Chronicles of the Living

Chapter 7

     They've had me stuck here for almost a week now. Forcing me into group therapy sessions and anti psychotic medication. I'm not like these people. I'm here because of an awful chain of events, not because I'm crazy. Pete came to visit me a few times, I still haven't convinced him to sneak me in a bottle. I was glad to hear the police allowed Pete to open the bar back up, so he's back to work. I haven't heard from Sophia but Pete said he'd stopped by, explained what happened. The doctors say if I clear they'll let me out of here, but they also say they won't clear me until I'm honest in group sessions. How am I supposed to talk to a room full of strangers? Let alone tell them about what's happening to me. I'm going to have to come up with some clever lies to tell, make them think I'm 'making progress' so they'll let me out of here.

     I sit in my now too familiar room. As much as I want to complain, the meds they've got me on have seemingly subdued the nightmares. I just wish they would work on that damn whistle. I've gotten used to it though, as used to it as I can be. I've even been able to fall sleep to it. I haven't been as panicked either, I know only I hear the whistle so I now understand it doesn't mean he's coming after me.

     I hear a knock on my door, before a friendly looking female nurse opens the door.

     "Mr Matthews? You have a visitor." She smiles at me before walking back down the hall, leaving my door open. I pull myself to my feet. Before slipping on some non slip slippers they've given me. I leave the room and head out to the main area and I can already see Pete's bald head from the hallway. As I get further through the hall I can see someone with him. Teresa sits next to him wearing a beautiful blue dress, her long golden brown hair done in braids.

      "Wow um, hi" I try to hide the insecurity in my voice. I know I don't look very good right now, not to mention the soap they give me to shower with leaves things to be desired. I pat down my hair trying to make something of the mess.

      "Stop trying so hard and sit down." Pete chuckles at me, apparently noticing my self grooming. I sit across the table from them.

      "Hi Thomas." Teresa says softly.

      "She wanted to come see how you were doing." He smiles at me. "I think she likes you." He whispers through his teeth knowing she'd hear.

     "Jesus Pete give it a rest." She laughs at him.  "He's been on me since I met you. Thinks he's a wingman." She laughs, her smile really lights up a room. Although only knowing her for a short while, since I've been here I've longed for that smile.

     "I think I'm a pretty good wingman, your here aren't you?" He laughs at himself.

     "Yeah give it a rest Pete." I glare at him before turning to Teresa. "Thanks for caring, I appreciate you being here." As I say it I see her cheeks slowly turning pink.

     "Yeah well I thought you could use the company." She finally smiles again, seeing her dimples peek through makes me blush now.

     "Yeah I get pretty bored." I chuckle.

     "I'm gonna get some coffee for us." He stands up walking toward the door before turning back to me. Behind Teresa's back he points at her, then me before turning around fake making out with himself. He's such a child. I try not to laugh but I let a snort slip out.

      "What is it?" Teresa turns around to see his display of self affection. "Go get the fuckin coffee." She giggles at him. He spins around red in the face like a child caught misbehaving.

      "Yes ma'am". He says it like a child too. Then he stares at the floor shuffling out the room.

      "Man he's such a kid." She laughs turning back to me.