Not So Typical

Chapter 17

I woke up to flourescent lights and the white tile floor, two months had passed and I was still at the hospital. Well, this one was new. I had apparently gone mental after kicking Harry out of my room that day but I don't remember much, the pills took all of it away from me. It had been two months of group therapy, bad cafeteria mood, and no sharp objects. I hadn't spoken to anyone except my mother and my boss, I refused to let them allow Kate and Elsa in, they didn't need to see me like this. My nurse had hinted that I might be getting discharged today and although I was ready to return to my own home where I could pee without being watched, I wasn't ready for the great big world again.

Two knocks came at the door although the doctor could clearly see through the plexiglass window that I was awake and doing absolutely nothing. He was annoying like that.

"Morning Melody, how are you today?" His smile was bright and his eyes were so green, they reminded me of Harry's....

"I'm fine, thanks. Am I really leaving today" I asked him flatly, basically how I said everything nowadays. My mother had commented that I had "lost my personality in this white washed building" but I had really lost myself completely the second that lamp hit my head.

"You are, yeah. But only if you're ready, I think you're ready."

I glanced up at him and I could see the sincerity in his eyes and for the first time in forever I felt the urge to smile. "I think am...I know I am" I said with more confidence than I heard from myself in quite a long time.

I could see the surprise in his face, he had never heard me like that or even seen me even so much as smirk since I had been admitted. With a nod and a pat on the shoulder he exited the room and left me with my street clothes that I had been wearing when I checked in. I slid off the scratchy white pants and top, it felt like I was slipping off and old skin and entering a much better one, a new one. It was much warmer these days so I slid on the jeans and tank top but left the sweater and coat folded on the bed. I sat patiently and waited for my nurse to come and get me and it felt like five million forevers.

Finally, after three hours of counting the bricks in the wall, there were 112, my nurse, Anna, came in and handed me a clipboard and a pen.

"It's time for you to go home, Mel, I am so happy for you." Anna had been the closest thing I had to a friend in here, she kept me sane and tried not to discuss all the heavy stuff, unlike every other medical professional in this place.

"Thanks Anna, that means a lot." I formed a small smile for the second time and scrawled my name on the dotted line.

I handed back the clipboard and she held out her hand, even though I needed no help standing. Once I was upright she pulled me in for a tight hug and I let her.

"Just be strong okay, you are worth it. You know that right?"

I nodded into her shoulder and for the first time in the past two months I really did feel like I was worth it. The time inside this hospital was boring filled with a lot of big words and white walls, however, it had helped me realize that I was me and that was good enough; even if Andrew didn't think so.

We pulled apart and I grabbed my clothes from my bed, I had no other personal belongings here, we weren't really allowed to have them. I followed Anna down the hallway and into the main lobby where my mum was waiting for me.

"She's all ready Mrs. Cole. Have a wonderful day, both of you." Anna smiled and then turned back down the hallway, returning to her regular duties for the day.

"Hi mum" I said quietly and she laced her fingers into mine, I could see the tears forming her eyes, daring to overflow at any second.

"Let's go home Melody" she smiled and I returned it with a nod.

We walked outside and into the parking garage next to the hospital, thankfully she parked on the ground floor because there was no elevator. Two months in a hospital does not exactly result in one being in the best physical fitness. She quickly pointed out her car and I followed her to it. I headed for the passenger door but to my surprise there was someone already sitting there, Kate.

The door swung open and her scent of Chanel No. 5 and coffee enveloped me. Not long after that did another door open and I felt Elsa's hair tickling my arms. "Hello dears, miss me" I chuckled.

This much physical contact was a little overwhelming but I didn't want to be rude and push them away, I had to ease back into my normal life and I couldn't think of a better way to start. They eventually pulled away and they were beaming at me.

"We're so glad you're back Mel" Kate said proudly and Elsa squeezed my arm as she nodded in agreement.

"Come on you three, I am in dire need of a nap" my mother called. We all laughed but obeyed and piled into her automobile.

The ride back was contently silent with mum humming along to the radio and tapping the steering wheel. Kate and Elsa were catching me up on everything that had been going on at work since I was admitted. Apparently, the new accountant was shit. The conversation eventually dulled and I was just dying to ask a question.

"Is he okay" I murmured quietly and I looked in the rear view mirror in time to see all of the color fade from their faces. My mum even gasped.

"He...he's doing fine Mel. He want to see you but th-"

"Make it happen, Els" I responded quickly, cutting her off.

I didn't know where we stood anymore but I at least needed to apologize. That was all I talked about in group, how bad I felt for not apologizing to him for all that I had put him through in such a short amount of time.

"Mel, but there r-"

"Just do it, I am a big girl. I just need to apologize."

She nodded and looked down at her phone and began tapping away. "Today, Mel?"

I wasn't expecting to meet so soon but I guess better now that never. "Sounds lovely."

My mother passed a worried look in my direction but there was no time for objections, we had pulled onto my street. There were minimal cars at this time of day and we were able to park right in front of the door.

"Thank you mum, I love you."

"You too dear, I expect you to check in everyday yeah? Just until you get settled back in."

I was used to being constantly monitored, but never by my mother. "Sure thing mum, once a day."

I gave her a peck on the cheek and then exited the car. Kate and Elsa followed me into my flat, which they had completely cleaned, but quickly scurried out.

"He'll be over in half an hour, just...nevermind. We love you, call if you need anything, your phone is in your room."

"Thanks girls" I smiled and closed the door behind them.

A half hour wasn't much time, I ran upstairs and looked in the mirror. My skin looked quite healthy after not putting makeup on it in two months. I applied a bit of mascara but decided to enjoy the otherwise lovely appearance of my natural face. I discarded my dirty clothes and pulled on fresh underwear. I decided on a sundress, picking an entire outfit was too much work, even for Harry. I ran a comb through my hair and shoved a headband on, keeping back my natural waves.

Right on time a knock came at the door. "Coming" I shouted as I ran down the stairs and across the living room.

I stopped at the door and took a deep breath, I had no reason to be upset, it was just an apology. I rubbed my sweaty palms on the skirt of my dress and pulled the door back. There he was, towering over me. His hair was longer but those lovely brown curls only looked better. His eyes were shining and he had formed a small smile, but he averted his eyes quickly downward. I followed their direction and noticed the girl standing next to him.

"I'm Gemma, I don't think we've ever met."