23

The rest of the lesson passed by in a blur. Regan did nothing at all, she continued to act as if she was asleep. She even got scolded by her teacher for that. But she didn't care. She was grateful for the fact that he stopped talking in her head.A few times, she even took naps during class, her face buried in her arms on the desk. But naps didn't calm her down. She was restless all the time, her mind not in place. She didn't know what to worry first for.Her aunt picking her up and going in some place, her getting detention, the teacher talking to her aunt or just the whole mess she was in.The last nap she took was in history lesson. After the bell rang, she had felt someone tugging at her sleeve. She had woken up and had seen all the students were rushing outside, not even Vesper was there. She was panicked but let it be. Either it was his prank or she imagined it. Both were terrifying but now, she hated being scared.She served her detention by fixing books in the library and by putting genres and works in their right place. It wasn't very tiring after all. Still, the teacher didn't have to bombard her with extra homework.She sighed and threw her bag on her back, walking out of the school. Knowing she was late, Regan tried to find an excuse for her aunt. She was sure that her aunt was disappointed and obviously angry. She could say she had a headache and didn't pay attention to classes, so she got detention. After all, it wasn't a total lie. She had a headache and she didn't pay attention to classes. But she didn't want to mention the other part.She spotted Monica's car just when she was outside and entered in.Monica started riding and didn't say anything.Regan was surprised of her not saying anything. Really? Nothing? When there was so much to say. She could have asked about the class thingy or if she wasn't aware yet, she could have asked of why Regan was late. She could reprimand her.Not bearing it anymore, Regan asked, "Where are we going?""We'll be there soon, be patient." Monica said after a while.All this matter was making Regan even more nervous. She started fidgeting with her fingers and looking through the windows. The car passed by houses and trees. The girl didn't know where she was, she hadn't been in that part of city.The ride went silent until the car stopped in front of a white building. Monica stepped out of the car and so did Regan, puzzled. When she looked up, saw something. Something that shocked her. In a label there read "Psychiatric Center."Her heart started pounding hard, her breath hitching. She couldn't believe what she was seeing but she instantly understood what was going on.How could her aunt think that she was crazy?"Why are we in a psychiatric clinic?" Regan asked, her shaky but also angry.Monica threw her a look and sighed."That's just a psychologist. She's gonna take a look at you and find out what's going on with your mind, Regan," Monica replied with a calm voice."There's nothing going on with my mind. I'm not imagining all that. He. is. real!" Regan retorted through gritted teeth."No, he is not." Monica replied and took Regan's arm, moving her inside.They entered from a set of glass doors, inside a chilly hall in white with some rooms with the names of these people who were either psychologists or psychiatrists but by the name of the building itself, they must have been psychiatrists. A few people were walking around here and there, some talking to someone else while others were just walking by. They went to the reception where a lady was sitting behind a desk, talking on the phone."Can I help you?" she asked, looking at them. Monica took a deep breath and explained the reason why they were here. The lady listened, nodded and then said that they should wait for the doctor. They sat on a gray couch, the one that was facing the reception. Regan didn't want to be here. She looked at her aunt, her eyes filled with resentment and anger. She couldn't believe her aunt thought she was crazy. She couldn't believe her aunt thought she was lying. She couldn't believe her aunt thought she was making things up.She took her phone out and started to play a game. She didn't want to talk, didn't want to listen to anyone. She just wanted to be peaceful and normal for once. Was it that hard? Why couldn't she be like other girls? Why couldn't she just live her life without having to deal with freaky, paranormal, scary stuff?After a while, the receptionist lady told Monica something and then Monica took Regan with her.Regan couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal. She knew that what she had experienced was real, but it seemed like no one would ever believe her. Okay, Vesper believed her but her aunt was the closest person that she had. Another wave of depression washed over her as they continued to walk. She never thought Monica would do that to her.As they reached the psychologist's office, Regan took a deep breath and prepared herself for whatever was to come. She was determined to prove that she wasn't crazy and that her experiences were valid.

Monica and Regan entered the office and were greeted by the doctor. The doctor was a woman in her forties, with blonde hair, trimmed straight to her shoulders. She was wearing a white coat, and her face was blank.

Regan sat down anxiety on a couch, following her aunt. Her heart was racing both in anger and fear."Hello, Regan. I'm Dr. Sarah. How are you today?" she asked, her voice calm."I'm fine," she answered nervously."Your aunt already told me why you're here," Dr. Sarah said."Yeah, my niece has been experiencing some odd occurrences that seem to be related to a figure named 'Sirius'. She claims that he's been haunting her and trying to manipulate her life." Monica explained.Regan rolled her eyes, somehow feeling like he was laughing out there, at seeing her wrecked state."I understand your hesitation but I promise that you'll be well taken care of here." Dr. Sarah spoke softly.Regan shrugged. She didn't want to be part of tests and these sort of things. It was hurtful enough that her aunt brought her there."Regan, I believe that the doctor is right. I think it'd be a great idea to get some help so that you can continue going on with your life without Sirius." Monica reassured putting her hand on Regan's shoulder.Regan sighed heavily, feeling her head spin with anger and disbelief. She wanted to get rid of haunting, but didn't believe this was the way to do it. She wanted to leave as fast as possible, but Dr. Sarah started to ask her many questions about her life. She asked about her family, her friends, her hobbies, her school, her past, everything.Regan found herself answering for most, although she noticed how. Dr. Sarah was growing even more convinced that she had some sort of mental problem. Regan didn't tell her about that feeling of non-belonging, but she told about being watched and haunted.Then, she asked Regan to describe her delusions although Regan knew very well he wasn't a delusion. Dr. Sarah asked her about Sirius and he looked like. However, Regan felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment. How could she say he was terribly handsome? No, she wasn't going to say it. So, she said he was just some guy, nothing special. The doctor nodded and continued to ask questions.Finally, Dr. Sarah leaned forward in her desk and steepled her fingers, her eyes fixed on Regan. "So, Regan, I've carefully considered your responses and what you've told me. I believe you have some sort of psychosis, typically schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. You're experiencing delusions, especially of persecution and reference, and paranoid thoughts. You've created this character, Sirius, in order to cope with your feelings of being overwhelmed and out of control."Regan's eyes went wide in shock. She couldn't believe she was taken as a lunatic. "No, I'm not crazy. I'm not!" she exclaimed, anger bubbling up inside her. "He is real and...." She trailed off, not wanting to say he was probably watching them all now, laughing his head off."I know this is hard for you, dear. But Dr. Sarah is right. Sirius is not real and our house isn't haunted. You're feeling overwhelmed, and you need help. We can get you on the right medications and talk through your feelings," aunt Monica said, her voice calm.Regan felt her head spinning. They were all against her. She knew what she had seen and heard. They weren't mere hallucinations. But she couldn't prove it. They didn't believe her. They were never going to believe her."You don't understand," she managed to say, her voice shaking with rage, "I'm not manifesting anything. He. Is. Real!""We understand that you think so, Regan," Dr. Sarah spoke, her tone gentle but firm. "But based on the evidence and your responses, it's clear that you are experiencing delusions. And it's obvious that when you have delusions you see and hear things that aren't really there. You see, this is what schizophrenia does to a person's brain. It makes them see and hear things that aren't real. It's not your fault, but with psychoactive medication and therapy, we can help you get better."Monica nodded in agreement, a concerned look on her face. "Yes, Dr. Sarah is right. We want what's best for you, Regan. And this is the best course of action for your wellbeing."Regan felt her blood boil in anger and betrayal. She couldn't believe her aunt was taking the doctor's side. She wanted to hit something but it would make things worse. They'd think she was acting upon her delusions. She clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white."You know what? All of this is such a bunch of crap and nonsense. I know he's real and I know he's mocking around with you both as well, right now. So, whatever you say doesn't make sense. I'm done." And with that, Regan stood up from the couch, storming out of the room, not bothering to glance at her aunt or Dr. Sarah.The walls were scary and suffocating and she hastily made her way out. She couldn't believe all of that. And she knew he was watching her, right now.As she entered the car, she crossed her arms, her eyes burning on the road. Soon after, Monica entered, a disappointed look in her face."You shouldn't really done that, my dear. We're just trying to help you," she said, her voice gentle but disappointed."That's not help. That's bullshit," Regan snapped. "And I don't need any help."The rest of the drive went silent. Regan would glare at her aunt and Monica would try to reason with her but none of them made sense to each other.When the car reached their house, Regan got out and slammed the door shut.She stormed into the house, her anger bubbling inside her like a volcano ready to erupt."I can't believe how you think I've gone insane. Why don't you ever believe me?" Regan asked, feeling frustration and resentment toward her aunt."Regan, I don't think you've gone insane. But you know very well that these paranormal and occult stuff you talk about doesn't exist." Monica said as she approached and put a hand on Regan's shoulder. "Please, I'm trying to help you. I don't want to see you depressed."Regan shook her head, rubbing her eyes, "I'm not depressed or psychotic," she retorted, "and you know what, aunt? Just because you think that paranormal doesn't exist, it doesn't mean you're right." Then, Regan stood up from the couch again and walked in the kitchen, thinking to eat something.Monica followed her, "Regan, don't be like that. You know I care about you more than anything.""You do but you don't understand me." Regan replied, looking inside the fridge.Monica sighed and before she was going to talk again, the doorbell rang."I'm gonna check." Regan said, not looking at her aunt.As she opened the door, she saw Vesper.