skinny ; tyler joseph

01

/ Rose /

It's kind of funny what people will believe.

They'll believe whatever they read on the Internet and they'll believe whatever anyone tells them. They'll especially believe you if you're a privileged white male manager at a successful business. No matter your story. They don't, however, believe the crazy girl. They never do.

So that's why I don't tell them. I don't tell them what really caused the fire. I don't tell them what he really did to me. I just keep my mouth shut because that's what I've done my whole life.

Even now, as I'm approaching St. Jude's Mental Hospital they won't believe me when I tell them I don't really belong here. They don't listen to me. They don't listen. Instead they grip my arms tightly, a little too tightly, and they grab my things and bring me to the front desk. They don't have to say anything, because at this point everyone in town knows who I am. They just nod and swipe their keycard, which sends a buzzing noise through the speakers and allows us through. Their grip on me is unnecessary, because I'm cooperating fully and I'm not complaining.

"Don't I need to give them my information?" I asked the two men holding me.

"We've already gotten that taken care of."

I nodded slowly, a smirk forming on my lips. I'm practically famous.

"Right this way." We follow a dark-skinned, tall, nurse to what I assume is my room. It's got the number 66 and I wish it had another of the same digit to make it even more ironic. The room is unlocked, and the light is turned on.

Two beds. I assumed I'd be alone. Maybe I'd get out on good behavior. But no, there were two beds. And in in of them a girl was sitting, looking out the window. Her back faced us, and her long brown hair was pulled into a tight ponytail on her head.

"Effy? Effy, you've got a new roommate."

She turns, and I can see her face now. Her blue irises are cold, staring forward with a blank expression. She smiles, but it's not real. Nothing about this place seems real. Effy pulls the kind of smile that says, "hi, I don't know you, you don't know me, but I have to be polite."

"Does she talk?" The man on my left side asks the nurse. The nurse sighs, and walks over to my bed, setting down some of my toiletries. She walks over to Effy and sets her hand on her shoulder.

"Effy doesn't speak much. Prefers not to." The nurse smiles at us, "Ms. Rosemary Waters, this is Elizabeth Stonem. She'll be your roommate during your long stay."

"You say that like it's college or a vacation. It's more like my cell mate." I snicker at her. Beside the nurse, Effy stifles a laugh. She must not do it often, because the nurse sighs and walks back over beside us.

"I'm glad someone finds you amusing, Ms. Waters." She signals the men to let go of me and they do, leaving the three of us in the room alone. "Now, Rose. We have that strict of rules here, so we hope you can abide by them, if not your privileges are taken away. You have classes that are offered to you here, they are listed on the back of your door. No electronics are allowed unless authorized and supervised. No smoking on the premises except for a designated room and outside. Yes, you are allowed outside with supervision, and there are usually nurses there but if there is not and you do disobey the rules, punishments vary. As you saw there is a very nice fence, so no running off.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner times are listed in the folder by your bed along with your therapy schedule and your daily routine schedule. Meals are mandatory, Ms. Waters. No exceptions. Visiting days are on Saturdays and phone calls can be made right outside the office when an authority figures allows you to. Medicine, depending on the dosage and how often it is needed will be served at meals or morning/night. Unisex Showers and toilets are down Hall C, along with an item request list." The nurse nodded to the yellow scrubs on my bed. "You are to wear the clothes, shoes and any other accessories we provide and nothing but, understood? Did you get all of that Ms. Waters?"

I nodded slowly, receiving a look from the nurse. I sighed, " I don't remember."

She winked, "don't worry dear, I figured. Remember to ask Effy if you need anything," she looked to Effy, who remained quiet, "though she doesn't talk much... Actually, you know what? There's an extra copy of a map, schedules, and rules in your folder as well. Now, strip."

I frowned, "right here?"

"I'm afraid so. Can't take any chances."

I let out another sigh and began shrugging off my jacket, handing clothing after clothing to the nurse. When I was completely in nothing but underwear she examined my body before allowing me to change into the hospital clothes provided.

"All done." I rolled my eyes.

The nurse took my clothes and placed them in a plastic bag. "Good, now that you're settled, relax for a little. Lunch is in an hour and a half."

When she left, she closed the door behind her and locked it. I turned to Effy, taking in another look at her. This whole time she remained quiet. How could someone be so quiet?

"So, how'd you get me??" I ask, not expecting an answer. "Why'd she lock the door by the way? I thought she said there were limited rules."

Effy shrugged and leaned against her pillow.

"Look, I realize you don't want to talk. I was stupid to ask. I myself don't really like talking, I just don't think and say stupid things." I sat on my bed and sighed, pulling on a pair of socks provided, noticing a drop in temperature. I was always cold.

"Temperature doesn't usually rise to anything above 70." I perk my head up in direction to the voice, realizing it must have come from Effy.

Shocked, I shake my head," I thought you didn't talk?"

"I don't talk to most of the people in here because they're twats." She rolled her eyes. "But you don't seem like a twat. Besides, they put us together for a reason."

"And that is?"

Effy's mouth had not twitched to even a slightest smile, her voice was filled with emotion yet her face showed none, "we're both equally fucked up. We've got the similar problems. That's why they lock the door. They don't let anyone out without permission within 24 hours of arrival or an incident."

"Well what about you?" I ask.

"I heard my boyfriend talking to me."

"What's the problem with that?"

"He was killed months ago." Effy frowned and turned away, "all in my head. All in my head."

Effy then looked back at me, her emotionless face returning. "So I had a breakdown."

This is just lovely.

I pull my covers over me, not sure what to say, so I change the subject. "Where are you from, Ef?"

"Bristol," she speaks up and clears her throat, "you?"

"LA" I stifles a laugh.

Before long, the doors lock clicks open and we're summoned for food.