NOTES: This chapter will contain swearing, some strong.
Chapter 4
For the last week, Steven had been keeping his promise to visit Spinel every day, and each day he'd stay longer and longer…and because of this Spinel's behaviour has improved dramatically. Peridot does still have her suspicions but that's mainly because Steven hasn't really dived deep into psyche…which is really what he wants Steven to do, to find out what produces Spinel's split personality…but Steven has once again said that you cannot rush anyone's emotions or cause stress on the patient. Peridot knows Steven is right…but can't help but think her methods would've been quicker.
Steven would always bring something in for Spinel…whether it was a hot drink and not the naffy ones in the vending machines or even some snacks that we take for granted, normally dounuts or a small pizza, nevertheless, he'd still go out his way to buy something local from Beach City. Even Steven knew the food in the metal asylum was rubbish at times. He felt because of her progress that he'd treat her…and he did this as the days and weeks past.
…
As the weeks went on, Steven found it easier to wake up in the morning…and despite him seeing people and other clients, he didn't feel alone anymore…he actually had something to wake up for and that was mostly seeing Spinel, which was pretty much the highlight of his day…even if was just for a couple of hours.
He couldn't deny that Spinel was a beautiful young woman and seeing her was just a breath of fresh air.
After getting showered and changed, he headed for the city to buy another snack for Spinel…he'd pretty much been to every food joint in the city but tried to get something different from the menu's. This time it was a quarter-pounder beef burger with cheese and burger sauce.
…..
Roughly, within the hour, he turned up with the takeaway food, as he parked his white car near the entrance. He smiled as he got out and locked the car doors, then spinning the keys with his index finger and tossed them lightly before putting them in his pocket and started whistling before he was in the building. He was in a great mood.
…
Steven was walking through the corridor and was just about to pass Peridot's office, with her door open a little and noticed Lapis typing away at the computer. Steven tried to walk quietly but the blue hair receptionist then looked up and acknowledged Steven.
LAPIS: Oh, hi Steven!
Steven made a little "hush" noise, to imply that she didn't notice him, nor would Period know he'd arrived. But…it didn't work.
PERIDOT: (From the office) Wait, is Steven here…?
Steven shock his head, hoping Lapis got the message. Lapis realised the mistake and tried to correct it.
LAPIS: Oh, um…nooo…?
PERIDOT: (From the office) Yes, he is…
LAPIS: No, he's not…he, uh…(Steven tries to sneak pass)…um, he just left…
PERIDOT: (From the office) Just left…?
LAPIS:…Yeah…
PERIDOT: (Loud sigh from the office) He's still here, isn't he?
LAPIS: No…?
PERIDOT: Yes, he is, I can smell some burgers! (Steven stops in his tracks) He's the only person to bring in hot takeaways…(Steven then sighs)…and I heard him sigh. Send him in!
LAPIS: (Whispers to Steven) Sorry…
STEVEN: That's okay…
LAPIS: Peridot would like to see you now.
STEVEN: (Nods) Yep…
Steven sighs again as he pushes the door open. Peridot was filling out some patient's paper work. Steven closed the door…though he did it lazily as it didn't click to close and was opened a little bit…and then he swayed towards Peridot's desk.
STEVEN: You have a good nose for food.
PERIDOT: (Not looking, still writing) Everyone knows the smell of burgers.
STEVEN: I guess so.
PERIDOT: (Still not looking at Steven) You know about our food policy, don't you, Dr Universe.
STEVEN: Vaguely.
PERIDOT: "No foods from outside to be brought in on the premises". (Looks at Steven) Including drinks.
STEVEN: It's just some harmless burgers…
PERIDOT: That are slowly stinking up my office.
STEVEN: You asked me to come in. I was happy enough to walk by.
Peridot just stares sternly at Steven.
PERIDOT: You have got to stop doing this.
STEVEN: Stop what?
PERIDOT: (Points to the food) This!
STEVEN: (Looks at the food) Can't I bring my own food…
PERIDOT: Dr. Universe, just stop it. I know you're bringing in food for Spinel. (Steven was about to answer but Peridot stopped him) AND I was willing to let it go for the little things, like chocolate bars and the odd dounuts…but now you're bringing in hot foods and takeaways. Which is not good for the patient…
STEVEN: This is just one of my methods.
PERIDOT: (Sighs) Have you seen her latest results? (Slides them towards Steven) Have a look?
Steven takes the folder and opens it up to the latest results. His eyes advert to each line he was reading. There wasn't much to go on and had no idea what Peridot was worried about…if anything, everything seemed normal…especially comparing to the results when she arrived. He kept turning the pages to see if he missed everything.
STEVEN: As far as I see…her results are as normal as a human can possibly be.
PERIDOT: Look at her brain scans. (Steven does) Her endorphins are through the roof…
STEVEN: (Frowns) So…? That's good. It's good that she's realising some.
PERIDOT: You know what endorphins are, don't you?
STEVEN: Of course.
PERIDOT: (Sits back) Explain it to me then.
Steven chuckles with a scoff. Not seeing the point in all this…but he plays along to one of Peridot's easiest questions.
STEVEN: Well…(Puts Spinel's folder down)…the word endorphin comes from putting together the words "endogenous," meaning from within the body, and "morphine," which is an opiate pain reliever. In other words, endorphins got their name because they are natural pain relievers…
PERIDOT: (Nods slightly) Mm-hmm. Carry on.
STEVEN: Okay, well…Not all of the roles endorphins play in the body are completely understood. We do know that endorphins are important to reduce pain and enhance pleasure. Endorphins consist of a large group of peptides. They are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. Since endorphins act on the opiate receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being. Endorphins are released in response to pain or stress, but they're also released during other activities, like eating, exercise or…uh, sex….
PERIDOT: Hmph. Do you see where I'm going with this…?
STEVEN: No…
PERIDOT: (Sighs and wipes her glasses) Steven-
STEVEN: Ha, you called me Steven again…
PERIDOT: (Grumbles)…DR…Universe. Don't you see what's happening? You're gestures of these gifts are bringing her endorphins sky high. Her emotions are nothing but admiration for you.
STEVEN: That's good.
PERIDOT: No…it's really not. Listen, I think…you are losing judgment from your own methods. (Looks at the bag of food) A method you've never used before until now.
STEVEN: What are you talking about?
PERIDOT: Dr, how many times have you brought a client some food? Or a drink?
STEVEN: Uh…w-well, I guess it is a little…odd…
PERIDOT: It certainly is. You don't see me buying gifts for the other patients, do you?
STEVEN: That's because…Spinel is different.
PERIDOT: Different…? (Puts her glasses back on)…in what way…?
STEVEN: Well…uh… she's just…(Shrugs) I dunno, different…
PERIDOT: You have feelings for her.
STEVEN: W-What…?
PERIDOT: It's not difficult to comprehend.
STEVEN: But that's just…j-just insane. No! I'm just…you know, giving her some food that's better than what she's served here, that's all.
PERIDOT: Yet you don't bring food for anyone else. Only her. Does this conclusion seem weird to you? Because it's not. I've been observing. You seem to forget we have cameras in the rooms. Your movements, her movements, your facial expressions, her facial expressions and not to mention the temperature rises slightly in the room…
STEVEN: Ridiculous! You have way too much time on your hands.
PERIDOT: So, do you: With her! Everyday.
Steven just looks around, normally what you do when you've got nothing to say or even come up with a comeback. Steven wanted to admit he did have some sort of feelings for Spinel…but surely it was too soon. Steven didn't really have an answer to Peridot's conclusion.
PERIDOT: Look…I'm not trying to stop you from doing your job…but the whole point of being assigned to her is to find out her "other side"…the one where all hell breaks loose. We need to delve deep into that psyche to see what triggers her and WHY it triggers her.
STEVEN: (Frowns) I already know what triggers it…
PERIDOT: Then why…?
STEVEN: (A long sigh)…I…I have my theories…
PERIDOT: Theories can be debunked. They are not facts. My point is Steven…these triggers can happen again, at any time…and is she safe to be released into society again…and right now, No, I don't believe she is. We need to get to the root of her problem…and pushing that problem back with gifts…does not help…
STEVEN: I know you're right…
PERIDOT: Steven, you're one of the best psychiatrist I know. I just don't want you to misjudge on this patient through…"soppy" unconventional emotions.
Steven nods, listening to Peridot's reasoning…it was at this moment he notices Spinel's date of birth on her reports. He smiled…as it'd be her birthday tomorrow…and then an idea popped into his head.
STEVEN: It's her birthday tomorrow…
PERIDOT: Huh…? (Looks at the report) Oh, so it is…
STEVEN: I've got a great idea.
Peridot then puts the report down, expressing a worried face, as she looked at Steven with added confusion now.
PERIDOT: Whatever it is, don't-
STEVEN: (Interrupts Peridot) I'm gonna prove to you that she can make back into society.
PERIDOT: Whatever you are thinking, I implore you not to-
STEVEN: Peridot, it'll be fine. Trust me!
PERIDOT: That's…now the problem I'm having…
STEVEN: (Steps back to leave the office) Everything will be okay! I got this, Peridot. I got this!
And just like that, Steven joyfully leaves the office, to go see Spinel. He leaves the door half-mast open. Peridot groans and puts her head into her hands. Steven's methods have been successful but usually by unorthodox ways. Technically she could stop Steven from seeing Spinel…but it could prove to be the wrong move. There was a tap on the door…and Lapis popped her head through.
LAPIS: Peridot…?
PERIDOT: What…?
LAPIS: Are you okay?
PERIDOT: (Slides her hands down her face) Yeah. Just…Dr Universe gives me a little…anxiety, I guess.
LAPIS: Oh. (Leans against the door and locks it) Looks like you need to…(Walks forward to Peridot's desk and climbs it)…relax and release those…"endorphins".
PERIDOT: Uh…(Gulps)…I…I have lots of work t-to do…a-and-
Lapis leans into Peridot and their lips connect, as their passion begins once again.
…
Spinel was sitting in the corner…as she was waiting patiently for Steven to show up and as if on cue, he does. The door unlocks and he steps in…with Bismuth, as usual making sure the door was secured. Spinel smiled as she jumped up like a spring and into Steven's arms…Steven was used to this by now…and yet he made him blush.
SPINEL: I'm so glad you're here. This…this is my favourite part of the day, knowing you'll be here.
STEVEN: (Hugs back, trying not to squash the food) I can say the same thing…(Spinel backed away, to give Steven some breathing space). I got burgers this time…
SPINEL: (Smiles) I haven't had burgers for a long time…
STEVEN: I wasn't sure which one to get, so just got the popular one.
SPINELS: Smells like a quarter-pounder with cheese.
STEVEN: That's…that's correct.
Spinel's stomach started to rumble, knowing the aroma existed through her nostrils. Steven gave her the wrapped burger and she took it apart, almost childishly as she took a big bite out of it. Steven chuckled as he took a bite out of his.
SPINEL: Oh…(Still munching with a mouth full) Sorry. Thank you…
STEVEN: That's okay.
SPINEL: (Slows down her eating) You're so good to me…
STEVEN: Think nothing of it…
SPINEL: Don't you have other people to see…? Other clients…?
STEVEN: (Shakes his head) Nope. You're the only one I want to see.
Spinel swallows and blushes, Steven goes red to what he said and then she giggles slightly.
SPINEL: (Sighs) I…I wish you could stay with me all day.
STEVEN: Well…(Takes another bite of the burger)…Actually, I might have an answer to that.
SPINEL: Oh…?
STEVEN: Yeah. (Teases)…but it's a surprise, for tomorrow.
SPINEL: Why tomorrow…?
STEVEN: Well, because it's your-…(Steven stops himself, he didn't want to spoil it)…uh, well, I just thought of this idea on the spot. So, tomorrow seemed like the perfect idea to do it. But you…have to do something first…
SPINEL: Um, okay…
STEVEN: I think I can help you.
SPINEL: Really…?
STEVEN: I know you're happy now and…well, I'm the last person who wants to default that…
He's…gonna ask us! I told you! HE'S GONNA ASK ABOUT HER!
Spinel starts to shake, she puts her burger down but ready to hear what Steven has to say.
STEVEN:…but I think it's best for you to release those demons.
SPINEL: N-No…
STEVEN: Spinel, I know that you don't want to talk about it, but I truly believe it will help you. I really, really believe this!
SPINEL: No…no!
THE ASSHOLE IS RUINING THE MOMENT! HE'S JUST LIKE HER!
STEVEN: I need to know what happened between you and your mother-
BASTARD! DON'T MENTION HER!
Spinel then snapped, she jumped at Steven, knocking him down to the floor. Steven gasped, amazed to where Spinel got her strength from, as the woman climbed on top of him and had fire in her eyes, her teeth gritted and just pure anger all over! Steven tried to move but she had him pinned down.
Bismuth, from the other side of the door, turned around and saw the commotion inside the room…she gasped and weirdly panicked, she pulled out her keys but dropped them.
Spinel chuckled evilly…and her voice changed more childish that was rotten to the core
SPINEL: You had to ruin it, DIDN'T YOU?
STEVEN: You're mother made you like this…
SPINEL: She did! SHE DID! BUT I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT HER!
STEVEN: I…I think you should!
SPINEL: AND WHY THE FUCK SHOULD I TALK ABOUT THAT BITCH?
STEVEN: Because…I…I want you to live with me.
SPINEL: (Calms down) Wha…what…?
STEVEN: I know you don't want to talk about your mother but if we can get to the root of the problem and resolve this issue, then you can join society once again…and with me.
SPINEL: (Feels like having a panic attack, as she gasps a little) Hah, huh…with…y-you…?
STEVEN: Yes…I'll look after you.
Spinel then backs away from Steven and starts crying. Steven sits up…at this point Bismuth comes in, with her baton out.
BISMUTH: Steven! Are you okay!?
Steven gets up and gets in the way of the big security guard, putting his hands up…Bismuth stops in her tacks. Spinel was shielding herself while still crying. Steven reassured Bismuth that it was just a blip from Spinel. The rainbow haired woman nodded but insisted the door be closed and not locked.
The situation was calm, for now.
STEVEN: Spinel…I'm sorry. I'm sorry to do this to you…
SPINEL: No…no! I'm sorry…I hurt you…
STEVEN: I'm okay, Spinel. Really I am…
SPINEL: I'm a mess…
STEVEN: No, you're not. You just need to talk to someone. You just need to talk about…(Trails off)
SPINEL: …Her…?
STEVEN: Yes…
HE JUST WANTS US TO BE IN PAIN! HE LURED US IN TO BE HAPPY AND NOW PLAYED THIS DISGUSTING TRICK ON US! HE WANTS US TO BE UNHAPPY!
SPINEL: (To herself) SHUT UP! SHUT UP!
Steven knew she was fighting her split personality that was ultimately in her head at the moment.
HAPPINESS IS A LIE!
SPINEL: LET HIM HELP US!
STEVEN: Yes, let me help you…
And when he fails…what then?
SPINEL: (Ignores the voices and looks at Steven) Do you really think if I talk about…(Gulps)…h-her…it will help me…?
STEVEN: (Smiles) It'll be a start…
SPINEL: And…I don't have to stay here…?
STEVEN: No. I'll make sure you come with me…I'll organise before I leave today, ready for tomorrow. I…I really care about you…
HE'S LYING! HE'S MAKING US VULNERABLE! BRING ME OUT, SO I CAN BEAT THIS LITTLE SHIT!
SPINEL: (Softy) Okay…
Spinel sits up right.
STEVEN: In your own time, Spinel…(She nods)…what happened, with your mother? (Spinel starts to shake and grits her teeth)…what happened to Ms Pink Diamond…?
…
End of Chapter.
NOTES: I know towards the ending seemed abrupt but I think I got away with it.
Thank you to those favouring and having alerts for the story.
New chapter should be up next weekend.