It was our third session.
Having the opportunity to listen to the man speak was something I couldn't pass up. The danger he possessed wasn't frightening enough to keep me away. It was the perfect case, he was the perfect specimen, he could set the tone for my entire career.
An alarm went off signalling me to leave the cell. I rose from my chair and made for the door, carefully avoiding his gaze. Something about his eyes..
"Dr. Quinzel." He snarled, "Harleen Quinzel. And with a little twist we get Harlequin."
I paused with my hand on the door, but kept my gaze straight ahead. "Yes, like the clown character. I've heard it before." Does he think I'm like him? He truly believes we share a common thread?
"I like you, Harley. Don't stay away for too long." His laughter cut through the air and sent a chill down my spine. If I closed my eyes I could imagine the look on his face, terrifying yet comical with faded paint splashed across his scarred lips.
I wasted no time, rushing out of the room and straight for the front desk. "Signing out?" I nodded and signed my name -somewhat hastily - in a little rectangular box. Harley Quinn. Shocked, I crossed out the name and scribbled my own on top of it. My head was spinning.. What was I thinking? He wasn't right, was he? He kills people.. I wish to help people. We are nothing alike.
"A shorter session today, Dr. Quinzel." A voice from behind startled me. I jumped a little, and squeezed the pen much too hard. Red ink poured onto my hand and splattered onto my white blazer. How ironic.
"Yikes! You uh, startled me, Dr. Arkham. He wasn't being very forthcoming today. I'll try again tomorrow." I ran my hands down my blazer, forcing some of the red ink off onto the fabric. "I got what I needed anyway."
"Very well." He nodded, and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Are you alright? We can assign someone else to this case if it's too much for you. I thought your inexperience would prove useful but.."
I hesitated. I knew that they doubted me, and I couldn't exactly blame them. I'm fresh out of school with no previous clinical experience, and boasting grades that I may or may not have earned on my own. Still, I was capable. I could do it. Couldn't I?
"No, no. That isn't necessary! I'm starting to get to him.." I stood up a little straighter and peered straight into his older eyes. " I can feel a breakthrough coming." I smiled half-heartedly and then started down the hall toward the exit.
"Very well. Same time tomorrow then!" Dr. Arkham called after me, a hint of worry echoing in his voice.