Who am I? ((A Professor Layton Fanfic))

Chapter 16: A Second Chance

Day: 665

I woke up, and looked around my room. It was perfectly untouched. Nothing had happened over night. Good.

Soon I would be going over to Jaycie's room, so I had to go over my plan. I went over things, over and over again.

I pushed myself up and slid off the bed. I stood and scratched my head. Was I about to make a huge mistake?

Shortly after I got dressed into clean clothes, the guards came by to get me. I felt calm walking with them. I was at peace. I was confidant because I had thought my plan through.

I sat in my spot and Jaycie gave me a small nod. She smoothed out her skirt and sat down. She looked straight into my eyes before letting out a deep breath and starting to speak.

"Clive, things have changed a lot with you in the past few weeks. How do you feel?" She pushed her glasses up and was already taking down little notes.

I let out a huge breath and looked her in the eyes. "I feel fine. I feel much better. Frankly Jaycie, I just want out. That's all I want." I waited silently for an answer.

"Well then, Clive," she started. "It's quite unusual for you to say what's on your mind like that. What gives?" She said as she edged her glasses higher.

"I'm sick and tired of it here and I want out. It's pretty simple Jay. So tell me now, what must I do to get out of here as soon as possible." Things were going well...

"Well actually, you see Clive, that's something I've been meaning to talk to you about."

Well boy, oh boy she certainly had my attention now. I leaned forward slightly, resting my head in my hands. "I'm listening Doctor Jay, tell me more."

"You may be a weird little guy, but there doesn't seem to be anything psychologically wrong with you. Apart from those trial anti-depressants, there isn't much else I, or anyone else here can do for you. That being said, you are by no means fit for the streets."

I sat back up to face her eye to eye, and she continued. "We have very limited spots here, so I don't want you taking up a slot that you don't need to take. I'd like to see you transferred to another prison specializing in youths. From there I'd reckon if you behaved yourself for a year or two, you could even be shifted to an assisted living program for troubled youths. That is granted you be on your very best behaviour."

Wow. She just hit me with so much information all at once. This wasn't my plan and this couldn't possible be happening. "You're lying. There's no way they'd accept me for assisted living I have practically zero skills."

"Clive... I would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. I believe that you're a foolish trouble maker, but that you have potential. Plus, I'm sure you'd be able to find a job fairly easy enough, you were a tremendous reporter. Unlike what you think, I'm not working against you, Clive." She relaxed back into her seat a little.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. She'd actually be willing to write me a letter?! But I treated her like shit why would she do this for me? I didn't understand.

"Clive does this plan seem fair to you? Are you willing to behave yourself and take your medication everyday?" She was waiting for me to make my choice.

"Yes. I'd like to do that. Yes I'll do whatever you want me too, I just want out."

"Then out you shall be. I have to do some paper work about your transfer so it should be a few weeks before you can leave, but you will indeed be leaving." She smiled. She actually smiled like she was a human with feelings. I had never seen her smile like this before. She looked so-

"I'm so proud of you Clive. Honestly."

She looked so proud.

I felt bad for every stupid thing I've made her put up with. She was just doing her job and I was being a brat.

"I-" I hesitated, but only for a moment.

"I'm sorry Jaycie. I'm sorry for everything. I'm such a brat and you didn't deserve half of what I did to you..." My voice trailed off and I looked downward.

She reached forward and laid her small hand on my shoulder. I looked up to meet her eyes.

"I know Clive. I've always known." She stopped, but looked like she had more to say.

She did.

"I've seen hundreds of kids and adults but none of them were quite like you. You always fought back, Clive, and I could never seem to break you. I've had clients so much worse than you, but I've never had this much trouble before now. I want to thank you for helping me become a better person." She looked like she was going to cry.

"Fuck Jaycie!" She jumped at my words. "Look at me! I'm the one- I'm the one who should be thanking you!" I felt myself shaking. I wasn't going to cry. I wasn't going to cry. I wasn't going to cry. I wouldn't let her see me cry.

We sat there in silence. We sat there motionless. We sat waiting for who knows what, before suddenly she stood up. She walked over to the door.

"Clive, this won't be the last I see of you, but this is our last session apart from perhaps a brief med check up. I want you to think about the things we've talked about, kay?" She smiled softly. It was a sweet smile. Like she just knew everything would be okay.

I felt this weird feeling storing within myself. I felt changed. Different. I hadn't wanted to change and yet here I was. I sort of feel like I owe these people; Jaycie mostly. But everyone in this building has helped me come to this point, this point where I realized I'm not who I was. I'm not that same person, and I would not let my past define my future.

And of course there was the Professor and Luke and poor Flora. I would be able to see them again. God I wish I could make it up to them as well. I will. I would.

I don't want to sound like a sad dope, but I really felt like there was hope. I was going to get my fresh start, and there are already people on the outside awaiting my return.

A new guard came into the room and asked my name.

I said with confidence, "I am Clive Dove."