Page 70 of Possession

“That’s what the ER doctor said.” His eyes were still on the screen. “You see Dr. Han, outpatient?”

“I do.”

“Do you have these blackouts often?” he asked without looking at me.

“I used to.”

He raised his eyes. “I see you have a history of hallucinations? Are the medications you’re on currently helping?”

“Yes.”

Liar.

“You haven’t been taking them like you should.” Paige tried to keep her voice down, but he’d heard her and his eyes tensed.

Liam ran his hand through his hair and glared at Paige. “He takes them, he’s been a lot better since his recent med change.”

“When he was brought in today, you reported to the physician that he was ‘out of it’ and ‘uncontrollable’.” The doctor set the iPad down on my bedside tray and looked at Liam.

“He was just protecting Paige.” Liam’s irritation resonated in the room.

“My ex, he started it,” Paige agreed.

“How often do you have internal stimuli?” The doctor frowned and turned his attention back to me.

“When I’m taking my meds regularly, not often, maybe once a day, sometimes, when I’m with Paige, I won’t hear them for days.” I laced my fingers with hers.

“But, you haven’t been taking them regularly?” He raised his eyebrows.

I shook my head. “I forget, and if I’m being honest, I don’t like how they make me feel at times.”

He clicked his tongue. “And your depression?”

“Nonexistent,” I answered.

“Because of her, I’m guessing?” He shifted his eyes to Paige and then back to me. “Here’s the thing, Mr. O’Connell, according to what your brother told the ER doctor, and your long history of mental illness, I’m worried you’re a danger to yourself and others until we can reestablish your medications. You snapped today, you were impulsive. I can’t ethically let you leave here knowing that you’re not taking medications like you should, hearing voices, and losing time, blacking out… I’m recommending an acute admission to our behavioral health unit for med stabilization.”

“This is ridiculous, he’s never been hospitalized!” Liam’s hands balled into fists.

“I realize that, but—”

“We can take care of him, make sure he takes his medications,” Paige offered, but her voice wavered.

My chest felt heavy and it became difficult to swallow past the boulder in my throat.

They’re locking you up.

You’re sick.

Sick.

Mentally ill.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and tried to steady my breathing.

“I’m afraid this is my decision. He can either be admitted voluntarily or I can hold him… it’s up to you.”

Liam swore and for a second I thought he was going to punch the wall. “You can hold him?” His tone was acidic. “Against his will?” He was unconvinced.

---