Changing Minds

The Secure Unit

We didn't talk for the rest of the journey. I wasn't brave enough. I didn't want to hear anything else she had to say to me, just in case she was being nasty again.

After ages and ages, we pulled into a driveway. It wasn't like the one back home, it was really long and there was a big gate at the bottom where Gemma opened up her window and put in a code which made the gates open.

We drove up the driveway which was surrounded by grass. It was going up a bit of a slope which lead to a grey building. Gemma stopped the car and someone instantly came out through the doors.

"Get out the car" Gemma ordered. I did as I was told and climbed out of the backseat of the tiny car I had been confined in for the past half hour.

The lady who had just come out was dressed quite smartly, but still not overdressed. She had straight hair and reminded me a little of Mai Lee, I hope she is good at cooking as Mai Lee is.

"Hello. My name is Judith Ornife. I'm head here at the secure unit. I'm guessing you are Marie Riley?"

I nodded my head, feeling slightly intimidated by this women. Gemma went to the boot of the car and took out my bags and put them by my feet.

"Thank you Gemma. I hope to see you soon"

Wait Gemma is already leaving? I haven't got through the door yet! Gemma got into her car, gave me a little wave then drove down the long driveway again.

I watched as she input the code again that made the gate open, which is when I noticed the huge wall that surrounded the grounds. It was stone, and probably 12 foot tall.

I sighed once I realised how serious this is.

"Now Marie, your assigned room is number 8 where you can take your things. Dinner is at exactly 6pm sharp in the dining room. You have free time before then to unpack and there is the common room downstairs where you may meet some of the other young people. Any questions?"

"How many people love here?"

"7 in total, including you"

"And how many work here?"

"12"

Wow this really is high security, they have more staff than kids here so I best be on my best behaviour.

Judith lead me into the house and it was unbelievably plain. The walls and floors were all a light shade of beige, there were not pictures on the wall, no colour at all really.

She lead me up the stairs that were on the right hand side of the corridor and then to a room marked with a number 8 on it.

She opened the door to reveal a bed, a chest or drawers, and a wardrobe. That was it. I want to go back to Ashdene Ridge.

There was luckily, a clock hanging off the plain walls which was ticking away on its place. "I'll leave you to unpack. Don't forget, dinner is at 6, you may use your phone, but not leave the grounds without a member of staff with you at all times or you risk arrest"

"Arrest?"

"You do know why you're here don't you?"

"No, not really."

"Your previous carers found you to be, to much of a...challenge in their care."

"How?"

"You disrespected the house rules and curfews and I'm warning you now Marie. If any of this happens while your in my care, you will immediately have your phone taken off you and be on punishment duty. Understood?"

I nodded my head.

"Oh and take off that makeup. You won't be wearing it while you're here. And don't even think about putting it back on, your other makeup was left at your previous home"

Great. I thought. Now Carmen will have it all.

"One final thing, residents are forbidden to enter another residents bedroom. Do you think you can do that?"
I nodded and turned back to look at the extremely plain room before me.

Judith soon left, closing my door on her way out. I was left in what felt like the loneliest place on earth.

I quickly grabbed both bags and poured the contents of them all over the floor without hesitation.

I scrambled round on my knees and rummaged through the piles of clothing and toiletries until I found my phone. I quickly turned it on and saw a couple of texts from Ryan.

R: I can't believe this! I'm never talking to Mike again!

R: I already miss you please talk to me X

R: I'm sorry

I pressed his contact then pressed call. It only rang once before he answered.

"Oh my god Marie you're ok what happened tell me everything...!"

"Slow down Ryan, I'm ok"

I could hear the panic and sadness in his voice. We had both been crying and emotional since I had to leave.

"What happened?"

"I just got to the secure unit."

"What's it like?"

"They have more staff than kids, set mealtimes, strict rules, and there's a massive wall that stops anyone from leaving"

"So you can't come and visit me?" He said sadly.

"No" I replied in the same tone.

"Can I come and see you?"

"I wish you could, I really want to see you, but they simply wouldn't allow it. I don't think Mike would let you either"

"Why did Mike have to call them and get you put in there?"

"I don't know. But I have a theory"

"Go on"

"If I'm good, obey all the rules and don't show any signs of being naughty, they might think Mike made a mistake and send me back"

"Do it." He said immediately.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes I'm sure. It's really important. Think of it this way Marie, it may be the only way you can ever see me again."

The thought of never being able to see him again made a tear roll down my cheek and my stomach got that sinking feeling because I know it's still a possibility.

"Marie, are you still there?"

"Yeah. It just hit me that's all"

"What did?"

"The fact I won't be able to see you every day. I might not even be able to speak to you every day!"

"So I might not be able to speak to you for like a week?"

"Possibly. But it's almost dinner I have to go..."

"If I might not be able to speak to you again soon then I want you to know, I love you. I always have, and I always will."

"I love you too, and I'm not scared to admit it. Just don't forget me ok?"

"How could I forget you? You've been pretty much my whole life for months now"

"That's sweet and I don't want to be rude, but I seriously do have to leave now"

"Ok. Talk as soon as you can. I'll always have my phone with me, waiting for you"

"Thank you Ryan. I miss you"

"I miss you too. But you need to go, so I'm gonna hang up now, but not say goodbye, because we will speak again. Wether it be sooner or later, I don't mind. As long as the time comes, and I'll always be waiting for your next call or text"

I was about to reply when he hung up. I guess that was the easy way out for him.