The Closest Stranger: Family Reunion

By Shane Ballon

This story follows the last book of, "The Closest Stranger" when Amy Hill is released from Oakcrest Mental Institution. After spending her whole teenage life under the instituions control without a clue of why she was there in the first place; she finds herself now having to fend for herself in the real world without any knowledge of how life is supposed to go. After a few days of struggling on her own she decides to search for answers by finding her birth parents. She discovers her decision was probably not the best choice to make as she starts to reveal disturbing secrets of her family as her own demons start to surface.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781468506907

Shane Ballon

My name is Shane Ballon and I live in a small town in Colorado with my wife Julie and our four children. I run a local rental furniture store out here and attend the University of Phoenix full time as I am trying to recieve my degree in Buisness. I served a few years in the United States Army as a Cavalry Scout and got injured in Iraq back in 2005. I found writing to be a great outlet for the emotions that are inside of me. I am orginally from the New Orleans area in Louisiana. For being only twenty-seven I have alot on my plate that I am taking on. Running a full blown corprate buisness, going to college full time and just finishing three books has definatly kept me busy; not to include the family life when I am home. There will be plenty of books coming as I have many ideas and want to put them in print for people to enjoy and to understand me better. They are filled with both everyday life situations and dark fantasy worlds that I put myself in. This is the third book that will finish my suspence trilogy of, The Closest Stranger. These are my first few books that I have written and published and I feel the greatest thing I am proud of is its growth. I never expected it to turn into a trilogy when I wrote the first book. As I am publishing this one I am finishing up my fourth book which is my personal autobiography. It is called, Patient 1903/ Surviving PTSD. Thank you for the support in my new journey with writing.

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© 2011 Shane Ballon. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/16/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4685-0691-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-0690-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011961771

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 1

D octor it has been eleven years since Amy has been brought here. Eleven years and we still have not been able to fully understand her and she still claims to have no recollection of the events that took place with her adopted family. How do you label that? Candice asked as she stared through the one way mirror at Amy.

Candice was one of Oakcrest’s nurses who had been assigned to Amy’s case quite some time back. Mr. Murdell retired about 3 years after Amy was brought there and David took his place as the head psychiatrist. Candice was a young nurse about twenty-five and had an average size body. She had short, blonde hair and green eyes with a face slightly covered with freckles. She was not liked by many of the patients because she was the type who liked drama and believed any rumor she would hear. She was especially frowned upon by Amy. Amy knew it made Candice mad that David and she had a keen relationship that built through the years.

"You really can’t label it. David replied. You see what happened back then was very tragic and Amy probably seen things so disturbing that her mind did not know how to respond to it, therefore she put it in a dark place somewhere in her head and it has not shown for over ten years. The alter personality she has, this Rebecca, she probably sees as an idol and created her to start her life over in her mind. It’s really not as rare as you may think, nurse." The doctor explained giving his expert opinion.

David was thirty-three years old and a man that kept himself in a healthy condition. He was clean shaved with dark, brown hair and eyes. All the nurses adored him and even some of the female patients would request him when dealing with small issues they may have had; he had his hands full.

I guess, but sir you have heard the stories of what supposedly happened. People all over town still question who the real murderer was. The old chief truly believed that it was Amy and why did her step dad never come back for her. Candice asked curiously. It just doesn’t add up in her favor.

Keyword, supposedly; you see there was no proof of her being linked to any of the murders; besides being a victim. You’ve seen her scar on her back from what her mom did to her and the police found her mom’s fingerprints on the hacksaw that was linked to that Rebecca murder. Point being is we cannot keep her here the rest of her life and if they threw her back to another foster home when she was younger it probably would have messed her brain up more than it already is. She did well while she was here, but now it is time for her to go and start her own life. The doctor told Candice. You cannot think everyone is guilty from rumors Candice. It is not fair to the person and we live in a country where you are innocent until proven guilty; besides if you always accuse somebody just by rumors than how are you ever going to be a good psychiatrist if you just go by rumors and not prove the facts.

You’re right sir. Where did her ego come from… this Rebecca character? Candice asked. It is spooky sometimes when I try to talk with her and she only responds to Rebecca. It is like she doesn’t know her real name.

Rebecca was actually a new hire here that used to stay with Amy and her family; at least that is what I understand. Unfortunately, she did not live to see her first day of work. She worked for Amy’s stepdad at the funeral home; Sean I think his name was. Apparently, if I can remember correctly, the dad was having an affair with Rebecca and the mom found out. Rebecca, I understand, was an attractive woman and who knows maybe Amy saw some kind of confidence in her. Look at it like this; Amy is doing no harm in portraying herself in a new image. If it builds her confidence then so let it be; besides, she needs to keep whatever bad memories of her past lost if she is going to live a normal life. The doctor explained to the paranoid nurse. The problem that I fear is if she ever relapses and started to remember the negatives of her life.

So, what is the plan for her? Candice asked as if she really was concerned for Amy.

Well, we are going to finalize her paperwork and deem her ready to blend back in with society. Since we have held her here for her whole teenage life the government has a special fund that gets people on their feet after they leave here; if they don’t have any family or friends. She has a small apartment set up and a bank account that they started up for her until she can get on her feet. It’s not much that they put in it, but it is something until she can start making her own money. David explained.

Candice was worried about the institution releasing her back into society because of all the local rumors that she had heard about her past. She always heard rumors around the town about the haunting of the old Hill house. Although, many of the stories changed and the true killer was always someone different; it seemed that many of the locals believed that Amy was the one who was behind gruesome murders. Candice feared her in a way, but still tried to put on a nice front when around her for her job’s sake. The truth was she feared her being released and her having a flashback of her childhood that would trigger her to snap.

David was fond of Amy because to him she was just an innocent child who was caught up in a bad situation. She was tossed home from home ever since she was born; plus, the fact that he has been working with Amy for 8 years and she never had given him a reason to think otherwise about her; besides the alter personality issue. To him she was just an ordinary child with an unfortunate upbringing.

Amy grew up into a beautiful, young lady and over the years the memories of her childhood had seemed to disappear in her mind and she could not remember much about whom she was or what she had been though. She could not even remember what her real name was; she had been going by Rebecca for over ten years and that, in her mind, she thought was who she was. She had dyed her hair blonde and even started wearing contacts that were a beautiful ocean blue; they could suck any man to her. She had a small figure and built in all the right places. She didn’t know in her mind, but the way she was making herself look was a lot like the Rebecca that was brutally murdered when she was ten years old. Everybody at the hospital started calling her Rebecca through the years, because that is all she would respond to.

I just hope this is a good choice that you are making. Candice said in a worried voice.

David rolled her eyes at her as walked into Amy’s room.

Rebecca, how are you doing this morning? David asked her.

I’m doing great David. How are you? Rebecca responded in a sweet voice.

She walked over to her bed and sat on the edge with her arms propped up in back supporting her up.

I got some exciting news for you today! The doctor said cheerfully taking a seat next to her.

Oh yeah, what is that? She asked innocently as she turned on the bed and faced him closely.

You’re being released today. He said bluntly. You’re leaving Oakcrest.

What? she said; not fully understanding what he meant.

Rebecca, you have been here a long time and well it is time for you to try life on you own. We have it all set up for you to get started. We have an apartment set up with a government bank account that will be putting funds in for you every month until you can get on your feet. He explained to her.

When will I go? Rebecca asked him.

This afternoon a cab will drive you to your new home. It has been great having you here. I know it has been a long time since you have been here. How do you feel about this? David asked her. Surely, you have to be curious of what it will be like.

Rebecca looked at him with confused eyes. I guess I’m excited…and scared. I have been here for so long that…well…I guess this seems normal to me. I’m confused; why now?

David paused for a second as he tried to say the right thing to her.

Some bad things happened a long time ago with your old family; some things that put you in an unfortunate situation, but you are older and we feel that you are ready to take life on your own now. He explained.

Amy sat there as he talked and she tried to grasp the sudden shock being released on her own.

You will be fine. There is another thing I wanted to make you aware of. David said with a concerned look on his face.

What is it? She asked him with curious eyes.

You have been on medication for a very long time, most of your life really and it’s not a cheap medicine. The chances of you going to be able to afford it are going to be slim. The institution has been providing it through the years, but, in my opinion, I think you will be just fine without it. I am going to give you a month’s supply, but I want you to wean yourself off of it so by the time it runs out you will be able to function just as normal; as if it was in your system. David explained.

I think I will be okay. Rebecca said confidently. Like you always said; the real medication is in our heads, right?

David smiled at her. That’s right. Well I am going to leave you alone so you can start gathering your things and I will have 1 last session with you and that will be it. You will officially be on your own.

Rebecca leaned over and gave him a hug and an innocent kiss on his cheek. She knew she had been their patient since she was a child, but she also knew David did his best to make her feel as comfortable as possible. David walked out the room and shut the door behind him.

Rebecca sat their staring out the window looking out at the world that has been unfair to her for her whole life.

So, much has changed. She thought to herself. Where will I begin?

She started to pack her things up from an old chest the hospital had provided into a suitcase she had. The chest was filled with a lot of old paper such as drawings and photos she had taken of friends she had made while she was there. She could not remember much about her childhood. It seemed after everything that had taken place when she was ten years old was covered up and she was blinded by this new person she convinced herself to be.

Knock…knock, Tina said coming into Rebecca’s room. You’re finally leaving me, huh?

Hey Tina, yeah I just got word from David that I am leaving today in the next few hours. Rebecca explained still surprised herself by the shocking news.

Tina was her best friend she had made while she had been staying there. Tina was admitted about 2 years back for abusing herself. She had claimed that she heard voices that she didn’t know and they made her hurt herself; sometimes they landed her in the hospital for near death moments. The last one was where her mother walked into her bedroom and she was lying on the bed covered in the blood that drained out of her wrist. Her mom did not know what to do with her and she gave up on her and Tina had been in the institution’s care ever since. She was a small girl who was seventeen with long, red hair and bright green eyes. She was a lesbian and had been attracted to Rebecca since the first time she saw her.

Are you scared about going out in the world? Tina asked as she jumped up on her bed. Come here, sit by me.

Amy zipped up her suitcase and rolled it to the bedside.

I have been here for so long that I can barely remember anything about what my life used to be. I guess I just want to get out and see where life takes me. Rebecca explained.

I bet your going to miss David, aren’t you? Tina asked teasing her in a friendly way.

What do you mean? Rebecca asked clueless of what she was saying.

Come on girl, David and you have had a closer relationship than any other 2 people that I know. Honestly I am surprised you and him haven’t….you know. Tina said moving her hands back and forth in a humping motion. You probably have and never told me.

I got to finish packing. Rebecca said blushing because inside she had thought about David romantically.

Come give me a hug; I’m going to miss you. Are you going to stay locally? Tina asked seeing that she was embarrassing Rebecca.

I guess I am; I don’t know anywhere else and I have no family to go to. Closest thing to home I have, I guess. Rebecca explained.

When I get out I am going to look you up; should not be hard in such a small town. Tina said in a serious tone as she was already starting to miss her friend.

Rebecca seemed to be the only person who did not criticize her for being a lesbian and made her feel like a beautiful person just the way she was.

That will be nice; I’ll be looking forward to it. Rebecca said trying to talk and think at the same time.

She was ready to get out of the hospital and see where the unknowing road was going to take her. Tina gave her friend a hug and she walked out to give Rebecca her privacy.

Nurse Candice walked in. Are you ready to see the doctor…Rebecca?

Rebecca was sitting on her bed facing the door when she walked in. I am.

Candice had a chill run through her back as Amy stared at her. She knew that Amy did not like her very much and to Candice the feeling was mutual.

Follow me. Candice said trying to avoid as much contact as possible with her.

The two walked to the office of Dr. David. The long hallway was quiet with everyone in their rooms. Rebecca stared up at 1 of the lights that was flickering in and out.

Chapter 2

Candice knocked on David office door. Are you ready for her, sir?

Yes, please send her in. David said excited that she was about to experience life again. Please Rebecca sit down. So this is about to be it; our last session. Are you excited?

Rebecca looked at him. Only as much as possible; nervous mostly I guess.

What plans do you have for yourself? he asked.

She said joking. I don’t know, go find a husband to take care of me and live happily ever after.

Dr. David laughed at her humor. Nice wish, but seriously.

I thought about getting a local job at a supermarket or something and just keep to myself until I get adjusted into the town. She explained. I guess I just have to take it one day at a time.

I want to ask you a few questions. I want you to be honest with me. He asked her with seriousness in his voice.

Haven’t I always? She said giving him her attention.

Of course you have. Does the name, Amy, have any meaning to you? He asked.

Rebecca stared at him with a distant look in her eyes. No, should it?

Rebecca I know this gets old after so long of being asked the same question but, your real name is Amy…Amy Draven. Do you have any memory of that? That was your birth name He asked concerned. When you were brought here ten years ago your foster parents changed it to Hill.

She thought hard. I can’t remember ever being called Amy. I am sorry after so many years of the same questions the answers still remain the same. I am just being honest with you.

He took a deep breath in. It is okay. What about Rebecca? Where did that name come from?

I can’t really remember. I thought that was my name. She explained as she truly tried to remember anything from the past.

Do you remember ever meeting a Rebecca? He asked trying to pry into her brain.

I don’t think so. She said getting anxious. I guess I may have met 1 or 2 from here, but that’s about it.

When you were very young you were adopted several times; do you recall any of those times? David asked her.

I don’t. I really only remember living here. She explained. I remember ten years ago I woke up in the hospital and next thing I knew they brought me here.

She started to get uptight with the questioning. Why are you asking me these questions now?

Do you remember how you got that large scar on your back? David asked as he placed his hands on his desk.

Rebecca froze for a moment. She stared blank into space and reached over and touched the large welt on her shoulder blade. She closed her eyes. She suffered from bad paranoia with voices and visions she would see from time to time and she could never make out who the people were or what relevance they had with her life.

Bitch! She heard a voice scream in her mind.

She quickly opened her eyes afraid of the voice that she didn’t know. I…I guess it was a childhood accident. I don’t remember how I got it. Every now and then I get these horrible visions in my head or hear people’s voices that I don’t know. It scares me sometimes and I try hard to forget about them, but sometimes it’s hard.

David saw the stress in her eyes that was starting to build up. Rebecca when you go out into the word today; I want you to really try to take things slow. Just spend about a week adjusting to your new home and the neighborhood. Don’t start stressing about a job or anything like that right away; if you do it will only cause you more stress than you need. You may hear rumors around town about something terrible that happen a long time ago. Rumors of a series of brutal murders that took place around ten years ago.

Why should I worry about rumors? she asked confused of what relevance they had to do with her.

David took a breath in as he tried to explain. They used to live a family with a dad and mom and 3 children. One story is the mom had gone crazy and killed her 2 son’s and an innocent woman. A woman named Rebecca. 1 child had escaped, but had been cut by her stepmom. Amy was her name. Rebecca you were that little girl. Do you not recall any of that?

Rebecca looked hard at him as she paid close attention to the words that were coming out his mouth. I don’t, I cannot remember anything about my childhood before coming here. It is like a black void that was never filled. I have tried to think many times about whom my mom and dad were, but it always ended with me clueless.

He smiled at her. "It’s okay; I just wanted