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Alex didn’t talk much.
In fact, he barely talked at all.
It was a fact that was written in the multiple notes of the staff of St. Dominic’s Pediatric Psychiatric Ward. As with any patient, the staff were encouraged to help Alex open up about his trauma. Yet there was only so much they could do when most of his file had been redacted. The glaring MISO status also prevented them from asking too many questions. It seemed as if it would take a miracle for Alex to talk.
That miracle came two weeks into Alex’s stay on the unit.
Alex was sitting in the common room when he noticed the newcomer. He had recognized him instantly. Tall with shaggy brown hair, it was James Sprintz. Alex watched him curiously. The last time he had seen James was at Point Blanc as he and Wolf raided the school. He wondered what how life had been for him since.
Making a decision, Alex got up and walked into the hall and watched as the nurses helped settle James into his room. He listened as the nurses described the rules and the groups that were available to attend. Alex waited until the nurses had left the room before approaching. James looked up as he entered the doorway, eyes widening as he recognized Alex.
“Alex? You look awful.” James said.
Alex winced, knowing it was the truth. He had tried not to look in the mirror that much since Cairo.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to….I mean….I probably don’t look the best either.”
“It’s okay.”
There was an awkward silence where neither one of them knew quite what to say.
“How have you been?” James asked finally.
“I’ve been…better.”
“Sorry that was a stupid question.”
“No, it wasn’t.”
James looked around as if looking for someone, before leaning forward and beckoning Alex to come closer. Alex walked closer.
“Do you ever think about them? The clones?” James whispered.
Alex closed his eyes and took in deep breaths, remembering the exercises that he had learned in therapy. He felt his hands start to shake as the memories fought to come to the surface.
“Alex?! Are you okay?! Should I get a nurse?!”
Alex forced his eyes open to see James worried face. He stared at James for a second, letting the familiarity ground him.
“No, I’m fine. It’s just….hard for me to talk about right now.”
“Shit, I’m sorry mate.”
“It’s okay.”
Alex sat down on the bed, trying to get his body to relax. James sat next to him, watching in case he did need to call a nurse.
“I killed him.” Alex said quietly.
“What?”
“I killed him. My clone.”
There was another silence as Alex watched it sink in for James. Alex wondered what he was thinking.
“Shit man. I mean…we’ve all thought about it.”
“I didn’t have a choice. It was either me or him.”
“I’m glad it wasn’t you.”
Alex gave a small smile. It was nice to hear.
“Thanks.”
“How long you’ve been here?”
“Two weeks.”
“Any idea when you’re getting out?”
“Whenever MI6 finds me a guardian.”
For a moment it looked as if James was going to ask, but thought better of it. Alex was glad. He didn’t think he would be able to talk about Jack yet.
“I’m here for a couple weeks as well. Dad’s been worried for awhile. He says he wants to help me through this.”
“Alex?” A familiar voice said from the hallway.
Alex turned to see Ben Daniels standing nervously in the entryway. He had a duffle bag with him, slung over his shoulder.
“Ben? What are you doing here?” Alex asked.
“I’m going to be taking care of you. The doctors said you could be released into my care today, if thats okay with you.” Ben said, looking at Alex nervously.
Alex looked at James. Alex was ready to get out of this place but he felt bad at the thought of leaving James alone.
“It’s okay. Go on. I’ll be fine.” James said encouragingly.
“I’ll keep in touch.” Alex promised.
Alex got up and walked over to Ben. He gave a small wave to James before heading out with Ben. For the first time in weeks, Alex felt hopeful.