Page 83 of Open Net

“Okay. Dr. Elliot just asked about our holiday plans and I realized we hadn’t talked about it.”

Janice stood up and wrapped up what was left of lunch. She put the leftovers in the fridge then walked back to the living room. Soon, the TV was turned on and the volume went up. I had a really bad feeling about what was coming.

“Am I missing something?”

Emma paused then peered to the counter. “No. I just haven’t thought that far ahead. Mom is flying back next week, and I was thinking of going with her.”

I stepped forward. “With Jackson?”

She nodded. “Of course.”

“Without me?”

She met my eyes but didn't say anything.

“Emma?”

“I didn’t want to interrupt your treatment.”

“So, you were just going to leave without talking to me about it?” I felt like things were crumbling around me. We were making progress. Things were getting better.

Weren’t they?

“It would only be for a week or so.”

I nodded like I understood, but I wanted to pull out my hair. I took a deep breath and thought about Dr. Elliot’s recommendation.

What would be the very worst thing that could happen if she went? She could decide she wanted to be with her family and never come back. She could realize she had all the support she needed there. She could realize she didn’t need me.

I was spiraling. This wasn’t working.

“Olli, what’s wrong?”

I cleared my throat and decided to be honest. “That scares me.”

Her eyebrows pulled together. “Why?”

I told her about my worst-case scenarios.

“Olli.” She sighed. “That’s not going to happen. My life is here. My home is here. You’re here.”

I wanted to believe her, but it wasn’t enough to make me feel better.

“I thought we were doing better.”

She moved until she was standing right in front of me. “Olli, we are. I can see how hard you’ve been working. I’m feeling better too with the medication and talking to the support group. We’re both doing what we need to. Me going to visit my dad and sister doesn’t mean I’m leaving.”

I sighed and nodded once.

“Olli, I love you.”

I closed my eyes as she rested her palms on my chest. “Nothing can change that. I love you and I want us to fix things. I’m sorry I didn’t bring up going back with my mom, but it was because I hadn’t decided yet.”

I opened my eyes and stared into hers wishing I could read her mind or know the future. But I couldn’t. We had to trust each other.

“I love you too, Emma. If you want to go, then I want you to.”

She smiled.