Chapter 23:

*EDDIE'S POV:

All I assumed was a random check up from a nurse or a casual staff member. They do frequent room visits to make sure everything's going well, if you need anything, etc. Lunch ended a bit ago so I was lounging in the room until I felt like going to the recreational room. It's all that was expected. It's all I expected. It's all I wanted. Standing from the bed, I now felt nauseated, embarrassed, ashamed. 

There she was, frozen in the same stance in the doorway. Her journal and pen dropped to her feet.

"Luna, I'd like you to meet-"

"Eddie?"

"So I take it you two already know each other?" Dr. Collins asked with a confused expression.

Audy shook out of the shocked state and politely asked if she could talk to Dr. Collins in the hallway. Figuring the least I could do was pick the journal and pen off the floor, I held them in my hands as I heard the conversation from the other side of the cracked door.

"You. . . you know that friend I was talking? That's. . . um. . . kinda him." she answered, rubbing the back of her neck. "I- I had no idea he was here!"

"Well, now you don't have to worry about convincing him to see a doctor." she lightly chuckled. "I'll leave you two alone for a few minutes, but remember your status. He's a patient and you're a staff member. Since the both of you are going to be seeing more of each other now that it's known, it'd be inappropriate to act irrational."

"Trust me, I know the limits. Nothing distasteful or inappropriate will be done to give you or myself a bad name."

"Alright, I believe you." she nodded, "I'll be back in a few minutes."

I scurried back to beside the bed and waited for Audy to return alone. She stepped back inside, fiddling with her fingers at her waist. I wanted to just run and sweep her off her feet, twirling her around and embracing the delicate being in the tightest of hugs, kissing her madly, but I had to shake the thought away. I'm a patient and she's a staff member.

She was the first to speak, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too." I answered back, soaking in the moment. I've missed her voice, her beauty, her.

"So what the hell are you doing in here?" she jokingly hissed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the desk. Distance was key.

"I guess I could ask you the same question." I said, chuckling at her as I sat back on the bed.

"Remember that program I signed up for? This is it." she answered, "I've been coming here since last Tuesday."

"I came here a day or two after I left your house. I really needed this. I was hurting people and needed to get help."

"I respect you a lot for this. It couldn't have been easy."

"Really? I'm feeling pretty embarrassed about it actually."

"Don't you dare," she scolded, "This was the best thing to do. It's a great facility. Is it working? How have you been feeling?"

"Well, Ms. Goodman," I started, lying down like a therapist's patient, "Yes, it actually has. I've been sleeping better, haven't been hearing or seeing as many things, and I've kept myself together."

"Stop making me laugh!" she giggled, "But as long as it's helping you. Do you have a release date at all?"

"I mean, after telling them everything I was closely monitored at first. Then there were days of nothing so they lightened up. That part I don't quite understand, but apparently it's normal to have nonconsecutive symptoms."

"Were you diagnosed with anything specific?"

"Nope, not really."

She smiled and nodded, looking down at her feet. Eye contact was avoided for a minute or two. Was she mad? Upset? Embarrassed? What's wrong, I asked her, please talk to me. Look at me, please. She lightly shrugged, running her tongue over her lips. God, those lips. I longed for a taste. Then I realized she probably did, too.

"You're. . .frustrated, aren't you?" I said, smirking. "Or should I say flustered?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." she said flatly, hiding a smile behind her stare. "You know how we have to act here."

"I know, I know. I'd never do anything to put your position in jeopardy. I love. . .respect you too much to do that." I said, immediately fixing my response.

"Well thank you."

I couldn't let her off that easily though, so I stood from the bed and walked over to the desk casually, whispering, "Besides, it might be kind of hot acting like we don't know each other. . ."

"Eddie!" she hissed, her eyes bulging. "No!"

"Here's your stuff." I smirked, changing the subject and handing her the materials she brought. "I don't think you're gonna need them now since you were probably asking  questions about me."

"Yeah," she softly giggled, "I- I have to go now."

"Oh, okay, that's fine." I nodded, watching her slowly trudge to the hallway. She looked back at me one last time, before walking out and cracking the door from behind.

Letting out an obnoxious groan, I let my body fall back to the squeaky mattress. It wasn't supposed to happen like this; she wasn't supposed to find out. It's not like I was gonna keep the secret forever, but at the right time I'd confess. The plan was to take a break, come to the clinic to see what the hell was going on, be somewhere until I was under control, and go back home to live my life normally. Sure I might have to take medication forever, but that didn't matter. All that matters is being able to live my life on my own.

I was nervous during the arrival. A completely different environment with people I didn't know. My parents brought me even though they were uneasy with the idea of leaving me alone. Ultimately the decision was all mine and they supported it nonetheless. This wasn't like a normal psychiatric hospital anyway─its a smaller venue where you went to figure out potential issues. The idea of it seemed less complicated and fit well. I didn't get a roommate like some of the other patients because of the unconscious violent tendencies I seem to have. It's for the best, I'd hate knowing I hurt a guy who didn't know what was coming.

Like many, I've spent most of my life believing that mental institutions held these demented maniacs, had rooms that were cold, dark, and filthy, and had nurses that neglected the patients at all costs. That's always how the movies and television shows portrayed them. I don't know what other places are like, but for one thing, I can say that none of those things are even remotely truthful here. Most of the patients─at least in my age range─are calm and collected. Sure, there've been a few fights and outbursts. That's understandable. The rooms are bright, clean, and newly remodeled. The nurses and doctors are quite helpful and kind to everyone, especially to the ones that need care. The only problem I have with this place is the food. The food could definitely use some improvement.

My thoughts were interrupted by the shrill of the door opening. My heart skipped a beat, a small ounce of me hoping it was Audy again, but it wasn't. The usual nurse who distributed meds appeared. Hey Eddie, he greeted, you know what I'm here for. He gave me the regular dosage and checked some other things before leaving. It wasn't a difficult process. Bored out of my mind, I then decided to head to the rec room and finish the book I started the other day. The way from my room to the book area seemed like a maze, but after following it a few times you get used to it. I sat in a corner chair to focus on the words typed along the pages. Reading could be a bit of a challenge here considering everyone was talking, yelling, or making noise.

"Are you still reading that book?" Wesley, a boy I've been talking to, jokingly asked.

"I'm almost done!" I retaliated, showing him the remaining pages.

"Alright, Munson. I guess you can read."

"Are you two bickering again?" Damon, another boy, chirped in, taking a seat next to Wesley. This was mainly the duo I hung out with unless Holly or Jason decided to tag along. Again, they're normal teenagers. They just have something that needs to be treated, that's all. Who am I to judge? I'm in here, too.

"Nah, I was picking on him for that book he's still reading." Wesley answered, spinning a checkers game piece.

"Whoa, careful, dude. You don't wanna injure someone." Damon dramatically gasped, holding his hands up.

Wesley rolled his eyes, letting out a slight chuckle. "Shut up,"

"You're awful quiet, schizo." Damon smirked, calling me by the nickname he gave me─even though they aren't really sure what I'm suffering from, he took it upon himself to diagnose me. He calls people by the reason they're in here (as long as they're ok with it). "You must really be into that book."

"Who said I'm reading it? Maybe I'm just spying on people." I said, wiggling my eyebrows.

"Oh, we got a snooper, eh?" he mocked with an Italian mafia getup and arched an eyebrow. He turned his attention to the approaching girl. "Well look who came to join the party! Why, it's heroine Holly."

"Fuck you, Damon." Holly sneered, taking the last empty chair. "What are you guys up to?"

"We're bored. You?" Wes groaned, shuffling the checker pieces.

"I'm tired." she mumbled, setting her head down and looking at me. "You're still reading that?"

"Why is everyone so surprised I'm reading a goddamn book?" I asked, throwing my arms in the air.

She shrugged, turning back to face Wes and Damon. All three decided to play a game of checkers, where Holly got all the red ones and the boys shared the black ones. By the time they were finished─Holly had successfully beaten both─I was finished with my book. I placed it back in its original spot and looked for another one, scanning the spines for an interesting title.

***

It's been a few days since the whole awkward 'wow okay I'm in a hospital and I didn't tell my girlfriend but she's here for a program and found out the hard way' situation. I haven't seen her around much, maybe once or twice in the hallway as she passes by, but that's it. I hope she's not avoiding me.

It was pizza day in the cafeteria. Taking my food to the usual table, I waited until at least Wesley or Damon sat down. I sat in silence, glancing around to see if I could find the familiar dark head of hair that has been recently tucked into a low bun. Again, Audy wasn't around. Maybe she eats lunch in the office when we do?

"Are you going to eat that? Because if not, you know I certainly will." Wesley asked, snapping me out of my trance.

"Don't listen to ol' whiskey. The pizza is about the only good thing they serve in this place. You might wanna eat that before one of the crazies decides to steal it." Damon said, sitting down and taking a bite.

Wesley scowled at Damon's nickname. I knew he didn't mind it, but he liked to glare at the sarcastic asshole whenever he could. Wesley was an alcoholic and almost drank himself to death when he lost control. He's in the rehab program.

"I'm hungry, that's all, Mr. Depression." Wes shrugged, smirking back at Damon─now the one scowling. Damon has depression and hides it with sarcasm and jokes. It's a horrible situation and I hope he's able to get the support he needs.

Jason appeared at the table with the tray in his hands. Hey, he mumbled, tossing it to the table and dropping to the vacant chair. I took a bite of the pizza, which was surprisingly tasty, as the others asked about the newly arrived guest. What's up with you, Wes asked with a mouthful of crust.

"I didn't sleep last night." Jason muttered, rubbing his eyes.

"Well now that's awfully strange to hear from an insomniac." Damon teased, earning a smack from Wesley.

"You didn't take your pills?" I asked, looking at the bags under his eyes.

"No, I hid them under my tongue. My nurse went to go help with a problem down in one of the wind so she didn't get a chance to check before she scurried out. I didn't want to take them because I get nightmares when I sleep." Jason answered, shaking his head. "And when I sleep, I hurt people."

I made a suggestion since I could relate to his situation. "Have you ever tried to see if you could control your dreams? I used to have night terrors and I think once in a while I could take matters into my own hands." I suggested, he thanked me as he shoved a spoonful of peaches into his mouth, saying he'd have to attempt it next time.

The four of us sat around and waited for lunch to be over. After this, I would have to go to a group session and then see a psychiatrist to talk about my improvement here in the facility. Am I excited? No. Lunch ended. We headed back to our rooms and waited for whatever we were supposed to do. A different nurse replaced Nathan for today and gave me my meds. I then followed her down to the therapy room, where others had already been seated. I mainly kept to myself as everyone else talked out their issues. I got a few looks from the doctor hosting the meeting but he didn't say anything.

Damon was already sitting alone when I got to the rec room, messing around with the checker board that never seemed to leave the table. Not a lot of people were in here at the moment, which I enjoyed. I sat down in my usual chair, admiring all the books on the bookshelves again. Damon stared at his hands as he blandly asked how therapy was.

"Boring like always," I said, grabbing a simple read. "You?"

"Just dandy." he answered, faking a smile. "Just fucking dandy."

"Dude, what happened?" I asked, setting the book aside to pay attention.

He hissed, gritting his teeth, "The dickhead told me to cut the whole sarcastic shit or else I'm getting transferred. Apparently dealing with depression the way I am isn't the correct way."

"Was it like a threat or?"

"No, I'm just going to be in this never-ending loophole of a shitty life. My parents don't give a fuck about me anyway. Who wants a disgraceful, severely depressed kid?" He mumbled, his knuckles turning white.

It was distressing seeing Damon like this. In the last few weeks I've been here, he's been the cocky humorous asshole who teases everyone while managing to make them smile. Now it's like I'm seeing his true self─the persona he hides from everyone. Don't think like that, I scolded. You do a lot for others, don't discredit yourself.

"How else am I supposed to think?" he asked, "My parents haven't visited more than ten times for the last two years I've been in here. Don't tell me they care because they don't. Save the shit talk, Munson. I'll be fine. Staying here forever isn't that big of a deal but being transferred is what I'm worried about."

I didn't know what else to say. I leaned back and stared at him, then chose a new reading. Wesley strolled in about ten minutes later, but by that time Damon had cooled off and gone back to his witty character. More and more people began to appear and disappear throughout the room. At one point, a girl began screaming and throwing things in various directions. A guard and nurse came to her aid, but she wasn't cooperating so she had to be sedated. Nothing much happened after that.

"Holy shit," Wesley breathed, tapping Damon on the hand.

"What?" Damon groaned, looking in the same direction. "Whoa,"

My eyebrows furrowed as my attempt to see what the fuss was about failed. What, I asked, but they didn't take their eyes off of whatever it was sparking their interest. It wasn't until I heard the clicking of heels and saw a figure revealed from behind a pillar. She scanned the room, smiling and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as we locked eyes.

"She totally just checked me out." Wesley freaked, looking back at her again.

"Don't waste your time, Wes. She was looking at me." Damon smirked, putting his hands behind his head and leaning back on his chair.

Rolling my eyes, I knew Luna had seen me. For entertainment purposes, I kept that to myself. Oh, fuck no, Damon hissed, throwing his hands into his lap. What, what's the matter, I asked.

Wesley whined, "Cody got to her first."

"Who's Cody?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "What's wrong with him?"

"Talk about compulsive. He has the shittiest temper in the world. One wrong word and he'll slit your throat." Damon answered. "He's one misdemeanor away from being transferred."

"That's not very comforting." I said uneasily, worried for her sake. What's it to you, they asked. I stayed quiet but sighed in relief when she made her way over to the three of us.

"Watch and learn, boys. I'll teach you how to flirt." Damon cockily smirked again, winking.

"Hey, Eddie." she grinned, sitting on the armrest of the chair I resided in. "What's up?"

"Nothing much, just reading." I smoothly answered, smirking at the two shocked boys sitting across from us.

"Hello," she greeted cheerfully, "I'm Luna, an intern."

"I-I'm Wesley."

"And I'm dreamboat Damon."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Damon,"

"What? It's not like I'm lying." he winked.

She laughed before repeatedly patting her thighs. "So I got to interact with the kids and the old people today."

I chuckled, "And you're sitting here with us? How did you ever manage to pull yourself out of that?"

"I don't know, but I love all the kids and elderly here."

"What about me?" I pouted, sticking out my bottom lip.

Wesley chimed in, "And me,"

And of course, Damon needed a say in this, "How about me?"

"I think I need to get to know you two a little more before I end up loving you." she giggled, darting her eyes back and forth from the boys.

"Well, princess, I found myself spiraling out of control into a swirling black pit of depression, which led me to swallow almost every single pill and ounce of vodka in my house."

"I almost drank myself to death." Wesley blankly said.

"There, now you love us." Damon said. "How do you know our lovely schizo over there?"

"We know each other outside of here." she casually answered, looking at the clock. "Shoot, my shift's almost over. Hey, I'm gonna be in your lunch and dinner for the next couple days. I'll see you guys then."

I waved goodbye, immediately focusing back on the book. When the clicking of heels died out, I knew I was about to be interrogated. Alright Munson, Damon said, what the hell was that?

"What was what?"

"You two?"

"Like she said, we know each other outside of here." I shrugged.

Wesley chuckled, "In what way?"

"Yeah, considering she said she'd only have to get to know Wes and I before she loved us." Damon said, crossing his arms.

"Look, she didn't know I was coming here and I forgot she signed up to intern here." I honestly answered. "It was awkward for the both of us."

"So she is your girlfriend?" Wesley asked.

"Yeah," I whispered, "but you can't blab that around. Please, I don't want her getting in trouble."

"Don't worry, I wouldn't do that to a doll like her." Damon smiled.

"Keep your dick to yourself, alright Damon?"

"No promises," he cooed, wiggling his eyebrows....................................................A/N: This was two chapters but I combined it into one because it mainly had the same idea and flows into each other. That's why its so long-ish.

If anyone caught on, I have recently been getting too involved with The Vampire Diaries, so that's where the names of Wesley and Damon came from. So YES DAMON HAS THE PERSONALITY OF DAMON SALVATORE I CAN'T CONTROL MYSELF IM SORRY I JUST FINISHED SEASON THREE OF THE VAMPIRE DIARIES AND I COULD NOT STOP CRYING. IM NOT SORRY AKDNSKWJDNNSKW

So yeah obviously Eddie is back in the story. It's not like he was gone for long I guess but I mean now he's back.

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