Read Online Admissions by Jennifer Sowle - Free Book Online Page A

don’t measure up, that I can understand. I should say something, but it seems like such an effort.
    “It’s not a big deal. It’s stupid, really. I can’t make the simplest decision,” Beth says.
    “It most certainly is a big deal,” Dr. Murray says. “This is your life. You have to do what you think is best for you.”
    “My parents expect I’m going to Julliard, even now. I’ve been accepted, but I can’t go.”
    “Why not?” Heidi asks.
    “I don’t deserve it.”
    “Of course you deserve it, kid,” Isabel says. “Having all your talent, that’s real special.”
    “You’re right. I should be grateful. I don’t know why I feel this way. I just don’t know.”
    After about two minutes of shuffling and sighing, Estee speaks up. “I have no idea what you should do.” She scratches her arms. “I’m pretty sure I’m crazy again. They must have done something to my meds.
    “Are you doing okay on your medication, Estee?” Dr. Murray asks.
    “No, I’m not. You’re trying to poison me. We’re all going to rot in here. I guess Luanne was the first to go. One minute she’s here, they swoop down, snatch her up, drag her down to the bowels of hell.”
    We all stare at Estee, until Beth breaks the silence. “I want you guys to help me.”
    “What would you like to do?” Dr. Murray asks again.
    “I want to get better, leave here some day. Not now.”
    “Well, there’s your answer. Do you want me to talk to your parents with you, Beth? Try to explain again about your disorder?”
    “You won’t say anything to upset them.”
    “Beth, I’m on your side. The main thing you can do is try to get your weight up to ninety pounds. Then you can transfer to Hall 9.”
    “I’ll try. Thanks.”
    “You must gain weight, Beth. Otherwise, you will stay on 5. You need to gain at least one pound this week. Do you understand?”
    “Yes, doctor.”
    “Why don’t you just eat?” Isabel asks.
    “I don’t know.”
    “It’s not that easy for Beth,” Dr. Murray explains. “She has an illness.”
    “I don’t have any place to go.” Heidi brings the focus to herself. “Livin’ with my dad up above Randy’s Party Store all my life, then bein’ out on the street. I hated high school. Don’t have no education. My mom’s such a bitch. She don’t want me.”
    “Maybe my parents could help you?” Beth says.
    “Your parents?”
    “Well, my folks have money. They could give you a loan or something.”
    “Oh Jeez Louise.” Heidi shakes her head. “They’re gonna give money to some whore off the street you met up with in the loony bin. Oh, brother.”
    “I’m just trying to help.”
    “The reason you’re in my group is because I believe you’re all going to get better and leave the hospital,” Dr. Murray says.
    I really wonder about that. I can see now that Estee is seriously ill, a real mental case. What if Dr. Murray says that to everyone?
    “I just want to see my kids,” Autumn says.
    “Autumn, I’m going to request at the next clinical team meeting that you be allowed visitation with your children.”
    “Really?” Autumn shifts in her seat and looks around the group.
    “Are you ready for a visit, Autumn?” Dr. Murray asks.
    “To tell you the truth, I’m scared to death.”
    “What are you afraid of? They’re your kids, ” Heidi says.
    “I’m afraid to see the hurt in their faces. Afraid they blame me for what happened …”
    “What did happen, exactly?” Isabel says.
    “Jeez, well …well, that night he came over to pick up the kids for visitation. He was so drunk he could barely stand up…” Autumn pauses, leans forward, then back. “He yelled at them to get their coats on. When I tried to say something, he called me …a …terrible name …”
    “Go ahead and tell us what he called you, Autumn,” Dr. Murray says.
    “A worthless cunt. That’s what he called me that time.”
    “Jesus,” Isabel says.
    “He yelled and swore, on and on and on. I told the kids to