Chapter 1
Dr. Heather Corrigan and Dr. Harleen Quinzel's heels clicked as they walked on either side of me. Both of the women walking beside me were exceptionally beautiful. Heather had an ice-queen sort of beauty, cold and distant. Her light green eyes could bore straight through anyone and her light brown hair was always pulled in a tight, lifeless bun that made her look even more intimidating. Reading glasses constantly sat at the end of her nose. Harleen, however, possessed a rare kind of beauty. Her light blue eyes had a look that was inviting to everyone and her tan skin was toned from her rigorous gym training. She was always sweet and gentle, she never stopped smiling. These two women were my best friends, and had been since high school. Heathy and I would play call of duty for hours and Harls and I would get into impossible amounts of mischief. I smiled that we were all here together now, on our first day of our new jobs at Arkham Asylum. Heathy and Harls were criminal psychologists. Jealousy wrenched at my heart. I wished I could be a criminal psychologist, but at least I had a job. As a janitor. I sighed. It was really ironic that I had wanted to be a criminal psychologist all my life,they only tried it because I was trying it, yet they both made it and had a knack for it and I failed. Badly. But at least they would tell me about the sessions and their patients. And it was so exciting to be here with my best friends! I heard a small yelp followed by a clunk. I turned to see Harley sprawled on the ground, her paperwork scattered across the floor. Heather ignored her and kept walking, but I turned around and helped her gather her papers.
"Wait for us Heathy!" Harley screeched as she gathered her papers.
"Klutz." Heather mumbled beneath her breath as she turned around to help us. "Now we are going to be late."
"Sorry, Heathy." Harley mumbled, cradling her papers to her chest uncomfortably. Heather rolled her eyes.
"It's ironic that you're the gymnast, yet you manage to be a klutz." Harley blushed and pursed her lips.
"At least I have a boyfriend." Harley growled. That was low considering that Heathy was exceptionally bad with boys.
"At least I didn't give my teacher a blow job to pass the class." That was an even lower strike. Harls face turned a shade of red I had never seen. She opened her mouth to say something else before I intervened.
"Stop fighting! It's your first day at your new job, don't you want to make a good impression." They both paused for a moment. Heather pushed up her glasses only for them to immediately slide back down.
"You're right, Ruthie. Sorry, Harls, I'm just nervous."
"I am too, Heathy. I hope we all do good." Harley said, her face already back to normal.
"I'm sure we'll all do fine." I said with a smile. At that moment a thin woman walked into the hallway. She wore very little makeup and her hair was styled in a sleek brown bob.
"Good morning, ladies. I trust that you are Doctor Harleen Quinzel and Doctor Heather Corrigan. I am Doctor Joan Leland." She shook their hands while I stood behind them awkwardly grinning.
"Hi. I like your bob." I said to her. She noticed me.
"Oh, um, who would you be?"
"The new janitor?" I asked, suddenly unsure of myself. She smiled as if she suddenly remembered something very important.
"Ah, yes. Excuse me, I forgot about you. Ruth Lakesly, isn't it?" I smiled.
"Ruth Blakeslee, actually, and pleased to meet you." She shook my hand. Then she turned to Harleen and Heather.
"Follow me, please. I'll show you two around. We already have sessions planned for you two." She smiled at them and then turned to me. "The uniforms are in the janitor's closet all the way down the hall and last door to the right. Also, there is a sheet that will tell you where to clean. Good luck, and don't forget to be very careful around the inmates." She patted my shoulder before she lead Heather and Harley off. Harley waved at me and Heather gave me a half-smile. I smiled and waved to them until they disappeared down the hall. Then I turned to go find the janitors closet.