Chapter 2

When Sr. Anne pulled into the parking lot, she took a deep breath and said a quick prayer "Lord, help me love and comfort Diana and Spencer, may your healing power be with them. Mother Mary pray for them and that I may have strength."

She looked at the imposing building shuddering. Hadn't she taught her students at the beginning of the semester that many with mental illnesses live with support in the comunity? Why did her sister have to live in a building that was 100 years old with a name to match sanitarium, really. All that really changed in 100 years was the inside and the patient care, thank God.

As she came to the front door, she saw Spencer emerge from a eyes met and as soon as they did she gave Spencer a hug.

"Gentle Aunt Anne,gentle I'm still healing." Spencer declared.

"So sorry Spencer. You know Agent Hotchner and Dr. Norman both called me."

"She doesn't know anything does she?" Spencer had a hint of panic in his eyes.

"Only that her letters from you have stopped."

Spencer looked worried and hobbled into Benington.

"Are you sure you don't want a wheelchair? Your foot…"

"I'll be fine" replied Spencer.

His aunt hoped it was true. Knowing how much Diana cared for her son, she knew it was going to be an emotional day.

"Dr. Reid, Sr. Anne, I'm glad you are here. Diana is very anxious. I told her that you were coming" greeted Dr. Norman.

" That's all you told her Dr. Norman?"

"Of course, Dr. Reid. That is really all I know, besides the fact you were hurt by an Unsub, like you told me on the phone."

"Do you think she will speak to us?" Asked Anne.

" I think she may. She is in her room and very distraught."

Spencer gently knocked on his mother's door.

"Mom it's me, Spencer."

"Spencer it's really you? Oh my, you're safe. You didn't write me and I was so scared I made sure Dr. Norman called your Aunt Anne. Come give your mother a hug." She began to cry.

"Hello Diana" stepped in her sister's room.

"Anne, I was beginning to think your fate was similar to Maria Monk' are ok aren't you?"

"Mom, you do remember that was a fictional novel written by a Canadian woman in 1836. The Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk, should be called the fictional disclosures of Maria Monk" Spencer said about the anti Catholic book that claimed Infanticide and sexual abuse happened to every Sister in a certain convent in 1836 by an author who had supposedly escaped .

"Well with everything going on now, like what happened in Boston in 2002 and the way that priest looked at me when I was a graduate student, I wouldn't be surprised. Spencer, what happened to your foot. Don't lie, a mother knows."

"I hurt it at work. I was really busy with work and there was an Unsub who was quite difficult." Spencer said saying as much as he was going to say on that.

"He's fine now, Diana. He was in the hospital."

"You don't even wear a veil anymore, are you questioning religion too?" Diana asked her sister.

"Oh no dear, I haven't in years. I wear this cross and pin with the symbol of my order now."

"Oh, yes, that made Aunt Maggie upset, I remember now. Spencer I think something happened to you that you aren't telling me." Diana glared at Spencer.

"Diana, there was a man who was mentally ill who hurt Spencer, but he will be fine."

"Yeah, Mom, I'll be just fine."

"Spencer, my little genius, I'm so glad you are ok. You are strong Spencer. Please don't hurt yourself again. You worry me,baby. I want to read something,Dante's Inferno perhaps?"

"Mom, something happy please?" Spencer looked nervous.

"Let's see.. The Travels of Marco Polo? I do have some work of the saints who were Mystics,but not not St. Thomas of Aquinas, sorry But I find his theology puts me to sleep,Anne."

"That's far to heavy for time with friends anyway. Although perhaps a nap would do you some good" Sr. Ann suggested

"Yes these damn Meds make me sleepy."

After alerting the nurse,that his mother would like to be up by 3:30,Spencer went to spend some time with his aunt. Although he hadn't told anyone, she was very helpful after his Dad left, talking with little Spencer every day as he cared for his mother.