TNN ONESHOTS

A long day - J & S

The day at the Knight Nursery has been a long one. Janice had been wrapped up in emails and endless lists of things to do while putting up with Marjories constant chatter and parents making ridiculous complaints.

When 6pm finally rolls round, Janice packs up her bag and clears her work space before making a swift exit. She makes the short walk to the bar effortlessly, finding herself a seat in the back corner away from everyone.

After a couple of drinks, Janice moves to sit at the bar on a stool. She keeps her glass between her hands, her long nails clinking against the glass as she drums her nails. She stares into the space in front of her with a blank expression, everything and nothing running through her head when a sweet voice breaks her trance. "Sorry to disturb you, but we actually closed ten minutes ago, so i will need to as you to leave." Janice looks at the woman, her pupils blown from the alcohol. "I'm Sara, and going based on your lanyard,  you work at the nursery down the road." Janice just shrugged slightly. "I'm Janice," she mumbled before downing the rest of her drink.

Just from watching her movements, the younger woman couldn't tell that it wasn’t safe for Janice to be left to get herself home. She could barely hold her drink, let alone walk home. Sara sighs sadly before moving towards Janice. "Have you got someone i can call to pick you up?" Sara asked, but Janice just shook her head. "Someone from the nursery?" She tried again, earning another head shake.

Sara thought for a moment,  trying not to overstep the line. "Let's get you home, somewhere safe. I will drive you home and make sure you are inside." Sara spoke calmly, moving closer to the older woman. Janice wasn't expecting the next words to come out of her mouth, but the alcohol was taking effect. "Home isn't safe, not anymore. Dont make me, " She mumbled nervously, emotions building up. Sara kept quiet but nodded gently to make sure Janice knew that she was listening.

"We need to get you out of the bar as we are closed, so how about you come back to my house? I have a spare room, " Sara asked gently, trying not to push the older woman away. To both of their surprise, Janice nodded slowly. "Please." She whispered. Sara watched as Janice pushed herself up, onto her feet before wobbling slightly. "Let me help you before you hurt yourself." Sara spoke calmly but sternly.

*

Once inside Saras' house, she filled a glass of water and quickly made some buttered toast for Jance. The younger woman reached the living room to find Janice wrapped up in the blanket that lives on the back of the couch. "I've got toast and water for you. It might save you from the hangover tomorrow." She whispered before moving to sit down next to her, putting everything on another coffee table.

They sit quietly for a while till Sara notices the distant look in Janices eyes once again. "I think we should get you into bed then tomorrow i will take you to your car." Sara tells her, but all she is met with is a broken sob.

Saras head shot round to look at the other woman. She wasn't expecting the sudden outburst of emotions that soon followed. "Janice,  i am right here. Take a deep breath for me." Sara spoke calmly while modelling deep breaths for Janice to copy. She could see just how hard she was trying to calm herself down. "Just like that, well done."

Sara continues to coach Janice with her breathing till the older woman opens her mouth.  "i dont like physical contact. I never have. But please hug me. " The way her voice was breaking as she spoke made Sara even more determined to help her.

"Okay, I'm here. I've got you, " Sara whispered as she wrapped her arms around Janice. A hug like this was something that Janice hadn't experienced since she was a child in her mothers arms. "D-dont let go," she sobbed as she broke down, allowing her tears to fall freely.

They stayed like that for what felt like hours. Janice's sobs had passed, becoming occasional sniffles. "I think we get you cleaned up and into bed." Sara spoke quietly, rubbing her back, making different patterns, but Janice shook her head. "I-i.." she mumbled before looking away, embarrassed. "You what?" Sara pressed gently, not enough to scare Janice away but enough to get her to open up.

The older woman started to explain some of her past , just enough for Sara to understand some of her actions before they finally stood up and started making their way up stairs. "You can sleep in with me or the spare room." Sara offered while practically carrying Janice up the stairs.

Once the two women made it up the flight of stairs, they reached a corridor, and the younger woman turned to Janice. “would you rather I sleep in with you or the spare room” she whispered gently, still rubbing her back she waited patiently for the dark-haired woman to decide. Then Janice finally turned to her she replied softly “please stay I don’t want to be alone again” she replied with the vulnerability she made sure no one ever saw, but it was all on show for Sara. she trusted her. Which was new for her because after everything she was put through, venerability wasn’t something she did often.

Sara guided her towards the warm bedroo.  Janice sat on the edge of the be,  overthinking everything. Sara looked at her and rubbed her shoulder gently, giving her a touch of comfort. “I have some spare pjs in the dra. Helpp yourself i’m just going to get changed” Sara spoke softly,  not wanting to spook her. Janice just nodded along. She was scared, every part of this situation was new for her she never went to others,she never asked for help she hated pysical contact but that night she felt seen and safe like maybe she wasn’t the monster everyone made her out to be she turned to Sara who was like a warm blanket “I think I like this” she moved in closer to Sara who was smiling back at her “I like this to.”

That night, both women had the best sleep in a long time. Janice realised that maybe she did deserve happiness.