THE KIDS AREN'T ALRIGHT: Year 1

3< This kid is new

*Words in bold are in sign language*

Was it too late to turn back? Certainly. I wonder if I'll ever get to see beyond those walls again.

Charlie realised she'd been staring at the walls far too long not paying any attention to the lady in front of her. Her eyes snapped back to the doctor.

Dr. Kelsey had stopped talking not surprised to see the girl distracted.

"Come on. We should go talk in my office then I'll show you to your room," the doctor said a gentle smile on her lips.

Outside Dr. Kelsey's office was a dark skinned boy sitting on the floor. He looked about the same age as Charlie. Immediately he saw them he stood.

"Sean. You need to see me?" Dr. Kelsey asked. Charlie noticed her sign as well.

He signed something back then turned his attention to Charlie. He gave her a small nod before turning away.
 
°

Charlie lay on the bed of what was now her room staring at the ceiling.

The room was simple. It contained a bed and a desk with a table lamp. It was painted white and was well lit thanks to the large windows.

The doctor had told her that later on in the day she'd get to meet a few of the other kids in her age group but that was only if she felt she could handle it.

Thank God we aren't allowed to share the reason why we're here.

It was probably the most important rule those at Goldcrest had to follow. The only people they were allowed to confide their reasons for being in the programme to were Dr. Kelsey, who was the institution's therapist, and the detective in charge of one's investigation.

She got up to look out the window to get a glimpse of a little bit more of the institution. A pool, a basketball court, tennis court and a soccer pitch. They all had a few kids occupying them.

Charlie wished she could join them but she knew the role she had to play.

She was brought out from her thoughts by a knock on the door.

°

Sean entered his room to find Nagisa sitting on his bed.

"I think you spend more time in here than I do. Should I ask for another bed to be put in?"

Nagisa blushed at the comment. Sean sat on his bed cross-legged watching her.

"I didn't realise you wanted to be roommates that much. Too bad. The point of me coming here was to deliver good news."

Sean rolled his eyes and smiled.

"What is it then?"

"You know that school that I'd been trying to get into for the longest time? Pinewood? I got in." The joy was clear in her eyes.

Sean grinned at Nagisa then pulled her in for a short hug knowing how important it was to the girl. He attempted to ruffle up her hair but she quickly pushed him away.

"Of course you were accepted they would be stupid not to."

It suddenly hit Nagisa that from their small gang Sean would be the only one getting schooled at Goldcrest.

She searched his eyes for any hint of sadness. He still kept the grin. It did not seem to bother him.

"What about Detective Peterson and Doctor Kelsey? What did they say? Have you told them yet?"

"You know they both snoop around our emails and of course Pinewood must have also sent the email to Goldcrest. I'll talk to them later."

Sean could tell Nagisa was not too thrilled to be having to talk to the detective and the doctor. He simply nodded then moved on to changing the subject.

"I wrote another chapter."

"Can I read it?" Nagisa's eyes shone with excitement. It was obvious what Sean's answer would be. He loved to write but only ever showed Nagisa and Dr. Kelsey.

"Sure but later. Right now we should go celebrate."

Sean pulled Nagisa off the bed and lead her out of the room.