Unexpected Reunion [dasha]

[Cheyenne Kings]

The warm spring breeze wafted through the parking lot of the vet clinic as Chey stepped out of her truck and closed the door. Today was not going to be a typical Monday here at the office. Last Friday Dr. Adams made an announcement that he was retiring and bringing in a new Vet to run the clinic. He wouldn't give specifics, but apparently he was an old friend of his. Chey and the rest of the staff were anxiously awaiting all weekend to find out who it was, and today would be they day they finally got to meet him. Tension was a little high, to say the least. If there was one thing people in a small town hated, it was change. But over the years, Chey had learned that change, although challenging at first, wasn't always a bad thing. In fact, change could be a little refreshing. Yes, Chey was sad to see Dr. Adams leave; after all, he had been the stable's exclusive vet for years now. Chey thought of him as an uncle of sorts, and he had been the one who encouraged her to get into veterinarian medicine in the first place. He offered her this internship and helped her every step of the way. But at the same time, she knew he deserved to retire, and she trusted his judgement in picking out a replacement. The whole thing would be bittersweet, but she was still a bit excited to see what this new guy was all about.

"Morning, Sarah" Chey smiled to the receptionist as she walked through the front door of the office and shrugged off her jacket. 'Morning, Chey, Dr. Adams wanted me to give you this chart. It's your duties for the day.' Sarah answered, handing her a clipboard. "Thanks... hey, do you know when we're supposed to be expecting the new guy, yet?" Chey asked, keeping her voice low as she took the clipboard and glanced it over. 'Not yet. Dr. Adams is keeping it pretty hush hush for some reason.' she answered, her voice almost a whisper. Chey furrowed her brows together. "Alright, thanks, Sarah." she looked up and smiled before heading to the back room to hang her jacket and bag up. Sighing, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked over the chart. The list was shorter than usual. Dr. Adams must have cleared up the day's schedule. Grabbing a pen from her pocket, Chey clipped it to the board and started going about her duties. A couple of hours later, the appointment board was clear, the lobby was empty, and it was almost time for her lunch break. Chey was about to head back to the break room when Dr. Adams called everyone into the lobby to make another announcement.

'I know things have been a little tense, but I just wanted to let everyone know that we can be expecting the Doctor anytime now, so you're free to take your breaks, but please make sure I can find you so we can make formal introductions.' A couple of mumbles were heard from the small crowd, but most dispersed without saying anything. Chey was a little nervous that this wasn't going to go the smoothest. Most of the people that worked here had been here for years and weren't exactly ready to embrace a brand new boss. To be honest, Chey was a little nervous herself. Her internship was almost up, and soon it would be time for her evaluation to determine if she would become a full time veterinary technician. What if this guy didn't think she was ready? There was no way she was going back to cleaning kennels again. She had done her time volunteering as a 'Kennel Girl', slowing working her way up the ranks to intern as a vet assistant, before finally earning this internship. She'd worked hard, and she only hoped that her stats would speak for themselves... Chey was about to start towards the back again when the small bell on the door rang. Turning around to see who it was, she stopped in her tracks. "Greg?" she blurted out, totally unprepared to see him standing there in the lobby at that moment.

Gregory Matthew Owens. He looked just as handsome as ever. Had it really been almost five years? The last time she had seen him he was boarding a plane to New York for vet school. Suddenly, things started to click in her head. She knew Dr. Adams and Greg were pretty close, especially since Greg had been his personal intern for years before Chey even stepped foot into the clinic. But, no. It couldn't be. Greg had taken a job in New York; or at least that's what she'd heard. She really didn't give a thought to the fact that he might come back to lowly little Pinewood. In fact, he was the last person she expected to walk through that door. The last time she had any communication with him was through a latter, telling him of her and Seb's engagement. She still felt pretty awful for that, and seeing him standing in front of her made it ten times worse. But did she really expect for him to still be upset after five years? He couldn't have been pining after her that long... right? If so, this would make this unexpected reunion even more awkward than it was already going to be. Chey stood frozen for what seemed like minutes before she finally shook her thoughts and realized she probably looked like a deer in the headlights. She felt a little blood rush to her cheeks and her eyes quickly shot down to the ground. "Sorry, I uhm... didn't expect to see you here, I guess... I thought you were in New York?" she stammered, trying to be as composed as possible as she forced herself to make eye contact and waited for a reply.

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TAGGED: Dasha as Greg
WORDS: 1,030
NOTES: Sorry it's a little long xD hope it's okay!
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[Gregory Owens]

It felt like it had been ages since he had last stepped foot in this hospital. Yet, at the same time it felt all so natural… like he had never left. The smells we still the same… a mixture between pet smell, dog food, sterilized equipment and the same vanilla air freshener that Dr. Adam’s kept in the corner of the room. Everything was exactly how he had left it 5 years ago. The faces were all familiar… in shock but familiar. Dr. Adams had mentioned he had kept Greg’s arrival a secret but he didn’t really expect the old fellow to go through with it. There really was only one thing that had changed... Cheyenne Kingery… or he supposed it was Kings now. She looked just as beautiful as ever… more grown up that was for sure. But there was this glow about her that was fresh. Marriage could do that to you he supposed. A slight smirk appeared over his face as he saw the look of shock on hers as she questioned his being there. “Mrs. Kings.” He nodded acknowledging her in a professional manor before letting the smirk take its place back over his features. Turning his attention to Dr. Adams he removed his coat then shook his hand. “Dr. Adams it’s great to see you again… how long has it been?”

Greg wasn’t directly disregarding her shock. Not at all actually he enjoyed seeing the look of shock on her face when he walked in the door. It was quite satisfactory. 'Since the convention in Newbury I believe.' The Dr. replied. 'We’ll exchange small talk later I’ll let you get acquainted with the staff although I’m sure you’ll find several familiar faces… and please call me Paul.' Dr. Adams had been in Greg’s life for as long has he could remember. Good family friends and Greg had worked for him when he was younger as well… Paul had been there for him when he was going through some rough times so when he called him up asking him for this favor he wasn’t going to turn him down.

“Alright then.” He said with a nod turning to the rest of the people that were trying not to stare… well all were trying except Cheyenne. His charming smile remained on his face as Chey blushed and looked to the ground apologizing. He greeted a few familiar faces while she went on. “I was. But when Dr. Adams… Paul offered me this job… I couldn't pass it up.” He glanced over his shoulder smiling at Paul then back at Chey. “Now then…” He reached behind her for the chart that was on the counter. “Seems to be a pretty mellow day.” He said glancing over the clipboard in his hand. “Ah... looks like I showed up right when you all wanted lunch... don't let me keep you.” He looked up and around with his same smile. “If you have any questions I’ll be in Dr. A….. My office.” He corrected himself and walked through the door that led to his office smiling at Cheyenne has he passed.

Ducking into the room he sighed and sunk into the chair behind the desk. 5 years was a long time, but somehow, to Greg it didn’t seem like long enough. Sure he had planned on coming to visit eventually. But moving back completely was never in the books. There was nothing wrong with Pinewood… the people had their issues like most small towns… but the place itself had nothing wrong with it. It was home to him… Always would be no matter what. Something’s were just meant to stay in the past he had moved on and to be quite honest he was done living in the past. It was over with and he had told himself that the only reason he accepted the offer was because he knew he couldn’t change the past and he had come to terms with it. But knowing that was different than actually doing it. At least that was what he was starting to discover. Rubbing his face he shook his head telling himself that he was being ridiculous. He was a grown man for crying out loud.

With the few words he exchanged with Cheyenne in the lobby he figured she would visit him at some point today… it was only a matter of time. He almost hoped she would though. It had been a long time since he had seen… or talked to her and he generally did care and wanted to know how she was. She had been one of his best friends if not his only best friend before he left for Vet school. That was probably his only regret… leaving her. Sure he probably could have done a better job at expressing that it was good to see her and that he had missed her when he saw her a few moments ago… but he wanted to make a good impression with the rest of the staff and let’s face it… they weren’t kids anymore. There was a tap on the door and as the doorknob creaked and rotated he turned from staring out the window. “Come in…”

[Cheyenne Kings]

Chey blinked a few times, still stunned as he gave her a simple nod and addressed her as 'Mrs. Kings'. A little stab of guilt pricked at her stomach and she tightened her jaw, trying not to let it show. She almost didn't catch the sly little smirk that flashed across his features before he turned to speak with Dr. Adams. Of course, now she was just confused. She had every reason to believe he was still upset with her, and she knew he had the right to be. But the smirk was throwing her off... it took her a second to realize that he was just trying to be professional and make a good impression on his future employees. Suddenly she felt completely foolish for how she'd reacted to seeing him. He must have thought she was an idiot. She was shaken from her thoughts as he began to speak again, answering her stupid question without miss a beat. Sometimes she hated how he could be so smooth. She nodded in response as her mind took in the information, not trusting herself to speak just yet. She couldn't believe he was back. And if that wasn't enough, he was going to be her boss. It was a lot to take in on such short notice.

She caught her breath as he reached around her for the clipboard on the counter. The blood rushed back to her cheeks before she cleared her throat and stood up straight, trying to re-compose herself. Wow, this was not going as well as it should have... five years was a long time. She had changed a lot, and she knew he must have changed too. But seeing him here right in front of her brought back so many memories. She felt like the old Chey again, which wasn't necessarily a good thing. Old Chey had a hard time dealing with stuff like this. She met his glance and caught his smile as he walked off towards the main office and slipped in. As soon as he closed the door, Chey let out a breath and ran a quick hand through her hair, shaking her head. What was wrong with her? She needed to talk to him. But she didn't know if he'd want to see her, let alone talk to her. This was ridiculous. They used to be so close, and now she was scared to even speak to him. Was she crazy for thinking he would still be upset after five years? She knew that finding out that way must have hurt him at least a little bit. Looking back, she probably could've handled it better. She shouldn't have let their relationship end that way. But she was scared. And now here they were, five years later. She couldn't pretend like it never happened, right?

Either way, she knew she had to talk to him. She glanced up at the clock that hung on the wall above reception. She still had twenty five minutes left on her break. She turned on her heel and made her way towards the office, stopping just inches from the door. She took a deep breath and hesitated a moment before tapping her knuckle lightly against the frame and grasping the handle. She listened for his permission to enter before opening the door and slipping in. She closed the door behind her and turned to face him, clasping her hands together in front of her. "Hi, I hope I'm not interrupting anything" she said nervously, taking a few steps further into the room. "I just wanted to apologize for my reaction earlier. It wasn't professional." she said flatly, turning her gaze to the ground before looking up to glance around the room, trying her best to avoid making eye contact. Why was this so hard? They used to be able to talk about anything... besides, if he were still the same Greg, he could probably see right through her. That is, if he was still as in tuned as he used to be.

"So, how have you been?" she asked somewhat awkwardly, meeting his gaze and folding her hands behind her back casually. She sighed and dropped her hands to her side. "Look, I know you're going to be my boss and all, but if you don't mind, I'd like to speak candidly." She cleared her throat before going on. "First of all I would like to say how good it is to see you. I know it may have seemed like I didn't want you here, but to be totally honest, I've missed you." she offered a small smile before letting it fade as she began the next part. "I would also like to apologize for how we left thing off. Or rather, how I left things off." she dropped her gaze to the ground and stared at her shoes. "It was childish of me, and looking back now, I know I should have handled it differently. I was just scared I guess. But I hope we can move past it." she paused a moment and let out a breath, looking back up to his eyes. "If you're not ready to talk to me as a friend, I would understand. But I really hope that's not the case" she finished, folding her hands behind her back again and waiting for his reaction.

She was glad to have gotten off her chest, but an awkward feeling of self consciousness slowly began to creep over her as she played back what she had said. Was it too much? Too soon? Should she have kept it professional? Was she wrong to assume that he might still consider them friends? What if he didn't think it was as big of a deal as she had? Ugh, why did this have to be so damn complicated? She shook the thoughts, trying to convince herself that she was crazy for being so worried. After all, they were adults now. They could be honest with each other, right? She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and swallowed hard, studying his face for any signs of response. It was too late to turn back now. She could only hope she wasn't making an even bigger fool out of herself...

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TAGGED: Dasha as Greg
WORDS: 1,080
NOTES: Ugh, not very good but it's super long! haha. Anyway, I hope it's okay. Sorry it took so long...
INSPIRATION: Those Nights - Skillet
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