CHAPTER TWO
READJUSTMENT
The rain continued to fall as Ruth and Emily walked into the admissions area of Broadacres. Ruth shook the umbrella as she closed it, causing water to spill onto the marble floor.
"We're really here?" Emily asked in a weak attempt to cover up her sadness.
"Yes dear. We're really here. We're going to walk over to the small window and get you checked in." Ruth had said.
They walked over to a window of sliding glass. The nurse behind the window reached up and slid the glass down.
"Are you a new patient? Are you her mother? I need you to fill out these papers, return the clipboard and papers when finished." The nurse said in a monotonous voice. Ruth took the clipboard over to the waiting area. Emily followed. The chairs in the waiting room were neither comfortable or attractive looking, but they fulfilled their duty. In one corner of the room there was a small play area for toddlers and babies.
"That's sad." Emily said quietly.
"What's sad dear?" Ruth asked, intrigued by Emily's comment.
"That small children have to come here. They shouldn't have to experience the pain of mental illness." Emily replied.
Ruth was finished with the paperwork and she walked back to the sliding glass window. The nurse took the clipboard from her. Suddenly the nurses eyes grew big.
"Emily Langdon? Is she Dr. Langdon's daughter? If that's the case, then there will be no wait time. Dr. Langdon is free." The nurse said nervously. Ruth just looked at her and went back to gather Emily.
"Come on Emily, they're ready for us." Ruth uttered. She could see the hesitation in Emily's eyes; her deep blue eyes. They were so much like Rose's it was unreal. They walked down a rather long corridor to a rather large office. This office was completely furnished with animal heads on the walls. Among the heads were countless plaques. His diplomas were also there; adding to the officiousness of everything. The desk was also huge.
"Typical of daddy." Emily thought to herself.
" Welcome, sit down. Mrs. Bukater, what seems to be the issue?" Dr. Langdon asked.
"Emily had a mood swing this morning that was unlike any I've encountered in my experience with her." Ruth said blankly.
"I'm sorry daddy. I didn't mean it. Please don't be angry with me." Emily desperately spat out.
Dr. Langdon thought about it for a moment or two, and then replied.
"Why would I be angry with you pumpkin? You just had a slip up, that's all. After all, you're only human Emily. I cannot get angry with that." He said.
The scene was quiet, but tense. Ruth went on and on describing Emily's tantrum that morning, and how Edith wanted Emily to come here. She even brought up Rose.
"How has this affected Rose and Elizabeth?" He asked.
"Only Rose knows that Emily is here. Elizabeth doesn't know. It would scare Elizabeth to know that Emily was here." Ruth said in reply.
The conversation dragged until a nurse came in with blue hospital clothes. Emily took off her pea coat and handed it to Ruth.
"No no, honey. I can't take this. You have to keep it with you." Ruth said as she handed the coat back.
The nurse came and took Emily away. Emily looked back at Ruth who was shaken.
"I love you Mrs. Bukater." Emily said as she turned to leave. As the door shut, Ruth broke down into tears. The sobs were long and even. Her cries were of anguish. She didn't want to be separated from her daughter. Dr. Langdon saw this and handed Ruth a box of Kleenex. She blew her nose, but continued to cry.
"How long is she going to be here? School starts in two weeks." Ruth sobbed.
"The average stay is three to five days. Don't worry Ruth, everything will be fine."
"Will you tell Victoria?" Ruth asked, choking back sobs.
"I will have to tell her. What can we do for you Ruth? The Langdon family would like to help you."
"Just make sure my little girl doesn't get into trouble. She loves to draw. Give her a big sketchpad like you did for me all those years ago. I think she needs to channel the energy she has."
Ruth got up from her chair, but not before Dr. Langdon issued a final comment.
"I will do that for her Ruth. You can trust me. I love her as much as you do. I will do everything in my power to protect her from the other adolescents in the ward."
Ruth walked down the corridor and back through the waiting room. Outside, it was still raining. Ruth silently walked through the rain. She boarded the train to take her back across the river.
"It's time for Emily's readjustment." Ruth thought to herself as she took her seat.
What a readjustment it will be for Emily.