𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫

67. Dear Billy

March 23, 1986

"Incredible, you three all have three-point nine GPAs. Very impressive." Robin slightly fidgeted in her seat as Nancy held out a paper to the man in front of them.

"This is also a recommendation from Professor Brantley."

"Oh yes, yes, I know Larry quite well actually. Well, you three must know what they say, "Those who can't do, teach."" Robin allowed a bubbly laugh to escape from her mouth. She just wants to make a good impression, on the director, and even Nancy as well. Maybe is was because one of Robin's best friends was Nancy's cousin, maybe even that wasn't it.

Nancy and Beverly both shifted their eyes toward the fidgeting girl, this was so unlike Robin Buckley. "Well, that's actually why we're here today. You can only learn so much in a classroom."

"Yes I understand, and you have my sympathy. However, there is a protocol to visiting a patient like Victor. You girls need to place a request, then, undergo a screening process. That's when the board will make a decision." Nancy allowed a frown to grow on her face. "I understand you're disappointed, but, I'm more than happy to give you a tour. You may even be able to speak to some patients in our low-security wing."

Beverly clicks her tongue. Balling her skirt in her fist, a scowl appeared. Nancy shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she saw this out of the corner of her eye. She really hoped she wouldn't do anything stupid. However, unfortunately for Beverly, the only way she knows that could help was flirting, and she most definitely wasn't about to do that, nor did she think it would work.

"We really would love that but it's just, um, our thesis is due next month."

He immediately cut off Nancy, his tone was full of irritation, clearly beginning to become annoyed with the three girls that sat in his office. "And you're out of time. Whose fault is that?" Beverly's jaw dropped, her lips parting. She was not happy with him at all. Especially once Nancy decided to apologize for the three of them. Even if they were currently faking, she didn't agree at all with the way they were being treated.

"You shouldn't be apologizing at all." Beverly cut in, she had enough of this.

"Yeah, Ruth-" Robin set a look Nancy's way, she looked like a deer looking into headlights. Oh were they going to get an ear full afterwards. "screw that. The fact is, we had put in a request, months ago in fact, and were denied. And then we reapplied and were denied yet again. And coming here was out last-ditch effort to save our thesis." She willed herself to take a breath, pulling at her blouse. "And, I really, really can't breathe in this thing."

"Well, Rose," The name dripped from Nancy's mouth like it was rotten, jutting her lip as she did so. "maybe you'd like to go outside and get some air, maybe with Sara." Her teeth were in an almost crushing clench.

"Yeah, maybe I should Ruth." Robin stood suddenly from her chair, putting emphasis on Ruth. It was clear she was becoming annoyed and slightly overstimulated. "I'm starting to think that this whole thing is just a colossal mistake."

Beverly's eyes shifted, gulping, hard, as she too stood up alongside her newest friend. "I couldn't agree more."

"I mean, I'm breaking out in a rash. My boobs absolutely hurt." Nancy cringed, this wasn't the conversation she was rooting for at all. The complete opposite was happening, it was turning awful, it fully did a one-eighty. "And let me tell you the truth, Anthony. May I call you Anthony? These aren't even my clothes, neither are Sara's. We both borrowed them because we wanted you to take us seriously. And you know why that is? It's because nobody, and I mean nobody takes girls seriously in this field. They just don't. We apparently don't look the part. But I'm able to tell you a story."