Alice's Asylum

Chapter Two

I was driving in my car on my way to a village in Philadelphia. My Mom had moved to the state recently for a change of scenery. My sis had come with her to help her unpack and had loved it so much that she moved out of Texas too. I had stayed to finish up in the medical military for a year and now I was moving in with Mom. She was getting older and with Dad passing a few weeks back and Tessie pregnant again, I was the only one who could help out.

The windows were rolled down and the Philadelphia wind was blowing in my face as the sun was starting to set. It felt weird to have the time change. I just wasn’t tired.

I wasn’t far from the village where my Mom was living but I was starving so I pulled in for fast food. I just went through the drive through of McDonalds so I could eat and drive. I ordered a Big Mac meal with a diet coke. I ate and sipped as I hit the road again. Eventually I got to my Mom’s home.

“Jasper! Good to see you darlin'!” Mom walked out of her house, a huge smile on her face. I parked the car in her driveway and shut off the ignition. I twisted the key out and got out of the car, leaving the door open as I embraced my mother.

“Hi Mom.”

“How was traffic?” She asked as she opened one of the back doors to get out one of my suitcases.

“Good but let me do that, Mom. Don’t do your back in.” Mom waved one of her hands as she pulled the suitcase into the house. I followed her with one of the cardboard boxes before slamming the door shut with my foot.

The house was just a bungalow. A house with no upstairs. There was the kitchen, front room, bathroom, master bedroom and a spare bedroom. I would be taking the spare bedroom for now.

“I cooked you dinner. Sheppard’s Pie.” Mom told me as she placed my suitcase outside of the kitchen.

“Aw thanks Mom.” I pulled the suitcase with me into my room. I then placed the cardboard box just by the door.

The room was just a cream colour with matching carpet. Mom had clearly given it a bit of a clean before. The bed had fresh white sheets on. The window was open and the curtains tied back to let in some fresh air. I shut the window and started to unpack. I unpacked the suitcase first, taking out pyjamas and putting them on the bed then put the rest in the chest of drawers and a wardrobe. I put my work clothes on over the radiator. I left the cardboard box then went to the kitchen. The gorgeous smell of minced meat and potatoes was very strong. Mom took a plate out of the microwave and put it on the scrubbed square wooden table. I sat down as she placed a fork and knife in my hand. I started to scoff down the boiling food as she got me a drink of milk. She watched me eat, smiling softly.

“You don’t eat enough. You should be glad you’re here for me to take care of you.” I rolled my eyes at her.

“I’m here to take care of you. Not the other way round.” I said with my mouth full. Mom swatted my head with a tea towel.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full. You want seconds?” I nodded as Mom reached into the oven and pulled out a pot of warm pie. She spooned some more onto my plate and I scoffed it down too.

Mom started to wash dishes in the sink. Once I had finished my food, I handed her my plate and cutlery. I then leant against the cupboard and watched, sipping my milk.

“Did you apply for that medical job?” Mom asked as she started to dry. I helped her by putting away all the clean dishes in the correct cupboards.

“Yeah Mom. I did that ages ago.” I smiled at her disapproving frown.

“I don’t like the thought of you working in that mental hospital. You know, there’s a nice proper hospital not far from-”

“Mom, I want to work someplace close so you can contact me at any time with no problems.” Mom sighed.

“Jasper, how many more times? I’m fine.”

“Mom, Dad died a few weeks ago. Do you honestly expect me to believe that you’re alright?”

“Well I am.” Mom didn’t like to talk about Dad now he was gone. I sighed and left.

“I’m going to bed.”

“Night.” I shut my bedroom door behind me. I drew the curtains on the darkening sky and got dressed. Tomorrow I would be able to unpack more and the day after, I would be starting my job at the mental asylum. I was a bundle of nerves about that fact but the best thing for me to do right now was sleep. I wasn’t too exhausted but I wanted to lie down after a whole day on the road.