Bring Me Back

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Will knocked on Erik's door as he could see both Charles and Erik in there, "Hey, surprise, no drugs today!"

    Charles looked at him, surprised as well, "Why?"

    "Group therapy meeting. We agreed it might be better, especially for someone like Erik, to be off his medication. He doesn't talk much when he's drugged. You did remember that didn't you? I told you about this yesterday. About the therapy."

    "Oh. Yeah. I sort of forgot, but....," Charles turned to Erik and smiled, "Let's go."

    Erik frowned as he climbed off the bed, "What are we doing?"

    "We're gonna go talk to some other patients," Charles stood up and headed for the door.

    Erik frowned, "Are we gonna see Raven?"

    "Yeah, she'll be there," Charles nodded.

    "Why do we have to do this?" Erik followed Charles out the door, "I don't....know anyone else."

    "It'll give you a chance to meet new people," Charles smiled softly at him, "I think it'll be good for you."

    "Well that's your opinion," Erik huffed, "I won't benefit from this."

    "Give it a try," Charles smiled, "If only because you don't have to get the shot on these days if you do come."

    Erik sighed in defeat and instead grabbed Charles' arm and followed behind him. This was not how he'd wanted to spend today. But Charles was right. "He's always right...."

    Charles smiled softly and led Erik to the meeting room, where a few people were already waiting, "Where would you like to sit?"

    "Not next to anyone," Erik said quietly, immediately hating how everyone stared at them as they entered.

    "We'll have to at some point, but we can sit alone for now....," Charles moved to sit with him.

    "What do we do?" Erik whispered, "Why doesn't anyone talk....? I don't understand....."

    "We'll talk once more people arrive," Charles whispered back.

    "Hey Charles, you mind stepping out here for a sec?" Will called, "It'll only be a second."

    "Sure, no problem," he got his arm out of Erik's hold and looked at him, "I'll be right back. You can save my seat for me."

    Erik nodded slightly and watched Charles leave.

    Will ran a hand through his hair, "The guy canceled. Came down with something last night. Would you mind running it? Moira and I will be here too obviously, but you seem to be quite good with people."

    "Oh. Um. Yeah, of course I can. What do I do...? How long is it supposed to go on?"

    "Not super long. Hour at most. Just simple questions, get them to introduce themselves, make them feel comfortable about talking about their issue. Here's the paperwork, the guy had some stuff written down already. Like I said, we'll be here if you need help."

    Charles took the papers and nodded, "Okay. I can do it."

    "You're the best Charles. Let's wait for the rest of them. Moira was supposed to be bringing them, I swear if she's late....," Will trailed off. Charles nodded.

    "Don't say anything. You know how she is....," Charles hated admitting it, but he was a little afraid of Moira. Moira arrived a few moments later with her usual patients and one who wasn't.