Where My Demons Hide

Forced Family Fun

When I woke in the morning of my fourth day, I was reminded by the nurse on the floor that it was family day.  For a short term facility this seemed a little ridiculous to me, but she assured me it was an integral part of the healing process.  I tried my best to keep my eyes from rolling and the annoyed sigh in check, but I just couldn't help it. 

Since when do family members give a shit about any of us? I know for a fact my mother and father will not be joining us.  They will, I'm sure, leave a message on my home machine knowing damn well I don't listen to them.  The only purpose that phone serves is for bill collectors and telemarketers. Plus, they were so busy preening over the fact Jonah received a good report from his psycho doctor. 

After breakfast, I found myself back in Dr. White's office.  He was extra cheery today and I don't know if it's because he is one day closer to never seeing me again or he was practicing for the doting moms and dads. Whatever the reason, the more he smiled the more pissed it made me. 

Half way through our hour, Dr. White stared at me with an unreadable expression. This was new. Whatever was about to happen, I couldn't prepare for. He seemed to be thinking something over, but the way he was looking at me, it was impossible to tell what it was.

"Dr. White, why are you just staring? If you have something to say, just say it. We don't sugar coat in here, remember?" 

"Well, Meadow, the thing is, today is family day, which you are aware of correct?"

"Yep."

"Ok, so when I contacted your mother and father, or tried to, I didn't receive a call back. Even after leaving a detailed message. This doesn't sit well with me for a number of reasons. The main reason being that we need you to have  strong support system when you leave here. If I feel like you're to be left to your own devices, I don't think I can release you," He sat back in his chair and steepled his index fingers.

I was stunned. The nurse told me earlier that the family being here was an important part of healing, but I didn't know that it was a stipulation in being released.

"Dr. White, I can assure you that I have absolutely learned my lesson. And even if I don't talk in here, I am definitely learning stuff in group. Please don't keep me here based on my parents lack of giving a damn. I interact with them on a very limited basis as it is, so I am positive when I say to you that they would be useless as a support system." 

"Meadow, I need to know you have someone you can lean on when you are feeling over whelmed. Not just as a doctor here, but as a normal human being, I need to know that you have someone that cares for your outside of these walls." I was taken aback by the sincerity in his voice.

"Well, there is this one person who seems to give a shit about me, for whatever stupid reason." Oh my god, I can't believe I am going to bring him into this. "He is an officer with Boston PD and since I met him, he has forced himself into my life every chance he gets. Actually, he was one of the first responders on scene." 

The wheels were turning in Dr. Whites head as he processed what I told him. I mentally crossed my fingers that this would work. There was no way in hell I was staying here passed my mandated seven days.

"Ok, I will give him a call, then. His cell phone number was actually listed on your intake paper work as an emergency contact," he picked up his desk phone and started dialing. "Officer Wilton? This is Dr. White. I am in charge of Meadow's care here at Everly Center, do you have a minute to speak? Ok, I am going to be frank with you, Officer Wilton. Meadow is set to be released in two days and her parents haven't contacted us regarding a home plan. Yes, she's right here. Yes, she actually brought you up herself. I had planned on calling you myself after her meeting with me today. That's great, officer, I'm glad to hear it. The other thing is today is family day here which basically allows the staff to get a feel for the support the patient will have at home. Wonderful, see you at four," he disconnected the call and smiled at me. 

"It's his hero complex, you know?" 

"Whatever the reason is, Meadow, that gentleman will be here at four today to see you and help establish a game plan for when you are home. I have some paper work to do regarding him being here, I know it's a little earlier than normal but you can go ahead back to your room and I will see you in a few hours."

Fucking great.