Ameles potamos

Chapter 9: Favors

I was stuck in my room again; one of the other patients had a panic attack that needed the attention of all the existing doctors.

 I wasn't just stuck in my room. I was stuck in my head, with my thoughts.

I stood opposite a mirror

"Part of me wants to talk to you" I whispered to my reflection.

 Having nothing to do and being held in a mental hospital can do much worse.

"Well you're pretty" I said sarcastically referring to my messy bun.

God I haven't been paying attention to my looks ever since I was submitted.

 I mean why would I?

Out of nowhere the screams of the girl were audible. It freaked me out, her screams I mean. It's like they were concentrated in my veins. Especially since I'm having those nightmares full with the exact same screams,

 I barely remembered the nightmare but when I heard that girl screaming; it all came back to me.

 I hated the fact that this dream might as well be the obvious conclusion of my actual dilemma.

 . . . . . . . 

 The next day I had a session with Julianne and this session she asked me not to tell her the rest of what happened, she told me she would ask me some questions then I'd resume my story.

She was obviously using the famous introspection method.

"Nia, I know you are friends with Nickolas. How do you feel about him?" she asked,

 How do I feel about him??

 What a retarded question!!! "Nothing. He's a friend, you know" I really want to change the subject. "Do you talk to him about your illness?"

I'm not ILL. I wanted to yell at her. "No, not really."

"What exactly is your illness Nia?"

Shit.

"Well...I-I- Umm..." She definitely knows I'm lying about the fact that I'm admitting that I'm ill.

"Niala your intentions are probably good. But just like your friend Nickolas you need to admit being sick" she is scolding me for saying the truth? "I'm telling you the truth" I insisted, I was telling her the truth but I still don't admit whatever the hell she wants me to say; being sick of course.

"You must be." She was obviously skeptical.

"I swear, I'm telling you the truth Julianne" I insisted

"What truth Nia?"

"The truth about the reason I'm submitted into a mental hospital" I confessed

"Look at the walls around you" I looked as she motioned towards me.

"Nia I can help you. Once you stop believing your lies"

"I'm not lying" I yelled at her

"Okay Niala I believe you" she didn't sound convinced but at least she's trying.

"So what do you talk about? You and Nickolas I mean" she asked "Everything. Movies, music, hobbies, books..." And most importantly- I wanted to say- Dylan. "That's it?"

"Y-Yeah" I lied

"You underestimate me Niala. I don't like being underestimated" I'll take that as a warning not to lie again.

 Before I leaved I had to make that request I've wanted to ask since... Ever.

"Julianne?"

"Yes?" she wondered

"Can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure" she smiled; a warm smile I might add.

. . . . . . . .

After I left I started to think about Julianne, sometimes she could be like a mother in her ways of showing kindness but other times she could be very harsh.

 Especially when she's underestimated as she tried to warn me.

I decided not to underestimate her ever again; I wouldn't want to be one of those people she treats in a terrible way.

When I headed back to my room I decided to go for a walk down the hallway and ask for my second favor of the day.

I had to use my stay in something, right?