WOULD YOU RESCUE ME?

35.Anchored in the Storm

The holiday season had wrapped itself around Dublin like a warm, glittering blanket. Strings of lights adorned every street corner, their golden glow reflecting off frosted windows and damp cobblestones. As Christmas crept closer, the city buzzed with a unique blend of cheer and chaos. But for Vanessa, the magic of the season felt muted. The days had grown longer, packed with relentless shifts in the ER and the unyielding grind of her studies. The moments she shared with Astra had dwindled to stolen glances in the library while the two of them were studying together, brief conversations during lunch breaks, and the rare evenings when their schedules aligned.

Despite the distance their busy lives created, Vanessa found solace in the small things, watching Astra work behind the bar, the way her smile lit up even the most mundane moments, or the rare nights when they could simply lay together, Astra's calming presence grounding her. Yet, as the days ticked closer to December 20th, a familiar heaviness began to weigh on Vanessa's chest.

It wasn't just the holiday hustle that made the season difficult. Bea's birthday loomed on the horizon, a painful reminder of everything Vanessa had lost. The lead-up to this day had always been marked by self-destruction in the past two years, drinking until she blacked out, smoking until the edges of her memories blurred. But this year was different. Astra's watchful eye had become her tether, pulling her back from the brink more times than Vanessa could count.

And now, on an unseasonably clear December evening, Vanessa found herself riding through the twinkling streets of the city, her motorbike slicing through the crisp air. Tonight, for the first time in weeks, she had no shift, no deadlines, and no excuses. All she wanted was to surprise Astra, to be with her and steal back some of the time they'd lost.

The streets of Dublin shimmered with the glow of holiday lights, their warm hues reflecting off the damp pavement as Vanessa rode her motorbike through the chilly December air. The cold bit at her cheeks, but she barely noticed, her mind focused on one thing: Astra. She needed her, needed the calm and comfort that only Astra seemed to bring.

As she approached the bar, her heart quickened. The familiar buzz of anticipation she always felt around Astra was amplified tonight. She parked her bike and pulled off her helmet, running a hand through her honey-brown curls as she took a deep breath. Through the glass door, she spotted Astra moving behind the bar, her golden hair tied back in a loose ponytail, the warm glow of the overhead lights highlighting the soft curve of her jawline. She was smiling at a customer, her green eyes crinkling at the edges, and Vanessa felt her chest tighten with affection.

Vanessa pushed the door open, the sound of chatter and clinking glasses washing over her. She slid her hands into the pockets of her hoodie, her steps purposeful as she approached the bar. Astra hadn't noticed her yet, too focused on expertly pouring drinks and chatting with patrons. Vanessa leaned against the counter, waiting for Astra to glance her way.

When Astra finally looked up, her eyes widened in surprise, her smile widening. "Vanessa!" she exclaimed, her voice bright with delight. She quickly finished serving the customer in front of her and made her way over, leaning across the bar. "What are you doing here? Don't you have a shift tonight?"

Vanessa shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Dr. Bellamy's sick, so I got the night off," she explained, her tone light but edged with exhaustion. "Thought I'd come surprise you."

"Well, consider me surprised," Astra said, her voice softening as she reached out to touch Vanessa's hand. "You look tired, though. How's your week been?"

Vanessa shrugged, her smile faltering slightly. "Long. And it's about to get worse," she admitted, her voice trailing off. The weight of the upcoming days pressed on her shoulders, the thought of Bea's birthday looming like a storm cloud. She forced herself to shake it off, not wanting to bring the mood down. "But seeing you makes it better."