Solitary Confinement

It had been three weeks since I'd been hospitalized. Wrongfully so, if I might add. Three weeks in this hell hole, any longer and I think I might actually go insane. Although, according to these morons I already am.

I was put in here because my parents were scared. They didn't know what to expect of their unusual daughter, so they sent me away. Makes me wonder whether they ever really cared, although I know they did. Maybe still do, but my mind is muddled because of HER. If it wasn't for her and her stupid whispering I would know what was right, what to think. I didn't start hearing her till my seventeenth birthday, I thank God for that. Sixteen years of sanity wasn't nearly enough in my opinion.

My room is plain white. No windows, one door. My walls are padded as if they'd nailed pillows to them. I love this though, I can bounce around and not hurt myself, which must be what they were hoping for. Wouldn't want me to hurt myself when they so obviously want to do it themselves.

~Come on, Lila. We need to break out of here.~

She whispers to me. She has no name, she told me. She is just... She. No name, no identity, which is why people like my parents think I'm crazy.

~Lila, we must think of a plan.~

Her voice is kind of like a hiss, it barely even registers. Only I can hear her, which doesn't help the insanity. But she says I'm normal, so I must be, right?

~Lila! Focus!~

She hissed on. But I don't want to escape. I like my padded room. If these people in white didn't hurt me I would almost consider staying. Plus they tell me I'm lucky to be here. Say I could've been in jail instead, though I don't know what I did wrong. However, I will elaborate on what I supposedly did. She said I didn't do anything wrong, so obviously, it's okay... Right?

*7 months earlier*

"LILA!" My mother yelled.

"Yes mother?" I sighed.

"GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE AND DO THE DISHES NOW!"

"Ugh, yes ma'am."

This woman continually grates my nerves, I thought to myself. My mother decided one day to put more responsibility on me. I mean, I know dishes isn't much of a chore, but when you've grown up not doing anything, you get used to being catered to.

I trudged down the stairs to the kitchen, bracing myself to get my hands all covered in that harsh soap. I mean really, my hands feel real weird after using it.

I guess you could say I'm "the average teenager". I don't do well with orders, and I want things my way. But honestly, who doesn't want everything their way?

I got down to the kitchen right as she was screaming my name again. I yelled back just out of instinct, not really thinking.

"I swear if you ever yell at me again, I will make you eat a bar of soap."

"Okay, mom, I didn't mean to."

"Alright, Lila. I'll let you off since tomorrow is your SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY!"

"OH MY GOSH, I know. I'm excited. I can get my license now right?"

"Yes, of course. We can afford insurance now, sooo..."

"Okay, good. Just making sure! Now what about that tattoo?"

"Oh hell no," she almost shouted.

"Dang."

Our bickering came to an end as I plunged into the dishwater. I was solely thinking about what tattoo I will be getting once I'm out of the house. Apparently I was a twin. Her name was supposed to be Lola Michelle Smith, mine being Lila Elizabeth Smith. I was thinking about getting her initials over twin crosses on my wrist. One with wings, one plain black.

My dad said I could get it for my sixteenth but it would be too obvious to mom so I held off. I'm reconsidering though, I'm spending the day with him tomorrow...

"Hey, Lila!"

My best friend's shrill voice broke me out of my thoughts.

"Hey, Hannah!"

She picked up a towel and started drying. This is what I love about her, she's majorly OCD and she loves to clean.

"Did you ask your dad?"

"SHUT UP YOU FREAKING IDIOT!"

"Okay, okay, sorry.."

I just stared at her. No way was she blowing this, I want that tattoo. If my mom found out he was gonna take me she'd make sure I was never alone with him again.

"So," she whispered,"what's the news?"

"I haven't asked yet, but I can text him real quick."

"Okay!!!"

I swear she was more excited about this than I was.

Lila: Hey dad, I've got a question for you.

I put my phone back on the counter and washed the last plate. My phone vibrated making my heart beat faster.

Dad: ... Yes Lila?

Lila: Well, you remember how last year you offered to let me get a tattoo? Is that offer still on the table?

I waited impatiently for a reply. Five long freaking minutes later, my phone vibrated.

Dad: Of course it is, Lila! I wouldn't go back on my word.

Lila: YES THANK YOU DAD CAN WE GO GET IT TOMORROW PLEASE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

My heart was pounding with excitement.

"HANNAH!"

"YES?!"

I decided screaming wasn't the best idea, so I whispered,"I can get my tattoo tomorrow."

She squealed. I hated it when she did that, she was SUCH a cheerleader. I mean really, she had the bow and everything.

We went to bed that night with smiles on our faces, after stuffing our faces with the delicious Reece's ice cream. My last thought was,"I only wish I knew her..."