d e r e k
"Jake's still not here," Sydney announces, whistling. "That isn't good."
I turn my mind away from the corner of the library where Jake usually is at this time, which we had seen was empty again. It's been a whole week that he hasn't been at the clinic. Ever since last Monday, when he had left the clinic early looking horrible, he's completely vanished. Sydney says she's done some detective work and found that George has still been here every day, but that quickly changes when she speaks up again.
"But get this; George isn't here either."
My head shoots up at this. "Really? Are you sure?"
"Positive," Sydney says firmly. "His car wasn't in the parking lot."
"Jesus, how do you even know which car is his?"
Sydney gives me a look. "Because I'm smart?"
I roll my eyes. "More like you have too much free time."
Sydney flips me off. She crosses her legs underneath her, messing up Kane's sheets even more, which I know he won't appreciate. I'm laying down on my bed, spread out to let my body cover as much soft covers as it can. Kane is at therapy, which I have next, and Sam is at group therapy. My first group therapy is going to be in a couple of days, which I'm seriously dreading. Dr. Harris has finally decided that's something he wants to put me in, though, and it's not something I can really say no to.
"But seriously," Sydney says. "What do you think about that?"
I shrug, ignore the feeling of dread that settles in my stomach. "I don't know."
Sydney sighs at my lack of trying for conversation. She brings a piece of frizzy hair to her face, frowning. "You know what I hate most about this place?"
"What?"
"You." I turn my head and she smiles. "Kidding. You know what I actually hate the most?"
"What?"
"They don't have a straightener," she sighs, dropping her hair again. "Do you even understand how much I hate my natural hair? Like, straightening is a chore that Satan invented, but it's necessary when it comes to my hair."
I snort and turn my head away. "That's nice, Syd."
Sydney grabs Kane's pillow and throws it at me. "Cheer up, Derek. You're not fun when you're sad."
I give her a failed fake smile, and it may have looked as awkward as it felt, because she explodes in laughter. Through fits of laughter, she manages, "For the love of God, never make that face ever again."
I frown, slightly offended, but Sydney keeps laughing. The door to my room opens and Kane slips in, drying tears from his cheeks. Sydney sobers right away, turning over to Kane. Before any of us can say anything, Kane says, "Just therapy. I'm fine."
Sydney frowns, watching Kane's small steps as her enters the room. Even now, I can see his eyes observing the room, flashing at the imperfections. He didn't take his medicine last night, so I had ended up tackling him again, which can be seen by the bruise on his elbow.
Softly, Sydney says, "Do you want a hug?"
Kane places a hand over his mouth to keep from crying and nods. Sydney's up in an instant, wrapping her arms around him, and holding him in a comforting embrace. Feeling as if I'm intruding, I silently get up, heading to the door. It's my turn to go to therapy, anyway.
I make it to the office quickly, since I'm already late. When I reach the office, I come in quietly, noticing he's on the phone. Dr. Harris gestures for me to take a seat, which I do, listening to his one sided conversation.
