Chapter Three
~Escape

I couldn't remember sleeping that night. I was too excited. As soon as I got back into the main building I couldn't contain my excitement. Damian and Beth were first to hear and hugged me. It's a real privilege.

All night I rolled around and fumbled with my sheet covers, I smiled through out the night. I had made some plans. Very important plans that I can finally, finally prove to mum that I am not insane- no one can stop me. No drugs, no nurses and security and definitely no Dr. Monroe. She wants proof… I'll give her proof.

When the light from the morning sun peaked through my barred window I jumped out of bed straight away. I wasn't sure what time it was but most of the patients were still asleep. I wonder if I would get a chance to talk to Damian or Beth before I leave.

I'm hoping- just hoping I won't have to come back to this godforsaken place.

After breakfast- which is normally oatmeal with plastic bowls and spoons and is normally served at different times in the morning since everyone around here woke up at different times. Only Molly-Moody over there was eating with me. I'm not sure why she's in here only that she is unrepentantly bi-polar. As I ate my breakfast I noticed how she kept to herself. She seemed like a quiet girl. She had long black her that covered her face, scars on her pale face and freakishly creepy black eyes. I saw them only once in the entire time I've been here. It was when she curiously looked up at me when the guards were trying to restrain me.

I was roaming around my room wearing the freshly dry-cleaned clothes I first came in here with waiting for my mum. It was simple black denim shorts, a white tank top and a pair of white sneakers.

Doctor Monroe was standing near the door with a clipboard in his hand.

"You should really where a jacket, it's going to be cold outside." Doctor Monroe pointed out after taping one of his glass vials with his pen. He slipped the vial in his pocket and checked my charts.

"I'll be fine…" I said in a sing-song voice. I caught a glimpse of what he wrote down before he closed his clipboard.

"What's a Mia-dote?" I asked seriously. He looked up amused.

"Hmm?" He said trying to hide his smirk.

"You heard me," I said raising my eyebrows. What the hell is it? Is it that medicine he put in his pocket moment before?

"Oh well. That. That is what the staff call humor. Not the sarcastic crap you call funny." He stated not looking at me.

"Care to share Mono-brow?" I asked raising a brow.

"It's Doctor Monroe to you Miss Uley. The Mia-dote is the medication we give to you when you… are not cooperating," He said staring at me harshly.

"The Mia-dote? What like an anti-dote when I lose control? Is that what you call humorous?" I said shaking my head. My fingers itched a little at the vibrations running through my bones. I subtly composed myself; if I start the transformation again I'll be locked in the vault and would not be able to go out today.

Mia-dote… Pfft. That's really stupid. And humiliating, I wonder what else they say about me behind my back. I swear the staff around here gets a kick at our misery.

"You shouldn't feel insulted. This drug is just for you. We hadn't had a name for it yet, don't get angry." Mono said gazing at me, waiting for my reaction. A sly smile at his lips.

There's one thing I can't stand and that is when he expects a reaction from me. Well I'll tell you this, he won't get one.

"I'm not angry, or insulted," I shrugged. I hoped onto the bench and kicked my feet gently against the cupboard.

"I'm honored actually. Naming a drug after me, you shouldn't have. But now I feel bad, I haven't named anything after you, sorry." I said in fake apologetic voice.

He pursed his lips, an angry gesture he does to try and keep his cool. I heard a couple footsteps making their way down the hall. I could easily hear my mum's high heels clacking closer.

"Well tootles. T'was fun, I'll see ya later," I chirped. Nothing could get me out of this mood. Not even Doctor Mono over there.

"Mia sweetheart. Come over here and give mum a hug!" My mum said happily once I came into view. I rushed over to her without a second glance at Doctor Monroe and gave mum a massive bear hug.

"Mummy!" I didn't care how loud and how childish I sounded, I wanted to get the hell out of here and go home… with my mummy.

"Let's get out of here," Mum whispered in my long hair. I nodded, couldn't have said it better.

"So, I was thinking maybe to stay home, bake some cakes? Remember how much you loved to bake? Oh- and maybe we can go to a spa. Shopping maybe? I have seen what you have to wear in there and I would gladly buy you a whole new wardrobe. I seriously only thought nurses wore nurse shoes… huh. Anyways, we could go see a movie maybe? Or mini golf? You use to love that too! We have to do everything before the day finishes…"

Mum was babbling now. I had no idea about half the stuff she was talking about since I was staring at the scenery shooting pass while mum drove down the highway. Sure it had only been for months since I have been in the institute but four months without colour, civilization and the general public can make you feel so lonely.

"Mum?" I asked breaking her chant.

"Yes Mi?" She turned towards me for a quick second before turning her attention back to the road.

"Can we do something outdoorsy? I refuse to be cooped up inside today. Please?" I pleaded. She nodded her head before I could even finish, "Anything you want honey,"

"Can we go hiking?" I suggested when I saw a tree. Not only will it be fun but now I was determined to show her my wolf side. If we need any privacy we could head to the mountains maybe. It was my first priority for the day, and then mum would accept me, take me out of the institute and take me home. Where I belong, in Seattle away from the middle of nowhere in a mental ward. That's my plan. And it's settled.

Once mum pulled up to the nearest diner, we got something to eat and discussed what we were doing. We headed to a nearby town that was located on the information board outside the diner. Forks. It had a hiking store with all the necessities not to mention a massive forest to explore. Perfect.

About twenty minutes later the bell chimed above the door indicating we had entered 'Newton's camping store,' once inside I saw a blonde kid stacking boxes. He looked up once he heard the bell.

"Welcome to Newton's, how can I help you?" He said with a smile. I smiled back at him in return.

"Yes, my daughter and I would like to go hiking, could you help us out?" Mum asked nicely.

"You're not from around here are you?"

I was offended. Sure we are not pale like the folks around here but seriously he didn't have to point it out. My mother was part Makah and my father- well who the hell knows what he was so our skin was tanner then everyone else's around here.

"Is it that obvious?" Mum answered with a small smile. Me on the other hand glared at him.

"Is it because of our skin colour?" I sneered.

"No-no. I just meant because no one goes hiking anymore. There's been bear attacks lately." He said nervously.

"Oh… sorry," I shrugged.

"It's fine. So you still need any help?"

"Bear attacks?" Mum interrupted.

He nodded, "Yeah recently all these hikers have gone missing or have been found dead in the forest. I just- I don't think you should risk it."

"It's just a bear," I muttered. I could take a bear- maybe. I don't know, in my wolf form I'm pretty strong.

"Honey, do you want to go somewhere else then? Is there any other places around here that involves being outside?" Mum asked.

I rolled my eyes. This might take a while. And I'm running out of time. I saw the clock on the wall and it was already 2pm.

"Well, there's a beach in the nearby town. 1st Beach. In La Push. There's not much else you could do around here."

I walked down the isle after that. I looked at all the random useless junk people would use to go hiking, camping and fishing. Hmm… fishing? That sounds fun. I was lost in my little world of thought thinking about the last time I fished; seem like ages ago, that was until someone put their hand on my shoulder. I was use to people's cold hands but the person flinched back at my skin temperature. I turned around at who ever it was that tapped me.

"Sorry- I didn't mean to scare you," She said in a weak voice. She was an average looking brunette and with the colour of her skin you would think she lives around here. Her brown eyes looked me over suspiciously and then back at her hand she clutched to her chest.

"What the hell's your problem?" I didn't mean to sound rude… ok I did but I was not in a happy mood. The day is wasting away and this chick is looking at funny.

She flinched back at my tone, "Sorry- um. Need some help?" She stuttered.

"Nah, just looking." I said in a bored voice. I saw how nervous I was making her and felt bad. I relaxed me stance and smiled gently.

"Sorry, I'm not in a good mood. Mia," I said putting my hand out. She smiled at me and took my hand, "Bella,"

"So Bella, is there anything fun to do around here?" I asked casually. She thought for a moment.

"Well… there's shopping and movies in the next town over, Port Angeles and there's a beach in La Push,"

"Yeah I know," There really is nothing to do around here. I bet I'd have more fun in the vault.

"You live in La Push, right?" She said staring at me funny again.

"No- that blonde guy at the front told me there's a beach,"

"Oh… are you new around here?"

"No, just passing through. I'm from Seattle- it's a long way from here and by the time we get home it would be time to go back again," I think I said too much. Ah well.

"Go back where?" God, what's with the questions. I reminded myself to keep it simple.

"Where I was before," I looked around the room mysteriously. Oh yeah- I'm cool.

"Oh,"

"Yep,"

"Are you looking for anything?" Bella said gesturing around the store.

"Nope, just waiting for my mum. She likes to talk- A lot," Where the hell is she anyways?

"My mum's like that too." She said with a wistful smile on her face.

I nodded randomly. I didn't really care about small talk. I looked over her to see if mum was finished. I was just taller then her but she looked about 18 or something.

"I should go drag mum away now, time flies by way too much."

"Oh ok, It was nice talking to you Mia, I'll see you round?" She said once I started walking away. I turned back to her.

"It was nice talking to you too Bella, but I don't think I'll be back- not for a long time." I was about to walk off until Bella walked stepped in front of the heater. The hot wind flew into my face. Her scent tingled my nose but there was another smell that made my nose burn. I sneezed once which got back her attention.

It was a sickeningly sweet aroma that burned my nostrils. I started breathing harder. My teeth grinding together. My knuckles sticking out when I clenched my fists. Familiar tremors ran through my body.

I looked over at Bella and saw her step back. She looked like a mouse being corner by a cat. She reached behind her at the desk and grabbed a phone.

Even though I was quivering really badly I managed to storm over to her, grab the phone off her and put it gently back on the receiver. I looked back over her and the scent hit me again- full force. I didn't know what to do. I should show mum. Yes! That's the whole point of today. By the look on Bella's petrified face I had to get out of there before I gave her a heart attack.

"MUM!" I shouted on my way out. I heard her still talking about the schools around here with the bored looking guy.

"Sweetie what's wro-" She stopped in her tracks and looked over at me. I opened the front door in haste and the cold fresh air cleared my mind. But I was loosing it. I didn't know how long I could hold on. I let the tremors run through my spine painfully.

I didn't know who was watching- I didn't care who was watching but as I finally let the change take over my body, something sharp prickled my skin on my arm- where my veins were.

My body slowly stopped trembling and I eventually started to calm down, so much I felt tired. I didn't know how but somehow I ended up lying in the middle of the road looking up to the grey stars. I saw my mum with silent tears running down her cheeks as she put a need in her bag. I saw the name of it… Mia-Dote.

I heard the blonde guy and Bella asking my mum things but my ears only managed to hear a small hum. I smiled totally in serenity. But on the inside I was falling apart- thrashing around and crying my heart out. My one chance… and I had blown it.

My own mother carries around a drug to take over my mind and body.

All because of the scent on Bella… It would make me angry but the drugs took over my emotions. I couldn't feel a thing. And I hated it. I hated everything. I hated myself.

I couldn't have calmed myself down quick enough. Mum panicked and gave me a needle. One that was named after me because no one else had a case like mine- ever.

"Call the Martin-Carlson Institute… now!" I heard my mum shout before my eyes fluttered closed.

I've lost it- truly lost it. I gave into the drug and let it calm my system down.

I vowed myself today would be good- and it's ruined. I'll be back in a padded cell before I know it.

Maybe I was meant to be in the mental ward. Maybe that's were I belonged…

Maybe I am imagining that I turn into a dog. Maybe I dreamt it. Because the very first time I transformed was the only time.

I never seem to complete the transformation. Maybe it's all in my head.

And maybe- just maybe I am insane.

Just like everyone said.