I took a deep breath. “I do have one question for you. My family is going to Coopersville for Thanksgiving. I was just wondering if you thought it would be okay for me to find Luke.” There was a pause. It felt like it went on forever. It was interrupted by Dr. Weston clearing his throat.
“I don’t think it’s a bad idea at all. I think that you currently have an accurate depiction between reality and fiction and I also believe it may be a great form of closure for you.” I sighed out loud. “You just need to have realistic expectations, Sutton, and if you need anything before you transition to find a therapist at home I’m only a phone call away. You have come a long way in a short amount of time Sutton.” Dr. Weston smiled.
“Thank you so much, Dr. Weston. I appreciate everything you and Dr. Grebs have done for me, more than I can describe.”
Chapter 8:
The nurses and doctors lined up at the door and clapped for me as I walked towards the exit. I could see my dad straight ahead dressed in a full suit, as usual, leaning on the car door grinning. Gia walked next to me holding my hand. My mom was a few steps behind us hugging each person we walked by.
The automatic doors opened and a gust of crisp air surrounded me. This was the first time I had been outside in five months. Everything felt like it was in slow motion. I could hear my heart thumping. I stopped in my tracks and lifted my head up, closing my eyes. Everyone watched me. I stood there in silence, letting the wind blow through my hair.
When I opened my eyes, Reagan and Shane were standing in front of me. Shane held a single rose and had tears in his eyes. Reagan wasn’t kidding about his crew cut but I didn’t mind it. I thought he looked handsome. Reagan walked up to me and pulled me right in.
“I love you” she whispered. When she let go of me, Shane walked up to me. He handed me the rose, said “I’m so sorry” and burst into tears.
I pulled him close to me and whispered to him “None of this was your fault and I’m okay.” He held me for a while and I could feel his body shaking against mine. I wondered if maybe he had it worse than I did.
My dad opened the front seat of the car and I sat down. “Buckle up princess.” He said softly just like used to. I buckled my seatbelt, still in a daze. None of this felt real. My real-world had Luke in it.
“Wake up sweetie.” My mom touched my arm gently. I stirred and finally opened my eyes. I looked around a little bit confused. The ocean air drifted into the car and I knew exactly where I was; Coopersville.
Aunt Helen’s house was in front of me. It looked like it was frozen in time just the way I remembered it. The only difference was there was an abundance of leaves covering the front yard in all different shades of brown, red, and orange. My Jeep was parked in front of us in the driveway. Gia scurried up the steps. I could see my dad leaning down hugging her in the doorway. I guess my accident really had brought everyone together. I was happy about that, at least.
My mom put her hand out and I grabbed ahold of it to pull myself up. I basically felt back to normal since waking up. I was still just so tired and weak. Normal tasks were just exhausting for me.
My mom continued to hold my hand as we walked up the front step into Aunt Helen’s house.
Aunt Helen’s wheelchair was parked just a foot from the entryway. She had clearly been waiting for me. “Oh my gosh, my little Sutton Rae. I have been waiting to see that face for a long time.” I leaned over and she put both of her hands on my cheeks, just staring at me for a moment.
When Aunt Helen released my cheeks I stood upright and looked around. Everything was in the same place. Tacky nautical decor on all the tables and walls. Aunt Helen's shell collection lining the picture window sill.
“Let’s have your favorite boardwalk pizza delivered for dinner!” My dad yelled from the kitchen. He picked up his phone and called the Pizza Shack on speaker. My heart was beating out of my chest.
“Pizza Shack pick-up or delivery?” The voice on the other end of the phone said. I tried to calm down for a minute and catch my breath. I could see Luke in my head, rushing on his bike crashing into me. I shook my head trying to force the memory to fade.
“I’m going to run to the bathroom,” I said.
“You okay?” everyone said, all at once.
“Yes, I’m good.” I lied.
I stood in the bathroom, my eyes fixed on my face in the mirror. My summer freckles had faded. My hair was long and not as light as it was before. My face looked slightly thinner and I looked tired. My scar was still visible on my temple. I traced it with my finger tips. I looked down at my outfit. I was wearing grey sweatpants and a black oversized hoodie.
“Maybe I’ll change.” I said to myself out loud.
I quietly opened up the bathroom door and crept down the hallway to the bedroom I had stayed in over the summer. I pulled open the dresser drawers. All of my summer clothes were there, untouched. I grabbed my only pair of ripped jeans and put them on.
“Sutton?” I could hear my mom calling from the kitchen. I had been away from them for less than 10
