The Meaning

9: What Now?

It is the end of April. Cain and Bailey are officially in a relationship, they've both broken down their barriers. Cain is satisfied with himself, he turned it around. Today is a Monday, tomorrow he has his last session with Dr. Richter. They spoke on the phone, and Cain told Richter that he's better than ever, and he feels like he changed up his life completely. So Richter said that they need one last session to make sure it's not just an illusion. Cain is adamant that it's not, he wants to thank Richter and Diana for helping him. They helped him get up from the ground. Diana and Monica are in a relationship as well, but Cain doesn't know that yet, he hasn't had the chance to talk to either Monica or Diana. He noticed that Mickey's been acting weird lately, Cain asked him what's wrong a few times, but Mickey said there is no problem. Kelly seemed happy after their talk before the party and she congratulated Cain on his relationship with Bailey. Bailey and Kelly became friends, they clicked right away. Everything's falling in place... or so it would seem.

Cain got out of class early so he's waiting for Bailey near the classroom she's in. A few people walk by, some students, some teachers. To Cain's right someone stops at the end of the hallway. He just sees out of the corner of his eyes, he doesn't pay attention to the person, he's just looking at his phone. After a few seconds, he finds it odd, so he looks to his right, but there is no one there. He just goes back to looking at his phone. Suddenly he hears someone whispers in a mocking tone: "Enjoy every minute, it'll get worse and worse... Cain". Cain strikes his head up, looks around again, but once again he doesn't see anybody. He takes a deep a breath.
Cain: *whispering to himself* You're just tired. Pull it together.
Cain hears someone laughing. He's quite disturbed, there is no one around. He decides to go to the bathroom to wash his face. As he looks up from washing his face, he sees the dream version of him standing right behind him. He quickly turns around to face him.
Cain: Why- why are you here?
Dream Cain: I've told you. Don't you listen? I'm in your head dummy. I'm always where you are.
Cain: But I'm fine, everything's good. You're only supposed to appear when bad stuff happen. Like a stress fueled imagination. I've read and Richter told me about it.
Dream Cain: I knoooow... I was there.
Cain: I might be schizophrenic.
Dream Cain: No, you are not. You're just a tiny bit nuts.
Cain: I don't get it. Why are you injured and dirty?
Dream Cain: I don't know either.
Cain: *shakes his head* Why am I even talking to you? You're in my head, I can get rid of you.
Dream Cain: Sure you can. For a period of time. I'll come back though. Will you talk about me in your last assessment with Dr. Richter? Or you just want to believe that everything is fine and that it will stay this way.
Cain: Everything IS fine!
Dream Cain: My boy! That's what I wanted to hear. Believe in your fragile little illusion. *laughs* I'll see you when I see you.
He just vanished.
Cain: Jesus Christ, what the actual fuck...?
He starts heading back to Bailey's classroom, the bell rings as he's walking down the corridor.
(I'm going nuts. No... you're just sleep deprived. You didn't sleep enough. You were too busy with... other stuff. Don't overthink this. You'll get a good night's sleep and it will all go away. You don't have to mention this to anybody. You're fine. Completely fine. Focus on keeping everything in check. Keep it together!)
He sees Bailey come out of the classroom and she practically runs towards him. They hug and kiss each other.
Bailey: You seen a ghost?
Cain: Why?
Bailey: You're pale. Are you alright?
Cain: Yeah, just dehydrated I guess.
Bailey: Then drink.
Bailey hands him a bottle of water she had on her. Cain accepts it even though he's not thirsty.
Cain: Much better, thanks.
Bailey smiles.
Bailey: Are you going to Richter, tomorrow or today?
Cain: Tomorrow.
Bailey: Then want to do something today?
Cain: Well, I'm kind of tired.
Bailey: Then we could just watch something and relax.
Cain: That would be great. Wait, the school will be closed tomorrow, right?
Bailey: Yeah. Have you forgotten?
Cain: Yeah... I did.
Bailey: What time is your appointment?
Cain: 4 PM.
Bailey: Wanna go somewhere for lunch?
Cain: Let's say Bartey's?
Bailey: Perfect.
Their conversation is interrupted, when Mickey comes round the corner. He's walking quickly, he's stiff and looks disturbed and his head is wet. Cain puts his hand on his shoulder as he walks past.
Cain: Everything okay?
Mickey: Leave me alone!
Mickey pushes Cain's hand away and rushes away.
Cain and Bailey are both confused, they look at each other.
Bailey: What was that about?
Cain: Do I look like I know?
Bailey: You should go after him.
Cain: What's th-
Suddenly the 3 jocks, the friends of Ryan come round the same corner where Mickey came from. They are laughing and talking.
Mitch: Did you see his fucking face after I pulled him up?
Brad: He was like: "Oh please no more!". Then you just pushed him back in.
They laugh histerically, they look at Cain as they walk past, then they start whispering to each other.
Brant: Isn't that the guy who beat up Ryan? Oh, what's his name, something out of that religious book.
Mitch: Cain, and yes it's him. I don't know how he managed it.
Their voices fade as they get further away.
Cain: You know what? You're right. I'll try and find Mickey. Meet you in your room?
Bailey: Good choice. I'll be there. *winks*