A/N

Back again with Chapter 3! For those wondering, I'm hoping to get out a chapter at least once a week- fingers crossed!

So I wrote this entire chapter while listening to Haim's album Days Are Gone. It's different, but seriously good. Although when I made my (gay) sister listen to it, she said, I kid you not, "but this is SO GAY!" Really?


Naomi's POV

I roll over and open my eyes to find myself in my room. Some merciful soul must have turned off my lights as the only brightness is coming from the window. I groan at the pain behind my eyes. I hate crying. I've never made a habit of it so I'm always surprised by the painful throbbing reminding me of my weakness. I haven't felt this weak, this small since that night. The night that everything fell apart, the night that broke me. Or tried to anyway. But I won't let it. I move my legs into my chest, wrapping my arms into them. I can't think of that. Can't let myself go there. But it is there and I feel it like a monster hiding under my bed waiting for the perfect moment to arise and take me wholly and completely. And I won't let that happen. My hands move up to cradle my head, placing pressure on my temples. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, counting to three and I exhale.

When I open my eyes, they are met with stockings and orthopedic shoes. I allow my gaze to drift upwards and look upon the face of an elderly nurse.

"Just here for checks, dear."

I pull my body up so that I'm in a sitting position. "What are checks?"

"Oh, you are a first-timer, aren't you?" she asks with amusement, not waiting for a reply she answers, "When you're admitted and have met with Dr. Foster he creates a program specific to you. Including how often you're checked on."

"I don't follow."

"Well dear, it's quite simple really. You, are on one hour watches. Someone will always be checking in on you every hour."

I snort.

"Is that amusing?"

"I just don't see the point really. I'm not suicidal." I hold up my wrists as evidence of this. "See?"

She shakes her head at me and I find myself feeling a bit insecure. Am I missing something?

"Just following orders. You can always take it up with Dr. Foster," she says.

I am about to make a scathing remark about the good doctor when I am interrupted by high pitched screaming. I hear the nurse say something like 'not again' before running off into the hallway. Curiosity gets the best of me and I make my way to the door.

There are several nurses and other hospital staff surrounding a screaming patient. I see Ramona running to the crowd with a syringe. It is long before the shouting dies out. The nurses begin to disperse, the commotion apparently over. I see a body slumped on the ground before a male nurse picks them up. "Where do you want her?" he asks looking at Ramona.

Ramona sighs before answering, "Take her to QR Two." He nods and carries the girl off. As he passes by me I see blonde pigtails. Pandora. I continue watching the slumped girl recede into the distance until I can no longer see them. I turn and look back to the place where Pandora had been screaming looking for possible reasons for the meltdown. But then I realize there needn't be a reason. She's in a mental hospital after all. She's crazy – that's reason enough. I internally grimace when I realize what that implies for me. I look up from the floor and notice that Effy is stood against the wall glaring at Ramona with eyes filled with... anger? I walk to her.

"This is bullshit." She says in greeting.

"What happened? She seemed alright."

She looks at me and instead of answering marches off to Ramona. I follow Effy not knowing what else to do.

"Why would you do that to her?" Effy asks, demanding an answer.

Ramona who had been talking to another nurse excitedly about her weekend plans turns around and upon seeing Effy tells the nurse she will speak to her later.

"Elizabeth, you know quite well I can't discuss other residents with you."

"You know quite well she's terrified of the QR."

"What would you have me do? Allow her to continue like that waking up all of the residents?"

"You could have given her a fucking chance. She would have calmed down and you know it."

Ramona glares at the brunette, "I know no such thing Miss Stonem – and neither do you. She was out of control with a fit. If you'd like to discuss this further I can call Dr. Foster and we can... sort things out."

Effy swallows hard, clenching her jaw, "No need."

Ramona smirks victoriously at Effy and turns to me with a nod, "Now if you'll excuse me, young ladies," and flies away on her broom. Okay, I made that bit up, but you know what I mean.


Effy stalks off and I'm unsure what to do, so I stand there. She must realize I'm not walking with her and she turns around, "Are you coming then?"

I begin walking towards her. "Where exactly are we going?"

"To have a little chat with your new best friend." She answers with a pointed look.

I look at her in question before realizing she can only mean one person. "You're having a fucking laugh."

She smirks as she grabs my hand and pulls me along the corridor. "Come on Campbell, we've got things to do!"

I stop in my tracks which causes her to be pulled backwards as she is still holding my hand.

"I don't recall telling you my last name."

"That's 'cause you didn't."

"Then, how di-"

"Come on, Anger Management, we don't have time for this." She interrupts.

I cross my arms over my chest and roll my eyes. "How clever, I've never heard that before, Elizabeth."

She mimics my stance and sighs. "Alright, alright, I may have sneaked a glance in your file."

"Impressive."

She smiles. "Yes, well, I'll tell you everything I know if you shut your trap and come with me, yeah?"

"Lead the way."


As it turns out we were not going far as Katie's room was only a few doors down from Effy's. We enter the still dark room and see the redhead sound asleep in her bed. I look at Effy who smiles at finding her still asleep. She motions for me to turn on the light. The moment I flick the switch to the on position, Effy whispers something into Katie's ear. I can't hear what she's said, but by the way that Katie wakes with a start I know it can't have been good.

"What the actual fuck?!" Katie shouts as she shoves Effy away from her.

"Well that's hardly a way to greet your guests, Katiekins," Effy replies.

Katie scowls at Effy before she notices me standing by the door. "Ugh, it's like a fucking loser convention."

"It's well fitting then, us being in your room," I retort.

"Yeah, and you can fuck off now. Don't you have like a lobotomy to get to or something?" she says turning back to Effy.

"Not today, babes... today I'm all yours..." Effy says as she sits on her bed, looks to me and pats the space next to her.

I take the hint and sit down, "Yes, we both are," I add.

Katie looks at us with unconcealed disgust. "What the fuck? Just leave me alone you lezzer bitches."

"I'm afraid we can't do that Katiekins," Effy continues, "You see, I'm afraid you're stuck with us until you help us with a little problem. And seeing as how you're the cause, I'm sure you won't object."

Katie scoffs, "I'm not helping you with shit."

"I think you'll find that you are, unless of course you're prepared to spend the next several days with two loser-ish shadows following you about."

She considers this for a moment. "What problem have I allegedly caused?"

"It's Pandora. She's in the QR."

At this, a flash of something resembling guilt crosses Katie's face momentarily before she remembers herself. "Yeah, well she's a looney bint."

Effy opens her mouth to respond but I silence her with a look. "You know what Effy? I don't think we really need Katie's help. I'm sure we can manage on our own. But before we do, we need to stop by and have a little chat with Dr. Foster. You see, it seems that Katie and Foster have an agreement regarding her visitation privileges and as it turns out, Katie has violated those terms. Naturally, I think it's only fair that we let him know, don't you think Eff?"

Effy looks at me with a bright smile before parroting my earlier words, "Lead the way."

Katie on the other hand looks at me with first confusion and then a white hot anger. "How do you know anything about that?"

"Well, we best be off. Have a nice one, Katiekins!" I say brightly as we move to leave. But before we've reached the doorway, Katie blocks us.

"What do I need to do?"

Effy and I look at each other proudly.


I have to admit I'm relieved my bluff worked. I've no idea what the terms of Katie and Dr. Foster's agreement are, but thankfully she doesn't know that. I still can't believe the girl I initially met yesterday and the bitch I know now is the same person. But I suppose Katie pretends to be one person for Foster's benefit and an entirely different person for everyone else. Lucky us.

I don't know how Effy plans on helping Pandora get out of QR (whatever that is) but she seems relieved to be doing something. For Katie's part she's agreeing to everything Effy is proposing. Granted, whether it's from a place of guilt or of self-preservation, I don't know, but for now, we'll take it. I'm taken from my thoughts, by a pair of blue and brown eyes looking at me in question.

"Pardon?"

"You think you could consult the demons in your mind on your own time? Some of us have shit to do?" Katie asks.

Effy smiles, "I said, do you understand? But you weren't listening at all, were you?"

"I kinda tuned out at 'so this is what we're gonna do'..." I answer honestly.

Katie looks at me incredulously, "Jesus, you're not even a real blonde – stop acting the part, yeah?"

Effy laughs and explains the "plan" again. I use the term loosely because really, as far as cunning plans are concerned, this one is rather weak. But in Effy's defense there's really not a whole lot we can do in here, and so this idea is as good as it's gonna get.


The plan begins with taking showers, which I can't really complain about. My complaint comes from the fact that they are supervised. Yes, showers are supervised. Effy warns me of this when the plan was initially proposed but my brain is still having problems processing this information. Actually, the fact that they are supervised is a vital part to our plan. Another important piece, is relying on Katie's dramatic and bitchy nature to draw attention away from me and Effy. Somehow, I have full faith in Katie's ability to do just that perfectly.

Effy and I make arrangements with Josie to bathe. I am back in my bedroom gathering the clean clothes that I will be changing into when Effy walks in.

"Ready?" she asks.

"Just about, yeah," I say as I sling the clothes over my shoulder.

Josie meets us in the main corridor with a cheerful smile and greeting, "Morning, girls!"

"Hi Josie," we say in unison.

After a short walk we are led to a secured wing of the hospital requiring staff to use their key cards to gain entrance. Not only does this wing hold the communal showers, it also contains the corridor holding the half dozen or so QR's. While Josie unlocks the door to the actual showers, Effy points to a dark hallway indicating where Pandora is being held. I look down at the ominous corridor and my concern for Pandora grows.

Josie motions us into the room and immediately unlocks a cabinet and takes out two small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, some soap and towels, handing them to us. "I'm afraid, Dr. Foster hasn't approved razors for either of you," Josie explains slightly embarrassed.

Now, that is not surprising in the least. For once I'm glad that I wax and should be sorted for a few weeks... not that I will be here that long. I take the items and turn to look at the short rows of showers divided by barriers, not unlike a gym. I sigh before selecting the shower closest to the door and place the toiletries on a shelf in my cubicle and hang the towel on a hook. I chance a look at Effy who is doing the same in the stall next to mine. She meets my eyes and nods encouragingly and turns towards Josie and asks her what book she's brought today.

"Oh, it's the latest Dan Brown, very thrilling."

"Sweet," Effy responds, before adding, "could you read it aloud to us?"

"Yes, of course I can!"

So far, so good. I turn the taps on and wait for the water to get warm before taking off my clothes and hanging them also on the hook. Once it's reasonably warm, I step under, leaning my head back allowing the water to pour down my face and hair. I quickly attend to my needs and periodically look over to Josie making sure her nose is still in the book. Once I'm sure she is properly absorbed into the story, I step away from underneath the cascading water and wrap myself in my towel and ring out my hair – leaving the taps running. I look over to Effy who is now doing the same. We quickly get dressed and then wait anxiously for Katie. We haven't long to wait before there's loud banging on the door.

Josie looks up from reading, places the book on her chair and answers the door.

"What the actual fuck, Josie? You were meant to get me!" Katie shouts as she barrels into the bathroom.

Ingrid, another nurse I've met once before looks at Josie apologetically. "It seems Miss Fitch was on the schedule for showers as well." She looks at Josie apologetically before walking away.

"Oh? I – I... I'm sorry, I must have forgotten," Josie apologizes.

"That's well convenient. We both know exactly why you "forgot" to get me. You just don't want to wait around whilst I take a proper shower. You've been spoilt by the likes of those two who have no sense of good hygiene. Well, don't think for a second that I will indulge your impatience."

"No, no, that's fine Katie... take as long as you like," Josie says meekly as she hands the redhead a towel and toiletries.

I hear Katie select the furthest stall directly across from Josie and turn on the taps, closing the flimsy and nearly see through curtain.

"Shit," Katie huffs followed by her opening the curtain and directing her attention to Josie. "You've made me forget my shower shoes!" She doesn't allow Josie to speak before she continues berating the nurse. "Well you are going to fix that, aren't you? Be a dear and fetch them."

"Oh, no, Katie I can't leave you lot on your own. I'll just call down to the nurse's station and have someone bring them here."

"That won't do Josie. Ingrid's just left on her break and that just leaves Old Hag Mags... and it'll take her ages to get them. This is your fault after all."

Josie looks around worriedly looking at all of our occupied cubicles and back to Katie. "But I'm not allowed," Josie whines.

"Yes, well, you're not allowed to do a lot, are you? And yet, you do. So go on then, run along," she says dismissively.

Effy takes the opportunity to pop her head from the curtain. Not revealing her already clothed body. "Might as well do it, Josie. You know how she's like. Besides, I'll make sure everyone behaves."

Josie stands up and nods her head, "Alright then, I'll be quick as a whip," and walks hurriedly out the door.

Effy runs out of her cubicle to catch the door before it closes and places a plastic shampoo bottle between the wooden door and the jam. "Come on, Campbell, we have two minutes – three at best."

I follow closely behind Effy and we both turn back to Katie who sighs and looks at us with impatience, "Are you just going to stand there and try to perve through the curtain or attend to Pandora?"

Effy smirks before peering through the crack in the door. "Clear," she says and nods to me.

We make our way out and as quietly and stealthily as possibly move to the QR corridor. As we approach the second door in the darkened hallway I hear small, pathetic sounding whimpers.

Effy closes her eyes and slides down the door. "I'm here Panda, I'm here."

I hear shuffling from within the room. "Eff? Oh, Effy... it's horrible, I..."

"Shhh, shhh, I know, Panda-pops, I know. But you're alright, yeah? It'll be over soon, you'll be out soon. I promise. You just need to hang in there... keep calm. No more screaming, okay?"

Pandora whimpers in response.

"No, Panda – promise me. No more screaming. Don't let them shoot you up with more sedatives."

After a long pause, Pandora answers quietly, "Alright Eff, I promise."

"Good girl. I have a surprise for you. You're newest friend is here," Effy says and beckons me to sit down with her.

"Hey Panda," I say tentatively, unsure of what to say.

"Naomi... you came!"

"Course I did – we're mates, aren't we?" I ask at which Effy smiles brilliantly at me.

"Yeah we are," Pandora confirms sounding far better than when we first arrived.

Encouraged by Effy's all too rare smile, I continue, "Thing is mate, we were supposed to play Monopoly yesterday, so I figure you owe me a game. You reckon you can sort out this QR nonsense so we can do that?"

"Yeah, I can do that Noams," she responds causing Effy to quirk her eyebrows at the new nickname.

"Sorted then," I say.

Effy stands up then, placing her hand against the door. "Panda, we have to go now. You'll remember what I said, yeah? Everything will be okay, I promise. Nothing can hurt you in there, yeah?"

"I'll remember Eff," Panda promises, "I love you."

Effy looks down with a slight smile, "Love you too," she says quietly patting the door softly with her hand.

I turn my head quickly as I hear sounds coming from my right. It is then that I see Josie walking briskly through the corridor and opening the bathroom door. I look worriedly at Effy. She turns back to the door and whispers in farewell, "Hang in there Panda."

We walk towards the bathroom door before I turn to her, "So, what do we do now?"

She places her ear against the door and hears Josie and Katie's voices coming from within inside. She stands up, "Wing it?" she says with a shrug.

"That's your brilliant plan?" I ask with undisguised doubt, "Why the fuck do I listen to you?" I ask.

"That's a great question, Naoms," she replies with a smirk.

I roll my eyes, "Alright, let's do this."


Okay, that shouldn't have worked, but it did. Katie, Effy and I are sat eating lunch in the dining hall. I am picking at my egg salad sandwich and look over at Katie who has just announced that we owe her big time.

"Why's that Katiekins, cause you tried to right a wrong that you caused?"

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Blondie," she says as she rips the crust off her bread.

Effy glares at Katie, who sensing it, looks up from her sandwich, "What?"

"Don't mess with her again Katie – I mean it. She's off limits. You want to go on insulting all of us and throwing shit about, fine. But you let her be, understand?"

"Ugh, don't get your knickers twisted, babes. I was just kidding. God, why does everyone take everything so personally?"

"Um, maybe because you attacked everyone, you know, personally?" I ask.

"Whatever," she says as she gets up, leaving her tray of food on the table before adding, "Bye, losers!" I watch her walk away with a scowl and turn to face Effy who has been watching me.

"What was it you said yesterday about her being 'alright'?"

"Yeah, well apparently I'm delusional now," I match her gaze, "You must be rubbing off on me or something."

"Nice one," she smiles. She looks at me thoughtfully for a minute and then gets up and returns to our table with two steaming cups of tea.

"So," she says as she pours milk into our mugs, "missed you after Group last night..."

I don't respond. I watch as the milk swirls and is absorbed by the dark tea until it settles into a creamy brown. I look up at her and glare, daring her to continue.

She chuckles, "You can stop with the glaring – that shit doesn't work on me, Campbell."

I take one of the mugs and take a sip and enjoy the burning as the hot liquid all but scalds my throat. I continue to look at the tea.

Effy places a hand on my thigh. While she does it gently, it still startles me a bit. Like I said, I don't like being touched. My Mum, unlike me, is affectionate to an extreme. I can't pass her in the hallway without being pulled into a hug or rubbed on the back. It's weird. I always hated that. But now, I'd give just about anything for her to play with my hair while we watch telly. I look at Effy's hand on my leg and a tear escapes and splashed onto her, betraying me.

She moves her hand from my leg to my hand, not even bothering to wipe the tear off, and pulls me away from the table. I allow her to drag me along. I feel powerless to do anything anyways, and for just a moment I enjoy having someone else take charge. She takes me to the Common Room and stops at the nurse's station.

"Mags, we're going to do a bit of yoga. Can we use the Group Room?"

"That's lovely, yes of course. I think you'll find the mats along the wall in there anyway."

Effy nods and continues to drag me along the corridor and into the Group Room. She releases my hand and retrieves two rubbery mats from the rear of the room and places them in the center of the circled chairs.

"Sit," she orders pointing to one of the mats. She sits upon the other one facing me. "Talk."

"Nothing much to say really."

"Bollocks," she responds quickly before adding, "Talk."

"Jesus, Effy, I just told you, I don't have anything to say!" I shout at her.

She smiles then, damn her. "What the fuck, Effy? Leave me alone!" I continue shouting as I begin to get up. I don't get far as she reaches her hands up, pulling me down onto the mat again. Sitting on her haunches, she leans over and hugs me. When I try to shake from her embrace she just holds on tighter.

"Let go, Naomi," she says quietly.

"I can't," I respond softly, shaking my head.

"You can," she says and rubs my back within our embrace.

In that moment, for reasons I don't know, I do. I let go, for however brief it lasts I surrender into her comfort.


When I've removed myself from Effy's embrace I look down in embarrassment and pick along the edges of the rubbery mat.

"Harriet says I'm to be here until Foster says I can leave," I finally say as I wipe the last fallen tear from my cheek.

She nods sadly, "I thought that might be the case."

"What am I going to do?" I ask her with something that feels close to desperation.

She sighs, "Well, I suppose you have a couple options. One, you can fake it. Go to your individuals, contribute to group, make it like you've accepted the program. Two, you can continue to fight against it and hope that things get better. Or..." she pauses.

"Or what?" I ask.

"Or, you can, you know, try."

I scoff at that. "That's not gonna happen. This is all a mistake... I shouldn't even be here!"

"Is that right? So then, tell me, why are you here?" she asks frustrated, "You know, you and Katie have more in common than you know. You both think you're better than everyone, that you don't belong here with us nutters."

I cringe at her words, "That's not true Eff, I don't think I'm any better than you. And I don't think you're a nutter, honest."

"Well I am. A nutter that is. Katie was right, I do hear voices... I even see things sometimes."

I don't know what to say to that. When Katie had revealed that information about Effy I thought perhaps it was an exaggeration.

"It's alright, I know it's weird and crazy and..."

"No, it's not that Effy," I pause before continuing, "It's just, if you really do hear voices or see shit, then I'm kinda impressed. I mean you act fucking normal enough to me."

She laughs, "I'm not sure I've ever heard myself and normal in the same sentence together."

I laugh. "Listen Effy, I'm sorry, really. I don't think I'm better than anyone."

"But you still don't think you belong here," Effy explains, "and yet here you are. There must be a reason. People don't just find themselves in a place like this without provocation."

"I suppose not," I shrug. "My Mum, she just worries is all. Something happened last summer and it's not even a big deal, but she thought I should talk about it with someone. She begged actually. So for no other reason than to shut her up, I went to see this doctor. He was actually alright. See, I was having trouble sleeping and concentrating. Just stressed I guess, with revising and all. So he listened. Listened to me drone on and on about Uni possibilities and coursework and just general shit really. But after a while it was harder and harder to sleep. My brain just wouldn't shut down. I found myself drinking loads of caffeine just to stay upright enough to go to classes. But I couldn't focus, couldn't concentrate and think enough to do my work properly. I went out one day to do the shopping and I accidentally walked into traffic. It wasn't intentional. My brain just wasn't working. I couldn't process the cars going by and I nearly got hit. The police were called and I was escorted home where they told my Mum what they thought I had tried to do. We talked about it for hours, I begged her to believe me – I wasn't trying to harm myself. She finally agreed that she believed me but called Dr. Ambrose and explained what happened. We made an appointment the following day. That's when he told me about Delfino House and how he thought I could use a break. He didn't say it would be like this. He told me I could relax, refocus. But this isn't right."

Effy studies me closely for a minute before responding, "So? Do what Dr. Ambrose suggested. Use this as a break."

"This isn't exactly relaxing Effy! Look around – look at what they are doing to Panda!" I shout once again. After a moment I look at her regretfully, "Sorry, I don't mean to take it out on you."

She shrugs, clearly unaffected by my outburst.

"By the way, what does QR stand for anyways?"

She laughs before answering, "Quiet Room."

I join in her laughter before replying, "Bit of a misnomer that is."

"Definitely," Effy says. "So, what are you going to do then?"

I sigh, "I haven't a clue mate."

"I can think of a thing or two you can do Blondie," Cook chuckles as he comes into the room sitting next to us with wagging eyebrows.

I look at him with genuine interest, "Does that ever work?"

"What?" he asks.

"Your lines? Do they ever work?"

He grins, pulling Effy into his side. "Worked with here Effy, didn't it?"

I look at Effy for confirmation. She nods raising her eyebrow as if waiting for my judgment.

"So are you two like... together?"

They both look at each other before laughing hysterically at the apparently ludicrous question. "What? What's so funny?"

Cook, still clutching his stomach from laughter pains explains further. "Listen Blondie, Delfino House takes a lot from you, you get me? Your freedom, your time, even your fucking thoughts. Not to mention this shit hole is boring as fuck. Which leads us to fucking. Not only is it massively entertaining and fulfilling," he continues with another wag of his eyebrows, "it also serves as a massive fuck you to Foster, yeah? He'd about shit his pants if he knew all the shagging that went on."

"Plus, you just get horny as fuck." Effy explains plainly.

"That's right. So, anytime you fancy a ride on the Cookie Monster, you let me know. I think you'll find I have everything you need to satisfy. Ask Effy, she'll tell ya."

Effy shrugs, "He's actually an alright shag, considering..."

"Oi! Considering what?"

"Considering what a wanker you are, Cook."

"Can't fight who you are lover," he responds with a kiss on Effy's cheek. He looks at me then, "So what do you say Blondie?"

"I'd say you'd have better chances shagging Ramona."

He laughs heartily, "Nice one, Blondie. Listen love, I won't take your snarky comments to heart. 'Cause they all come to Cookie in the end."

Effy is no help at all as she is sat with an amused look on her face.

"Listen man, you're not my type, yeah?" I explain to him with a pointed look.

"Ohhh... Blondie – you've been holding out on me! You're a muff-muncher?" he asks excitedly before turning to Effy, "You knew Eff, and didn't tell me? Thought you were my mate."

"Wasn't my business to tell," Effy explains with yet another shrug.

"What's not your business to tell?" Katie strolls into the room and plops down onto one of the chairs.

"Jesus, I was having a private conversation with Effy before you lot barged in." I say with exasperation.

"I think you'll find there's no such thing as privacy in here babes," Katie says before adding, "now, what was it you were saying?"

I don't have time to respond before Freddie and JJ come into the room taking their seats within the circle, followed closely behind by Harriet.

"Perfect," Harriet says looking about the room, "it looks like everyone is here." She sits down in a chair and looks at the group expectantly.

Effy snorts.

"Was there something you wanted to say Effy?"

"Yes, actually there is. See, not all of our group is here. Panda's in the QR and I won't start without her. As you've said before Harriet, we're a team, we depend on each other... and part of our team is missing. It's not right that we meet without her."

"Effy's right," I add, "Panda's a part of this group and she's needed. I won't be participating without her either."

Cook smiles brightly and chuckles, "Sorry, Harriet, I'm with them. Doesn't feel right without our Panda-pops."

Freddie gets up from his chair and joins me, Effy and Cook on the floor. "Ditto," he says simply.

JJ takes his cue from Freddie and pulls another mat out onto the floor and sits upon it adding, "Panda's like the glue to our group."

All eyes turn to Katie then who is looking at our dysfunctional little group with hesitance. "Oh, for fuck's sake," she says as she stands with our group, seemingly not wanting to sit on the ground.

Harriet looks at Katie in shock and then looks around at all of us sat on the floor in quiet protest for our missing friend. "It looks like you're all in agreement then," she says with a cautious smile.

"Alright guys, I'll see what I can do."


That night for dinner we are all gathered around the same table, including our favorite pig-tailed blonde. We sit there for far longer than necessary stuffing our faces with doughnuts. After all, there is no better tribute to Panda.


Katie's POV

Damn Effy and that annoying-as-fuck Naomi. If it weren't for them I would still be in bed sleeping or perhaps looking through the latest edition of Heat. You know, important things. Instead I'm stood in the shower buying time for those losers whilst they comfort that nutter Pandora.

Those dumb bitches have absolutely no concept of time. We agreed that they only had two minutes to sort Pandora out before returning to the showers. Of course it doesn't work out that way does it?

I hear the door open and pop my head out of the stall and see Josie looking down at the jammed door with confusion. "What is this?" she asks no one in particular.

Fucking hell. We hadn't planned on her returning before Naomi and Effy had. Think.

"It was getting far too hot in here with all three showers going at once and I have delicate skin," I explain.

"Oh, right," she says as she passes the first and second (empty) stalls and approaches mine with an outstretched hand holding my shower shoes.

"Finally. Took ages, that did."

Josie returns to her chair with a quiet apology and returns to her book. She softly mumbles the words as she reads them, occasionally making comments on what she's just read.

Why she doesn't just get her entertainment from the telly or internet like the rest of us, I'll never know. Reminds me a bit of Emily, she does. Stupid cows the both of them. Great, as if my mood wasn't bad before, now I'm reminded of my sister.

Perfect, fucking Emily with her perfect fucking grades and her perfect fucking attitude. Yeah, well she's perfectly fucking boring. I mean, really. Her idea of a nice weekend is spending it on the couch watching old movies. Like super old movies – they don't even have color for fuck's sake. How twins can be this different, I'll never know. I suppose God ran out of awesome when he made me and had no option but to put boring filler in Emily. I should really try and have more pity for her.

Speaking of pity, "Josie dear, will you please stop that constant muttering you're doing?"

I pour a liberal amount of shampoo into my hand and work the cream into a rich lather in my hair, massaging my scalp in the process. I hear some quiet shuffling outside the bathroom door and slowly pull back my curtain looking for the source. I see two shadows from the crack below the door. Fucking useless twats. How do they expect to return to the showers unseen? I mean they were both likely ignored in college, losers that they are, but they aren't actually invisible. One could only wish... Well they can both get to fuck. What do I care if they get caught? Unless of course they narc on me. While I doubt Effy would do that, Naomi's a bit of a loose cannon... Jesus, why must I always sort everything?

I raise my voice to a level I hope that the girls can here and beckon Josie over. "Oh. My. God."

Josie looks to my stall in alarm, "Anything wrong Katie?"

I pull back my curtain forcefully and beckon her over. "Well, what are you waiting for? Come here Josie!"

I see Effy peek her head in the door while Josie walks over to my stall. With the nurse's back turned from the door, Effy and Naomi make their way into the room and slip into their showers once again, completely unseen.

"What is it?" Josie asks worriedly.

I point to my chin dramatically. "Is there a spot coming in?!"

The previously quiet room is then filled with the laughter of one slaggy brunette and her obnoxiously blonde sidekick.


You know, these people aren't just crazy – they are downright weird too. Honestly, I couldn't stand being with them any longer and left them all to continue gorging on simple carb filled doughnuts.

I make my way back to my room and slide my hand behind the nightstand, pulling off the taped paper. I know the rules, and really, I should have read this note sooner, but my day hadn't gone exactly as planned had it? I hadn't intended on assisting those losers on their endeavor to save the planet, one nutter at a time. I unfold the note and start reading my sister's neat handwriting.

Katie,

You need to start attending Group Therapy – I'm serious. Foster will make good on his word and restrict your visitation privileges, so stop testing him! Now here's the bit I'm more than a little nervous to tell you... PLEASE don't freak out. Next weekend's visitation will be a family therapy session. I'm afraid there's not really any way around it. I'm sorry.

In other news, I think there's a new girl starting today. Be nice, yeah? We didn't talk much, but she seems alright... maybe you could show her around? I think Foster would be pleased if you made some friends here. You know, "progress" and all that?

I really don't know how much longer I can keep this up, Katie – not with you fighting me like this. You know I'd do just about anything for you, but this is... hard. Just work the program, K, please. I want our lives back.

I love you,

Ems


A/N

I'm not sure if the end of this chapter answered some questions or created new ones! If you have any theories, I'd love to hear them!

Alright, next chapter is from Katie's POV and should shed light on why Katie's at Delfino House. I'm hoping it will only take a chapter to tell her story, but it may end up being a two-parter like Naomi's. As of now, I've only planned to have Admitted chapters for Naomi & Katie but may also include Effy's at some point down the road. To be honest, I have a back story for nearly every character but if I have any hope of moving this fic along, I may need to nix them or perhaps do them as a series of one-shots. Let me know if you have a preference.

Until next time!

xx, tinderbliss