The Back Building by Julie Dewey Read Free Book Online Page B

opened the door.
    “Ha-ha-ha!” She blurted when I walked in. “What happened to you? You look like a boy!”
    “Nothing happened to me. I cut it,” I said, perturbed both by the fact this new patient was in my room and by the fact she was so bold.
    “You look ridiculous.” She said.
    “I don’t care.” I retorted.
    “Is that why you’re in here? You are not to be trusted with scissors?” She laughed.
    “You could say that, what are you here for? Being rude?”
    “Good one. No, although I am prone to violence. I am here for my lack of self-control.”
    “Never heard that one before. But then again I just got here.”
    “I was at Utica’s Insane Asylum before being transferred here. Thank God, I need some new prospects.”
    “I am afraid to ask,” I said gulping down the bile that was rising in my throat.
    “Boys, stupid. I need some poor unsuspecting boys, or men, doesn’t matter, to fall madly in love with me. Then I’ll have my way with them.” She grabbed my pillow and began mauling it.
    “I don’t understand.”
    “You will. You’re still young. I’m Kate, by the way, but everyone calls me Cat.” She laughed and then opened the door and walked out like she owned the place. I followed her only because I was looking for Emily. I wanted to ask about my suitcase and stationery.
    “You following me, Kid?”
    “No, I am looking for Emily.” She was the second person who called me ‘kid’ and that bothered me. Emily rounded the corner and approached both of us.
    “Well, it sure is nice to see that the two of you have met. We will head to the theater for a movie in an hour if either of you care to join. Otherwise you may have relaxation time in your room.”
    “I do,” I said and I swore Cat mimicked me under her breath.
    “Um, Emily. I have to ask you something,” I said, trying to keep my voice from cracking with emotion.
    “Sure, Iona, what is it?” Emily studied me with a look of concern.
    “Well my suitcase hasn’t been brought to my room yet and there are a few things I really need. Can you please find out where it is?”
    “Iona, sit for a minute. I sense this is troubling to you. The doctors don’t want new patients to have their belongings for a little while longer. They don’t want you focused on home, and feel that this is the best way to adapt.”
    “I don’t understand. I just want my hairbrush and my nightgown. The one issued is itchy and uncomfortable,” I complained.
    “I understand, I do. But believe me when I say there is a method to your care. This is just a small part of it. What else do you need? I will try to provide it for you.”
    “I want my stationery. But I bet I am not allowed to write home yet either.” I knew that in fact I wasn’t allowed to receive or send out any mail for at least one week.
    “That is correct. Let’s get you refocused. How about you pick out today’s movie reel? Then you and I can go ahead of the group and get the snacks ready.”
    “Okay, Emily. I don’t understand how that will help, but okay.” I felt Emily was being slightly condescending but agreed to go along with her plan.
    ***
    The first week passed by slowly. My suitcase never appeared but I had bigger problems, namely, Cat. Cat tried sneaking into my bed every night. She pretended to be frightened, but then she started caressing my back and hair. I was shocked and humiliated when she touched my skin and just wanted to be left alone. I told her this every night, but last night, after her advances, I reached out and punched her square in the jaw, which unfortunately landed me in the doctor’s office for a conference. I explained to the doctor that Cat made unsolicited advances on me at night. I told him that I asked her repeatedly to stop, but that she insisted I would like what she could do to me. The doctor applauded that I stood up for myself even if he didn’t condone any violent behavior. He said we needed to discuss my impulsiveness at a future meeting. Cat