Chapter 4

At lunch, I made an appointment at Dr. Hagger's office. I even chose to meet with the new counselor since Dr. Hagger wasn't in herself. It would be quick: tell them how I was feeling, they'd give me new meds, and things would even out. Obviously, I needed something more than what I had been taking if full hallucinations were still happening. The rest of the day dwindled from me as I prepared Mrs. Scott's body. 

When the clock ticked to 5 pm, I gathered my things and attempted to leave when I heard Mr. Babineau's smooth voice calling my name. I contemplated walking to my car and pretending I didn't hear him. Indeed, by now, he had realized it was May 26th. 

My body took over, turning me around and into his office. Darcy was sitting on one of the chairs in front of him, and a tingle ran up my spine. I looked at the other chair he gestured for me to sit in and found my legs again moving against my will. I watched their eyes look at me and each other as if to ask who would talk first. I took my opportunity.

"I'm sorry about earlier; I know I have seemed off today," I shot Darcy a look, meeting with her soft green eyes. I look back at the director and continue. " I am off to see my therapist now to see if we can find another medication that will be helpful…" my voice fluttered. 

I watched Mr. Babineau's eyes grow large as the words fell out of my mouth like hot vomit. 

"Wren, we just wanted to give you a gift for your 7th anniversary at Sage and Laurel", he said quickly, handing me an envelope and a bottle of sparkling juice. He had seen me drink before, and it was worse than no medication. 

Congratulations! You are not only a freak outside of work, but now these people know you're a nutjob…

Darcy's voice snapped me out of my head.

"We just want to make sure you're ok, Wren. We care about you."

And there it was. My final refuge devoid of mercy had been annihilated. I would forever be the dove with an injured wing, kept caged for my safety. I would never have another day in this office without someone verifying my well-being or scrutinizing my every move.

I stood to leave as quickly as I came, now in complete control of my body.

"I will be fine, but I'm late for my appointment. Gotta go!" I practically ran to my oversized SUV and threw it into reverse, leaving a small cloud of dust behind me as I exited the parking lot. 

 Although the office was small, dimly lit, and somewhat gloomy, its familiar ambiance made it feel like home. My town was small, and it was here, or "Happy Health," where the clinic on the far side of town was located in a much better neighborhood. I'd take my chances with the wretches of society over the perfect Susie Creamcheese vibe. 

I was alone in the waiting area, flipping through a stack of magazines older than the receptionist at the front. She smiled each time our eyes met, soft and warm but, more importantly, without pity. 

"In you, I see strength that surpasses any need for pity. You possess a resilience beyond measure that ignites admiration when I think of you." 

I didn't bother to look up to see who was talking to me. That voice had haunted me for months. I scoffed at its remark; strength and resilience were not among my better qualities. 

Leave me alone

"I thought you hated being alone…"

It was the first time I had said something back, and it answered. Intrigued, I responded.

How would you know? Just because you're in my head doesn't mean you know how I feel. 

"I know your every thought intimately."

The hairs on my neck stood, pricking with the rush of cool air blown over them.

Stop that!

" I couldn't help myself,"  the voice snickered. 

The young receptionist had moved into my field of view. 

"Wren? Dr. Nyx is ready to see you now", her chipper voice sang.

" We will finish this later," It whispered.

Unlikely.

I was ushered into an almost empty monochrome office and led to a sofa near the doctor's desk. The receptionist gave a slight nod and closed the door behind her. 

My eyes wandered over to each degree that decorated the walls; they were obviously qualified enough. Hopefully as easy to talk to as Dr. Hagger. I waited for what seemed like an eternity before the door to the room opened carefully—before me stood a captivating figure, a young man of striking allure. Tall and slender, yet his physique boasted rugged contours, enticingly defined in the valley of his abdomen. His sleeves artfully rolled, revealing chiseled arms adorned with pronounced veins, a tantalizing sight that stirred arousal deep within me.

As if he could hear the gears grinding in my mind at the sight of him, he grinned.

"Ms. Oubre, is it?", he looked up from the folder in his hands. 

"Wren. Just Wren", I swallowed hard. 

A wicked smile spread across his face once again. "Let's begin, shall we?"