The Neighbor

Chapter 15

Elodie's POV

"It's commonly called Dissociative Identity Disorder, known as DID. Other people call it Multiple personality disorder, MPD which is more common. I should've told you a while ago but I didn't know if Arden had finally gotten help and was seeing a therapist or medicated." 

I sat wrapped in the giant blanket sipping on hot tea as my brain tried to process everything. 

"So the last few months weren't him?" 

Confusion plagued my mind as I tried to understand everything Florence was saying. 

"No. The thing with MPD, is that in Arden's brain, he houses different versions of himself. Arden is what is called the host. He's present most of the time, but I've never figured out what happened to him. Typical DID or MPD is a result of childhood abuse or trauma, but he's never really talked to me about that kind of stuff. When Arden is feeling scared or unsure, his subconscious sends him into a state of sleep if you will, while other personalities become more present. It's called fronting. They step in while he's in a form of sleep subconsciously." 

I raised my eyebrows as Florence sighed. 

"So let's talk about earlier. You went on a suicide mission by running into the ocean and trying to escape. While I applaud you for your efforts, it was also insanely stupid but we will talk about that later. Arden was so scared that Elijah, one of his other personalities, sent Arden into a state of drowsiness if you will, so that he could front and control Arden's actions, thoughts, and emotions." 

I took another sip of tea as the heat warmed the back of my throat and my body.

"So Arden didn't save me?"

"He did. But it was Elijah's personality that got Arden in the water, got you out and brought you here. Elijah is 'the protector' personality. He tends to front in serious situations when Arden is scared and panicked. He tends to not be a nice personality. He will do whatever it takes to keep Arden safe as well as those around him. From what I've gathered Elijah cares deeply about you and will go to any lengths to ensure your safety." 

So Elijah was the one who beat the man up in the club, and the one who punched Wyatt. Was he the one who I slept with? Oh my god, how many personalities did Arden have. My mind began swimming with thoughts as I tried to piece the past few weeks together.

"Elodie?" 

I blinked a few times looking up at Florence. I shook my head sighing as I ran a hand through my hair. This was so confusing.

"Strong emotions are the biggest trigger. Arden has 4 different personalities from what I've seen. He might have more, I just have only seen the main 4. Arden is the host like I said before, and I just explained Elijah to you, but there are still two others." 

4 personalities? Who was I actually in love with? 

"Who are the other-"

"I need you to really focus on these personalities. If we have any chance of escaping, it is crucial you begin to learn who they are, when they are fronting, and how to handle each one." 

"Okay," 

I set my cup of tea down and sat forward as Florence sighed. 

"Ezra is our best bet. If he or Arden are fronting, our chances of survival are much higher. Arden isn't the one who locked us up down here. We will get to which personality did that. Ezra. He-" 

Florence paused as she tucked a piece of curly hair behind her cheek and pressed her lips together closing her eyes. She inhaled deeply through her nose as if she was centering herself. This must be really hard for her. She loved Arden at one point too, and maybe she still did.