The World Beyond Stephanie's Head: Stephanie, #2

By Sharon Lopez

Stephanie awakens to discover that she lives in a mental facility. The memories of her past life have been erased, leaving her plagued by a recurring nightmare! Accompany Stephanie as she embarks on a quest to rediscover her identity and unravel the events that led to her hospitalization.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sharon Lopez
• Release date: Jul 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781386029410

Sharon Lopez

Sharon is a multi-genre young adult author that dabbles in adult tales from time to time. It’s all about the story is not just a catchphrase but a spirit that is inside all of her books. When she is not writing, she can be found getting lost in other author’s worlds, watching Slice Of Life Anime, or getting annihilated as she tries her hand at various video games. She is inspired by many things. Whether it’s an encouraging word, a kooky dream, or a personal experience, she will put it to excellent use. As a defender of the defenseless, Sharon’s characters take on this persona with strong female leads and males that are protective, perfect, boyfriend material.

Book preview

Chapter 1

STEPHANIE WOKE UP SCREAMING and drenched in sweat.

Ever since she had Come back to the land of the living, as Nick called it, a month ago, she had been tormented by the same nightmare every night. She couldn't discern if it had truly happened or if it was just fragments from a book Nick used to read to her. All she knew was that she had been abused by a man she didn’t remember.

The severity and perpetrator of Stephanie's ordeal remained a mystery, as her doctor believed discussing her past would alter her memories. Doctor Zale believed that if her memories resurfaced spontaneously, it showed her brain's preparedness to recollect rather than being influenced by someone else. 

In the second part of her dream, she lay in a hospital bed, surrounded by the hushed whispers of people discussing the topic of rape. She was uncertain if she had experienced rape herself or simply heard stories about it.

No one could do a simple task such as allow her access to her own medical history. In the doctor’s words, The things that she suffers from or does not, are irrelevant to her treatment of the here and now version of Stephanie. This Stephanie is a new version that we all must learn about, not the other way around.

Stephanie felt everyone was worried about her retreating inside herself as she had for the past four years, but to continue to get better, Stephanie knew she had to work through her past issues.

Nick came running in and knelt beside Stephanie. Are you all right? 

Stephanie sighed. Yeah, just the dream again.

Did you talk to Dr. Zale about it? Nick stood up and sat in the chair by the desk.

Yes, but he has offered no more explanations. Stephanie threw the blanket back and got out of bed.

Are you ready to venture past these walls yet? Nick pointed toward the door.

Nick... Stephanie gasped, her hands beginning to tremble.

Anxiety was another side effect of whatever trauma she had been through, but could not remember.

Steph, you can’t stay in this room forever.

You said the C word, Nick. 

Nick sighed and rolled his eyes. I believe the doctor was referring to you when he said that the word can’t, would not, be allowed. Nick smiled.

Stephanie pursed her lips. A punishment is a punishment, Nick. 

Nick just smiled and shook his head. We really need to think of a different punishment. Nick stood up and raked his hand through his hair.

Well, until then... Stephanie snickered, waving her hand for Nick to continue.

You are having way too much fun with this.

Stephanie narrowed her eyes at him, letting him know he was stalling.

All right, I said I can’t, but what I really mean is I can. I can do anything that I set my mind to do; no matter how difficult it may seem.

Good boy. Stephanie laughed.

Nick furrowed his brow. So, how exactly does this help you?

I am not the one that said the C word. Besides, you’re always good for solid entertainment. Stephanie snickered.

Nick gazed at Stephanie. I wish everyone could see you like this.

What do you mean?

You’re so put together, confident, happy and an altogether smart arse. He laughed. You really should be released. 

Stephanie took a deep breath and released it. You know why. She glanced downward.

I know. I am sorry. Nick placed his hand on Stephanie’s arm.

Stephanie only acted this way with Nick. She barely said two words to anyone else, including the doctor. She never went to the group sessions, let alone, leaving her room for her one-on-one visit with the doctor. They had to put her to sleep to move her to a room with a bathroom in it because she refused to leave her room to go to the bathroom or shower. Anxiety attacks happened multiple times a day for the first week she had come back. Their frequency dwindled from that point on, but Stephanie was notorious for needing gradual encouragement to get involved in anything.

What happened before? Before I came here? Stephanie asked for the hundredth time.

Steph, you know I c... Nick stopped before he was forced to recite that stupid empowerment saying again. I have orders.

She nodded her head and picked lint off her pants.

You are safe here. I would let nothing bad happen to you. You know that, right? 

I’m going to take a shower, Stephanie mumbled, heading towards the bathroom.

Are you going to be all right?

Yeah. Stephanie sighed as she continued forward.

If you need anything—

I know to push the call button.

Nick watched Stephanie go into the bathroom and close the door. With a downward gaze, he shook his head and exited Stephanie's room.

He went to Dr. Zale’s office and knocked on the door. He heard Dr. Zale say, ‘Come in.’, so he entered the room.

Ah, Nick, how is Stephanie doing today? Dr. Zale asked.

She is still having the nightmare.

Dr. Zale nodded his head.

She is also asking about before she came in here again. 

What did you tell her?

I told her I could not discuss that.

That is good. Well done.

I think we need to tell her the truth.

And is that your professional opinion? Dr. Zale laughed. Oh, that’s right; I am the only one with a doctorate here.

Nick sighed. Respectfully, Dr. Zale, she is going to continue asking about it...

Nick, I appreciate the work you are doing with Stephanie. She seems to respond well to you, but until she can show me the same ... progress. I have to assume she is not advancing as well as you think she is. 

You are making a big mistake, sir, Nick said, leaving the doctor’s office.

Dr. Zale picked up the phone and dialed a number. Yes, I want to change rotation. Dr. Zale said, smirking toward the closed door.

Nick walked to Stephanie’s room and knocked on the door. He heard the faint sound of a knock coming from inside the room, so he opened the door. Steph?

N ... Nick?

It's me. Is it okay if I come in?

Yes. 

He could hear Stephanie’s voice becoming more relaxed. He wandered in and shut the door. Nick took the chair and brought it closer to the bed where Stephanie was sitting. Steph, do you trust me?

Stephanie gave Nick a curious look. What do you mean?

No one believes me when I tell them about the progress you have been making. I want to ask for a favor. I want to take you for a walk. 

Stephanie’s eyes widened, and she curled her knees into her chest. Her breathing became labored.

Just a short one ... Here on the floor. I will not leave your side. I promise you, I will not leave you. Just to prove that things are getting better. Maybe if Dr. Zale knew, I could get him to answer some of your questions.

Stephanie’s breathing slowed a bit, and she gave Nick a questioning look.

You want the answers, right? This is the only way you are going to get them. 

Stephanie looked down for a moment and then looked back at Nick. Y ... you... won’t...l...leave me?

I will never leave you, Steph, I promise.

She nodded her head.

Thank you, Steph!

Nick extended his hand to Stephanie. She delicately took his hand and let him draw her closer to him. He put his arm around her, and she snuggled under it. She inhaled and thought she smelled something familiar.

Are you all right?

Nick’s question interrupted Stephanie’s train of thought. She nodded her head. They moved to the door, and he opened it.

Nick felt Stephanie tense up. I am right here. I will not leave you.

Stephanie took a step outside her room and then closed her eyes tight. Inhaling deeply, she released a ragged breath. She opened her eyes but kept her head down, so that she was looking at the floor. She let Nick lead her slowly down the hallway towards the nurse’s station.

As they got closer to the nurse’s station, the nurse noticed Nick and Stephanie. The nurse’s eyes widened and her face lit up. He put his finger to his lips, and the nurse nodded. With tears standing in her eyes, the nurse gave Nick a thumbs up. He turned his and Stephanie’s bodies so that they were facing towards Stephanie’s room.

Are you ready to go back? Nick asked.

Stephanie nodded her head.

Nick and Stephanie shuffled back to Stephanie’s room, and he shut the door.

You did it! Steph, you did it! Nick took Stephanie in his arms and twirled her.

Nick came to an abrupt stop and released Stephanie. I ... I'm sorry Stephanie. He blew out a breath and stared at the floor.

Stephanie gave him an odd look and then hugged him. Nick stood there like a statue throughout the embrace. Stephanie stepped back.

Nick raised his head to look at Stephanie. I b ... better go. Gr ... great work tonight, Steph. He turned and rushed out the door.

Stephanie just stood there with a curious look, staring at the door.

The next day, Nick arrived at work at his usual time. He knew something was wrong when the alarm was going off. He ran to the nurse’s station, and the nurse stopped him.

It’s Stephanie, Dr. Zale assigned someone else to her, and she... The nurse did not finish her statement because Nick was already running to Stephanie’s room.

Nick swung the door open to Stephanie’s room, and he was horrified by what he saw. Two huge orderlies were trying to hold Stephanie down. She was screaming, kicking, and crying. Dr. Zale was holding a syringe and barking orders to the orderlies.

Stop! Nick screamed.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned toward Nick. Stephanie took advantage of the distraction and pushed the orderlies away enough for her to wiggle her way out of their grip. She jumped out of the bed and locked herself in the bathroom.

Everyone, get out now!

Nick... Dr. Zale started.

Nick pointed towards the door, and everyone left.

Making his way across the room, Nick reached the bathroom door. Steph, they are gone. I will be right back. You stay in there until I get back. 

He marched from Stephanie’s room and into the hallway where Dr. Zale stood. What in the hell do you think you were doing?

Dr. Zale held up his hands in surrender. Nick, calm down.

Calm down? Calm down? I have been the one Stephanie has been responding to. I have been the one that has been helping her make progress. In one night, you have destroyed all the progress I have made. 

You are the only one seeing this progress, Nick. I am thinking this progress is all in your head.

No one else has seen progress? Go over to the nurse’s station and ask Nancy what she saw last night. Better yet, go over to security, and view the footage for yourself.

What are you talking about?

I had Stephanie out of her room last night.

It is true, Nancy said, sprinting over to the two men. I could not believe it. He was walking with Stephanie right outside the nurse’s station. Nancy said with tears in her eyes.

Dr. Zale looked from Nancy to Nick and then stormed down the hall.

I have to get back to Stephanie. Thank you, Nancy.

She will overcome this. With you by her side, she can get through anything. Nancy smiled.

Nick nodded his head, but even he wasn’t sure if Stephanie could move past this.

Stephanie had not walked beyond the walls of her room in over four years. She would let no one sit beside her, or even touch her. The only exception to this were Nick and Shawn. They were the closest things to family Stephanie had. Both had spent over four years taking care of and spending time with Stephanie. Shawn had volunteered here for the better part of ten years. When Stephanie was brought in, he started taking turns with Nick to make sure she was cared for. Shawn took the day shifts while Nick took the evenings. Shawn had stopped caring for the other patients he used to care for after Stephanie came to; though Nick had the most interaction with her since her waking. Stephanie slept most of the day and stayed awake at night; this pattern was developed by her about a month ago when she stepped back into life outside of herself.

Nick hurried back toward Stephanie’s room. He paused, seeing Dr. Zale coming toward him.

I just watched the footage from last night. I apologize for not believing you. From now on, you will be in charge of Stephanie’s care. 

I should have been all along!

Nick, you are too close to this! The doctor held up his hands in surrender when Nick scowled at him. But she is responding. Does she seem to remember anything?

"I don’t think so, but I am not