Chapter 5

"So let's see here. Dr. Hagger's note says you were diagnosed 3 years ago. Is that correct?" he asked, arching his brow. 

I nodded and followed his eyes as he read the neat file with my name splashed across it. Something about his movements and idiosyncrasies seemed almost familiar. His eyes caught mine, and a smile spread across his face.

"I see the handsome shrink piques your interest. I think you find him as seductive as I find you", it whispered.

"Shut up!" I shouted.

"Pardon me?" Dr. Nyx asked, looking almost amused.

I froze momentarily, realizing the words had come from my mouth this time. 

"I'm… never mind. These meds are not working… I am seeing and hearing things that aren't there. It has only gotten worse in the past few weeks", I explain, conveniently leaving out the infuriating voice in my head. 

"Since Alison left?" he questioned, looking up from the papers.

I didn't realize Dr. Hagger had written that down, but it makes sense to me, being her patient. 

"Yes," I said quietly. He sat the paper binder on the desk before him, leaned back in his leather chair, and took a deep breath. 

"Would you like to talk about that?" he smiled.

This was not going to be as easy as Dr. Hagger… She listened, but this was a small clinic in a town full of mentally ill people. Time was not something she had to spare. 

"I know… eh…Well, I can guess you're probably busy and have a lot of patients to see. I hoped to try something stronger or different, " I said apprehensively. 

His eyes flashed with a bit of concern, so small that it was gone before it really arrived. 

"It is my professional opinion that option would not be your best choice. I'm happy to write you a prescription for something different if that is what you truly desire. However, I know it helps to talk about things with others, and seeing as you have no family and very few friends, I will gladly listen." He smiled, his golden eyes glowing warm and inviting.

How much did Dr. Hagger write down? I don't think I have ever seen that woman write anything down…

"...Besides, did you see a line of people waiting to see me?" he chuckled. 

True. 

" I think just the meds for today, thank you," I smiled timidly. 

"Very well," his mouth drew a thin line. 

I watched as he took out a pad and wrote furiously. He didn't look up when his outstretched hand passed me the prescriptions and instructions. 

"Take this to Ms. Sutton at the front, and she will have these sent to Gwen's Pharmacy", he said flatly as if disappointed. 

I took the paper and sank back into the sofa. 

" Say something, Wren.". The voice whispered 

"I am not great with people unless they're dead," I scoffed.

His eyes raised, and he looked at me with such intrigue that I couldn't stop myself. 

"Allie... uh… Alison and I had a long past. She was a close friend after the death of my parents; she was truly the only one there when I was so alone. She confessed to having feelings for me, and one thing led to another, and before I knew it, we were living together," I paused. 

He nodded, taking in my words.

"At first, I did my best to hide my depression, and she pretended not to hear me beg for death for months."

He shifted in his chair slightly; I knew death and suicide were touchy for most people.

"After a few years, I started seeing and hearing things that weren't there. I guess she could handle my depression and suicidal thoughts, but having arguments in the mirror with myself is where she drew the line. I watched her become disinterested and distant. Then I found her in bed with her boss." I cleared my throat, attempting to stifle the emotion. " I wasn't too surprised, and she didn't attempt to hide it. The next day, she packed her things, took my cat, and left."

He cleared his throat, passing me a tissue. I hadn't realized tears had stained my face. 

"How did that feel?" he asked. 

Surprisingly better. 

He smiled as if he could read my mind, "Good."

"Thank you?" I replied. 

It was a moment before either of us moved. I studied his face, and his upturned lip almost seemed satisfied. 

He escorted me down the hall back to the waiting area, which was now full of people. I looked back in time to see the same sinister grin at me and then at the people in the room before calling another person back. 

Motherfucker…

I took my prescription to the receptionist, who smiled as she faxed it to the local pharmacy. She gave me the "go-ahead" nod, and I made my way out of the clinic. 

The voice joked, "That must feel better. Not having so much weight on your chest..." 

Don't mock me. You have no idea how hard that was for me.

It was silent for a moment before it whispered, almost sadly. 

"I share your sorrow, my little Wren.