Cracked

Chapter 4

"We'll open group with a few announcements." Janice says with her signature smile. "This Saturday will be visitation day, so if you want your families to come you can start texting. If you want to invite friends you'll have to wait until next Saturday. Breakfast will be available at all times during group, so whenever you're hungry just head into the kitchen. This morning we'll be having pancakes, bacon, eggs, and fruit. For drinks we have water, apple juice, and orange juice. This will be the menu most days. Starting after group the pool and arcade room will be open. Meet me after group if you want to discuss earning your special privileges. Now, without further ado... let's begin!" She claps her hands together and looks around the circle.

"To begin group this morning, I'd like to ask each and every one of you a question: Why are you here? No two word answers, no 'my mom made me.' Real answers. There has to be a reason each of you specifically decided to come here."

Almost immediately, I see Jesus girl's hand shoot up, a serene grin plastered on her face. I see flannel girl elbow Hispanic guy in the ribs. Looks like they're friends. Great.

"Yes, Terri?" Janice says, smiling at Jesus girl. Or... Terri.

"Well, I'd like to think that each of us were put in this house by the will of God. I mean, there are plenty of troubled teens in Seattle. To get this exact combination is almost impossible. So... I think God handpicked each of us for this program. I hope we all get what he wants us to get out of it." Terri says. Her voice is preppy and high, like a cheerleaders. Less solemn then the pizza prayer.

I see flannel about to crack up. What's the chick's issue? I get being atheist. I'm firmly under the impression that there is no God. That doesn't mean I have to be an asshole about it. Let the girl have her faith, it isn't hurting you. Hispanic guy is also cracking a grin. I feel a strong temptation to roll my eyes, but I keep my face still. No confrontation. My specialty, remember?

Janice nods. "Thanks for your thoughts, Terri, but why did you decide to come?"

Terri flips her blonde curls over her shoulder, seeming like she was waiting for this exact question. "I felt the Lord calling me. I know I've had a lot of issues in the past and when I first heard about this program I just knew I had to share the light of God with kids who used to be in the darkness like me." She gives a movie star smile and looks back to Janice, obviously having said her piece.

"Wonderful. Let's continue around the circle, shall we? Gina, why did you as an individual decide to come here?" Janice says, attempting to make eye contact with Gina through her dark veil of matted hair.

Gina looks up suddenly. Her legs are pulled up to her chest, her eyes searching frantically. "M-me?" She asks quietly, the confused child voice back. It creeps me out how good she is at this. Janice nods at her, and Gina stares at the wall for a moment before suddenly continuing. "It's... hard... to fix myself. So... I found a place... to get someone... to help me... fix me." The long breaks between her words are filled with silences, raspy breaths, and occasional croaking noises. If she's trying to terrify everyone, it's working, even on me. Is she going to keep this up for the entire time we're here?

Janice just reaches out and grabs Gina's hand. "I'm happy to help you, Gina." Janice hold meaningful eye contact for a moment before turning her chair towards the next victim. "Lara? Your thoughts?"

Lara looks around the circle, sizing up her audience. "I guess we all know by now I have some body image issues. Badly. And... I guess my main issue is that I always felt alone. I never knew what to do to help myself because I never knew anyone else who was struggling like me. I went to some therapy and I guess it helped some, but my therapist recommended group therapy. She said I needed to learn to trust people and understand that I'm not alone. So... my parents found me this place. I've been doing great for the past few months. Like, I've been eating and stuff. Now I just need stability, I guess. To make sure I don't slip back into what I was doing. And... to trust, I guess. Like my therapist said." Lara smiles, blushing, and looks down. "Uhm... yeah."