“I’m Elizabeth’s therapist, a doctor. I’ve worked with her off and on for years. Her family had her put on a psych hold for the last three days and she hasn’t been to the house.”
“Yes, I agree that’s extreme. She’s at the Providence Portland Medical Center. I’ll have her released within the hour if you’d like to collect her.”
She paused. “Elizabeth would like to know if you’re alright.”
She cackled with delight. “I can see why she likes you.”
Dr. Maeve didn’t repeat his words, so I didn’t know what he’d said. Probably something witty or charming. Either that or lots of swearing. That was more probable. His language could be quite colorful. I seldom noticed his cursing anymore unless it was exceptional. Jittery, I couldn’t sit still. I couldn’t wait to see him. To feel his arms around me. That’s when I’d know I was safe.
“Yes, I’ll start her paperwork immediately.” She laughed. “That you can tell her yourself.”
I held up my finger. One more thing. I typed, “HURRY” in all caps.
Dr. Maeve chortled again, amusement sparkling in her emerald eyes. “She says to hurry. I don’t think she enjoyed her stay, though she’s fine. It was lovely talking to you, Christopher. See you soon.”
She hung up the phone.
“Let’s get started.” Her manner turned professional once again.
She loaded my file onto her computer and filled in the relevant sections. She showed me she was recommending out-patient therapy sessions every two weeks. Under her supervision, I chose times for our next four online sessions.
When I finished, she winked. “I knew something good would happen today.”
“I don’t know how to thank you. The last few days showed me how important it is to have people who believe you. My family loves me, but they don’t know me and I can’t count on them to trust me. I’m not avoiding them, but am going to take a break.”
“It’s my job, dear,” she said, patting my hand. “Also, my pleasure. I’m looking forward to meeting your young man. Someone wonderful enough to melt your reserve.”
Dr. Maeve came around the desk and gave me a hug. Her spicy smell was stronger up close, but pleasant. She buzzed for a nurse, and Chloe returned.
“Elizabeth will be leaving us. Please locate her street clothes and her belongings. I’ve filed my report and her ride is on the way,” said Dr. Maeve. “Please walk her through the discharge process. I’ll meet you both at reception in thirty minutes.”
Chloe’s eyebrows shot up. Her mouth flopped open and closed fishlike, at a loss for words. A tiny rush of victory zipped through me, but I kept it contained.
“Dr. Maeve,” the nurse said at last. “Elizabeth can’t talk. It’s been six months.”
Chloe had more to say, and I didn’t think it would be in my favor, despite my best behavior and her friendly manner. She was Meghan’s friend and would have heard a different story.
Dr. Maeve stopped in her tracks. “Yes.”
“I thought for sure Elizabeth would be staying. Remember what Meghan said?”
“I’m aware of what her sister said. Which was extremely unprofessional of her to share information about my patient. Meghan is not a doctor last I checked. Elizabeth is under my care, and I see no reason for her to remain with us on the ward. She isn’t a danger to herself or anyone else. You’d be wise to remember who has the authority to decide the particulars for patients if you’d like to continue working here. If Meghan doesn’t like my decision, she should speak to me herself. I’ll tell her the same thing. Do you have a problem completing the discharge? Shall I find someone else?”
“No problem, Doctor Maeve,” said Chloe. Head down, she shuffled her feet in place. “I’m sorry.”
Chloe’s eyes shot daggers at me.
“Apology accepted,” said Dr. Maeve. “See you in twenty-seven minutes.”
I wanted to jump for joy and fist-pump the air. Take that Meghan. Instead, I stayed calm and nodded my thanks with a smile for Chloe.
Back in my room, I didn’t have long to wait for my original clothes to arrive. They’d been laundered and smelled like floral detergent that made me sneeze, but I was relieved to wear my clothes that fit. I folded the borrowed clothes, leaving them in a pile on the bed. They weren’t mine, and I wouldn’t take them. The ill-fitting garments reminded me of my family’s betrayal.
The discharge at the reception counter was smooth and on time. Chloe cut off my hospital wristband and returned my phone. The battery had run down, so it wouldn’t turn on. Even with it dead, I enjoyed having it in my pocket. I could soon communicate. I threaded my belt into my jeans and replaced the laces in my purple Converse sneakers.
Christopher half ran into the building as I looked up. He must have stopped at home to shave and change first, as he wore different clothes than when he’d been arrested. I had nothing to carry. I ran toward him and he scooped me up in a hug, my feet dangling.
“Thank god you’re ok,” he said into my hair. “If I’d known they might have done that, I’d have skipped Thanksgiving dinner. If you want to avoid them forever, we can.”
