I knew getting back into writing a multi-chapter fic wasn't going to go well. But here's another chapter…finally. Plus it's Flashpoint Friday, yay!
"Guess I'll go." Jules hopped from her seat, "Wish me luck." She tried to throw a small smile, but everyone still sat in a bit of a somber mood.
She headed down the hallway before hitting the presence of Dr. Luria.
"Good to see you, Jules—take a seat. So, how have you been?"
Jules sat down and looked over to her, "How have you been?"
"Ahh, typical Jules, deflecting the question. I've been good, how about you?"
She smiled and nodded, "Fine, stressed—Full of questions but lacking answers."
"Go ahead, give me a go." Dr. Luria sat back, awaiting the lone female of the team to begin with a usual rant of all the events that most the guys would leave out.
Jules shrugged, "It's just—ever since Lou died—everyone's been different, even myself. Not sure why, but its how it is."
Dr. Luria nodded, "Understandable. Any traumatic experience could bring out even the worst in people. Something such as seeing your close friend die right before you could scar a person for a lifetime. Trying to move on may do nothing but hurt it even more."
"I've just—I've become bitter, yet more willing to step along the lines and not really care what the others think. For so long, I was the one who never stepped on the rules—now I'm the one breaking them."
"Mr. Braddock, I suppose?" Dr. Luria caught her attention wide and clear.
She gave a short nod, "Never did I think I'd be the one to risk my job for someone else. I always led myself to believe that this job was what did it for me. This job is what I needed in life. But now, I've realized that this job isn't the only thing that defines me. I want a family—I want the opportunity to give a kid the childhood I wished that I had experienced."
"And when you think of that scenario—Sam is the one in the picture?"
She nodded, "It's just—I mean—I went back to his apartment for crying out loud. He asked me if I was sure and I didn't say no. There's a difference in knowing you love each other, and being the one to chase after him. I'm just so—ugh—stupid."
"You're human." Dr. Luria stated, short and sweet. "You aren't a machine. You're human—you have feelings and needs just as anyone else does. No one goes without emotions, not even an elite officer such as yourself, and that's something each and every one of you needs to realize. You are allowed to be human."
"Tell that to Dr. Toth and the rules." She mumbled, a smile following her statement. "But I see where you're coming from."
"It will all come down to where you place the love of the team with your love for Sam in your rankings. Is it worth giving up your team to be with Sam? Or vice versa?"
Maybe in a normal person's mind—all of it would make sense.
"Thanks for talking, Doc." Jules smiled and got up, leaning towards her for a quick hug between friends.
As she watched her leave the room, Dr. Luria reminded her, "I'm always a phone call away."