Yes, 'Welcome to Paradise' by Green Day, ah course. Haha, seemed to sort of fit. It was this…or a Depeche Mode song… which actually seemed to fit as well when i looked at the lyrics but i picked this instead…I'm weird like that. I can see the lyrics near the end of the green day song as…foreshadowing maybe? Oooo, mysterious Emily.
AN: Might I just say THANK YOU to the people who reviewed. I nearly died. The fact that I even got ONE blew my mind. I went berserk, I'm sure I looked pretty ridiculous to an onlooker. ANYWAY! I hope my first chapter didn't like, set the bar too high or anything. To be honest, I really only had that at the time…I mean, don't worry, I have an idea of what I'll do now for the story but we'll see if it works out. For this chapter, I've attempted Edward's POV. Scary business. I probably shouldn't have attempted it…but I did. (By the way, I know nothing about rehab places or like… people on drugs for that matter… so I'm really just winging it… hope no one minds. Okay, I'm done I'm done, sheesh.)
Disclaimer: Apparently I don't own the Twilight books and I'm not Stephenie Meyer… what's up with that?
Stupid, stupid Edward. You've wound up in rehab. I hope you're happy. The biggest mistake of my life was trying a hit of heroin. Scratch that. The biggest mistake of my life was ever making a friend like Tyler Crowley, for he was the one who gave me said hit of heroin. The way he talked about it made the drug sound so…alluring. I had always been pressured to get excellent grades in school. Being the captain of the school basketball team didn't help matters either. So when I tried the heroin all the pressure just…disappeared. It was sweet bliss, the times I was on the drug. The only turn off were the withdrawals each time, until I could get my hands on more of it. It was a price I was more than willing to pay for that beautiful serenity.
My parents were too perceptive, though. They knew right away that I was changing for the worse and quickly searched for the help that I supposedly needed. I could understand why they did this, in a way. The Edward Cullen they knew would never in his right mind do drugs, but they weren't aware of the pressure they put on me. As soon as since I hit High School my father constantly told me to pick up on my studies, for I'd need perfect grades to get into a University for medical school. I didn't want to be a doctor like my father Carlisle, however; my dream was to be a musician. Even with this thought, I didn't blame the two of them for my use of drugs. It was, after all, my choice and I took full responsible for my actions. Still didn't mean I wanted to be in this God forsaken place.
Every few minutes I could feel my mother, Esme, reach over and give my hand a squeeze. She knew I was very hostile at the moment but was still trying to comfort me like the wonderful mother she was. I couldn't find the effort to tear my eyes away from the corner of the room to thank her, though. This just didn't seem right. How could they be fine with this? How could—
"Edward Cullen?" a man to my left asked.
I finally lifted my eyes from that seemingly interesting corner of the room when they were met with a pair of deep chocolate brown ones. She was the most stunning girl I had ever laid eyes on…and she did just that; stunned me. I couldn't move. I also couldn't seem to look away from her beautiful heart-shaped face, even though I was well aware that it was extremely rude to be staring. Is it just me, or is she having the same problem as I am? I mean, she hasn't looked away yet either. I took in the rest of her appearance and was not let down. Framing her flawless face was wavy mahogany-coloured hair that reached to about the middle of her back, if I had to guess. I mean, it was hard to tell seeing as she was sort of curled up on the chair. I could now see that an adorable blush had made it's way upon the girl's cheeks as well. Unfortunately my erm…observing was soon interrupted.
"Edward, sweetie, come on!" Esme told me from somewhere above me. I looked up to see that my parents were both now standing. I nodded and quickly walked into the awaiting doctor's office.
It was your everyday, clichéd doctor's office. A large wooden desk, which held family pictures, a computer, and various office supplies. The mint green walls were lined with a few medical certificates and dull pieces of art. There was also a good size bookshelf behind the doctor's desk where the doctor himself sat in his large black leather chair.
"Now, I am Doctor Thomas Reid. It is nice to meet you…Edward," I held in my laugh as the doctor attempted to sneakily peek at his papers to check my name. It couldn't have been that great to meet me if he had already forgotten my name in, what was it, two minutes? "However, of course I wish we were meeting on more pleasant terms. I assure you, though, that myself and the staff here will do all that is in our power to help you with your sickness," –sickness? What, am I diseased or something? "and get you better and back into your home as quick as possible. Though, it all really comes down to the patient's own determination and will power." He looked at me for a few seconds. I really didn't know what to say, IF I was supposed to say anything to him so I remained silent and looked out the window I was sitting close to.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, Phoenix Rehabilitation Center is truly a wonderful place. You have no worries that your son will be in great care here. There is…" and at that point I completely zoned out. I believe he went on to describing the rooming and luxuries here but I really did not care. I continued to stare out that window…admiring the outside. The bright blue sky, the chirping birds and the bright sun. Who knows how long it would be until I could see all of those beautiful elements again, until I had my freedom back. I realized then that I had taken my surroundings so much for granted— okay, so maybe I was being a tad overdramatic, it not like I'm going to prison.
"How long will Edward need to stay, doctor?" I was knocked out of my depressing, silent monologue by my worried mother who looked like she was about to cry.
Doctor Reid replied with his vague response, "Like I said, it really comes down to the patient and how much they are willing to actually put forth an effort to rehabilitate themselves. But this isn't something he will be going through alone, Mrs. Cullen. We will all be here to help and support him and he will have his fellow peers for support as well, for they are going through the exact same problems."
Esme looked at me, practically daring me not to get better as soon as possible. I gave her the best reassuring smile I could manage.
"Well, I believe that's everything. I'd ask you three to please say your goodbyes and I will then get a nurse to show Edward here to his accommodations," doctor Reid said bluntly. This would not go over well with Esme, I thought. And I was right.
She looked completely shocked that she would have to leave now. Doctor Reid stood and left the room to give my family and I our privacy.
"Oh, honey. Please, please, please, do whatever they ask to get over this…addiction. I can't believe this is happening!" Esme had lost the battle with her tears and began to cry. "I'm going to miss you so much!" Without warning she gathered me up into a strong vice grip.
"Mom—" I managed to choke out, "mom, you'll still get to visit, this isn't goodbye for eternity," I tried to joke, but the small smile on my face quickly vanished when I saw my mother give me a 'how could you do this to me?' look. You know, one of those utterly heart wrenching looks? Yeah, well I was looking right at one, and it killed me. She was-well, her look-was right, how could I do this…to my own mother! Well, if I was looking for any determination to kick the heroin habit, I sure as hell found it in my mother's eyes.
My father Carlisle, who had not spoken a word yet, finally piped up, "He's right, Esme, we will get to visit. Everything will be fi— "
"No, everything will not be fine, Carlisle," Esme was now starting to go into hysterics, "I'm losing my baby!" this brought on a whole new of tears.
"Mom, please, don't be sad. I promise I will get better soon. I promise." I wasn't exactly sure what I was promising here. I didn't know how hard it would be or if I could even stay off the drug…but I wasn't about to tell my mother that.
My pledge seemed to soothe Esme, though, and she calmed down…some.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye,"—I could see where I got my over dramatics from…thanks mom, "Please, don't—"
"Honey, I think he gets it. We both want to see you better soon, son," Carlisle told me. I nodded my head in acknowledgement.
The three of us stood up to hug, "I love you so much, Edward, please take care of yourself," Esme told me, now back to trying to hold in the brimming tears.
"I love you too, mom," I replied. "I'll see you soon!" This got a small smile out of her, finally. Carlisle clapped a hand on my shoulder and before I knew it farewells were over and I was being led down a hallway to my room. I had to admit, I wasn't staying in some cheap rehab facilitation with whitewashed walls. No, here, the corridor walls were painted a brilliant deep green with white trim and had more pieces of art hanging every few steps. This looked more like a dormitory than anything and that wasn't an awful thing.
"Here we are. You will be staying in room 6," the nurse waved her hand in front of a door, "but I'm afraid you won't be having a roommate." She said this as if it were some terrible crisis, while I couldn't have been more pleased. I liked my privacy.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I hope you have a pleasant stay and supper will be served shortly," the nurse informed. I gave her a short thank you and soon left. Now, what to do until dinner…
I took in the room. It was a fair size; at least I wouldn't be cramped in here. The fact that I wouldn't be sharing the room with anyone meant I'd also get extra space. The walls were a light colour of blue, almost sky blue and on either sides of the room were twin size beds, dressers, desks, et cetera. I slowly unpacked all of my belongings, wasting as much time as I could until I would go eat. I was sad to say my piano had not been able to follow me here. I was already missing it terribly and knew that it would feel like an eternity until I'd get to play it again.
After unpacking and some serious moping, it was time to head down to dinner. As I was walking towards the cafeteria, I looked into some of the rooms and noticed that this place really didn't seem like a hospital of any kind and it was really quite normal looking. I was glad to see that the people here took into consideration that they didn't want their patients anymore depressed here than they already were. I finally made my way to the cafeteria and found it already packed with the other residents. Taking in my surroundings, I made my way to the line waiting for food at the front of the room, which looked like any other school cafeteria. The people, at first glance, looked completely normal as well until I looked closer and noticed a lot of them resembled my appearance. Run down with not a lot of hope in their eyes. Even with this, many seemed to be eating with friends and having a decent enough time. I could only wonder if, in time, I'd be able to make at least one friend here. Not likely, I thought. Do you even care?…I guess not.
Grabbing my tray of what looked to be potatoes and some kind of meat, I sat down at an abandoned table in the corner. I ate as quickly as possible, trying not to notice how particularly unappetizing the food I was currently ingesting was, all the while continuing to look around the cafeteria. It was a peaceful enough environment until a scrawny kid near the center of the room decided it would be funny to throw his dessert at the back of one of the lunch lady's head, who was unfortunate enough to be walking by the able at the time. This caused an uproar of laughter from the other people at the table and so I decided to leave before total anarchy graced the cafeteria, heading back to my room. Well done, Edward, I thought glumly, you've made it through one meal here unscathed so far…only another billion to go! Even with this number, I felt I was being too optimistic.
I killed another couple of hours by simply reading and listening to my ipod. Feeling that it was a late enough hour, I quickly pulled on a pair of plaid pajama pants since it was too cold to just sleep in my boxers, and crawled into the semi-comfortable bed. Not a half hour later, I could hear my Room Advisor knocking on my room telling me lights out and to go to bed, which I was already trying to do. I hoped the rest of my nights here wouldn't be spent like they were tonight but I couldn't help but know that they would be. With this saddening thought, I drifted off to sleep.
AN: My apologies to anyone if they were dreadfully upset that I hadn't updated until today, (I know no one was but let's pretend to be optimistic for a moment) I had the pleasure of getting my wisdom teeth out on Friday! Yeah, right before Spring Break! Ugh. So, the pain decided to finally catch up to me on Monday and Tuesday so these past few days have been hell. Thank god you only have to get wisdom teeth out once in your life, eh?
How was it, though? Am I totally off with Edward? Should I not go to his point of view again? I tried, I really did. i really don't like the beginning of him trying to explain his situation but evs.
Please review, it truly means a lot and brightens my day :) … okay, that sounded lame but you get the point. Cheers!