Jenalyn: From the Inside (#3) [Complete]

Chapter 6: Hayden

Sunday, 12:57 P.M. EST

"So tell me about yourself, new girl!" Ren says with the corner of her mouth turned up in an intrigued smile.

We sit across from each other in a huge room spotted with small round tables. I was told this used to be the cafeteria for the adult ward, but that it was gifted to the children's ward after some renovations were made.

It's more like an interrogation room as far as Ren seems to be concerned, though.

"Tell you what about myself?" I ask, crossing my arms and placing them on the table to mimic her overly interested body language. "That's a very vague demand."

Ren's brow raises before she nods her head in agreement. "Are you good at taking demands?" she asks.

I can't help but chuckle. I'm not all that great at taking demands, honestly... but I can tell this chick is a bit power hungry, so why not?

"From the right people," I say with a smug smile, predicting the excitement that shows on her face before it even happens.

Ren taps her fingers rhythmically on the table for a moment, her face showing the question that crosses it as she decides her next words. Her green eyes scan me, and then she quickly repositions herself and crosses her arms over her chest.

"Okay, tell me what you're in for." she says with a shrug. "Get that one out of the way, since we all know it's coming!"

I actually didn't see that coming. I'm not sure why, considering the general curiosity of humans- but it comes to me as an actual surprise when she requests it.

I can't think of a response. Am I allowed to tell her? Reina always tells me not to talk about my personal life without the non-disclosure agreements, but like- I can't just whip one out here, you know?

"I- uh... I have an eating disorder." I blurt under the pressure of her eyes piercing me.

I can tell that she buys it, but she definitely does another once over with question on her face before responding.

"Oh!" she exclaims almost excitedly after a moment. "I mean, you can kind of tell- but I definitely thought it was... something else."

I can't help but furrow my brows in question. What the hell does that mean?

Ren can obviously see the question on my face because she lets out a small laugh, and immediately adds on to her statement.

"Listen-" she says reaching across the table to grasp my hand and embrace it in her own. "You don't have to be closed off with me! One- this room is 'covered with a confidentiality blanket.'" She quotes that last part with a mocking tone in her voice- like it was something that's been drilled into her head.

"Two- I'm never gonna leave this place, so..." she adds, pausing only for a moment to shrug her shoulders again. "Don't worry, your secrets are safe with me."