K A R M A

“i’m sorry? are you telling me that you actually think that family guy isn’t that dirty? if you truly think that then i am going to have to call bullshit or that you aren’t actually paying attention to the show when you watch it. it’s pretty raunchy my dude.” he mentioned to the other as a laugh slithered through his lips. “i don’t think it is meant to represent any actual families, but i do think that it does kind of represent the world we are living in and how some parents are actually that neglectful to their kids, ya know? i think it’s possible. but i know it has all good intentions and they really do mean well but it’s just something to think about.” he suggested to jamie. “they are probably the best parents i’ve seen in history of those channels. i would even have to put beth and jerry before any of the others, actually.” he mentioned. “jesus, eighteen. i mean i wasn’t that far off but it still actually blows my mind that there really are that many.” he almost rolled his eyes as he thought about the idea of having that many seasons of the show and how they still managed to still come up with the new ideas that they were showing the world. “well you are making me feel pretty special if you’re telling me that you like to hear me talk. i usually have to hear people tell me that i need to shut up.” he said honestly to him. “well, that would definitely make sense then i guess. “i can’t imagine becoming anything other than a doctor or at least something in the medical field, ya know? it would be weird to imagine myself as anything else, but if  i must choose then i have to go with something like a social worker. i have always been about wanting to change lives, really and i feel like that’s something that could effect a lot of people.”

“I suppose you’re right, but I’ve been watching it for so long that I don’t actually think it’s that dirty as people make it seem. And that’s true, I just think the show is made to make fun of today’s society, I think that’s what it’s mostly about, if you ask me.” Jamie said with a smile, nodding slowly at the other. “Jerry and Beth are terrible parents, they’re the worst of them all, in my opinion... Mostly because Jerry is kind of useless, but still.” Jamie said with a chuckle, shaking his head. “I know how that feels, people usually tell me to shut up too most of the times. But you can talk as much as you want with me, I assure you that I’m going to talk as much as you or probably even more. I just really like talking, and I could spend my day talking about things that people probably won’t even find interesting.” He said and smiled. “Well, growing up in a family that’s full of doctors makes you like that... At least you’re living your dream... If I were living my parents’ dream, I’d be working in a grocery store by now. And that’s really nice of you, Eli. I’m glad that you want to help people, I want that too.”

“listen that dirty netflix that you are watching is pretty distracting. i know peter griffin is quite the alcoholic dad and he can be pretty distracting. especially when you get to the episodes where brian and stewie get going on their own adventures. i think those have to be my favorite. do you have a favorite episode of all the family guy seasons out there? how many are there now? fourteen or something like that?” he teased jamie. “i just like bob’s burgers more and i never knew the reason why but then i saw this post on facebook that explains that peter and homer simpson are just alcoholic, abusive dads but then you have bob and linda who clearly love their kids and actually do care about their kids unlike peter, louis, marge, and homer. ya know?” he said to him. “i don’t know it was just very inspiring to me. “it’s not being unfair it’s just speaking the truth that others don’t want to speak themselves.” he explained. “and why is it that you like listening to me talk? do i say something you like or sound cool to you?” he asked, genuinely curious as to why jamie would say that. “i guess that is a pretty okay topic. i didn’t have a really exciting childhood, really. but it was good. i was raised by medical professional parents so they made me feel like this was my destiny. did your parents have any influence on you wanting to become a doctor?”

“Oh, c’mon, Family Guy isn’t that dirty, I think it’s pretty funny. But you’re right about that, they do treat their kids pretty badly in those shows, but they do it in a comedic way... I don’t think it’s meant to represent like any actual families, I hope not either way... But you’re right about that, Bob and Linda are great parents, I can’t deny it.” Jamie said with a smile, nodding slowly. “I just think the jokes are funny, besides, Bob’s Burgers isn’t on Netflix, so I can’t watch that right now, you know? I totally would if I could. And there’s already eighteen seasons of Family Guy and I’ve watched all of them.” he said with a chuckle. “It’s nothing that special, really, I like hearing you talk, that’s it. Don’t feel so special about it” He teased with a nod, as he took a sip of the drink he had ordered. “My parents had zero influence on me wanting to become a doctor... It mostly happened after this house fire in my family home when I was a kid... My brother got it really bad and after that, I guess I wanted to save people... That’s it. Okay, but if you weren’t a doctor, what would you want to become?”

“It’s a good thing I tripped and fell when you were walking by, then - I’m gonna have some killer bruises on my knees, but hey? Who cares. I get to treat someone to some good o’l Sunshine Diner food who hasn’t had it in a while. What could be better than that?” Hunter said with a laugh, taking a drink of her coffee she had ordered. It was later in the afternoon, but the girl could drink coffee at any hour of the day. “Right? It’s so hard to choose…but I do tend to get the same thing because I’m a sucker for a good burger, and they have excellent ones here.” Sunshine Diner was never a letdown. “Yep, his name is Colt. Rescued him about…four years ago, I believe? He’s amazing. Couldn’t ask for a better dog. I agree. I am a big dog person. Cats are alright, but dogs? Dogs have my heart.”

“I mean, it wasn’t a good thing because you could have gotten hurt or something, but at least now you have my companytoo, which is great.” Jamie said with a small chuckle, looking over at Hunter. “Okay, I’ll just have what you’re having then, I’ll trust you on this. This burger better be good.” He said with a nod. “Aww, that’s cute. I’ve had my dog Spencer for almost ten years now, he’s getting old and that kind of makes me sad.” He said with a nod. “I like cats too, even if I’ve never had one... But dogs are totally my favorite.”

“i appreciate the kind words that you’re saying right now because that is really inspirational to ya know, keep me going.” he mentioned to jamie with a sincere smile on his lips. he was actually glad that he had jamie in his life and as a friend because he did make august think about things from other viewpoints. “oh yeah, i definitely can be living my best gay life and i actually am.” he replied. “so don’t be thinking that i am not taking advantage of it.” he giggled. “oh yeah definitely, i don’t think i would have been able to make it if i didn’t have that cupcake you went up and got for me.”

“Of course, that’s what friends are for right? If I’m not being nice to you, then I’m not really your friend. And I’m glad I get to be.” Jamie said with a smile, nodding at August. “That’s awesome, I’m glad that you are! So, have you met anyone lately? Like, you know?” Jamie asked, smirking a little at the other. “I know right? My cupcake was a life saver, you’re welcome. Cupcakes just really make everything better. Do you bake cupcakes in your bakery? I feel like I would like them.” He said with a nod.

“A grumpy old man probably,” Madi responded with a laugh. “That was mean, sorry,” she said but still in a chuckle. “Maybe she’s the one haunting the place. With her there, come on. No ghost could be scarier than that.”

“That’s probably not a good idea, then they’ll become both grumpy and that’ll terrible for all of us.” Jamie said with a small chuckle, nodding at Madi. “Maybe she is, I can’t be sure about that though... Why would she want to keep people out of her library though? That’s weird.”

“You don’t have to tell me, I do feel it.” He raised an eyebrow, as he was slowly getting the aches and pains–but he knew that was because he stood in surgeries for way too long. “Well, I’m glad Jamie. Just gotta’ enjoy life” He shrugged, wanting the younger male to embrace everything life took from him. “—-She owns it. She’s beautiful–and very uhm-demanding.” He chuckled, not being able to stop himself from smiling when he mentioned her. “Anyway, away from me—How is the studying going for your resit?”

“Good, that means that it’s working.” Jamie said with a chuckle, nodding at Robert. “You’re right, we need to enjoy life. That’s what I’ve been trying to do all of my life and it seems to be working so far.” He said with a nod. “Okay, you’re drooling all over about your girlfriend, this is weird. Who would have thought that you could be in love?” He asked with a chuckle. “Studying is fine, I guess... The test won’t happen again for a few months, but I’ll manage.”

“I like the way you think. We could find some potential candidates and plan their encounters,” Madi agreed with his theory. She looked at him a bit stunned before responding, “Wait- another story? I was kidding. I was just trying to spook you but- what stories?”

“We can totally do that! Who do you think would be interested in a grumpy library lady?” Jamie asked, raising an eyebrow. “Well, you’re not the first one to tell me that the library is haunted... Some people tell me that they’ve seen books fall out of shelves, but maybe that’s some kid prank... I can’t be sure!”

“Stronger than you? Hmm. Maybe. I dunno. We don’t have to test that out though, ‘cause it seems like you do want to join me for some good food. Who would say no to some Sunshine Diner food? A crazy person, I tell ya.” Hunter chuckled. The two got sat by a hostess at a table near the window. The blonde didn’t even bother picking up a menu, her mind already made up on something she got quite often. “I think I might need one of those days soon. It’s hard though, ‘cause even on my off days I gotta be active at some point. I have a german shepherd and they have high levels of energy.”

“I’m pretty sure you are stronger though, I wouldn’t have a problem with that though...” He said with a chuckle. “You’re right, but I haven’t been here in forever...” He said as he sat down with the other, smiling as he grabbed the menu. “I just wish I could eat everything in here, honestly...” He said as he looked through the menu. “You have a german shepherd? Those are adorable! But I just love dogs in general, honestly.”

“well then something must be going on in that head, something distracting you lately?” elijah questioned as he laughed softly, teasing him slightly. “exactly and not only working in the hospital, but working as a doctor or a nurse is just incredibly tiring. not like having one of the receptionist jobs where you get to get there after the doctors and go home hours before they are even planning on leaving.” he laughed softly. he wasn’t saying that their jobs weren’t hard but there was no doubt that the hours were much more demanding for the medical professionals then the ones that worked reception. “but you’re right, yes. we need to not talk about the hospital or work. it’s in the rules that we aren’t allowed to.” he explained. he smiled when he could see that jamie was becoming a little more comfortable and he was ready to talk about the things that elijah tried to get him to talk about. elijah found himself nodding a bit every once in a while as he heard jamie talking about the points that elijah had brought up. “what is your favorite thing to watch on netflix? i’m sure you have to have a favorite show on there.” he enticed. “ugh, the dreaded cookie dough. it’s so overrated and i don’t know how people like it. like, i love cookie dough but i don’t like the way that it tastes in ice cream. i think it gets too hard to chew. i have been getting caught up on all of my shows that i haven’t been able to watch but then i’m also trying to watch some new shows. i’m glad that your studying is going well because you’re going to need that.” he laughed. 

“Not really... There’s nothing going on in my life lately, so there’s nothing to distract me... I guess I just have a lot on my mind, mostly random stuff, but nothing worrying.” Jamie said with a small chuckle, before nodding at Elijah. “Okay, okay, no more hospital talk, I promise. I’ll save all of the hospital talking when I’m around the hospital again.” He said with a smile. “My favorite thing to watch on Netflix? I watch a lot of shows there, but I’ve been watching tons of Family Guy lately, I think it’s pretty funny.” He said with a smile. “It’s not overrated, I love it! I think it’s great, don’t disrespect cookie dough like that...” He said with a playful pout. “Okay, but I think that’s enough talking about me, you do all of the talking now! Because once I get going, I know I won’t stop talking for the next four hours.” He said with a giggle.

“oh of course not. i mean there was nobody really in my life that would have tried to pressure me into it. and with how understanding all of my family and friends were with it, i guess that would make sense. yeah, yeah.. waiting until twenty-two, almost twenty-three has actually made me think about how i was so nervous about it and how i was foolish for actually so long because of how scared i was.” he explained to him as he was astonished with himself about everything. but leaving things in the past is what he needed to do. “oh trust me, i am a big talker and i happen to do a lot of it because it calms me down when i babble a lot, honestly.” august smirked while laughing at himself about the fact that he babbled quite a bit because he was constantly nervous. “yeah, i guess that is what they say” he agreed with jamie, “i am feeling better actually. shocker, but all of this talking seems to be helping it.” he giggled. “i don’t know how that really seems to make sense, but hey, i’ll take it.”

“That’s good. Nobody pressured me into it either, and my siblings kind of already knew about it, so no one was shocked. They just accepted me when I was ready and that’s what matters in the end.” He said with a smile, nodding slowly. “It wasn’t foolish, you just weren’t ready. Everyone takes their time, and now you can live your best gay life.” He said with a small chuckle. “I’m glad that I have a friend that’s a big talker like me, because I don’t think I’ve shut up a day in my life. Honestly, I could talk all day if I could.” He said with a nod. “That’s great! And sometimes talking helps a lot, I’m glad that you’re feeling better. It was totally the cupcake I got you.”

“no, no. it’s fine that you didn’t recognize me. i can’t blame you. i feel like we all look pretty different from our work clothes and then our ordinary clothes.” he laughed softly at jamie as he couldn’t believe that this was happening. “well you could be wrong there because whenever i’m at work i’m sure you see me with the crazy tired eyes while when i actually get a full night of sleep like last night i look like a real human being but you’ll get to know what that’s like when you are a doctor one day and you are doing the all nighter shifts.” he explained to jamie. “well i wouldn’t say that i’m tired of talking about it, but i was kind of looking for a stress free day off and i don’t know just something about talking about the hospital raises my stress levels.” he was mostly joking because he did love his job, but also having some time from your career was pretty nice as well. “we could talk about anything in the world! how’s your studying going? how’s school in general? what did you do over the past weekend? your favorite ice cream flavor to get over at the ice cream shop.” he encouraged him as he gave him some things that they could talk about to keep themselves distracted.

"You’re right, but I usually don’t have trouble recognizing people...” Jamie said with a smile, looking at Elijah. “I’ve seen you with the tired eyes, you’re right about that. But that’s what happens when you work at the hospital... I can’t wait, to be honest, i’ve always wanted to work at the hospital and I’m feeling like med school is taking forever. Okay, but that’s enough of hospital talk, we should totally talk about something else.” He said with a nod, resting his elbows on the table, before placing his head on his hand. “I can talk about all of that... My studying is doing okay, school is still hard but I’m still standing... I didn’t do much last weekend, I just slept and watched some Netflix... And my favorite ice cream flavor is probably cookie dough...” He said, all in one breath. “What about you? What have you been up to lately? Besides the hospital, of course.” He asked.

“yeah, i mean i knew myself when i was like sixteen but the only person i told is one of my siblings and i didn’t know how they were going to take it but i didn’t even tell my parents until about a month ago. it took me a long time to work up the courage to do something like that but it definitely helped me a lot with trusting people with it.” he mentioned. he was sure that jamie knew what this was like because he had already done it before at a much younger age. “i like hanging out with you too. i wouldn’t if i didn’t at least enjoy it.” he replied as he also nodded and giggled a bit. “well you can tease me all you want really then. i guess i can allow that a little bit. it might take me a while, but i will work at it.”

“Of course, and I’m glad that you did it when you were ready, and that you weren’t pressured into it. Because that’s usually terrible, I think everyone should take their own time. Some people do it later than others, but that’s alright.” Jamie said with a small smile, nodding slowly at August. “Good, because sometimes I think I talk a little too much and I know there’s people that don’t like talking that much, but I don’t get that.” Jamie said with a chuckle. “You’ll get there eventually, practice makes perfect, that’s what everyone says right? Are you feeling better? How’s your head?”

elijah had realized that the gentleman that he had asked to join him for some lunch was jamie connor. he had seen him roaming the halls of the hospital and talking with dr rob. he knew that he must be in med school and working on his way to being a doctor. “yeah, why not jamie?” he asked him as he raised his eyebrow slightly. the two of them had spoken a couple of times, “it’s me? elijah. dr. delaney?” he questioned the other as he just smirked at him. “oh trust me it will be fun, but we are not allowed to talk about the hospital or anything work related. you have to promise me that if you are going to be joining me for some food.” he mentioned to him as he smiled a bit. whenever he wasn’t at work, he didn’t want to talk about it. it was bad enough that his mom made him talk about it. “i can’t believe you don’t even recognize me. do i really look that different when i’m not wearing the tie and the doctors coat?” he asked as he looked at himself and then back at jamie before holding the chair and then sitting back down in it. 

Jamie looked over at Elijah, realizing that it was him all along. He must have been distracted to not notice it was him. Shaking his head, he giggled a little. “Oh, right, I’ve talked to you before... I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you, I guess I was just distracted.” He said with a nod, looking over at him. “I mean, it does look a little different when you’re not using hospital clothes, but not that much. It’s not like your face changes.” He said as he took a seat across Elijah. “We can’t talk about hospital stuff? Okay, that’s fair. I guess you’re probably tired of it... And tired of listening to me talk about it too. What should we talk about then?” He asked.