What is love? What is the criteria to be loved? Can a person like Elliot be loved and appreciated in this life? Or she'll be left alone, feeling miserably lonely again? Yesterday's nightmare took a huge toll on little Elliot's mind. She locked herself up in her bedroom and kept thinking about the faults her mother said she had which made people resent her. Amelia showed up countless times and so did Leonardo, since the behavior she displayed screamed red flags, which a lot of the previous admitted kids showed before ending their lives at the hands of suffering from endless depression, hopelessness and loneliness. Elliot knew about their arrivals, and she infect wanted to answer to their worried voices when they kept banging on the door, asking Elliot to open it. Her mind refused her to move and open the door while her heart skipped a beat every time she heard those worry filled voices of her very first friend and the person who gave her a new home. In this situation, it was easy to say that Elliot herself was at war with what her heart wanted and what her mind wanted her to do, not to mention her emotions were all over the place, and she was scared to show Amelia and Leonardo this insane side of her, afraid that they might abandon her like the rest of the world did, several years ago. She was finally feeling normal and at ease with the few people she interacted with, but all of that was gone in just one nightmare.
Amelia: 'Elliot... Please open the door. At least tell me you're fine in there.'
Elliot: '...'
Amelia: 'Elliot, if you don't answer me, I'm going to call the security and tell them to break the door. Do you want me to do that? I and Leo are so worried about you. So please... Open the door.' Elliot hesitantly stood up from her bed and paced forward towards the door. Even though she was scared that, by showing Amelia this side of her, she'll no longer want to be friends with her, Elliot still wanted her to see the real her. The paranoid little Elliot.
Elliot: 'Now you hate me too...right?'
Amelia: 'What are you talking about, Elliot? I don't hate you now and I never will.'
Elliot: 'People who saw me scared started resenting me. They said I looked horrible and ugly when I was scared, and hence left me all alone.'
Amelia: 'They must have said that because they were jealous of you.'
Elliot: 'Jealous of who? Elliot?'
Amelia: 'People are always jealous of the things they can't have.'
Elliot: 'I don't have anything to make other people jealous of me.'
Amelia: 'Oh you do. You really do, Elliot. The thing they're jealous of is your beauty. Trust me, when I say you're beautiful from inside and outside, you really are beautiful from inside and outside. So, from now on , promise me one thing.'
Elliot: 'Promise you what?'
Amelia: 'That you will never pay attention to what others say and will always look out for yourself first. If you want yourself to be at ease and be normal, the first thing you have to do is to stand up for yourself and be confident with every step you take forward. I know that is not easy but trust me, it will all work out in the end.'
Elliot looked at Amelia with admiration as she told her ways to improve herself. She knew deep down that one day or the other, she will have to look out for her own self. But since Amelia befriended Elliot the moment she got in to the facility, she forgot how hard it actually was for her to blend in with other people. No matter how far fetched the goal might look right now, Elliot wanted to believe that she could achieve it, no matter how long it takes. She wanted to become more outgoing and confident like Amelia, so that if anyone ticks her off in the future, she'll be able to counter attack right away instead of stuttering and waiting for somebody else to help her. It's like the passion was growing from within her and for the first time in a while, she was fired up enough to make a change in her life by herself, without expecting help from anyone else. Leonardo suddenly came barging in as he heard that Elliot had unlocked the door from the security guards. He came rushing in, covered in sweat as if he was running for quite a long time. But then again, if he started running from his office, which is pretty far away, this is how he should look like, basically. However, Elliot thought Leonardo came running straight from his room, wherever it was, since it was 6 in the morning, and almost half of the kids in the facility were asleep.
Leonardo: 'Finally! After all this time, you finally decided to open the door, Elliot.'
Elliot: 'Are you angry...?'
Leonardo: 'Of course not. Worried will be a more suitable word here. Don't do anything like this from now on. Whenever something pressures you to do impulsive things like this, just come to me and I'll help you.'
Elliot: 'You will help me?'
Leonardo: 'Of course I will, It's my job after all.'
Amelia: 'Umm, sorry to butt in, but I think you're forgetting something, Leo.'
Leonardo: 'What? Did you want something from me, Amelia?'
Amelia: 'Urgh, stop messing around and tell Elliot about the school enrollment thing because the class begins at 8AM and it's already 6:30AM and we also have to get ready for breakfast.'
Leonardo: 'Oh yeah, I remember now! Thanks for reminding me Amelia! Anyways, Elliot, I got you in to a school that is directly affiliated with this facility. All of the kids in the facility go their except for the one who've already completed their high school. So, you'll be going there with Amelia and the other students five days a week in the school bus that will come to pick you guys up at 7:30AM, so get ready. Adios!'
Elliot: 'A school... I never knew about this...'
Amelia: 'Well, now you do. I have your uniform in my room, let me bring it over so we can get ready.'
Amelia ran over to Elliot's room after fetching both hers and Elliot's uniforms as the girls got ready together. It's the first time in a while that Elliot wore a school uniform. When she used to live with her father and her step mother and sister, her step mother forbid her from stepping foot outside the house, and even inside the house, she was not allowed to roam around freely. The attic was her room, and her one and only prison. She scanned herself in her new school uniform, smiling to herself as she twirled around and showed off to Amelia who told Elliot how great she looked. Elliot grabbed the blazer that was laying on the bed and quietly analyzed it.
Elliot: 'Horizon High, school of performing arts...'
Amelia: 'Yup, that's the name! Nice, right?' Elliot nodded ferociously and brushed her hair, ready to leave for breakfast with Amelia.
After breakfast, the bus came to pick the students up just as Leonardo said it would. Elliot followed Amelia inside the bus, looking for a place to sit. And, as if time just stopped, she made eye contact with Gallahan who was sitting in the second row with his friends. She awkwardly stood there, ready to pass by his seat and find a seat at the back of the bus, but she was interrupted when Gallahan nudged his friend's arm as he jolted up from his seat, startling Elliot. She glanced at Gallahan, who adjusted himself on the seat next to the window. Elliot's body moved on it's own as she stepped forward and sat next to Gallahan.
Gallahan: 'First day at school I suppose?'
Elliot: 'Yes...you too?'
Gallahan: 'No, I started high school a couple months ago, so yeah. Nervous?'
Elliot: 'Not really, Amelia said she'll be with me.'
Gallahan: 'Try to make as many friends as you can, it's fun that way.'
Elliot: 'I'll try...'
Gallahan: 'You look good...'
Elliot: 'Huh?'
Gallahan: 'I said, you look good. The uniform suits you.' Elliot blushed at his compliment and started fidgeting with her fingers as she replied him with a little thank you. All these actions of Elliot made Gallahan smile by how cute they were. Amelia on the other hand grinned widely when she realized the sight in front of her. She was glad that Elliot forgot about the nightmare she had, even if it was for a little while. She sighed in relief and stared outside the window until the bus stopped in front of the school and the students aligned themselves and exited the bus.
The rest of the day went by in a flash, the classes rapidly passed by as Elliot got to meet new kids that were in her class. Amelia was Elliot's senior and Gallahan was in a different section so Elliot felt pretty lonely but some girls approached her and they started to have conversations, just like how normal high school students do. The only thing that happened today that made Elliot's heart beat like crazy was when Gallahan invited Elliot to have dinner with him and his friends. Elliot, of course took Amelia with her since his friends were also there.
Tyler: 'Hi, I'm Tyler, pleasure to meet you both.'
Amelia: 'I'm Amelia and the pleasure's all mine.'
Elliot: 'I'm Elliot. Nice to meet you...'
Joshua: 'Wow, I never knew Gallahan was capable of making friends with the opposite gender, all he does is ignore them. Oh, I'm Joshua by the way, let's get along!'
Elliot and Amelia greeted Gallahan's friends and all of them quickly started making conversations and jokes to each other. Amelia and Joshua kept on making dad jokes and Elliot couldn't help but laugh at them. In all the matter of making new friends and enjoying their time together, Elliot forgot all about her past for the time being and laughed freely and it was all thanks to Amelia and Joshua, who were the complete copies of each other. However, the one thing that Elliot did not notice was the stares from Gallahan who, from time to time, stared at Elliot to see her reactions and most of all, her smile. He smiled whenever Elliot smiled, and remained serious whenever Elliot sat quietly. He wanted to keep looking at her as his heart started beating faster, but at the same time he was afraid that she might find him staring at her and would get uncomfortable. Amelia noticed that both she and Elliot were getting stares from the rest of the students in the cafeteria since Gallahan and his friends rarely make friends and hang out with other students, especially the female students. At that time she realized that they need to finish their lunch and leave the table, since both of them got carried away. Amelia knew what would happen if they get too close with Gallahan and his friends. She knew the 'pick me' girls would approach them and start a rebellion, but Amelia was more than capable to fight and bring the 'pick me' girls to dust. But what she worried the most about was, what would Elliot do if she get caught up with those girls. She knew how fragile and docile Elliot was and she brought it upon herself to protect her while she's still in the phase of living in her past.
Amelia: 'We will be excusing ourselves now.'
Joshua: 'Already?'
Amelia: 'It's almost time for the last two classes to commence before we can go home and I don't want to be late. Thank you for inviting us to have lunch with you guys, it was fun.'
Elliot: 'I will be going too...See you all around.' Amelia and Elliot got up from the bench and left the cafeteria, going to their next class.
The rest of the day passed by quickly and here she was, the little Elliot, laying on her bed all tired and exhausted from the school routine. She wanted to take a quick nap but she was afraid that she'll encounter another hideous nightmare and return back to her old behavior subconsciously. She wanted to believe that this time, even if she did end up having a nightmare, she will try her best to live it normally, like any other passing event or nightmares that she had before in her life. She suddenly got an idea as she took her pillow and blanket and ran outside her room.
*Knock Knock*
Leonardo: 'Come in.'
Elliot: 'Hi...'
Leonardo: 'Elliot? Oh what a pleasant surprise! What brings you- WAIT WAIT WAIT! ARE YOU PLANNING TO ESCAPE?!'
Elliot: 'Huh? Escape? Who's escaping?'
Leonardo: 'You of course, who else do you see here? The blanket and pillow explains it.'
Elliot: 'I've read in multiple novels that when someone is planning to run away from their home, the first thing they pack is money and clothes...I doubt this blanket and pillow is for that purpose...'
Leonardo: 'Well...you do have a point. So why are you here? Don't tell me you came for a bed time story?'
Elliot: 'Elliot doesn't like bed time stories, unless they're tragedy.'
Leonardo: 'Then why are you here?'
Elliot: 'I have trouble sleeping...the nightmares scare me, so can I sleep on the bed in the infirmary near your office? Can you....stay with me until I wake up...?'
Leonardo: 'I'm honestly glad that you came to me instead of fighting all by yourself. Sure, you can head over to the infirmary first, I will follow you there in a bit.' Elliot nodded and headed over to the infirmary just like Leonardo told her to. She was happy that he accepted her request. While coming over to Leonardo's office to make her request, Elliot did not hesitate and proved her point clearly. Deep down, Elliot knew that Leonardo would not say no to her since he is responsible for watching over her and she was glad that she can count on someone besides Amelia. She suddenly remembered that she forgot to tell Amelia that she was going to sleep in the infirmary but she figured that Leonardo will let her know in Elliot's stead. Elliot adjusted herself on the infirmary's bed and waited for Leonardo to come.
Leonardo: 'Sorry it took me a little while to come, I can see you are already dozing off like a baby.'
Elliot: 'I...am not a...baby. I am...14 years old...'
Leonardo: 'Sure sure, whatever you say, Elliot.' Leonardo giggled as he watched Elliot go to sleep. He smiled a little and started working on his laptop all the more while sitting right next to the bed Elliot was sleeping on.
???: 'Hey, Leo.'
Leonardo: 'Oh, hello Abigail. What brings you here, in this building?'
Abigail: 'Looks like you're not really happy to see me after such a long time.'
Leonardo: 'Well, it's not such a long time, it's been 4 months since you got reassigned to a new doctor since I mostly spend my time treating kids in this building.'
Abigail: 'I was going for a check up and saw that the door that connected the third floors of building X and building Y was unlocked and open. So I thought I might as well pay you a visit. I see you're not thrilled. Well then, I will take my leave as fast as I gave my greetings to you. And, who's that? Another one of your patient who tried to commit suicide?'
Leonardo: 'Thank you so much for your worry, Abigail. This patient of mine is completely fine so you might as well leave. Good bye.'
Abigail: 'Alright alright, I'm leaving but, I'm going to give you a little piece of advice before I leave. Don't trouble yourself with more patients, after all, no matter how hard they try, all of them will perish one day. I didn't get you replaced for no reason you see, Dr. Leonardo Grant.'
Leonardo: 'I never knew you could give such crappy advices but I'm glad I don't live my life by listening to the unwanted opinions and advices of other insignificant creatures in my life. Now, if you'll please leave, I've got work to do. The exit is that way.' Leonardo smiled and pointed towards the door of the infirmary as Abigail scoffed and stomped out of the room. Leonardo sighed and looked over to Elliot as he suddenly remembered what Abigail said. He suddenly started getting flashbacks of the previous two patients that he treated, both of them ended up committing suicide, and to this day, he blames no one but himself for that incident. The last thing he wanted was for Elliot to walk down the same path as those two patients. He thought that he lost Elliot as well when she locked herself up in her room, the same way those two patients did. Just like Elliot, Leonardo also feels like he is entangled up in his past even when he's a psychiatrist himself.
It is never easy to trigger someone like Leonardo, but for someone like Abigail, who is best known for manipulating other's and forcing them to do the things she want them to do, it is simply a piece of cake. That is the reason he was eager to leave Abigail as his patient 4 months ago when she kept on triggering him. She came to the facility because of her extremely clever, hostile and controlling nature. She even forced her own parents and siblings to commit sick crimes and then blamed everything on them, handed them over to the police and ran away to the country side to join some kind of cult. She was later found by the police and ended up in this facility and to this day, is the oldest admitted patient here. It's her 4th year here, she came even before Amelia entered the facility and it doesn't look like she'll be leaving anytime soon. Leonardo refused to tell Abigail anything about Elliot and he knew that once Elliot wakes up, he should tell her to be vary of Abigail and also tell Amelia to watch out. He knew that Abigail did not simply come to this building to say hi to him. He knew she had a much more sinister reason behind her visit but what, he had no idea about that. The facility consists of two buildings. Building X and Building Y. Building X consists of younger kids from age 10 to age 15 and Building Y consists of kids from age 15 to age 20. After the age of 20, if a patient still not recovers, the patient is transferred to other shelter homes if they have no one to rely on or are sent back to their family with their medications and they are then looked over with monthly checkups. Leonardo took a last glance at Elliot who was sleeping soundly and hopped that both Amelia and Elliot and all the other kids will leave this facility fully cured.