a/n: i don't actually know how schizophrenia works but just go with it

When I was younger, my mum would take me shopping and we'd sneak through the aisles to avoid imaginary monsters. We were a team of two, always making it to the checkouts in time. She'd describe them to me in horrific detail, and I'd hang onto her every word. She wasn't ill, then, and she was out of the house often. She'd come back late at night sometimes, telling me about how she'd been following the monsters into their lair. I was the one who comforted her when she said she'd been chased by them from the market. But I didn't really understand, then. 

It was only until I was older that I realised that the monsters were real for her. I looked it up at the time: schizophrenia. But I played along, made her feel like she wasn't alone. But then she got worse and everything changed. She wouldn't, couldn't leave the house. The monsters followed her home, into her room, into her dreams. She had nightmares every night.  It took a toll on her physically as well as emotionally, until she could barely leave her bed. There were times when she would ignore me and just register her hallucinations. Her health became my top priority, but she made me promise not to tell anyone. So I struggled alone, working after school and in the holidays, making her eat even on the days when she wouldn't look at me. 

How Josh J found out, I have no idea. And now Tyler knew as well. He'd tell Steve for sure. That's if Josh hadn't told him already. It was starting to get dangerous. I wouldn't let them take her away. 

"So... does she have a cold or something?" Tyler whispers. 

"None of your business," I snap, harsher than I mean. A huge silence yawns between us, broken only by my mum's short, shallow breathing. She must be having another nightmare. "Why are you here? Is Josh with you?" I try to keep the panic out of my voice. Tyler shakes his head and I sigh with relief. 

"Steve wants to talk to you. If you cooperate, he's going to sort out the problem between you and Josh. He may be his cousin, but no one messes with his gang." I nod. Blackmail, then. Unusual, for Steve. He 's more the do-what-i-want-or-i'll-hit-you type. "Well, let him in, then." I reluctantly push the wardrobe away from the door and step into the hallway. Tyler follows me, careful to shut the door behind him. I feel a rush of gratitude. At least he isn't asking any uncomfortable questions. Ryan's always been one of the nicer guys. As well as Frank. They're the closest thing I have to friends. But they still owed their loyalty to Steve, I can't forget that. 

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Steve isn't angry at me like I thought he's be when I open the front door, which is terrifying. He has a calculating smile on his face, making me instantly suspicious. He doesn't try to walk right in, either. Something was wrong. This wasn't like Steve at all. I scanned the other's faces as well. Frank's face showed barely concealed fear. Something bad, then. And was it just me, or does Ryan look a little confused? I swallow. What is going on?

"Joseph." It's a statement, an accusation. 

"Steve?" It's meant to sounds menacing and brave, but comes out like a question. 

"I suppose you're wondering why we're here." I nod, wondering where this is going. I've never seen him like this before. "Well, the thing is, I've been worried about you lately." My eyes dart to Ryan. He's always the brain behind all the plans. But I can see plainly that he is just as confused as I am. Suddenly I hear footsteps in the corridor outside the flat. Ryan turned his head to look down the corridor and his face fills with dread. Steve is smiling widely as he steps back to allow them through. Except they don't go past. A tall imposing figure in a long black coat stands in the doorway. 

"I'd like you to meet Arthur Lars. Doctor Arthur Lars."