Red and Black (A Harlivy Story)

Chapter 10: Answers

Poison Ivy hadn't seen Dr Quinzel in days. She was grateful; she didn't want to see her face after their conversation in her office. Anger circulated around her body just thinking about it, but she shrugged it off. Don't let her get under your skin. She's just another meat-bag that isn't worth the time to be annoyed with. Any remorse she once felt for the woman was gone, although there was hardly any to start with. If anything, she felt no guilt anymore. She was just as cold and emotionless as when she was first admitted at the asylum. Dr Leland caught this mentality through her various sessions with the meta-human and planned to find the answer of her recent hostility. It took a long time for Joan to get Ivy to trust her, and it seemed as if that bond was gone in an instant. When she confronted Isley about the events that happened when she was absent, she got no answers, only aggression. Whatever happened had affect her greatly. Remembering that Dr Quinzel had taken one session with Pamela, she decided to find answers from her instead.

Harleen had just finished another session with the Joker. This time she was pleased with her efforts, as she felt that he was engaging in the psychotherapy and he was open about his borderline personality disorder. He accepts that the disorder could be caused by the traumatic events during childhood, although what type of events was a mystery to the blonde, as the clown often told different stories about his past. Leaving the room, she was greeted by Joan, who seemed a bit exasperated with something.

"Dr Leland, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Harley, do you mind if we speak in your office?", the woman asked, gesturing to the several guards and patients that were nearby. Leading the way, Joan shut the door behind Harleen, and continued her address.

"As you might know, Poison Ivy is famously known for her, shall we say, irritable personality. However, I have made some progress throughout her time at Arkham and I gained her trust. Yet, in our recent sessions, she seems to be very hostile since I returned. I was wondering what happened while I was away that could have caused this change in behaviour. Was it something that happened with the inmates or in your session?".

"Well, she was quite...rigid in our session, but nothing major happened between the patients or myself while you were off". Harleen had an inkling that her last conversation with Ivy could be the catalyst that caused her behavioural change; however, she didn't feel like telling Joan as she could be regarded as unprofessional in her approach with Pamela. After all, she did somewhat attack her with a cruel tone, which she wouldn't have done if it wasn't for the agony Harleen was in that day.

"Okay, well. If you do remember anything, be sure to tell me." Joan stated, opening the door to leave.

"Joan, another thing. Would it be possible to have another session with Dr Isley? I think I might be able to find the cause for her resentment".

"Sure...but I'm not certain that she would accept your invitation for another session".

"Maybe if I talked to her outside the constrictions of a session room? How about outside? She might be more accessible if she was in her natural element"

"Harley, taking her outside would be a bad decision. Although she has been taking drugs that diminish her ability to control plant life, there is a possibility that she could still take advantage of you. I'm not sure it would be a great idea. There will be no protection for you or Pamela-"

"I could take her out right after you inject the drugs, then she would be less prone to attack. I understand that this could be a security risk, but I think that maybe if she was analysed in a different environment, we could make more progress with her. I'll take all the responsibilities that comes with this, and I assure you that I will take all precautions to minimalize any problems that could occur".

"Harley, maybe you should think this through before-"

"Joan, I promise you that I have thought this in great detail, I'm ready to do this whenever, with your blessing of course"

This is a big risk, Joan. I don't know if it's suitable for a young woman like Harleen to be in such a big situation like that. She's only been here for a few months; I don't know if she is trustworthy enough for me to allow her to go through with this... Joan looked at Harley's face; her wide eyes conveyed enthusiasm and excitement, longing for the woman's approval. Joan sighed, finally giving in to the blonde.

"If you're doing this, I'm putting extra guards and security measures so tha-"

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Harleen said pulling Joan into a hug.

"Don't make me regret this"

"I won't. I promise"