Never Let Go

Chapter 2: Wild Curls

"What a morning!"

I stop typing on the computer, and see Stella, the manager, walk into the office.

"Yeah." I show a little smile.

"How's the report going?" She asks.

"Good. I'm almost done now." I start typing, but then stop again. "Is she ok? The new patient."

"Yeah, she'll be fine, once she realizes we're not the enemy, and she's here for her own good."

I nod slowly.

I like Stella, but she can be a bit particular and strict sometimes. She comes across as a stern, head teacher, and from what I've heard not many people like her. Personally, I've never had a problem with her, and she's always been fine with me, but maybe that's because she has a soft spot for me.

When I first started working here she made it clear that she was single, and I had to make it clear that I wasn't interested. She's a few years older than me, and she's attractive, but she isn't my type. Even if I was single, I wouldn't go there with her.

"Her boyfriend reported her missing, and the police found her on top of a building, about to jump off."

"Oh, God." I frown. "That's terrible."

"Her boyfriend said they had an argument, and that this isn't the first time she's tried to take her own life. The police took her to hospital, and then she was sectioned."

"Thank God the police found her. How old is she?"

"She's young. 21. Such a shame."

I frown and shake my head. She's only 4 years younger than me.

"She's had a hard life, and she's been through a lot for a girl of her age, but she's in the right place now."

"Yeah." I agree.

"At the moment she's a danger to herself, and others around her, so she's being closely monitored by the nurses 24/7. She can't be left alone."

"What's her report like?"

"You can have a look over it, but she suffers from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and she's struggled with bulimia and drugs in the past."

Poor girl...

"She's also very wary of men, due to past experiences... so, if I were you, I wouldn't interact with her too much, unless she decides she wants to. She'll have the female nurses if she needs anything."

"But, I'd like to make her feel like this is a safe environment, and that she can trust me, and the other male workers and patients."

"Of course, Michael, but that will come in time. What she needs right now is to feel comfortable, and we need to keep her as calm as possible. I don't want her flying off the handles again, and I definitely don't want her constantly being in a sedated state. That's not good for her, or us."

"Yeah." I nod.

"Anyway." She smiles, and tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she sits on the edge of the computer desk. "I haven't seen you in the last few days. How was your weekend off? Did you do anything nice?"

"Not really..." I show a little smile.

"Oh? I know what it's like, though. It's nice to just be able to relax for a couple days. You work so hard."

"Thanks." I smile. "Actually, Stella, I've been meaning to talk to you about my hours. Would I be able to get some over time?"

"Oh." She raises her eyebrows. "You want more? You already work a lot of hours, and you're here nearly every day." She laughs softly.