The snowflakes were gently landing on us as we walked through the pine trees, kicking up the snow. Group walks were my favorite. They're the only kind of adrenaline and freedom we can feel. The cold air biting at my nose and frosting my cheeks a pale pink brought me to another place. I wasn't thinking about the stupid nurses inside or the pointless sessions of sitting on a sofa chair and listening to 'highly trained professionals' tell you the answers as to what your life is. Instead, we get the pleasure of watching all the so called 'sane' people going to school, giving us dirty looks when we smile. Every move we make isn't normal to them because they know we live in a clinic for a reason. What they don't get is that this is a clinic, not an asylum. Although getting out of that building is a breath of fresh air.
I was walking beside Helena, Mikey on her other side. She was holding her hand and and sticking her tounge out, catching the fluffy snowflakes. She'd smile everytime she caught one. I look up to her in a way, although she isn't much older then me. She's been through just as much bullshit as I have, except she knows how to look past it and actually be happy. I couldn't understand it if I tried. Mikey was a different story. He's shy, keeps to himself a lot of the time. He's a damn cute person, I'll tell you that. The girls around stare and blush and come over to say the occassional 'hello' or twirl their hair in his face, but he's good at ignoring what he doesn't want to see.
"We haven't gotten anyone new in over 2 years" Mikey breaks the silence of only the crunching of the snow underneath our feet. He doesn't turn his head towards me until I don't reply.
"I know. Must be really messed up" I let my words flow past my lips in a single breath that was visible in the cold.
"What do you guys think this kid did" Helena mumbles softly, slowing down to let us catch up to her. Shes squinting in front of her, shielding her eyes from the gushes of wind.
I look up and furrow my eyebrows. "Can't be worse then anyone who's ever gotten here." I haven't thought about getting a new arrival in months. Every time theres the worry of making yourself socially invisible to them if they're bigger than you, and figuring out how to act around them if they aren't. Personally, I'm not one to be curious about other peoples personal problems. We all already have adults nosing their way into our sensitive spots, so whats the point?
I shake out deep thought when Helena stops dead in her tracks focusing on something not too far in the distance.
"I don't know. Never seen anyone arrive like that before." She mumbles even more quiet then before.
We both draw our attention to spotting out whats in front of the building. Just in the driveway, a grey van with frosted blacked out windows is parked. Two men dressed in black coats with badges on the chest plate get out from the drivers and passengers seats, shutting the doors behind them. One of them makes their way to open the back door while the other observes the appearance of the clinic.
"What is this?" I say in a whisper, looking up at Mikey slowly. Just like Helena and I, he's staring intensely at the men.
The man opens the back door while the other helps a curly headed boy out, gripping onto his arm tightly. I hear the van beep once, then twice, to a lock. Now, both men are on either side of the boy, gripping both his arms. I feel Helena take an eager, impatient step forward and grab her wrist in reflex, stopping her from going.
She turns her head to me in confusion, taking a weary step back. I we both draw our attention to the scene. Except now, the boy is looking our way. His strikingly dark eyes meet mine, sending a shiver down my back. Although were not close enough to see correctly, they're lifeless. Not a trace of warmth crosses his face. Mikey must've seen the glare, cautiously taking a step up and gently wraps his hand around the crook of my elbow, pulling me and Helena closer to him. The boy drags his eyes away from mine makes quick eye contact with Mikey, just to look away and down at the ground while being lead around the back of the building.
I release a breath I didn't know I was holding, letting go of Helena's wrist. I nod at her to make sure she's fine and she nods back. I put a hand on Mikeys shoulder, noticing he was still alertly staring. He relaxes slightly and tilts his head down to look at us.
"Lets go inside" I suggest, wanting to forget this uncomfortable moment. He gulps and nods, turning the corners of his mouth up slightly. We slowly start to make our way back to the building in silence, not one of us bringing up another word the the other. No one knew what to say.
~~
Thank you for reading the second chapter of this series. I'm really hoping you guys are enjoying this! Sorry for the sorta short chapter, but there is more coming soon. Also, quick shoutout to Helena's reference point samariakeeper. Shes one of my best friends and is such an amazing writer so please check her out. Bye guys xxx
