RP: Volunteer Work

[shh_su]

Date: 16 December 2005
Characters: Mandy Brocklehurst, Su Li, Parvati Patil
Location: the shelter, the hospital
Status: Private
Summary: Su's new volunteer work is much more exciting than she'd anticipated
Completion: Incomplete

Comments

[shh_mandy]

Mandy heard the excitement in Su's voice and grinned to Greg. She'd been happy to see him here when she came in, wanting to thank him for covering her shifts while she spent two days in the sun and warmth of Spain. They'd been chatting in his office for a while, discussing whether they should move the remaining shelter dogs over to the new building as well. The last cats had moved a while ago, and it was only the convenience of the the old dogs' area having an exit straight into the exercise pen that had made them wait. It was getting really cold though. ColderMandy walked into the reception area, waving to Su. "Hey, you! How are you?" She gave her a hug, stepping back to grin at her. Beyond appreciating Su's offer to volunteer, Mandy was also thrilled just to know it would let them meet regularly

[shh_su]

"I'm wonderful," Su said, returning both hug and grin. "This snow makes up for the cold. Mostly," she added, sticking her gloves in her pockets and rubbing her hands together to warm them up.

"I want to hear all about Spain! That owl you sent me on Friday was so adorable. I could just imagine you having a magical time." Su beamed at Mandy, delighted that her friend was so happy. "And speaking of birthdays..." She dug a small package out of her pocket and tapped it with her wand, enlarging it a bit before gently handing it over. Su hoped Mandy liked the tea set and selection of herbal tea she had chosen

[shh_mandy]

"Your hands are cold, aren't they?" Mandy asked and gave Su a considering perusal. "Know what, you and I should go shopping for proper winter clothes for you. As a volunteer, it'll make all the difference when you're out walking in nasty winter weather. You should have wool-lined leather gloves and--" She stopped herself. "Um, I'm lecturing you, aren't I? But I only want you to be comfortable and not get sick," she said sheepishly

[shh_su]

"Yes my hands are cold and yes we should definitely go shopping together and yes you are lecturing me a little but I don't mind because I know you mean well." Su laughed at Mandy's expression. "To be honest, I was thinking on the way over that I should get myself some warmer clothes. It really is cold lately

[shh_parvati]

Parvati was pulling on her coat, trying to decide if she would walk back to Hammerside or take the Floo. The snow was tempting, but she knew that her thin Asian blood would make it uncomfortable sooner rather than later. Snow was much better when you were watching it through the window, curled up by the fire with some hot tea. And a warm, gorgeous, naked man.

She considered going straight to the fitness center to see if she might persuade Dean to spend the afternoon that way with her when she noticed a woman panicking at the reception desk. She strode forward to see if she could help.

"Mandy, isn't it? What seems to be the problem?"

[shh_mandy]

She really could have cried at the sight of a familiar face. Better yet, a familiar face of someone who could help. Padma's sister, who'd been to the shelter to adopt a cat. It was months ago, but Mandy still remembered her wearing the lime green Healer's robes.

She nodded in affirmation of her name. "Yeah ...hi, Parvati. I need help. Please, can you help me?" Her voice was terribly wobbly so she took a moment and a shaky breath to steady herself before continuing. "A friend of mine took a fall on the ice, right near the shelter. She hit her head and passed out. She's unconscious ... I had to leave her, she's still lying..." Mandy swallowed, pointing towards the doors without any real sense of direction. "Out there."

[shh_parvati]

Parvati reached out to touch Mandy's shoulder, trying to reassure her while thinking about the implications of someone lying on the cold ground with a possible concussion. "Can you Apparate us there, or do we need to walk?" she asked.

At some point, she was going to need to move the patient, and she considered going back inside to fetch a portable stretcher and some blankets. Ascertaining the damage seemed the most urgent thing, though, so she decided to skip it for now. All she really needed for now was her wand.

[shh_mandy]

"I'll Apparate us," Mandy said, feeling the panic recede a notch now that she had the reassurance of help at hand. "I Floo'd here because I was right by the shelter and needed to get the dogs inside anyway, but Apparating is faster."

She took hold of Parvati's arm with one hand and grabbed her wand with the other, and apparated them both right outside the fence around the shelter grounds. Su was still lying terribly quiet on the snowy pavement, a few meters away. The Alsatian lay curled up to Su the way Mandy had left them, nuzzling protectively against her head, but raised its head when they arrived.

"I made Rosie ... the dog, lie down there to keep her warm. It's only been ... three, four minutes maybe, since it happened. I should have put my coat over her too," Mandy said, distressed as they hurried over to Su. "Why didn't I think of that?"