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“Uh, yeah, sure.” I step aside and let her in, closing the door softly behind her.
I lead her into the living room and she places the bouquet on the coffee table before taking a seat on the couch at the opposite end of me. “I brought these as a gift for you and your family. I feel bad I haven’t seen any of you since the funeral. I hope you don’t mind that I came by.”
“It's fine.” I’m not sure what else to say as the entire situation feels really awkward.
“I wanted to say I’m sorry for the way I acted while dating Mason. And I also want to say I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Mason was an amazing person and the last person to deserve any of this.”
I nod and look down at my lap as I play with a loose string on my pajama pants.
“I feel responsible for his accident and the guilt eats away at me. Maybe if I hadn’t flipped out when he broke up with me or hell, acted like a fool most of our relationship, things would be different.”
“I feel responsible, too.” I admit, feeling as if we could both use a relatable person at the moment. “We argued that night and I can’t help but feel like it’s my fault.”
“Me too.”
We both sigh.
“Are your parents around? I was hoping I could talk to them too.”
“They won’t be home for another hour or so.”
“Oh. Then I’ll get going, I don’t want to bother you.”
“Do you like watching bad reality shows?”
Sienna’s face lights up. “It’s my guilty pleasure.”
“Mine too. So stay awhile. I could use the company.”
A big smile stretches across her face. “I’d really like that. Thanks, Madison.”
I nod and turn up the volume.
ChapterSeventeen
Madison
Spring arrives and as the weather turns warmer, I spend more time outside in the sun.
“Vitamin D is supposedly the secret to happiness, didn’t you know?” I tease my mom one day as we sip lemonade.
“I didn’t know. Thank you, Mads.” Mom jokes and we laugh.
It feels good to finally laugh.
Therapy has helped tenfold. Not only has Paulette taught me coping skills, but she helps me work through my grief and my guilt. And most important- she lets me know it’s okay to laugh again and be happy. I can do those things without feeling guilty.
I still have a long road ahead of me but at least it doesn’t feel so hopeless.
“Have you thought more about going back to school?” Mom asks as she pops a cracker in her mouth.
“Not really. Thinking about it makes me anxious.”
“I’m sure it does. You know there’s always the option of transferring to a local school here. Don’t forget that.”
“I know. But I made a life in Sierra Cove. I feel like Mason would want me to go back.”
“It’s your decision. Dad and I will support you no matter what you choose. But I agree with you. I think Mason would want you there too.”
