The Crash

Chapter 29

"I'm done taking my psych meds." Cici says matter-of-factly. "I don't need them that badly."

She does need them that badly. I've seen her off her meds before, and it wasn't pretty. You think she's outspoken now? She couldn't hold her tongue to save the life of her. I had to stop her from getting in two different fights on the same day.

"Cici." I say. "You can't stop taking your meds just because you don't want to walk in the snow to go get them.

We're walking over to the infirmary after going to the Chow Hall for dinner. It's snowing outside, and the air nips at the exposed skin on my face. I'm probably wearing ten different layers, and I'm still freezing. Snowflakes fall steadily, one landing directly on the tip of my nose. The farm looks gorgeous covered in a blanket of white, but that sight is overwritten by the menacing cold.

Cici looks at me, struggling to move in the multiple layers of clothing paired with her bulky navy blue coat. "I can do whatever I want. I'm an adult."

That's debatable.

I sigh loudly. "The last time you went off your meds, you got three conduct reports and almost went to the hole. You complained like a child the whole week you were on bed rest and phone rest. I really don't feel like going through that again."

"I wasn't that bad." Replies Cici. "Anyway, I'm kidding. I'm just making a point that I hate walking out here anymore than I have to. It's way to fucking cold for all this." She shivers.

I adjust my hood, pulling it down farther over my face. "I'd say it's mandatory for you. We both know how you get."

She's absolutely miserable to be around. She bitches constantly and can't stay out of other people's business. It's so embarrassing, not to mention I always get dragged into it, having to be the middleman. I have enough on my plate right now.

We get to the infirmary and the lines are so long, people are forming them outside.

Cici winces. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Looks like we're about to be out here longer." I say, my voice shaky from the cold.

We stand in line, trying to huddle up to stay warm. Not a single person moves or speaks. Everyone is just trying to survive the weather.

The line inches forward little by little, the anticipation to get inside rising with each person that goes through the front door. Cici and I are standing in different lines, and it's hit or miss whether that line goes extremely slowly or super fast. Mine ends up being one of the fast ones. Cici doesn't get as lucky.

Finally it's my turn to go inside. I open the door and sit on the end of the bench for line three. My fingers burn as my body thaws out, red from the frigid air. I'm pretty sure I have wind burn across my nose and cheeks, and the tips of my toes hurt so bad from the sludge seeping through my boots and onto my socks.

The infirmary is one of the few places that have heat and air conditioning, one of the reason why a lot of inmates choose to work here if the opportunity rises. That doesn't happen often, though, seeing as everyone is always fighting for the job. Most of the inmates that work here are long-timers that have a good reputation with the C.O.'s.

The line moves more slowly now that I've gotten inside, people inching their way down the cream colored bench one by one. I don't really mind because it's just that much longer I get to savor the warm heat. It's a luxury here on the farm.

Finally, it's my turn to go up to the window for line three. I walk up, feeling everyone's eyes on me as I step to the front of the room. My nurse looks so cute, She's probably one of the prettiest people I have ever seen in my life.