paradisa | Twentieth Gate

Entry tags:

jennifer keller

Twentieth Gate

On a more serious note than my last entry... it's now down to myself and Dr. Tam to run the town clinic, and I could really use some help from anybody with medical expertise. Even someone to just come by once a week or so and clean up or help restock supplies and keep my files straight would be appreciated.

[She sketches a simple map to the clinic.]

As much as I hate to say it, if I don't get any volunteers, I might have to close. I'd still have a job, of course, so it wouldn't be a total loss...

[Her pen rests on the page, but she can't think of anything more to write that wouldn't sound a little selfish- namely, that she kind of likes the relative peace and privacy versus the castle.]

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Wanna give me some kind of orientation or something? Let me know what all you want me to do? I've had a lot of spare time on my hands and I have to say, I don't like it.

Sure thing. I pretty much live in the clinic nowadays, so stop by any time. ... don't be alarmed if there's a sheepdog waiting outside the door who wants to inspect you first, though.

I could come by now, if it suits you. Go ahead and jump in.

I'll be waiting.

[Mal makes his way to the clinic, only losing his way once. He knocks on the doorframe as he walks in, looking around for the doctor he'd spoken with before.]

Anybody home?

[A snoozing Blue takes little notice of the man, making a soft woofing noise in his throat.

Stellar guard dog.

Jennifer, however, hears the knock and comes to the front, similing at the new arrival.]

Afternoon.

[He knows it's not Kaylee, knows it from the way she carries herself, then way she's dressed, even her expression. But that doesn't stop his breath from catching. For a moment, he can do nothing but stare at her, and fight the ache in his heart. Once he's got himself under control, he merely nods.]

Hello. I'm Malcolm. Mal.

[Jennifer notices the familiar pause upon seeing her, and can't help but look a little crestfallen, feel the little stab of completely irrational guilt she feels every time she is mistaken for another person- she can't help her resemblance to this Kaylee, after all. But it fades.]

I'm Dr. Keller, but Jennifer is fine, too. [There's a long, awkward pause before she finally decides to get it over with and probes-]

... You know someone named Kaylee, I can tell. I've been told I look and sound almost identical to her.

There's a bit of resemblance.

[Mal clears his throat, shuffles slightly on his feet.]

I guess it was Simon that told you about Kaylee?

Other people did first, actually- she was apparently in Paradisa some time ago and left, and there are people around who still remember her.

[Jennifer would like nothing more than to turn back into a turtle at that very moment, remembering the way Simon had been when he'd first met her, the way he'd given her the cold shoulder until explaining how awkward it was to be around someone who so resembled his girlfriend, the way he'd finally gotten over it and offered a simple hug when Carson had vanished when she'd needed it most.]

... Simon was a little distant with me at first. He wasn't quite sure how to handle me, I don't think. ... He got better, though. He's a good man and has saved me from keeping this place going entirely on my own.

Well I'm sure no offense was intended. That's Simon's usual way with ladies such as yourself. Almost doesn't know what to do with himself around a woman.

[She chuckles softly in reply.]

He explained to me as much- that it was really awkward to be around me because... well. For obvious reasons. I can't say that I blame him, really.

[A pink creature then emerges from the back area, a huge smile on her face, carrying a tray with two hot cups of tea on it.]

Thank you, Marie. [She picks up the tray and offers it to Mal.] Tea?

Uh...

[He glances between Jennifer and the creature for a second.]

Sure, I'd love some. Thanks.

[Jennifer catches the glance and wonders before realizing- right. The Pokemon. She almost wants to laugh at how strange her assorted little clinic crew is.]

This is Marie; she's a very good nurse, believe it or not. She's not human, but she's very friendly and good at detecting when someone's hurt or doesn't feel well. She's helped me keep this place open.

[And helped keep her sane, when Jennifer felt like she wanted to quit everything, like she'd been abandoned by everyone from her world, like she was inferior to everyone. But she won't speak that aloud to a stranger, and begins moving past the desk to give a tour, wanting to push past the awkwardness.]

Well, I'll show you around a bit. You said you knew first aid...?

Yes, I've dealt with bullet wounds, stab wounds, and the like. I've helped Simon out during surgeries now and again. No formal training, but I got a steady hand. I reckon I can handle most of what we'd see here.

[Jennifer nods approval.]

I should have figured. ... The two of you came from an interesting place, huh?

Interesting is definitely one way to put it, that's the truth. I suspect your world was a sight better.

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Twentieth Gate

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