Just The Way You Like It - Under Construction

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Alicetried to listen carefully to the conversation outside her door, but it was hard to hear anything against her own sobs. Obviously, whatever Dr. Hansen had done to her, was the reason for how shitty she felt today. After seeing the blood on his face, Alice felt like she had been pulled back to her old life in her box. She knew what it felt like to have dried crusted blood all over, she knew how it tasted after trying to rub it off her skin, and she knew she could never trust Dr. Hansen again. Alice needed Wallace to come in and talk to her, if only to help her figure out what she was going to do. She couldn't bear the thought of being in the same house as Dr. Hansen any longer. After finding out about Holly, the only reason why she was still willing to go live with them was for her safety. And now, Dr. Hansen had taken that away from her as well.

It sounded like Wallace was furious, and it warmed Alice's heart to know that at least she had him on her side. She was going to tell Wallace everything, and hopefully they could come up with a plan together. The noise outside of her room stopped, and moments later a man, whom Alice could only assume to be Wallace, entered. He didn't look like she had pictured him in her mind the day before, but she immediately warmed up to him. “Hi Alice.” Wallace said gently as he slowly approached her bedside. He looked more angry than his voice was letting on.

Alice watched in silence as Wallace made himself comfortable in the chair beside her bed. “Busy morning?” Alice felt her insides turn to mush, the tension in her melting, and she finally broke down and began spewing forth everything that he happened to her since her attack. She told Wallace about Blake telling her he loved her, about Tess alerting her about Holly, about feeling horrible this morning, and about Dr. Hansen covered in blood. She talked so much her voice began to crack under the strain, but Wallace urged her to continue. “Alice, you need to get this out. Tell me everything, it's okay. I'm the one you can trust here. You see, there is something called Doctor/Patient privilege. Do you know what that means?”

“No, I don't.”

“It means that no matter what you tell me, nobody can force me to repeat it, not even a judge. Everything you say here is completely confidential, one hundred percent.”

“Okay.” Alice was liking Wallace more and more. It felt wonderful to know that she could tell him anything, and he would never repeat a word of it to anyone. She pushed forward and told Wallace of her deep seated hatred for Holly, even though she had never met her. She told him about her fear of Dr. Hansen, and how she no longer wanted to be sent to live with him. Wallace stopped Alice there, holding up his hand for her to quiet.

“We need to talk about that Alice. I had a long discussion with Dr. Willub last night regarding your move. The thing is, we both agree that it would be in your best interest to leave St. Micheal's. We can't force you to stay, and we won't force you to move in with Blake. But, I still think its probably best if you do.”

“Why?”

“Dr. Hansen is an idiot. But, I have to tell you, he didn't hurt you last night Alice.”

“Then who did?”

“You did.”

“What? No. That doesn't make sense.”

“Dr. Hansen was trying to keep you from becoming embarrassed. But, according to him, you had a sleepwalking episode last night, and hurt yourself.”

“Sleepwalking.” Alice said the word slowly, letting it roll off her tongue. “I think . . . I think my mom was a sleepwalker.”

“Well, that would make sense. Sleepwalking can be hereditary, and it can also be brought on by stress; which you seem to have in bucket-fulls around here.”

“What did I do last night?”

Wallace stayed quiet, thinking about how he was going to explain her actions. It was scary for Alice to think that she had injured herself and not woken up from the pain. Wallace still wasn't answering her question, so she repeated herself. “Wallace, please tell me. What did I do?” Wallace turned his gaze away from Alice for the first time since he had walked in the room.

“Alice, you tried to have sex with him.” Alice's entire body trembled slightly as his words hit her ears.

“I what?” She could barely speak.

“You tried to rip his clothes off and have your way with him. I don't know all the details, and this is only Blake's side of the story, but you obviously don't remember any of it now . . . so I can only imagine he's telling the truth.”

“I . . . I don't understand. I never wanted to have sex with Dr. Hansen. Why would I do something like that in my sleep?”

“You know Alice, the whole time I've been sitting here listening to you talk about how much you hate Blake for what he's done to you, I can't help but notice that your words and your eyes aren't saying the same things. I think deep down, you might just like Blake more than you're willing to admit, even to yourself. You say you hate him, despise him even. But, even as you say those things, you look over to your door and seem almost sad he's not here right now.”

“I don't know what to say Wallace. I guess for a while, I really thought he and I had something special. He was so kind to me, and gentle, and I love the way he gets so nervous around me. I love that he worried for me, and promises to be with me and keep me safe. But what he says and what he does are sometimes completely different things. He promised he'd never let me out of his sight, but then moments later he left. And the I found out about Holly, and he doesn't know that I know about her. So he pretends like she doesn't exist.”

“In his mind, she doesn't. You think Blake is an idiot, its like dumb and dumber. She's more of a loon than he is.”

“Then why are they getting married and having babies?”

“Babies?” Wallace inched up to the edge of his seat, his eyes begged Alice to answer.

“Tess said they were having babies.”

“If Holly is pregnant, I doubt it's by Blake. I'll let you in on a little secret. Last month, I dragged Blake to a bachelor party my cousin was having, and Blake told me that it's been well over a year since . . . you know. I'm planning on getting him an oil can for Christmas so he won't rust down there.” Wallace was now pointing to his own crotch, and Alice let out a little giggle. It felt good to laugh, even though it had been small.

“Still Alice, if you don't want to move in with Dr. Hansen, I'm sure we could find other suitable housing for you. There is a homeless shelter not too far away, and I believe the Catholic Church sometimes houses a few of the less fortunate from time to time. I would still very much recommend moving into Blake's house. But, if you don't want to, you don't have to. Take some time to think about it. No decisions have to be made right now, okay? Alice, there is one thing you have to get through you're head. You are a free woman. You don't have to do anything you don't want to, within the law of course. I'm sure its hard, but start working on making your own choices, it can be very empowering.” Wallace slowly got up, and headed for the door. Just before he opened it, Wallace turned back to face her. “Oh, and Alice?”

“Yeah?”

“That Doctor/Patient privilege thing . . . It's a two way street. I wouldn't want to spoil someone's Christmas. Got me?”

“Yeah, I understand.” Again Alice giggled, thinking of the amusing gag gift that would be sitting underneath of Dr. Hansen's tree that year. And hopefully, she would be there to watch him open it.