"It's time."
Kathryn looked to the large and looming building before her, feeling the chill of the autumn air sweeping around her from the open car window. She glanced at her mother in the driver's side of the car, looking grey and solemn. The woman's lips were set in a firm line as she glanced at her daughter, face half hidden behind a curtain of dark hair. Kathryn frowned deeply before swallowing.
"You promise you won't leave me here unless I say I'm alright with it?"
"Of course not," Dorothy replied with a ghost of a smile before stepping out the car and opening the door to Kathryn's side of the door. The young women stepped out shakily, her face going pale at the sight of the dark grounds. She felt the wind whirl around her bare knees, her skirt swirling in the breeze.
I can't do this.
Before she could outwardly protest, Dorothy gave Kathryn a shove towards Briarcliff. She could hear the muffled shouts that rang out of the asylum and Kathryn's dark eyes filled with tears that slipped down her cheeks like traitors. She wiped them quickly before anyone saw. This is what it had come to. An asylum. This is what her life had become. She felt a wild, frenzied panic set into her chest and she halted abruptly.
"What is it, Kathryn?"
Dorothy's eyes were steely, determined and part of Kathryn wondered if there was a silent glee hidden behind her mother's wide green eyes. Her mother looked so cold then, her entire presence giving off nothing but ice. Kathryn faltered and her mother gave her a quick shove once more, like one would to get a horse to start trotting. The two figures made their way up the steps.
"Please don't do this to me," Kathryn begged quietly as they approached the door. "Not this place. I haven't done anything wrong."
"The Monsignor is an old family friend," Dorothy insisted quietly. "I'm doing this to help you, Kathryn. I know that this is the best place for you."
"They can't help me," Kathryn insisted, her voice starting to crack as the door began to open. It sounded with a atmospheric creaking before a a severe looking nun exited the building, her eyes settling on Kathryn's face moodily before flicking icily to Dorothy.
"Sister Judy?" Dorothy ventured. "We spoke on the phone earlier? We're the Hatcher's."
"Sister Jude. This way," Jude replied flatly before turning on her heel into the darkness.
Kathryn was taken aback by the cold tone of the nun. She had always thought that they were kind, patient creatures. The bitter woman before her, guiding them down a myriad of hallways was anything but. Kathryn took in the dark, dingy hallways, the smell of decay and sadness that surrounded her as she followed the woman dejectedly.
Finally after what seemed like ages they approached the top of the staircase, opening large doors and greeting a pale, nervous looking man wearing a habit. Kathryn observed that he was traditionally handsome in an innocent sort of way. Large pale eyes, ashen skin, tall and sinewy. He looked fairly fragile for a man that commanded so much power here.
"Father Timothy," Dorothy said with a tight smile. "Or should I say Monsignor now?"
"Just Timothy is fine," Timothy replied with a shy smile. He glanced over at the young woman who stood silently beside Dorothy. "Hello Kathryn. I haven't seen you since you were much younger. I was so sorry to hear about your father. He was so beloved at our old church. I'm sure the congregation still recalls his singing fondly."
Kathryn kept silent, watching the Monsignor's face contort into embarrassment at her silence.
"The tea is in your sitting room, Father," Jude interrupted the uncomfortable silence, shooting Kathryn a dark look of resentment.
"Ah yes," Timothy continued hurriedly. "Come in, come in."
He ushered the women into the sitting room where tea and biscuits sat waiting, smelling heavenly. Kathryn's stomach jumped at the sight of food. She felt sick to her stomach being in this room, the sound of the ticking clock her only company. Dorothy glanced at her daughter before moving to help herself to some tea before settling across from Timothy. Kathryn remained at the doorway, a fixed statue looking for escape.
Sister Jude shot her a patronizing eye roll before settling herself beside Monsignor Timothy. The three of them glanced at the young woman who's pale face shone like an orb in the darkened room.
"Come sit Kathryn," Dorothy encouraged her daughter with imploring eyes, patting the seat of the chair beside her. Kathryn moved towards the large stained glass at the corner of the room, shedding what it could of the light from outside.
"I'd prefer to stand by the window if it's all the same, Mother."
Dorothy was about to protest when the Monsignor nodded: "Completely fine, Kathryn. Please do whatever puts you most at ease."
Kathryn walked to the window, letting the air leave her chest as she found her salvation. She pressed her forehead to the cool glass, letting the temperature bring down her fevered panic. She wished the windows here opened.
Kathryn's eyes were swimming with frustrated tears at the situation. She was sad. Wasn't this normal at the loss of a parent? Especially one she was so close to? She wiped the tears on the back of the arm of her sweater before glancing out the window once more. She knew that she wasn't completely like other people, but until her father's death she had done just fine. She had managed.
Suddenly a sky blue Ford Falcon moved up the driveway slowly, coming to stop at the edge of Kathryn's vision. She watched as a tall man with neat black hair and glasses got out of the car. He carried a briefcase and was impeccably dressed.
A doctor, Kathryn assumed. He had the pensive, serious look of a doctor.
A conversation was beginning in hushed tones across the room.
"She's just so impossibly sad," Dorothy whispered to the Monsignor when Kathryn was out of earshot. "She just sleeps all day. Then at night she's pacing around worried, fearful. She hasn't been the same since her father died. She lost her job at the library. She ended her engagement. Something needs to be done! I'm afraid for her health."
The two figures looked at Dorothy pityingly. The woman looked so scared for her adult daughter that they couldn't help but be surprised at the daughter's calm exterior. With the way that Dorothy had gone on over the phone she had made it sound like the girl was start raving mad. She was a little tired-looking, most assuredly. But did she belong in Briarcliff? Timothy wasn't so sure.
"I have seen similar cases to this," Timothy replied graciously, glancing at Kathryn a moment before focussing back on Dorothy. "Acute nerves. Hysteria. But I'm afraid our psychiatric facilities may not be the best for your daughter. Our provisions are limited."
"You must help her," Dorothy intoned darkly. "When I found out that you had taken over Briarcliff and turned it into this beacon of hope I just knew you'll be able to help her. I just knew it."
Timothy faltered a moment, wanting to protest that he wasn't so sure when Dorothy continued with hushed, conspiratorial tones.
"Besides, think of the publicity this would generate if you were successful! Kathryn would be the poster child for your success! Your ambitions would reach new heights."
"Ambitions?"
"Men like you aren't contented to be monsignors all their lives," Dorothy offered with a grim smile. "I've known you a long time, Timothy. I know you have your eye on becoming a pope. Let me help you with that ascension."
Timothy felt a flush rise to the back of his neck at her words, embarrassed at the truth being so boldly presented. Sister Jude sat impassively beside him, her behavior giving nothing of her perspective away from the conversation.
Before anything more could be added, a sharp knock came to the door and Sister Mary Eunice stuck her head in. Kathryn didn't even bother turning around, her mind somewhere escaping along the trees that lined the property.
Monsignor Timothy glanced up from the conversation, a polite smile on his lips. "Yes, sister?"
"Dr. Thredson is here Monsignor. I've already showed him to his office."
"Thredson?" Monsignor inquired, momentarily confused.
"Uh, yes, the court appointed psychiatrist for the..." Mary Eunice faltered a moment before cupping her hands around her mouth and whispering the next part. "..Kit Walker assessment."
"Ah, yes," Timothy nodded. "How could I forget?"
Mary Eunice shot a small smile back and closed the door behind her.
"A psychiatrist?" Dorothy perked right up, her smile wide and toothy. "Perhaps this Dr. Thredson could be of some assistance with my Kathryn?"
"I'm not so sure," Jude insisted with an irritated pursing of her lips. "Dr. Thredson is really just here for the Kit Walker assessment, I don't think-"
"That will be enough Sister Jude," Timothy interrupted with a gentle hand on her arm before turning back to Dorothy. Jude fell silent, her jaw clenching in resentment. "I believe we can take your daughters case on, Dorothy. I cannot promise perfection, but I promise that within a month you shall see definite improvement."
Dorothy nearly fell over at this comment, her cheeks flushing happily. She clapped her hands together gently in muted celebration. Sister Jude watched balefully from her seat next to him, horrified at the impropriety of this ridiculous woman. She glanced over at the back of the young woman, her eyes still fixed on the scenery before her. Was she going to be a lot of work? She hoped not. She had her hands full with this Kit Walker. She looked back over at Dorothy's shining face, momentarily disgusted with the woman's elation at leaving her daughter her.
"My suggestion is that you leave immediately," Jude offered solemnly. "I have a feeling that delaying your exit will only hurt your daughter in the long run. There is no need for over-sentimentality here. We will contact you to keep you informed."
"I'm afraid Sister Jude is right," Monsignor Timothy added placing a warm hand on Sister Jude's shoulder. She felt a jolt of pleasure run through her senses at the contact. "Making a dramatic exit would really serve no purpose."
He shuffled around on the table before them before producing a large piece of paper with lots of wrting on it. The same paper all guardians had to sign in order to admit familial patients.
"We just need your signature here."
"Of course Monsignor," Dorothy agreed signing hurriedly wherever the man pointed, never bothering to read what she was signing. Sister Jude watched the woman carefully, wondering what kind of woman just threw her daughter into a madhouse with such little question.
"Thank you both," Dorothy whispered as she gathered her purse up onto her shoulder and cast the silhouette of her daughter one last look before rushing out the door. She closed it gently behind her, all the while praying her daughter didn't turn around.
Kathryn didn't.
With her forehead pressed against the cool glass, Lost in a world where she was still a librarian with a distinguished fiancé she didn't notice anything was amiss until she saw the image of her mother rushing down the stairs of Briarcliff through the window. She viewed the woman creeping down the steps in silent awe before her body finally stapped into action.
"Wait," she spoke aloud at the image of the woman rushing down the steps. "Is that my mother?"
Spinning around she was affronted with the horrible fact that it had not been a dream. Her mother was gone from the room. All that remained were the two strangers she'd met earlier. Timothy and Jude sat impassively watching her, the former wincing and the latter a small smirk of dark delight on her features.
"Where did my Mother go?"
"Kathryn," Timothy began before being interrupted by Sister Jude. She stood sharply, drawing over to the girl and giving her a dark look of intimidation.
"It was best that your mother leave. She didn't want to upset you further."
Kathryn winced, backing into the window and feeling its cool touch against her back. "No. No she promised."
Kathryn whirled back to the window, her hands balled into angry fists that she pounded against the glass hoping to catch her mother's attention. The woman never turned back and Kathryn felt the first cool blood run through her veins as she saw the car speed off into the afternoon light. Within moments the car was gone and Kathryn was truly, officially alone here.
She had been abandoned here.
"Now, let's get you to intake," Jude said with a sardonic smile as she stood, walking slowly to Kathryn.
Kathryn turned to face her angrily, her teeth bared in defense. "I'm leaving."
"Your mother knew that this was the best course of action for you, Miss Hatcher. Please calm yourself."
"I'm a grown woman," Kathryn spat, slowly inching towards the door. "I'm in charge of my own body. I'm leaving her immediately."
Timothy stood, walking towards Kathryn in step with Jude. The two of them were so imposing, so dark and dreary in their black habits and muted faces. Timothy was looking to her with a sorrowful glance.
"Since you are not within your right mind and you are unmarried I'm afraid your mother is your sole guardian," Timothy offered in a soft, dulcet tone. "She has signed over authority for we here at Briarcliff to do everything within our power to get you back to your old, healthy self."
"My father would never have let this happen to me," Kathryn insisted, her face flushing with anger as she backed away from the two advancing monsters in front of her. "He'd never let me be admitted into a nuthouse!"
"We want to help you, Kathryn."
"Well, I'm not staying."
Without warning Kathryn dashed out of the office, her breath catching in her throat as she opened the door with a flourish, bumping into Sister Jude before Timothy could shut it. Disoriented, Kathryn rushed to the first set of stairs she could find to her left. She could hear the sound of Timothy and Jude shouting behind her and their quick footsteps trailing on her.
She rounded the hallway, her eyes searching for an exit. There was nothing.
No no no.
She could hear the hoots of patients urging her on, telling her to run like the wind. She couldn't see them but they cried out from all corners. The darkness enveloped her as she pressed against the brick on the side of the corridor. She covered her mouth with her hand as she heard Jude and Timothy rush by her, their voices pitched in furious frustration.
"Not even five minutes and already a hassle," Jude was muttering.
Kathryn waited until they had been gone several moments before she continued her descent down the black hallway in front of her, trying her best to be stealthy. She groped blindly in front of her before dashing into a full on sprint. She saw the light from the hallway at her right and followed it, breathing heavily through her nose. She glanced backwards for any sign of Sister Jude or Timothy.
Nothing.
She almost smiled in victory when she ran into something very tall and very hard. She fell back onto her tailbone, scratching her elbow as she landed. She glanced up to see the Doctor from outside, his dark brows knitted in confusion. He leaned down, his large hand on her shoulder, momentarily stunning her. Her eyes scanned all of his face, taking him in as she tried to stand.
"Are you alight?"
"Stop her!" came a booming voice of an attendant who had been let in on Kathryn's escape plan. "She's a runner."
Kathryn tried to move past the doctor quickly, but the hand on her shoulder was biting into her flesh as he deftly reached down to pull her to a standing position. She fought against his grip, crying out in anger and trying her best to kick him. He seemed nonplussed, holding the girl by the wrists up against him, making sure she had no opportunity to kick. This was fairly typical of high-risk patients and he was unfazed.
The orderly advanced, a large needle glinting in the dark light. Kathryn looked over her shoulder and moaned lowly in her throat at the sight of it and tried in vain to move past the doctor.
"Is that really necessary?" The Doctor was asking in a dark baritone as he held the shaking Kathryn against him, feeling her fight turn to fear.
She didn't want to be any closer to him. She wanted his horribly large hands off of her. But she was terrified of what the needle behind her meant, for she knew it could be nothing good. She still tried to wrench herself from the Doctor's grip, but couldn't help but inadvertantly push herself up against his body. She was trembling against him, her teeth clenched together.
"Sister Jude's orders," the orderly insisted, grabbing Kathryn's arm harshly. "Gotta administer this so she's calm."
Kathryn yelped at the contact and looked to the Doctor in complete and utter desperation.
"Please help me."
Kathryn cried out as the needle bit into her bare forearm and the last thing she saw before she crumpled to the ground was the sight of two dark brown eyes watching her as she fell into unconsciousness.
