The Ocean On Their Shoulders

Chapter 11

Dr. Lamb, the shrink, the psychologist, the one almost everyone was intimidated to go to for any sort of help. But, she must have been good enough if just getting an appointment with her was challenging. About a month after first moving in with Fontaine, Jane was finally able to get an appointment with Dr. Lamb, hoping to maybe alleviate the weight on her chest that's been suffocating her as of late.

~*~

The office was not quite what she had expected. Jane has seen what the ocean does to metal, the salt corroding and rusting; turning any environment of calm to that smelling strongly of bloodied copper, with a sickly sea green hue. However, Dr. Lamb's space was not of the sort. She had managed to cover the dew and brine with bright ornaments and luxurious fabrics; creating a safe space for those who haven't seen the sun in years. Her eyes bounced from such trinkets and awards lining the doctor's shelves; until she noticed the curious pattern of blue butterflies here and there. She had heard muttering of these butterflies, a symbol for a secret society within Rapture. Ryan, if he were to hear about it, would not like such organizations blossoming in the gutters of his city. However, who was she to tell? She was here for an appointment with Dr. Lamb and nothing more.

"Miss Carter?"

The name bounced off the decorated walls surrounding her, her head moving from the mounted plaques to the woman's voice who had called.

Dr. Lamb's rather thin and lengthy six-foot frame stood in the doorway to an adjacent office from the room Jane currently waited in. Her hands behind her back with her pointed chin lifted high. If she didn't know any better, she'd assume the shrink was eyeing her up; assessing her underlying issues without a word's notice. The doctor's eyes, however, appeared almost soft and welcoming behind those cat-eyed glasses.

"Dr. Lamb," Jane stood straight and held a hand out, a sudden burst of nerves causing her to tremble slightly, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Lamb held out a hand and gripped hers hard, a smile blooming against her sharp features.

"Likewise, Miss Carter. It's a pleasure. Please," Lamb kept a firm grip on her hand as she pulled softly on her arm, stretching the other to guide her into the office, "this way."

Jane hesitated, her legs locking as a quick wave of panic washed over her; feeling her cheeks become hot. The situation reeked of danger, her instinct to flee rattling around in her brain, trying to get her body to react correctly. As quickly as the panic hit, however, she forced it to subside and pushed her body forward to enter.

The office was the same as the waiting room, lightly decorated with warm colors, more trinkets, and awards littering the room. Despite the number of items, the space was fairly organized and clean. A plant sat in the corner with a light shining down on it as well. Dr. Lamb motioned for her to sit on a loveseat sofa while she took a matching armchair next to it, a clipboard already awaiting her. Jane took her seat and quickly folded her hands; back straightening as her form struggled to remain in a decent posture on the cream-colored cushions sinking deep under her.

"Now, are we comfortable?"

Jane forced a smile and nodded, a second wave of panic starting to creep up her spine. Oh, god was she ready for this?

"Good." Lamb adjusted her glasses and switched her attention to the clipboard in her lap. "If it's alright, I just want to confirm a few things with you, darling."

The nod was quick again as Jane sat up more on the shifting cushion, "Yes, of course."

"Wonderful. Now, Miss Jane Marie Carter, born March 13th, 1922 in Scarborough, Maine; you came down to Rapture in 1950 and worked as a desk clerk at the Medical Pavilion for a few years, then the Fishbowl Diner - where are you now, dear?"