World Upside-down

He's here

I grasp my chest, fighting off a panic attack.

"DOCTOR CANE!" Mrs. Engel yelled "BRING THE ARIPIPRAZOLE!"

A few minutes later the doctor runs in with a syringe and quickly injects it. Right away I start to calm down and start falling asleep. I don't know how long I was out, but when I came to. The doctor was sitting in front of me with a medical tray filled with medication and some water.

"Malorie, I don't want to fight you. All I want is for you to get better. I know you see me as the enemy, but please, take the medication... it's the only way you're going to get any better." He says in a soft tone

I nod my head and take the little paper cup he filled with pills. I pour it into my mouth and force them down with some water.

"I'm sorry Doctor Cane. I don't mean to be difficult; I didn't even know I wasn't taking my meds."

I sigh. "I'm sure Landon had something to do with that."

"Doctor Cane?" I say softly

"Yes Malorie?" He replies waiting for me to speak.

"Why do I have memories of you, Maddy and Mrs. Engel, but they are so vastly different from reality? For example. I thought you were my evil foster dad trying to hurt me, Mrs. Engel was my nanny who always tried to save me from you, and Maddy was my b***h foster sister that I couldn't stand. I had this entire alternate reality in my head. I'm so confused. Have I always been here or what there a point in time where I was somewhere else? I just don't understand. Why is everything so clear now?"

Doctor Cane sits in deep thought for a moment before he speaks. "Malorie, people with your condition often lose time, and don't remember long periods of their lives. In a way, I am your foster father, because I am the one who takes care of you. I supply you with your medicine, and unfortunately have to restrain you when you have an episode. I can see how you would see me as evil. Mrs. Engel Has been here for you since day one as your nurse. So, in a way, she is your nanny. As for Maddy, you two have never gotten along. Maddy has schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is not the same as multiple personality disorder. These mental illnesses are rather different. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder, and multiple personality disorder is a personality disorder. These two types of illnesses cause different symptoms and are diagnosed and treated differently. She sees you as the enemy, so you two do not get along, but have always been together here at the facility. So, I can see why you would think she's your evil foster sister." He laughs slightly and continues. "As for the clarity. I have a theory. While you were in a coma, you were getting your medication regularly. You also..." HE pauses as if trying to figure out how to say this without completely freaking me out but I already knew what he was going to say. "Well, I don't know how to say this so I'm just going to come right out and say it. Malorie, you died, and I believe that your brain hardwired itself and killed off some of the weaker personalities you had." He finishes and waists for me to respond.

"So, the reason why Landon is still here is because he is stronger than the rest?" I ask.

He nods "Yes. Landon wanted control so he has the most to lose, whereas the others were just there to help you. So now it's up to you. You have to force him out. Malorie."

"How do I do that?" I ask him

"I'm not sure, but as long at you take these medications, hopefully appearances won't be an everyday occurrence. There will be good days and bad days, but we will be here for you every step of the way. Just try not to stay inside your head to long, or you will get trapped again." He replies.

I nod in response.

He doesn't say anything more, just squeezes my hand and leaves the room. Leaving me with my thoughts and emotions all over the place.

Moments later, Mrs. Engel comes in. "Good afternoon my girl. Are you feeling better? " She asks.

"A little, thanks for asking Mrs. Engel" I reply with a small smile.

"Tsk Tsk my girl, None of this Mrs. Engel Nonsense. Call me Nanny, like always." She says.

Tears well up in my eyes as she gives me a hug.

"Now," she says. "Who's ready to get out of this room?" She asks

I smile big. "ME!" I say excitedly

She helps me into the wheelchair, and we go out to the big sitting room. She sits on the couch while I sit next to her in the wheelchair, and she turns on my favorite show. We sit there for a few hours watching a few episodes when I see Maddy coming towards us."

"What's she doing here?" She says pointing to me.

"Now, now Madeline, you know she lives here too. Now off you go. Don't you have painting class to attend or something?" Nanny intervenes.

Maddy gives me a disturbing look and walks away. I shudder, and sigh. "Thank you, Nanny."

"It's not a problem my dear, we don't need any more fights between the two of you." Nanny replies and we go back to watching the show together.

"Well, my dear, as much as I have loved our time together, I must get to my other duties, and I have to go check on Madeline. I'll bring you up some food. You can stay here and watch the tv, but no funny business or you'll have to go back to your room." She says handing me the remote and walking in the direction of the art area, where I'd assume Maddy is.

I flick through some of the channels, but nothing piques my interest, so I flip to a music channel and get lost in my thoughts.