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“Hi, Mom. It’s me, Sabrina.”
“Baby girl,” she says breathlessly. Then she calls out, “Doug, it’s our girl. Call Donny.”
“I miss you,” I tell her, my voice soft.
“Not as much as I miss you, bug-a-boo.” She sounds happy. “Is everything okay, honey?”
“I’m good. Really. How’re Dad and Don?”
“They’re right here, itching to take the phone from me.” I can feel her smile through the phone. Mom always had the best smile. “Hold on. I’m putting you on speaker.”
“Hey, sunshine, it’s Dad.” Dad’s voice sounds funny.
“Hi, Daddy.”
“Bug-a-boo, when are you coming home?” That’s my kid brother. He sounds so much older. His voice is deeper.
“Hey, squirt.” My emotions are running high. “Mom, Dad, I want to tell you that I’m doing good.” I’m not sure what else to say. I grasp for the words I want to say. There’s so much, but I don’t know how to start.
“Are you working? Do you need any money?” Dad asks.
“Honestly, no. I’m working as a physiotherapist. Thank goodness I finished my degree before Cameron came along. I love the clinic. I have a great friend who works there too. Chloe’s awesome. You’d love her, Mom.” That’s the most I’ve told them in years.
“We’d love to meet Chloe one day. Hopefully soon,” Mom says.
Alex squeezes my arm, urging me to go on. “I was too embarrassed to call home. I messed up your lives enough. At first, I was scared, but then I just felt… I feel…like I don’t deserve you guys. But I met these great friends, and they’ve been helping me. Especially Alex. I know that the last thing you want to hear is that I’m seeing someone, but he’s amazing. He’s a cop.”
My dad says, “That’s wonderful, sunshine. We’re so happy you’re not alone. Is your man there with you?”
Alex doesn’t miss a beat and replies, “Right here beside her, sir. Sabrina’s a little emotional. This call is very important to her.” He pulls me closer so that I’m leaning into his body.
“Son, I don’t know you, but I’m asking you to take care of my daughter. She’s been through enough.” Dad hasn’t changed at all. He’s still very protective.
“I’ve made it my mission to make sure Sabrina stays safe,” he tells my family.
“I’m going to start seeing a counselor,” I blurt out. I want them to know that I’m working through it.
“Great, they always blame the parents. Tell them about the time you stolemyHalloween candy and then told our parents thatIate it all,” Don says, then chuckles.
“Donald Evans, don’t think you’re too big to be sent to your room,” Mom threatens jokingly. Dad joins Don in his laughter. Alex is smiling beside me. Mom says, “I’m proud of you, honey. I know that you have to work through this, but we’ll be here waiting when you’re ready.”
“I promise to come home as soon as I can,” I tell them.
“Bring Alex,” Dad says.
“Love you guys.”
“Love you too, baby girl,” Mom replies. My finger hovers over the red button to end the call, but it’s Alex who hits it.
He turns to look into my eyes. “You did great, buttercup. Or should I call you bug-a-boo?” he teases.
TEN
Lifting the Ban on Sex
SABRINA
It’s been over a week since I came out of the hospital, and I’m feeling so much better. I’ve done my follow-up appointment with the doctor, and he was pleased with my progress. Alex was with me the whole time, holding my hand all the way through.
