I Will Try To Fix You

Part One: Reparative Therapy

Reparative Therapy. That’s what it’s called when your mother flips out after walking in on you and your girl friend and ships you off to “straight camp”. And, as Spencer Carlin stood on those cement steps staring up at the bold letters declaring THE PATH TO ACCEPTANCE IS JUST A FEW STEPS AWAY, she felt her gut twist inside her stomach. She wished her father was still alive now more than ever.

“Miss Carlin is it? Are you alright?” Inquired a small brown haired woman with electric green eyes and a smile that was far too white. She had a fake look of concern plastered on her face, her hand resting on Spencer’s arm. No she wasn’t alright. In the past three days she’d experienced the worlds worst walk-in, been dumped by her girl friend for not “standing up for her”, and been forced to go to some therapy camp by her mother. Alright didn’t even scratch the surface.

“I want to go home.” Spencer spoke to the woman, brows lowered as she crossed her arms self consciously over her stomach. The other equally intimidated teens passed her by, some politely ignoring her while others stared shamelessly.

“I’m sorry sweetheart, but that just isn’t a possibility. Don’t be afraid okay? We are here to help you, no one will hurt you here.” The woman’s condescending tone made Spencer shift timidly where she stood, glancing around pleadingly at the other kids, hoping for a back up. Maybe they could mutiny and take the place over. It’d be like Lord of The Flies, only with repressed homosexual teens.

“But I…” Spencer protested, looking down at the ground as her shoulders shrunk considerably. She felt so small and insignificant, her blue eyes welling up with tears as she tried to find the words that might persuade this woman it was all a mistake. But it wasn’t as if home was any better. At least here she was around other people, her mother would only isolate her.

“Shh… Your going to get better, don’t you worry. God doesn’t leave any one behind.” The brunette obviously thought that was enough to give any sane individual infinite hope, because she gave her a light pat on the back and grinned, “Now, why don’t you just continue up those steps and head on inside, and we’ll get you all taken care of Miss Carlin.”