Prompt #058. Dinner
Title: Panic Attack
Author: Debbie
Email: debbie020556@yahoo.com
Rating: PG
Prompt: #058. Dinner
Warnings: Spoilers for Dead Drop, angst
Summary: Blair tries a novel approach to overcome his phobia of elevators.
Word count: 2,362
A/N: I don't own The Sentinel or any of the characters. This was written for entertainment purposes only.
Panic Attack
Debbie
Blair tried once more to conquer his fear and anxiety about elevators. He was determined to get inside the elevator. He made it inside, but as soon as the doors closed, Blair started to panic. He couldn't get out of the enclosed space. Luckily, he was by himself in the elevator car.
All of a sudden, he started hyperventilating, sweating and he slid to the floor of the elevator car. He closed his eyes, trying to visualize open spaces and to see himself anywhere but in the elevator. At this rate, he'd never conquer his fear. It had been three weeks since the incident of the falling elevator. Blair had gone to a therapist, talking about his fear and his anxiety. He thought he could ride in an elevator, but each time it was the same.
The elevator stopped at the designated floor. Blair slowly got to his feet and softly mumbled to himself, trying to calm his thundering heartbeat. The doors to the elevator opened and Blair scampered off. He moved quickly into the Major Crime bullpen, greeting and joking with Rafe and Brown.
He looked up when Jim came out of Simon's office and purposefully strode towards him. Blair met Jim halfway. Jim placed his hand on his shoulder.
"You okay, Chief?" Jim softly asked the question.
Blair nodded his head. "Yeah. Just another elevator incident."
Jim could only shake his head. He led Blair over to his desk and sat him down. "I thought you were avoiding elevators?" queried Jim as he sat down also.
"Dr. Prentiss said I should keep trying. At least I was alone."
Jim got Blair's mind on reports instead of elevators. Jim had no idea if Blair would ever get over his phobia of elevators.
~~~~~
As they left Major Crime, Jim took the stairs with Blair.
"What if I can never take an elevator ever again?" Blair walked slightly ahead of Jim as they made their way down to the garage.
"I'm sure you'll conquer this eventually," said Jim as he caught up with Blair.
"I don't know, Jim. The minute I step on an elevator, I hyperventilate and have an anxiety attack."
"You said you've been doing this by yourself?" Jim inquired as they walked to their respective vehicles.
"Yeah. Why should that matter?"
"Maybe you need someone with you. For the first couple of times. To reinforce what you're doing."
Blair thought about that for a few minutes before responding. "Yeah, maybe you're right. Would you undergo a test for me, Jim?"
"Test? Where did you come up with that, Sandburg? I'm not submitting -"
"I meant a test on me, Jim. You are the only one I would trust enough to go with me. I'm sure you'd be able to give me the right reinforcement."
"I guess I could help you. When do you want to undergo this test?"
"How about when we get home? We can try that elevator first. If I hyperventilate there, at least we'll be close to home."
"Sounds like a good idea."
They reached their vehicles and got inside. Jim looked over at Blair. "No getting into the elevator without me there."
Blair smiled. "Okay, Jim."
~~~~~
Blair got to the apartment building before Jim and waited just inside the front door. Soon, Jim arrived and joined him. They walked over to the elevator and Jim could hear the increase in Blair's heartbeat. He placed his hand on Blair's shoulder.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Chief?"
"I have to do it, Jim. Just stay with me, and I'll be okay."
"I'm right here, Chief."
Blair pushed the button for the elevator and tried to calm his nerves. Jim's hand on his shoulder seemed to help a little.
As the doors to the elevator opened, Blair closed his eyes. He was rooted in place.
After a few minutes, Jim spoke. "Blair? Are you okay?"
"Um… yeah, Jim." Blair pushed forward, getting inside the elevator. He was pleased to notice Jim practically glued to his side.
The doors closed and Jim reached over to hit the button for the third floor. He saw that Blair had closed his eyes. He kept close to Blair so their arms were touching.
"It's only two floors, Chief. You can do this."
Blair didn't open his eyes. "Maybe I need you to record a tape for me so I can listen to your voice over and over, telling me I can do this."
"If you think it will help, I'd be glad to do it for you."
Blair opened his eyes, turning towards Jim, looking at him. "You'd really do that for me, Jim?"
"Of course I would, Blair. You are my friend and it hurts me to see you struggle so much with this. You would do the same thing for me. You have done the same thing for me. With my senses. You've helped me repeatedly ever since I've known you."
"Gee, Jim. I never knew you felt that way. Okay, after dinner, you can record a tape for me. I really appreciate this."
"It's the least I can do as partial payback for all you've given me."
The doors to the elevator opened and Jim patted Blair on the back. "You made it to the third floor, Chief!"
"I did, didn't I? Wow! That wasn't so hard. Of course, I'm not sure I could have done it without you, though."
Jim gently pushed Blair out of the elevator car and towards their apartment.
"As I said earlier, you'll conquer this eventually."
"Yeah, and with your tape for encouragement, maybe it will be sooner rather than later."
Blair unlocked the door to the loft and the two men walked inside. Blair dropped his keys into the basket by the door and took off his coat.
"Is it your turn to cook?" Jim walked over to the refrigerator to get out a beer for each of them.
"Yeah. I was thinking maybe warming up that leftover meatloaf and making baked potatoes with it."
"Just what you need, Chief. Comfort food."
"Just what we both need, Jim."
Jim handed Blair one of the bottles and they made a silent toast. Blair took a healthy swig and then walked over to the kitchen.
Jim sat down at the kitchen table and started writing on a pad he had grabbed from the kitchen. He was intent on his writing and Blair was curious as to what he was doing.
"Making out a grocery list, Jim?"
"No. I'm writing down what I want to say on the tape. It would be best if I had it all wrote out and then I would know exactly what I was going to say."
"Good idea. Make sure you mention something about me not being alone. If I know you are with me, at least by voice, then I'm sure it will make things preferable to just hearing your voice, although I'm sure that will be beneficial."
"Right. You are not alone. The eyes of your Sentinel are upon you." Jim couldn't keep the smile off his face.
"Ha! So, you think laughter is the best medicine?"
"It can't hurt, can it?"
"I suppose not. Whatever you do, Jim, will help me."
~~~~~
While Blair washed the after dinner dishes, Jim went to find the tape recorder. He sat down in the living room, started the tape machine and recorded Blair's encouragement tape. He was pleased that he was able to get it right in one take.
Blair came to sit down in the living room about halfway through the taping. He listened as Jim recorded the tape and was pleased that it sounded like it would help. He was actually anxious to try it.
Jim handed him the tape when he was finished. "I hope this helps. If you think of anything else you'd like on it, just let me know."
"I think this will really help, Jim. Thank you again for doing this for me."
"You're welcome, Chief. Just don't expect miracles. I can totally understand the residual trauma from the elevator remaining."
Blair turned the tape around in his hands. "Maybe I should take it out for a test run." He looked up and over at Jim.
"Sounds like a reasonable idea to me. I'll stand up here on the third floor while you do the experiment. I'll be able to perceive any changes and be there, if you need me, when the doors open."
Blair got to his feet and walked towards his bedroom. "Sounds great, man. Let me get my tape player and then I'll be ready." Blair disappeared into the room for a few minutes, finally coming out successfully holding his tape player. He had slipped the tape inside already and was putting the headphones over his ears. He clicked on the machine, adjusting the volume.
Together, Jim and Blair left the loft, walking towards the elevator. Jim could tell Blair's attention was on the voice on the tape - his voice. Blair absently reached out to hit the button for the elevator. He turned to face Jim.
"It sounds good so far. It's like you're right by my side."
"I am right by your side, Chief." Jim gently cuffed Blair on the back of his head.
"You know what I mean, Jim. I don't even feel anxious."
And Jim had to admit, Blair was being honest with him. There was no increase in heartbeat or respirations.
The elevator doors opened and Blair turned back to get on. He turned to face Jim before the doors closed, giving him a slight wave. Jim could only smile as he focused his hearing on the elevator and, most importantly, on his friend. Everything remained calm and level. Jim's smile got wider.
Jim even heard Blair whistling as he got off the elevator on the first floor. Then Blair got back on the elevator and rode it up to the third floor. Jim was waiting there as the doors opened and Blair got off the elevator, removing the headphones.
"That was awesome, Jim!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Blair threw his arms around Jim, pulling him into a hug. Jim just accepted it, holding Blair in return. "I'm glad I could help but the real test will be when you are truly by yourself and in an elevator that has to go several more floors."
Blair pulled out of the hug. "Oh, I know that, but this is a step in the right direction. I have you to thank for this."
Jim led Blair back towards the loft. "Well then, that sounds like something to celebrate. Do we have any of that chocolate chip ice cream left?"
"Well, we do if you didn't eat it all."
"I haven't had any. We can make sundaes."
Blair laughed. "I like the way you think, Jim."
Blair closed the door after they were back inside the loft. "Have a seat, Jim. I'll make the sundaes."
~~~~~
Blair stood in front of the building - Wilkenson Towers. The scene of the crime, so to speak. This would be the ultimate test. If he could pass this, he would consider himself free of this phobia. He would have conquered riding in elevators.
He walked inside the building and saw the elevator he had taken that morning. It looked innocent and benign now, but the memories quickly came to Blair's mind as he relived that day. However, that didn't dissuade Blair from approaching the bank of elevators. He pushed the button, put the headphones on and waited.
Soon, the doors to the elevator opened and Blair stepped forward inside. He pushed the button for the fortieth floor, the top floor in the Wilkenson Towers. He knew he could do this -- he had to do this.
The doors closed and the elevator began its ascent. Blair momentarily closed his eyes, and then opened them to look at the others in the elevator car. He smiled at them and looked as the lights lit up as the elevator went towards the top floor. It was working! He couldn't wait to let Jim know.
~~~~~
Jim looked up as he sensed the presence of his Guide coming towards Major Crime. He tracked Blair as he made several stops along the way, talking to everyone he encountered. He seemed to be in a good mood. Jim hadn't expected Blair at the station today because he had told Jim that morning that he had something to do after his morning classes. He must have finished whatever it was.
Finally, Blair made it over to Jim, sitting down in the chair by his desk. "Hey, Jim. I have good news."
Jim looked at Blair, wondering why the young man was in such a good mood. "Did you get a date for Saturday night?"
"Nah, man! It's better than that! Do you know where I've been for the past hour?"
"Let's hope it wasn't anything illegal."
"C'mon, Jim! Of course it wasn't anything illegal. I went to the Wilkenson Towers and took the number four elevator car up to the fortieth floor and back down. Look at me, man - I'm none the worse for wear. I did it, Jim! Thanks to you."
"Wow, Chief! I'm impressed. So does this mean you're over your phobia?"
"For the immediate future. I contacted Dr. Prentiss and told her about my progress. She was thrilled and said that the next step is to try without the tape. Of course, I told her that might take a little longer."
"Of course. That is totally understandable. You definitely don't want to rush into anything."
"I told Dr. Prentiss how helpful you were to me. She said I was lucky to have such a friend and of course, I agreed completely with her."
"Smart man. So, I thought you couldn't make it today."
"Well, after I successfully went up and down the elevator at Wilkenson Towers, I figured I just had to come here and tell you about my accomplishment. Plus, I'll be able to help you with your reports."
"That makes both of us winners, Chief."
Author: Debbie
Email: debbie020556@yahoo.com
Rating: PG
Prompt: #058. Dinner
Warnings: Spoilers for Dead Drop, angst
Summary: Blair tries a novel approach to overcome his phobia of elevators.
Word count: 2,362
A/N: I don't own The Sentinel or any of the characters. This was written for entertainment purposes only.
Panic Attack
Debbie
Blair tried once more to conquer his fear and anxiety about elevators. He was determined to get inside the elevator. He made it inside, but as soon as the doors closed, Blair started to panic. He couldn't get out of the enclosed space. Luckily, he was by himself in the elevator car.
All of a sudden, he started hyperventilating, sweating and he slid to the floor of the elevator car. He closed his eyes, trying to visualize open spaces and to see himself anywhere but in the elevator. At this rate, he'd never conquer his fear. It had been three weeks since the incident of the falling elevator. Blair had gone to a therapist, talking about his fear and his anxiety. He thought he could ride in an elevator, but each time it was the same.
The elevator stopped at the designated floor. Blair slowly got to his feet and softly mumbled to himself, trying to calm his thundering heartbeat. The doors to the elevator opened and Blair scampered off. He moved quickly into the Major Crime bullpen, greeting and joking with Rafe and Brown.
He looked up when Jim came out of Simon's office and purposefully strode towards him. Blair met Jim halfway. Jim placed his hand on his shoulder.
"You okay, Chief?" Jim softly asked the question.
Blair nodded his head. "Yeah. Just another elevator incident."
Jim could only shake his head. He led Blair over to his desk and sat him down. "I thought you were avoiding elevators?" queried Jim as he sat down also.
"Dr. Prentiss said I should keep trying. At least I was alone."
Jim got Blair's mind on reports instead of elevators. Jim had no idea if Blair would ever get over his phobia of elevators.
~~~~~
As they left Major Crime, Jim took the stairs with Blair.
"What if I can never take an elevator ever again?" Blair walked slightly ahead of Jim as they made their way down to the garage.
"I'm sure you'll conquer this eventually," said Jim as he caught up with Blair.
"I don't know, Jim. The minute I step on an elevator, I hyperventilate and have an anxiety attack."
"You said you've been doing this by yourself?" Jim inquired as they walked to their respective vehicles.
"Yeah. Why should that matter?"
"Maybe you need someone with you. For the first couple of times. To reinforce what you're doing."
Blair thought about that for a few minutes before responding. "Yeah, maybe you're right. Would you undergo a test for me, Jim?"
"Test? Where did you come up with that, Sandburg? I'm not submitting -"
"I meant a test on me, Jim. You are the only one I would trust enough to go with me. I'm sure you'd be able to give me the right reinforcement."
"I guess I could help you. When do you want to undergo this test?"
"How about when we get home? We can try that elevator first. If I hyperventilate there, at least we'll be close to home."
"Sounds like a good idea."
They reached their vehicles and got inside. Jim looked over at Blair. "No getting into the elevator without me there."
Blair smiled. "Okay, Jim."
~~~~~
Blair got to the apartment building before Jim and waited just inside the front door. Soon, Jim arrived and joined him. They walked over to the elevator and Jim could hear the increase in Blair's heartbeat. He placed his hand on Blair's shoulder.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Chief?"
"I have to do it, Jim. Just stay with me, and I'll be okay."
"I'm right here, Chief."
Blair pushed the button for the elevator and tried to calm his nerves. Jim's hand on his shoulder seemed to help a little.
As the doors to the elevator opened, Blair closed his eyes. He was rooted in place.
After a few minutes, Jim spoke. "Blair? Are you okay?"
"Um… yeah, Jim." Blair pushed forward, getting inside the elevator. He was pleased to notice Jim practically glued to his side.
The doors closed and Jim reached over to hit the button for the third floor. He saw that Blair had closed his eyes. He kept close to Blair so their arms were touching.
"It's only two floors, Chief. You can do this."
Blair didn't open his eyes. "Maybe I need you to record a tape for me so I can listen to your voice over and over, telling me I can do this."
"If you think it will help, I'd be glad to do it for you."
Blair opened his eyes, turning towards Jim, looking at him. "You'd really do that for me, Jim?"
"Of course I would, Blair. You are my friend and it hurts me to see you struggle so much with this. You would do the same thing for me. You have done the same thing for me. With my senses. You've helped me repeatedly ever since I've known you."
"Gee, Jim. I never knew you felt that way. Okay, after dinner, you can record a tape for me. I really appreciate this."
"It's the least I can do as partial payback for all you've given me."
The doors to the elevator opened and Jim patted Blair on the back. "You made it to the third floor, Chief!"
"I did, didn't I? Wow! That wasn't so hard. Of course, I'm not sure I could have done it without you, though."
Jim gently pushed Blair out of the elevator car and towards their apartment.
"As I said earlier, you'll conquer this eventually."
"Yeah, and with your tape for encouragement, maybe it will be sooner rather than later."
Blair unlocked the door to the loft and the two men walked inside. Blair dropped his keys into the basket by the door and took off his coat.
"Is it your turn to cook?" Jim walked over to the refrigerator to get out a beer for each of them.
"Yeah. I was thinking maybe warming up that leftover meatloaf and making baked potatoes with it."
"Just what you need, Chief. Comfort food."
"Just what we both need, Jim."
Jim handed Blair one of the bottles and they made a silent toast. Blair took a healthy swig and then walked over to the kitchen.
Jim sat down at the kitchen table and started writing on a pad he had grabbed from the kitchen. He was intent on his writing and Blair was curious as to what he was doing.
"Making out a grocery list, Jim?"
"No. I'm writing down what I want to say on the tape. It would be best if I had it all wrote out and then I would know exactly what I was going to say."
"Good idea. Make sure you mention something about me not being alone. If I know you are with me, at least by voice, then I'm sure it will make things preferable to just hearing your voice, although I'm sure that will be beneficial."
"Right. You are not alone. The eyes of your Sentinel are upon you." Jim couldn't keep the smile off his face.
"Ha! So, you think laughter is the best medicine?"
"It can't hurt, can it?"
"I suppose not. Whatever you do, Jim, will help me."
~~~~~
While Blair washed the after dinner dishes, Jim went to find the tape recorder. He sat down in the living room, started the tape machine and recorded Blair's encouragement tape. He was pleased that he was able to get it right in one take.
Blair came to sit down in the living room about halfway through the taping. He listened as Jim recorded the tape and was pleased that it sounded like it would help. He was actually anxious to try it.
Jim handed him the tape when he was finished. "I hope this helps. If you think of anything else you'd like on it, just let me know."
"I think this will really help, Jim. Thank you again for doing this for me."
"You're welcome, Chief. Just don't expect miracles. I can totally understand the residual trauma from the elevator remaining."
Blair turned the tape around in his hands. "Maybe I should take it out for a test run." He looked up and over at Jim.
"Sounds like a reasonable idea to me. I'll stand up here on the third floor while you do the experiment. I'll be able to perceive any changes and be there, if you need me, when the doors open."
Blair got to his feet and walked towards his bedroom. "Sounds great, man. Let me get my tape player and then I'll be ready." Blair disappeared into the room for a few minutes, finally coming out successfully holding his tape player. He had slipped the tape inside already and was putting the headphones over his ears. He clicked on the machine, adjusting the volume.
Together, Jim and Blair left the loft, walking towards the elevator. Jim could tell Blair's attention was on the voice on the tape - his voice. Blair absently reached out to hit the button for the elevator. He turned to face Jim.
"It sounds good so far. It's like you're right by my side."
"I am right by your side, Chief." Jim gently cuffed Blair on the back of his head.
"You know what I mean, Jim. I don't even feel anxious."
And Jim had to admit, Blair was being honest with him. There was no increase in heartbeat or respirations.
The elevator doors opened and Blair turned back to get on. He turned to face Jim before the doors closed, giving him a slight wave. Jim could only smile as he focused his hearing on the elevator and, most importantly, on his friend. Everything remained calm and level. Jim's smile got wider.
Jim even heard Blair whistling as he got off the elevator on the first floor. Then Blair got back on the elevator and rode it up to the third floor. Jim was waiting there as the doors opened and Blair got off the elevator, removing the headphones.
"That was awesome, Jim!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
Blair threw his arms around Jim, pulling him into a hug. Jim just accepted it, holding Blair in return. "I'm glad I could help but the real test will be when you are truly by yourself and in an elevator that has to go several more floors."
Blair pulled out of the hug. "Oh, I know that, but this is a step in the right direction. I have you to thank for this."
Jim led Blair back towards the loft. "Well then, that sounds like something to celebrate. Do we have any of that chocolate chip ice cream left?"
"Well, we do if you didn't eat it all."
"I haven't had any. We can make sundaes."
Blair laughed. "I like the way you think, Jim."
Blair closed the door after they were back inside the loft. "Have a seat, Jim. I'll make the sundaes."
~~~~~
Blair stood in front of the building - Wilkenson Towers. The scene of the crime, so to speak. This would be the ultimate test. If he could pass this, he would consider himself free of this phobia. He would have conquered riding in elevators.
He walked inside the building and saw the elevator he had taken that morning. It looked innocent and benign now, but the memories quickly came to Blair's mind as he relived that day. However, that didn't dissuade Blair from approaching the bank of elevators. He pushed the button, put the headphones on and waited.
Soon, the doors to the elevator opened and Blair stepped forward inside. He pushed the button for the fortieth floor, the top floor in the Wilkenson Towers. He knew he could do this -- he had to do this.
The doors closed and the elevator began its ascent. Blair momentarily closed his eyes, and then opened them to look at the others in the elevator car. He smiled at them and looked as the lights lit up as the elevator went towards the top floor. It was working! He couldn't wait to let Jim know.
~~~~~
Jim looked up as he sensed the presence of his Guide coming towards Major Crime. He tracked Blair as he made several stops along the way, talking to everyone he encountered. He seemed to be in a good mood. Jim hadn't expected Blair at the station today because he had told Jim that morning that he had something to do after his morning classes. He must have finished whatever it was.
Finally, Blair made it over to Jim, sitting down in the chair by his desk. "Hey, Jim. I have good news."
Jim looked at Blair, wondering why the young man was in such a good mood. "Did you get a date for Saturday night?"
"Nah, man! It's better than that! Do you know where I've been for the past hour?"
"Let's hope it wasn't anything illegal."
"C'mon, Jim! Of course it wasn't anything illegal. I went to the Wilkenson Towers and took the number four elevator car up to the fortieth floor and back down. Look at me, man - I'm none the worse for wear. I did it, Jim! Thanks to you."
"Wow, Chief! I'm impressed. So does this mean you're over your phobia?"
"For the immediate future. I contacted Dr. Prentiss and told her about my progress. She was thrilled and said that the next step is to try without the tape. Of course, I told her that might take a little longer."
"Of course. That is totally understandable. You definitely don't want to rush into anything."
"I told Dr. Prentiss how helpful you were to me. She said I was lucky to have such a friend and of course, I agreed completely with her."
"Smart man. So, I thought you couldn't make it today."
"Well, after I successfully went up and down the elevator at Wilkenson Towers, I figured I just had to come here and tell you about my accomplishment. Plus, I'll be able to help you with your reports."
"That makes both of us winners, Chief."