Rose:

“Katie, sweetie, this is a safe place. Okay? You can take one of your jackets off.”

I’ve been trying to get Katie to shed at least one layer of clothing all week. She wears so many jackets the poor girl looks miserable. I can’t even imagine the hell she lives in in her mind to feel the need to hide behind that many clothes. By the way, one week may not sound long, but in treatment that is a very long time. We spend almost every waking moment together.

She nods, with tears in her eyes. She feels so much shame that she hasn’t been able to change yet. She wants to change, but she’s so scared. I want to push her, but I also don’t want her to feel judged. It’s a fine line to walk.

“Rose!”

I turn around quickly. It’s Kristy, the local therapist here, and also my mentor. Since the day I got here she’s been a mother figure to me. She crooks a finger, gesturing for me to come over to her.

“Can I talk to you for a moment? I sent Maria to help out Kylie on the floor.”

I wipe my hands on my scrubs. “Okay. Of course, Kristy.”

I follow her out of the room. She leads me to her office, extending an arm out, indicating for me to go inside. I furrow my eyebrows.

“What’s going on?”

I don’t take a seat, opting to pace the room instead.

“I was just checking on you. You know what tomorrow is right?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, Kristy. We’ve only been talking about, planning and building this for a year.”

“I was just checking.”

“I can talk to men you know.”

I cock my hip to the side for emphasis.

“I know that sweetie. I just… I really do think it is in the best interest of everyone for you to work in the new men’s unit. They’ll be a lot of trial and error since it’s new for us to have men here, and you’ve been here the longest. Not to mention, you know I think you get way too attached to the women here, and the men need someone who actually cares about them. Who doesn’t expect them to be tough all the time. There’s no one better for that job than you, but…” her face falls, “Rose, you know you’re special to me. I could really get fired for getting so attached to you, but I can’t help it. You know we have the roster of men coming in. You know the background of one of them.”

“Yes.”

“And you sure you’ll… be okay with that? Professionally, I want you for this unit. No, I need you for this unit,” she lets out a nervous laugh, “but personally, well, I want you to stay in your little safe zone with the girls and never be challenged.”

We both laugh.

“Well, that’s not good for anyone! You’re a therapist,” I laugh. “You know we all need change.”

“I know sweetheart. Just know, if there’s ever a point where you need help or they cause you trouble, you can come to me.”

I set my hand on her shoulder. “I know Kristy. Thank you for being so amazing.”

“Oh sweetheart,” she shakes her head, “don’t be ridiculous. Now go finish your shift and go home. I don’t want you leaving a minute past five today. I'm so serious. I want you to go home, do something that makes you happy and rest a lot for tomorrow.”

I glance out the window to the new men’s unit.

“This does make me happy.”

“Not a minute after five,” she repeats, her lips in a firm line.

I sigh, but I really want to throw a tizzy fit. I don’t want to go to my house. There’s nothing there, and this is home. I belong with these girls. I don’t have a choice though. Kristy may love me, but she is hardass boss. She’s told me herself she would fire me if it came to it. Of course, she’d help me find another job and be there for me, but I'm no exception to the rules. I only respect her more for that… but not at this freaking moment.

I walk out with the rest of the girls. I know I look pissy, but my coworkers know I’d never let it show in front of the girls.

“Awwww, Kristy is making you go home at normal time today. I know that face,” Maria teases, punching my arm.

I glance over at Kylie who is struggling with one of the girls. She’s new and trying to get used to everything. For now, Kylie is fine. I make a note to keep an eye on her while Maria and I talk.

“Shut up Maria.”

“Seriously girl. You need a life. You’re nice. Gorgeous. Young. Single. I like helping the girls too, but you have to have a life outside of it.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do,” she laughs. “Otherwise you end up pouting because you have to leave work at the proper time. That’s not healthy. You want to be a good example for the girls, right?”

I glare at her.

“That’s low.”

She bites her lip to hide a smile. “Come out with me tonight. You haven’t gone out with me in over a year. Come see the world. Come see what we are trying to get the girls to see Rose.”

I look her up and down. Maria’s gorgeous. She’s Latin. Curvy, wide hips, long wavy dark brown hair, perfect dark skin. Brown eyes. Yeah, I’ll pass.

“Well, tonight I…”

“Don’t even try and tell me you are busy. I will honestly kill you. Come on Rose! You are one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen. Come have fun. Pleaseee!”

“Rose, Maria…”

We spin around to see Kristy.

“Can you please help Kylie and stop chatting?”

She’s got her eyebrows raised, and a hand on her hip. Shit. I was supposed to keep an eye on her. I see Kylie running around stressed out of her mind. Guilt washes over me. I was supposed to help.

“Rose. Answer Maria’s question, then you two go help Kylie.”

Aka, go out with Maria tonight Rose. Stop being a recluse Rose. Quit hiding at work Rose.

“Fine, I’ll go.”

“YAAAAS!” Maria yells. “We are going to have so much fun! I'm gonna get you all sexed up.”

“I draw the line there.”

“Fine. Next time.”

“Never.”

She grins. “We’ll see.”