Tuesday: October 15th 2013
Time – 8:00 AM
Point of View: Fi
I wake up to the soothing sounds of medical machinery. It's a familiar atmosphere due to the large amount of time I spent at hospitals in my early years of life. The symphony of man and machine resonating to save lives was always strangely interesting and relaxing to me. My eyes struggle to open, and I feel a strange pinching sensation in my left arm. I try to lightly brush it away but that only results in the pain increasing.
What the hell…? I think to myself, my throat too sore and tired to say it out loud.
Upon further examination, I realize that it's an IV… I'm attached to an IV bag… Via a painful, pricking needle… A sound of confusion comes from my dry throat. What happened? Looking back, I can't exactly remember how I got here… It appears I'm in a hospital… But that's about it. The strangest thing is, I'm not afraid. I'm not even slightly distraught. Just confused… Eventually a nurse will come in and explain it, I'm sure. Maybe I should just go back to sleep…
The idea of a nap is quickly cut short by the door opening. A young woman enters the room with a clipboard. Apparently, whatever's on said clipboard is very interesting because she doesn't even realize I'm conscious for about twenty seconds. Her eyes finally move from the paper and scan around the room quickly.
"Ah, you're awake!" She smiles. "Good morning Fi."
"So it's morning…" I mumble to myself. One step closer to figuring out what's happening.
"Yeah. You gave us quite the scare young lady. Haven't come around for years and suddenly Dr. Paladin's rushing you in unconscious! Pardon the IV, it was really just a precaution. Didn't know how long you'd take to wake up." She explains, removing it from my arm.
I assume this is a friend of my father's. It's not surprising that she knows me by name and is treating me so unprofessionally. I practically grew up in this building. As soon as I was adopted, every hour I wasn't at home was most likely spent here for the better part of six years… The woman I'm talking to is most likely someone who's known me since then. I'm terrible at faces, and even worse at remembering people who serve no importance to my own day to day life. In cases like these I usually smile and pretend I perfectly remember the person. It's so much more convenient this way…
"Yeah… Sorry… Why exactly am I here?" I question, examining the room more.
"Don't even remember? That's to be expected I suppose." She sighs, writing something on her clipboard. "Your friend said something about a panic attack? Ring a bell?"
Friend…? Zelda, Midna, and maybe Malon… That's it. I must've been with one of them.
"Not really, sorry." I admit.
A frown comes to the doctor's face.
"Well, you were supposedly having a pretty emotional conversation with her. Then you started breathing heavily and before she knew it you were passed out and unresponsive. Called 911 and here you are. What worries me is you have no knowledge of any of this…" Her frown returned as she tapped a pen to her lips.
"So I repressed it?" I ask, not even sure that was a real thing.
"Most likely. Unless it was extremely traumatic I assume you'll start remembering throughout the day. Just rest for now kiddo. Your dad will be in this afternoon."
"Afternoon? He never works afternoon…" I explain, more confused at this than anything else.
"When you were hospitalized he took two extra shifts to be near you all night. Checked on you every time he passed this room. He just left to get some sleep about forty minutes ago. Don't worry, I doubt he'll let himself sleep long." She assures me before leaving the room.
And now I'm left alone again with only my thoughts. Homecoming is in four days… Tears well up in my eyes at the thought of it. Of course. Of fucking-course I had to go and snap right before something that matters so much. Dammit! Dammit! My head falls back against the pillows and my fists clench. How could I be such an unstable idiot? After all this time of keeping it together I had to go and fuck it up. What was the point of any of it then?
I turn over onto my side and weep silently, making sure no one outside can see. I can cope. I'll be out of here and working twice as hard by tomorrow morning. I'm sure of it.
Tuesday: October 15th 2013
Time – 10:35 AM
Point of View: Zelda
Math sucks. Homecoming sucks. Everything sucks. Fi's been radio silent for a day now. We haven't talked since the bus yesterday morning and she isn't even here today. I get it, she's busy, and people sometimes miss school. But would answering any of my messages have been much trouble? It's Tuesday! That leaves four days till the dance. Even if it's priority mailed, the dress won't be here on time unless it's ordered tonight. Ugh. Look at me! They're buying me a dress and I'm annoyed because I haven't heard from her in twenty-something hours.
"You excited for homecoming?" Malon whispers.
"Of course I am. Just a little stressed." I reply, trying to go unnoticed by Mr. Pole.
"You got a date?" She asks, grinning.
"I'm just going with Fi." I say, looking at the work in front of me.
"Ah, so you do." She giggles.
For some reason I find myself blushing at this.
"Real funny." I hiss. "Just pay attention so you can actually go to homecoming. 1.5 GPA is required for all after school activities."
"Ouch Zel. Uncalled for and brutally accurate. Well, I guess what I said was too." She snickers before leaning back into her chair.
These are my friends. Fuck my life. The rest of class goes by uneventfully and I soon find myself sitting in study hall with Malon. After a while we're both confused and wondering where the final member of our study-trio could be.
"Weird. Fi wasn't on the bus today either. Maybe there's a bug going around?" I suggest, unsure.
About twenty minutes later Midna rushes into the room, setting all of her things on the vacant desk next to ours.
"Sorry I'm late. I was talking to Dr. Paladin."
"Fi's dad?" Malon questions.
"Yeah."
"Why is he here? Come to think of it, where's Fi?" I ask, hoping she'll have the answer somehow.
"About that-" Midna's interrupted by the teacher speaking up in the front of the room.
"Harkinian? Zelda Harkinian? You're wanted at the guidance office. Bring your stuff with you." He explains before going back to his book.
I give the two a confused look before grabbing my things and leaving. As I enter the office I'm greeted by a very well dressed man. His short brown hair is well styled and while he's obviously older, he doesn't look too bad. Also, he's sort of familiar…
"Zelda? Hi, Doctor Paladin, Fi's father." He smiles, shaking my hand.
So that's it! I recognize him from photos at Fi's house. It's my first time actually meeting him though. Which is strange seeing how often I'm at his abode. The question now is why he's here and Fi isn't. Before I can speak up he signs a piece of paper and approaches me again.
"I called your brother. He gave me permission to sign you out. Come with me." He says, walking out the door.
"What's happening?" I ask, trying to keep pace with him.
"Fi's in the hospital." He explains, fidgeting with his keys
"Oh no, why?" I ask, eyes widening.
"It's nothing serious, I just think she'd want you there with her."
"Oh…" I nervously bite my lip, looking out the car window. "What about my homework?"
He looks at me funny, like I should somehow know. After a second he gestures to everything around me.
"I've been a surgeon for a while now. This is a big city, and I'm very good at what I do. The school has received many generous donations from me throughout the years. Now they're doing me a favor." He says, eyes focused on the road.
Woah… Rich people… He has such an intimidating presence… It's no wonder Fi's so stressed about him all the time.
"Besides the Twili girl, you're practically her only friend. That's a big deal for her. My daughter doesn't make friends. I worry about her Zelda…" He sighs.
"But why was it so pressing to pull me out?"
He frowns, looking visibly upset and fearful for just a moment before returning to his normal expression.
"Because it was a mental issue, and I'm worried. I want her to be as happy as possible right now. I'm sure you understand." He says, pulling into the hospital.
A mental thing…? Is it really nothing serious?
Monday: October 15th 2013
Time – 12:00 PM
Point of View: Fi
I lie bored out of my mind in the hospital bed, wishing I could be at school and not falling behind. Nurses have come and gone, and one of them mentioned talking to a psychiatrist… I guess I really am crazy… You always hear about breaking under pressure… But you never really think it's something that will happen to you. I've seen it in movies, read about it, all that stuff, but it never struck me as something I could fall victim to.
I'm not sure why… Maybe I just thought I was too smart and too strong for something as silly as that… Memories of yesterday are coming bit by bit. Midna and I were talking about how unhealthy I am… A weak laugh escapes my underused throat. Guess she was right there… Here I am, in a hospital bed.
I'll probably be relocated soon. This isn't where mental patients go. I'll be made much more comfortable… Tears begin to streak down my cheeks once again as I stare blankly at the far wall. How long will I be here? Most likely a few days… I'll have to get the dresses online from here… Assuming they'll even let me go. I already deducted earlier that Homecoming is most likely a bust… And I'll be drowning in homework when I go back… How is this any better than bottling it up? Now I'm more overwhelmed and behind than before!
I hear the door open and turn my head to see who's coming to see how I'm doing this time. I'm genuinely surprised to see my father and… Zelda? Why are they here? He doesn't have to work yet and I'm pretty sure it's still school hours… Before I can say anything Zelda has rushed to my side and is hugging me. I groan in pain, causing her to loosen slightly.
"Sorry Zel… Pretty sore from lying here all this time…" I nervously laugh, hoping she'll never let go.
"Are you okay?" She asks, her chin resting on my shoulder.
"Not really… I'm in a hospital." I chuckle.
"Don't make me hit you, it'd look really bad at a time like this." She laughs.
I look to my father, curious. He just smiles and walks out of the room. Did he bring her here just for me to have company…? A shoulder to cry on…?
"Why didn't you talk to me Fi? All those demons bottled up were bound to escape eventually…" She softly says, still resting her head on me and arms around my back.
I feel a sense of calm that hasn't been there for a long time… She really cares. Like, really, genuinely cares. I feel her breathing chest against my own and it's the most soothing thing I've ever experienced. While I'm sure it's uncomfortable for her to be leaning onto the bed like this, we just stay like that for ten minutes.
I feel like this is friendship… Or a relationship… I'm not sure. I'm not going to complicate it. We want to be holding each other, platonically or otherwise, and that's what's happening. Right now, that's all that matters.
"How long are you gonna stay?" I ask, breaking the pleasant silence.
She thinks for a moment before answering.
"How long are they keeping you here?" She responds.
We giggle together quietly. While nothing's okay… I feel like it is… I feel like Zelda's going to help me from now on, no matter the specifics of our relationship. I'm relocated to a different room and Zelda follows. We talk and watch movies the rest of the day, and with two large chairs and some spare blankets, Zelda makes a place to sleep.
She doses off first, and I can't help but stare at her and smile. Not in a creepy way… I'm just so happy that she really cares about me… She's really my friend…
Wednesday: October 16th 2013
Time – 3:15 AM
Point of View: Link
I exit my quiet work building, locking the door behind me. Another late night… Zelda's gonna kill me… As I approach my shitty car I sigh from relief, remembering she's at the hospital with her friend. Brother of the year, I know. I check my phone to see if she tried to contact me at all, and she hasn't. My eyes burn and my body's weak. This stupid body isn't built to work this hard, but I need to dammit! When Mom and Dad died I knew that the only way for Zelda to live a somewhat normal life was to work my ass off until she graduated. And I'm so close too! She's in high school for God's sake! I can last a little longer.
Realizing there's no point in going home to an empty house, I pull into the Milk Bar's parking lot. You could argue that it's too early to drink, but I'd like to think it's just extremely late. Unsurprisingly, there aren't many people here at this hour. I sit at the bar and wait to be seen. I always thought this place was weirdly cute. Whoever thought up a cow themed bar needs to get paid more, because it's fucking amazing. There're little chibi cows all over the place, and the employees always wear little spotted hats.
After sitting here for five minutes, I decide to ring the bell located on the counter. Sure, it's rude to rush, but I'm a paying customer and it's late. Soon after, I hear the call of a young woman come from the back room.
"Hold on, be right up!" She shouts.
I thought Talon was the only one who worked this late, not any girls. And boy, would I remember this one. I attempt to mask my surprise as she walks up to me. Holy Hylia, this is the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen. Her beautiful red hair falls down most of her back, stopping a little past her waist. Her black tee shirt outlines her figure perfectly, and her breasts are… Um… Nice. What really gets me is her face. Her big eyes, her warm smile, and the fact that she's staring at me looking incredibly confused…. Oh shit. How long have I been eyeing her over!?
"Uh, what can I get you?" She asks, waving a hand in front of my face.
"Uh… Ya know what, just a coke. I don't need to deal with a cab."
"A coke? You came here, waited however long you waited before ringing that bell, and now are going to sit there and drink a coke?" She asks in disbelief.
"There a problem?" I laugh nervously, realizing how stupid I am.
"Not at all. But, just between us, there's a vending machine down the block with much faster coke service." She chuckles before grabbing my drink.
I take it from her, enjoying the cool sensation in my throat.
"So, I've never seen you before, new around here?" I ask.
She just gives me a funny look, not answering.
"Did you come here just to sip soda and make small talk?" She laughs.
"I'm not opposed to the idea." I admit, laughing as well.
"Well, luckily for you, I'm just bored enough to accept."
I watch as she takes a chair from my side of the counter and sets it down, flopping onto it in a tired fashion.
"As a matter of fact, I am new." She explains, grabbing my coke and taking a sip.
I joking slap her hand, taking it back.
"Hey, back off. This is mine."
She sighs.
"Okay, okay. Just let me go thirsty." She pouts, looking away.
"Maybe I'll let you have some if you tell me about yourself." I offer, slowly rotating the cup in my hands.
After a sound of defeat, she finally explains.
"I'm Cremia Lon. I know, weird last name. My dad owns the place and I'm fresh out of college. Figured I'd get my license and work here while I work out what to do with my life. You?" She asks, helping herself to my drink once again.
"My parents died right after I turned eighteen…" I say, looking away. "My sister and I live alone now. I support us by working obscene hours with very little breaks."
She gets a look of sorrow, but visibly has nothing to say.
"It's okay, I've heard every spin of the phrase, 'That's terrible! I'm so sorry!' There's no need." I explain, letting out a pained laugh.
"I don't understand how you feel and what you've been through, I really don't, but I'm no stranger to loss." She admits, looking down at the table. "My mother and younger sister died in a car crash about fifteen years ago. Thankfully, the newborn wasn't with them. Now it's just the three of us…"
Now I have nothing to say. She sees this and smiles.
"Life's hard. It throws curveballs at you. There're people who'll never feel a fraction of your grief and stress, but there're also folks who have it much, much worse."
"Thanks… I actually really needed to hear that." I smile.
"Don't mention it. I'd love to continue this conversation. But," She points to the clock. "It's closing time."
Wow… 3:45 already.
"Bummer." I laugh, standing up and placing a five on the counter.
"Where're you going?" She asks, confused.
"Uh… It's closing time." I nervously laugh, unsure of what she's asking.
"I know." She smiles, leaning against the counter with her arms against her chest.
The position she's in makes me look away, blushing. I can't handle how attractive she is when she stands that way. I hear footsteps approach me and see that she's now on my side of the counter.
"I helped you with your thirst." She grins, wrapping an arm around me. "Now you help me with mine."
"Oh-" I say as she plants her lips onto mine.
Is this really happening? Is this fucking goddess really kissing me?! She leans closer and places her free hand on my chest. Okay… I suppose it is happening. Well then, better stop at a gas station on the way home… Ya know… For stuff…
Tuesday: October 15th 2013
Time – 6:00 AM
Point of View: Link
"Holy shit…" She gasps, letting her head fall back.
I grunt, leaning back then falling to my side. Yes, it's exactly what you think. After removing the condom and throwing it aimlessly aside, I rest my head on the pillows like she is. We just kind of lie there panting for a few minutes, neither sure what to say or do next. I see that my clock says 6:00. By the gods… It was 4:15 when we pulled into the driveway and went inside. Could we really have gone that long?
"Have to say, you're the best I've been with." She finally speaks up, breaking the awkward silence.
I look over to her revealed body, poorly lit but still amazing. I then feel how completely and utterly tired I am. I guess working fourteen hours then having sex for that long would do that to anybody. She senses this and rests her head against my shoulder.
"How about me huh? Was I so boring you wanna sleep?" She giggles, kissing my shoulder.
"Absolutely not." I laugh. "That was incredible… I just don't know what to say now."
She leans over to my ear and kisses it too.
"How about your name?" She purrs.
"Link?" I hear Zelda question from the dark hallway.
Holy fucking shit. Why is she here? Why is Zelda home? I frantically reach for the covers and practically slam them against our naked bodies. Cremia makes a sound of surprise and attempts to cover herself as well. Holy shit… My sister just walked in on me naked in bed with a girl… How long had she been standing there? Did she see me naked? Did she see Cremia naked? Did she see my crotch tingle when the damn bartender nibbled on my ear!?
"Hey Zelda!" I laugh nervously.
"Um…." She responds just as awkwardly. "Who's your friend…?"
"Zelda…?" Cremia questions in disbelief.
"You know her?" I ask, just as confused.
"Sort of! She goes to school with my sister! Oh Din… I slept with Zelda's older brother…" She groans, slapping a hand to her face.
"Cremia?" Zelda exclaims, covering her eyes at this point. "You and Link are seeing each other."
"Hardly, we just met." I explain.
"And you've already fucked?"
"She was my bartender." I say, digging myself deeper.
"And what? You didn't have enough for a tip?" The blonde laughs, walking away. "I'm just here to grab my things for school. Feel free to continue whatever it is I interrupted."
We sit there awkwardly, unable to move, for a very long time.
"Nice to meet you Link…" She quietly laughs.
"Yeah… you too." I chuckle.
Zelda walks past again, this time slamming my door.
"Alright, Mr. Paladin's driving me to school, have a nice time." She shouts, leaving the house.
"Bye kiddo! I'll be here when you get home, but I'm leaving soon after!"
Cremia sighs with relief, uncovering herself and stretching. I can't help but stare at her form as she glistens with sweat. Without saying anything she rolls over and lies on top of me, kissing me yet again. Sweet Farore, she wants to go again? After what just happened? At least let me grab a bottle of water first…
Tuesday: October 15th 2013
Time – 8:00 AM
Point of View: Fi
I understand that we shouldn't both miss school, but why did Zelda have to go? Since she left with my father I've just sat in my bed, scrolling through the unwatchable children's programs that play at this hour. Still, I can't think about last night without a huge grin coming to my lips. I've never had a sleepover, and I know a hospital isn't the ideal place for it, but I still enjoyed myself immensely. I also felt some strange vibes coming from Zelda. The way she held me… The way she ran to me when she first arrived… It seems like the way a girlfriend always reacts in fiction when her significant other is hurt or in trouble…
Either way, I'm just glad she acted the way she did. It reassured me that I have people who're there for me… That care about me… And maybe, someone who wants to always be there for me… care about me more than anything… Just maybe. My thoughts are cut short by the door abruptly opening.
"Hello Fi, I'm Doctor Long." The woman smiles. "I'm here to talk about some things with you. Are you in the mood to answer some questions?"
Of course. I knew this was coming. The first step to recovery. Dad must've told them it was worse than they thought, because I should be out by now. Yes, he must have caught on to the truth and taken the opportunity to fix my brain… This is a basic evaluation of my mental state. Before they decide what Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to actually send me to, her job is to get a rough assessment of my psych.
"On a scale of one to ten, how would you describe your day right now?" She asks with a warm smile.
"Hospital." I answer honestly.
She laughs, writing something down.
"That's fair. At least I'm paid to be here. Next question, how well do you sleep at night?"
And the tedious questioning goes on from there. It's unbelievable how many things they need to know. From my favorite pastime to whether or not I was sexually abused as a child, no mental stone is left unturned. Finally, she begins to grab her things and stand up.
"Thank you Fi, I'll be sure that you get the highest quality care. If you need anything, you know what to do." She smiles before leaving.
I wonder… Am I going to get a therapist? It's not technically required for things like these. I'll probably speak with a psychiatrist once or twice, they'll either diagnose me or send me off, and that'll be that. But I must admit, the idea of a detached third party that I can tell anything without judgment or consequence has always appealed… Maybe I could even get a professional's opinion on my Zelda situation… Would I really be comfortable enough with a stranger to admit that though…? I guess we'll see.
Tuesday: October 15th 2013
Time – 11:35 AM
Point of View: Zelda
"I can't believe our siblings fucked!" Malon exclaims, throwing her head back dramatically.
"And you just walked in on them doing it?" Midna questions, grinning ear to ear.
"No. I already told you, they were just naked, and she was whispering something into his ear." I explain, not wanting to picture what I saw yet again.
The two laugh uncontrollably for a good while, and I don't blame them. It's a pretty ridiculous situation. I just wish it had happened to Malon, that way I'd be laughing and she'd be mentally scarred. As time passes I can't help but wonder what Fi's doing. Is she getting the help she needs? Or is she just sitting alone in that unwelcoming room haunted by her own bad thoughts? Sadly, Malon picks this of all times to bring her up.
"So, real talk, is Fi okay?" She asks, genuinely concerned.
"Zelda spent all day with her at the hospital, I haven't seen her since Monday." Midna says with a frown.
"I dunno…" I admit. "She seems fine, but she always does… I just hope she lets them help her…"
"Well, whether she does or not, we'll be there for her." Midna smiles. "She's our little unstable mess."
I laugh with them, hoping to the goddesses that they're right…
Tuesday: October 15th 2013
Time – 3:15 PM
Point of View: Zelda
I arrive at the hospital shortly after school. Link dropped me off on the way to work. I figure he owes me that much after this morning's display. I walk to Fi's room and knock.
"Come in." I hear her say in that unique accent of hers.
I walk in and smile at her before dropping my bag. She smiles back and pats the chair next to the bed.
"I've gotta talk to you about something."
I approach the chair and sit down, worried about what she wants to discuss.
"Dad came in and talked to me a little bit ago. The school called. While, yes, I'm excused from homework and classes due to being hospitalized, I'm still not attending school." She explains.
I nod, following so far.
"Well, since I'm not going on Friday, any after school activity over the weekend is banned… I can't go to homecoming with you Zel…" She frowns, looking like she might cry.
"Is that all?" I say like it's nothing. "When do you get out?"
"Saturday… Ugh… So close."
I lean in and hug her, holding her slim body close.
"Fuck homecoming. We're gonna sit on your couch and watch shitty movies all night."
"You really mean that? You don't have to blow it off just cause I'm not going… I want you to have fun." She says, pulling away and looking me in the eyes.
I shake my head. This fucking girl! When will she understand that Homecoming would be boring without her? When will she understand how important she is to me? I pull away from our hug and lie next to her. I know it's not usual to share a hospital bed with a patient, but we're both quite small and it's honestly pretty comfy.
"I would have so much more fun watching bad movies with you." I say honestly, staring at the ceiling.
"Really?" She asks in a soft voice.
I grab her hand.
"Totally. Have you seen the tenth 'Friday the 13th?' They turn Jason into a cyborg."
She laughs, which brings a smile to my face. I'm glad that I can be here for her. Glad that a few stupid jokes and references can bring her joy in a time like this.
"Jason as in the machete killer with a hockey mask?"
I nod my head.
"Yep. Robo-Jason. Truly impeccable writing on their part. I wept tears of joy… And that movie that came out a few months ago with the flying sharks?"
She laughs even harder this time.
"Sharknado? I've heard of it."
"Yes! It looks amazing!"
"Horribly inaccurate by the way." She grins.
"I'll happily rant about it the whole time with you. So don't worry, we'll have an amazing time on Saturday."
I lean over and hug her. I rest my head in her neck, listening to her heartbeat. It's so soothing to hear another person's body at work… Or maybe I'm just weird? Who cares? She leans her head down a bit and wraps an arm around me. We fall asleep like this, happy in each other's presence.