NOTES: Contains mild swearing.
Chapter 7
Meanwhile.
Spinel was back at sitting at her table. She looked anxiously at the door, just waiting for Steven to make an appearance. It seemed to be the longest wait of her life…and her leg started to tap, almost vigorously. Her patience's, it seemed, was running out.
I told you.
SPINEL: Hush!
I did say, didn't I?
SPINEL: Stop it. You're being to…negative.
And I have every right to be! That man isn't coming back. Just like I said.
SPINEL: There's still time.
Ah, cut the crap and come back to reality.
SPINEL: (Breathes heavily) I…am in reality. I'm in reality right now…and that reality is, is that's he's not here yet.
Because…he's not coming BACK!
SPINEL: He's probably delayed somewhere. (Shrugs) His car might've broken down or…or there's been an incident-
Just face it. He's done a runner…and why would you blame him?
SPINEL: He…he hasn't…
He's done a runner and you know it! Just like HER! THEY ALL RUN AWAY! THEY ALL LEAVE US!
SPINEL: (Tries not to rise above her negative thoughts) He'll be here. Just be QUIET!
Heh. We could get revenge on him for doing this to us. For keeping our hopes up. We could stab him…
SPINEL: Don't…think like that! That won't be necessary…
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE PISSING COFFEE!
Just then, there were some voices that sounded very faint, which threw off Spinel's mind. The voices sounded like they were rising or coming nearer. Spinel stood up and walked over to the door, trying to get a view where the noises where coming from, from her little door window. The voices were clearing having an argument, which were getting louder and louder…mainly because whoever the voices belonged to, were getting nearer to Spinel's room. Spinel tilted her head and pressed her face against the glass door window…trying to get a better view and from what she could see…it was Steven and Peridot.
…
A few moments ago, back in Peridot's office.
They were about to watch a video. Steven rolled his eyes but looked at the monitor anyway. It was paused before Peridot pressed play. Spinel was sitting at her table, eating some breakfast that the institution provided, eating away normally, taking a last bite. She then walked over to the door and slide the metal tray through the hatch at the bottom of the door…and then she sat back down, facing the door, looking eager. Steven didn't see any problem. (Remember, Steven can't see her reflection since the evil Spinel was just in her head)
From the monitor: Spinel shook her head…for no reason and just started to talk randomly.
SPINEL: (Oddly positive but talks to herself) Nope.
Pause
SPINEL: (Weak smile) No…he doesn't…
Who was she talking to? Steven took a correct guess that it was her other personality.
Spinel keeps her mouth closed, tightening her lips and shaking her head.
Spinel starts to shake down her body.
Spinel bows her head, trying her very best to ignore the voices in her head.
Spinel then puts her head in her hands.
SPINEL: STOP IT!
Peridot was growing confident that she was right about this patient, as Steven just watched, way to focus on Spinel's self-talking. He was getting upset…
SPINEL: NO!
Her eyes start to produce some tears, she was about to cry, as the only words coming from Spinel were just hers…
SPINEL: JUST…LEAVE ME ALONE!
Pause
SPINEL: WHY?
Pause
SPINEL: Go away!
Pause
SPINEL: I SAID, GO AWAY!
Spinel's outburst makes her stand up and grabs hold of the chair…the chair seemed to be as light as a feather, as her adrenaline flowed through her body and she chucked the chair against the wall…making a sound crash and breaking into a few pieces. Spinel panted and groaned…as she went over to a mirror. She then ran over to the sink and turned the cold tap on and clasp a bit of water in her hand and then splash it over her face… Spinel breathed heavily…and then looked in the mirror
Spinel stepped back in fright…
Steven knew she was talking to her other side, even if they couldn't see it…she looked like she was starting to have a conversation with the mirror…and obliviously couldn't see what Spinel was seeing. Spinel started to shake, as she stepped forward to the mirror…
SPINEL: You're…(Points at the mirror)…you're just in my head, this…t-this isn't real…
Pause
SPINEL: Why can't you just…LEAVE ME ALONE?
Spinel looks up at the camera's gasping…
This made Steven a little teary-eyed, helpless to what he was looking at.
Spinel then looked back at her reflection. Spinel was shaking with worry.
From the point of view, it looked like Spinel was having a conversation with no one, since she was the only one talking.
SPINEL: (Crying) What do you want?
Pause
SPINEL: No, you're not…
Pause
SPINEL: (Sobs) No…
Pause
SPINEL: What do you mean?
Pause
SPINEL: NO, HE DIDN'T!
Pause
SPINEL: NO…HE WAS TRYING TO HELP ME!
Pause
SPINEL: He was trying to help me…and w-when I couldn't open up…he…he apologised…
Steven could tell she was reacting to something, as if her reflection WAS talking to her, judging by her shaking and body language.
Spinel then looked at her reflection, looking more worried and breathing heavily.
SPINEL: The…kiss…?
At this point, Steven blushed. While it looked like Spinel was reminiscing.
SPINEL: I did like the kiss…
Steven didn't want to see anymore…he got Peridot's point.
STEVEN: (Sighs lightly) Okay, I've seen enough.
Peridot nodded and turned the monitor away from Steven, who leaned back into the chair again. Peridot could see that Steven was upset, as he wiped his near flooded tears from his eyes. Peridot handed him a tissue…which he acceptingly took.
PERIDOT: I know that was upsetting for you, Steven. But you now see, don't you? Whether she was talking to someone in her head or to herself…a person like that cannot be roaming the streets. A person like Spinel can harm someone again…it would not be justified to release her just yet. (Steven rubs his eyes and Peridot was hoping this was getting through to him) As a doctor yourself…you should know this. To request a release is…madness.
STEVEN: (A little frustrated) I never said to release her onto the streets…
PERIDOT: Then what's the point of letting her leave here…? Where will she go?
Steven's heart started to race…as he looked back on the kiss, that he truly thought was a mistake but in actual fact, Spinel liked it…as he repeated her sentence in his head
I did like the kiss…
I did like the kiss…
I did like the kiss…
Even though this was an idea he was going through with, it only made his decision even easier…now that he knew Spinel liked his action of locking lips and passing on what could only be described as…love. It was an overreaction but that's all he could think of.
STEVEN: (Chuckles and whispers to himself) Huh. Ha. She like the kiss…
PERIDOT: Excuse me…?
STEVEN: (Takes a deep breathe, knowing Peridot's reaction) She'll live with me. (Peridot pauses and just stares at Steven, frowning at him) I'll look after her. I'll care for her. Staying here will do her no good…but I believe in her and I believe in myself that I can fix her…at my home, where she'll be safe. She'll be safe and loved, just how a beautiful creature like her, should be…
Peridot couldn't believe what she was hearing. This was a well-known doctor in psychiatrist, requesting a patient to move in with him…a patient known for outburst and attempted murder. Peridot just stared at Steven dumbfound and confused.
PERIDOT: Are you…? (Shakes her head to fathom what he just said)…are you crazy?
STEVEN: No.
PERIDOT: You are! (Points) You've gone completely insane. It's…it's irresponsible. IT'S MADNESS!
STEVEN: Call you what you will. I believe this will help her. (Smiles) I believe in my method.
PERIDOT: You've never taken home a patient before, not from here. The only ones that are allowed at your house are those who are not a danger to you or themselves. Even so, they are still patients. (Chuckles) Are you really expecting me to believe that Spinel will "stay" at your home…? To live with you?
STEVEN: Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. I want her signed off and released to live me.
Peridot just stared at Steven, once again…this time there was an awkward silence. Steven sat confidently in his chair, slightly swivelling it…while Peridot gave a look of disappointment towards Steven, as if he were a kid that did something wrong.
PERIDOT: Mr Universe, I-
STEVEN: (Jokingly interrupts) Ah, we're back on the work name formalities now. (Chuckles)
PERIDOT: Hmph. Mr Universe…this is unorthodox.
STEVEN: (Nods) Yeah, I get that. But you've trusted me before, why should this be any different?
PERIDOT: Because it'd be reckless! I don't think you understand the consequences of this ridiculous situation.
STEVEN: It's a risk I'm willing to take. (Leans forward slightly) She'd be better off with me, where I can keep an eye on her twenty-four seven.
PERIDOT: We have cameras running all day!
STEVEN: (Getting a little annoyed) That's not enough. She's need human contact…and not just some voice through a buzzer!
PERIDOT: (Chuckles mockingly and shakes her head once again) Huh. All this just because you have a crush on her…
STEVEN: Irrelevant.
PERIDOT: It's the only explanation to all of this. You've only known this woman for over a week, that's not enough time to explore any feelings of…love…
STEVEN: Love at first sight.
PERIDOT: No, it's not, Mr Universe, it's not! It's not love…its lust!
STEVEN: Lust…? (Laughs) Now who's the crazy one?
PERIDOT: (Stands up and slams her hands on the desk) I AM NOT CRAZY!
Steven was a little taken back by her outburst. Peridot released that shouting those words, may have seemed a little ironic. She bits her lips and clears her throat and then straightens her lad coat before sitting back down. She also straightens her glasses, trying to look calm.
PERIDOT: (Sighs) Mr Universe, please, please think of this logically…
STEVEN: I have. She'll stay with me. She'll sleep in my bed and I'll take up the sofa bed. I'll feed her, keep her safe and in her own time, when's she's ready, I'll let her talk about her mother…I'd rather she talk about her mother surrounded by the safest walls I can provide for her…somewhere where she feels comfortable. (Points around the room) Here…you'll get nothing from her. Here is where your results will be a waste of time. Here…is where she will get worse. (Leans back into the chair confidently) But with me…she'll be herself.
Peridot did listen carefully and took it all in. She pouted a little but nodded…she then got up and walked around her chair and looked out the window. Steven rolled his eyes thinking Peridot was trying to be dramatic….but he waited for her response.
The pale chartreuse yellow haired doctor sighed…as she knew, whatever she said, it wasn't getting through to him. This was a pointless argument and she wanted to end it quick.
PERIDOT: You know I can't allow you to take her from here.
STEVEN: Not what I wanted to hear…
PERIDOT: (Turns around) It's how things are. You've seen her report and you've seen footage of her. It is not normal…at least here, she'll get the best medicine and care. For Christ sake you can still visit her anytime you please. That hasn't stopped you. (Steven was about to speak but Peridot got there first) BUT…I forbid her to leave these premises. She is not well, Mr Universe…and just like you, I want her to get better.
Steven had his tongue in his cheek and made a suckling sound…it was as if he ignored what Peridot said.
STEVEN: Well…you do have authority here. What you say…goes. I can't argue with that…
PERIDOT: (Relieved) Thank you. Look, I know it's…hard…(Steven stands up at this point) But like I said, you can still visit her, I'm not stopping you-
STEVEN: She's coming with me!
Steven then promptly walks out of the office and closes the door, leaving Peridot puzzled.
PERIDOT: Wha…what…?
She then runs to the door, opens it and looks down the corridor, obviously in the direction that would eventually lead to Spinal's room. Peridot shouts out Steven's name, trying to call him back but he was a fast walker. She called out her name again, making some doctors and nurses look into her direction…and Lapis stands up from the reception area.
LAPIS: Um, Peridot…? Are you okay?
PERIDOT: No, no I'm not. That…(Trying not to use a curse word)…that CLOD is gonna do something stupid!
With that said, Peridot runs down the corridor to catch up with Steven, leaving Lapis with a questionable look on her. Lapis was actually quite impressed how fast this little doctor could run.
…
Steven was happily walking through the hallways, till he came across the corridor where Spinel was kept. He saw Bismuth was sitting at her little table, reading a newspaper. Steven was about to shout out to Bismuth but was interrupted with shouting calls from Peridot, who easily caught up with him. Bismuth looked over her paper to see what the commotion was about.
PERIDOT: (Tries to pull back Steven) I can't let you do this!
STEVEN: (Resisting) It's not your choice.
PERIDOT: Of course it's my choice, I run this place!
STEVEN: It's just one patient!
PERIDOT: One that is not ready yet! You're being unreasonable!
Bismuth now puts her paper down and stands up.
STEVEN: (To Bismuth) Bismuth, open Spinel's door.
PERIDOT: (Points to Bismuth) No! Don't!
BISMUTH: Uuuh…? Is everything okay…?
STEVEN: Yes!
PERIDOT: NO!
Steven managed to pull Peridot with him, while keeping hold of Spinel's gift, trying not to drop it. It was almost like a scuffle. Steven then noticed that Spinel was looking out her window…he made an awkward smile and waved at her, while trying to get out of Peridot's grip but she still wasn't strong enough to pull him back. Spinel was looking worried.
BISMUTH: So, what's going on?
By now, Steven had made it to Spinel's door and Peridot frustratingly let go him.
STEVEN: I want Spinel to be released.
Bismuth looked shocked, as did Spinel. Peridot face-palmed herself, trying to over think this stupid logic.
PERIDOT: Bismuth, do not touch that door. He's gone nuts!
BISMUTH: Okaaay. I might need an update on this…
STEVEN: I believe Spinel should be released. (Bismuth looks shocked) The help here is not enough. I believe I can help her…if she lives with me. I'll give her all the help she needs.
Spinel was watching what was going on. She could just about hear the shouting but when the conversation tone was lowered she couldn't make out what was going on. Steven then pressed the buzzer, to talk to Spinel.
STEVEN: You hear that, Spinel, you're coming with me!
Spinel looked on with surprise, but Peridot pulled Steven's hand away from the buzzer.
PERIDOT: No, she's not! (Steven wanted to retaliate back but figured it was best not to. She looks up at Bismuth) Bismuth, have a word with him! Can you get through to him, please?
BISMUTH: So let me get this straight, you wanna release with this woman (Indicates at Spinel)…so that she lives with you?
STEVEN: Pretty much. That's the simple guest of it.
BISMUTH: (Shrugs) I mean…it'll give us some more room…
PERIDOT: The hell are you saying? You…you agree with this?
BISMUTH: Well, I think it's a little crazy but his methods have worked before. It'd be interesting to see if this one does.
PERIDOT: I can't believe this…
BISMUTH: If he believes this woman can get better through that way, then I don't have a problem with that.
STEVEN: Thank you, Bismuth.
PERIDOT: (Laughs mockingly) I can't believe what I'm hearing! Am I the only sane person in this building? What Mr Universe wants to do is unorthodox and completely violates any health and safety precautions for not only Spinel but himself as well. (Peridot walks up and down trying to take this in…and then points at Bismuth) Good thing I'm paying you not to think.
Bismuth took offence but Steven jumped in.
STEVEN: You just have to trust me. Please…
PERIDOT: (Annoyingly sighs) I can't do that! I just can't! If anyone else finds out she's gone-
STEVEN: They won't! Okay, how about this…think of it as a… uh, experiment.
PERIDOT: (Frowns) What…?
STEVEN: An experiment. Let's see how she adapts living with me…and only me.
PERIDOT: You can't be serious…?
STEVEN: I am. I've been serious all day.
PERIDOT: For God sake…
STEVEN: I can report back to you every day to let you know how she's getting on. I can send proof that living with me, as an experiment, is the best thing for her.
PERIDOT: (Hands on hips and shakes her head) This is so illegal…
STEVEN: No, not if it's a test…a test that'll get positive results.
Peridot has a long think about this…even she'll admit that she likes doing tests and experiments but this idea was way over her head. She looked at Steven who had a child-like face and puppy dog eyes. Eventually…she rolls her eyes and gives up.
PERIDOT: (Grumbles) Fine!
STEVEN: (Fist bumps the air) Yes!
PERIDOT: (Points) She is your responsibity!
STEVEN: Of course!
PERIDOT: And if anything happens, you will let me know, okay?
STEVEN: Yeah, sure.
PERIDOT: I mean it, Steven! If anything happens…if she gets hurt or she becomes a danger to you, that'll be it, she comes back here, locked up…and she gets better through MY methods!
STEVEN: I can assure you, that nothing will happen.
PERIDOT: It better not! At the end of the day, it's my job and your reputation that's on the line. And I cannot lose Lapis-, UH, I mean…my job.
STEVEN: I swear it'll be fine.
PERIDOT: Hmph. (Looks at Bismuth) Unlock the door…
STEVEN: Thank you, Peridot.
Peridot doesn't say anymore and angrily walks away back down the corridor, going back to her office. Steven smiles back her, hoping she'd look back…but she doesn't. Bismuth unlocks the door and let's Steven in.
As Steven walks in, Spinel backed away…not really because of Steven per say but because of the argument outside her room, which she guessed was about her…but questioned it anyway.
SPINEL: What was all that shouting? I…I couldn't get much what you were talking about but-
STEVEN: It's fine, really.
SPINEL: (Slight pause) Was it about me…?
STEVEN: Yeah, pretty much.
Spinel backed against the wall…and slid down it, into a fetal position, ready to start crying.
You see? SEE? THIS MAN HAS COME BACK TO TELL YOU YOU'RE CRAZY! AND THAT YOU'RE NOT BEING RELEASED!
Spinel puts her hands over her ears.
SPINEL: No!
Steven quickly intervened, knowing that Spinel was hearing voices in her head.
STEVEN: Spinel, it's okay! It's okay. (Steven kneeled down to Spinel and gently held her hand) It's alright, you've got nothing to worry about.
Steven's warm hand was a nice comfort, as he stroked hers…she looked up at him, seeing his smile, which was reassuring. Her tears were edging over her eyes…but his smile seemed to quickly push back her negativity…most of it, at least.
SPINEL: But…it…it seemed like you were guys were, unhappy with something…
HE'S GOING TO LIE TO YOU!
STEVEN: I was unhappy with Peridot, but that doesn't matter now. As I've got some amazing news for you.
SPINEL: Oh…?
STEVEN: Yeah. You're getting out of here!
SPINEL: What…?
STEVEN: They are going to release you!
SPINEL: Release me…? (Steven nods) But…but I thought…I was…
At this point, Steven gave her the gift he brought. She looked at it before accepting it.
SPINEL: For me? (Steven nods) What is it…?
STEVEN: (Encouraging) Open it.
Spinel smiles and opens the present, ripping the paper with ease. It reviled to be a small box. Spinel smiled as the curiosity got the best of her…the little box had small hinges at the back, so she lifted the lid, to reveal a key. Spinel looks at it puzzled, but picks it up.
SPINEL: A key…? (Looks at Steven) What's this key for?
STEVEN: (A little nervous) It's a key to my house. You're gonna live with me! (Spinel's eyes opened up wider and gasps) You're gonna live with me, Spinel. I'm gonna look after you…
Spinel looked at Steven with shock…her mouth opened slightly and couldn't think of anything to say. She started to shake a little…but what was more important, was that the voices in her head weren't responding.
SPINEL: Is this…is t-this a joke…?
STEVEN: No, far from it. I'm serious. You're leaving this place with me…and you're going to stay with me. I'm going to look after you, I promise. (Blushes) If I'm quite honest…I've been thinking about you a lot lately. I want what's best for you…
It was like Spinel was frozen in place, just staring back at this kind person. She then leaped into his arms, which throw in off guard, as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and started to sob a little. Steven was hesitant at first…but he followed his gut and held onto her hips, eventually wrapping his arms around her waist. He guessed this was a sign for "yes".
SPINEL: (Sobbing) I can't believe you're doing this. You're so nice to me…
STEVEN: Well, I believe you've been through a lot…and I can't see a beautiful girl like you be in a place like this.
Spinel lifts her head from Steven's shoulders and they both look at each other. It was hard not to look at each other's lips, to read if it was okay to kiss the other...they were both blushing brightly and tilted their heads, ready to lock into a kiss…until Bismuth tapped on the window, which stopped them. For a second they both forgot where they were and chuckled. Steven turned to see Bismuth indicating that they should both leave while they had the chance…and that she had a cheeky smile on her. Steven stood up and reached a hand out to Spinel, who accepted the offer and was gently pulled up. Spinel admitted to herself that she felt a flutter…and for the first time, in a long time, she had something to look forward to…and she couldn't wait for that to continue.
…
End of Chapter.
NOTES: Sorry there isn't much of Steven and Spinel together but I promise it will in the next chapters.