Phone Calls

[greeneyedspy]

Alex was in the kitchen humming softly to Vulpe who was settled on a bar stool watching him. He wasn't all that sure if Jen was even really feeling like eating but he knew she and the baby both needed to get some nutrients in. He knew he had some things to get done and while he'd already called his own therapist he knew he needed to call Davis for

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[2012_approaches]

She answers the phone without even looking, but she is working on notes for Jenny's case. She's more than a little frustrated at the lack of contact from her most difficult client and she's wondering just how much Jen and Alex realize how close she is to putting Jenny on lockdown until she gives birth. Jenny's progress is slow at best but is rather glacial overall. "Dr. Davis," she answers, realizing now that her secretary must be gone because the calls are getting routed directly to her phone.

[greeneyedspy]

"Phone, it's your shrink. I'm going to get you some soup and something to drink,' he held the phone out.

[on_jennys_terms]

"Okay," she says, taking the phone from him. "Hello?" she says into the phone.

[2012_approaches]

The part of Davis that cares about Jenny does feel bad that she is clearly so sick. The part of her that wanted her to call is fighting with her professional side. Finally, she says, blunt and to the point, "I hope you feel better soon, Jenny. When you are healthy, you need to check in with me." There is her usual note of concern in her voice, but also the underlying 'this will get discussed' that all shrinks get when they are frustrated with clients.

[on_jennys_terms]

For a moment, Jen doesn't say anything; she's too confused and wondering what is going on. When her mind catches up, she notices the tone in the doctor's voice and she feels like she was caught out past curfew or something. "Then why don't I just do it now."

[2012_approaches]

"The way Alex made it sound, you were too sick to do anything." It's a bit of an exaggeration and maybe she's pushing for a reason. Okay, she is pushing for a reason. But, she honestly does not want Jenny to make herself sick, and then she says so. "If you were too sick to call, you should be resting. We can touch base later." It is an out for Jenny, if she wants to take it.

[on_jennys_terms]

She wants to take the out, but she's cranky. "No, I'm awake now; take the opportunity while you have it," she says.

[2012_approaches]

Davis takes her at her word. "I'm sorry you are sick," she begins. It's actually not all that surprising. The body can do that when it releases stress hormones. It's a way to force itself to sit still and heal. And, she is sorry Jenny is sick.

[on_jennys_terms]

"I spent all of Thursday night crying; I'm not surprised," she says, searching around behind her for Eeyore. Once she finds him, she cuddles him close.

[2012_approaches]

Davis knows Jenny can't see it, but a light smile passes across her face. She's glad Jenny's crying. The tears aren't new for her, but there's a difference in her tone, something only therapists usually detect. It's a twinge that is a bit easier. Not lighter. Not happier. But easier. "Okay," she says. Her standard response. She also thinks Jenny needs to sleep and that they can do this face to face. Or, at least, over the phone in a couple of days. "No matter where you are - there or back home, I want you to call me day after tomorrow."

[on_jennys_terms]

She still feels like she's been caught doing something she shouldn't have been. "Okay," she answers.

[2012_approaches]

Davis feels for her, but she can't do anything over the phone. Right now, Jenny needs to rest. "I'm sorry Alex felt the need to wake you. We can talk more when you are feeling better."

[on_jennys_terms]

"He wanted me to eat something, anyway. I'm still dealing with morning sickness that doesn't seem to want to go away and now this."

[2012_approaches]

"Okay," she says carefully. "Well get something to eat and get your rest."

[on_jennys_terms]

"I will," Jen answers, now feeling like she's talking to her mother. If only the real thing would be so pleasant.

[2012_approaches]

Well, sometimes therapists are like mothers. Especially in moments like this. It's not something she enjoys doing but it's part of all of it. So, she says good bye and good luck and does not remind Jenny to call. She trusts her. But this whole thing is written down in her notes. She makes a point to scribble out Alex's devotion as a husband and that it is both a good and a bad thing. Jenny's pre-disposition to deflecting responsibility could easily end up becoming a crutch with a guy like Alex. But it's not her primary worry at the moment. Right now, her worry is Jenny calling the day after tomorrow.