The cold 5:00AM darkness overtook my milky skin sending trails of small goose bumps up my exposed flesh. Shivering then stirring between white unsoiled sheets I awoke pulling myself from sweet dreams and into my first day. Today I would begin my work at Arkham Asylum interning in psychoanalysis . The excitement started pumping its course through my veins as the achievement of an astute psychologist seemed to be on the route I was about to take. Delving into the complex thoughts and feelings of others intrigued and ruled the course of my life. Years of paperwork, dissertations and tests all leading to this.
Steam filled the bathroom as hot water slipped down each contour of my body. My muscles unwound and relaxed in the comforting warmth. Water flicked onto the linoleum floor as I stepped out wrapped in a dark violet towel. With a brush I pulled and tugged at my hair while the dryer blew hot and powerful, draining my blonde locks of any moisture. I wound the mess back into a tight bun then stepped out to get dressed. Ten minutes, a little makeup and I was ready.
My heels clacked on the concrete of the parking lot outside of my down town apartment. It was the middle of January and the bitter wind gusted fierce. I finally made it throwing my brief case into the back seat as the engine roared. I backed out and was on my way.
Only a mere fifteen to twenty minutes and I arrived at the large iron gates of Arkham island. I stopped at a guard booth stationed by the gate.
"Morning ma'am" the guard tipped his hat leaning out of the booths window and within hearing distance of my voice.
"I need to turn these in" I handed him some papers I was given to fill out a week beforehand in appliance to an access key.
He looked them over then turned back around to his desk. After a few stamps here and a signature there he turned and gave me a temporary key card until my official one could be approved. He then pointed me to a secure employee lot in which to park. I thanked him and went on.
I pulled through and into the lot reading a large "INTENSIVE TREATMENT" sign hung above the entrance door of a main building. Walking up I pulled on the brass handle and walked through. Inside a young woman, the secretary, with short red hair greeted me under fluorescent lights.
"I'm afraid you're a bit early dear. None of the Doctors are here yet." she laughed as I hid embarrassment
She gave me a few files to fill out as we talked and waited. Doctor after doctor arrived till my advisor finally showed. She was a short Hispanic woman who looked young for her age. She took a couple files from the secretary then came to greet me.
"I'm Mrs. Guar. Your Miss. Quinzel I presume?" she smiled and extended her hand. I took it in mine, shook and smiled
"Call me Harley, everyone does" I laughed being my informal self
She gave me a questionable look then went on. We walked down a few halls and into a set of offices. I sat in a waiting chair in front of her mahogany desk. She pulled, stuck and labeled some files and books on a large shelf behind her desk then turning to me she stopped.
"What makes you want to intern here at Arkham? To look into the minds of the thieves and killers we keep?" she had a serious almost angered look.
"Criminal minds…" I began to answer. "are more glamorous" I smiled as her face twisted in turmoil.
"Psychologists take a mind apart piece by piece". We locked eyes. "The more complex the more enjoyable right?"
She stopped almost astonished and sat back into her chair. A smile curled into her stone cold expression as she rested her elbows back on the desk.
"Welcome to Arkham Harley"
My heart soared, I had just taken the first steps down that path towards the goal I aspired for.