Greeting Insanity

chapter fifteen

 

Emma and Jason exchanged worried glances with one another. They had been following the smiling secretary for what felt like hours. It had only been ten minutes with the chilling robot, but the time dragged. She had stood, ushered them through the door on her left, and from then on, they had been twisting and turning in various illuminated hallways. It appeared that each section was color coded. One door that led to the Elderly section, was purple, while the door that led to Short Term was green. Nancy had only spoken minimally following their departure, muttering the uses of things she presses, dials she switched, or where the restrooms were located. Suddenly, Nancy stopped, facing them. The trio had reached a heavy metal door, bolted shut.

"This is the door to our Mental department. I urge you not to look at or speak to any of the individuals we pass. Understood?" Neither chose to question the statement, seeing as both were scared out of their minds. Nodding, another blinding smile worn, Nancy turned again. She pressed a single black circular button to the right of the door. Flashing, the button expanded, revealing a slit in the wall. From inside her white smock, Nancy withdrew a thick white card, which she proceeded to place in the newly found space. The flashing ended and she replaced the card in her pocket. The button reformed over the previous opening in the wall, the door unlocking. Several seconds later, the door automatically swung open and toward the left. Gracing them with a nod and smile, Nancy began leading Jason and Emma once more. They passed many doors and windows. None of the room were exactly alike, varying in shape, color, and decoration for the individual's condition. They reached a fork in the hallway, Nancy veering right, the other leading to more doors, and then what looked like a common area. Following the fast-paced brunette, Jason didn't question the redhead at the end of the hallway who appeared to be ramming his head in the white wall. Seconds dragged, until finally they reached the end of the long corridor. Four guards were stationed outside the single window, all watching, three of the four wearing amused smiles. The single unsmiling guard turned to the approaching three.

"Dr. Springsteen, we got an alert that you would be visiting."

"Affirmative Captain, how is Negative Three?" The guard offered her a small smile, shaking his head.

"You can call the girl by her name, Doctor."

"I choose to follow protocol and not offer biased favoritism over dangerous patients. Now, if you are done questioning my methods, can we proceed. What is Negative Three doing currently?" One of the smiling guards, a stocky male with dark hair in a crop cut, turned to the conversing quartet.

"Dancing, Doctor." The woman looked about to reply, but faltered, fumbling over her crème painted lips.

"Excuse me?" The same officer laughed, a gruff noise as if he hadn't chuckled in many long years.

"Dancing. As previously said, Negative Three is a girl not a crack case, Doctor." The woman grew a dark look, choosing instead to push through the standing security and toward the window. Emma and Jason, who stood behind with the remaining onlookers couldn't see through the glassy surface. Gauging the now stony-faced woman, the duo could sense no ounce of amusement. She turned away from the sight and to the bystanders.

"Who came up with this savage idea of filthy entertainment?" All smiles had vanished.

"She did, Doctor." The brunette scoffed, not bothering to fake a smile.

"Figures. Now, Emma Mills and whoever you are, I have delivered you to patient Negative Three, good day. With that the formerly cheerful secretary turned and departed, crème lips in a firm line. Emma turned to the standing men first, Jason gazing toward the window.

"Hi, we are Reyna's visitors."

"Of course, she is just inside. You can look at her through here." The captain motioned toward the glassy rectangle that had angered Nancy. Emma immediately stepped forward, a worried expression adorned her tanned face. Jason watched her expression thoroughly, searching for a scrap of news. Emma's eyes watered at whatever she saw, a single tear rushing down her cheek and toward her collarbone. She sniffled quietly, a small smile appearing. She looked for a few more minutes. All was silent on their side of the window, waiting for a voiced reaction. Emma slowly turned from the vision before her, and looking to a worried Jason. He sat anxiously, their eyes connecting, his unasked questions hanging densely on the atmosphere. Emma didn't answer, simply stepping back to allow him a gaze.

Jason took the chance and snuck a look through the window for answers. Before his eyes there was a girl, twirling without a care. She was a haunting beauty, golden hair spiraling down her shoulders, resting on her waist. Her dark lashes shielded her closed lids, plump lips resting in a smile. She wore little clothing, a blush creeping up his neck at the view. The pink heat remained until he became aware of what decorated her fragile skin. Scars. The dancing figure appeared unaware or unaffected by the melancholy slashes, cursing their existence.

Reyna was truly a sight to behold, spinning like no one was watching, yet for the world to witness. Jason was enchanted, not knowing how to break the spell that had been bestowed over him, not knowing whether he truly wanted to. He forced his head away from her, away from her blissful obliviousness, away from the joyful vibrations that were wafting from the glass room. He repeated Emma's previous action, stepping forcefully backward. No one spoke momentarily. The silence engulfed the small group, none wanting to break the peaceful awareness that rested over the conflicted cluster.

"Can we talk to her?" Emma queried, desperate to communicate with her damaged friend.

"Of course."