Just Friends: The Sequel.

Chapter One.

JUSTIN:

            The white walls of this room are blinding. They have been blinding for the past four months. No windows, no technology, no anything. I guess you could say that I’ve grown accustomed to the whole rehab bullshit.

            Basically rehabs are as horrible as everyone says they are. You are completely taken away from everything you’ve ever known and you’re stripped of the clothing you wear, you’re stripped of any connection you have with the outside world, and for months you’re forced to sit with a counselor or in some shitty group and discuss your problems. Granted, these past four months have been a life changing experience, but still. Rehabs are shitty.

            “So today’s your last day.” Nurse Patterson smiled, closing the door to my room gently behind her. “Are you excited?”

            My bags were sitting on the white sheets behind me because every damn thing in this rehab center was white. At first, the thought of leaving made me the happiest person alive. I used to count down the days in my head when I first got here until I lost track of time. Now I’m not so sure just how I’ll do on my own. It’s certainly going to be different.

            “Could you ask if I could speak to Dr. Mike before I leave? There are just some things I need to talk to him about.”

            “Of course.” She responded with that huge smile of hers. “Just one moment.”

            Letting out a sigh of relief once she was gone, I began to look around my room. I looked at the pictures I had brought in here of Scott and I and the guys. I remember saying my goodbye’s to them before summer started and I especially remember Scott bringing me to check in. When school ended, I knew that I needed to get out of Toronto and get away from the bitter remains of my past. Staying in Toronto would only make me worse and I needed help.

            “Justin.” Dr. Mike announced, closing the door to my room behind him. “What did you want to discuss?”

            I watched him pull over a plastic chair that was placed in the corner and guess what? It was white.

            “Well as you know, I start school back up again next week. Getting out of this place is exciting but once I’m back there I just don’t know what I’ll do if-“

            “You see Reina?” He asked. “Is that what you’re worried about?”

            My heart dropped a little at her name that has been mentioned in numerous counseling sessions. All I could do was just nod my head and stare down at my hands.

            “I just don’t know what to do when I see her. When we last spoke, it wasn’t a good experience. I mean, I think she was at the hospital when I overdosed but I don’t remember much. When I woke up she never came to visit me again but you already know this. Sorry. I just keep repeating myself.”

            I sighed, bringing my gaze down to the floor.

            “It’s always okay to talk about what you’re feeling Justin. You know what the right thing to do will be if that situation occurs but I want you to also remember what you agreed with me on. In order for you to stay on a healthy track and make a successful recovery at school you’re going to need to be by yourself for a bit. I know you have a resentment towards Reina but you also have to keep in mind that she did what she thought was best. Don’t you feel better now?”