Obscurity

Chapter 15: What Was That

Alma

Standing in the doorway, Chris seems unwilling to fully enter the room. This makes me curious. I suspect he doesn't want to come all the way into my room because Sierra walked in on our long embrace the last time he was in here. He might not want to be in such a compromising position again. I can respect that.

"I heard about your meeting with Dr. Kavanaugh. I came to see how you're doing." He says, his feet planted where he stands.

"I'll be fine." I wipe my nose and push my hair out of my face. I throw my mess of a tissue into the trash bin beside the bed.

"We can go to my office if you want to talk." He offers.

"There's not much to say, Chris."

"Do you really believe that?" he raises an eyebrow.

"Honestly, I don't know what to think or believe right now. When I first arrived here, I believed if I went through the motions and answered all the questions asked of me, I'd be vindicated and my questioner would know I'm not crazy and I don't belong here. Look where that's got me. Nowhere." I ramble.

"Come with me. We're going to my office." He says motioning for me to come with him.

I get up and smooth the wrinkles from my scrubs and follow him out of the room. I stay a couple of paces behind him as we travel down the hallway to his office. I wonder why he wants to be in his office so badly. I conclude he's probably just trying to follow protocol. Another part of me thinks he may just want to get me alone. Not that I mind. No interruptions. No Sierra. Gosh Alma, chill the fuck out. Why do I think things like this?

He opens the door to his office, and we go inside. He closes the door behind me.

"Have a seat."

I take my seat and look to him.

"So?" I ask.

"So what?"

"So, why did you want me in your office?"

"It's the appropriate place to talk, Alma." His tone professional, he isn't mincing words.

"Oh." I say, my cheeks a little flush.

He smiles at me, "what did the doctor say?" he asks.

I let out a big sigh, "He thinks I'm lying when I answer his questions. Something about the fact that I don't want to hurt other people is a lie because we're all human. Crap. It's all crap, Chris." The irritation saturating my every word.

He nods. "I take it you're going to be here for a little while longer?" he asks.

I nod this time. "At least until tomorrow when I see Dr. Summers."

"I take it you're disappointed with the meeting with Dr. Kavanaugh." He says.

"You think?"

"You're upset you can't leave yet."

I nod again. He's stating the obvious and it irks me.

"What if you looked at your stay here from another perspective?"

"What are you getting at?" My eyes narrow.

"Just hear me out. What if you took this opportunity and used this time to learn something about yourself? Perhaps even embrace the program during the time you're here."

I roll my eyes. "Are you being serious?"

"Alma, this isn't a jail. This is a recovery unit. Try recovering." He says cryptically.