Chapter 1: the new doctor
A/N: Hi dear reader, just a heads-up. This first chapter is written in a dairy like style but I won't be continued in the following chapters. I'm also rewriting the chapters a bit, the plot or characters won't change however. So you might notice that some chapters are already rewritten while others haven't. Anyway hope you enjoy the story.
Arkham asylum, Monday, 12th of June, 2 pm:
Arkham asylum was unusually silent for the time of day. There were no inmates shouting, screaming or even laughing and Joan Leland silently thanked God for the last one. The orderlies had placed Arkham's most notorious inmate in solitary confinement after he assaulted another patient during breakfast. The guards on duty later stated that the attack had come out of nowhere, the patients were eating breakfast one moment, and the next they saw two patients rolling over the floor like two wild animals. Fortunately, the guards managed to break up the fight before things got to serious. Joan had questioned both patients separately and concluded that the fight was started for no apparent reason. She should have known, patients like the Joker didn't need an ulterior motive, and if he had one, it was only known to him. Joan's thought turned to the present when she remembered that she had an interview with a new intern in ten minutes. She had been surprised when she first heard of the woman's request to do an internship at Arkham, most students preferred facilities such as Black gate or smaller institutions in the city. If she had to take a guess at what drove the woman to take an internship her, then it had to have been Arkham's reputation and of course the patients, whom are all fascinating case studies to say the least. Joan reached her office after a short refreshing walk and noticed that she still had some time left before her appointment. She barely sat down when she heard a knock on her office door.
'Come in.'
A young blond woman opened the door and explained that she was here for an appointment with Doctor Leland.
'Of course, I was expecting you, please sit down.' Joan motioned to one the chairs in front of her desk.
Joan rearranged some of the papers on her desk before addressing the young women.
'So Miss Jenkins, may I call you Jennifer? I must say that I was surprised that you applied to Arkham, especially since you have such good grades. I'm sure some of the more prestigious mental facilities would be thrilled to have you. So I have to ask why Arkham?'
The young women shifted nervously in her chair, seemingly uncomfortable by the innocent question.
She responded with a small smile.
'My teachers have been wondering about that as well. They seemed disappointed that I chose Arkham. But I explained to them that Arkham is a unique place where one can acquire much more knowledge and insight than any other facility can offer. We, as doctors and psychologists can learn so much from the interesting cases that are housed here. I would be lying if I said they don't fascinate me greatly. And you me call me Jennie, miss Leland, everyone does.'
'I must say that I'm intrigued miss Jennie. I certainly think you have the right attitude to work here but I can only speak on my behalf. I'll present your case to the board and we'll let you know if you've been hired later this week.
'Thank you miss Leland.' The girl stood up and shook hands with Joan before leaving.
Joan started writing her report for Doctor Bartholomew who would decide if the intern could start at Arkham. If that was funny how much this young girl reminded her of herself when she started working here. Young, naive, thinking you could change the world. Joan learned the hard way how delusional her ideas were and if Jennie started working here, she too would learn soon enough.
Downtown Gotham, Monday 12th of June, 7 pm:
Jennie was back at her cosy little apartment which she shared with her boyfriend Matthew. She was surprised to find that Matthew was lying on the couch watching TV when he should be at work but decided not question him on the subject. He stood up from the couch to grab a beer from the fridge and saw Jennie standing in the doorway. The fogginess that was his mind temporarily lifted as he remembered that Jennie had an appointment at some mental facility today.
'Hey babe, how did the job interview go?' He asked vaguely curious as he was fishing another beer bottle out of the fridge. It was one of the last ones too, shame.
Jennie shrugged. 'I think it went well, though it's too soon to tell. They did say they'd call me back in few days, so that's something I guess.
'Uhu, that's nice babe, just so you know, I'm going out this evening with some guys from work. You don't have to stay up though, it could get late.'
'Oh okay, just be careful okay?' Jennie couldn't hide the disappointment in her voice but Matthew didn't even seem to notice. It wasn't the first time either.
He emptied the rest of his bottle in the sink, put on his coat and gave Jennie a goodbye kiss on the cheek before going out the door.
Jennie dropped down on the couch and let out an audible sigh.
Why had she fallen in love with Matthew of all people? Sure, he could be sweet and charming at times but nowadays he seemed to be more angry and resentful. He became secretive towards Jennie, he didn't tell her where he was going or with whom, he barely spent any time with her and when she tried to address the manner, he got all defensive and told her she shouldn't be such a bitch about it. Jennie blamed his new friends, who had a negative influence on him. He couldn't keep a job for more than a few days due to him not showing up or drinking on the job. And so Jennie had tried her best to support him financially and emotionally. Matthew occasionally made progress and just when it seemed he would finally break with his so called friends he got into a bar fight. Their relationship went downhill from that point on. Matthew started drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and sometimes disappeared for days without a trace. Jennie who was worried sick that something had happened to him, stayed up all night waiting for him to come home.
Downtown Gotham, Tuesday 13th of June, 10 am:
Matthew had come home around 8 pm, which meant he either stayed the night at some friend's place or that he didn't get at any sleep at all. Judging from the tiny bags under his eyes, it was the latter. He ignored Jennie's worrying looks and went straight to their bedroom. He hadn't even acknowledged her presence.
Jennie was busy cleaning up the apartment when the phone rang, she quickly reached for it, worried that the shrill sound would wake up Matthew.
'Hello?' Her voice almost a whisper.
'Miss Jennie, doctor Leland speaking, I'm calling about your interview yesterday. The board has decided that you may start your internship at Arkham next week on Monday. We expect you at 8 am sharp, so don't be late.'
'Thank you so much, doctor Leland. I look forward to working with you.'
'I love the enthusiasm. See you Monday.'
Downtown Gotham, Sunday, 18th of June, 11 pm:
Jennie looked at the clock for what seemed to be the hundredth time. It was almost midnight and Matthew still wasn't home. Jennie cursed herself, she shouldn't have let him go to that stupid party. But Matthew had insisted, almost begged her to go. She had reluctantly agreed even though she knew it would come back to haunt her later. She fell asleep on the couch eventually and didn't hear Matthew come home at 2 pm. She found him later that morning passed out on the doormat, next to a puddle of his own vomit. She tried to carry him to bed but didn't get any further then the couch, deciding it was still better then the floor, she let him sleep there. She cleaned up the mess he had made and left a note for Matthew when he'd wake up. She closed their apartment door as silently as possible and left for her new job.
