Hollow | BxBxBxB

-8- Hiding

Staring up at the front door of the troubled boys home Connor felt like his stomach had flipped, it was an alright looking house. Made of red bricks with a grand porch entrance. However the chain length fence that bordered the grounds was a clear sign of where he truly was.

"After you" Doctor Mercury broadcasted placing a gentle, comforting hand on Connors shoulder. Connor batted him off stepping back. He could feel his breathing quickening as panic surged through his body.

"I- I'm not going in there" Connor whispered back his voice as quiet as a mouse.

"Connor, you can do this. The other boys are really nice, I promise you aren't gonna get hurt in here. You're here to be helped, not hurt" Doctor Mercury reassured him calmly. "Do you want me to go in first?" He suggested raising his eyebrows and reaching for the front door.

"Stop!" Connor cried out taking another step back, he could feel his body shaking like a leaf in a winters breeze. He couldn't do this. It was too frightening.

"Connor. I promise you nothing bad is going to happen to you in here" Doctor Mercury told him still the epitome of tranquillity. "Take a breath, compose yourself, then follow me in" He then instructed firmly.

Connor nodded wiping the tears from his eyes. If he fell at this first hurdle he'd never be able to get the help he needed. Even if sometimes he didn't see that he needed it, he knew in that moment where he was going was right. Glancing one last time at the sign reading 'Golden Eagle Landing' Connor slowly followed Doctor Mercury inside.

The hallway was big, a grand chandelier hung from the roof and a staircase lay directly in front of them. Connor snapped his head around nervously taking it all in. There was a big communal lounge area to his left, then what looked to be a dining room to his right.

Connor was suddenly jolted out of his quiet observations by footsteps, a boy walked past them a friendly smile on his face as he nodded curtly at Doctor Mercury, he had bright blonde hair with a dash of pink highlights throughout. His frame was skinny, he wore a hoodie and a pair of jeans. As Connor looked into his eyes he froze unsure what to do. The boy had circular rimmed glasses that glinted off of the chandeliers bright light, his eyes were a pale green color that was actually really pretty.

"What's up?" He spoke out halting in front of Connor and Doctor Mercury.

Instinctively Connor stepped back using the doctor as a shield from the stranger who'd just so brazenly walked up to him. Nodding the boy sent Connor another friendly smile before heading up the stairs.

"See, they don't bite" Doctor Mercury reasoned a small smile on his face.

"Get me out of here, please" Connor whispered back hastily his head whipping around in fear scared he'd come face to face with another patient. He wondered what the blonde boy could be in here for. He seemed friendly and polite, but serial killers are known for their charm. It could all be a facade.

"Let's go up to your room, follow me" Doctor Mercury replied leading the way swiftly up the stairs, he could clearly sense Connor's anxious discomfort so made no attempt at diversions as they ascended the stairs.

When they reached the top it opened up to a long corridor, there were lots of doors each with plaques on them, the plaques presumably had the patients name on them for their stay here. Connor didn't bother glancing at them, he instead hurriedly followed Doctor Mercury down the corridor. They stopped halfway through at one of the wooden doors. The doctor pushed it open with a degree of force. Connor instantly stumbled into the room sighing in relief.

"I'll leave you to get unpacked and acquainted with your room. If there's anything you need please do let me know, I'll be back soon" Doctor Mercury told Connor kindly before shutting the door softly. Connor listened intently as the man's footsteps faded away. This was it. His safe space for the foreseeable future.