For Love, Service and Faith

Meeting Miss Mae

Sam looked up and smiled, "Hope it's for completion points" she thought to herself. "If nothing else, at least I think I'm funny." With that, she slammed the notebook shut and glanced at the clock. 2:59. "Fuck." she grabbed the notebook and checked the room number written on the post it on the front. She raced down the hallway and up the stairs to the fourth floor. She took a deep breath and knocked three times, loudly, and walked in. It was 3:04. Miss Mae stood to greet her. She was a tall woman and looked oddly serene. "Well" she said expectantly, "aren't you going to formally introduce yourself, and apologize for your tardiness?"

"Hello I'm Sam and I'm sorry I'm late." Sam knew she could have sounded much more genuine, but she didn't know if she actually was sorry. She saw Dr. LeBoux's eyes narrow slightly; she was apparently also not convinced.

"It's quite all right dear, I'm sure you are used to getting back on a regular schedule. But going forward I will expect you to be here on time." Miss Mae paused for a moment, taking in the attitude radiating off of Sam. She continued "I am Dr. LeBoux, but everyone here calls me Miss Mae. I assume you got the letter I send you, and that you have prepared your first assignment for me to read today." Same sat there silently, both of their eyes went to the notebook resting on her lap. Miss Mae put her hand out, and Sam begrudgingly plopped the notebook onto her desk. She refolded her arms across her chest and defiantly stared at Dr. LeBoux. Miss Mae either didn't notice her angsty behavior, or didn't care to notice it. She opened the book, and began to read. Sam took her in. Miss Mae was an older woman with silver blue hair that waved gently down her back. She had pulled back with a large golden butterfly clip. She wore a loose gauzy cream-colored dress and while she obviously smart, Sam guessed she was heavily involved in the counter culture of the 60's and 70's. Miss Mae gently closed the book, took her cheaters off and folded her hands on top of the desk.

"Did you understand the assignment?"

Sam responded quickly with a pointed "Yes."

"Do you have any questions for me?"

"Yes."

"Well are you going to ask them?" Sam noticed she remained calm, her patience unwavering.

"Well I'm pretty sure you don't want to hear them, so I'm not quite sure what the point would be."

"I deduced as much from your entry. As well as your awareness that there are requirements you must fulfill before I can allow you to leave Bayview. I cannot force you to change your attitude, but it would certainly behoove you to, and expedite the process of your discharge."

"I just don't see how any of this is supposed to help me. There is nothing wrong with me, so I don't have the time to waste doing creative writing assignments on why you've decided I'm crazy."

"Well I am glad to have that insight into how you are feeling. But we do not use the word crazy here, and there will be repercussions if you use it at group therapy on Wednesday. You are expected to be pleasant and kind towards the other members, your issue is with the establishment, not individuals and poor behavior will be reflected in your analysis reports." 

 "Is that all?" Sam asked.

Miss Mae's eyes lit up, Sam could see the intensity that lay underneath the surface,  "Do you understand the guidelines of your treatment plan, and the expectations of your behavior?"

"Crystal freaking clear."

"Then you may go. Please make sure you are keeping up with your journal entries. I will see you at group on Wednesday."