After my so-called 'initiation', I remained with the Red Band Society until dinner time. I didn't say much when I stayed with them; I sorta just sat in place and listened to their conversations. By what I heard, I learned a lot about my new clan of friends. Hayley is a lesbian, and she always checking out the female nurses. She said she even has a thing for Nurse Tay. I casually made a promise to get Hayley a date with Nurse Tay -- don't know how that is going to go down, but I'll try? Zack is really into anime and manga comics. He told me that he has over 200 manga books in his room, and he even offered to let borrow a few series to get into them with him. Rian enjoys playing the drums a lot. He gives him a sense of confidence through his disability. His story lightened my rock heart for a moment. Hearing someone being able to get through such a hard ship with one of my favorite things made me want to bond with him even more. Finally, Jack. Jack's conversations, for some reason, caused me to admire him the most.

Jack was a rock music junke like me. He enjoyed Blink-182, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Weezer, etc. He was into drawing, and he even had a few drawings with him that he drew of his mom and sister. He carried them around for, as he put it, a sense of comfort that they're always with him. He was so strong through his illness. I honestly wish I had his strength. If I did, I wouldn't be stuck in here. As he spoke, I watched him like he was TV that I craved to continue. His voice was course and deep; it sent flutters into my tummy. He made me feel feelings I had never felt before -- maybe I'll enjoy being around him after all.

---

The following morning, I awoke to a tapping on my shoulder. I grumbled incoherent slurs as I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Once I could see clearly, I noticed that it was only Nurse Tay. "N-Nurse Tay? What are you doing in here?" I asked. She giggled.

"I'm always going to be in here, bud. I just brought your breakfast in for you. Do you like waffles? Because, that's what's for breakfast along with some scrambled eggs." I nodded and scooted upwards to meet with the tray of food before me. The aroma of buttermilk filled my nostrils, and it made me smile. It reminded me of home when mom would make waffles on Sundays. Nurse Tay sat beside me, in a lounge chair, and pulled out a magazine from her scrubs pocket. She was now my aid when I ate since I threw my food out the window. Oops. I reached for the carton of apple juice, opened it, and sipped it. The tart liquid coated my cotton mouth and soothed it. I purred.

"So," I started to communicate, "do you just work for the eating disorder patients?"

"I work with the eating disorder patients and the teen mothers, actually."

"Why do they have a teen mothers wing? They're not ill." I was curious of this since I threw up on their designated wing. I thought it was kinda rude to call them ill; they're just young mothers.

"Oh, we know that, Alex. That wing is for teen mothers who are assigned here in their last months of pregnancy. They're usually assigned her to have tests put on them and watched over. Some teens need the extra help, you know?" Ah, that made sense. I nodded my head in understanding.

"Other than me, what other patients, in this wing, do you work with?"

"I work with a girl who is a binge eater. You and her are my only patients, but can I tell you a secret?" she asked. I furrowed my brows.

"Um, sure?"

"You're my favorite out of you two. She is so rude, and she always has an attitude. You are a very sweet kid. I am glad I get to work with you, Alex." I couldn't help but smile. That was the sweetest thing I had heard since I got here. I put a spoonful of eggs in my mouth, and instantly, my body began to quiver. Nurse Tay took notice of it right off the bat, and she ran to my aid. She held my shoulders and instructed me to take deep breaths. I did what she did. In and out, I would take the deepest of breaths. The more I breathed, the less my body would quake. "It's okay, Alex," Nurse Tay cooed, "just breathe. You can do this. Swallow the eggs, sweetie."

I obeyed. I counted down from three before swallowing the eggs. The substance hit the bottom of my tummy. I let out a long breath of relief once I swallowed the substance. I smiled at Nurse Tay. "Thanks. I-I guess I'll need some help with the panic attacks when I eat."

"I know who can help, you know."

"You do?" I perked up. "Who?"

"Gerard Way, or you will refer to him as Mr. Way. He's going to be your therapist while you stay here. He will teach you how to cope with those panic attacks, and you will visit him every other day until you leave." I frowned upon hearing this. I never liked talking about my problems with people; it was terrifying. I would always feel so sick, and sometimes, I would feel like a fool. Nurse Tay caught onto my sadness. "Alex, you okay?"

"I don't like talking about my problems... It sucks, and I feel stupid when I do."

"You'll be fine, I promise. He's an amazing guy, and he will be pleased to help you. Speaking of him, finish up. Your first appointment is in five minutes."

Notes

ok, does this suck or what?

i really apologize. i just got back from a comp and parade for marching band (yeah, didn't get to trick or treat), but thought I would update <3

have this cute gif of jack until my next reply



xoxo krys