Revelations pt 2

Two knocks on Julius’s office door and he asked the person to enter without looking up from the newspaper that was lying on the table. He was sure who it was. His colleague who was embroiled in this silly affair Lee initiated. Lee's paranoia had gone overboard, but Julius did not want to betray his brother. Despite that, He believed that Lee's concern about what a little girl might have seen by mistake was ridiculous. Lee's shady business was not so obvious that a child could understand it with just a glance. Well, for now, if Lee wants her removed, he would fix this as best he could. His colleague stepped in and closed the door quietly.
“You were looking for me, Phelps. I suspect that it relates to the Kyonosamura girl”. Julius nodded.
“Exactly, Cooper. As we both have realised, this is more complicated than we hoped. I talked to my brother this morning and he's getting impatient. We must work this out faster than I would have liked. Still, we must hurry up. The others are beginning to suspect something. Do you have anything else we can trick Miriam to believe in…?” Cooper interrupted him.
“Excuse me for interrupting you, but I actually examined young Kyonosamura a little. And it is possible that she actually has a real condition,” Julius looked up.
“And what would that be?” he said cautiously, but still interested. Cooper smiled; it was not often he outdid his colleague.
"Hard to tell due to the brevity I examined her, but apparently she suffers from sudden mood swings according to both Miriam and Alexandra. Sometimes, she isolates herself for long periods without warning. During In these periods, she refuses to talk and remains in a stupor. She remains immobile and barley eats. Sometimes these phases are abruptly replaced by a highly active but unfocused phase. What interests her for the moment changes very suddenly and she speaks inconsistently. If she were not so young, it is clear symptoms of an affective disorder.” Julius lightened up; this could solve their problems actually.
"Why did not you say so from the start? Even better, then we don’t need to invent an illness. But how can we convince Miriam that we need to place her here is the best treatment?" he said restrained. He was more jubilant in his mind, but that seemed unprofessional.
”We need to bear in mind, it was the sister that was the one attacking Alexandra,” Cooper filled in. Julius turned pale.
”Fuck! I did not think about it. Yes, it sounds indeed like both of them should be examined properly. But Lee is concerned about the first one, maybe arguing that keeping them apart will avert additional brawls”.

Julius thoughts began to drift away from Cooper and more on how unethical this whole venture was. He felt ashamed as he tried trick or at least get Miriam to believe in something that was not entirely true. Both on a professional and a personal level it felt wrong. Now they had a mental illness as leverage, but confining Alexandra was in no way the best treatment. Yet, he persuaded himself that Lee was even worse, it was Lee’s idea to begin with. What if he should to report Lee's crooked dealings and secret accounts to the feds and just treat the girls as normal patients? Julius dropped the idea as they would find it hard to believe in him. Lee was the richest person in the whole state and had probably some of the top lawyers at his disposal. In addition, his brother would never forgive him this disloyalty. However, Lee was not even Julius's biological brother, so why should he feel any fidelity to him? Julius real parents lived in Albania, and he barely remembered them. He had met them once after being adopted by the Phelps, but they hardly knew who the long-haired youngster was when he stood in their doorway. Mr and Mrs Phelps did not allow him to visit them until he graduated. The visit to the biological parents was just bizarre; they didn’t recognise him and were unsure how they should treat him. It ended in tragedy when his real father disowned him.
”You're not my son! Go back to your America”! the man screamed and would never reach out again. Although they were not biological brothers, they had been like brothers for a long time. If he betrayed Lee that relationship would fall apart. And that was nothing to that of his adoptive parents’ response. They would treat him with indifference at best. They would accuse him of not respecting the kindness and love they gave him. Despite them preventing any visits to his real parents they indeed showed him love and kindness. He could make a compromise between his loyalty to the foster family and his conscience. He would examine the girl intensively at his clinic for a time; enough time Lee could get rid of the compromising documents and she could perhaps forget about seeing them. On the other hand, it would not be under false pretence and deliberate malpractice. Cooper said that the girl was sick, which was probably a correct assessment, he would indeed help her. She would need to visit his clinic now and then after the first visit, but it would on the girl's terms, not the terms that reptile Lee required.

”Phelps”! Cooper looked worried at his colleague. Julius awoke abruptly and tried to regather his thoughts.
”Stop daydreaming. You're the boss here!” said Cooper clearly concerned.
”Forgive me, Cooper” said Julius ashamed.
“Anyway; I think You have a point keeping them apart, but it sounds rather contradictory admitting the assaulted and allowing the troublemaker to remain at home,” Continued Cooper calmer.
“It is not possible cannot say that the attack occurred due to a previous provocation by Alexandra”? His colleague shook his head before he answered the question.
”Doubtful. That does not fit with Alexandra's regular behaviour and even if we say it’s a anomaly that may occur. Miriam may ask the sisters and corroborate that we are lying, and she has already called one bluff. As I have understood she does completely believe in the girls' own versions of the event. On top of that, neither version does not deviate enough from the other to say that one of the girls is untruthful. Lee phoned me yesterday actually, he had overheard Rebecca’s and Miriam's chat after I left…” the psychiatrist fell silent when Julius looked at him suspiciously.
"Do not worry Phelps, Miriam does not know about it. He told me that the reason Rebecca attacked her was that she was jealous of Alexandra.”
"I don’t know. The only way is to derive the origin of her jealousy to Alexandra herself. She unconsciously made something her sister felt compelled to hurt her. However, it does fit well with the docile behaviour you noticed from the girl”, said Julius thoughtfully and sighed distinctly.
“Indeed, I actually got the feeling Lee was more responsible than he let on for making her jealous the first place,” said Cooper unexpectedly.
“How so?” said Julius apprehensively and enraged. If Cooper spoke truthfully, there was no reason to have any loyalty toward Lee.
“It just struck me as odd that he told me about overhearing them when he was more concerned about the other kid. Also, you have told me that he seems emotionally abusive when Miriam is not around. Calling them unwanted and what have you and that the girls clearly dislike him. Sowing discord between might be an attempt to dissuade them to seek support among each other when he mistreats them. It might sound preposterous when we have got this far, but I think we should ignore your brother’s wishes. We have also been deceived, you know,” said Cooper calmly, but his eyes were burning. Undeniably, this had gone too far. Julius felt personally attacked by the deceit. He was a callous venture capitalist and treated his stepchildren horribly, but lying to even him? Was he really that paranoid? Even though he would lose another another family if he rejected Lee, he preferred that than continuing this maelstrom of lies. It would stain his career and relationship to Miriam forever, even if managed to keep it under wraps. He nodded to show support to Cooper’s proposal.

“Thank god for that! Shall we call Monrione? Maybe he can help us…” Cooper gasped relieved.
”Out of the question. Monrione may leak as a sieve if discovers any irregularities in the inquiry. Such as Lee being involved.”, snapped Julius. Least of all things he wanted was to bring in the city council’s adviser for children’s affairs. Monrione really disgusted him; he was one of the people you should put behind bars. He remembered when he caught that perverted beast, he could not be called human, giving a little girl money to do disgusting things. With all manner of threats and pleading he was persuaded not to tell anyone what he had seen. As with Lee, Monrione wielded considerable influence and would probably make sure that Julius was convicted of Monrione’s sick inclinations if he reported it. It would be like hiring the fox to guard the chickens to bring either of the girls to his knowledge.

"No, I do not think he can help us in this case,” concluded Julius diplomatically without mentioning anything of Monrione’s inclinations. He suspected that Cooper realized there was more to the story, but fortunately his colleague did not argue against him.
“Anyway, I think we must treat the girl, beginning with bringing her here for a close examination. Those mood swings and introverted behaviour is surely a symptom of some underlying condition. Like you said, possibly an affective disorder. Her young age makes it difficult to place a diagnosis, we can at least give Miriam and Alex herself some advice how should handle the symptoms".
“Do you suggest these symptoms might have consequences for her later in life?” asked Cooper.
"Hard to say, the girl ought to visit us regularly so we can follow her development. Then we can see what needs to be done gradually. I believe Miriam mentioned to me that both sisters are bullied at kindergarten, but Alexandra rarely speaks about her bullying and keeps it to herself. I am worried that it might cause her to be consumed by self-loathing. Eventually, that might lead to her developing a self-destructive behaviour when she gets older. Her habit of isolating herself makes her particularly susceptible to self-harm. Combined with the mood swings, she might physically take out her angst on others during her more active periods. Not necessarily violence, but rather hateful and misanthropic behaviour. It may make others avoid her in case they get hurt and her isolation becomes more than just speechless stupor but also exclusion by her peers. The best action from our part help her maintain a more regular mood, avoiding the sudden jumps and caprices. A good idea is also having her open up about her feelings and discuss how other people treat her.”
“You said self-destructivity and self-harm, is it possible it might lead to suicidal feelings? Sounds weird as they are just small girls for the moment, but it makes me worried,” asked Cooper anxiously. Julius had thought about that too.
"I do not think she is in the risk of suicide, at least for now. Miriam explained that they understand the concept of death, but not how it happens."
"It makes sense Phelps, but how do we get Miriam realize that it is important that the daughter treated by us," said Cooper concerned.
“Yes you have a point, Miriam does not like being separated from her daughters, even for short periods.” And still she is unaware of Lee’s abuse.
“We might point out that it is only short periods of time the girl will spend at the clinic and Miriam can be present. Alternatively, we can say she is a danger to herself, the possible self-mutilation may be worth mentioning, ” suggested Cooper Julius "brother" had probably preferred a total isolation indefinitely, but he did not deserve such pleasure. The more he thought about it was only more appropriate that the treatment was conducted in a way that was actually for Alexandra’s well-being.
“If the condition worsens or remains unchanged that girl will need medications later, but time will tell. For the moment, care is the right thing. It is dangerous to give such a small child medication, after all. Miriam will of course have the right to be present in all examinations if Alexandra agrees to being treated. I suggest that the initial investigation should last half a year or so,” said Julius to his colleague who just nodded.
”True. I think it is best that you speak with your sister-in-law. Even if our concerns are truthful, I am persona non grata there. She knows of course that we work together, but as you are kin, I think she will be listening to you as she has done before I was stupid enough to suggest that the girls could be lying to which Miriam took great offence. Just don’t doubt the sisters’ testimonies”. Now it was Julius's turn to nod. He was actually a little annoyed with Cooper that he had acted as he had done, but he could not undo it. Hopefully, it did not affect the way Miriam perceived him. She had spoken to him numerous times about the sisters’ behaviour and feelings for advice.
”You are right, I hope so too. Now then, we also need to find a means to make Lee believe we are still helping him until it is too late”, said Julius finally and Cooper concurred.

”Yes, we have found a way to take care of her”, explained Julius to Lee when the latter visited the clinic a few days later. Lee was happy.
”Oh, Julius, how would it be?”
“There is a risk of self-harm and isolation; her unpredictable active periods might lead to her doing things without any sense of self perseveration,” said Julius-
“Hmph, is that the best you can come up with? Can’t you just say she is dangerous to other people?” snorted Lee.
”Sorry, Gekko. While she might turn her angst against others verbally her submissive behaviour contradicts that; your wife does not believe it either. But you can rest assured, I will watch her closely. I plan to bring her here for a thorough examination during a couple of months. During that time you can take the time to clean up your papers", and business, he thought. Gekko was his taunting nickname for Lee because his strong similarities with the anti-hero of the film “Wall Street”. Julius omitted it was his intention to help the girl and not that alligator. Gekko would be become aware of it eventually, but it would not be now.
“Good enough brother. As long as she disappears temporarily, I am pleased. How to pass on this to Miriam? Visit? You do you know that your colleague Cooper is not welcome here anymore?”
“I intend to come alone, Miriam has confided in me about the girls’ mental states before so she will trust me,” assured Julius.
“If you say so, brother. You want me to be around?” asked Lee, not entirely convinced.
“You may do as you please, it is not really necessary. Stay out of the kitchen though. The message will be given to Alexandra herself primarily, with Miriam and possibly Rebecca present.
”What?! Why should that girl hear it? Miriam is the guardian and she decides what happens anyway”, snarled Lee. Oh Lee, oh Lee You've NEVER understood how to treat children and what parenting means. Once or twice, he had coolly mentioned he had suggested Miriam had put up the children for adoption when they married. What a heartless stockbroker he was!
”It is about Alexandra herself so it's important that she understands what is going on”. Just breathings on the other end. Lee must have thought he was too compassionate.
”Okay then, raisin head. When are you coming?” he said finally.
“Tomorrow afternoon if you don’t have anything else planned then”, said Julius. That sounded good in the crocodile's ears and he hung up. Julius thought about how long it would take for Lee to find out he had been deceived. Alexandra would probably be reluctant but would eventually understand.

Miriam opened the door at 1:30 pm and there was Julius, he looked grave in his maroon corduroy suit. He had rattled like an aspen out of nervousness before he finally rang the doorbell, but now he looked calm and proper.
”Good day, Miriam”. Oh fuck, what suspicion that girl radiated. The dark eyes scrutinized all of him, inside out.
”What is it? More fantasies regarding my daughters?” she said accusatory. She did not bother with greeting him and straight to attack mode. Before he could answer the question, she continued in the same accusatory tone.
”You can certainly tell your buddy, Isaiah Cooper, to fuck off”! Clearly Cooper had depleted any sort of confidence from Miriam. Hope for God's sake she will at least listen to me.
”It is about Alex actually, but we have…” he stuttered before she began to shut the door.
”Don’t you dare say that my daughter is aggressive or is lying. Goodbye Dr. Phelps”. Before the door would fully shut, he got foot in the gap. Miriam opened, still holding the doorknob as if prepared to close it swiftly.
"No, my colleague made a mistake when he examined her. I think your daughter is at risk of self-harm and complete isolation!" The last bit he almost shouted.
"Do not be silly. A girl who will start primary school in a few months wants to slit her wrists? What on earth do you psychiatrists' smoke? Husseini will gladly have some recommendations.” Julius did not know who she talked about and explained that he thought it had to do with Alexandra being suffering from some affective disorder.
"Disorder?? What are you saying, Julius”? Now she became nervous and her arms hung limply down on her sides and she stared into the paved stones at her feet. When the young woman looked up again she was visibly baffled.
”I do not know what to say”, she said without looking at him.
“May I come in and talk to you and Alex about this? I just want to help you”, he replied sincerely. In a flash her expression changed to disapproval.
“If you are so eager to help us I will not stop you … Please step inside, Dr. Phelps”. It was a very reluctant tone. The explanation was not that difficult to trace. It was noteworthy that when Miriam criticized him, she called him Dr Phelps, but when she was distressed, he was on first-name basis.  Slowly he walked into the hall and his sister-in-law locked the door immediately.
“Who is it, Miriam?” Oh you old Komodo dragon, you are attempting drama. On the other hand, he thought that Julius would pretend as well, but he had other thoughts.
“It's your brother; he wants to talk about Alex. He says Alex has some kind disease”, Miriam told Gekko. Wonder for how this theatre will last.
“Wow! It sounds serious, darling; do you want me join you”? A little acting skill he had, after all, he did indeed sound worried.
“No. This I want to sort this out on my own…” replied Miriam and Lee departed before Julius put his hand on her shoulder.
“It’s best that you have the girls present, or at least the daughter concerned. It is about her health after all”.
“You don’t have to mention that Dr Phelps, they are an inseparable part of me!” snapped Miriam.
“Girls, please come down!” she shouted up the stairs as she beckoned Julius to sit on the chair she sat in when Cooper visited. First appeared Rebecca with a defiant look and Alexandra showed up not long after, her gaze was fixed on Julius. Did she remember him? What they had grown since he saw them the last time. That was at Lee's and Miriam's wedding, four years ago. Then they were both sitting in the lap of Miriam's mother. Wonder who the father of these girls could be. Those uniquely coloured eyes must have been from their father, with their blue-green colour. The girls climbed up on the chairs and now three pair of eyes watched him with suspicion.
“Girls, this is psychiatrist Julius Phelps at the child psychiatric clinic here in Moonhills. He has something important to say about Alex. Go ahead, please”. He bowed, and he began.