eternity// 5SOS

26

Poppy

"I like Freya! She is really nice and she makes a lot of sense,"

"That's really great sweetpea, I like her as well. You did such a good job, I am so proud of you,"

"Can you come every time?"

"I think this should be something you can work through by yourself. I don't want to stop you expressing anything to Freya because I am there,"

"I will tell you if I want you to leave. I want you to come because it will help us have a better relationship. I love you, and I feel safe, but I think we could have a stronger relationship," I said desperately, the thoughts just flooding out, "You are my dad, and my best friend, but I think this might help us. Please?"

"Yeah... okay. It might help us communicate better. You must tell me if you want me to leave, though,"

"I will!"

"Good,"

"I want you to know things but it's really hard to tell you on my own,"

"How come?"

"It just is,"

"Okay,"

We sat in silence on the way home, but I was just thinking a lot. This therapy was different. I wasn't telling Freya everything right now, but what I had told my parents and the police and my friends was okay.

Maybe soon we could talk about other things.

I hadn't taken my phone because there was no point, but when I got home I had missed a call from Alfie, so I changed into my pyjamas and called him back.

I laid on my front on my bed with headphones in, resting my head on my hand.

"Helloooooo,"

"Hey," I giggled, "Sorry I missed your call,"

"It's okay. I was wondering if you wanted to come over tomorrow?"

"Okay. Kalani left his ring here by mistake so I can bring it,"

"Oh. I was thinking maybe just me and you could do something?"

"Oh... okay. Sure. Let me ask my dad,"

"You can sleep over too if you want,"

"Hang on,"

I got my crutches and left my room, heading to the living room. Dad had everyone sat down with him, and mum came down the stairs, giving me a smile.

She wrapped her arms round me and kissed my head, brushing the hair from my face.

"How was therapy?"

"Good. I really like Freya, and dad is going to come every time,"

"I'm glad it was good. Did you talk about much?"

"A little bit,"

"I'm so proud of you,"

"Please can I go to Alfie's house tomorrow?"

"Of course you can. I can give you a lift there and back,"

"He said I can sleep over,"

"You can if you want. You might not feel comfortable with lots boys though,"

"It's just Alfie,"

"Oh. Okay. If you're in separate beds then of course,"

"Ew! I wouldn't sleep with him in a bed!"

"I am just saying. You can go,"

I hurried back to my room and climbed back onto my bed, laying beside my phone.

"Mum said yes,"

"I heard," he laughed, "I thought we could go out for lunch if you're up to it,"

"I have no money. Well I do but I asked dad to save it,"

"It's okay, I will pay,"

"No!"

"I will. My dad will leave money,"

"Okay. I don't know if I will sleep over because I'm going to hospital on saturday anyway,"

"You can decide anytime because all we have to do is get your a blanket out. You're always welcome here,"

"Thank you, Alfie. I am really sorry for being selfish, but is it okay if I go to sleep now? I um... it has been a hard evening and I am really tired,"

"It's not selfish, of course you can sleep. I'll see you tomorrow,"

"I will probably come around 10,"

"Okay, great. See you then, sleep well Poppy,"

"See you,"

**

"Psst,"

I opened my eyes and saw Elijah laid in bed opposite me on his phone, his hair all scruffed up from sleeping.

"It's 9:30,"

"What?"

"Yeah,"

"But I need to shower,"

"Go and shower then,"

"I need to wake up,"

He laughed quietly and went back to his phone, so I got my crutches and left our room, heading to the living room.

Bailey turned to see who it was, then smiled and climbed over the back of the sofa to give me a hug.

"Good morning. Toast?"

"Yes please,"

"Okay. Sit down, I'll get it,"

I sat on the sofa beside Jasper and leant on his shoulder, yawning. I hated waking up.

He passed me my phone that he must've picked up to give me on his way down, and rested his head on-top of mine so we held each other up. Jasper and I didn't talk a lot, but we did like to cuddle and I felt very protected by him.

"Wanna play video games all day? I have a day off work,"

"I can't. Sorry. I am going to Alfie's house... we could do it on Sunday,"

"I'm glad you get to see your friends so much,"

"It's just Alfie. I might get to sleep over like all of you do with your friends,"

"Just Alfie?"

"Yeah,"

"Huh... well just remember you can say no to anything, and you can call me at any time to come and get you,"

"Mum can drive,"

"I know, but so can I,"

"Alfie isn't bad," I grumbled, "I trust him,"

"I never said he was bad, I think he is lovely by the sound of things, but it's important to me that you know you have a choice,"

"Sorry,"

"We're all good. Shall I help you get packed for the day?"

"After my toast,"

"Of course, your priorities are just right,"

——
Double update?! yep