#Philadelphia Nursing Homes

[newbeginningshc]

Philadelphia Nursing Homes

Philadelphia nursing homes offer compassionate, round-the-clock care for elderly residents, ensuring their well-being and comfort.

[agingwithcomforts]

Aging Gracefully with Support: Top HHA Agencies in Philadelphia

Explore "Aging with Comfort" for premier HHA (Home Health Aide) agencies in Philadelphia. Our well chosen options guarantee that your loved ones get excellent care in the comfort of their own homes. You can rely on our network of knowledgeable experts to deliver empathetic support catered to your specific needs. Know that your family members are in good care and may feel at ease.

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #25

June 28-July 5 2024

The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Is putting forward the first ever federal safety regulation to protect worker's from excessive heat in the workplace. As climate change has caused extreme heat events to become more common work place deaths have risen from an average of 32 heat related deaths between 1992 and 2019 to 43 in 2022. The rules if finalized would require employers to provide drinking water and cool break areas at 80 degrees and at 90 degrees have mandatory 15-minute breaks every two hours and be monitored for signs of heat illness. This would effect an estimated 36 million workers.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced $1 Billion for 656 projects across the country aimed at helping local communities combat climate change fueled disasters like flooding and extreme heat. Some of the projects include $50 Million to Philadelphia for a stormwater pump station and combating flooding, and a grant to build Shaded bus shelters in Washington, D.C.

The Department of Transportation announced thanks to efforts by the Biden Administration flight cancellations at the lowest they've been in a decade. At just 1.4% for the year so far. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg credited the Department's new rules requiring automatic refunds for any cancellations or undue delays as driving the good numbers as well as the investment of $25 billion in airport infrastructure that was in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Department of Transportation announced $600 million in the 3rd round of funding to reconnect communities. Many communities have been divided by highways and other Infrastructure projects over the years. Most often effecting racial minority and poor areas. The Biden Administration is dedicated to addressing these injustices and helping reconnect communities split for decades. This funding round will see Atlanta’s Southside Communities reconnected as well as a redesign for Birmingham’s Black Main Street, reconnecting a community split by Interstate 65 in the 1960s. 

The Biden Administration approved its 9th offshore wind power project. About 9 miles off the coast of New Jersey the planned wind farm will generated 2,800 megawatts of electricity, enough to power almost a million homes with totally clear power. This will bring the total amount of clean wind power generated by projects approved by the Biden Administration to 13 gigawatts. The Administration's climate goal is to generate 30 gigawatts from wind.

The Biden Administration announced funding for 12 new Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs. The $504 million dollars will go to supporting tech hubs in, Colorado, Montana, Indiana, Illinois, Nevada, New York, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. These tech hubs together with 31 already announced and funded will support high tech manufacturing jobs, as well as training for 21st century jobs for millions of American workers.

HHS announced over $200 million to support improved care for older Americans, particularly those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The money is focused on training primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health care clinicians in best practices in elder and dementia care, as well as seeking to  integrate geriatric training into primary care. It also will support ways that families and other non-medical care givers can be educated to give support to aging people.

HHS announced $176 million to help support the development of a mRNA-based pandemic influenza vaccine. As part of the government's efforts to be ready before the next major pandemic it funds and supports new vaccine's to try to predict the next major pandemic. Moderna is working on an mRNA vaccine, much like the Covid-19, vaccine focused on the H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses, which experts fear could spread to humans and cause a Covid like event.

[deathbydyingpod]

In honor of Black History Month, let’s learn about Henrietta Duterte, the first African-American funeral home owner and first woman to own a mortuary – a mortuary that was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Abolitionist, philanthropist, and wife of a Haitian-born coffin maker, Henrietta took over her late husband’s funeral home in 1859, becoming the first woman undertaker, not just in Philadelphia, but all of America.

She became known as an undertaker who was quick, empathetic, and served folks of all walks of life. (Side note, prior to this, she was a talented tailor who wore striking capes, cloaks, and hats, and I just think that’s iconic.)

Henrietta was an agent of the Underground Railroad, and would use her mortuary resources to hide runaway slaves in coffins and disguise them in funeral processions to help them pass safely through the city.

She also raised funds for a variety of institutions in Philadelphia’s Black community, including churches and nursing homes. By the time of her death in 1903, at the age of 83, Henrietta’s mortuary had become one of Philadelphia’s most successful businesses.

In the only surviving photo of Henrietta Duterte, she is clad in black, holding her recently-deceased child in her arms – a post-mortem photo meant to serve as a family keepsake in honor of her child. There is a grief about her, and a strength.

[whocaresstillthelouvre]

The All-Star Game

Batter Up Chapter 5

Pairing: Baseball player Joel Miller x Female Reader Rating: Explicit. 18+ (Minors DNI) Summary: This is not how Joel wanted to spend his All-Star Game, at least you make the best of it for him. Warnings: smut, fluff, family dynamics, nurse/patient roleplay in the shower, oral (m receiving), cum eating, unprotected p in v sex (reader has a previously discussed IUD... be safe), a doctor mistakes reader for Joel's wife. Words: 4,900

A/N: Been fighting writer's block, twelve hour work days, and total brain fry. Thank you for being so patient with my lack of updating folks. Not gonna lie, I read through my first piece Golden Walkway earlier and was like "how TF is my first ever ff/smut piece that good?!" while I'm absolutely banging my head against the keyboard trying to write out four sentences tonight. The biggest shout out to @frannyzooey for filling my Google Doc with notes and simplifying my gobbledegook. I absolutely do not feel worthy of your kindness. *insert Wayne's World not worthy GIF*

Masterlist Series Masterlist Playlist

⚾️⚾️⚾️

Day 1 Travel Day For All-Stars

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

“God damnit,” Joel growls. “Why do I always forget that that’s your damn alarm?”

“Mmph, it works. Wakes me up.” You sit up and stretch before reaching to pick up your phone.

The same phone you stared at while willing yourself to sleep, attempting to ignore the circling "what ifs" of the dreaded conversation you knew you had to have with your parents, only able to do so after focusing on the soothing sound of Joel's breathing.

You get up, slip on his shirt and crack open the curtains letting the morning sun peek in. 

“Guess I should look at my phone, hm?” Joel slowly sits up and settles his back on the pillows while you readjust, his big brown eyes disappearing behind the tired crinkles that line the sides as he lets out a rumbly yawn.

“Might be a good idea, I’m sure Sarah wants to talk with you.” Running a hand through his sleep tousled hair, you give him a kiss.

“Called her on the way home yesterday, let her know not to worry and that I’d be fine without her.” He sighs. “I think she knows I have somebody.”

“Hm. I didn’t want to get into it this soon, but I’m going to have to talk to my mom at least. She knows I’m here in Philly and I didn’t get on my flight.”

“Well, shit,” he grimaces. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be good. I texted her saying I’m fine and I’d talk to her tomorrow. Just nervous, but at this point, there’s no going back…they were already going to find out today. So instead of doing it in person, I’m just going to have to do it over the phone.”

“Whatever happens, we’ll figure it out.” His hand grabs yours and squeezes it.

“We will, I just want to have a nice morning with you, I'll deal with them after lunch.”

“But first, coffee?”

“But first, coffee.”

——

“Well, here goes,” you dial your mom’s number and hit the green phone circle. She picks up after two rings. Crap.

“Hey mom,” you nervously swallow, trying to sound chipper. Joel’s hand soothingly pets your back, grounding you. 

“Hi sweetie, what’s happening? Your dad and I are very confused.”

“Yeah, um about that, is dad with you?”

“He is… is everything okay?”

“Yes, everything is good. Um, could you put me on speaker?” You haven’t had to feel this level of nervousness with your parents in almost twenty years. 

“Hi Duck, what’s going on?” Your dad calls you by your nickname, so he’s not mad… yet. “Was looking forward to seeing you, I don’t know why you’re not here. Mom and I didn’t hear from you, so she checked your location last night and you’re in Philadelphia? Not New York, not the airport, not Texas, but Philadelphia, why is that? We were worried, Duck.”

“I know, I’m sorry about that. So, things got… complicated. I was packing for the airport and was watching the Liberties game when, um, Joel got hurt.” You exhale, trying to calm yourself by focusing on the feel of Joel’s hand on your skin. “I, uh, drove down to help take care of him because, um, he and I have been, together since, well, November.” You breathe out the latter word, hoping your quiet breath will hide the shame in keeping Joel a secret for that long, for not respecting your parents and your own relationship. You feel so small, so fragile, so young, confessing to your mom and dad like you’re in trouble. 

“November?” The only word your mom responds with. Your dad stays quiet, and you’re reminded of why you wanted to do this over the phone. So you wouldn’t see their expressions. Although, maybe if they were here, they would be able to see the way Joel looks at you, how happy you are, how perfect he is for you.  

“Yes, um, remember when I flew in for your birthday? We ran into each other, and I don’t know, it just worked out. I know this is a lot.” 

Joel’s hand lands on your shoulder, tugging you back to lay against him, his arm wrapping around your chest as he presses a soft kiss to the top of your head.  You love him so much, you let a tear slip out as you wait for any sort of validation. 

“So, you and Joel Miller have been together for, what, nine months? And we’re only finding out about it now?” You try to gauge your dad’s voice, sensing disappointment, praying it’s not anger. “Is it because you got caught at his place? When were you going to tell us?” 

Okay, there’s anger. 

“Tonight actually, um, Joel and I were going to tell you tonight at dinner. I’m really sorry and I know this is complicated because there’s a bit of history between him and you, but daddy, I love him.”

“Bit of history?” he replies, incredulous. “He was my star player for twenty years, he was rude to the media, coaches, and reporters and I always had to pick up that mess. He was great on the field and in the clubhouse, but he was a pain in my ass most of the time, and now you’re telling me you’re in love with him… and have been for almost a year?”

You bite your lip as you will the tears away from your eyes. You’re so thankful for Joel’s touch right now. He’s respecting you, but you can tell by his breathing growing louder and quicker that hearing your dad’s raised voice is upsetting him. Maybe it’s better to be not in person, that way Joel doesn’t run the risk of throwing your dad through a wall. 

“Yes,” you croak out. You feel like a child answering him. Eyes downcast, tears rolling down your cheeks.

“And all of a sudden, right after he’s no longer on my team, he’s your boyfriend?”

“I’m sorry dad, it’s not something we planned on, it just… happened and I know you’re mad and I’m sorry that it took this long for you to find out and I’m sor—“

“Sweetie,” your mom’s voice breaks through your anxious words, “are you happy?” 

“Yes,” you whisper, Joel’s arm squeezes you tighter, “incredibly.”

“Well, that’s all we want for you. If it’s with Joel, then we’re good, right?”

You breathe out a sigh of relief at her words, her acceptance, her demand of your dad to recenter himself and his ire. You turn to look at Joel and see tears sitting in the waterline of his eyes that are focused on you. He gives you a small smile. 

How could you not love this man? How could anybody doubt the power of what you two share?

“That is what we want for you, but I am concerned. People will have questions. Joel is a part of this team’s history and now my daughter is dating him.”

“I understand that.”

“I know you do, Duck. You can make your own decisions, you haven’t lived under our rules for a very long time. I trust you. As long as you are happy and you understand that there will be roadblocks up ahead with the public eye, then I can be on board. People talk, the internet talks and you’re signing yourself up for a lot of people talking about you. I know you realize that, but does Miller?”

“I do, sir,” Joel says, the first words spoken from him, with the “sir” sternly emphasized. “Look, I don’t care what anybody has to say, people’s opinions never mattered to me. I know you’re well aware of that. I love your daughter. She has been with me every step of the way since I learned I was no longer a Capital. I apologize that this is all at once ’n that this is how you’re finding out, but I do not apologize for the way I feel about your daughter. I love her.”

You watch Joel’s lips as he speaks his confession to your parents, wondering how you could be so lucky to have found him and to have his heart the way that you do.  

“Listen, I know you two are smart, and Miller, you know at the end of the day I respect the hell out of you. If my daughter is happy, that’s all I can hope for as her father. As much as I worry about her, I know she can make her own decisions.” 

“As a father to a college student now, I understand that sir. You have my word that I will stop at nothing to keep your daughter happy.” 

“We know that Joel,” your mom’s soft voice soothes the conversation. “I just wish we would have known about this sooner. I’m a bit upset that it took you long enough to let us know. We just want you to be aware of what issues might arise for you two.”

“Whatever happens, it’s just white noise to us. It’s my choice—it’s our choice,” you say. “We’ve talked about everything before, we are fully aware.” 

“I can’t tell you what to do Duck, Mom can’t tell you what to do. Miller’s a good man, underneath it all, I know that. If you are happy with him, then we are happy for you.”

“This is the happiest I’ve been.”

“We’re glad sweetheart, so glad,” your mom chokes out. At least they’re happy tears. “We’ll be here for you, always. I guess we won’t see you this week.”

“No, Joel needs me, I don’t want to leave him.” 

“Alright then, feel better Miller, we love you Duck,” your dad’s voice softens. “Take care and keep us updated, okay?”

“Thank you sir,” Joel respectfully responds.

“I will. Love you guys, bye.” You end the call and let out a big sigh of relief. 

One down, two more to go. 

“I’m proud of you baby,” Joel breathes out against your hair.

“Heh, thanks. I think?”

“I know you were nervous.”

“Oh, yeah. Still kinda dumb how I’m intimidated by them but… I think it all worked out in the end.”

“It did baby. Why does your dad call you Duck?”

“It’s short for duck snort.”

“...Like the baseball term?”

“Yep, I used to be a crazy toddler and thought my parents chasing me was funny. One day my dad called me a duck snort because I’d always get away and ‘win’, and it kinda stuck.”

He smiles, stroking your cheek. “That’s so fucking cute. ”

“Speaking of daughters, when are you going to tell Sarah?” 

“Later. I’m all phoned out for the time being, want to rest my back and take a nap. That one was a little tense.”

“A nap sounds amazing,” you stretch and adjust to put your head on Joel’s chest, your favorite pillow.

——

“Joel,” you blink your eyes open, “the sun’s going down. I think we overslept.”

“Mm, I’m up. Been up.”

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

“You’ve had a long couple of days, wanted to let you sleep.”

“You’re due for your pills,” you yawn, getting up.

“I am.”

He winces as you hand him his medicine and glass of water. 

“You alright?” 

“Been better, just really hurts right now. Plus, I should call Sarah before it gets too late. I just texted Tommy and told him.”

“Oh?” You turn on Joel’s heating pad and hand him the remote.

“Yeah, he texted me and asked me how I was getting along and if my nurse was hot. Told him about everything. He was happy for me and congratulated me on my hot nurse.”

“He’s ridiculous,” you shake your head. “I’m going to go make dinner, I’ll leave you to call Sarah.” You kiss the top of his forehead.

“Thanks baby.” 

——

You quietly step into Joel’s room holding a tray with his plate full of steak, rice and broccoli, Joel’s go to in season meal.

“Hey sweets, my dinner is here. I gotta go.”

“Can I—can I say hi to her?”

You smile at Sarah’s sweet voice as Joel looks past his phone to you. You nod and walk over placing the tray on Joel’s lap.

“Sure, here she is.”

Well, this is new. You’ve never been with anybody who has a child, let alone a college aged kid. You know Sarah, you love her, you used to chase her around the club box years ago. 

You grab the phone, she’s gotten so beautiful. Same brown eyes as her dad, deep dimples as she smiles, long curly hair. She’s a young woman now, just as gorgeous as her dad. 

“Hi Sarah, nice to see you again.”

“Oh my god! Hi! It is! Wish it wasn’t through the phone but I, just, I wanted to say that, I-I am very happy that Dad finally found somebody and it’s you!”

“Well, I am too.”

“He told me you’re doing a better job than I ever would at taking care of him, so I don’t need to tell you to take good care of him.”

“I try,” you chuckle. 

“Thanks for saying hi to me, I’ll let you go, I know you have dinner!”

“Of course Sarah, any time. I’ll hand you back to your dad now.”

You keep your smile as you hand the phone back to Joel. You don’t know if you’ve ever seen him this happy before, eyes alight with a large grin on his face. You never noticed how his dimple matches Sarah’s. 

Your shoulders feel lighter now that the most important people know, and accept, your love. 

The secret’s out. 

⚾️⚾️⚾️

Day 2 Home Run Derby

Greeting Doctor Arroyo with a smile, you leave him in the living room to wait. 

"Joel," you peek your head into the bedroom. "He's here."

"Send him in," he replies, sitting up higher.

Showing the doctor the way, he thanks you. 

"Thanks, Mrs. Miller."

You let out a little laugh. "Not the wife, just the girlfriend."

Giving you a small smile, he leaves you in the hallway with thoughts of being Mrs. Miller swirling in your head.

After the doctor leaves, you sit on the edge of the bed.

“So, what’d he say?” 

“Still stuck like this for the next few days. Wants me to do some stretches and move around more, going to check on me in two more days again. Said I’m recovering well, told him it’s because I have a good nurse.” 

“You do have a good nurse… that’s better news than I was expecting at least.”

“Yep, and he took the bandage off from my shot so I can finally take a shower.” 

“Oh?”

“Oh is right,” his eyes darken, “but you’re gonna have to wash me, nurse.”

“I can do that, not only am I your nurse but I’m also your wife according to Dr. Arroyo.”

“Oh?”

“Oh is right,” you wink. “I told him I’m your girlfriend.”

“Should’ve told him you’re not my wife… yet.”

“I’m happy with girlfriend right now Mr. Miller.”

“My sweet independent girl.” 

“Eh, your sweet independent nurse now. Come on, let’s get you washed Mr. Miller.”

“Yes ma’am.”

——

Joel hobbles into the bathroom as you adjust the temperature of the shower. 

“It’s hot, too hot, just like you like it Mr. Miller.”

“God, I love it when you call me that. Now nurse,” he smirks, “come help me with my clothes.”

“Right away Mr. Miller,” you reply, sauntering over to him.

“What a pretty nurse you are, have a feeling you’re going to take REAL good care of me,” he raises his arms over his head as you lift his shirt up.

“I’ll sure try to take good care of you Mr. Miller. Did you want me to remove your shorts?”

“Yes nurse.”

You lean forward, grabbing the waistband of his pants to lower them down, running your gaze appreciatively over his half-hard cock.

You look up and angle your eyebrow at him. “I can see you’re quite excited for your shower Mr. Miller.”

“Mm.” 

“Go ahead and get in, it’s all ready for you.” 

“But you’re not. Take your clothes off.”

“Now, Mr. Miller, I can’t get naked for you, but I can take this off.” You slip the straps of your dress down your arms and shimmy out of it, leaving only your white cotton bra and underwear on. “You know, gotta stay decent while taking care of my patient.”

He hums in appreciation, taking in the sight. Turning, he steps into the shower with a groan of contentment.

“Feel good?” You ask grabbing a wash cloth. 

“Very.”

He leans forward, placing his arms on the wall and stretches his back as the water hits his skin. Water trickles down the deep plains of his spine, the strong muscles of his back gleaming under the sheen of water. You follow the river that falls from his neck, down his back bone, past the two lower back dimples you love, past the slight curve of his behind and down his hairy legs. He is all man… your man. It’s a shame all the water that lands across his body is wasted on the drain. 

“Is the temperature good?”

“S’perfect,” he grunts.

“Want me to scrub you sir?”

“Heh,” he turns his head to look at you, “with a nurse that looks like you? ‘Course I do.”

The drops of water sear your skin as you step into the water.

“Jesus Joel, it’s hot in here.”

“Mm,” he reaches over and turns the water cooler before turning around, his eyes darkening as he notices the fabric of your bra cups has turned see-through. “Better?” His eyes stay on your chest.

“Better. Now, let’s get you washed, sir.”

“I’m all yours.” 

You grab Joel’s bar of soap, lathering your hands up with the eucalyptus scented bar. Your hands run across his chest leaving lines of suds along his skin, and he lets out a small groan as you rub soapy circles over his stomach. 

He reaches a hand up and pinches your nipple underneath the sheer wet fabric. 

“Feel good sir?”

“Very. Such a good nurse.”

You step closer to him, his hard cock jutting against your stomach as you wash his arms. Your fingers press tight along his biceps and his shoulders, releasing the tension.

“Fuck,” Joel breathes out, “you’re driving me crazy like this.” 

“Well, get ready, I need to wash your legs and…” you wrap your hand around his erection, “this… sir.”

“Jesus Christ,” he groans and shakes his head. “Go ahead nurse.”

You reach around him and grab the soap before kneeling on the tile floor. 

Your soapy hands glide along Joel’s legs, his calf muscles firm under your touch, his thighs soft as you move closer to Joel’s hard cock dripping water and precum. You move your hands along the back of his thighs, cradling the bottom of his ass cheeks before pushing him forward and sealing your mouth over his cock. 

“CHRIST!” Joel’s shout echoes across the bathroom, his hands splaying against the glass.  

Pulling back, you look up.

“You alright? Is this too much?”

“No, no sweetheart,” his eyes soften as he reaches down and holds your cheek, “it felt really good. Go on baby,” Joel leans against the shower wall, “prove to me I’m your favorite patient.”

A long groan escapes Joel’s mouth as you suck the tip of his cock into your mouth. You take him deeper in, sucking the water off of his length as he grabs a handful of your wet hair, your mouth slurping along his length. You clench your thighs together as you feel your cunt throb with arousal.

“That’s it, that’s it,” he chants. 

Water dripping off of Joel’s skin pelts your face as he fills your mouth, your nose brushing against the coarse hair of him there, his cock repeatedly brushing the back of your throat causing a string of saliva to drool out of your mouth.

“Touch yourself, touch your pussy while you suck me baby.”

Your hand reaches underneath your soaked cotton panties, your fingers ghosting across your swollen clit. You moan as you press down and swirl around the bundle of nerves.

His hips jut forward when you hollow your cheeks around him sucking as you bob your head along his length, your free hand cradling his balls and massaging the soft skin of them, bringing him to the brink of his orgasm.

“So good baby, fucking hell,” his grip on your hair tightens, “going to give you my cum soon if you keep that up.” 

Your eyes look up to him, he tilts his head down and gives you a blissed out half smile, water cascades down his face and falls onto your skin. The way he looks at you, the line on his forearm straining as he holds your hair, his warm cock stretching your mouth open, the feel of water dripping down your throat mixed with the taste of Joel. The sensation is too much, you whimper around Joel’s cock as you orgasm. Your fingers drown with your arousal, your mouth goes slack around him as warmth spreads through your limbs. Your hand collects the hot slick that leaks out of you, spreading it all over Joel’s shaft, pumping him with your fist as you suck the tip of him. 

“Close,” he pants, “lemme cum in that mouth, wanna see your mouth filled with me.” 

You nod and moan as you tighten your grip and suck harder.

He chants your name as he empties his release into your open mouth, the last spurt of him landing on your outstretched tongue.

He untangles his hand from your hair, running it down your face to grab your chin and angle it up.

“Swallow it baby.” 

His blown out brown eyes watch in worshiping awe as you seal your mouth shut and gulp down the salty taste of him before licking your lips. 

“All good Mr. Miller?”

“Quite… best nurse I ever had.” 

—-

“He reminds me of you,” you muse, grabbing a handful of popcorn from the bowl as you and Joel watch the Austin Capitals’ rookie phenom James Neal hit ball after ball over the fence of Capitals Stadium. 

“He better. He’s my replacement.” Joel grumbles. 

“How do you feel about not being there?” 

“Tonight isn’t as bad, I always hated the Derby, having to sit on the field and play nice with the cameras. Tomorrow is going to suck.”

“I know it will, I’m sorry this is happening to you. You deserve everything this season. I know everything hasn’t gone the way you’ve wanted but I couldn’t be prouder of how you’ve handled it.”

“Don’t think I’d be able to do it without you baby,” he kisses the top of your head as James Neal hits his twentieth home run over the fence. 

⚾️⚾️⚾️

Day 3 The All-Star Game

And the first pitch of the sixth inning is a strike. Scott steps back into the box, swings… and a miss. Strike two. Bridges winds up, and Scott hits a ground ball to first and—OH! Reynolds misreads it and it gets past him, two runs score. The American League now leads by two in the sixth! 

“I would’ve caught that,” Joel bitterly says. 

“I know you would’ve All-Star,” you console, leaning against him and wrapping an arm around him. 

“Mmf, you can’t lay on me like that.” 

“Sorry, does it hurt?”

“No, not even close. Just… feels real good having you all naked and pressed up against me like that.”

“Sorry.”

Joel plants his hand against your back, keeping you from moving away. 

“Stay, I like it. If I was on that field right now I couldn’t feel you like this.”

“Oh yeah?” Your hand runs a trail down his shorts and grips the heft of him. “Definitely wouldn’t be able to feel this.”

“Definitely not,” he groans. 

“Definitely couldn’t pull your shorts down and touch you if you were playing right now.”

“No,” he grunts, lifting his hips up allowing you to remove his shorts. 

You wrap your hand around his half hard cock. “And surely, I couldn’t jerk you off if you were on that field.” 

“Fuck, no,” he grits, hardening under your touch.

“Did you want to watch the game in peace or do you want me to take care of you?” 

“Take care baby,” he kisses you, “fuck this game.”

“Yeah, fuck this game.”

Your body overheats as you slide down Joel, straddling his thick thighs, taking his cock in hand, rubbing it along your dripping cunt and slowly settling yourself on his length.

Joel’s lips part, his big brown eyes staring at you as a long moan leaves your mouth savoring the feel of his cock stretching you. 

“You feel so good,” his head thuds against the pillow. “I haven’t felt your pussy like this in forever. Fucking missed it.” 

Your hips rock back and forth still adjusting to the size of him as he grabs your tits and massages the weight of them in his calloused hands. 

“This pussy was made for me, wasn’t it?”

You’re too blissed out to answer, too overwhelmed by the size of him. All you can muster is an isolated nod and whine arching your back while he pinches and pulls your nipples into peaks. 

“You gonna fuck me baby? You gonna fuck me like the All-Star I am? Come on baby, prove to me I’m your All-Star.”

You rise and fall on his cock, grinding your hips down each time he stuffs you full. 

“Look so good like this baby,” Joel juts his hips up “you’re the only fucking trophy I need.” 

You lean in as your thighs begin to tremble bringing his hand to your lips. Joel’s blown out pupils focus on your tongue as it traces the circles of his tattoo.

“Fucking perfect,” he rasps. 

Your pussy clenches at his praise, Joel’s cock hits the sensitive spot you want to feel him the most. 

“Cum for me, let me feel you strangle my cock, cum for me baby,” Joel’s gravelly voice encourages as he pulls his hand from your mouth, tugging you down against his chest. 

Your cunt flutters around him as your orgasm shatters into you. Your mouth going slack, drool falling out and landing on Joel’s chest as you scream his name and writhe on top of him.

“That’s my good girl, that’s it, fuck, you’re fucking gripping me baby, not going to last long like this.”

You summon as much energy as you can leaning forward to lick the golden skin of his neck as you grind your hips against his, your soaked pussy pumping his cock.

“That’s it baby, that’s it,” he pants. “Gonna cum.” 

Joel lets out a long groan as his hips jerk up into you, warmth blooming through your core as his cock empties into you. You both stay frozen collectively catching your breaths as you come down from your shared bliss. His cock slips from you as you lift up to kiss him, both of your spends dribbling down between your thighs.

“Did I make you feel like the All-Star you are?”

“Mm,” he smiles, pulling away, ”I love being a baseball player sometimes.”

You turn towards the TV. “It’s tied now.” 

“Mm, for the first time ever, I really don’t care.”

You stay cuddled in his bed for the remainder of the game, today is definitely your favorite All-Star Game experience.

Well folks, that’ll do it for this year’s All-Star Game here in beautiful Austin, Texas. The National League wins in a 4-3 victory over the American League. We’ll see you next year. 

“Good game, I really enjoyed the sixth inning.”

“Guess it’s good we get home field advantage in the World Series,” Joel shrugs.

“Always thinking ahead.” “Always. Had a plan for a whole thing after the game but life had other plans. I, uh, grabbed this when I was changing earlier,” Joel opens his bedside table and pulls out a small gray suede box.

Your heart skips a beat at the implication of what it could be. There’s no way.

“It’s okay baby, don’t panic, it’s not that. Now that everybody knows, I want you to be able to wear me wherever you go.” 

He opens the box, a delicate gold necklace with a pendant of his number hangs from it.

“Joel,” you breathe out as tears prick your eyes, “it’s so… beautiful.”

“That first night I had the chain was the night I had you in the back of that club. I tried for so long to stay away from you, and yet you were always there, like some forbidden treasure I could never have… now we’re together and this is the happiest I’ve ever been.” Joel swipes the tears from your cheeks as they fall, “I love you so much sweetheart.”

“I love you too,” you smile as you take the box and remove the necklace. 

“Put it on baby, lemme see it.”

You clasp the necklace behind your neck and lower your arms. Joel pets the gold pendant against your skin. 

“Beautiful,” Joel whispers.

⚾️⚾️⚾️

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Revered abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who was the first woman to oversee an American military action during a time of war, was posthumously awarded the rank of general on Monday. Dozens gathered on Veterans Day at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Maryland’s Dorchester County for a formal ceremony making Tubman a one-star brigadier general in the state’s National Guard. Gov. Wes Moore called the occasion not just a great day for Tubman’s home state but for all of the U.S. “Today, we celebrate a soldier and a person who earned the title of veteran,” Moore said. “Today we celebrate one of the greatest authors of the American story.” Tubman escaped slavery herself in 1849, settling in Philadelphia in 1849. Intent on helping others achieve freedom, she established the Underground Railroad network and led other enslaved Black women and men to freedom. She then channeled those experiences as a scout, spy and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War, helping guide 150 Black soldiers on a gunboat raid in South Carolina. Nobody would have judged Tubman had she chosen to remain in and coordinate abolitionist efforts from there, Moore said. Read more at theGrio.com.1d

[writeandsurvive]

Author's note: this is not proofread, there are probably typos. I hope my teasing didn't get you disappointed with the finale result! Tbh, I didn't know where I was going at first, but once I was in, I just kept adding. Maybe I'll write a little sequel to it, idk. Let me know what you think ❤️

Warnings: hospital, gun shot wound, surgery, complicated family, breakup, cold!Alden, evil!Vivian, secrets and reveals (I don't mean to make Alden's parents as bad people, just very concerned parents who can not not get involved in his life?)

Words count: 5.6k

@novamariestark @mandy426 @sarakafarrah

Never too late ~ Alden Parker

Alden felt stupid. He knew it was a trap but he still went in, head first. And now, he was in a hospital bed, waking up for surgery, his arm strapped and completely useless. He felt groggy and nauseous. He opened his eyes just slightly, seeing two people in the room. He recognized his father's white hair, as it almost blinded him. And a few feet to the left, he thought he saw you. But before he could tell himself it was the anesthesia and drugs that made him hallucinate, he fell back to sleep.

"He fell back asleep, it'll take hours before he actually wakes up. Are you sure you want to stay here, sir?" You asked Roman.

"I'd prefer to talk to him before going home and sleeping."

Not that you wanted to kick Alden's father out of the room, after all he was more legitimate to be here than you were, but it made you pretty uncomfortable. Roman Parker never liked you, or at least, he never accepted you as his son's girlfriend. Clearly, he wanted his son to get back with his ex wife, and no matter who Alden was dating, he wasn't going to accept her. So, he never gave you a chance to win him over, to show him how much you loved his son and how serious the relationship was. Unfortunately, the ending and the breakup was probably the proof he needed that he was right and you were fairly sure that he told Alden 'I told you so'. You doubted Roman knew the entire truth.

You never imagined you'd find yourself in this situation, back by his side, worrying about him, caring and feeling all those things you thought were gone. But when the hospital called to inform you about Alden being rushed into surgery, you didn't think twice before getting on the road. It was a good thing Philadelphia is only three hours away from DC.

And there you were, sitting by the bed, checking up on him just to make sure he was breathing. Roman didn't have much to say and neither did you so the room was silent except for the machines attached to Alden. His team - whom you had never met - stopped by several times, one of them gave you his number so you could call when Alden was awake. Their case wasn't over just yet, so they still had a lot to do. But you could tell they really care about him, and you were happy he had some nice people around.

His eyes finally opened again. He was grumbling, and whining, and it took several attempts for him to focus on where he was. He saw his dad again, asleep in a chair across the room. "Dad," he called out with a raspy voice but Roman didn't move.

"He fell asleep not long ago," you said, getting closer to the bed and putting your hand on Alden's. He turned his face to look at you, confusion written all over it. "Hey, are you feeling?" You asked softly.

He blinked a few times, looked around, to his dad, the machines, and back to you. "I'm dreaming," he whispered. "Dad!"

"You're very much awake, Den." You pushed some hair off his face. "I'm here."

"You left." He said. You tried to figure out the emotions in his voice, but it was like there was none. It was just a plain statement, and unfortunately, it was true.

"Let's not do this now, okay? Do you need anything? Water?"

He shook his head no, and tried to move but he instantly growled in pain. "Stop touching me." He told you and you pulled your hands away.

"Want me to go get a nurse?"

"If you're insisting on doing something for me, wake up my dad and drive him home." His tone was cold, but could you blame him?

"I offered him a ride several times, he didn't want--"

"Wake him up."

You moved to Roman to wake him up. After the Parker men talked for a moment, his father finally agreed to be driven home by you. The entire ride was silent, except for his directions to the new retirement home. You didn't try to make conversation, the old man was clearly exhausted from spending very long hours in the hospital, worrying about his son's life. Before he left the car, you gave him your number and told him he could call the next day if he needed a ride. You were relieved that he took it without any hesitation.

You drove back to the hospital, but stopped to get some comfort food for Alden. He'd probably not want it, or at least not yet, but you wanted to do this for him. When you got into his room, he was drinking some water and the TV was on. He looked at you like he was seeing a ghost. "Hey," you softly said, putting the food down, "I got you some of your fav snacks."

He looked at the bag and then back to you. "Why are you here?"

"Where else would I be?" You answered, getting closer to his bed.

"Literally anywhere else but here." He paused, taking a deep breath. "How did you even know? I highly doubt my dad called you."

"I'm still your emergency contact."

"Thanks for the heads up, I'll change that in the morning. Look, I'm alive okay? In a few weeks, my arm will be like new. So, you can leave now."

"Alden--" you tentatively tried to grab his free hand but stopped yourself when you heard him say, "No! You don't get to show up like this, after all this time, just because I got shot. You don't get to be nice to me, and try to take care of me. I'm a big boy. So you can do what you do, and leave. No need for a stupid note this time."

You stared at him for a short moment, tears threatening to fall. He was clearly avoiding your eyes, just looking at the ceiling. So, you simply grabbed your purse and started to walk towards the door. As your hand reached for the handle, you took a deep breath and turned around. "Believe it or not, but leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I didn't do it because I wanted to but because we were making each other miserable. All we did was fight, we couldn't agree on a single damn thing. Your parents--"

"Don't talk about my parents." He warned you.

"I'm sure they are nice people but they were mean to me, Alden. As much as you could argue with your father, you never had my back when it came to your mother."

"I said, don't." You saw the tears in his eyes at this moment.

"I'm sorry for your loss." You whispered softly, feeling for him and knowing just how much he loved his mother.

"Are you?" He finally snapped and looked directly at you. "Where the hell were you when she passed? Huh? You didn't call, you didn't send a single fucking text!"

"That's not true!" You defended yourself. "I sent you a care package and a long letter!"

"Oh, did you now? Must have gotten lost in the mail." He said, ironically. Clearly, he wasn't believing you. So you gently grabbed his chin and forced him to lock eyes with you again.

"I did." You assured him, knowing it was the damn truth. "I put some snacks in it, your fav bottle of wine, some flowers for your mom and a plant for you. I even put my Metallica hoodie that you always wanted to steal. Did you not get it?" It took him a moment to process before shaking his head no. "Well, have you moved since we--? Cause I sent it to the apartment on--"

"I didn't move."

"Then, I don't understand. I was informed it got delivered."

He stayed silent once more, and you knew he was trying to figure out what happened to that package. "There was no way I would learn about your mom and not do something, Alden. No matter how me and her didn't get along, I know she was the person you loved the most and I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you. I'm sorry you thought I didn't care or--"

"Not your fault for this one, I guess." He sighed. You noticed the tear that was rolling down his cheek and you couldn't help but to dry it with your thumb. Alden closed his eyes at the gesture, and you let your hand rest on his cheek for a moment. You leaned over and kissed his temple softly. "I never stopped caring," you whispered. "Your dad has my number if you want to reach out, otherwise I'll go back to Philly tomorrow night. Take care of yourself and please be careful next time."

You were hoping he would say something but he didn't. So you just left.

As you drove back to the motel, you wondered if you should've told him about everything that was in that care package and in your letter. You remembered every word that you wrote, how you explained why you didn't tell him about the pregnancy - cause he didn't want kids at his age and with his work, and that he was convinced you were having an affair, you were scared he'd think the baby wasn't his - but regretted it every day. Little Noah was still a tiny baby when you sent the package and the pictures, so told Alden he wouldn't remember not having his daddy the first three months of his life. Everything could be set on the right track. You'd come back to DC, do the co-parenting, or whatever. You poured your heart out in this letter, offered countless apologies, and solutions. Since you never got an answer, you figured Alden didn't want to know his son.

In the room, you found your two years old son sleeping on the big bed like a starfish, and your sister by his side, scrolling through her phone. When she saw you, she immediately got up and hugged you. "It didn't go well, did it?"

You told her everything since the last updates you gave her as she made some tea. Noah was deeply asleep, as you softly stroked his hair. "So, he still doesn't know about the little guy?"

You shook your head no, whipping your tears away. "All this time I thought he just didn't care."

"That's crazy. But what the fuck happened to the package?"

You shrugged. "Beats me." Noah moved in his sleep to get closer to you. "I guess I have to tell him again, now."

"Yeah. Face to face this time."

In the morning, Noah woke you up a little before 6am, which meant that you had barely slept for two hours. "It's too early baby, let's sleep a little more okay?"

"'Kay" he answered, but all he did was laying next to you, looking at you like you're the most wonderful thing in the world, and played with your face and hair. But eventually he asked for some milk, and neither of you went back to sleep. Around 9, you went to get breakfast to the diner with Noah and your sister. Your son was very curious about this new place, until he had some pancakes in front of him. Breakfast was going fine, until two people approached your table.

"Agent McGee, Agent Torres, hi!" You greeted them.

"Good morning, you can call us Tim and Nick."

"Alright, um this is my sister Jane, and um my--"

"Mommy! More syrup please?"

You couldn't lie, could you?

"My son, Noah." He barely said hi even after you asked him to, too focus on his food.

Tim started to tell you that they had just visited Alden and he was physically okay, while Nick added that for someone who can never shut up, he was extremely silent that morning. They also said that Jimmy Palmer went to pick up Alden's father to bring him to the hospital. You did your best to remain neutral to that information until they left with their order.

"What do you know about Nick?" Jane asked as soon as you sat back down. You laughed despite yourself, knowing that Nick Torres was exactly your sister's type.

You spent the morning walking around DC, or more specifically around the hospital where Alden was. You answered a phone call from your parents, let them talk with Noah for a bit, who was very happy about being with his mommy and his auntie and not at daycare. As you found a park for Noah to play, you and Jane sat on a bench. "They probably figured it out, you know." Jane said. "I mean, Noah is like Alden's clone. And what's the deal with the Parkers' hair anyways?"

You giggled softly, looking at your son from afar and yes, his head full of hair was all you could see.

"He's almost 3, J. They lost three damn years. Do you think Alden will forgive me? And--"

"Girl, that's not your fault that package didn't reach him! I bet some evil hands got on it!"

"What? Who? Who would do that?"

"His dad was pretty harsh with you--"

"No! I really don't think Roman would do something like this. The only way to know it was from me, was to read my letter. Roman wouldn't have opened the box in the first place."

"Fair enough. Then, was he dating someone back then?"

"How am I supposed to know?"

You looked at each other. You had to visit Alden again.

Your anxiety was so high as you reached for his room, you thought you may faint. Your heart was pounding so hard and fast, but there was no turning back now. You had to tell him, cause he never knew.

You walked into the room after Alden said to come in, breathing heavily. Alden had his bed on a sitting position, and he seemed more alert than the day before. Roman was in the chair next to the bed, and he did give you a slight nod, which you returned. You asked Alden how he was doing and he just mumbled that he was fine. You noticed some of the snacks you brought had been opened and it warmed your heart just a little.

"Why are you here again?" He asked.

You opened your mouth to answer but the door swung open - without a knock first - and the person you really didn't want to see was right there.

"Wow, I thought I was never going to make it!"

Completely ignoring you, Vivian circled the bed to give Roman a hug, before focusing on Alden. She leaned over to kiss his cheek, not earning any kind of reaction from him. You just stood there, staring until she finally looked up to you, “Oh, you.” she said. “What are you doing here?”

You tried to shut all of your thoughts and questions going through your mind and looked at Alden, “I need to talk to you,” you told him.

Before he could answer, Vivian spoke up, “Yeah well, it’s gonna have to wait. In case you didn’t notice, he got shot and–”

“Viv,” he exclaimed.

“What? She doesn’t have anything to do here, does she?”

You heard your name from Roman and looked at him, “I think you should leave.”

You looked at Alden again, hoping he’d say something, that he understood that you really needed to talk to him privately, but he just stayed silent. “Nothing changed.” you whispered before leaving.

You found the first restroom on your way and locked yourself in there to cry. Things were still as they were, he wouldn’t open his mouth to defend you, or at least ask his father to stand down and not get involved. And what the hell was Vivian doing there? Were they back together, or on their way to? You figured he’d eventually find someone, but if that someone was Vivian, that felt like a huge betrayal, as she was one of the reasons things didn’t work out between you and Alden. She was always there, his family never accepted the divorce and it always felt like she needed to have a hold on him. You remember one day when she cornered you and basically said the only reason Alden was dating you was because she let it happen, “If I ask him to get back together, trust me, he’ll leave on the spot.”

Once you had a hold on your emotions, you texted Jane to let her know you were on your way to them. Noah immediately rushed into your arms, asking if you could get some cupcakes, like his auntie promised.

“You have a serious problem with sugar, my love.”

“I love sugar!”

“Yeah, I got that.” you giggled.

It was late in the afternoon when you got a text from an unknown number. ‘You can come. -A’

You told Noah that you needed to visit your friend again, but this time, he was not having it. “Wanna come!” he kept saying, holding onto your neck with his tiny arms.

“You can’t, baby. But I won’t be long, okay?” he shook his head no in your neck. You still started to walk towards the hospital, trying to negotiate with your son.

“I got an idea,” Jane said, “What if you and I go to the shop and find a gift for mommy’s friend? And maybe you’ll find something for you too?”

Noah looked at his aunt and then you. He wasn’t very convinced about it but with one little push, he did agree to let go of you.

You were relieved to see Alden’s room empty except for him. He was standing with some casual clothes on him, a bag was at the end of the bed. “You’re being discharged already?”

“Yeah, I’ll not spend another night here.”

“Alden, are you sure it’s the right thing to do? What did your doctor say?”

“What did you want to talk about?” he asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

You sighed and sat next to him.

“That package I sent you when your mom passed– there was a long letter with it.”

“Longer than your note?”

“Alden, please.” you looked up to him, with tears in your eyes.

“Sorry, but that–really hurt me. More than you know.”

“I can imagine,” you took a deep breath, “And I’m willing to hear all about it, even if you want to get angry at me and insult me, but right now, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“About that letter?”

“I told you a lot of things in this letter, including one very important thing.” You took your phone out of your pocket, unlocked it and went to the gallery. The last picture was one of Noah that you took a few hours early at the park. Eventually, you showed him the phone. He grabbed it with his free hand and stared at the picture of a moment. “Wh–who is that?”

“His name is Noah.” tears fell down your cheeks but you didn’t care. “He’s my son. And your son.” you said right above a whisper.

Alden’s head started to move left to right, tears were forming in his eyes but he didn’t take his eyes off the picture. He couldn’t believe it and you didn’t blame him. “Alden, I’m sorry.” you kissed his injured shoulder without thinking. “I was telling you in that letter about him, there was pictures too, and since I never heard from you, I thought you didn’t–”

“That I didn’t want to know my own child?” you could hear the hurt in his voice. “Did you seriously think that about me?”

“What else was I supposed to think?”

“My mom passed away a year after you left. Why wait that long? He was already born!”

“I know, I– I explained everything in the letter and–”

“Yeah well, I didn’t get that damn letter, okay? So why didn’t you tell me when you found out?” he stood up from the bed, and whined a bit as he uncontrollably tried to move his arm.

“You were so clear about not wanting kids and why, we couldn’t be around each other without fighting and I– I thought you were back with Vivian. Look, I made this decision out of heartbreak and I regretted it, okay? Which was why I reached out when your mom passed. I realized that anything could happen to you or to me, and Noah needed both his parents–”

Your phone, which was still in Alden’s hand, started to buzz. “Your sister,” he said, handing you the phone. As soon as you picked up, you could hear Noah crying, “SOS!” Jane said.

Alden was staring at you, and you knew he was able to hear. “I’m on my way, sis.” you hung up.

“They, um, they are down at the gift shop.”

“Your sister and–Noah?”

You nodded, standing up next to him. “Look, there’s no rush, we can–”

“Does he know? Who I am?”

You put your hand over his, the one stuck against his chest.

“He’s not asking deep questions yet, but he did ask about his daddy a few times and I couldn’t lie to him. He’s seen pictures of you, so he may recognize you.”

Alden took a few deep breaths, taking to stop himself from crying. “What did you say about me not–being there?”

“Daddy leaves away from us and can’t visit for now.”

“Better than ‘daddy doesn’t know you exist’.” he said, coldly.

“Alden,” you whispered.

“We have a lot to talk about, but– our son is crying.”

You couldn’t believe that you were on your way to your son with his father by your side. Noah was going to meet his daddy. Alden was going to meet his son. You didn’t think it would go this fast, even though you figured Alden would want to waste any more time. As you approached the gift shop, you uncontrollably grabbed his arm. “You should’ve let me hold your bag.” you said.

“My right arm is fine. Is that him?” You listened and heard little whimpers and a little kid’s voice.

“Yeah.” you breathed out.

As soon as Noah saw you, he ran. You picked him up, holding him tight in your arms. “What’s wrong, baby? What did auntie J do this time?”

“Hey, I didn’t do anything!” your sister interjected. “Alden,” she greeted the man who was staying a couple of feet away. He briefly looked at her but immediately got his eyes focused on his son again. His eyes were full of tears, threatening to fall again.

“She said I could take just one teddy for your friend.”

“I said he didn’t need two of them. One was enough, wasn’t it, Alden?”

It was only then that Noah looked at his father. He stayed silent, just staring at him before looking at you and back at him. Then he approached his mouth to your ear, “He like daddy.”

“Cause it’s him, baby.”

Noah looked at Alden again. “You hurt, daddy?” he answered softly, like it was the most normal thing. Like it wasn’t the first time they were meeting each other.

It took a moment for Alden to answer. “I am, but it’ll be okay. Soon it’ll be like nothing happened.”

“What happen?”

“Huh, I fell and hurt my shoulder.”

“Need a hug?” He offered, since you strongly believed that hugs can solve a lot of things and it was something you were transferring to your son without doing it on purpose.

“I’d love a hug.”

Noah extended his arms, so you moved closer to Alden. “Careful with his shoulder, okay?” you warned him, but he was very thoughtful, only holding on his father’s neck. Then he kissed his cheek and rested his head on the right shoulder. You could see that Alden was fighting the urge to cry, just as you were. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there before, buddy. I’ll never leave you from now on.”

It was nearly impossible to take Noah off his dad after the initial meeting. Even in the car, he wanted to sit on his lap and only agreed to let go as long as daddy sat next to him. Your sister drove to your former apartment, but she needed to get back to Philly and work the following day. “Don’t worry, she’ll take my car if needed.” Alden told her when Jane asked how you’d get back home. You grabbed yours, Noah’s and Alden’s bags from the trunk before your sister said goodbye to the three of you before driving off.

Inside the apartment, Noah wanted to see every room. He asked a million questions to Alden about everything and nothing, and you had to translate a few times as daddy wasn’t familiar with Noah’s own language. His phone rang a few times but he completely ignored it, only focusing on his son and telling him everything he wanted to know. What you were feeling was indescribable.

When you told Noah that his dad needed to rest, he agreed to settle on the couch with him. “Is it okay if I make dinner now?” You asked Alden, “This little guy woke up at 6, and didn’t nap. Won’t take long until he gets grumpy.”

“Go ahead but I’m not sure my fridge has what you need. I can go get something?”

You looked inside the fridge as you heard your son asking his dad if they could watch Paw Patrol. You heard Alden’s confusion when he said sure, and giggled. “Where Netflix?”

“Oh, here.”

“Well, your fridge is indeed very sad. What do you want to eat, Nono?”

“Nuggies!”

“Why do I even ask?”

You grabbed your phone and settled next to Alden, placing the order while Noah explained Paw Patrol to his father.

A couple of hours later, both Noah and Alden were asleep on the couch. You obviously had to snap a few pictures, before picking up your son and bringing him to the bed in the guest room. “Put him on my bed, it’s comfier.” Alden said, half sleep.

“Okay, but I have to stay next to him, he could roll over.”

“I’ll be there in a minute.”

You placed Noah in the middle of the big bed, got rid of your jeans, socks and bra. Alden got in before you could get under the sheets, and clearly checked out your legs. “Could you be more subtle?”

“I know and remember your body like it was yesterday.”

You chose not to answer, “Do you need to keep the sling?”

“Yeah, for at least a week.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I took the entire week off work.”

“Doesn’t matter, since you’re gonna quit anyway. You’re not going back to Philadelphia.”

As Noah slept between the two of you, Alden asked many questions about your son; his birthday, favorite food, what he likes to do, if he has allergies or health issues, etc. You answered everything, gave him as much info as possible. “And um, does he have a father figure in his life?”

“Is this your way to ask me if I'm dating someone?”

“Maybe. Are you?”

“No. His only father figures are my dad and my uncle. Are you dating Vivian?”

Alden chuckled. “Are we doing this again?”

“Considering what I saw earlier–”

“I'm not dating her or anyone else. I'll admit I hooked up with her a few times over the last few years, but–”

“Great!” You sighed.

“You're gonna tell me that you haven't been with anyone since–?”

“The last time I had sex was probably the night we conceived this tiny human.” You looked down at Noah and played with his hair.

“Oh,”

It was silent for a moment. Alden wanted to get on his side, play with Noah's hair too, reach out for you, but with his arm, he could only lay down on his back and that frustrated him. “What was your breaking point?” He asked, eventually. “Why did you leave that day? And not talk to me?”

“I knew if I talked to you, I wouldn't go through with it. And it was something in particular that made me leave, I was–exhausted. Of the fights, the arguments, the jealousy, and suspicion. It was like we didn't trust each other anymore, for anything. And–” your voice broke. “Maybe it's stupid, but you didn't want to marry me, you didn't want to have kids with me so I just thought – I was temporary.”

“We lived together. That was a huge commitment for me.”

“Exactly. It was huge for you, while it was just natural for me.”

“Okay, I get that. And I'm sorry I made you feel this way.” He turned his face to look at you. He could only make out some of your features. “I was truly and madly in love with you. But I guess I only realized it once you were gone. And then I was so mad at you for leaving.” It was his voice that broke.

“I can't blame you for that part.” You cried. “Do you think it's too late?”

“Too late for what?”

“...Us?”

“It's never too late.”

Eventually you both fell asleep, exhausted physically and mentally.

Of course, you were both awakened by Noah. First, he cuddled and called out for you. “Hey, baby, good morning!” You said, eyes still closed, holding him against you.

“Daddy's snoring.” You listened closely and indeed Alden was snoring. Crazy as it was, you missed that sound very much. “Like pop.”

You giggled, “Not as loud as pop, though!”

“No! Wake him?”

“Hold on,” you grabbed your phone to check what time it was, 7:30am. Alden probably needed more sleep, so you convinced Noah to help you prepare breakfast for daddy and wake him up after. Luckily, there was some eggs and bacon, and pancake batter in the kitchen and in the end, you prepared breakfast while Noah logged on Netflix by himself. It was almost ready when there were some knocks at the door. You opened to find Roman and Vivian, holding what seemed to be breakfast.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, shocked.

“Making breakfast,” you gave her your best fake smile. “Good morning, Roman.”

“Is my son awake?”

“Not yet, I thought he needed–”

Vivian practically pushed you out of her way to get in. You obviously let Roman get inside too. “What is that?” She said, pointing at Noah.

“My son.” You all heard. Alden barely walked into the living area that Noah was running into his arms.

“Morning, daddy!”

“Good morning, buddy.”

“You snore!”

“I do not!” Alden laughed.

The boys didn't have more time as Vivian raised her voice, asking what was going on. You noticed Roman sitting at the kitchen counter, staring at your son, his grandson. “Go watch your show, baby, and we'll have breakfast, okay?”

Then he told everyone to follow him inside the greenhouse. “Don't act so shocked, Vivian.” Was the first thing Alden said. “You knew about Noah.”

“What? You're crazy, how would I–?”

“I remembered a few days after mom passed, you bringing me my favorite snacks, wine, a plant, and flowers.” The exact content of your package. “What did you do with the hoodie and the letter?”

“I don't– I have no idea what you're talking about.”

“The only reason I'm staying calm right now is because my son is in the next room, but look at me and listen to me. I never want to see you again, so you're gonna disappear from my life and my father's. Meaning that from the moment you walk out that door, you will not text or call him, or any other members of my family. And if I learn that you didn't respect that, I'll be far less gentle. Am I clear?”

“Alden, listen–”

“Get the fuck out of my house.”

She was crying and trying to get Alden to listen to her, but he only grabbed your waist and held you close to him. When she turned to Roman, hoping he'd listen and defend her, the older man simply told her to leave. Eventually, she did, using the greenhouse's door.

Alden held you tighter, kissing your temple softly. “Dad,”

“Can I meet him? What's his name?”

Noah was very happy to have another grandpa. And it was amazing to see how Roman was doing his best to give him a very good first impression. You all had breakfast together, and you mostly stayed silent, just being overwhelmed about the Parkers boys getting to know one another. After eating, Noah wanted to show Paw Patrol to his grandfather, and Alden took this opportunity to take you to the bedroom. He didn't waste any second before kissing you deeply and intensely. You returned it immediately, holding onto his hair. Feeling like you were breathing again, you only stopped kissing when you heard him making a sound of pain. “My shoulder,” he said.

“Oh god, I'm so sorry baby. I didn't–”

“It's okay,” he smiled. “It's worth it.”

He kissed you again, trapping you between the door and his body. “Fuck, I missed you.” He growled.

“Missed you more.”

“We can't do this right now, can we?” He chuckled, out of breath.

“Oh baby, it's gonna be tricky for us to have some privacy now.”

“It's fine. I'm taking all the pros and cons.” He kissed your forehead, “I'm taking you and our little boy. I'm taking it all.”

[3rdeyeblaque]

Today we venerate Hoodoo Saint Harriet Ross Tubman aka Black Moses on the 110th anniversary of her passing🕊

Whew! A legendary Freedom Fighter, Mama Moses wore many decorated crowns as a mammoth Abolitionist, chief Conductor on the Underground Railroad, an expert Hunte and Lumberjack, a Nurse, an armed scout & spy for the Union Army during the Civil War - becoming the 1st Woman to ever spearhead an armed military assault. Later, she opened her door to the elderly, sick, & disabled, and advocated for them until her death.

Born Araminta "Minty" Ross as the middle child of 9 siblings to enslaved parents on a plantation in Dorchester County, MD, she suffered a massive blow to the head that would spur a lifetime of seizures, headaches, deep slumbers, & visions. She went on to marry a "Free" man by the surname of Tubman & took on her mother's first given name, "Harriet". In 1849, her husband, parents, & siblings were set to be split up & sold off. Under the cover of darkness, she fled the plantation solo on foot and followed the North Star to escape the jaws of slavery by way of Philadelphia, PA. She'd survive13-19 rescue missions back into the Antebellum South, liberating over 300 souls, as the most infamous Conductor on the Underground Railroad who, over the span of a decade, had "never lost a single passenger", which dubbed her the nickname, "Moses". The bounty for her life maxed out at $40K. Freedom wasn't free & Mama Moses never hesitated to remind her passengers of that. She carried herbs to silence a crying baby and pulled a gun on any cowardly man who might give away their position.

"You'll be Free or Die. " - Mama Moses to her passengers on the Underground Railroad.

Venerated as a Hoodoo Saint to many, Mama Moses was a Seer, a Clairvoyant Dreamer, Dream Interpreter, a Revolutionary Conjurer Woman & Rootworker - born to parents of the same cloth. She received Divine messages & Ancestral knowledge/wisedom through prophetic visions & dreams. Mama Moses proudly attributed her unparalleled death defying success to her Divine guidance, Conjure, Rootwork, intuitive gifts & her faithful willingness to trust/follow them.

Folks have a tendency to grossly undermine, if not outright ignore, the significant pillars that Hoodoo Cosmology, Religion, & Tradition played in her life and in her fight for freedom. Recently, archeologists uncovered her "spirit cache" at her family's home in Maryland; these were some of the Blackbelt Hoodoo staples of her time including: glass bottles - for protection against evil spirits, a figurine made it iron nails - possibly a something akin to an Nkisi, a copper button, perfume bottle topper, and other red & blue items.

Mama Moses transitioned peaceful & free at her home/on her land in Auburn, NY where she is rests at the cemetery in Auburn, NY. She is still expected to be immortalized on the $20 bill USD, however that promise has yet to be met.

We pour libations & give Mama Moses her 💐 for her bravery & selfless service. May she bless the elderly, disabled, young, women, & Workers who seek/fight for freedom.

Offering suggestions: Milk, Apples, & Orange flowers

🌟 FINAL copies of The2023 Hoodoo's Calendar are available for purchase (once sold out, that's it)! Subscribe to the official e-newsletter for the latest updates & exclusive content access. https://thehoodoocalendar.square.site 🌟  

[icepoptroll]

I had a birthday recently soooo here's an updated about post!!

Hey everyone. I'm Bunny. I use she/they pronouns. I'm 27 (total fandom grandma I knooooow). I'm a night shift home health nurse by trade (in the wise words of Penn Jillette, "I haven't slept in so long that I'm. . . . Really tired." Lmao) but I do a lot of art and writing, particularly for the Ride the Cyclone fandom. I'm also very much into other musicals too (Wicked and Hadestown are two of my favorites). I make serious art but I also make lots of silly goofy content because I'm a bit of a party clown.

I'm pretty extroverted and love talking with people so feel free to send me asks. I promise I'm super nice lol

Tá mé ag foghlaim na Gaeilge (or at least trying to, lol) if there are any potential buddies who are looking for someone to learn Irish with hmu!!

I use an iPad and Procreate to make my art. You'll never see me use AI. I do have very strong opinions about this.

I also spent the past couple of months participating in the June Doe event, a 30-day RTC fandom event that takes place during June for content creators in the fandom to put out art, writing, or any other type of creative expression. You can see my submissions here. I had the absolute time of my life and I can't wait for next year!!

I run @enter-the-rickyverse , come check out all the Rickies that I gone and done

Some stuff I like:

RTC of course

Hadestown

Lots of other musicals (I live close to New York so I've seen a good amount of Broadway shows, I've also seen Wicked, Book of Mormon, Phantom of the Opera, Kinky Boots, Avenue Q, Chicago, and Kimberly Akimbo live)

Impractical Jokers!!! (I miss you Joe Gatto my beloved please come back)

Penn and Teller (my emotional support geriatric magicians, your honor)

Homestuck

Star Trek (pretty much any series)

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

bunnies

stuff pertaining to nursing (I wholeheartedly love my job, it gives me the means to live a very full, happy life!!)

I love music (I like too many artists to list, my taste is very eclectic, but if you ever want recs lmk)

Cartoons!!! (but especially stuff that was around when I was a kid, like classic Spongebob!! I am constantly making Spongebob references lmao)

LGBTQ topics

Interested in exploring atheopaganism and similar spiritualities

Basically I hope for my blog to be a safe, fun space. I love to make friends and I'm always open to answering asks from curious minds lol

Be safe, my friends, be good ✌🏻🤟🏻🖖🏻

[morbidology]

Born on 11 December, 1936, in Philadelphia, Joseph Kallinger was placed up for adoption as a young child. He was adopted by Stephen and Anna Kallinger and his upbringing was nothing short of horrendous. From a young age, he was abused by his foster parents. Some of these punishments included flogging with a cat-o’-nine tails, being beaten with a hammer, being forced to kneel on jagged rocks, being whipped with a belt, being starved, being locked in a closet, and being forced to consume excrement. 

In 1944, Kallinger was raped at knifepoint by a gang of older boys. This attack prompted Kallinger to masturbate while holding a knife in the other hand. Kallinger first married at the age of just 17; the couple went on to produce two children before she abandoned the family home for another man. Married again in 1958, Kallinger burnt down his own house for his own pleasure, reaping the $1,600 from the insurance. He would set the family home on fire another four times. 

By 1972, Joseph Kallinger had gone on to have five more children. It was this year that he branded his daughter’s thigh with a hot iron after she attempted to run away. He was convicted of child abuse and received four years probation. By 1974, Kallinger complained about hallucinations and was known to talk to a disembodied head which he called “Charlie.” It was around this time that he believed he had received “orders from God” to murder young boys and sever their genitals. 

Kallinger confided this information to his son, 13-year-old Michael Kallinger, and persuaded him to accompany him in his orders. Their first victim was Jose Collazo, a young boy from Puero Rico; they kidnapped him and killed him before severing his penis. Kallinger next decided that they should kill a member of their own family: his other son, Joseph Jr. Kallinger. 

Michael attempted to make Joseph Jr. accidentally fall off a cliff as they were posing for photographs. When this failed, they brought him along on one of their arson activities and tried to trap Joseph Jr. in the burning tailor; again this failed. The final and successful attempt at his life took place three days later, when they drowned him at a demolition site. 

Later in the year, the murderous duo broke into the home of Joan Carty, where they ransacked her house before tying her to the bed and sexually assaulting her. They laid low for the next eleven days as they planned their next macabre move. In Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania, they held five workers hostage and managed to make off with $20,000 in cash and jewellery, but not before randomly slashing the breast of one hostage.

Over the next few weeks, they continued to break into homes where they sexually assaulted two women. On 8 January, 1975, they broke into a home at Leonia, New Jersey, and held eight hostages at gunpoint as they ransacked the house. One of the hostages was nurse, Maria Fasching. She was ordered by Kallinger to bite off one of the male hostage’s penis, to which she refused. Enraged, Kallinger stabbed him to death before Kallinger and Michael fled. It was this murder that led to their eventual downfall - Kallinger discarded of a bloody shirt near the crime scene. 

The murder charges against Michael Kallinger were dismissed in return for a guilty plea on two counts of robbery. He was released when he turned 21. Joseph Kallinger was sentenced to life imprisonment where he attempted to take his own life a number of times, including setting himself on fire. His mental heath deteriorated behind bars and he was transferred to a mental hospital in Trenton, New Jersey, where he died of an epileptic seizure on 26 March, 1996.

[newbeginningshc]

Nursing Homes in Philadelphia PA

New Beginnings Home Care LLC offers exceptional nursing home services in Philadelphia, PA, prioritizing compassionate and personalized care for seniors. Their dedicated team ensures a safe, comfortable environment, focusing on residents' physical and emotional well-being. Explore their comprehensive care options, designed to meet individual needs, by visiting their website or contacting New Beginnings Home Care LLC today. For more information - https://www.newbeginningshcllc.com/philadelphia-nursing-home/

[agingwithcomforts]

Aging with Comfort: Compassionate Caregiver Services for Elderly

At Aging with Comfort, we provide exceptional caregiver services for elderly individuals in Philadelphia, PA. Our team of compassionate and experienced caregivers is dedicated to helping your loved one age gracefully and comfortably in their own home.

Our Services Include:

Personal Care Assistance: We assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation. Companionship: We provide companionship and emotional support to help your loved one feel connected and engaged. Light Housekeeping: We maintain a clean and organized home environment to promote safety and well-being. Medication Reminders: We ensure your loved one takes their medications correctly and on time. Transportation Assistance: We accompany your loved one to appointments, social outings, and other activities. Respite Care: We provide temporary relief for family caregivers who need a break.

Why Choose Aging with Comfort?

Experienced and Compassionate Caregivers: Our caregivers are carefully screened and trained to provide personalized care that meets your loved one's unique needs. Customized Care Plans: We develop individualized care plans that align with your loved one's preferences and healthcare requirements. Flexible Scheduling: We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your family's needs and preferences. 24/7 Availability: We are available around the clock to provide support and assistance.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our compassionate caregiver services can help your loved one age gracefully and comfortably in their own home.

[monkeymeghan]

Updates on Mom and Chloe

Long story short, Mom is home and Chloe has to have surgery on Thursday.

Mom

Mom came home last Thursday. It took an hour and a half each way for me, to Philadelphia and back home. It was a rough drive, rush hour on the way there, and the tail end of rush hour on the way back, in the rain at night. She's doing well, getting home nursing and physical therapy.

Chloe

Saturday evening I discovered a large mass/sore on the inside of Chloe's hind right leg. I immediately scooped her up and took her to the emergency vet. They shaved the area to get a better look. The mass/sore was 4cm and ulcerated, but not infected. They were unable to tell me what it was based on the exam. There was nothing to be done that night, so they sent us home. Yesterday morning I called and rescheduled Chloe's appointment to yesterday afternoon. The mass measured 3cm. I'm also terrified because she's had some weight loss. She's still eating and drinking and acting pretty normally, except for hiding a bit more than usual. Surgery for removal is scheduled for Thursday, and it will be sent for pathology. I feel terribly guilty that I hadn't found this mass earlier, it was so large. But no one had seen it, as she has been getting weekly temperature checks and quick exams for the last two months. The vet tried to reassure me and tell me it's amazing I found it at all because animals are so good at hiding things. I'm trying to stay positive, but I'm so scared. I know she needs the surgery, but I feel terrible for having to put her through that, knowing she'll be so scared and confused and in pain post-op. But it will help her because now that I know about the mass, I can tell she's having discomfort from it, and the removal will alleviate that.

Just please send prayers and good vibes to both my mom and my Chloe. And if you're so inclined, you can donate to or share my gofundme from last year. It is still active, and I plan on updating it soon regarding the upcoming surgery.

Things have just been crazy here, and I haven’t been on tumblr for almost a week. I’m hanging in there, though, and my anxiety is high but manageable.

[womeninfictionandirl]

Harriet Tubman by Robert Shetterly

The hundreds of slaves she helped to freedom and the thousands of others she inspired called her “Moses.” Harriet Tubman became the most famous leader of the Underground Railroad, an elaborate and secret series of houses, tunnels, and roads set up by abolitionists and former slaves to aid slaves escaping from slave states to free states and Canada.

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery as Araminta Ross in Bucktown, Maryland in the early 1820s. After her owner died, fearing that she would be sold farther south, Tubman escaped to Philadelphia in 1849. “When I had found that I had crossed the line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person,” she later said, “[T]he sun came like gold through the trees, and over the field, and I felt like I was in Heaven.”

After her escape, Tubman worked as a maid in Philadelphia and joined the city’s large abolitionist group. In 1850, after Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, making it illegal to help a runaway slave, Tubman joined the Underground Railroad. During her first expedition in December 1850, she managed to thread her way through the backwoods to Baltimore and return North with her niece and her niece’s children. From that time until the onset of the Civil War, Tubman traveled to the South at least eighteen times and enabled the escape of close to three hundred slaves. In 1857, she led her parents to freedom. After a brief time in Ontario, they settled in Auburn, New York, which became her home, as well.

Tubman oversaw every aspect of each escape – planning the route, dispensing drugs to quiet babies and carrying a gun for protection and to threaten any fearful runaway who wanted to turn back, saying, “You’ll be free or die.” As her reputation grew, rewards for her capture in the South reached as high as forty thousand dollars.

During the Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse, scout, and spy for the Union army. She took part in a military campaign that resulted in the rescue of more than seven hundred slaves.

After the war, Tubman returned to Auburn and continued her involvement in social issues including women’s rights. In 1908, when she finally received some of the veteran’s pay denied her for thirty years, she established a home in Auburn for elderly and indigent Blacks that later became known as the Harriet Tubman House. She died there on March 10, 1913.

[inevitablemoment]

MARTHA RYAN - OC INFO

FULL NAME: Martha Rosemarie Ryan

NICKNAMES: Mar (by everyone), The Emissary of Tiamat (by Tiamat, Gozer, and Ariadne), Titania (by Jonathan)

FACECLAIM: Donna Dixon

FANDOM: Ghostbusters (1984-1989; 2021)

BIRTHDAY: July 20, 1958

ZODIAC SIGN: Cancer

SEXUALITY: Bisexual

GENDER: Female (she/her/hers)

OCCUPATION: School nurse (1981-1987) || Unofficial medic for the Ghostbusters (1985-1987) || Doctor of internal medicine (1991-currently)

BIRTHPLACE: Ann Arbor, Michigan

LIVES IN: Ann Arbor, Michigan (birth-age 10 months) || San Francisco, CA (age 10 months-18) || Philadelphia, PA (age 18-22) || Manhattan, New York City, New York (age 22-29) || Paris, France (age 29-39) || Nice, France (age 39-currently)

NATIONALITY: American, French (naturalized)

FAMILY:

Jonathan Seibert (fiancee, deceased 1979)

William Ryan (father, deceased 2010)

Francine Ryan [nee O'Keefe] (mother, deceased 2012)

Oliver Ryan (brother)

Maureen Ryan [nee Sweeney] (sister-in-law)

Kerrie Ryan (niece)

Janis Ryan (sister)

MOODBOARD

CHARACTERISTICS: Melancholy, people-pleasing, feisty, impatient, kind-hearted, brave, quick-tempered, compassionate, introverted, sorrowful, lonely, confident, stubborn

LIKES: Working in medicine, poetry, outdoorsy activities, research, working with the students, traveling, mythology

DISLIKES: Driving, nightmares, therapy, grand romantic gestures, her people-pleasing tendencies, headaches

WEAPON OF CHOICE:

Medical knowledge

First-aid kit

PKE Meter (during the Collectors arc)

Proton Pack (during the Collectors arc)

Ghost Trap (during the Collectors arc)

Gigameter (during the Collectors arc)

Telepathy (during the Tiamat arc)

Telekinesis (during the Tiamat arc)

Premonitions (during the Tiamat arc)

Reality warping (during the Tiamat arc)

Hand-to-hand combat (during the Tiamat arc)

Quick healing (during the Tiamat arc)

Heightened senses (during the Tiamat arc)

Quick reflexes (during the Tiamat arc)

Levitation (during the Tiamat arc)

OTHER PERSONAL INFO:

During her sophomore year of college, she met literature student Jonathan Seibert. They dated for about a year before they got engaged. Unfortunately, in 1979, as they were driving from the airport to Martha's childhood home, they were hit by a drunk driver. Jonathan was instantly killed while Martha survived. As she had been driving the car at the time, she blamed herself for his death and her grief deeply affected her future relationship with Ray.

After the car accident, Martha began suffering from chronic pain in her left knee. She regularly attends physical therapy to help cope.

Martha originally wanted to be a doctor, but decided to pursue nursing instead in order to please her father, who was very old-fashioned and whom she admired. After receiving her nursing degree, she had trouble finding an open position in a hospital and took a job as a school nurse.

Jonathan's nickname for her, "Titania," came from the faerie queen in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

She had been selected from birth as an emissary and a vessel for Tiamat; following Tiamat's defeat, she broke things off with Ray (whom she didn't know was planning on proposing to her) out of both guilt for her actions under Tiamat's control and because she still hadn't fully grieved Jonathan's death. She moved to Paris for a fresh start, attending medical school there, and has lived in France ever since.

INSPIRATION: Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Elisabeth das Musical), Emily Grace (Murdoch Mysteries), Jenny Moran (Ghostbusters - IDW Comics), Martha Jones (Doctor Who), Elliot Stabler (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Ava Bekker (Chicago Med), Karen Vick (Psych), Izzie Stevens (Grey's Anatomy), Wanda Maximoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

NAME ANALYSIS:

Playlist available here

[lucreziaq2001]

•TV show: "Criminal minds".

•Content warnings: Period-typical homophobia, mentions of conversion therapy (done through electroshock too), a young man leaving his girlfriend, who is not mentally ill, at a psychiatric hospital thinking he is doing it for her own good and his girlfriend not wanting to stay there, but being forced to.

•Some of the lines are almost the same that are in a scene of the "Cold case" episode this story is inspired by. I did modify them a bit, though. I didn't just copy and paste them.

•Both Russell Kearns and Brockview Hospital were in the "Cold case" episode this fanfiction is inspired by. Both the character and the place are just like they were in "Boy crazy".

•VERY IMPORTANT THING: This chapter and the next one were pretty upsetting for me to write, so if you find them upsetting to read, I understand. Feel free to skip them.

•Tags: @lex13cm, @golden1u5t, @avis-writeshq, @rynwritesreid, @chrrysgirl, @amerrymango, @marie-sworld, @iluvreid, @babygirl-garcia, @hugyourlungs, @strangermoonlove.

The bridge to Heaven

Chapter 14: A terrible place

In the afternoon of November 4, after picking up Emily from school, Ian asked Elizabeth to pick up Declan from daycare, then he forced Emily to pack a suitcase and put her most important things in it, and the couple left their house.

In less than an hour, they arrived in Philadelphia, at Brockview Psychiatric Hospital.

Standing by the door to welcome them, as if he already knew why Emily and Ian were there, was Dr. Russell Kearns, who after speaking with Emily for just a few minutes, already had a diagnosis that was as clear as it was terrible for the girl.

"The diagnosis is a sexual identity disorder" the man explained to Ian while two nurses took care, so to speak, of Emily "Here at Brockview, we teach girls with the problems Emily has to be attracted to men, like they should be".

"And what are you planning to do to her?" the young man asked mainly to be informed about it, since he had already made the decision to leave his girlfriend there.

"Therapy sessions with a psychologist, drugs and electroshock sessions, which is an excellent therapy" the doctor explained to him.

"I don't know anything about it, though," Ian replied, confused.

"You want the best for your girlfriend, right?" Dr. Kearns then asked him instead of giving him the explanation Ian was expecting.

"Yes, of course" the boy confirmed "But it's the first time Emily and I part ways in two and a half years".

"Don't worry, she's in good hands here" the doctor tried to reassure him "Just think that in a month, one of our former patients and her fiance are getting married. They came here to visit me about a week ago and they are one of the happiest couples I have ever met".

"Take me back home!" Emily shouted at that point as she was carried on a stretcher, with her hands and feet tied, into a room by two nurses.

"Emily, I'm doing this for your own good" Ian responded, even though he wasn't entirely convinced of what he was saying either.

"I'll dress like a woman! I'll do anything you want!" the girl told him, clearly desperate.

"These are the clothes she was wearing" Dr. Kearns told Ian, handing him a brown paper bag "After her treatment, Emily will only wear women's clothing".

"I don't want to stay here! Please, take me away!" Emily tried to beg her boyfriend, but it was no use.

"I'm sorry, Emily. I love you, but you forced me to do this" Ian responded, then he started to walk towards the hospital's door.

"No, please! Don't leave me here!" was one of the last things Ian heard Emily say, while he left her and a part of his conscience in that terrible place.