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“This wasn’t your plan?”
“No.” she says. “They were going to pretend to leave but come back and confront you.”
“Fuck, I’m so fucking sorry,” I cry as she comes over and holds me.
“Let’s get you some coffee and wait for the others. Just please listen to what they have to say. They say it out of love.” She rubs my back in a soothing gesture, erasing any anger I had left.
“I want to come home,” I admit, “and I’m sorry I didn’t know Scott was Ben. I fucked up, royally.”
“I’m not mad. I knew you wouldn’t have known. You will have to go to the hospital and apologize to Marty, though.”
“Absolutely. I felt like I was having an out of body experience. I knew I was getting angry over stupid things, but it was like I couldn’t control it.”
“That’s what drugs do to you,” Snow points out.
I guess she would know since Ben-slash-Scott used them. It’s probably what fueled his anger and rage when he took it out on her. God, I’m such a fuck-up.
“Girl, we said not to do that,” Ariel scolds, arching a serious brow, one hand on her hip.
“Sorry.” She wraps her arms around her middle and ducks her head for a moment. “I was the closest. And I thought that since he was calm, London might need to talk.”
“I think I need to set up some sessions,” I admit as Snow hands me a cup of coffee.
“You will,” Shane says.
“Shane—”
“Save it.” Shane gives me a big hug. I missed his arms.
“I’m still sorry,” I whisper.
“I know. And we know you didn’t know you were being drugged. But we still want you to do a month in rehab. The place Linc’s dad went to in Atlanta will take you and keep it quiet. You’ll meet with Ariel once a week after your month,” Shane states, leaving no room for argument. “We all will do a session a week together.”
“I agree,” I whisper.
“We love you,” Afton says.
“Aspen?” I look around, but she’s not here.
“She’s okay,” Shane assures me. “We sent her with the contestants to Jimmy’s. She stayed here last night. We got to spend time with her and she’s lovely.”
“Does she hate me?” I can’t blame her if she does . . .
“No,” Afton replies, “and she’ll be with us during your first visit in a week.”
Snow wipes a tear from her eye. “We packed you a bag already. Ariel will take you to the facility.”
“I don’t deserve you.” I start to sob. I really don’t.
Shane hugs me again. “We’re not going anywhere. Get better. We don’t think you were hooked for long, that’s why only a month. But, please try to go with the flow there.”
“I will.” I hug everyone and then follow Ariel out the door.
“It’s not the end of the world,” Ariel says softly as we get in the truck.
“No, it’s not. It’s the beginning.” I wave to everyone as we drive off.
