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anonwriter27 · 6 years

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Teen Spirit - Chapter Eleven

They were naked and tangled in bed, Myrcella’s golden locks fanned out across his chest. The tips of his fingers absentmindedly danced across the bare skin of her arm. He had been awake for over an hour reading, but he didn’t dare wake her.

They were spending their lazy Sunday in bed (due to their activities the Saturday night). Ned and Catelyn had gone away to visit Cat’s brother Edmure, he was having difficulty operating the family business after their father had passed. Jon had taken Arya and Rickon camping, and Sansa had taken Bran shopping with her. What better time to spend a day in bed with his girlfriend?

He was watching the sun light up her hair when she began to stir.

“Morning sleeping beauty.”

“Mmmm, good morning. What time is it?” She asked sleepily, stretching her body out much to his delight.

“A little after ten.” He said.

“We should probably get…” She stopped mid sentence, something on the bedside table catching her eye.”

“Robb Stark!” She yelled, and scrambled into a sitting position.

“Whoa What?” He asked clearly confused.

“Don’t you ‘what’ me! You read ahead.” She said pointing accusingly at the book that now had two bookmarks resting inside of it.

Robb rolled his eyes, “You’ve read it before! And I didn’t want to wake you, you looked so peaceful.”

“How are we going to read together now?” She said sadly. She brought the covers to rest on top of shoulders, her mouth now a delicate pout as she looked away from him. Did she have to look so adorable?

“Well, we’ll just have to read another book together, won’t we?”

She refused to turn, but her eyes betrayed her. “Any book?”

“I believe you’ve been eager to read Othello?” He said

To his delight she jumped up and hugged him, her naked body knocking them both backwards onto the pillows.

“You’re forgiven.” She said, nuzzling into his neck.

“I’m afraid you’ve spoken too soon.” He whispered in her ear but before she could escape he tickled her sides mercilessly.

They both erupted in laughter, a perfect start to their lazy morning.

Little did they know Joffrey Baratheon had just booked a train ticket to the North.

……………

“You know, I like having you around.” Arya said casually.

Everyone else carried on with what they were doing, no one even looked up from where they were sat, but Myrcella’s head turned so quickly she feared she may have got whiplash.

“Me?” She said.

Arya had never been rude to Myrcella, in fact Myrcella had no reason to assume Arya disliked her. However, she was very different to Arya, she was much more similar to Sansa than she was the youngest Stark girl. Because of this, the two had never really connected.

To receive Arya’s approval meant the world to Myrcella; she was a tough cookie to crack, and to be liked by her gave Myrcella more confidence.

“Hey Cella, you okay?” Arya asked.

‘She’s already given me a nickname! This is the start of a beautiful friendship! I can’t wait to tell Uncle Tyrion.’

Myrcella was stood there looking into the distance, a happy smile spread across her face.

“Umm Robb? Your girlfriend seems to be in a trance.”

Robb came up behind Myrcella and enveloped her in a hug. She was brought back to reality and melted into his arms.

“She’s just happy she’s made another friend.” He said smiling down at his girlfriend.

Arya looked down at her slice of toast, had she ever had a girl friend? She never got along with girls, they were girly and snobby and she didn’t like the way they gossiped.

Myrcella wasn’t like that though. She was sweet and kind, and she was funny too, without trying to be. She liked to make other people happy, and Arya respected that.

“Yeah, me too.” Arya said, and smiled to herself. Robb had to take Myrcella out the room, before she cried with happiness.

Little did they know Joffrey Baratheon had just got off the train at White Harbour Station.

………………

“I miss Myrcella!” Rickon whined.

“She has to go home every once in a while Rickon.” Jon soothed, but even he missed the bright eyed blonde.

“What are we eating tonight?” Arya asked.

“I don’t know, take out?” Robb suggested.

“Myrcella would have made something nice, like a pie or lasagne.” Theon mumbled.

Bran decided to interject, “I could try and make something….?”

“No!!” They all yelled.

“Let’s face it, we’re lost without Myrcella.” Sansa sighed.

Robb hated to admit it but they were right. Myrcella had become a regular guest at their house, to the extent that Catelyn would always set an extra place at the table just incase she came over.

“Shall I just call Myrcella?” Robb asked with a smile.

They all nodded eagerly when Robb’s phone rang.

“Ah, speak of the devil.” But before he could answer the ringing stopped.

Little did they know that Myrcella was calling for help because her brother had decided to pay her an unexpected visit.

………………..

She was cowering in the corner of the living room, begging for this hell to be over. He had confiscated her phone the minute she tried to ring Robb.

“Well he’s eager isn’t he?” Joffrey remarked snidely. He held up her phone to see the name ‘Robb’ flashing brightly on the screen. Her phone had been buzzing for the last half an hour.

“Boyfriend is he?” He asked but she said nothing, it was always safer to say nothing.

He turned from her phone to the things around the room, he picked up a picture of her with Ygritte, Osha and Hodor.

“And look! She’s made friends!” He said sarcastically, “Things are really going well for you here.”

“Joffrey please….”

“She speaks! Still that annoying little voice. ‘Joffrey please!’ It makes me sick.” He said and spat on the ground next to her.

“Perfect Myrcella, father’s Little doe, Tyrion’s princess. I hate that. You can’t do any wrong can you? Looking at you exhausts me, with your big eyes and wide smile, even your hair…” he stopped suddenly.

“My hair?” Myrcella asked in a shaky voice.

“I hate it.” He said and smiled that sickening smile that never failed to make Myrcella’s stomach churn.

He grabbed a pair of scissors from the draw in her kitchen, and Myrcella squeezed her eyes shut in a bid to make it all go away.

Little did they know Robb Stark and Jon Snow we’re driving over the speed limit, Ygritte and Theon in the back seat, eager to save Myrcella.

………………..

He knew something was wrong, Myrcella always answered her phone, social protocol dictated that she answered it after at least three rings. He thought maybe she was just in the shower but he decided to follow his gut and call Ygritte to double check.

However his worries were not eased as an extremely panicked Ygritte answered the phone.

Myrcella had promised Ygritte after that dreaded night that she would always text Ygritte to let her know that she was home safe. She had followed that promise religiously and never broke it. This was the first time since she was in hospital that Myrcella hadn’t texted Ygritte.

Ygritte demanded the boys picked her up so they could all go check on Myrcella, so that’s what they did. Jon was trying to contact Tyrion Lannister but the people at Casterly Rock were being uncooperative.

“I just want to speak to Mr. Lannister! It’s concerning his niece…hello? Hello? They hung up again.” Jon said exasperatedly.

They pulled into the drive of Myrcella’s apartment building and ran up the seven flights of stairs to get to her.

They knocked and knocked but no one answered. Jon kicked open the door to reveal a sight the four of them had hoped not to see.

Joffrey stood there looking shocked at the intrusion but it was the girl behind him that had their attention. She was shaking, starring at the long strands of gold hair that lay helplessly on the floor.

Ygritte ran to her side and held her close; Robb knew he should have done that, but years of built up resentment resurfaced.

He grabbed Joffrey by the collar and flung him into the dining table, the satisfying cracking sound not enough to appease him. His fists appeared to have a mind of their own; left, right, left, right, over and over again. Robb wasn’t violent, but he protected those he loved.

It was Jon that stopped him, resting a hand on his shoulder.

“We’ll handle this.” Theon assured him.

Robb wiped his bloodied hands on his jumper and rushed over to Myrcella’s side. She looked up at him with those beautiful green eyes, she was so scared, he had to be brave for her.

He handed Ygritte the keys to the car, slowly he lifted Myrcella into his arms and carried her out of her apartment.

Little did they know Tyrion Lannister was on his way, he and just booked his nephew a place in military school.

……………..

“Where is she?” Sansa demanded when she stormed through the hospital doors.

“The doctor is checking her over.” Ygritte told her.

“How is she?”

“She’s shaken but she’s tough. She’ll come home with us tonight.” Jon said.

Sansa agreed and made her way to a Myrcella’s hospital room. How many times had her family visited her in this hospital for the exact same reason? She walked in and saw the doctor checking Myrcella’s blood pressure.

“We’ll Miss Baratheon everything seems fine. You may feel a little weak but I assure you that will be due to the shock. I’ll sign your release papers and you’ll be able to go home.” The doctor smiled.

“Thank you.” Myrcella said and with that the doctor left.

“Release papers. They make it sound as if you’re in a prison.” Sansa said, “How are you….” She stopped herself, she’d always hated that question.

Myrcella’s lip began to quiver, but before she could shed a single tear, Sansa wrapped her up in her arms, silently promising to protect her.

………………

Tyrion and Robb were sat in the waiting room, the pair deciding to give the girls some privacy.

“She’s nothing like him,” Tyrion started, breaking the silence, “And her younger brother Tommen is a sweet boy. It amazes me that they are related to that monster.”

“In truth I think Joffrey put me off the idea of children.” Tyrion half joked. “But Myrcella… I have no right to take credit for her, but she has always felt like a daughter to me.”

“She’s too good to be a Lannister, too smart to be a Baratheon. She was different, I suppose I related to that.”

Robb sat and listened to Tyrion, the older man needed to say this.

“She started visiting the hospital more; my sister and her husband travel so they didn’t really think much of it. It started when she was eight, she ‘fell.’ She wasn’t very inventive with her excuses back then, so for seven times in a row she fell.”

“She looked up at me, this precious little girl looked at me like I was the only thing in the world that could protect her, so that’s what I did. I moved her to Casterly Rock, I put her in the gifted children program, Tommen went to Storms End, everyone was taken care of. She was starting to smile again.”

Tyrion’s smile died on his lips, “But I failed her. She is hear now because I couldn’t put a leash on that dog. The one good thing in my life and I failed her.”

“You didn’t fail her.” Robb interjected, “She loves you.”

They exchanged a look of understanding, both bonding over their mutual love for Myrcella.

“I’m glad she has you.” Tyrion said to him and Robb beamed at his approval. They were interrupted by Sansa, “She’s ready to go.” She said.

“You go.” Tyrion said, “I’ll be in the North for a few days, I’ll take up her time then.” Tyrion smiled.

Little did they know Joffrey was being driven to the airport by Tyrion’s friend Bronn. His military training started the next day.

………………

Robb came up behind her slowly, scared of spooking her.

“Robb?” She turned to look at him.

“I didn’t want to scare you.” He said nervously.

“I’m sorry…” she started, “I didn’t mean to be this much hassle. I can go back to my apartment…”

“You’re coming home with me so I can hold you and take care of you until you start to believe that none of this is your fault.” He said and knelt down in front of her to look her in the eyes.

“But…”

“No buts.” He soothed.

“He cut my hair.” She said playing with the strands of her hair. She knew she would recover from this, it’s not like he broke her bones, but there was something so intrusive about it. Myrcella wasn’t vain, but her hair was hers, it reminded her of her mother and she liked that; but Joffrey simply cut at the strands like it meant nothing, as though the golden hair they shared meant nothing. That hurt Myrcella more than she expected.

He stood up and ran his fingers through her hair, tilting her head up to place a gentle kiss on her lips, “Still beautiful.” He told her.

“Join me? We can watch a movie, read a book, gaze into the stars? He said holding out his hand.

She chuckled, “And sit together?” She whispered.

“Now and forever.” He said and he held her close to him.

Little did they know that Joffrey Baratheon would die in three months time. A tragic accident.

#robbcella #robb x myrcella #Robb Stark #Myrcella Baratheon #jon x ygritte #Theon Greyjoy #bran stark #Arya Stark #Sansa Stark #Joffrey Baratheon #Tyrion Lannister #game of thrones #modernAU #anonwriter27

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newstfionline · 7 years

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What’s one of America’s most dangerous jobs? It’s not what you think.

By Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, September 11, 2017

They are routinely yelled at, spat at, pummeled, kicked, scratched and even stabbed by the people they’re trying to save.

In many states, being a nurse is more dangerous than being a police officer or a prison guard. It’s a profession with a stunning amount of violence.

The video of Utah nurse Alex Wubbels getting roughed up by a Salt Lake City detective that went viral last week shocked America.

But nurses everywhere are like--oh, that’s just Monday.

“It’s very rough out there,” Maryland nurse Joanne Ogaitis told a panel of Occupational Safety and Health Administration representatives this year when she testified about the daily verbal assaults and monthly physical assaults she and her colleagues endure.

The part of the Alex Wubbels video that worried most of America, of course, was the police abuse of authority and overreach.

But what may have been lost in that outrage was that this level of violence--not by police, but by patients--is business as usual for nurses.

Just last week, a nurse in Arkansas was pushed down a flight of stairs by a man arguing with medical staffers.

In June, emergency room nurse Elise Wilson was stabbed multiple times by a patient in her Southbridge, Mass., hospital because the patient was unhappy with his medical care.

And in May, two nurses in Geneva, Ill., were taken hostage while caring for an inmate. One of the nurses was beaten and sexually assaulted at gunpoint during the standoff.

And those are just the cases that make news. Nurse assaults occur at most hospitals and clinics every month.

And that’s not even the part that makes nursing one of America’s most dangerous occupations. Damage to their own bodies--from lifting and moving patients--leaves nurses with more injuries than construction workers.

When it comes to attacks, more than 75 percent of the nurses questioned in a recent survey said they had been abused--physically and verbally, by patients, those trying to get to patients or family members--on the job.

Our society honors and celebrates the sacrifices of officers and warriors, but nurses are still fighting for protection, standards and recognition.

Nurses in Massachusetts were attacked more frequently than police or prison guards. When association members testified about the violence epidemic this spring, they said nurses had been threatened with scissors, pencils or pens, knives, guns, medical equipment and furniture in the past two years alone, according to the Massachusetts Nurses Association.

There are at least 26 states with workplace safety standards for health-care facilities approved by OSHA, according to the organization.

But there are no broad, federal standards. A nationwide health-care workplace safety law isn’t necessarily a goal, Cipriano said. But continued state-by-state efforts are achieving change.

They’re asking for things such as better lighting, escape routes and furniture that’s bolted down, so it can’t be thrown around. (Yes, it’s that bad.)

Nurses also want a cultural shift in how their job is viewed. The female-dominated field is rarely seen as dangerous or heroic. Angels, yes, they’re called angels.

But nurses are warriors, too.

“There has been an erosion of respect,” Cipriano said. She’s seen a steady increase over the years in the abuse nurses take. And often, because they’re in these high-stress situations, because their ethos is all about a patient’s comfort and safety, they simply take it.

“We have to dispel that notion,” Cipriano said, “that being assaulted is just ‘part of the job’. It is not.”

When Alex Wubbels screamed “you’re assaulting me” as she was being forced into a police car in Utah on that video, she was also speaking for thousands of other nurses, too.

It’s time to listen.

#nurses #nursing hazards #nurse safety

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