Psycho But Not Really

p s y c h o- 28

It's been a week, I stopped by the clinic, Gibson said there wasn't anyone named Malcom, they throw away files after ten years, and they must've thrown away this 'malcoms' one. Nate and I called and texted casually, he still thought I needed space ever since our— almost break up fight.

Cathy hasn't been calling me in for work lately, so I started to paint again, it felt weird at first, but I got used to it. I didn't regret tearing up my other paintings, but I do regret tearing the one with Nate in it. I hummed as I dipped my brush into the water, and then dabbing it on the water colour palette, specifically the colour, Moon blue, it was my favourite shade of blue, it calmed me.

I had lost track of time when I was half way done, I took a break, and noticed it was already dark out. I felt super bad not visiting my mum today. I did pop in the hospital once in a while, but I wanted to today. I sighed as I quickly grabbed my coat, and left the house. Of course the streets were dead silent at night.

I waved for a taxi, since the bus' didn't drive at night. "Wentmore Hospital" I said, and the taxi driver nodded. I watched outside as the faint clouds slowly drifted, covering the moon. I smiled, and closed my eyes.

"Ma'am we're here" the taxi driver poked my arm, and I woke up, I fell asleep? Wow. I nodded and gave the guy the money, and he drove off. I walked in quietly, the hospital was completely and utterly silent. Every step I took, my shoes echoed, wincing at the sound I took softer steps.

I finally reached the same door, I opened it, and I heard soft snoring, I giggled a little. I went further into the room, and noticed a pair of legs dangling from the couch. Confusion grew in me. I spread the curtains, and to my big surprise, I saw a man in his late fifties sleeping, his hair way grey, and slick back. he kinda looked familiar.

My phone vibrated, Nate.

Nate <3 : where are you? I went by at your house and you weren't there??

Althea: calm down, I'm at the hospital, and there's this man...

I put my phone away, and walked softly, to the other side of the bed, when I heard movements.

"A-Althea?" The deep, raspy voice spoke, I slowly turned around, the man that was sleeping, was rubbing his eyes, and smiling. My phone vibrated again, I wanted to check, but I didn't want to be rude.

I took a closer look, and the green eyes, gave me a flashback...

"Dad?!" I finally whispered, how could I not notice my fathers face. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I lunged at him for a hug, he chuckled and hugged me back.

"It's been so long.." he whispered, "too long" I said. My phone was now vibrating, and I knew someone was calling me. I awkwardly pulled out of the hug, and excused myself before checking the caller, and sure enough it was Nate.

"Nate!, I'm at the hospital and guess who's here!" I squealed, Nate was heavily breathing, "Thea! Get out of the hospital now" he panted, my eyebrows knitted in confusion, "what no? I just reunited with my dad!" I said, hoping he'd be happy. But he hung up.

I rolled my eyes, not dealing with his attitude. My father and I caught up with some things, I told him I had a boyfriend, and he surprisingly accepted it. My dad stood up and stretched, my mother who was still sleeping, was tucked in nicely into bed.

"Thea, come with me, for a ride, I have a lot to tell you" my father whispered and gestured me to come with him, I stood up and followed him out and into his car. We drove pretty far out. I was starting to get worried.

Nate

I knew I couldn't get her in time, I knew.

I rushed to the hospital running towards June's room, barging in, I spread the curtains and Thea's mother was shocked, this was the first time I've seen her in a long time.

"N-Nate? What's wrong?" She asked worriedly, I scowled, "where is Thea?" I asked demandingly, June's eyebrows raised, "Why, she went out with her father" she said. I wanted to punch the wall at that moment, but I didn't.

Before I walked out, June spoke.

"I know who you are Nate Cougar Jondus" my eyes widened, how does she know who I am?, and my middle name. I turned to her, and she smirked.

"Don't worry, I won't tell her, it's Thea's job to know what a monster you are, but trust me, when or if I get better, I will put you in the clinic to get better" June said through gritted teeth, I scoffed, "as if, Thea is mine, and you know what I'm going to do to her, nothing and no one is going to stop me, now please go back to rest" I smiled and left.

June now knows I am the real Nate Jondus. The boy who killed his family, the boy who was a psychopath, the boy who everyone feared. Red was all I saw, red for Malcom and Thea. My heavy breathing got noticed my Lenny.

"Hey man you alrigh-" I slammed him onto the hood of the car, "find Malcom, and kill him, I don't care if Thea's there" I said through gritted teeth. Lenny's breathing was unsteady, he gulped, "Yea, I'm on it" he said, and ran off to his car.

I grew frustrated, worrying if he'll expose me to Thea, I grabbed my hair, pulling it, and I groaned louder. Slamming my fist on the steering wheel, my breathing slowed down. An idea popped up into my head.

If I betray Thea, and just expose myself to her, she'll fall out of love with me, and go to Malcom...

But if I tell the truth about Malcom leaving Thea and her mother, she'll come to me, then bam.

She's dead.

•••

Will Nate's plan work out the way he wants?

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