Fix Me (Alternative ending)

Chapter 81

Trigger warning: Mentions of anorexia, self harm, suicide, depression

Long chapter to make up for the rlly fuckin slow updates

Happy to tell you I'm about half way through the original book I'm writing based off this.

Today, Remington is late for therapy. He sits on the couch and rubs his eyes.

"How're we doing today?" Abigail asks.

Remington shrugs.

"Andy's been back for a week now, yes? How's that going?"

"I need advice."

"Sure, what is it?"

The boy rubs his eyes. "If-if someone is lying to you and you-and you don't bring it up 'cause it seems like-it doesn't feel like the right thing to do, and you, like, start noticing lies in, like, everything they say...what do you do?"

Abigail picks up the water jug. "Who do you think is lying to you?" She asks.

Remington plays with his fingers and looks down. "Please just answer."

"I'd confront them, Remington. I'd ask why they're lying and tell them it's upsetting me."

"How?"

"Sit down with them, keep it calm. If they're lying, they'll be a reason."

The boy bites his lip.

"Is it Andy?" Abigail asks, "you think he's lying to you?"

He nods.

"What do you think he's lying about?"

"Just...everything."

"Can you give me an example?"

Remington picks up the glass of water. "I asked if he was okay 'nd he said he was touch starved but I-that wasn't the truth. I mean...maybe he was touch starved, but-but I know there's something else. And now 'm scared he just doesn't trust me, or-or love me, anymore."

"Okay. Why do you think he's lying?"

"I just do."

Abigail hums. "Tell me how it's making you feel."

"Not good."

"Have you been thinking about hurting yourself at all?"

He nods.

"And have you gone through with it?"

"No, but..."

"But you feel like you need to?"

He nods again.

"Well done for keeping yourself from doing it, Remington. That's great." She pauses to give him a moment to process everything. "How've you and Andy been since he got back? You haven't had anymore fights?"

Remington shakes his head.

"Do you think it's going well? Or are you worried he's lying about something serious?"

"Don't know."

"How's your eating? You've been doing fantastically recently. I'm proud of you."

"Fine."

Abigail crosses her legs as he puts the glass down. "Good fine or bad fine?"

The boy sighs. "I thought, after abuse, you were meant to get, like, stronger, or something." He looks down again. "'cause that's what everyone says, that you're s'posed to get thicker skin. Why is it not like that for me?"