Nightmare

Nurse Vivian’s eyes scanned over every word printed on the adoption notice. She had already been examining it for about 10 minutes. Everything was set and in order, Brian had made absolutely sure of it. So what was the issue? Her reluctance in releasing a patient she deemed insane and a threat to others. She was looking for any possible loophole in the document, finding none. Brian had gone to great lengths, making sure that when he asked me about adoption 1 month ago there would be no issues. His lawyer pulled some strings to rush this process along.

Placing the documents on the desk, she neatly folded her hands and gave Brian a “professional” look.

“Sir, I can see that these documents are in order so I cannot legally refuse your request. However, I can voice my professional opinion. As a nurse, I have seen cases similar to Ms. Ashland’s. This adoption is not in her best interest, nor is it in yours or your wife’s. You see, the illness she has cannot be cured without psychiatric assistance. This patient requires constant supervision and medical help, from trained physicians. How do you expect me to release a violent patient who is a threat to others? I highly urge you to rethink your decision and realize that she belongs here.” The woman spoke as if I wasn't even there.

Brian slowly took two deep breaths, closing his eyes. He grasped my hand in his as he spoke as calmly as he possibly could.

“I appreciate your 'concern', but there is no need for it. You may not think this adoption is the proper path, but my wife and I know it is. Unlike you, we know Maive as a person. You just simply see her as another file thrown your way. She may need help but not from a hospital and certainly not from you. She needs a meaningful and successful treatment, which she is not receiving here. She needs a family to love and take care of her. Though if you feel so strongly, I will allow a nurse to come to the house every so often.

‘But get one thing straight. Maive is an amazing kid. She is not violent and she is not a threat to anyone. There is no way in hell that she belongs here! She has a family now, and she is not coming back. So I suggest you sign the damn papers.”

***
Brian sat in the driver’s seat of his huge ass SUV, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the song playing on the radio. I sat in the passenger’s seat, one leg underneath me so I could turn towards Brian. Riley was in the back, quietly staring out the window. Michelle had not come today. Apparently she wanted to get everything ready at the house.

Brian quickly glanced at me before looking back at the road. “You know everyone is really excited. Michelle has been running around the past two days like a chicken with its head cut off” he laughed, “She wants everything to be perfect. I have never seen her clean so thoroughly before in my life. The guys have been at the house helping her, which is surprising. They spent the night so they wouldn't miss a single thing.”

I smiled, “You know, everyone shouldn't go to so much trouble just for me.” A wide smile spread across his face, “This is a big deal for us. We want you to feel welcome Maive. It’s honestly no trouble at all, we are glad to do it, just for you. Everyone in the family has been hoping you would agree to the adoption. You still have a lot of people to meet. All the wives, my father, step-mother, sister, friends, our new drummer Arin, just so many people who can’t wait to meet you, Maive.”

My eyes widened…

Brian hastily continued, seeing the terrified look on my face, “No, don’t worry! You can take this as slow as you want, I know it’s a lot! You can meet them in your own time. Arin might already be at the house but the girls will be there later tonight. Everyone else will come when you feel up to it. So just four people tonight.”

I sighed relieved that I would not have to take on the entire family in one night. “Uh… do you think they will like me? Considering where you guys met me, I’d think they would be hesitant to welcome me. Bringing an insane orphan home would freak any family out.” There was a moment of silence before I realized the car had moved to the side of the road and stopped. Brian turned to me, grabbing my hands in his.

“They will love you, I know they will. They will see exactly what I saw when I met you. A beautiful, kind, strong young woman who has been put through so much. Who also did not deserve to be thrown in that shitty place. You are not insane Maive. I believe you when you say that you see ghosts. I may not understand it, but I’m not going to be closed minded and not accept it. There is just something in my gut telling me that you see what you say you do and that it’s really there. Now, not everyone will feel exactly the same as I, but they will accept how special and amazing you are. Besides, who cares what others think, I’m here for you when you need someone to believe.”

After years of being called crazy, it felt good to know someone believed. It felt good to be accepted by someone who wasn't a ghost. Brian reached up, swiping at my cheek lightly with his thumb. I had not realized that a tear had fallen from my eye. My body automatically moved forward hugging Brian, my face buried in his chest. I could see Riley smiling gently at us from the corner of my eye. Brian laughed lightly as he returned the hug.

“You know, that day when that ass of a ‘doctor’ went too far and they hurt you, I was livid. Later when I got home, I told Michelle what happened and we tossed around the idea of adoption. Michelle had not even met you yet, but I talked about you so much she felt like she knew you. A few days after she met you, we got all the adoption requirements settled. Michelle wanted to adopt you the moment she saw you. Most people would call us crazy for this but we knew you belonged with us. When you eventually agreed, we were ecstatic. Now, it’s settled and it’s official. Even though this has been ridiculously sudden it feels right. I hope you agree to permanently stay with us…"

Brian looked as if he wanted to say something else. A moment later he continued.

“When Jimmy was alive, he told me that I would know when the right kid came along. He was right, because I know that it’s you, Maive. He would have loved you, no doubt.”

Notes

I am changing Maive's and Riley's character photos. It would make me so happy if I could call upon my readers. Comment or message me links to photos that you think personifies these two characters the best and I will choose from your options. Keep in mind, I think of them as very natural looking people and their looks should give off their personalities shown through the stories. Your help would be amazing seeing as I am struggling finding decent pictures.

I will mention the readers username next to the character photo and in the notes as another thank you along with a message. Can't say it enough.

Thank you!