Unloved

Chapter 8

It's been days since Dr. Hemsley made his speech and for some reason, he's still around. I see him everywhere, watching me specifically. Breakfast and dinner are consumed with silence in response to his presence. Everyone is so afraid of this one man, but then again, if he's like any of the people who work here, they should be.

There are some good doctors here. Some treat me and the others with respect and actually have patience with us. When I first arrived here, I was completely uncooperative and acted out in numerous ways. I didnt belong here. I still don't. And although the doctors didn't get that, a select few of them talked to me like I was mature. Like I wasn't a crazy asylum patient. They talked to me like I was...human. Notice I said a select few.

There may be over 20 doctors in this one asylum and I only associate with maybe 3. All the rest are assholes.

"Morning beautiful."

I look up to see Dean and instantly roll my eyes. "What do you want?"

"Someone's cranky." He sits down next to me with a cup of crappy coffee.

"How can you drink that stuff?" I make a face of disgust which he for some reason finds humorous.

"Trust me, it's not the worst tasting thing I've ever had." He chuckles.

I cringe at the sight of him downing his coffee right before me. I don't say a word as he sits his empty glass on the table next to me and stares into my eyes.

"I don't like that guy looking at you." He gestures in the direction of Dr. Hemsley.

I pretend I never noticed the stares I receive from him on the daily. "What do you mean? He doesn't look at me any more than he does everyone else."

"That's a fucking lie."

"It's not!"

"He wants to fuck you. I can tell."

My eyes widen at Dean's language and inappropriate comment. "He absolutely does not!"

"Is, I can tell when a guy wants to fuck a girl's brains out."

"Dean! That's absolutely inappropriate." I ignore the fact that he just nicknamed me on the spot. And for some reason I like it.

"Inappropriate but true."

I put my head in my hands, disgusted at the thought. Dr. Hemsley has to be at least in his late 30s if not his 40s. The idea of him even touching me is disgusting.

"Please never say that to me again." I beg.

I avoid Dean at dinner. All this talk about this theory he has about me and Dr. Hemsley is disturbing.

I'm almost ready for bed when there's a bang on my door. I'm puzzled as I know anyone who can get into this room would never knock to gain access. "Come in?" I form my thoughts as a question to mirror how confused I am.

The door to my room swings open and I find myself face to face with Dr. Hemsley.

"I'd like to see you in my office." He says abruptly and quickly turns for me to follow him.

I hurry behind. "You have an office?"

"Indeed, I will be temporarily staying here as a doctor."

"And why do you want to see me?"

He stops at a door and steps aside, opening it to allow me access. I cautiously walk in, examining the large room in anticipation.

"Please, take a seat."

I don't look at him as I sit down in a chair in front of a small wooden desk. He takes a seat across from me on the other side of his desk.

"It was quite a scene your friend caused during my speech."

My heart drops at his mention of Dean. Dean will definitely be punished.

"I apologize for his behavior, but he isn't my friend."

Hemsley leans back in his chair, obviously unconvinced. "I see. So why were you so desperate to save him."

"Because he doesn't deserve to be punished. He just needs to be taught the rules."

"And we have very effective ways of teaching them."

I know exactly what "effective ways" he's talking about.

"Yes sir." I say, keeping my gaze on the ground.

He pauses for a moment. I can't see his face so I have to wait for his voice to travel to my ears.

"Look at me, Isabella."

I slowly lift my head, fixing my gaze on his.

"I wouldn't want a pretty little girl like you to end up getting mixed up with the wrong people in this place. You could get very very hurt."

"Is that a threat?" I snap.

"It's a warning." His eyes narrow and he's staring at me so intensely I barely recognize my breath. "Don't force me to punish you."

"You mean teach me the rules?" I ask in response to his earlier comment.

A smile snakes it's way across his face. "Exactly."