Images in the Mirror-Part 8

Chapter Eight1

Arachne was huddled up, as if in a cocoon, all night. She was on her bed when I came back from the game room. She was still there when I came back from getting into pajamas and brushing my teeth. I left the light on and sat on my bed, so I could look at her.2

“Is everything okay in here girls?” An orderly was standing in our doorway. I hadn’t heard her come in. I looked at her, but Arachne remained curled up. The orderly came all the way into our room and looked at Arachne. She handed me a little paper cup with my pills in it, along with a plastic water bottle. 3

I swallowed the pills and drank the whole bottle of water. The orderly dropped her keys and bent down to do so. When she did so I could see two things. One was her name: Lisa. The other was a pack of cigarettes in the pocket of her pink polyester pants. 4

Lisa sat down on the bed next to Arachne. Her almond eyes were filled with concern. “Arachne, is something bothering you?” Lisa asked. Arachne didn’t move a muscle. “Would you like to go to talk to Doctor Lee about whatever is bothering you?” Lisa tried to keep her voice low. Arachne put up her hand and gave Lisa the finger. “Okay, well, I’ll be in to give you your meds in the morning.” At that Lisa took my empty pill cup and water bottle and left the room.5

I bit my lip. I had no idea what to do. I hadn’t ever seen Arachne like this; she was usually so collected, and always knew exactly what to say. But now she seemed... vulnerable. I chewed on the inside of my cheek, sighed once and got up to examine myself in the mirror.6

My blonde hair was thrown up into a messy ponytail, with quite a few bumps on top. My makeup was smudged. My pajamas didn’t look like pajamas. I was wearing a pair of short, light pink fuzzy shorts and a white, low cut tank top. I ran my fingers over my cheek. My nails were growing back, but they needed to be shaped. I decided that when they did grow back I would hide them from the doctors. I couldn’t bear to chop off my beautiful nails again.7

“Hey Arachne, I have something that might cheer you up.” I grinned to myself as I approached ‘Rach’s bed. She didn’t move, not even to look at me or give me the finger. I smiled and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. Lisa would never know. I pulled a cig out and dangled it in front of Arachne’s face. 8

‘Rach sat up in bed and actually smiled. It was small, but it was still there. I grinned mischievously. “Don’t fall asleep on me, k?” She smiled and shook her head. 9

I flopped over on to my back and looked at my watch for the millionth time that night. 1:03 AM. I listened closely for sounds in the hallway. Nothing. Absolute silence. I smiled and sat up in bed. “Arachne,” I whispered across to her bed.  10

“Yeah, let’s go.” Arachne stood up a little shakily and slipped her orange flip-flops on her feet. I grabbed a pair of pink Old Navy flip-flops and grinned at Arachne. ‘Rach grabbed a black hoodie and tugged it over her head. I pulled on a black zip-up sweater with two pockets and a hood. I handed ‘Rach the pack of cigarettes and headed quietly to the door.11

We paused in the doorway and looked up and down the corridor. Not a person in sight. I crept down the hallway to the bathroom. The orange attendant chair was empty. Arachne waited a beat and followed me. 12

Arachne crept down the stairs first and motioned for me to follow her. I did and we reached the Exit door. Arachne pushed it open and slipped out. I slid through the doorway and we were outdoors. I breathed in the cool night air and smiled. Arachne had her head tipped up to look at the stars.13

We sat down on the concrete step and opened the carton of cigs. Arachne pulled one out and twisted her face into a small smile. I pulled one out and made a face. I don’t really like smoking, but I knew I had to do this for Arachne.14

“Shit.” Arachne uttered the first word since we broke from our room. I looked at her in confusion. “We can’t smoke these.” I was confused. “We don’t have anything to light them with,” Arachne explained to me. I mentally kicked myself. I started to say something when Arachne shushed me. 15

“Wha-...?” I started. Arachne shot me a look that silenced me. I licked my lips nervously. Three boys came around the corner of the building. I froze. Arachne looked a little bit upset. I chewed on my bottom lip and pulled the elastic out of my hair. I ran my fingers through it, hoping it looked okay. 16

“Hey,” the tallest boy said. “My name’s Shawn.” He jerked his thumb toward a boy with brown hair that brushed his shoulder. “That’s Mike.” Mike nodded to me. 17

“Hey, I’m Corey,” the redhead to the left of Shawn announced. 18

Arachne shot me a look that said “What the hell?” I just shook my head slightly at her, warning her not to cause a disturbance.19

“I’m Arachne.” I glanced over at ‘Rach in disbelief. I had highly doubted that she would introduce herself to these boys. I thought that ‘Rach cared nothing about guys. 20

“Who’s your friend?” Shawn asked Arachne. I groaned to myself. I absolutely hate it when guys use that line. 21

“I don’t know, why don’t you ask her?” Arachne shot back. I sent ‘Rach a little smile that I hoped showed her how much I appreciated that.22

Shawn turned to me. Before he could say a word I stood up and turned to the door. Shawn grabbed my arm and said- in a rather urgent tone- “Wait!” 23

“What?” I snapped. I hated the guy already. Sure he was good looking; short, curly blonde hair, tanned, big muscles, great body, good dresser- but after sounding so desperate- well, I hated him! 24

“Just tell me your name, please?” 25

I turned toward him and spat out my name. “Alexia.” 26

“That’s a pretty name.” 27

“Whatever.” I had decided to act like I couldn’t care less about the boys.28

“Please stay... I didn’t mean to piss you off.” I couldn’t help it; he looked so genuinely sorry and oh-so-gorgeous in the moonlight. I turned back to them with a pretend sigh.29

Arachne stood up next to me. I saw her looking with some interest at Mike. I could see why. Mike was somewhat of a hottie, but he was definitely ‘Rach’s type. He had the baggy black clothes and many piercings that went with his hair. 30

“So what are you guys doing out here anyway?” I ventured.31

“We could ask you the same thing,” Shawn answered.32

“Yeah but you didn’t.”33

“We came out to... er... enjoy the um, moonlight. Yeah that’s it, to enjoy the moonlight.”34

“Talk a little more crap why don’t you?” I teased.35

“Guess you found us out. We came out here to meet up with some chicks around the other side of the building.”36

My eyebrows shot up. They were playing me? I suddenly felt a surge of the old me. The slut me. She had never left me completely, but she had sure made herself scare during these last few days at the psych ward.37

I tossed my hair and unzipped my sweater. Three male heads turned to look at me. I didn’t take my eyes off Shawn though, so Mike turned back to his conversation with ‘Rach. Shawn had the decency to look at my face though. Corey, however, kept right on staring at my boobs. 38

“Excuse me.” I stared hard at Corey. He shook himself a little and looked at me.39

“Huh?”40

“I would appreciate it if you would avert your gaze.” 41

“Huh?” Corey was back to staring at my chest.42

“Stop looking at my boobs damn it!” I know I probably shouldn’t have yelled, but I had lost my temper. Corey’s face matched his hair as he looked away. 43

“Someone’s coming, run.” Arachne alerted us. It was true. We could hear footsteps approaching the door.44

Shawn grabbed my hand and we ran as fast as we could. I could hear Arachne and Mike behind me. I didn’t know where Corey had gone. 45

We ran and ran and ran. My chest hurt, and I had a cramp in my side. Shawn was still holding my hand. Arachne was breathing hard behind me. We were in the middle of the woods that bordered the psych ward by then. I tried not to step on twigs, but it was almost impossible to run quietly. If someone was following us then they would have no problem keeping track of us.46

Shawn slowed down finally, and I followed suit. I could hear Arachne panting. I dropped Shawn’s hand and turned to face ‘Rach. She gripped Mike’s hand and bent over from the waist to try to catch her breath. Mike looked worried.47

“Are you okay ‘Rach?” I whispered to her. She looked up, still trying to catch her breath.48

“Yeah, I’m fine.” That was the last thing she said before she passed out.49