Fake (A Pretty Pill) by Criss Copp Read Free Book Online

begins to shout, but not so loudly either.  “Silas is laughing; his face is falling off and he’s going to need surgical assistance sewing him back together.”
    “Jade, stop being such a moron.” I continue laughing.
    A nurse pops her head in and offers a huge grin, before backing away from us.
    “You’re going to get us into trouble.” I try to reason.
    “So stop behaving like a jolly lunatic .”
    “Get off me woman .” I scream at her as she sits on me, in my chair.
    “I can’t.  I need to fart.”
    “What the fuck?  Get off .  Get the fuck off of me now.” I squeal, trying to lift her without hurting her.
    She farts, “Okay.  I feel better now anyway.”
    “Jesus Christ Jade, what did you have for lunch?  Now Get. The. Fuck. Off. Me.”  I gag, yuck.  So, so gross.
    She stands up, fluffing her dress out to cut the tail off the smell.   It makes the smell waft clear up my nose.  I slam my hand into my nose.  She has a genuine mean streak.
    “ You’re disgusting.  I hope you didn’t follow through with that one.”
    “As if I would .  I’m a lady.”
    “Um, yeah… right .  I’m telling Ben that you farted.”
    “I heard you already.” Ben says, coming through the door.   “Everyone along the corridor heard.”
    “I don’t fart.” Jade says without guile.
    “Ah, you do.” Ben rea sons, coming over and giving her a peck on the lips and then over to me for a hand shake and half hug.  He curls his lip and scrunches his nose up in disgust at the smell Jade just released.
    “That was Silas.” Jade states.
    “Nope, that’s you. That’s definitely your brand.” Ben argues.
    “I do not have a brand .” Jade looks shocked.
    “You do so.  You fart in your sleep.  Unfortunately I share a bed with you .” Ben points out.  I’m so glad that I don’t have a farting woman in bed with me.
    “I’m pregnant.  It’s your fault I’m pregnant, and I can’t be held responsible for your son making my body release gas when I’m asleep.” she pouts.
    “It’s both of our faults, he’s your son too ; and you can’t help it, but you can claim responsibility for it.” Ben points out.
    “You are such an asshole .” Jade laments.
    “Lucky for me, you like assholes.” Ben laughs , settling into a chair.
    “What’s happening Ben?”  I ask.
    “Before I tell you my news, the nurse down the corridor tells me that you’ve been smiling.  Apparently that’s illegal currency around here.  It might get you kicked out faster.”
    I feel my face break into another smile, it’s unavoidable now that I’ve already done it once… make that repeatedly now.
    “Damn.  It’s so good to have you back .” Ben says, leaning in for another half hug and clapping me heartily on the back.
    “What’s your news?” I ask.
    “I have a placement for you in a private facility in San Luis Obispo.  We’re selling the house here in LA and we’ll organize accommodation up there when you’re there and are able to move out of the private facility.  It will be a whole new life Silas.” He reasons intently.
    Again I smile.
    “Wow Ben, they came through?” Jade asks.
    “Yeah, they have a placement available September 2 nd, in their mentored transitional program for rehabilitation.”  He smiles.
    “That’s just under a month away.” Jade enthuses.
    Jade’s due to deliver any day now.  I’ve been anxious about the possibilities of her going into labor in front of me here at Gateways.  I’m fairly sure mental health nurses don’t deliver babies.
    “Great .  Actually, yeah; that does sound good.” I say reflectively.
    I could use a new life and surrounds.

Chapter 4: Transition
     
    Silas.
    “So they’re going to let you drive me to a facil ity hours away with a baby in the back; seated next to me.” I reason to Ben, as he gathers up the meager amount of stuff I have with me at Gateways.
    “Yes.”
    “And Jade is waiting in the car.” I query.
    “Yes.”
    “And she’s