The sister

Waiting time

The next few weeks, I went to school and home. Ben came over and we did school work together, which helped me catch up. We were waiting for my sister to get released and settled into her new life before we went to therapy. 

My lies seemed to be adding up, every time someone asked me how I was, I lied. I even lied to Ben occasionally to save his sanity. I think he knew that though. 

One day I was getting a snack in Ben's kitchen for us, when his mom walked inside.

"Oh, Hailey. I heard about your sister." She said warily. Ever since the town found out, I stayed away from Ben's family. Everyone at school avoided me, which I didn't mind. 

When I was at the store with my mom or dad, people would stare, as expected. My mom told me that people just needed time. I understood that all to much.

"Yeah." I replied.

"I'm glad she is getting back to normal." She half smiled. I knew she was trying to make me comfortable, but I didn't understand why. I wasn't about to question it though.

Rachel's parents have banned me from speaking to her, so we've talking in secret every now and then. The only person keeping me going was Ben. 

"Me too." I said, smiling back. 

"Well, I'll let you get back out there." I nodded in return, leaving the room. I was glad she accepted me after all of this. The only thing that changed was the fact that she now checked on us constantly.

Another day after a month had passed, Ben ran into Sophie at the house.

"Oh hey." He mumbled. We were in the living room, when she came to grab something.

"Hey guys." Ryan was with her. Ben didn't know what he looked like.

"Hey." I said to Ryan.

"Hey, Hailey, Ben." Ben nodded and smiled? They left the room quickly.

"You know him?" I asked.

"Yeah. I helped him help you. I'm not a fan, but I'll play nice." He narrowed his eyes.

"He's my friend." I said. I was shocked that they knew each other.

"And your kidnapper!" Ben's voice rose. I turned away from him. The one thing he couldn't understand is my relationship with Ryan. I know that Sophie needs him, so I will be there for him no matter what.

"So, when are you gonna start therapy?" He asked a while later. 

"Why, you think I'm going nuts?" I teased. He rolled his eyes.

"No, I think you want to go." He insisted. The truth was, I did want to go. I wanted an unbiased opinion on all of this. Especially the things I haven't told anyone, including Ben.

"Yeah, I do." I said. My mind was filled with all the scenarios that could happen. Whenever I got lost in thought, Ben would always pull me out of it, but this time he didn't. I pulled myself out.

When I looked over at him, he was staring at me. 

"You okay?" I asked. 

"Am I about to pull you out of a daydream now? The roles haven't reversed on us, have they?" I teased when he didn't respond. Still, I got nothing.

"Okay then." I laughed and went back to my homework. 

A couple days later my mom announced to Sophie and I that therapy would start in two days. 

"Thanks mom. " I said. My dad was dreading this, but I hope he will get something out of it.

"Can I tell them about...you know." Sophie said quietly. I've wanted to rebuild our bond and become close again, but I know I have to wait for her to be ready. This was the first time I saw her without Ryan since before I got kidnapped.

"Yes, this person knows about your time served in the Asylum. She's her to help you, not punish you." My mom was really feeling like a mom again, but I still didn't trust her. I didn't trust anyone, except Ben.

Sophie seemed to relax after that. 

"It's a she?" My dad groaned. 

"Shut it!" My mom snapped. 

"I've put you in a support group for losing loved ones as well." She said to Sophie. I think this would really help her get back to normal.

The one thing that I didn't think could go back to normal was Dad. Sophie never forgave him for everything and I didn't trust him. I knew about the shady deals he was making. 

The only way I would trust him again would be if he resolved his temper and stopped being shady. I didn't know how my mom could trust him or even love him right now. They seemed far from one another, but I honestly felt better seeing that.

They were keeping their distance, but I knew that my mom needed someone to lean on.

When Sophie and mom went out to the car, I decided to ask my dad something.

"Does mom ever break down? Do you see her weak side?" I asked.

He looked puzzled and took a long while to answer.

"Not really. We've talked about it before, but she never let's me see her like that. I don't know how that woman stays so strong." His eyes were bright and he lit up when he spoke of her.

I may not like my dad right now, but I was glad he loved her because she deserved it.

Even if she was a lying, dishonest person. I guess they were made to lie for one another.

I just hope therapy will help all of us heal. 

Because I was ready to just be a teenager again.