Finally Free - Charlie Gillespie

Chapter Seventy-nine

Kenedi
I've lost track of how long I've been in here. It's boring. The food is shitty. I don't have a watch or a clock so I have no concept of time.

And worst of all, there's no Charlie.

I haven't heard from him since I walked out of Colin's office and I don't know if I should feel relieved or not because of it. Sofia responded to my text when I was on my way here, but I couldn't bring myself to read it.

The only personal belonging I was allowed to keep is a polaroid picture I have of me with Charlie and all my friends. They let me keep it as a reminder of what's waiting for me on the outside.

I don't even know if there is anything waiting for me on the outside.

When I got here, they gave me a pair of gray sweatpants and a black long sleeve shirt. They also gave me socks and knock off Toms to wear. I can't have any shoelaces because I'm labeled as a "suicidal risk" because of my thighs.

Someone also told me during journaling time today that I've behaved well enough to have visitors. I don't know the worker's name because honestly, I don't care. I also know that I won't have any visitors.

It's nice to know that they think I'm doing better though. I don't know if I am really, but I guess we'll see. Time heals all wounds. Maybe.

I pick at my nails while laying on my bed. My roommate is out with her visitors leaving me alone in our room. It's nice to be alone sometimes.

"Kenedi." I look up at the woman with a badge. "You have a visitor."

"I do?" She nods excitedly. I hesitantly follow her out and nearly start crying when I see Owen and Zion. I run to Zion first and hug her.

"Kenedi oh my gosh." I hide my face in her neck now realizing just how alone I've felt.

"I missed you so much." She laughs hugging me tighter if possible.

"I missed you so much more." I giggle slowly pulling back and look up at her. I look over at Owen and silently walk into his arms.

"I'm so proud of you, kiddo." I silently cry into his chest. It's been so long since I've heard someone say that.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize for doing what's best for you." I weakly smile up to him then sit down in front of him and Zion.

"So...what's happened while I've been gone?"

"Booboo and Zion went on a date."

"Owen!" She hits his arm as I gasp covering my mouth.

"Seriously?!" She sighs then nods.

"I don't know how he feels though."

"Zion, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you." She laughs shrugging. "But how are you doing?" I smile lightly looking at both of them.

"I feel a lot better." Owen smiles then gasps.

"I almost forgot! Charlie told me to give this to you."He hands me my ring under the table. The guards took it when I was admitted.

I look up to him in tears holding it to my stomach. Does this mean we'll be okay?

"Where is he?" I hold my breath.

"He's at therapy right now. He wishes he could have come, but he's been on top of all of his meetings."

"He's doing a lot better, Ken. He misses you. We all do." I smile lightly glad to hear he's doing better.

"Sofia was sad that you didn't respond to her texts first." I swallow hard looking down at my hands.

"She responded when I was on my way here. I was too nervous to read it."

"She's in therapy too." I look up at him honestly shocked.

"She is?" He nods smiling proudly.

"She is. She's a lot happier than before."

"We were so nervous when Sofia called us, Kenedi. She went to your apartment after reading your text because she thought you were going to try to commit or something." I cringe slightly.

"That wasn't my intention at all. I just...I realized what I had done to hurt her and I wanted to apologize. I didn't even really plan on doing this. I just did it."

"Do you regret it?" I look at the ring smiling lightly.

"I don't. I just wish I had ended things better with a lot of people."

"When do you get out of here?" I look at Owen honestly not sure.

"How long have I been here?"

"Four days." I sigh laying my head on the table.

"Four days down. Two months, three weeks, three days to go." Zion sighs and I smile sadly at her then shrug. "I'll be okay."

"I'll try to get Sofia and Heer to come next week." I shrug smiling.

"They don't have to, Ow. I know we still aren't friends and it's okay. We'll all be okay."

"Are they treating you okay here? I've read horror stories about mental health facilities." I laugh rolling my eyes.

"Yeah it's okay. It's mostly just boring. The food is gross. I'm forced to talk about my feelings. I have to write all my feelings down. I'm away from my friends. Just all that fun jazz."

"You're stuck with us for three hours a week from now on though!" I look at Zion in complete shock.

"Three hours?" She nods. I bite my lip smiling lightly. "You're gonna spend all three hours with me?"

"Of course I am! You seriously think I'm gonna date a guy and not spend two hours or longer telling you all about it?" I giggle shaking my head.

"And you seriously think I'm just gonna sit at home watching straight tok and the hype home for three hours?"

"House, buddy."

"No no. It's the hype home." I scrunch my nose then sigh.

"Yeah okay. Whatever you say." He rolls his eyes at me and flicks my nose. I gasp and jokingly shove him.

I start telling them about a song I'm writing about feeling hopeless and then fighting your way into the light. I show Zion some of the lyrics I have so far when I see Owen nudge Zion.

"Wha- oh." She looks at him smiling and I watch them confused. I turn around and cover my mouth.

Is this real or is this just a dream? If it's a dream, it's a cruel nightmare.