Story Market Day
- Thread starter ComCamGuy
- Start date
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
it depends on the speed of my other editor. Then I just have to format and push. I will be doing self publish but it will be available print or electronic
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
He'll get over .....or, not
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Even though it was early, the master suite upstairs felt like a whirlwind of activity. Andrea was all over the place. Sabine didn’t understand. It should be simple. Double check the uniform for Paige, help with hair and makeup, press. This didn’t seem to be the case.
Andre had what seemed to be an entire pallet of make-up strewn across the counter and was franticly sorting and discarding items at a rapid pace, Paige standing behind her shaking her head.
Sabine broke into the scene. “What the hell is going on?”
Paige looked over at Sabine and shook her head. “Andrea seems to remember just the right stuff she wants to use on me and can’t find it.”
Without even looking up from her stirring and shoveling Andrea replied. “It is going to be perfect. I refuse to let Paige’s makeup be less than perfect on this day.”
Sabine looked from Andrea to Paige again. Paige looked tired. They were up partying last night until god knows when and if Andrea had anything to do with it, they overdid things significantly. “Andrea, stop a moment.”
Andrea looked up at Sabine.
“Andrea, the makeup can wait a few moments. You can’t put it on her until after the shower and hair. First, you guys should go down and get coffee and breakfast. Fuel for your activities will make it easier.” Andrea started to object and return to her search when Paige gently took her arm.
“Andrea, coffee and food. Then we can start this again.” Paige led Andrea from the room. Sabine took advantage of the silence. She started with a shower, followed by some comfy clothes to cook in.
Before Sabine went downstairs, she rechecked her dress uniform. The other day she had updated her ribbon rack and such. Since this was probably the last official time she would wear this uniform, she had to make it all correct. All of her ribbons and medals and such, not just the bunch that crossed over to her new identity. She also swapped the name badge. She still had the one from when she first enlisted. She entered the service as her, and she was going to go out proper. No one here should question her about it past her telling them it was her maiden name.
The bride’s group ate breakfast then adjourned in mass to the top floor for preparations. Once they left the kitchen and dining area, Sabine collected the grooms group for breakfast. This group was just as ravenous. Once they had eaten, they were shooed from the kitchen to clear the way for the reception preparations.
Andre had what seemed to be an entire pallet of make-up strewn across the counter and was franticly sorting and discarding items at a rapid pace, Paige standing behind her shaking her head.
Sabine broke into the scene. “What the hell is going on?”
Paige looked over at Sabine and shook her head. “Andrea seems to remember just the right stuff she wants to use on me and can’t find it.”
Without even looking up from her stirring and shoveling Andrea replied. “It is going to be perfect. I refuse to let Paige’s makeup be less than perfect on this day.”
Sabine looked from Andrea to Paige again. Paige looked tired. They were up partying last night until god knows when and if Andrea had anything to do with it, they overdid things significantly. “Andrea, stop a moment.”
Andrea looked up at Sabine.
“Andrea, the makeup can wait a few moments. You can’t put it on her until after the shower and hair. First, you guys should go down and get coffee and breakfast. Fuel for your activities will make it easier.” Andrea started to object and return to her search when Paige gently took her arm.
“Andrea, coffee and food. Then we can start this again.” Paige led Andrea from the room. Sabine took advantage of the silence. She started with a shower, followed by some comfy clothes to cook in.
Before Sabine went downstairs, she rechecked her dress uniform. The other day she had updated her ribbon rack and such. Since this was probably the last official time she would wear this uniform, she had to make it all correct. All of her ribbons and medals and such, not just the bunch that crossed over to her new identity. She also swapped the name badge. She still had the one from when she first enlisted. She entered the service as her, and she was going to go out proper. No one here should question her about it past her telling them it was her maiden name.
The bride’s group ate breakfast then adjourned in mass to the top floor for preparations. Once they left the kitchen and dining area, Sabine collected the grooms group for breakfast. This group was just as ravenous. Once they had eaten, they were shooed from the kitchen to clear the way for the reception preparations.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
The ceremony was perfect. Everyone was stunning in their uniforms. Paige and Henrik positively glowed. Ivar performed the ceremony. Jennifer was the ring bearer. There were a few additional people from outside the group who attended; a few who Paige and Henrik knew from the 4x4 club on base. The food was spectacular, the cake amazing and the company was excellent. Near the end of the reception, Bill from the 4x4 club approached the happy couple.
“Henrik, Paige, you have been great friends to me since you both have been here. I had one last present to give you both. Normally the newlyweds go off on a honeymoon after the wedding, but these times make a trip to Vegas or Hawaii tough and impractical. Instead, I and your friends have arranged a slightly less extravagant getaway.” He hands Henrik the keys to Henrik’s Jeep. Henrik looks down at them. He is thoroughly confused now. Bill continued talking.
“Yes, I know they are your jeep keys. Clothes and refreshments have been packed into it for your week-long honeymoon getaway at my cabin. The place is fully stocked and provisioned. A map and the keys for the cabin are on the front seat of your Jeep.”
Paige and Henrik were stunned. As much as they loved their friends, a get away from the hustle and bustle sounded great. No worries but each other.
“Henrik, Paige, you have been great friends to me since you both have been here. I had one last present to give you both. Normally the newlyweds go off on a honeymoon after the wedding, but these times make a trip to Vegas or Hawaii tough and impractical. Instead, I and your friends have arranged a slightly less extravagant getaway.” He hands Henrik the keys to Henrik’s Jeep. Henrik looks down at them. He is thoroughly confused now. Bill continued talking.
“Yes, I know they are your jeep keys. Clothes and refreshments have been packed into it for your week-long honeymoon getaway at my cabin. The place is fully stocked and provisioned. A map and the keys for the cabin are on the front seat of your Jeep.”
Paige and Henrik were stunned. As much as they loved their friends, a get away from the hustle and bustle sounded great. No worries but each other.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you 
Grouchy Granny
Deceased
Just got caught up with the chapters I missed.
All I can say is "Author! Author! Author!"
Can't wait to get this in hard copy.
My sincere thanks for a story well done, with wonderful cliff hangers and wonderful characters.
Have a Happy and Blessed New Year.
All I can say is "Author! Author! Author!"
Can't wait to get this in hard copy.
My sincere thanks for a story well done, with wonderful cliff hangers and wonderful characters.
Have a Happy and Blessed New Year.
Sportsman
Veteran Member
Prices of small EKG machines have really fallen. A small 2-lead is now almost free, and multi-lead machines are really reasonable and available on Ebay and Amazon. Like an AED, if you know how to use it, or run with someone that does, it makes sense to invest in one for the kit.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
this is a three lead, and if you know what you are doing, can do a full 12 lead worth of work. All run by a couple standard batteries.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Sounds like a good buy/very good to have item to me.....guess I need to look at least one, more batts, maybe a bigger med bag ...never ends does it?
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
nope!
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Paige and Henrik followed the GPS and the map high up into the mountains, arriving at a picturesque stone and log cabin. They were in love with it. The inside was just as fabulous. As promised, there was a well-stocked woodbox for the fireplace and the wood cook stove. It looked like something out of the 1800s, with oil lamps for lighting, leather and wood furniture and even a bearskin rug.
It took a bit of looking to see the technologic upgrades such as the water heater and hidden electric lights. Henrik started making notes in his head. An idea started to form in his head. An idea wiped from his head immediately when Paige emerged from the bedroom.
Paige was in love with the cabin. She wanted one. She figured Henrik and her could build something like this when they got to her Grandfather’s place. She was using these thoughts to distract herself from how nervous she was. She knew she didn’t have much reason to be nervous, she told herself. She had been living with Henrik for well over a year or more. She had slept with him before. Why was she nervous?
Because she was now married to him. To death do they part. She wanted to make everything perfect. This was a honeymoon. Right before they left, Andrea told her she had a bag left at the cabin for the honeymoon night festivities. Andrea wouldn’t tell her what all was in it so Paige was a bit scared to look. Once Paige and Henrik got to the cabin and looked around, she shooed him out of the bedroom for a few moments to ‘freshen up’.
Henrik’s breath was taken away when he turned to Paige when she came out of the bedroom. She was dressed in beautiful white lace lingerie and a nervous smile. In one hand she held a pair of champagne flutes.
“Well, what do you think?” There was a little hitch in her voice. She was speaking barely over a whisper.
“You’re a vision, Paige. How did I get so lucky to be the one who ended up with you?”
“So, you like?” Paige asked, her smile getting bigger, more confident.
“Oh, yes! Very much. Where have you been hiding that outfit?”
“It’s new. Andrea had it dropped off, along with some other things I might show you later.” Paige was now blushing, remembering some of the other things in the bag from Andrea. She held out on of the champagne glasses to Henrik.
Later during the week, among their other activities, Paige and Henrik plotted and planned their cabin to be. Henrik was deep in carpenter mode, drawing and planning, while Paige was helping with the layout. She really liked the mix of stone and wood. She saw a lot of lifting and moving of rocks in her future.
It took a bit of looking to see the technologic upgrades such as the water heater and hidden electric lights. Henrik started making notes in his head. An idea started to form in his head. An idea wiped from his head immediately when Paige emerged from the bedroom.
Paige was in love with the cabin. She wanted one. She figured Henrik and her could build something like this when they got to her Grandfather’s place. She was using these thoughts to distract herself from how nervous she was. She knew she didn’t have much reason to be nervous, she told herself. She had been living with Henrik for well over a year or more. She had slept with him before. Why was she nervous?
Because she was now married to him. To death do they part. She wanted to make everything perfect. This was a honeymoon. Right before they left, Andrea told her she had a bag left at the cabin for the honeymoon night festivities. Andrea wouldn’t tell her what all was in it so Paige was a bit scared to look. Once Paige and Henrik got to the cabin and looked around, she shooed him out of the bedroom for a few moments to ‘freshen up’.
Henrik’s breath was taken away when he turned to Paige when she came out of the bedroom. She was dressed in beautiful white lace lingerie and a nervous smile. In one hand she held a pair of champagne flutes.
“Well, what do you think?” There was a little hitch in her voice. She was speaking barely over a whisper.
“You’re a vision, Paige. How did I get so lucky to be the one who ended up with you?”
“So, you like?” Paige asked, her smile getting bigger, more confident.
“Oh, yes! Very much. Where have you been hiding that outfit?”
“It’s new. Andrea had it dropped off, along with some other things I might show you later.” Paige was now blushing, remembering some of the other things in the bag from Andrea. She held out on of the champagne glasses to Henrik.
Later during the week, among their other activities, Paige and Henrik plotted and planned their cabin to be. Henrik was deep in carpenter mode, drawing and planning, while Paige was helping with the layout. She really liked the mix of stone and wood. She saw a lot of lifting and moving of rocks in her future.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Big thank you.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Paige saw a lot of lifting and moving of rocks in her future but it would be the home she want with the man she loved. Her Grandfather always told her building a home with the one you love is one of the best way to start a marriage. It helps lay a good foundations. She was starting to look forward to getting to her grandfather’s place.
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
The drive back to home was peaceful. The roads were mostly empty with only one or two other cars seen the entire drive. Paige and Henrik made several new lists of stuff they needed to scrounge for before they left. They knew they needed to talk to Sabine and Andrea about the plan.
With the four of them going north, and Paige’s grandfather saying bring anyone who needed shelter, Paige and Henrik hadn’t given much thought to anything other than getting there and making sure all their friends had a sanctuary. The gang was spending all their energy getting ready to go but the week in the cabin shifted Paige’s and Henrik’s thinking to ‘what do we do after we get there?’ Four or more on the couch forever is not good plan, as cozy as seemed.
The couple started thinking like a married couple, not just two people living together. They wanted to plan their life together. Paige and Henrik were intending to use the spring and summer to build their own house. This was fine for them, but they started to worry about Sabine and Andrea. At that moment it felt like all the air was sucked out of Henrik’s jeep and they were in the vacuum of space. They both realized it was time, the other musketeers treat them a married couple, giving them space to be alone together. The other two would have to have their own place to live. Neither of them knew if Sabine and Andrea had given it any thought.
It was time to sit down and have some reality conversations when they got home. They knew this was going to be hard moving to a new location with the prospect and plan of not living together when they got there. Emotions were going to be running high. It was going to be difficult to make rational decisions.
“How are going to deal with the ostrich? At least we have the Ice Queen to help keep things stable, if she hasn’t changed too much”
“I told you to quit calling her that. She has her reasons for being that way just because we don’t know them, doesn’t make them wrong. Calling her that does not help. I thought you were starting to get along better when you asked her to be your best man”
“I’m sorry we should not fight about this. We need to stand together more now than ever. We are married. We need to pick our battles. Besides, this time it wasn’t derogatory. If anybody can smooth things out with Andrea, it’s Sabine.”
“ We haven’t even talked to them. We need to quit building bumper jacks.”
She leaned over and kissed him “Hey we survived our first fight as a married couple”
They both laughed and resumed talking about things but they just could not stop thinking about their house. This lead to all the things needed to build a home; where they would get them, would they have to do it themselves, would their friends help, would they have a place to live, would there be a Home Depot, on and on. Could they find a good location for both houses near one another? Paige didn’t want to lose having her friends close.
Henrik was starting to get a headache. There was no denying it they also had to discuss the timeline.
There was a long silence. Henrik as usual was making mental list while Paige was using a pro and con method to come up an answer.
It was obvious Paige was thinking about this for a long time as she reviewed all the information in her head.
At the current state of things, waiting later in the spring to leave would just burn up valuable food stocks that were getting harder and harder to replace. If they got north soon, they could still bring the supplies they had stockpiled and eat those while building their home, rather than trying to find food and build shelter at the same time.
Finally she took a deep breath.
“End of January would be a good target date.”
“OK, why then?”
“Well, it will give us a couple of weeks to finalize the stuff we are taking, time for me to finish the trailers, get things loaded and to give Sabine and Andrea enough time to make more decisions and preparations based off those decisions.” Paige said with a smile.
“A month sounds right. We now have a new priority list for what we need to bring as well. We need to talk to Ivar and Silas as well. I think if they want to come north as you’re suggesting, they should start out no later than the end of spring. Almost everyone is gone from the base now, and Ivar can turn the rest over to Herrera since he is staying to run the clinic out of the old hospital when we all leave.”
Paige moved on to the touchier part of her suggestions. “I was also thinking, on our drive north, we might need to shorten up our supply worries a bit.”
"What are you thinking?” Henrik was a little suspicious now.
“Well, with four of us, it’s not as smart to be strung out all down the road. Convoys should be as short as possible and as similar in composition as possible.” Paige was sounding wishy-washy. Henrik called her out on it.
“Out with it. What are you thinking?”
“I think we should do it as two vehicles; My Cherokee and Sabine’s Cruiser, each with trailers. That would put two people in each vehicle, both diesel. Pilot and Copilot/ navigator. This would mean leaving your Jeep and Andrea’s R32 behind.” Paige said all in a rush.
She could see Henrik thinking and thinking on it. She started to say something a couple of time, but thought better of it. Finally, Henrik spoke.
“It makes sense. Perhaps if the others came north, they could bring or drive them. My jeep would be better than the sedan Jensen is driving around now. It would hold just as much and be more reliable and nimble. The big thing would be convincing Andrea.”
Paige was relieved. Henrik agreed with her idea. She even liked his idea of Jenson using it to come north if he comes. Would Andrea agree? Sabine might have to convince her. If so, who would be a good candidate to bring it north? Ivar and Silas each had two cars for their families, so they would be either bringing two of their own or doing like Henrik and Paige and leaving one behind. Maybe Violet since Veronica already had a vehicle. Paige’s thought processes were interrupted by Henrik’s solution.
“If Andrea is willing to leave it behind to come up later, how about Petra?”
“Petra! Perfect! If the little car was left behind, Petra would be the perfect one to bring it north if she came north! She fits in perfect just don’t let Andrea know how she drives. Girl thinks she is driving one of those midget racer when she is in a 4x4. Darn little Gremlin! Fed her after midnight once and she was up until 0300 bouncing off the barn wall messing with the jeep. She was climbing the ropes like a monkey.”
Henrik and Paige continued to bounce ideas back and forth the rest of the drive home. A new life as man and wife was looking like it just might work out. They may even be able to help others start over too. Maybe just maybe there was a silver lining in all this. God knows Sabine needs a chance to start over at a new place with Andrea.
With the four of them going north, and Paige’s grandfather saying bring anyone who needed shelter, Paige and Henrik hadn’t given much thought to anything other than getting there and making sure all their friends had a sanctuary. The gang was spending all their energy getting ready to go but the week in the cabin shifted Paige’s and Henrik’s thinking to ‘what do we do after we get there?’ Four or more on the couch forever is not good plan, as cozy as seemed.
The couple started thinking like a married couple, not just two people living together. They wanted to plan their life together. Paige and Henrik were intending to use the spring and summer to build their own house. This was fine for them, but they started to worry about Sabine and Andrea. At that moment it felt like all the air was sucked out of Henrik’s jeep and they were in the vacuum of space. They both realized it was time, the other musketeers treat them a married couple, giving them space to be alone together. The other two would have to have their own place to live. Neither of them knew if Sabine and Andrea had given it any thought.
It was time to sit down and have some reality conversations when they got home. They knew this was going to be hard moving to a new location with the prospect and plan of not living together when they got there. Emotions were going to be running high. It was going to be difficult to make rational decisions.
“How are going to deal with the ostrich? At least we have the Ice Queen to help keep things stable, if she hasn’t changed too much”
“I told you to quit calling her that. She has her reasons for being that way just because we don’t know them, doesn’t make them wrong. Calling her that does not help. I thought you were starting to get along better when you asked her to be your best man”
“I’m sorry we should not fight about this. We need to stand together more now than ever. We are married. We need to pick our battles. Besides, this time it wasn’t derogatory. If anybody can smooth things out with Andrea, it’s Sabine.”
“ We haven’t even talked to them. We need to quit building bumper jacks.”
She leaned over and kissed him “Hey we survived our first fight as a married couple”
They both laughed and resumed talking about things but they just could not stop thinking about their house. This lead to all the things needed to build a home; where they would get them, would they have to do it themselves, would their friends help, would they have a place to live, would there be a Home Depot, on and on. Could they find a good location for both houses near one another? Paige didn’t want to lose having her friends close.
Henrik was starting to get a headache. There was no denying it they also had to discuss the timeline.
There was a long silence. Henrik as usual was making mental list while Paige was using a pro and con method to come up an answer.
It was obvious Paige was thinking about this for a long time as she reviewed all the information in her head.
At the current state of things, waiting later in the spring to leave would just burn up valuable food stocks that were getting harder and harder to replace. If they got north soon, they could still bring the supplies they had stockpiled and eat those while building their home, rather than trying to find food and build shelter at the same time.
Finally she took a deep breath.
“End of January would be a good target date.”
“OK, why then?”
“Well, it will give us a couple of weeks to finalize the stuff we are taking, time for me to finish the trailers, get things loaded and to give Sabine and Andrea enough time to make more decisions and preparations based off those decisions.” Paige said with a smile.
“A month sounds right. We now have a new priority list for what we need to bring as well. We need to talk to Ivar and Silas as well. I think if they want to come north as you’re suggesting, they should start out no later than the end of spring. Almost everyone is gone from the base now, and Ivar can turn the rest over to Herrera since he is staying to run the clinic out of the old hospital when we all leave.”
Paige moved on to the touchier part of her suggestions. “I was also thinking, on our drive north, we might need to shorten up our supply worries a bit.”
"What are you thinking?” Henrik was a little suspicious now.
“Well, with four of us, it’s not as smart to be strung out all down the road. Convoys should be as short as possible and as similar in composition as possible.” Paige was sounding wishy-washy. Henrik called her out on it.
“Out with it. What are you thinking?”
“I think we should do it as two vehicles; My Cherokee and Sabine’s Cruiser, each with trailers. That would put two people in each vehicle, both diesel. Pilot and Copilot/ navigator. This would mean leaving your Jeep and Andrea’s R32 behind.” Paige said all in a rush.
She could see Henrik thinking and thinking on it. She started to say something a couple of time, but thought better of it. Finally, Henrik spoke.
“It makes sense. Perhaps if the others came north, they could bring or drive them. My jeep would be better than the sedan Jensen is driving around now. It would hold just as much and be more reliable and nimble. The big thing would be convincing Andrea.”
Paige was relieved. Henrik agreed with her idea. She even liked his idea of Jenson using it to come north if he comes. Would Andrea agree? Sabine might have to convince her. If so, who would be a good candidate to bring it north? Ivar and Silas each had two cars for their families, so they would be either bringing two of their own or doing like Henrik and Paige and leaving one behind. Maybe Violet since Veronica already had a vehicle. Paige’s thought processes were interrupted by Henrik’s solution.
“If Andrea is willing to leave it behind to come up later, how about Petra?”
“Petra! Perfect! If the little car was left behind, Petra would be the perfect one to bring it north if she came north! She fits in perfect just don’t let Andrea know how she drives. Girl thinks she is driving one of those midget racer when she is in a 4x4. Darn little Gremlin! Fed her after midnight once and she was up until 0300 bouncing off the barn wall messing with the jeep. She was climbing the ropes like a monkey.”
Henrik and Paige continued to bounce ideas back and forth the rest of the drive home. A new life as man and wife was looking like it just might work out. They may even be able to help others start over too. Maybe just maybe there was a silver lining in all this. God knows Sabine needs a chance to start over at a new place with Andrea.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
The house felt kind of empty when Paige and Henrik got home. Andrea and Sabine were there but no one else. All the hustle and bustle were gone, the chaos was cleaned up and everything was quiet. In some ways it was peaceful, and also a little sad. Sabine already had a light, late dinner prepared for their anticipated arrival.
The four of them sat to eat. It was awkward at first since things had changed, even though nothing has changed. Sabine and Andrea expect things to be different but weren’t sure how much. The two of them had talked a lot about this with the other married couples after Paige and Henrik left and among themselves. They were still Paige and Henrik but now they were Paige and Henrik the married couple. Would they still be able to think independently or would they always vote together?
It was a polite silence which made them all a little uncomfortable. After all, they were the four musketeers, or were they. Were they now divided into two groups instead? They had to shake this off. Someone had to be the first to speak. Andrea finally had enough of this, which surprising everyone when the ostrich broke the silence.
“So how did you like the toys and things we left at the cabin for you?”
At this Paige turned every shared of red in the spectrum as Henrik grinned bigger than she had ever seen before. The ice was broken. It was small talk at first, how did they like the cabin, was the area nice, was being married different and other questions about their trip.
Paige looked at Henrik just as Sabine glanced toward Andrea both with the same looked in there eyes. It was as if they were reading each other’s mind.
“We have been talking, bantering ideas and the four of us need to starting making some plans” was said almost simultaneously by Paige and Sabine
“It’s late and we have a lot to tell you so lets do it tomorrow after breakfast” Andrea suggested as she cleared the dishes seeing how tired everyone looked. She knew how short tempered Sabine can be and this discussion needed everyone clear-headed. Andrea was trying really hard not to put her head in the sand. Being called an ostrich was starting to hurt her feelings just a little.
Everyone was in agreement. Tomorrow morning would be good.
Paige and Henrik retired to their room. As they readied themselves for bed they briefly discussed what went on during dinner and what they wanted to talk about. It was going easy but hard since they had to make decisions as group but think of themselves as married. At least they had been thinking about it too.
Paige kissed Henrik goodnight. Tomorrow is another day and she will be with him forever Paige thought, remembering her promise as she rolled over to go to sleep.
Things were different upstairs with Sabine and Andrea. Both were restless, not knowing what to expect other than they were going to follow Paige and Henrik. After they got there, where ever there was, they would make a new life. Sabine had done it before. She hoped Andrea was up to it. Sabine always had her trust fund to escape with if she needed it. All she had to do is get to Europe. She hoped she would not need to.
No one slept well so breakfast came early. Andrea was up making waffles, bacon, hash brown, biscuits and eggs. She still had not quite gotten back to cooking for small groups yet. Oh well, they needed a hardy breakfast since this was going to be a long conversation.
The table was cleared and the group went into the living room to start the meeting. Andrea showed up with a snack she made even though they had just eaten. Cooking relaxed her and she was not sure how Paige and Henrik were going to react to what to some of the things Sabine and she had discussed.
Paige was happy to see the snack even though she had just eaten.
Henrik as always made a few list of what they should talk about. For once the group did not joke about his list and were quite glad some of the topics had already been broached among themselves. One of the hottest topics was Paige’s grandfather’s offer.
Sabine suggested before they start with new business she be allowed to give Paige and Henrik a brief summary of what took place during their absence.
Paige grabbed for more snacks as the meeting seemed to take a formal tone.
“We need to move forward. People here don’t want to stay but they don’t know where to go or what to do when they get there”.
“Jenson wants to get Jennifer as far from here as he can but doesn’t know where to go. The idea of going north sounds good to him. He joined the military to get away from where he grew up. He doesn’t think where he grew up has improved any with a collapse. The group here are the sort he wants to be around.
“Ivar, Silas, Amber and Sofia don’t have another destination to go to. They debated staying here, especially with the offer to take over the house when we leave but there really isn’t a major draw for them to stay. Veronica and Violet figured if the rest of the families are going to go north to take advantage of Paige’s grandfather’s offer, they would go there as well, but if their parents were staying in California, they would come back down here to stay with them. Safety in numbers.”
“Petra is floundering. She found out her mother died during the hurricanes and her younger brother and older sister are traveling north from Florida towards her older brother’s home in Vermont. Petra doesn’t even know her older brother other than by name and picture. She also doesn’t feel very safe with the idea of traveling across the country by herself. She is seriously considering staying with the rest of the guys and if they traveled north, she would come too.”
“With everything coming apart, everyone seemed to be clinging tighter and tighter to the small band Silas seemed to create with us at its core. It is no longer just the four musketeers. The group is there to help each other endure and persevere. Most like the idea of staying together since we have come to trust each other. It is that team thing but they are not prepared yet to leave the geographical area like we are. We could be the recon team. We could plan the route, send for them later with some of our other stuff and let them stay here until we know what is going on at the other end. Then they would know more about what they are getting into and be better prepared for the trip.”
Paige called for another bathroom break at the end of Sabine’s sit rep. It was not as long as it seemed and Sabine was noticing a few other things different about Paige she might have missed earlier.
The four of them sat to eat. It was awkward at first since things had changed, even though nothing has changed. Sabine and Andrea expect things to be different but weren’t sure how much. The two of them had talked a lot about this with the other married couples after Paige and Henrik left and among themselves. They were still Paige and Henrik but now they were Paige and Henrik the married couple. Would they still be able to think independently or would they always vote together?
It was a polite silence which made them all a little uncomfortable. After all, they were the four musketeers, or were they. Were they now divided into two groups instead? They had to shake this off. Someone had to be the first to speak. Andrea finally had enough of this, which surprising everyone when the ostrich broke the silence.
“So how did you like the toys and things we left at the cabin for you?”
At this Paige turned every shared of red in the spectrum as Henrik grinned bigger than she had ever seen before. The ice was broken. It was small talk at first, how did they like the cabin, was the area nice, was being married different and other questions about their trip.
Paige looked at Henrik just as Sabine glanced toward Andrea both with the same looked in there eyes. It was as if they were reading each other’s mind.
“We have been talking, bantering ideas and the four of us need to starting making some plans” was said almost simultaneously by Paige and Sabine
“It’s late and we have a lot to tell you so lets do it tomorrow after breakfast” Andrea suggested as she cleared the dishes seeing how tired everyone looked. She knew how short tempered Sabine can be and this discussion needed everyone clear-headed. Andrea was trying really hard not to put her head in the sand. Being called an ostrich was starting to hurt her feelings just a little.
Everyone was in agreement. Tomorrow morning would be good.
Paige and Henrik retired to their room. As they readied themselves for bed they briefly discussed what went on during dinner and what they wanted to talk about. It was going easy but hard since they had to make decisions as group but think of themselves as married. At least they had been thinking about it too.
Paige kissed Henrik goodnight. Tomorrow is another day and she will be with him forever Paige thought, remembering her promise as she rolled over to go to sleep.
Things were different upstairs with Sabine and Andrea. Both were restless, not knowing what to expect other than they were going to follow Paige and Henrik. After they got there, where ever there was, they would make a new life. Sabine had done it before. She hoped Andrea was up to it. Sabine always had her trust fund to escape with if she needed it. All she had to do is get to Europe. She hoped she would not need to.
No one slept well so breakfast came early. Andrea was up making waffles, bacon, hash brown, biscuits and eggs. She still had not quite gotten back to cooking for small groups yet. Oh well, they needed a hardy breakfast since this was going to be a long conversation.
The table was cleared and the group went into the living room to start the meeting. Andrea showed up with a snack she made even though they had just eaten. Cooking relaxed her and she was not sure how Paige and Henrik were going to react to what to some of the things Sabine and she had discussed.
Paige was happy to see the snack even though she had just eaten.
Henrik as always made a few list of what they should talk about. For once the group did not joke about his list and were quite glad some of the topics had already been broached among themselves. One of the hottest topics was Paige’s grandfather’s offer.
Sabine suggested before they start with new business she be allowed to give Paige and Henrik a brief summary of what took place during their absence.
Paige grabbed for more snacks as the meeting seemed to take a formal tone.
“We need to move forward. People here don’t want to stay but they don’t know where to go or what to do when they get there”.
“Jenson wants to get Jennifer as far from here as he can but doesn’t know where to go. The idea of going north sounds good to him. He joined the military to get away from where he grew up. He doesn’t think where he grew up has improved any with a collapse. The group here are the sort he wants to be around.
“Ivar, Silas, Amber and Sofia don’t have another destination to go to. They debated staying here, especially with the offer to take over the house when we leave but there really isn’t a major draw for them to stay. Veronica and Violet figured if the rest of the families are going to go north to take advantage of Paige’s grandfather’s offer, they would go there as well, but if their parents were staying in California, they would come back down here to stay with them. Safety in numbers.”
“Petra is floundering. She found out her mother died during the hurricanes and her younger brother and older sister are traveling north from Florida towards her older brother’s home in Vermont. Petra doesn’t even know her older brother other than by name and picture. She also doesn’t feel very safe with the idea of traveling across the country by herself. She is seriously considering staying with the rest of the guys and if they traveled north, she would come too.”
“With everything coming apart, everyone seemed to be clinging tighter and tighter to the small band Silas seemed to create with us at its core. It is no longer just the four musketeers. The group is there to help each other endure and persevere. Most like the idea of staying together since we have come to trust each other. It is that team thing but they are not prepared yet to leave the geographical area like we are. We could be the recon team. We could plan the route, send for them later with some of our other stuff and let them stay here until we know what is going on at the other end. Then they would know more about what they are getting into and be better prepared for the trip.”
Paige called for another bathroom break at the end of Sabine’s sit rep. It was not as long as it seemed and Sabine was noticing a few other things different about Paige she might have missed earlier.
Last edited:
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you for the new chapter.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Even larger than we think if someone is pregnant; honeymoons can produce a variety of unexpected outcomes.
Last edited:
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Andrea showed up with a snack she made the night before. Cooking relaxed her and she was not sure how Paige and Henrik were going to react to what to some of the things Sabine and she had discussed.
“Has anyone seen the turkey baster”
“Andrea, I said we would talk about that later” Sabine quipped at her. Paige and Henrik were confused but it did not stop Paige from reaching for the snack. Paige was hungry and glad to see the snack even though she had just eaten. They eventually blew it off as inside joke between them after all they had more important things to talk about.
Once everyone had settled back in, Paige realized everyone was looking at her.
“What?”
Well, how do we want to plan going north? It’s your grandfather’s offer that is driving the direction, after all.” Andrea said as she was pouring another cup of coffee.
Paige realized right then, although she was the lowest ranking of them, this was no longer a military thing and she seemed to be the defacto leader of the little group of four, and by extension would be, in some ways, responsible for the plan going forward for the larger group! How did she end up in charge! She had a job where she worked alone and wasn’t responsible for anyone but her! What did she know about leading?
Sabine was concerned. She didn’t understand exactly why Andrea’s simple question seemed to short circuit Paige’s brain, but she saw all the signs. Paige went pale, her eyes seemed to glaze over, and Sabine could even see the pupils dilate! Paige’s eyes seemed to get big as saucers. Her breathing was rapid, and Sabine knew if she were to check, Paige’s heart was going a mile a minute!
“Paige? Are you OK?” Paige didn’t react to Sabine’s question. “Paige?” No reply. Sabine looked over at Henrik. “Henrik, Paige is about ten seconds from a full blown panic attack!” Sabine was standing now and coming around the table.
Henrik was alarmed to say the least! “Paige?” He placed his hands on her arm. She was cool and clammy. She also didn’t respond to the touch. “Paige, come on, now. You’re scaring me. What’s wrong?” Henrik had a hand on each shoulder now, turning her in her chair towards him. She was sitting stiffly as he turned her. Henrik saw no recognition in her face, no reaction to their presence. Moments later, he saw her eyelids flutter.
“Catch her!” Sabine’s yell gave him a moment’s warning, which was just enough. He scooped her up. She was limp as an overcooked noodle. Out like a light.
Henrik looked to Sabine, fear and concern all over his face.
“Go ahead and take her to the bed. I will get my bag and meet you down there.” Sabine’s voice held none of the worry she was feeling. Her medical brain had already shoved her normal one aside.
Through all of this, Andrea sat frozen in place. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she was at a loss for what to do until Sabine turned and spoke to her.
“Andrea, go make some broth and meet me down downstairs. I need to go grab my bag.” Sabine started to turn away when she saw Andrea’s worried face and stopped. “It’s going to be ok. I think she just had a panic attack.”
“Panic attack? Over what? All I did was ask a question!” Andre was near tears herself. Sabine came over to her and wrapped her long arms around her and held her tight.
“I know, but, I think this is the first time she realized she was the leader of the group. She just got handed a buttload of responsibility in her head and I think she just popped a breaker in her head.” Sabine let go and stepped back. “Now, get the broth while I get my gear and drink for yourself. It will calm your nerves or do you want me to give you something stronger after I am done with Paige?”
Andrea wasn’t sure she should be drinking and definitely nothing stronger in her condition. She had to get herself together for everyone sake. She needed to focus.
“Has anyone seen the turkey baster”
“Andrea, I said we would talk about that later” Sabine quipped at her. Paige and Henrik were confused but it did not stop Paige from reaching for the snack. Paige was hungry and glad to see the snack even though she had just eaten. They eventually blew it off as inside joke between them after all they had more important things to talk about.
Once everyone had settled back in, Paige realized everyone was looking at her.
“What?”
Well, how do we want to plan going north? It’s your grandfather’s offer that is driving the direction, after all.” Andrea said as she was pouring another cup of coffee.
Paige realized right then, although she was the lowest ranking of them, this was no longer a military thing and she seemed to be the defacto leader of the little group of four, and by extension would be, in some ways, responsible for the plan going forward for the larger group! How did she end up in charge! She had a job where she worked alone and wasn’t responsible for anyone but her! What did she know about leading?
Sabine was concerned. She didn’t understand exactly why Andrea’s simple question seemed to short circuit Paige’s brain, but she saw all the signs. Paige went pale, her eyes seemed to glaze over, and Sabine could even see the pupils dilate! Paige’s eyes seemed to get big as saucers. Her breathing was rapid, and Sabine knew if she were to check, Paige’s heart was going a mile a minute!
“Paige? Are you OK?” Paige didn’t react to Sabine’s question. “Paige?” No reply. Sabine looked over at Henrik. “Henrik, Paige is about ten seconds from a full blown panic attack!” Sabine was standing now and coming around the table.
Henrik was alarmed to say the least! “Paige?” He placed his hands on her arm. She was cool and clammy. She also didn’t respond to the touch. “Paige, come on, now. You’re scaring me. What’s wrong?” Henrik had a hand on each shoulder now, turning her in her chair towards him. She was sitting stiffly as he turned her. Henrik saw no recognition in her face, no reaction to their presence. Moments later, he saw her eyelids flutter.
“Catch her!” Sabine’s yell gave him a moment’s warning, which was just enough. He scooped her up. She was limp as an overcooked noodle. Out like a light.
Henrik looked to Sabine, fear and concern all over his face.
“Go ahead and take her to the bed. I will get my bag and meet you down there.” Sabine’s voice held none of the worry she was feeling. Her medical brain had already shoved her normal one aside.
Through all of this, Andrea sat frozen in place. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she was at a loss for what to do until Sabine turned and spoke to her.
“Andrea, go make some broth and meet me down downstairs. I need to go grab my bag.” Sabine started to turn away when she saw Andrea’s worried face and stopped. “It’s going to be ok. I think she just had a panic attack.”
“Panic attack? Over what? All I did was ask a question!” Andre was near tears herself. Sabine came over to her and wrapped her long arms around her and held her tight.
“I know, but, I think this is the first time she realized she was the leader of the group. She just got handed a buttload of responsibility in her head and I think she just popped a breaker in her head.” Sabine let go and stepped back. “Now, get the broth while I get my gear and drink for yourself. It will calm your nerves or do you want me to give you something stronger after I am done with Paige?”
Andrea wasn’t sure she should be drinking and definitely nothing stronger in her condition. She had to get herself together for everyone sake. She needed to focus.
Last edited:
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you.
Dumb Blonde
Contributing Member
Yep, that'll do it every time!
Gotta mentally sit back and break off bite sized pieces and slowly work your way through the elephant...
Gotta mentally sit back and break off bite sized pieces and slowly work your way through the elephant...
Last edited:
ComCamGuy
Remote Paramedical pain in the ass
Paige was confused. How did she get to the bedroom? What was going on? Henrik was sitting on the edge of the bed holding her hand. She saw Andrea come down the stairs with a mug in her hands, followed by Sabine with her medical bag. She tried to sit up but Henrik was gently holding her down.
“What happened?” There was concern in Paige’s voice. She was as much talking to Henrik as those damn butterflies. They always showed up at the weirdest times.
Henrik replied. “You passed out. Sabine is going to check you out. It could be stress or something left over from your time in the hospital may have made you sensitive to something.”
That thought didn’t make Paige feel good at all. She tried remembered what was going on before she went loopy. What was the last thing going on? Finally, it came to her. They were planning the trip north to her grandfather’s place. She was trying to remember when Sabine got to the bed.
“Alright, Yeti, move so I can check her out.” Sabine set her bag on the bed. Unzipping it, she pulled out the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff as well as the rest of her diagnostic gear. Sabine started off with the BP cuff as she started talking.
“OK, Paige, let’s see what’s going on. Were you lightheaded right before you passed out?”
“I don’t remember.”
“How about now?”
“Lightheaded, no. Confused, yes. How long was I out?”
“About five minutes or so.” Sabine pumped up the cuff and measured her pressure. “Your pressure is a little low, but not bad. How have you been feeling the last couple of days?”
“Great! Fine! What could have caused this?” Paige was now worried. Was this some residual damage from Frickle’s punch? What was wrong with her?
Sabine looked down at the PulseOx on Paige’s finger. The pulse rate was going up and up. She could also tell Paige’s breathing was getting faster and faster. She had to fix this quick before Paige popped another breaker!
“Paige. Look at me Paige. There is nothing wrong with you. You just worried yourself into a frazzle and you are headed there again if you don’t stop.”
Sabine took Paige’s head in her hands and held it still, fixing her gaze on Paige’s eyes. “Listen to me. You’re fine. We are all fine. Let’s just focus on that for a moment. You head injury makes you a little more susceptible to stress, that’s all. Now, slow your breathing down. Deep breath in,” Sabine took her own deep breath in while watching Paige do the same. Sabine held it a few seconds, then “Breathe out.” Sabine exhaled with her. They did this for five or ten breaths. Finally Sabine was happy with the numbers she was seeing.
Sabine turned to Henrik. “OK, so, you two sit for a few, have her sip some broth,” Sabine pointed to where Andrea was holding the mug.
“And when you two are ready, come on back up and we can start going over some of the details.” Sabine looked back at Paige. “That work for you?”
Paige nodded sheepishly. “Sorry for falling out on you guys. I don’t know what came over me.”
Sabine patted her hand and smiled at her. “It’s ok. You just came back from your wonderful honeymoon. You haven’t been back even twelve hours and here we go wanting you to shift gears right into trip planning. It’s our fault.”
Sabine stood up and joined Andrea by the stairs. Henrik’s voice stopped her.
“Hey Sabine before you leave can reach in that bag of yours and give me a couple of aspirin before you go? I guess with all this stuff going on I am forgetting to hydrate myself.”
Sabine reached into her bag, throwing him a bottle. She made a mental note to talk to him later. He should know better.
“Is she going to be ok?” Andrea looked up at Sabine.
“Sure, she just vasovagal herself.” Sabine said dismissively.
Andrea frowned at her. “In people speak please.”
“She fainted. She will be fine.” She put her hand around Andrea’s shoulders as she guided her up the stairs.
“So I guess the other should wait til later?” Andrea asked.
Sabine gave her a firm squeeze. “Let’s not worry about that until we get to the other end of this trip, OK?”
She could tell Andrea was a little disappointed but it just made sense to not add complications to their plans. Andrea wasn’t sure it could wait.
“What happened?” There was concern in Paige’s voice. She was as much talking to Henrik as those damn butterflies. They always showed up at the weirdest times.
Henrik replied. “You passed out. Sabine is going to check you out. It could be stress or something left over from your time in the hospital may have made you sensitive to something.”
That thought didn’t make Paige feel good at all. She tried remembered what was going on before she went loopy. What was the last thing going on? Finally, it came to her. They were planning the trip north to her grandfather’s place. She was trying to remember when Sabine got to the bed.
“Alright, Yeti, move so I can check her out.” Sabine set her bag on the bed. Unzipping it, she pulled out the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff as well as the rest of her diagnostic gear. Sabine started off with the BP cuff as she started talking.
“OK, Paige, let’s see what’s going on. Were you lightheaded right before you passed out?”
“I don’t remember.”
“How about now?”
“Lightheaded, no. Confused, yes. How long was I out?”
“About five minutes or so.” Sabine pumped up the cuff and measured her pressure. “Your pressure is a little low, but not bad. How have you been feeling the last couple of days?”
“Great! Fine! What could have caused this?” Paige was now worried. Was this some residual damage from Frickle’s punch? What was wrong with her?
Sabine looked down at the PulseOx on Paige’s finger. The pulse rate was going up and up. She could also tell Paige’s breathing was getting faster and faster. She had to fix this quick before Paige popped another breaker!
“Paige. Look at me Paige. There is nothing wrong with you. You just worried yourself into a frazzle and you are headed there again if you don’t stop.”
Sabine took Paige’s head in her hands and held it still, fixing her gaze on Paige’s eyes. “Listen to me. You’re fine. We are all fine. Let’s just focus on that for a moment. You head injury makes you a little more susceptible to stress, that’s all. Now, slow your breathing down. Deep breath in,” Sabine took her own deep breath in while watching Paige do the same. Sabine held it a few seconds, then “Breathe out.” Sabine exhaled with her. They did this for five or ten breaths. Finally Sabine was happy with the numbers she was seeing.
Sabine turned to Henrik. “OK, so, you two sit for a few, have her sip some broth,” Sabine pointed to where Andrea was holding the mug.
“And when you two are ready, come on back up and we can start going over some of the details.” Sabine looked back at Paige. “That work for you?”
Paige nodded sheepishly. “Sorry for falling out on you guys. I don’t know what came over me.”
Sabine patted her hand and smiled at her. “It’s ok. You just came back from your wonderful honeymoon. You haven’t been back even twelve hours and here we go wanting you to shift gears right into trip planning. It’s our fault.”
Sabine stood up and joined Andrea by the stairs. Henrik’s voice stopped her.
“Hey Sabine before you leave can reach in that bag of yours and give me a couple of aspirin before you go? I guess with all this stuff going on I am forgetting to hydrate myself.”
Sabine reached into her bag, throwing him a bottle. She made a mental note to talk to him later. He should know better.
“Is she going to be ok?” Andrea looked up at Sabine.
“Sure, she just vasovagal herself.” Sabine said dismissively.
Andrea frowned at her. “In people speak please.”
“She fainted. She will be fine.” She put her hand around Andrea’s shoulders as she guided her up the stairs.
“So I guess the other should wait til later?” Andrea asked.
Sabine gave her a firm squeeze. “Let’s not worry about that until we get to the other end of this trip, OK?”
She could tell Andrea was a little disappointed but it just made sense to not add complications to their plans. Andrea wasn’t sure it could wait.
Last edited:
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you.