White Lies | All American

twenty nine

"So, we ran some tests..." Kat trailed off, nervously glancing at the parents as she sat down.

"I didn't know you worked here. I thought you were just a regular therapist." Billy said, wondering the need for the private room.

"Yeah. I try to dabble in different settings for the experience. As I was saying, we have some information to share with you.."

"Okay.." The parents slowly spoke.

"Based on the results, it has been determined that Haiden has OSDD or other specified dissociative disorder."

"I'm sorry.. Our daughter is.. what?" Billy cleared his throat.

"I'll try to simplify for you. I'm sure you guys haven't formally met Nora but she exists. Nora is a fragmented alter hence the OSDD diagnosis."

"I'm sorry. I don't think we're understanding." Laura said then nervously chuckled.

"An alter is like a personality switch. Some alters are very limited in their role; for example, they may only have a small number of emotions, hold particular isolated memories or have a very limited job.."

"And Nora is this personality switch?"

"Yes. Fragments can either have a range of emotions but only a limited life history, or a more substantial life history but be unable to feel a range of emotions."

"It's kind of hard to tell with Haiden. Well, you know." Billy voiced, lightly chuckling.

Kat nodded.

"I do, which is why I want to tell you a little about Nora. She is a special purpose fragment. Special fragments exist to carry out a very limited role, never acting beyond that.."

"Did you know all of this beforehand?" Laura inquired.

"I had an idea, yes. Nora doesn't come out too often but I have found that there are some distinctions between her and Haiden."

"Distinctions? Like what?"

"Well, so far, I've discovered that she is about nineteen years old, left-handed and allergic to coconut."

"That's it? Thought there would be more. How does that work? I mean, when does Nora come out?" Billy stared at the table, slightly in disbelief.

"As a therapist, I must attempt to make contact with as many alters as possible to understand their roles and functions in an individual’s life. In this case, I have a sense that Nora is the protector."

"The.. the protector? And how do you know this?"

"I slowly formed an effective relationship with Haiden. If she feels comfortable, she will open up, but it takes my skill set to spot to signs. I'd like to establish communication among the personalities and unite them into a single identity.."

The parents nodded, looking to each other then to Kat.

"I know this may be a lot to take in.. If you have any questions, I'm more than happy to help."

Later that night, they discussed what their children's futures may look like. There was always something with one of them; the parents could only pray for guidance.

Knocks at the door interrupted their discussion. The parents curiously glanced to each other.

"Can I help you?" Billy spoke upon opening the door.

"James? What are you doing here?"

The officer awkwardly nodded at Laura, clearing his throat.

"Good evening, Mrs. Baker. I'm here to speak with your husband. Mr. Baker, would you come with us, please.."

Laura alarmingly looked to Billy, wondering what he could've done.

"What is this regarding?" She asked.

"No disrespect, Mrs. Baker, this involves your husband."

"Yeah, and no disrespect, Wellins, I can have him pulled before you even get to the station. I don't think Sarge would like his family dinner being interrupted over this."

James slickly rolled his eyes, glancing to his partner.

"Mr. Baker, do you know an Arturo Decker?"

Billy nodded.

"Good. Maybe you can tell us about his murder. Let's go to the station."

"What!?" Laura exclaimed.

"Why am I a suspect?" Billy questioned.

"We can answer your questions at the station, Mr. Baker. After you.."

Laura cursed, rushing to grab her things as the squad car drove down the street.

Haiden rolled her eyes at the TV, wanting to watch something else as the woman changed to the news station.

She halted her exit upon seeing her mother's face on the screen. The anchorwoman explained the reason behind Laura's video before playing it.

"I'd like to take this time to address my silence. Often, as women, our silence is misconstrued as weakness. The truth is, is we were often making the stronger choice to just not engage. I was reminded that, as a public figure, that this isn't just about me. This is about the legacy of women in this country...

"This is about little girls who dreamed of going into politics one day who are now rethinking it because of bullies like Paul Kendall, so I am breaking my silence. While it's true that my husband and I have filed for separation, it is also true that it is none of anyone's business." Laura sternly continued.

"It has nothing to do with my ability to run as district attorney, and if I were a man, that is what you would be voting on. I refuse to be held to a double standard because I am a woman, so, elect me or don't, but make your decision based on my platform and track record. Not my opponent throwing my life into the media as a way to undercut me. So let's talk about that track record."

The video ended, going back to the anchorwoman. Haiden chuckled, amused by her mother's speech.

The night ended with Haiden lying awake. She let her mind run wild, indulging her fantasies in hopes she'd fall asleep.

Her mind flipped, thinking of her hectic journey. Faces rapidly popped in and out, memories flashing too fast..

"Just go to sleep, it's not hard.." She whispered, lying on her back and closing her eyes.