Apart of My Sanity

Chapter 3

Bill woke up pretty early the next day. Today is the day he meets his brother and he couldn't be happier. He had slept with the teddybear he'd bought for Tom. He hoped he wouldn't mind a few stray hairs. He had taken a shower, eaten breakfast and got his makeup done all before his mom woke up.
"In a rush are we? You look nice." Simone smiled making a cup of coffee. "Thanks mama." Bill sat down on the couch watching tv with the teddy bear. He had gotten attached to the thing. But it was for Tom.
"No no rush I just want to be ready when we leave. When are we leaving by the way?"
"Sometime this afternoon. That's when I scheduled the appointment."
"Oh" Bill said a little disappointed. He was ready to see Tom now. Not this afternoon.
Simone noticed the drop in his face. "We can visit some places before we go over there okay? Maybe we can get Tom a few more things?"
Bill smiled.

"OOOOH MOM REMEMBER THIS!?" Bill squeaked excitedly. They were at an old German market and Bill had spotted the old board game Carcassonne. "Oh!! Yes I do! Tom used to love that game. He's probably forgotten how to play it by now." Simone smiled a sad smile. She'd do that a lot when talking about Tom. Almost like she felt bad for him.
"You think?"
"Yeah, he probably hasn't played it since he..left." Bill could tell she missed her son. Bill did too even though he's never talked to him face to face since they were just toddlers. But that would change today.

They left the market and got some lunch. It was almost time to see Tom and Bill could barely contain himself. Almost bouncing in his seat with the teddy. Bill ate his fries and wiggled in excitement.
"Are you that excited?" Simone asked.
"Yes." Bill admitted through a smile. He squeezed the teddy tight and finished his food.
The entire time he'd been in Germany he noticed his accent had fallen some. He sounded so different from others here.

In the car on the way to Bethels institute, Bill was looking in the visor fixing his makeup and styling his hair with his fingers. He shut it and took a deep breath, grabbing the gym bag full of candy and Toms teddy. Nervousness flowed through his core once more.
Simone reached over and patted his knee. They smiled at each other.

After a few more minutes passed Simone pulled up to a large pale brick building. It looked old. It had fencing around it and many windows. Bills heart sped up. This was an insane asylum...right before his eyes.
Simone parked and got out.
"Mom?"
"Yes dear?"
"I'm terrified." Simone stopped.
"You were fine earlier. I told you, it's fine. He's not that bad. You guys should get along." She smiled and patted his shoulder.
His mom was so understanding. He put his headphones in and listened to some music to calm himself. He held the teddy close as they walked in.
They went through security, and into the lobby.
He could see a few patients outside by a garden, some picking flowers, some just sitting and relaxing in the sun.
He found some chairs in the waiting area an sat down. His leg tapping the ground in a nervous tick.
He watched his mom get a wristband and name tag. She brought Bill one over as well. It had his name and a few numbers that he didn't know what was for.
They sat for a maximum of 5 minutes before an alarming sound was made and a lady came from a pair of thick metal doors.
"Kaulitz?" She asked at them? Simone nodded and stood up. Bill went with her.
The nervousness in his belly hasn't been stronger and he felt himself start to sweat.
'Just chill out dude' he told himself.
They walked thought a long hallway. A few desks and receptionists, but mostly just closed metal doors. We're there patients behind those doors?
"Okay your family?" The lady asked politely. Simone said yes.
"Alright. We'll sit you guys in the visiting room while we go get Tom. After a few minutes a guard will come by, check your wristband and you can go walk around with him some." All being said in German. She smiled and they walked them to a somewhat big room with a metal table and soft walls. Wow. Padded walls in a visiting room?
He sat down beside Simone in the cold metal chairs. He looked across the table at the empty chair that would soon contain his brother. His surroundings were a bit intimidating.
"I didn't expect things to be so...hard. Here. Looks like everything is metal." Simone said looking around.
They sat for another few minutes in silence before the door behind them clicked open. Bills stomach dropped and he sat up in his seat. He saw Simone jump up and hug her son.
"Hey ma!" He heard Tom say and Bill couldn't help but smile. "Hi honey!" Simone said. He didn't want to turn around though so he buried his face in the teddy. Willing himself to be cooperative and not awkward.
Tom sat down in front of them and finally Bill looked at him. He had handcuffs on his wrist that were being taken off.
Wait...why handcuffs. Toms attention was steady on the guards. Watching their every move. His eyes stayed locked on them until they were at the door.
"If you need anything just press this button." A guard pointed to a red button on the wall.
Simone nodded and Tom had a slight smile while he watched them leave. Bill was a little scared.
The guards finally left. The room was quiet for a few seconds until Simone spoke.
"Tom?" Bill felt Simone touch his arm. She was going to introduce them.
"You remember Bill?"
"Yeah! Bill! You look so different." Tom smiled looking over his features. Bill looked back at him and smiled too. "Yeah. Times changed...a lot." His feelings were different. Tom seemed nice. And he didn't look anything like him. Well...other than the nose..eyes and lips and overall everything except hair and attire. He felt somewhat comfortable. Things were okay.