Kids in the Dark

Chapter 45

Theo's P.O.V

After my little episode in the yard, I found myself sat in a whitewashed room, retained by a set of cuffs binding me to the table. In the time I was alone, I sat still as a statue, staring into the eyes of my own reflection in the one-way glass. At first, I was startled to see how little I recognized myself.

My eyes were gaunt and bloodshot, highlighting my lack of sleep; my hair was unkempt but shorter than I would have preferred (it'd been cut upon my arrival); The two holes either side of my eyebrow now lay empty. I had pulled my orange jumpsuit down and tied it around my waist, exposing the black ink of the raven wings that crept over my shoulders.

My attention then changed focus as the door to my right opened and a short balding man entered. He didn't say a word as he shuffled towards the cool metal table, a large stack of papers balanced in his hands. He then took a seat in the chair opposite to mine and looked up unable, it seemed, to meet my own.

"So, what brings you here on this fine evening?" I asked mockingly as the short man sifted his way through the papers.

"Theodore Lucas Hunt, 17 years old as of January 16th, 2016." The man read off the piece of paper he seemed to have been looking for.

"Yes, I know who I am, but the real questions is: who the hell are you?" I asked wanting to know what was going on.

"I am Harrold Ellington, Criminal psychologist. It's my job to assess your current mental stability." He said in a very professional manner.

"Harry-Can I call you Harry?- I'm gonna call you Harry. I assume I have Parker to thank for this, but I assure you I'm fine." I smiled, my use of the name Harry making him twitch slightly. Ignoring my word, 'Harry' continued in the same professional manner.

"Are you aware that you're facing one charge of manslaughter and another of murder?" He asked and I found myself unable to hold back a slight laugh>

"Tell me something I don't know." I smiled across at him. At this he flipped open a notebook and scribbled something down.

"Having read all the information on you, I'd like to ask you a few questions." He said, setting down the notebook and looking up at me.

"Shoot," I said leaning back in my chair, metal cool against my skin.

"Is it true to say that you turned to things such as vandalism after your mom dies? As a way of letting out your emotions?"

"Nope If you'd have read my files thoroughly, you'd have noticed that my mom died 3 years before my first arrest. I was a good boy for all 3 of those." I responded my words not completely true. No, I hadn't started testing the boundaries as a result of my mom's death, but you have to be caught to be arrested. Harry nodded once again, scribbling notes down on his pad.

"I've noticed that you've been admitted to a mental hospital, twice in the past, both for 2 month periods. It says here that it was for depression. Talk me through that."

"I'll pass on that one thanks," I said, my skin crawling at the thought. Harry made more notes, his pen's scratching loud in the room's silence.

"This isn't some class quiz, you don't get to skip questions." He said calmly.

"Okay, fine. My mom dies, I got depressed, the family noticed, I was sent to the looney bin for two months, got better, end of." I said, my teeth gritted, doing my best to send off the voices gnawing at the back of my brain.

This man's onto you. He knows what you did you worthless piece of shit. If you want to fix this don't tell him anything.

"Shut up." I hissed under my breath, clenching my fists turning my knuckles white. My eyes were downcast, watching as the tendons in my hands became even more tightly clenched.

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that," Harry said, looking up from his notes once more.

"Nothing," I said, unclenching my fists in the process.

"Very well, next question: How long have you been clean?" His question made me look up quickly, my hairs standing on end. Once again my fists tightened, my fingernails digging into the palms of my hands. I then glanced down at the exposed scars, perfectly aware that some looked fresher than others.

Don't tell him anything The voices hissed in my head, cold and cruel. I listened, sitting in silence, grinding my teeth.

"I suggest you answer my questions." Harry prompted; he made more notes.

"I have the right to refuse them," I said cooly finally bringing myself to meet his eyes.

"Very well then, I believe we're done for this session."

"This session?" I asked raising a questioning eyebrow.

"This will be a weekly occurrence up until your trial. I hope you leave here and have a think. If you want to spend an hour a week sat in silence then, by all means, be my guest." Then he twisted in his seat and gave a thumbs up to whoever sat behind the glass. Moments later the door opened and a grouchy looking guard walked in, keys already in his hands. I held my wrists up expectantly which earned me a strong glare.

He released me from my cuffs and then roughly grabbed me by the back of my top. "On your feet." He said pulling me to my feet. "Walk." He pushed me towards the door and out into the corridor.

"Same time next week Harry?" I called over my shoulder laughing.

"Keep that ghastly mouth of yours shut." The guard said huffily leading down the hall.

"Why? Does the sound of my voice displease you?" I asked with a sneer, earning a smack to the back of the head.

"I've seen your type before," He said, mouth so close to my ear I could feel his breath blow across my face. "You walk in here like you own the place like you're the biggest, baddest kid on the block. Then you realize there are people in here a whole lot bigger and a whole lot badder than you are, ready to eat you alive." He then pulled me to the right down a hallway identical to the last.

"what a sweet story. Do you read it to your kids before bedtime?" I laughed, his words not phasing me.

"You better watch yourself. I have it within my power to make your life a misery. One night in isolation would be the end of that cocky smile of yours. His voice tight with controlled anger.

"Is that a challenge?" I asked with a smile as we came to a stop outside a cell, 2 people already inside.

"You just wait and see." The guard growled in my ear, swiping a key card to open the door. "Get in there." He then said, pushing me inside, the door sliding shut seconds later.

"Bye cupcake," I called after his retreating back. I then turned on my heels to find Ryder and Marc staring up at me in amazement.

"What in the hell was that?" Marc asked, referring to the words just exchanged between the guard and me.

"I was making friends." I shrugged, leaning back in the bars behind me.

"And where have you been?" Ryder asked skeptically.

"Speaking to a psychologist, Harry; Lovely man," I answered.

"And?" Ryder asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"I'm not crazy just yet." I smiled at him but he looked unsatisfied.

"You also made quite the impression in the yard," Marc commented from where he sat on the top of one of the bunk beds.

"What can I say," I laughed taking a mock bow. "I was born to impress."

Well, that was chapter 45 guys. I hope you found it enjoyable. It was one of my favorites to write. Theo's is hands down one of my favorite characters (even though authors shouldn't choose). I'd love to hear who you guys like as characters so let me know in the comments. Keep up the loyal reading-Flo