The Best Regret [BxBxB+]

FOUR | FILES

ELIAS

That night, I struggled to go to sleep. I didn't go to dinner and never left my room unless it was to go to the bathroom. I didn't see much of anyone. After the commotion last evening, I didn't hear anyone either. It was like the house was empty.

It was currently 7 AM, and I was wide awake. I was watching my show when someone opened my door. It was Chase. He peaked his head inside, which made me shut my laptop. I questioned why he was there. What did he want? And why so early?

"I thought you'd be asleep; I'm sorry." He invited himself into my room and closed the door behind him

Um... weird. Real weird.

"Okay..." I didn't know what else to say. It was quiet for a moment, and I broke the silence. "So why are you in my room at 7 AM?" I asked. He rubbed his neck and blushed a little.

"It's a thing I do with everyone. I make sure they're okay. I'm an early bird, so I have nothing to do until everyone wakes up." Ok, that makes more sense. The atmosphere was really tense, and I knew what was coming. "Im sorry about-"

"It's okay. Really." I interrupted him and smiled to reassure him. Chase stared at me weirdly but smiled, nevertheless. "When Paxton came, he wouldn't open up to us for months. He's a secluded guy. He isn't good with feelings or emotions, but that changed soon when he arrived. This place isn't only an institution for boys who are gay, but for boys who struggle on the daily."

I didn't know that. My mother didn't tell me much about this place. So, I guess I learn something new every day. I only really cared about one question I wanted to know, though. "Do you know the reason I came here? Like... what did my mom say about me?"

Chase looked up and thought, but he told me there wasn't any information he could give me. He told me to ask Taylor since he kept the files in his office.

So, that's what I did. Well, not necessarily. I snuck into what I saw was an office and looked through Taylor's file cabinets.

One name after another, I found Addison's name. I suddenly wanted to open it and take a peek, but I couldn't.

Oh, but I did.

Addison came here in 2019 when he was 18; it says he came here for multiple suicide attempts and a battle at self-harm. He almost succeeded a couple of times, and then his father sent him here one day. He was diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD. It says Addison progressed positively over time and was ready for discharge, but that was 2020. So why is he still here in 2023?

Chase was next; he arrived in 2019 when he was 19. His files said he came here for drug abuse and often got arrested. It states he has depression and borderline personality disorder. It said he progressed positively and was ready to discharge in late 2020. But he also isn't gone.

Then there was Jayden. He arrived in 2020 when he was 17, turning 18. His file said he came here for drug abuse, running away, and breaking multiple laws. It states he has ADHD, PTSD, and ODD. It said he progressed positively and was ready to discharge in 2020. Again, it isn't gone.

I found Paxton's next. He arrived in 2021 when he was 21 years old. His file said he came here for unknown reasons. It states he has Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and ODD. It said he progressed positively and was ready to discharge in 2022. Hasn't left yet.

Then came Cole, who arrived in 2022 when he was 18 years old. His file stated he has behavioral issues, got into a lot of fights, and caused a lot of trouble. It states he has ADHD, ODD, and anxiety. It said he progressed positively but has not yet been discharged.

So, Cole is still new around here. I would've guessed he wasn't that new suggesting how close he seemed with the others.

Files beyond files, there were names I didn't recognize. All discharged. I don't understand why the others haven't left yet. Maybe they need more time to get back on their feet.

Then I found Liam. He arrived in 2022 at the age of 18. His file stated he came here for depressive episodes, more so suicidal episodes. It states he has Depression, Anxiety, and bipolar disorder. It said he has progressed positively but has not yet been released.

I didn't know these boys had these kinds of problems. I would've never guessed... but I didn't know these boys yet.

I finally found my file, and when I opened it I heard the door open. I quickly looked over and saw Taylor staring into my soul. "Those are confidential. Please put them down." He walked over to me and closed the file cabinet.

"You are not allowed in my office without me in here. Do you understand?" I looked away in guilt, but he grabbed my chin and made me look at him. "Look at me." He demanded. I couldn't not listen to him. He had this dominance over me that I never knew a man could have.

"Why'd you come in here?" He questioned. He still had his hand on my chin so I wouldn't look away. I grew angry and didn't say anything. "Speak when you're told."

I tried to get words out, but I couldn't. This made Taylor upset. "Elisia."

He said my real name and I froze. "Im sorry. I was just tr-trying to look at my files. I didn't want to ask up f-front." I stumbled over my words. I watched his facial features, but I couldn't understand them.

He released my chin and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Do not do it again." He stated. "If you need something, please ask. I'm here to help." He reassured. I nodded my head and quickly left the room.

I needed to find out why those boys are still here. Who in their right mind would want to stay here on their own free will?