Don't Jump

Chapter 3

Jackson sat on the end of the made up hospital bed, as I folded all my clothes and neatly placed them in my bag.

"I am so glad to finaly be getting away from this place. The food is disgusting!" I said with distatse as I shoveled potatoe chips into my mouth. Luckily my mom had brought me some good food, so I didnt have to eat healthy stuff. Gross.

It had turned out I didnt have a concussion, but my arm would stay in the cast for a few weeks, apparently my right side took most of the impact; causing my elbow to crack.

"Well, hurry up. Your mom should have the car pulled around by now." I nodded my head in response before grabbing the handle on the duffel bag and walking in the direction of the nurses station. Sitting behind the desk was a very cheerful woman with blonde hair. She seemed nice, but way to self centered. I was just about to reach out and grab a stack of discharge papers she was handing me when I heard a mans voice from behind me. "Miss Rylin Brooks?" Slowly I turned around and came face to face with a tall man in a buisness suit. "Yes?" He held his hand for a formal shake for which I returned. "Doctor Emmons. Pleased to meet you. Can we speak, privatly?" He asked as he looked to Jackson who was behind me. I noded my bead yes before he placed his hand on my lower back and ushered me back to my hospital room.

He closed the door and sat in a visitors chair acrossed from my own. I watched as he pulled a few papers from a small black breif case. Shuffling nervously I cleared my throat my throat. "So what did you need to speak to me about Mr. Emmons?" I asked as I tucked my shaking hands between my knees. He ignored my question and continued to fiddle with papers until he seemed satisfyed he had them all
Sorted. I glanced down at the stack, catching glimpse of a brochure. Southside Correctional Institute. I felt all the blood from my body drain, no dount my skin had turned pale enough to put Snow White to shame.

Everyone knows the horror stories of people who have left that place. The tales of kids screaming at night, but ignored by neighbors. The loss of precious memories to all those who leave. The way the patients stare into space for hours as if lost or stranded. This could not happen to me, I would not let it.

"Well Rylin, I am hear on behalf of SCI, an institute just a few counties over. I am sure you have head of it. Correct?" Robotically I bobbed my head. I had heard of it, but none of it was good. "Well I am pleased to say, that we heard of your incident, and are now considering you as a canidate. Our programs are gauranteed to rid you of deppresion, in which I heard you was recently diagnosed. I am just here to give you these papers, and inform you that sighn in is just a few days away. Our program is mandatory due to your situation."

My eyes widened mandatory? So there was a no way out. "That wont be necessary Sir?" I saof trying to keep a poker face. "Like I said its a mandatory program, if you refuse to attend your mother will be placed into prison, as she is your legal quardian. While your mother is locked away, you would be a warden of the state. Meaning you will still be forced to attend. I hope we have reached an understanding Miss. Brooks."

My breathing hitched. I had no choice, either way I would be placed in the institute, where they would do God knows what to drain my memory. So with that said I nodded at the doctor before collecting the papers from the table, including the brochure. "If thats all you may see your self to do the door Sir." I said pollitly trying hard to give him a happy smile although I was trembling with fear of what was to come.

I sat there for a couple minutes before Jackson strolled back in. Quickly I swiped away my falling tears, and formed a curtain with my long black hair. "So you ready to head home? Mrs. Brooks is waiting." Without turning my face to him I nodding my head before standimg up and walking towards the door.

The car ride home was very awkward. Jackson had went back to his house, and I was stuck in the car with my mother. We still hadnt had a decent conversation after the incident that didnt end in someone crying, apologizing profusely, or screaming.

To fill the silent void I turned the radio on. A song by The Script played through the speakers. I sofly mumbled the lyrics in hopes to forget about Southside.

Next chapter will be more exciting I promise! Vote. Comment, thanks guys ~Bre