-One week later-
It's the end of my first week at Fairvale, and I can't complain. Nothing bad happened, and I got along really well with my patients. Of all, I'd have to say my favorite is Norman Bates. He and I just clicked. All of the nurses ask me how I got him to open up, but all I did was have conversations with him. People just generalize him and don't give him a chance. If they got to know him, I'm sure they'd feel the same way I do.
After I clock out and get all of my stuff together, I go to the lobby to wait on my ride. I lean against the doorway waiting when I hear someone softly say my name. I turn around and see Norman sitting at one of the tables reading.
"Hey, Norman!" I exclaim, immediately perking up. He smiles, marking his book and closing it before motioning to the chair across from him. I smile and make my way through the lobby, taking a seat.
"What are you doing out here?" I ask him.
"Well, I couldn't sleep so I decided to r-read. I figured I would come out here for a change of scenery."
I nod, "Sounds like a good idea. I'd get tired of staring at those walls all the time if I were you." He smiles, a blush rising to his cheeks.
We sit in a comfortable silence for a minute until he clears his throat. "I'm going to miss you being here over the weekend. You're the best nurse that I've ever had." I smile at him, "Norman that's so sweet. I'm sure the nurse you have for the weekend will treat you just as good as I do."
He shakes his head "No, every nurse but you just half acknowledges that I'm human. To them, I'm just the guy who ki- never mind." He leans back in his chair.
I give him a sympathetic smile. "What are you reading?" I ask, and he slightly jumps.
"Oh, it's called Lord of the Flies. I read it once a few years ago but I couldn't find another book on the bookshelf that sounded good." He says. "Oh, I love that book!" I beam.
He flashes me a bright smile and flips through the pages. "I started reading it a few hours ago and I'm almost halfway through it. I don't know what I'll read after this."
I think for a minute, "You know, I have a pretty big collection of books at home that I don't read anymore and I'd love to bring them to you and let you pick all of the ones you want." His eyes widen and he shakes his head ''Oh no, Ms. Jolene I'd hate to take your stuff." I laugh, "It's Jolene, and I want you to have them!"
He blushes before mumbling out "Thank you very much."
Just as I'm about to answer I'm cut off by, "Jo, come on, I'm starving! We gotta go home so you can get dinner going." I hear the familiar voice of my fiancé, Richard. I give Norman a sad smile before gathering up my stuff. "Well, that's my fiancé so I guess I'd better head out." I say.
His face slightly falls and I furrow my eyebrows. "Norman, are you ok?"
He nods, forcing a smile as he also stands up. "I'll bring those books Monday!" I exclaim. He just gives me a sad smile before grabbing his book and walking down the hall towards his room. As I walk toward Richard I can't help but think of how wet Norman's eyes were when he turned away from me.
*Normans POV*
Closing my door, I toss my book on the desk and sit on my bed putting my head in my hands. Of course, she's engaged. I was a fool to think she wouldn't have a man on her heels. Although I don't like the way he spoke to her, but who am I to judge. She wouldn't want me anyway. I'm a murderer. That's locked up. I try to brush my thoughts away but I can't help the lump in my throat and the warm tears that spill down my cheeks. 'This is what happens when you don't listen to me, Boy! You end up crying to yourself, like a baby!' Mother screeches. "Mother, please! Not now!" I yell, even though I'm all alone. I take a deep breath as I pull my pillow over my head.