it's you, it's always been you

chapter 117

Deena spent the rest of the day holding onto Sam's pillow in bed. She barely slept any so when her dad got home at four am, she was awake when he knocked on her door.

"Come in," Deena turned towards the door, not letting go of the pillow.

"I got a call from the school at work. That a girl went after you and you were okay but was sent home. Are you okay?" Deena's Dad sat on the chair next to her bed.

Deena sat up in bed. "Yeah, I'm fine. The bit- girl's name is Taylor. She came up to me and tried to get me to hit her and said all this stuff about Sam to get me to fight her. She was Sam's friend so she got her to go to this party, and wanted to kiss her to experiment.. and Sam was drunk so Taylor kissed her. Then Sam ran out when Taylor did and she went walking around Shadyside, drunk, from the party to our house but I found her before she made it."

Deena sighed and continued, "Sam's been in the hospital this whole time and they called her hospital room. Then she paid this girl to lie to Sam and say that I was cheating on her....it's so fu-..messed up, sorry."

Deena brought her hand to her face and rubbed her temples. "She doesn't need this. Her own psychopathic mother got her sick and now she has a fever so high that they put her in a medically induced coma. She's going to be asleep for days and I have no way of seeing her.

Deena's dad sat on the edge of the bed to wrap an arm around her shoulders. Deena covered her face with her hands, trying hard not to cry as she opened up to her dad.

"Taylor is a bitch. I know your mom hates that word but that girl deserves it at least." Deena's dad says which causes Deena to laugh softly because he doesn't usually cuss around them.

"You did good for not hitting her, Deena. I'm proud of you. I never say that enough, but I am proud of you everyday. I love you. You are exactly like your mom, you have her strength and courage. Your mom would have loved to see you and Sam together today. And I'm sure she loves it as she looks down on us. She gave me this letter to give to you when you graduated. I know it's early, but you deserve it today. It's also for Sam, so when she wakes up, you should read it to her too." Deena's dad pulled out an envelope in his pocket and handed it to Deena with her and Sam's names on it.

"That girl has had it rough. She thinks she's weak because of how her mom treated her and her hurt as a kid, but it made her as strong as you and your mom. Don't lose hope, D. I've never seen anyone love each other the way you both do. She's not going anywhere without you." Deena's dad kisses the top of Deena's head.

He stands up and goes to the bed, "You should go to school tomorrow. To distract yourself from waiting for Sam. Goodnight, kid."

Deena nods up at him before he leaves. She runs her fingers over her and Sam's names in her mom's handwriting.

Her heart aches at the thought of her mom as she opened the envelope and letter.

"Dear Deena,

I was the first in my family to graduate high school. Now you have. I'm sorry I couldn't physically be there, but I am always with you. I can't explain how proud I am of you, Deena Sarah Johnson. You have been brilliant since you were born and you will be the rest of your life. You are my beautiful girl and you will step up and be a grown up when you are a kid after I pass and I'm so sorry for that. You don't have to be, but you feel you have to for Josh. For that, you have a heart of gold and the courage to take on anything. I've loved you with my entire heart the day you were created. What you choose to do for the rest of your life, either that means your career or how you live, know that it is the right path for you. You are strong and kind and important, Deena. You will show that every day you live. I love you. I am here watching over you and waiting for you when it's time.

You seemed lost as a child, but then you met Sam and a whole new side of you was released. She had the key to it. I know she will be there for you every day after I pass. I believe in the both of you. You are made of the same star, I like to think.

Always with you and always love you,
Mom

Dear Sam,

You've had to grow in a family that did not deserve you and did not love you the way you deserve. I saw the sadness in your eyes as a child the first time you came over to play with Deena. I know how much you love Deena and how much she loves you. I know it scares you sometimes but that's because you feel like you don't deserve real love and you have only known the hurtful fake love your parents have gave you. You are brave, Samantha. You are made of kindness and strength. You have many doubts about yourself, but it's not because you aren't beautiful or strong, it is your mother talking. My family and I loved you the moment we met you. You've always been family and soon, you and Deena will understand the kind of family you are together. Don't push her away, you are both better when you're together. You will both take care of the other and I know you will be there for our Deena after I pass and she will be there for you. I love you, Sam. And I believe in you and everything you will do. Be proud of who you love and don't hold back from loving them completely. You can trust Deena with your heart as she can trust you with hers. I am proud of you everyday.

Love,
The mom you've always wanted"

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kind and supportive parents? can't relate