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

Chapter 47: Harper

Wednesday, 3:26 P.M. EST

This office is so bland for being in such an expensive facility. It’s definitely not what I expected when I imagined what I was walking into on the flight here.

“If Hayden is doing so well, why is a longer stay being suggested?” I ask, ignoring the fact that Dr. Reyborn was still in the middle of her explanation.

Mom low-key hushes me, but Dr. Reyborn tells Mom it’s okay, and that she understands my confusion.

I didn’t mean to butt in like that, but confusion is getting the best of me. This woman just went into a ten-minute long rant about Hayden’s improvement, and her will to get better, but then summed it up by suggesting we admit her for an additional month for further treatment. 

Where does that make any sense?

“Hayden has a very intricate combination of mental health issues, making her highly unpredictable and a possible danger to herself and others if not properly treated,” Dr. Reyborn says informatively. She pulls a sheet from under a folder and scans it before continuing. “She's showing a lot of improvement, yes. She may just be “up” right now because she knows she has to be though. It’s very hard to tell with children suffering multiple personalities, where they really are in treatment. Longer treatment would do more to help maintain functionality for longer periods of time.” 

Mom nods beside me, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around all of this. Hayden messed up! She doesn’t need to spend three months locked up because of it! I mean, she works! She’s starting a family! She can’t just… stay here!

We need to keep a closer eye on her, that’s all!

I know she suffers from some mental illnesses, and I know that sometimes she doesn’t always do the smartest things! But… I let her! If we all just work together a little harder to keep her in check, this whole need she feels to maintain her life in Pennsylvania will dissipate! 

Mom follows the same train of thought beside me, and clears her throat before speaking.

“Okay, I understand that. What other treatment plans are available as options, if any?” she asks. “I intend to keep a closer eye, being more aware of what she suffers from and all. I would like to get her home as soon as possible though.” 

Dr. Reyborn nods and takes a moment to gather her thoughts. She scans a few more sheets hidden beneath the folder sitting in front of her before going on.

“Well, the medications are working really well; I’d definitely suggest keeping up on those,” she says matter-of-factly, “someone with the spectrum of Hayden’s diagnosis should probably be in IOP, at least. But if that interferes with her schedule too much, and you'd like to treat her personally? I’d definitely suggest weekly therapy.” 

Ugh, the meds.

I know Hayden was really hoping to ditch the medication after leaving this place… she won’t be too happy about that. 

“And what will happen if we do that?” I ask, deciding it’s better than her other options. 

She can do better if we do better. We can’t just keep her in here!

Dr. Reyborn let’s out a small laugh but grows more serious as she weighs it all out in her mind. “I can’t be certain on that!” She says light-heartedly, “but one of our mottos here? Better safe than sorry!“