A cold winter breeze swept through that large park, decorated with beautiful flower beds and pretty colorful flowers bathed in a thin layer of snow.
Louis walked through the outdoor corridor to the reception of the hospital, which awaited him with a warmth that any film director would have suppressed just to maintain the old eerie look of the building. A man with black hair and long eyelashes, who according to Louis should not be over 30, looked at him and in a deep but also soft voice said: -Good morning, can I help you with something?
Louis analyzed it discreetly, his ID said Malik, Zayn. His eyes were honey colored and from what his ring counted, he was married.
-Uhm yeah, I'm coming, um, Simon Cowell?
-Are you Louis Tomlinson?
-Yes
-Cowell told us that you will most likely come. Louis laughed dryly
-I didn't have much choice. He is my manager, I must do what he tells me.
-Are you over 18?
-Yes
-Okay, fill out this form. Name, surname, date of birth, relatives, phone numbers The blue-eyed man sighed and with delicate handwriting completed the form. When he finished, he handed it to the dark-haired man, who told him to follow him.
-Look, you must leave your belongings in this box. It has your name on it, it will be returned to you when you leave. Regarding the cell phone, that will depend on your progress. Questions?
"No," he replied, taking off his watch and taking his wallet and cell phone out of his pockets.
-Okay. Look! He is the doctor who is going to attend you.
A man with brown hair and brown eyes approached. Behind him were two young men. One of them had beautiful slanted green eyes and slightly curly short hair. The other was blonde but with brown roots and had blue eyes.
-Nice to meet you. I'm Dr. Payne. They are my residents, Dr. Styles and Dr. Horan. Thanks Zayn.
The dark-haired man nodded and turned to reception.
-Let's get in, I'll explain a little how things work around here.
As they entered, a pleasant warmth washed over Louis. There were two brown armchairs and a carob-colored desk with a chair behind it. The walls were soft yellow, almost white, and there were several books. He also noticed a white gurney.
-Here, you must change your clothes. We must also check that you do not have any contraband objects.
-Pardon?
-Blades, pills...- The doctor said while counting with his fingers
-Oh, okay.
Dr. Payne, whose name was Liam according to a small plaque on top of his desk, indicated him to change his clothes. The blue-eyed felt quite uncomfortable under the doctor's watch, so he covered his body as much as he could.
When he finished putting on that ugly white uniform and black slip-on shoes, he carefully turned in his clothes.
-Nothing suspicious. In this case, how do we proceed doctor Styles? -You have to analyze the patient's situation with a series of questions, and then stipulate how long approximately it should be under observation.
-Very well. Tomlinson, I formally introduce you to Dr. Harry Styles, he will be the one to track your progress and you'll have appointments with me twice a week. Please sit down, I have to ask you a few questions. Styles, stay, watch and learn, Horan, you are free to go.
I'll go see if Dr. Godfrey needs anything"
Payne nodded.
-Can I call you Louis?
-Yeah sure
-Tell me Louis, why did you decide to come?
-I am a musician and my representative demanded me to see a psychologist for certain attitudes. I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder after months of testing. They gave me some medications to avoid so many inconveniences, but my manager made me stop taking them because I was numb all day and that was affecting my development as singer. I had a breakdown due to this a few days ago
-Did you ever hurt yourself? Remember that we are not going to judge you, we are here to help you. -Yes...
-Ok, would you give the name of your previous psychologist?
-Swift, Taylor Swift.
A small device on Liam's belt chimed, flashing a blue light
-Doctor Styles, I have to go to check on a patient, can you proceed with Mr. Tomlinson's review?
-Yes of course.
Liam left that office and the curly one approached him, taking his hands out of his pockets.
-I hope we get along well, we're going to spend most of the day together.
His voice sounded calmer than before. He supposed he was nervous earlier because Liam was testing him. His voice was now deep but, just like Zayn's, it was soft and calming.
-Each patient has an assigned resident?
-Not really, just some of them. May I?- He asked, lightly grasping the blue-eyed's wrist, who nodded.
-I need you to tell me if you don't feel comfortable with any procedure, okay?
-It's okay The curly one smiled, revealing his dimples and perfect teeth. He checked his arms carefully.
-Do these bruises hurt?
-A little, why are you checking them? -Because it's my job- he said now, checking the blue-eyed face. The curly one gently ran his thumbs through the dark circles of the boy in front of him
-You said you were a musician?
-Yes, I am.
-How many hours you used to sleep? -It depends, sometimes three, maximum four.
-Do you know how many hours you should sleep?
-Yes, but it is not like I can fulfill them.
-The bruises, what are they from?
No answer
-Louis, you need to t...
-You are a doctor, can't you know?
-I want you to tell me, I can think something but maybe I'm wrong.
-I can not tell you...
-Okay, why?
-You should sign a contract, clarifying that you won't say anything.
-You didn't tell me anything but you told me everything. Also, not even the clumsiest one has three bruises on his arm, one next to each other.
-Have you reported it to the police?
-What I say is nothing against what he says.
The curly didn't say anything else, he preferred to shut up.
-You said you got to hurt yourself, didn't you?
-Yes, but not anymore. And I have no scars so I save you the trouble of searching.
-can I tell you something? Pretend that I'm your friend.
-Yeah sure
-You're a lousy liar.
The curly one gently ran his hands over the blue-eyed thighs, who shuddered because of the curly's touch- You have scars on your legs. You don't have to lie to me, whether you told me or not, at some point I would realize.
-I'm sorry
-Don't. Just don't do it, you must be sincere. It doesn't qualify as progress that you lie.
-Well...Friends don't lie
The curly one laughed, lowering his head
-I am glad to know that we are friends.