Back Up To Date (323 views)

She was glad to see the room wasn't empty completely. It was good that the beds were clear of students- after all, that meant they were healthy- or at least those at the school that day were. But even so, someone could get hurt at any time. Russell being there was a relief because of that. "Ah, that was so near?" Tawlina smiled nervously- after the last week or so of family time she'd had, the last thing she wanted to be reminded of was babies, even if she loved them. Infants were adorable, but it was troublesome to think about for the moment. A slight disarray caught her mind in a frenzy. Hopefully it wouldn't become too big a topic from students now that she was back for work.

"It's a good thing they're listening to you. It's always wonderful to see that we're not needed too much because the kids are taking good care of themselves." Her smile became more definite. She really was glad that her job had been handed to Russell while she was away. The students listened to him, or enough to accept hygiene's importance. "Thank you for all your hard work, Russell. But..Please, stop calling me 'ma'am. Just because I'm older doesn't mean you need to be so formal."

Tawlina could already see the energy fuming out of his body, almost like an aura surrounding him as his speech increased in speed. Laughing timidly, she put a hand on his shoulder with a cautious touch. "Now calm down, Russell. While I find you far more fun than family matters, I can't keep up if you rush too quickly."

Her smile was gentle and sincere- as sincere as her words. Russell was definitely more enjoyable to be around than her family. Then again, that was part of why she called this place 'home'. "It was as fun as any other wedding. I can't complain too much." Of course, there was some lying laced with the words- but she didn't think it mattered. In all honesty, it wasn't as if she'd had no fun at all. She loved the cousin she'd been watching go down the aisle. And seeing her again, if nothing else, was a great change of pace. "Did you get to do anything exciting while I was gone? I hope the baby project hasn't brought too many awkward questions yet."

Tawlina smiled gently as he continued to ramble- ah, it was really good to be back to normal. Although, her concept of normal may have been blurred from her job... "I suppose it's better to be safe then sorry. While I agree they shouldn't be doing such things, at least we're trying to protect them since we can't keep them from doing it anyway. You did a good thing, Russell." She pat his back and gave him a mild hug- just around the shoulders, like a family member to another. "If it's you, I know the nurse's station is never in danger. You never cease to remind me of that. But leave some of the work to me now, okay?"

Letting go, she went to look at some of the student files while keeping the conversation alive. The usual talk in health class? Weren't there quite a few 'typical talks'? "Are there any materials you might need for the class this time? I'm sure I can help you come up with something to make it more memorable, both for them and for you."

"Alcohol awareness is usually fun for the kids with those special goggles, isn't it? We used that when I was young too. I think the ones they have now are better than what we had though." Tawlina smiled, trying to think of something the kids could play for procreation that wouldn't just make them think it a game all by itself. "Hm...Procreation might be harder though...But I can see what I can find at least. If nothing else, I know you'll make it fun for them just by being the one teaching them. I hear good things about your classes all the time, you know."

Glad to have the hug returned, she took the seat he'd been stuck in to take a better look at the contents of the desk. "You're young, so it's natural you prefer to be up and moving. It's a good quality for you too. I should try jogging with you one of these days to get into shape myself. I don't exercise enough anymore. Would you mind the company?"

His excitement made her think of a child in a toy store- which made her remind herself that he wasn't as young as he acted, being only a decade her junior. A decade, apparently, that was extremely volatile. "How about a test that can't be failed? There are tests that are just meant to be fun. Or it can be a test with no wrong answers...Since it's just a project to keep them on track, you should choose something that will keep their attention but won't affect the grade for the lecture. Something that they'll both enjoy and understand. Like you said...Education and entertainment are best hand in hand, right?'

She couldn't help but try to imagine what he meant by not being an 'easygoing exercise buddy'. Did that mean he'd leave her behind if she was too slow? Or did it mean he'd scold her? It wasn't really something she could comprehend by his words...But it seemed to interest her. "Well, I can't guarantee keeping up well, but I'd like to try. I need to start getting active. I'm not getting any younger, and I'm getting close to old enough to start getting arthritis if I'm not careful. That'd be a problem for the kids I tend, wouldn't it? Me with creaky joints."

"I can handle the math for you," She mused softly. "You get used to scaling things for various medicinal purposes too, after all." It was good to help each other- and if he was possibly going to help her get into better shape, it only made sense to do so even further! "If you choose a topic that might entertain them, it might help, too, though."

"Being called a hypocrite is certainly not enjoyable, but labels are labels. Either way, it certainly would be best to make a good effort to be a good role model for the students. So...I look forward to working with you. I'll be in your care for this, Russell. Of course, please continue to rely on me too."

"No one is really calling me a hypocrite yet, Russell." Well, except maybe her parents- but that was an unimportant conversation. Her parents were just stupidly judgemental. "But I appreciate your kindness. It's good to have someone looking out for you, after all." Smiling, she pulled out a notepad. "What time should I meet you for our first jogging session? I'm rather excited to see your regiment."

Before long, she soon stood to take a moment and push her chair under the desk. Carefully placing her arms straight outward like on a balance beam, she closed her eyes and began to walk a straight line from her chair to the bed, one foot before the other. Spinning when she got there, she held a hand out. "This is a common test used for alcoholics after driving accidents, no? Have them do that type of thing too. They'll really feel what it's like for certain that way."

"Morning or afternoon, either is fine. I'm an early bird myself, and if we jog in the morning it'll just wake me up more for the day ahead, don't you think?" A small smile and an equally small fragment of a laugh. Surely it was a good idea. And surely, his energy would infect her to help her wake more too. "Tomorrow will be a great way to start either way, I think."

As her ideas inspired him and got him rushing to his paper, she smiled more fully as she watched from the empty bedside. His enthusiasm was never tiring to Tawlina- in fact, it only inspired her to want to do anything she could to help him, as well as the students who would surely come to her later on for simple issues. His devotion to his students was something she admired. "Your students are surely lucky to have you, Russell. I almost wish I was one myself when I watch you working so hard."

His words weren't meant to be hard on her, but somehow it stung to hear the word 'maternal' at that moment. Tawlina could never be a mother- so this was the closest to using her maternal nature she could get. But, perhaps that was at least a relief then. As Russell said- it was a quality liked in a nurse...right?

"I'm surprised you say they think you strict. After all...I hear good things plenty often. They may think you strict, but they also like you too. You're quite a teacher, I suppose." A gentle smile came to her as she minded her own memories of past conversations with some of the children. Of course, his reasoning for the jogging soon came back to mind. "Where shall I meet you in the morning then?"

Tawlina could already see what it was students liked about Russell, even if they never seemed to tell him about it. He was strict in class, but also had a childlike nature that was easy to relate to. Compared to Tawlina who many may have thought was a motherly sort, Russell was almost like a cute little brother. The thought made it hard for Tawlina not to brighten up a bit, though also feel a bit sad that she was thinking such a thing about a coworker- it wasn't fair to him, was it?

"I live in the apartments as well." Tawlina mused. She didn't really know who lived in what apartment, so it was interesting to find out Russell lived there as well. "It's easier to live there, and as you said, it does come with the salary. Plus, I can be nearer to the students this way just to be safe." Her reasoning was overly sound and somewhat protective- but she meant well by it all. "I'm on the first floor, apartment six. Of course, you're welcome to come just in general as well if you ever feel like it. I'm always welcome to guests."

"It's not like being cost effective is a bad reason either," Tawlina mused. "Honestly, I'm sure I liked that part quite a bit as well. But it still feels good to be near to the students, don't you think? And the fact that you chose to have work to get home is a very nice concept. I just chose the first floor to be simpler for others to get to."

She smiled gently, happy to hear about his whereabouts. Surely it would be nice to have a friend outside of work- even a coworker. "It's not a bad thing to like socialization, after all. I should try to do so more. I spend much of my time at home by myself when I'm not working. Our jogging sessions will double as a good way to get outside, don't you think?" A light giggle and a gentle nod later, she was happily agreeing to his timing. "Sounds good. This way we still have time after the jog to shower and get ready for work, after all."

Tawlina had never realized that he jogged each morning to class. The woman had never really been one for cars, but she didn't jog to work- she merely walked briskly when she was ready and was happy that way. "I never noticed you on route before. I always walk to work myself. Perhaps I should join you to jog there instead." She giggled, smiling. "And cars aren't that special anyway. The gas is bad for your health I believe."

"Alright. Sweats and sneakers. I'll remember that. Sounds comfortable to me."

"That's what cars are meant for- long distances. It's best to walk and enjoy the fresh air when you can. Or run. Just being outside is lovely." Smiling happily, she moved back to the desk to check on some work at the same moment he mentioned his mother.

"Ah I see. It's good you visit her so often. Please send my regards when you see her as well. And then I'll see you tomorrow. Alright?"