Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 3

Lana's POV:

It was the day before Lana's first day at her new job and she still knew next to nothing about what she was getting herself into. In the short amount of time she had to conduct her research on Lucia State and its occupants, she had found out very little, which worried her immensely, because from here on out she was basically going in blind. It didn't help that the internet had cut out half way through her research. That's what you get for relying on wifi from a crappy little motel, that Lana had decided to rent a room at just because it was conveniently a short 10 minute drive from Lucia State.

The brunette pulled herself up off the bed, pouring herself her third coffee of the day as she glanced over her notes. Not finding out anything helpful, she did manage to find out the names of every doctor and nurse that worked there, including the mysterious woman that had took up residency in her brain ever since her encounter with the older woman.

Mildred Ratched. Finally putting a name to a face.

The journalist had found out that Mildred had only worked at the hospital for a little over a year and already held the title of 'head nurse' but before her time at Lucia State, Lana failed to find Nurse Ratched's previous workplace.

The brunette had so many burning questions regarding the older woman, but she was just going to have to find out from the source itself, which was not going to be easy. Mildred seemed like a very private woman, not one who was likely to share her business with just anyone, especially a stranger.

The brunette pondered, for a moment, over her brief encounter with the older nurse. A very intriguing woman. As she did so, Lana slipped on her coat, pulling out a pack of cigarettes from her purse, deciding it was time for a break and some well needed fresh air.

As she stepped out into the cool, wintery air, a chilly breeze enveloped her and she pulled her coat tighter around her, extracting a cigarette from its packet and placing it in her mouth, before swiftly lighting it.

The brunette allowed her head to fall back against the wall as she slowly exhaled, revelling in the calmness smoking offered her. After a couple seconds, her eyes fluttered open, taking in her surroundings. The motel was situated on a cliff side looking out across the ocean, it was rather beautiful. Full of peace and tranquillity. However, the motel itself was rather shabby, but the view definitely made up for that, it was exquisite.

Lost in thought, Lana was unaware of the presence behind her, until she spoke.

"Would you mind putting that out please, the smell is disgusting."

Lana's head whipped around, slightly startled at the sudden interruption. Nurse Ratched stood in the doorway, a displeased look resting on her face. The brunette was a little surprised at seeing the older woman, she wasn't expecting to run into her today; not literally this time.

"Oh, it's you." Lana managed to stutter out, trying her best to maintain her composure.

"Expecting somebody else?" Mildred quipped, raising an eyebrow.

The brunette relaxed a little, slowly taking a drag of her cigarette, noting the disgusted look on Mildred's face as she did so. Then, shrugging her shoulders she said, "Just wasn't expecting.. you."

There was a slight pause between the two women, and before the silence became awkward, Lana spoke again. "Would you like one?" She asked, offering the older woman a cigarette. "Looks like you could use one." She then added, hoping to ease the tension between the two of them.

"Disgusting habit." The older woman spat.

"A no would have been just fine." Lana mumbled, slipping the pack back into her pocket.

"Dr Hanover doesn't tolerate smoking.."

Lana rolled her eyes, shooting the other woman a pointed look, deliberately taking a long drag of her cigarette. "Well, he won't find out will he." She said, shrugging dismissively.

"Not unless I tell him."

This woman has an answer for everything.

"What is this? Second grade?" The brunette retorted playfully, stubbing out the last of her cigarette. The way Mildred was looking at her sent chills down her spine. Or was that just the cold?

"Excuse me?"

Lana quickly diverted her gaze away from the older woman. Don't make enemies, you're going to be working with this woman, she mentally chastised herself before changing the subject. "So Mildred.." she began before being abruptly cut off.

"How do you know my name?" Nurse Ratched asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice. Shit.

"Oh.. uhm.. Dr Hanover.." Lana replied nonchalantly, casting her gaze out across the ocean.

There was a long pause before the other woman spoke. "Well.. it's Nurse Ratched to you."

This woman hates me.

♡ ♡ ♡

Mildred's POV:

A small smirk tugged at the corner of Mildred's mouth. It seemed the other woman was doing everything possible to avoid the nurse's gaze. Mildred thoroughly enjoyed the effect she was having on the brunette.

After a few seconds, Lana turned to face Mildred, a confused expression resting on her face. "So, the other day you said "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into" what did you mean by that?" Finally some eye contact, thought Mildred.

Ratched pursed her lips thinking for a moment, holding her gaze firmly on Lana. "Did I?" She feigned innocence, stepping out into the cold. "I don't recall." She shrugged, a smirk dancing on her face. Of course, she knew exactly what the other woman was referring to.

"What am I getting myself into?" The brunette rolled her eyes and Mildred had to refrain from slapping her.

"Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to, Miss Winters." The nurse mumbled, sauntering past Lana to the edge of the cliff. Mildred gazed out across the ocean, breathing in the fresh air. She spent so much time at the hospital during the day, that she had almost forgotten what fresh air felt like, and the view was breath-taking. The only pleasant thing about this place.

"What do you mean by that?" The brunette interrupted Mildred's thoughts. She didn't need to look at the other woman to know she was rolling her eyes again. Something that pissed her off greatly. Does this woman have an off switch?

"God, do you ever stop asking questions?" Nurse Ratched sighed.

"Do you ever stop avoiding them?" Lana shot back, her voice slightly raised, clearly irritated with the other woman. Good.

Mildred's gaze shifted slowly over to Lana, and the scowl that rested on the brunette's face quickly dissipated into one of unease, shifting uncomfortably under Ratched's gaze.

"All I'm going to say is.." Mildred's voice was low as she stalked towards the other woman. "Watch. Your. Back."

Lana's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't say anything. Finally, she shuts up. A small smirk pulled at the corners of Mildred's mouth and she pushed past the brunette heading back inside the motel, but stopping for a brief moment, turning her gaze on Lana.

"Oh and Miss Winters?" She said. "Don't ever talk to me like that again." With that being said she disappeared back inside the motel.

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Hi guys! Sorry for my lack of updates this week, I've been meaning to post but kept forgetting. 🙈 I'm not quite sure how I feel about this chapter but I've been neglecting this story so wanted to give you an update. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments. Have a great day/night!
~T ♡~