A Meeting With Headmistress Ramsey

[dolemeck]

Dolemeck was nervous as he sat outside of Rachel's office. He was nervous for many reasons, none of them particularly bad. Though he did worry that she found out that he nearly destroyed a tree with his powers on the mansion grounds. That was embarrassing, though not as much as stealing a nap in Bobbi's bed!

He tried to sit with his back straight, hissing as he felt some pain from doing so. Between the bruises and the stress he was under, he was surprised he was not hurting more. Despite that, it would not stop him from doing important things... like speaking with Headmistress Ramsey. He needed her help on two matters, and hoped she was the right person to go to.

Comments

[nohoundsallowed]

"Your brother's right about your father. Drug addiction and alcoholism are diseases. They can cause a loss of control and serious emotional and mental complications that require professional help and counseling. It's a very daunting task as his child having to deal with it." A pad of paper and a pen floated out of a desk drawer that opened and closed. She grabbed the pen as the paper settled onto the desk in front of her.

"You father's blocked on your phone now. If he emails you, block that, too. You need some time to process this. And one of the things you can do is learn all you can. Check out the facts about what he's using, its effects, and its consequences." She started writing down some things on the paper. "It's also hard for a parent to admit to their child there's a problem. Particularly if he doesn't see it himself."

She paused in writing. "This isn't your fault in any way, Dolemeck. You can’t control what your father does about his problem, but you can get help for yourself. You can talk to myself or any teacher here about it."

She finished writing down information and ripped the paper from the small tablet. She held out the paper to him. "Here's some phone numbers and websites to find help for you here in the States and some you can pass along to Dayton at home. All of this is confidential and won't get out to the public if either of you are worried about that."

[dolemeck]

He took the paper that Rachel gave to him, carefully looking over it.

"Believe it or not, I know what he is on, and the side effects. He... spoke of them during an anti-drug and alcohol campaign back home." His eyes could not even look over at Rachel, now. "A campaign he made me the poster child of, as I was hit by a drunk driver. Even nearly dying did not sober him up, and he just used me and my plight for publicity. All to sell more albums and garner more favorable press. I am still puzzled to how he can hide his addictions so well from the world."

He began to stuff the note in his pocket.

"Rose let me know this place, this school is my family. As far as I am concerned, it is all I have, now. Well, besides Dayton back home. I will give him the numbers and information later this eve... and I will block my Da's E-mail address, as you said, Headmistress Ramsey. I just... I wonder why the Universe keeps kicking me in the bum."

[nohoundsallowed]

"Then you'll need to read up on drug addiction and alcoholism. Because that will answer a lot of the whys you have. And he can hide it because there's people around him to help with it. Benign or not."

She watched him stuff the note into his pocket. "Some of those numbers there are support groups for people your age going through the same thing. While we are family and can give you some of the support you need, it also helps to have people who know what you're going through."

She gave him a gentle smile. "Sometimes it feels like the universe does that. But believe me, it's not gunning for you. Life just likes to challenge people."

[dolemeck]

"Thank you, headmistress Ramsey. I think I just needed to hear that from someone. You know, that the world is not out to get me." He cringed, trying to stand up. There was a shooting pain going up his spine, but he endured it. "In between my studies for my citizenship and lessons here, I will read up on drug and alcohol abuse as well. I may as well be as informed as possible."

He did his best to smile for Rachel, trying to hide the physical and emotional pain he was in. Talking to her and getting those numbers just made it more real, than the hurtful messages he received.

"I believe I will head back to my room to rest for a bit, Headmistress Ramsey. No doubt Bobbi will sneak in again and draw me sleeping, again. Apparently, I look very peaceful in me sleep." He gave a small chuckle. "Thank you for all your help, I am very appreciative."

[nohoundsallowed]

One thing about a telepathic headmaster, she could sense things that students were trying to hide. She rose smoothly to her feet.

"Dolemeck, if you're in pain, please go see Dr. McCoy or Dr. Reyes. While we don't have a quick cure for your spine, they can help with lessening the pain. And if you need anything else, you know where to find me."

[dolemeck]

"Aye, Headmistress Ramsey, I shall go to the med lab right away." He hissed. "I have been trying to avoid taking any pain medication. I know that Dr. McCoy and Dr. Reyes have me on strict pain management, but it does not lessen the fear I will become a man like my father."

He readjusted his cast, pressing it close to his chest as he started to walk out of the room. His leg braces would creak with each step he took.

"Again, thank you, Headmistress Ramsey."