Happy Families

Rehab - unedited

***

So as it turns out, I want going to a classroom therapy sort of situation. I was placed in a rehab centre. Which was, hard to wrap my head around. Things kind of past by in a blur, I don't remember much, except having to say goodbye to my mum and being guided into a room, with two beds. One was currently occupied by me. The nurse, I think, was speaking to me.
"- you will have a schedule that will be hanged on your wall, or in the common room. You already have a doctor assigned to you, his name is Dr. Jeff Warner. By the look on your face I can see you aren't particularly comfortable with that, don't worry. He won't be your sole helper. You'll also have a therapist, who is a female. We are here to help you so please let us ok?" I nodded and she patted my arm before taking my phone and going to leave.
"Hey wait, why are you-
"It's part of the practice dear, to focus on yourself and your treatment"
"How is that fair? I'm going to be seperated from my family?"
"Just for the first 2 weeks, as you get settled in. Then you can have regular visits and phone calls." She smiled reassuringly before walking out the door, leaving it ajar.
What a hell hole.

It was while later that I meet my roommate, I suppose. They placed me with another girl, she didn't talk much as I tried sussing her out. She must of realised because she turned and handed me a slip of paper.

Patient Ruby Var.
Hasn't spoken in over a year.
Family is concerned over behaviour.

"Do you sign?" I asked. She shook her head and walked back over to her bed. Guess that conversations over. Well then, I have a mute roomate, fun I suppose.

—

The days past at an alarmingly slow rate. Same thing each and every day, according to schedule, right at the minute. Breakfast. Therapy. Doctor. Lunch. Spare time. Visitors come. End of vist. Dinner. Doctor again. Retreat to your rooms. Lights out. Repeat.
I was a zombie, repeating the steps each day. I got visits from Jamie and mom, I wasn't too coherent, I blame the medication they put me on. They said it was normal for me to feel so drained, part of the adjusting period.  The nurse lied about my phone, I haven't gotten it back yet. Turns out, no outside interference. We're aloud to watch tv but that's it. I spend most my free time, in a corner of the living room. Right next to the bookshelf. When that is taken by someone who really likes annoying me, I'm outside. Underneath the giant tree, handy little chill zone. Talking to people isn't exactly a thing I'm doing, I mean yeah I have to talk to the doctors and therapist, that's all dandy but the other patients? Nope. Everyone's here for a reason, they need help or someone thinks they do.  I'm not about to get in the way of them recovering, surprisingly, not everyone see it from my point of you. Hint of sarcasm. People just want company to either know why your in for or to know if there's a way to escape, they talk like we're in prison. Which yeah, I can see some similarities but overall, it's not the worst thing in the world. All though, I'm sure it's hard for them to see that. Mental illness can suck big time.

Looking around the room, I watched as people shared how they felt, how they were doing, asking questions. Ruby was across from me, she looked bored out of her brain, she didn't speak up, neither did I. We just sort of floated above as everyone talked. We catch eyes throughout the days, no words. I don't push, whatever caused her muteness must of been traumatic, she gets enough poking and prodding from everyone else. We get along well enough, she talks to me, not severely or anything, more or so one word answers but that's enough for me.
Yawning, we locked eyes. The corner of her mouth twitched up a little, before the therapist turned his attention towards her, asking if she'd like to share anything, receiving a void response, as normal. I wasn't aware how long she'd been here but the guy looked adamant that she share something. He was starting to get worked up about, causing everyone to get uncomfortable.
"I thought this whole thing was that you encourage us to speak not that we HAVE to" I interrupted, locking eyes on to his as he turned to me.
"That is the approach that we imply-"
"The she doesn't have to say anything." I said, a tone of finality, shrugging my shoulder. His jaw locked, his teeth were practically showing through his chin, he was clenching so hard.
"Careful, Mr. you might break your teeth and have to get denchers" came out, a few people stifled a laugh, Ruby, out right snorted. Making me snort, laughter being contagious and all that. Looking to my left, I see Jack? No Joe? Yeah Joe, shaking with trying to control his laughter.
Sensing the room was not one of calm Mr therapist dude, cut it in half, naming free time, until lights out. Everyone filled out, going their own ways. I myself made a beeline to my room but was annoying stopped before I could get very far.
"Wanna play?" Looking to my left I see someone, can't put the name to his face but he looked familiar. He was holding a deck of uno.
"You know the way to my heart" Answering with a chuckle and following to where he was playing. A few others joined, i scooted closer to the guy to let them sit. It became a little chaotic, I didn't realise how many people were compitive here.
""It's Noah" came from my left, discreetly. Looking over at him, it clicked. Furrowing my eyebrows I asked what he was doing here. His lips curled.
"I'm transitioning" By the tone I could tell what was going on. I knocked his-their?-
"What are your pronouns? I whispered, they looked shocked. I smiled reassuringly.
"I uh haven't really decided yet.." He trailed off,
"That's ok, just let me know if I say anything or do anything that makes you uncomfortable"
"Thank you"
"Don't mention it, gorgeous" Their cheeks flushed a little, while their lips curled upwards. We played some more before they called lights out.

—

What's poppin, my dudes!
I hope you enjoyed, this chapter.
A new journey for a side character awaits!

See you next time! Xx