhodes,” She let out a shaky breath. “Sorry for… just sorry.” She finished lamely, cracking a crooked smile. She wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to say next, but she was interrupted anyways by Casey, Mr. Rhodes’ receptionist, with the news that her water broke.

“No no! I would love to help.” Estelle leapt to her feet and helped Casey to Mr. Rhodes’ car. She sat in the back with Casey, eyes wide. She let loose a nervous giggle as Casey berated Mr. Rhodes’ driving skills. “Maybe you should drive a little faster, Mr. Rhodes. I mean, from what I’ve read, labor generally lasts longer than like, fifteen minutes, but I still think Casey would be better off in a hospital.” Besides, Mr. Rhodes was driving like an old lady, but Estelle kept that to herself. Casey gave her a grateful, if strained, smile.

When Casey asked her to stay, Estelle’s eyes grew wide. “O-okay.” She stammered out, giving Ben a scared, wide-eyed, backwards glance before pushing Casey into the delivery room. Estelle gave Casey a nervous smile. Casey huffed out a laugh at the teen’s apparent terror, “Honey, don’t look so terrified. You’re not giving birth.”

Estelle laughed, “That’s true.” She adjusted Casey’s pillow, “This is certainly not something I expected when I decided to go to therapy.” Both women shared a laugh as the physician came in. “Okay, ma’am, let’s see how far along you are…”

~

A few hours later, Estelle burst from the delivery room where Mr. Rhodes and a man who was ostensibly Casey’s husband were waiting, looking anxious. “It’s a boy!!” She announced, flushed and happy, “Casey had a little boy and he’s amazing and she says he’s gonna be named Jason and it was just…” Estelle waved her hands around, looking for a word, “Insane.” She laughed again, looking up at Mr. Rhodes with a smile. “Thanks for letting me come. I actually feel a lot better now.”

[ooc: sorry for the wait. I suuuuuuuuuuck]

[Benjamin Rhodes]

Brad, Casey's husband, arrived about an hour after Ben called him from Casey's phone. The two men waited quite awhile in the waiting room before Estelle came out beaming from the delivery room still in the hospital issued scrubs. The look on her face made Ben smile. Like a proud father looking on as his daughter chattered excitedly, Ben laughed at the transformation Estelle went through in just a few hours.

"Thanks for bringing Casey here," Brad clamped a hand on Ben's shoulder as the new father beamed. "No problem. Congrats, Brad." The proud new father turned to Estelle and nodded at her, all the while walking backwards to the delivery room. "Thanks for being in there with my wife. I appreciate it." He gave a small wave to the two and disappeared behind the swinging door.

As Estelle thanked him, Ben shook his head and ushered her over to a nurse so they could return the smock. "I couldn't leave you and besides...babies you know?" Ben chuckled. "I'll send you back to Hammel?" He offered. They walked to the car park and Ben asked how it was like inside. Estelle thankfully avoided the gory details and only highlighted how Casey was and how she berated the nurse and even snapped at Estelle at one point only to apologise profusely, crying over it. It was definitely insane.

They arrived at Hammel in one piece and Ben opened the door for Estelle. "We'll continue our session next week." Ben smiled at the young girl as she trudged up to the building.

[OOC: Rushed but yay wrapped!]