Page 19 of Finding Forgiveness
“Good news, Miss Lewis,” the doctor says with what appears to be a forced smile when he enters the room. “On your mother’s insistence, we’re discharging you.”
On your mother’s insistence.Those words are not lost on me.
My eyes dart to Jacinta—who’s now sitting on a chair by the far wall—where I find her frowning in the doctor’s direction. She’s been quiet since my mother paid us a visit, which concerns me, but I’m grateful her questions have now stopped. I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to confess the truth, because the outcome of that won’t be pretty. Just the thought of it has bile rising to the back of my throat.
“Isn’t there some kind of protocol Cassandra needs to go through before being discharged?” Jacinta asks.
“I’m not sure what you mean by protocol,” the doctor answers, moving his attention to her.
“Considering the reasons surrounding her admittance, wouldn’t the hospital have a duty of care towards their patient? Has counselling or therapy been discussed? Are you not concerned that the moment she is released she may try this again?”
“I won’t,” I say, giving her a confused look.
“I can assure you, Miss …”
“Maloney. Jacinta Maloney,” she says, rising from her seat and extending her hand to him. “I’m Cassandra’s best friend.”
“Her mother has assured me she has all the necessary precautions in place. She’s also organising counselling for her daughter.”
“Right, and pigs might fly.”
“Excuse me,” the doctor says, and he’s not the only one surprised by her outburst.
“Cassie’s mother is the reason she’s in here.”
I gasp. “Jacinta.”
“I’m sorry, Cass, but it’s the truth and you know it. I don’t believe she’ll get you the care you need. I’m concerned about what will happen if you leave here with her.”
“I don’t need care,” I protest.
“Really?” she asks, frowning.
She’s probably right, I’m carrying around a shit load of baggage, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable unloading any of that on a stranger.
The doctor just stands there, his gaze moving back and forth between me and Jacinta like he’s watching a game of tennis. The awkwardness only intensifies when my mother enters carrying one of my Louis Vuitton overnight bags in her hand.
“Jarryd,” she utters, greeting the doctor as she makes her way towards the bed, placing the bag on top.
“Amanda.” I can tell by his curt response he’s not a fan of my mother. Join the club buddy.
“I brought in a change of clothes for you to wear home.”Home.Just the thought of going back to that place with this woman makes me feel sick to the stomach.
“She’s actually coming to stay with me,DoctorLewis,” Jacinta says, emphasising the word doctor.
My wide eyes meet hers, as I silently ask,“What in the hell are you doing?”
The expression she gives me in return is hard to read, but I’m gathering it’s saying something along the lines of,“I’m saving you from this crazy bitch.”
“Hah,” my mother retorts. “It’s amusing that you think you have a say inmydaughter’s life. I’m her mother, and she’s being released under my care. While we are on the subject, Cassandra won’t be able to visit you in Sydney anymore, so I suggest you say your goodbyes before you leave because you won’t be seeing her any time soon.”
I’m pretty sure the desperation on my best friend’s face is mirrored in my own, but I already knew I wouldn’t be going back to Sydney. I broke my own heart six years ago for the man I love, and even if we’re no longer together, I’ll always protect him.
“She’s twenty-two, and an adult,” Jacinta says, in a last-ditch attempt to save me. Bless her sweet little heart; I’ll forever be grateful to her for this.
“That may be true, but she isn’t well enough to make decisions for herself anymore.” My mother turns her attention to me, dismissing Jacinta entirely. “Get dressed,” she snaps, shoving the bag she brought with her in my direction. “We’re leaving.”
Chapter6
