True to their word, Mike and Nel didn't let Mitch out of their sight the entire weekend. Every time he moved to switch from the chair to the couch, to get a drink of water, to pee, one of them was there just like a shadow. Nel slept in the same room with him, Mike sat on the toilet while he showered. He wasn't allowed to be alone.

He was quite frankly fed up with it. He understood their desire the keep him safe but there were no sharp objects in the house. Mike had made sure of it. When they ate dinner Sunday evening, Nel had to request a steak knife from the safe. Mitch wasn't even allowed to cut his own food, his mother did it for him like he was a four year old. He had rolled his eyes and refused to eat at all. That only made his predicament worse.

Monday morning came brought a bright spot to this situation. No school for him. His mother had informed the office that Mitch would not be at school the remainder of the week due to some personal health issues. Mitch sat in the kitchen with Nel as she made the call.

As soon as she had hung up with them she began dialing another number. Dr. Fletcher, his psychiatrist. Mitch once again listened in.

His mother finally ended the call with a heavy sigh. Mitch didn't speak he just looked at her, waiting for the bad news. She just looked back not wanting to break his heart further. Eventually she spoke.

"He wants you at the hospital as soon as possible."
"What?"
"Today Mitch. You're going today. Dr. Fletcher is extremely concerned about how... fragile your mental status is right now. He feels it best to start intensive therapy now. So we need to pack up some of your things and..."
"Pack up?"
"Dr. Fletcher feels that with both the cutting and the eating disorder inpatient treatment will be our best option right now. He'll re-evaluate you in two weeks and decide when in home therapy can start. He's going to send me an email of what types of things you're allowed to have."
"Mom I really don't want to do this... I'll get better on my own I promise... please don't make me."

Mitch's tears brought on the same reaction from Nel who grabbed him in a hug.

"Baby I know you don't want to. I don't want to have to make you go. But this is for the best Mitch. You'll get better and be home in no time."

They sat silently clinging to each other for a few moments before Mitch spoke softly.

"Mama, do you think..."
"Before we drop you off, we'll take see Scott."
"Thanks. I just want to let him know."
"I know baby."

A few more minutes and Nel's phone dinged, an email with an attached list of things allowed and prohibited in the hospital. They read through the list quickly before standing and walking to Mitch's bedroom.

He pulled out all of his sweatpants, joggers, and legging. No jeans or other pants with hardware allowed. He grabbed a few tee shirts, some of his own, some of Scott's that had gathered in a corner of his dresser. A few pairs of socks and some boxer briefs. And on top Scott's hoodie.

He grabbed his favorite quilt, one his nana made him when he was a baby. His little stuffed cat that Scott won him at the fair. A few of his favorite books. His collection of stationery that he used to write to Scott. And finally his scrapbook. A collection of photos throughout his life the most recent had been added just days earlier; a polaroid of him and Kevin dressed in their tuxes at the New Year's Eve party. The caption reading "To new friends and new beginnings."

He couldn't help but think about how fast the new year had took a turn. He was fine a few days ago. Well, maybe not fine but no one knew he wasn't okay. No one was about to send him away for god knows how long.

He and his mother managed to fit everything in a large duffle bag. They did so wordlessly, each too caught up in their own thoughts to even process what was happening.

By the time they were done Mike was walking in, home early from work. Mitch could only assume that his mother had text him with the news.

Mitch sat on his bed when Mike walked into his room, looking up at his dad as tears welled in his eyes. Mike couldn't speak due to the large lump that had formed in his throat. He simply sat beside his son and allowed him to lean into an embrace.

By noon the three were headed out of the door, Mitch had changed into some leggings and Scott's hoodie, Mike was toting Mitch's bag, Nel just tried to hold herself together. Soon they were on their way to Dallas.

Mitch couldn't comprehend that this was the last time he would get to see Scott for at least two weeks. He didn't know what he was going to do without getting to talk to the blonde. He wasn't even sure how Scott was going to take the news. The last time this happened Mitch had done intensive in home therapy and Scott wasn't in juvie. They still got to see each other. This time would be so much different.

Mitch was early for visiting hours but thankfully his teacher pulled some strings and Rashad was allowing an early visitation time. The man hated how he was playing favorites but also knew he was attached to these kids. He took it upon himself to bring Scott to the visitation room, explaining to the boy why he was allowed such an early time while also failing to mention the separation that was about to occur. He figured it best to let Mitch explain that on his own. He allowed Mike and Nel to sit in his office rather than in the waiting area. He also sent away the guard standing outside the visitation room, doing the job himself. He wanted to be close by in case either boy needed something.

Mitch hugged Scott tightly, clinging to him as if his life depended on it. As their lips met briefly, Scott could feel the tears falling from Mitch's eyes onto his cheeks.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Mitch shook his head and went back for another kiss. Scott allowed it but pulled away again shortly after.

"Baby what's wrong? Why are you crying?"
"Maybe... maybe we should sit first Scottie."
"Oo-okay..."

Once they were settled Mitch stared at the cold metal table where his and Scott's intertwined hands sat.

"They're sending me away Scott..."
"Who is sending you where Mitchie?"
"Mike and Nel... to the hospital... for treatment and therapy."
"Mitch..."
"I don't want to go Scott. I won't get to see you. I don't know how long I'll be there. I'm... I'm really scared Scooter."
"I know baby. But it's for the best. You understand that right? Why they're doing this?"
"I understand but it doesn't make me any less anxious. I'm really freaking out."
"I'm sorry baby boy. You need to do this... get better... for your parents... for Kit and Jer and Kev... for me... but most importantly for yourself. You deserve happiness and you're not happy right now. You're burying your feelings instead of coping. They'll help you fix all that."
"You don't have to convince me to go. They're going to make me even if they have to strap me in a straight jacket and drag me kicking and screaming."
"Don't make them do that. Go, be good, get well. Then come back to me okay?"
"I'll always come back to you Scottie."
"I love you my sweet boy... this situation doesn't change that okay... unconditionally, remember?"
"Unconditionally... I remember..."

Mitch cracked a small smile, the first that had graced his face in days. He would go to treatment, work hard, get better, and be back to see the love of his life as soon as he possibly could. He could do this.