Innocent

Home at last

It was just a little after six o'clock. Isabella and Abigail were the only ones in the room. Detective Froman, Alice and the two police officers had left and went back to the station. I was finally being released, not just from the hospital I was in right now. I was being signed out from the mental hospital as well. I was pretty excited, but also pissed because I had to go back home. I didn't want to go back there. Too many bad memories.

Even with Adam on the run, I'm still being allowed to go home. The family that I haven't seen or communicated with in a year. This ought to be fun.

Isabella and Abigail went down to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat, walk around and give me some alone time. The room was nice and quiet. I had the bed laying down now and I was facing the window.

I stared out the window, watching the day slowly go by.

It almost felt as if I were back at the mental hospital. But, I wasn't.

Back there, I would sit on the tiny mattress that was placed in the corner of the room and stare out the window, hoping my family would burst through the door and take me home. They'd realize that I wasn't the one to blame, and they'd also apologize for not believing me, but it never happened. I was betrayed by my own family. I was betrayed by the people I'm supposed to trust and count on. The people who are supposed to be there for me when I need them. They weren't. They never were.

I became angry, and mad. I didn't want to go home. I didn't want be around people who betrayed me.

There was a light knock on the door. I only hoped that if I didn't answer or say anything, then whoever it was would go away. But no. The door opened, "Hey Mai." Abigail's voice spoke up.

"I brought you some clothes to change into. Ya know, since you're coming home soon." She said, walking over and placing a small duffel bag beside my bed. I didn't say anything. I just kept my back towards her and my eyes out the window.

"Mai, please say something. You haven't said a word to me since I found you out in the woods." She said, sounding desperate.

I slowly turned, facing her. I took a good look at her. Nothing seemed to have changed with her. She still had the same dark brown eyes that would turn almost black in the winter time. She still dressed like a preppy cheerleader, jean shorts and bright colored crop tops. The only thing that seemed to change, was her hair. Before I was taken away, her hair was a faded pink color. It looked really cute on her. But now, it was back to it's original color, a chocolate brown. Just like her eyes.

"Are you going to say anything?" She asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I scoffed, slowly sitting up the best I could, "Nope. Nothing to say. You betrayed me. That's all there is." I shrugged.

"I didn't betray you, Mai. It was a lot to take in when I was first told okay. And I didn't know what to do. So, I figured if I just ignored it all then it all would go away but it didn't, and I'm so sorry." She said. Tears had filled her eyes.

I rolled mine, "Don't bring the tears bullshit. I'm done talking. Just get out." I told her before turning back over and facing the window once again.

"I didn't want any of this to happen Mai. I didn't." I heard her say.

"Yeah well, too bad. It did." I spat.

Without her saying another word, she turned and walked out. The door lightly closing behind her. It now was just me again.

Around 8:30, I finally was released. Finally.

I was helped to the bathroom that was connected to my room so that I could change into regular clothes. Isabella kept asking me if I wanted someone to be in there with me to help in case something happened. I snapped on her, and she got the hint to leave me be.

I stood in front of the sink, looking at myself in the mirror. It scared me. Because I didn't look like I did a year ago. My dark and luscious hair was now dull. There was no life to it. My pretty and bright blue eyes were a storm gray. I was quite skinny and paler than usual. Holding onto the sink, I closed my eyes and kept them like that for a minute or so.

I took a real deep breath in and blew it out then opened my eyes.

I was hoping that the girl in the mirror would just disappear, and the old one would appear.

It didn't happen. Well, looks like I'm stuck like this. I sighed as I carefully stripped out of the stupid hospital gown and into the outfit Abigail brought me. It wasn't my style really, but it was way better than the damn gown. I left it on the floor and took a hold of my crutches. I hadn't used crutches before, so it was a little hard, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly.

Opening the door, I stepped out and back into the room. The door closed behind me, and everyone in the room who happened to be Isabella, Abigail, Alice and a nurse, looked at me.

The nurse walked over, looking over the crutches, "How do they feel?" She asked.

"Fine." I mumbled.

"Alright. Well, if there are any problems don't hesitate to call. Also, stay off that ankle. Lots of bed rest and stay hydrate. Your prescription is ready for pick up. Take one if the pain gets too much." She said with a small smile.

I only nodded.

Isabella stepped up, "Alright. The car is out front. Whenever you're ready." She softly said.

I rolled my eyes and walked out of the room, making my way down the hall.

Isabella was walking next to me while Abigail walked ahead.

"I guess this is it. Good luck with your recovery. If you need anything, call. We'll get you an appointment as soon as possible." The nurse said as we stood at the hospital entrance.

"Thank you. So very much." Isabella said, giving the nurse a smile.

She returned one before turning and walking off, going to attend to other patients.

I adjusted the crutches some before going to step outside. Only Isabella stopped me, "Mai. Can I talk to you for a minute?" She asked.

Abigail went ahead and got in the car, leaving it just Isabella and I.

"About what?" I asked.

"About everything that's happened. We are-" "I don't want to hear it alright? Just take me home." I interrupted her as I quickly hobbled out and climbed into the front seat.

She went around and climbed in, starting the car and then driving away.

I looked out the window only thinking about my brother. Mark.