Stealing Innocence

Ch. Fifteen

December 1st, 2011

In the institution she was not allowed to do any socializing for the first month. Friends and family were not allowed to come see her for the first month. She was only allowed to go to psych evaluations and to talk to her psychologist. She was served three meals a day in her room.  

Once signs of recovery were shown socializing was allowed during the second month. Ashlynn had begun to go into a downward spiral into an oblivion even she couldn’t save herself from if she didn't get out of it now. She wasn't caring about anything anymore. She wore dirty clothes and refused to shower. Her refusing to talk is what has kept her locked in this small box. The doctors that had to observe her during the day have to decide what they will do today. They are having a meeting with Ashlynn and her parents.

“Okay everyone, this meeting was called to discuss what measures to take regarding Ashlynn’s wellbeing. She is not showing signs of recovery at all, in fact she seems to be getting worse. Normally for the second month we would allow are charges to socialize as a form of reward for the recovery. Ashlynn shows no signs of post-traumatic stress disorder other than the refusal to speak.” the guy standing in front of the room was a familiar man. His silver hair of old age and wrinkly skin the only thing that set him out from everybody. The people working at the institution seemed to all be young men and women. Ashlynn’s guess was that he is the owner of the institution.

Ashlynn, who had been lost in her thoughts, was brought out of her endless imagination quite roughly as her name was called from the front.

“Ashlynn, are you choosing not to speak? Or can you really not speak?” Ashlynn shrugged her shoulders.

“Okay another question, do you think you are well enough to go home?” Ashlynn nodded enthusiastically, “Do you not fear your captors?” Ashlynn shook her head no, “Then can you tell us who they were?” she once again shook her head no. she was twiddling her thumbs with her hands in her lap. She was trying to stay calm so they will let her out but in reality she just wants them to stop asking so that she can move on.

That’s all she needs right now, some relaxation. All of the silence and being alone and then the noise while she is being evaluated. In her mind she doesn't see anything wrong with her. Its everyone else that thinks she’s messed up.

“Okay then, we have discussed it, Ashlynn and you will be able to see people the next month but if you show no improvement we will have another meeting.” Ashlynn was led back to her room.

Not long after she had gotten settled in her room for the night a nurse came in with a cordless phone, “You have a phone call from a boy named Bryce, do you want to talk to him?” Ashlynn nodded and took the phone. Putting the receiver to her ear she heard the beautiful voice from her dreams, “Hey Ashlynn, how are you? I know you don't talk but I wanted to get your permission to come see you tomorrow, if you're not okay with it hang up on me,” she didn't hang up and Cameron chuckled on the other end, “Bryce wants to come with, is that okay? If not hang up,” she once again didn't hang up. “Okay, we will be able to talk tomorrow. Can I talk to the nurse again so I can get visiting hours?” Ashlynn handed off the phone and motioned to her ear so the nurse would answer it.

There was a brief moment of conversation before the nurse hung up, “Your friend Bryce will be here first thing in the morning. You are being given a day off tomorrow to adjust.” Ashlynn went to find a piece of paper and a pen to write with,

If I talk can I go home?

The nurse nodded. “That’s the only thing that’s noted is that you won't talk,”

You swear I can go home if I talk?

“Are you capable of talking?” Ashlynn nodded at the nurse, “If you say something we can start from there, they will do another evaluation and if you check out okay then you will be allowed to go home.” Ashlynn nodded and went to her couch to watch TV.  She most definitely didn't feel ready to talk.

  Ashlynn didn't sleep at all that night, she was too excited to see the guys in the morning. Around seven in the morning she decided to get up and shower to get ready to see the guys and, after getting dressed, she went downstairs to wait.