Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapter 133 My Everything

Sometimes Trevor wants me to read out loud, which I find a little odd. But he says that it's a good way to really absorb the material I'm reading. If something catches his attention, he jots it down in a notebook for me.

Trevor seems to think I'd make a good counselor here. All I need is a little education. So the man sits here with me, dedicating his time to help me learn. Right now he has me reading this medical book called "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders " Also known as "DSM-5-TR", (5th Edition, Text Revision). It's a guide for diagnosing mental disorders. Trevor thinks I should know all about what Julia has, inside and out, medically and how it affects her and those around her emotionally. Not only that, but other, more common disorders, that a lot of patients here in the Avalon suffer from. It's more of a reference book for mental health professionals, psychiatrists, psychologists and other healthcare professionals. All of which I am not. I was a damn receptionist at a hotel, and a bodyguard. That's it. But I have to admit- I AM learning a lot.

Today, Trevor has me reading the basics on Bipolar. Did you know there are different kinds of Bipolar? Bipolar I, II, and also something called Cyclothymic Disorder? I sure as hell didn't. As I read out loud in the empty library, Trevor jots down and outlines the material for me. 

Bipolar I disorder involved at least one manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by major depressive episodes. Bipolar II involves at least one hypomanic episode and one at least one major depressive episode. And Cyclothymic Disorder involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms that don't meet the criteria for a major depressive or hypomanic episode. The mood shifts aren't as extreme as those in people with Bipolar. They can function in daily life though it may be a little harder.

 But that's not Julia. Julia is full on 100% bipolar. Her highs are real high and her lows are so low. Her manic episodes are explosive. But it does point an arrow to Jeremy Donovan. I know he has mental shit. I wonder if this is one of them. I wonder if he takes medicine for that too. Not that I'd ever ask the prick.

"Jesus." I furrow my brows. "This stuff is crazy- no pun intended." 

Mr. Moneybags stops writing and looks up at me with a little chuckle.

"Yeah, you could say that."

"You don't seriously think I'd ever be able to counsel people who deal with this shit, do you? This stuff is.... extreme." I look down at the page and back up at the doctor.

"I don't expect you to. But, James, Julia is your caretaker, correct? You should know how to talk to her."

"I talk to her just fine, what do you mean?" I question, not in a sarcastic or defensive way, just wanting to know what he means genuinely. Trevor puts the pen down and focuses on our conversation now.

"You don't. Sure, when she's fine you do. But the minute Julia spirals out of control you take a step back. You move aside and let others deal with her episodes. You're scared of her."

"I'm not scared of her." I say and roll my eyes.

"You should be."

******

*Trisha*

I stare ahead at the traffic light, lost in my own trauma, reliving the accident. Cars are in front of me, next to me, behind me. The intersection is full of vehicles moving about. People crossing the road, bikers alongside the cars. Parents pushing their baby strollers when its time to cross.

And then there's me.

Everything is in slow motion around me. I'm gripping the wheel so tight pins and needles run through my shaking hands.