Obscurity

Chapter 18: Consequences

Sierra

Before I open my eyes, I smell the strong scent of disinfectant in the air. I'm in Medical. I'm not surprised this is where I am. It's protocol. I look around the room at the familiar surroundings. There's the same green curtains and small bedside table. Oh, and let's not forget the restraints. Both my arms and legs are tethered to the bed with the same old restraints as they always use. Ugly brown straps. I can't wait until they take them off.

The curtain in front of me parts a little and Libby pokes her head in, "You're awake."

"Obviously." I deadpan. Resting my head back on the pillow, "Can you take these off?" I ask nodding my head towards the restraints.

"Not yet, Sierra."

"What the fuck, Libby?"

"No need for profanity Miss Roberts." A masculine voice replies from behind the curtain. Chris steps around the curtain and comes into the room. Great, I think.

"Feeling better?" He asks. Libby retreats from the room when Chris waves her away.

"I'd feel better if I were up and vertical."

"I think before the restraints are removed we should have a conversation. A serious one." He grabs the stool in the corner and sits next to my bed.

I roll my eyes. I don't need a 'talking to' like he's suggesting.

He waits for a response, but I don't have one.

"I don't understand what ticked you off, Sierra." He says. "Group was going well. You were doing well. Then, all of a sudden you completely lose your scruples and here you are." He points out the obvious. He looks at me waiting for an explanation.

I half shrug. I don't have much leeway in the movement department with these restraints on.

"I'd love to know what goes through your mind. How did you really think that outburst would be met? Did you think you weren't going to be removed from the group?"

"I don't know what I was thinking, Chris." I admit. I really don't know what came over me. "I was fine one moment, then the next you said something and it pissed me off. I couldn't control my reaction. It was a reaction." I try to make an excuse for my behavior.

"That's a sorry excuse." He says in a neutral tone.

"It is what it is, Chris." I'm exhausted, and I don't really want to play his game.

"Well, my next question is what do you think your consequences should be for your outburst?"

"My consequences? Don't you think waking up in Medical with a splitting headache is consequence enough?" I ask incredulously.

"No. I don't," he pauses,"I think you deserve a trip to Secondary."

"NO!" I scream at him.

"You clearly cannot control yourself on my unit."

"I CAN!" I cry.

"I think you are better suited for Secondary, Sierra. I think I'm going to leave you here and write the referral to send you there."

My brain is on fire. I'm trying to think of a counter to his outrageous suggestion. I can't go to Secondary.

"Fine. Send me. I'll make a report of my own, Chris." I lower my voice.

"Really? What report will you make?" his curiosity piqued.

"I'll report you for your inappropriate display of affection with Alma." My threat doesn't seem to take. His facial expression never changes.