Hope That Never Dies

ONE

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Mention of Suicide and Scars

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I was flying to Berkeley University today.

Since I graduated a year ago, it should technically be my second year of college but my parents thought it was best for me to take a gap year after my car accident, to make a full recovery. I didn't have much say in the matter as I was unconscious for majority of the time; but I understand this accident scared them and I don't blame them for not wanting to send me across the country for school after what I did.

My parents and I both thought I was getting better until the day before my high school graduation, when I intentionally crashed my car in an attempt to end my life.

Because they had all of my previous attempts on file, the hospital knew it wasn't an accident; So I spent several months in a coma, recovering from the surgeries, and when I awoke, I was brought back to the psychiatric ward.

My doctor said it was a miracle I wasn't paralyzed, that I'd make a full recovery, and that you couldn't tell I'd been in a car wreck.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance, knowing that I had a giant scar all the way down my spine and another scar down my femur (you couldn't really see the scar on my leg if I covered it up with concealer unless you really focused on it), and other small scars all over the rest of my body.

I was discharged from hospital a little over a week ago, just in time for the beginning of the school year.

My parents attended numerous meetings with the Berkeley board of administration in order to maintain my place there. Once my parents told the truth regarding my gap year, the board understood and was incredibly supportive.

My mom was hesitant to let me leave her sight, especially so far away, but my doctors said it would be beneficial for me to return to school and resume my life after spending nearly a year in the hospital. (My longest hospital admission so far.)

My support team connected me with a doctor and physiatrist who I have to see twice a week at Berkeley, which made my parents feel better.

Plus, I was going to share a dorm room with two other girls, so they were relieved that I wouldn't be spending much time alone.

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"Are you sure you have everything you need?" Mom questioned.

My mom is the most beautiful person I've ever seen; she has long blonde hair, bright green eyes (like mine), and an amazing figure, which makes sense given that she's only 16 years older than me.

Because she is a lawyer, she always dresses professionally.

My dad, on the other hand, is quite tall, with honey brown eyes and chocolate brown hair, which he has passed down to me. He excelled as a soccer player, earning him a scholarship to Brown University. He did, however, discontinue the sport after college in order to spend more time with his family. My dad now works as a lawyer for the same firm as my mom.

My parents first met when they were sixteen. They hit it off right away and began dating a few days later. My mom discovered she was pregnant with me a few weeks after that.

They've been together ever since and couldn't be happier.

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Jake and Jessica relationship aesthetic:

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"Yes, Mom, I checked," I replied a few moments later.

"Jessica, you both double-checked her bags before leaving the house. If we don't let her go soon, she'll miss her flight." My father jumped right in.

"You're right," mom sighed.

She hugged me tightly and whispered, "I love you so much, baby, call me as soon as you land."

"I will." I said, trying to hug my father.

"I Love you, Lydia Reece Grayson," he said.

"I Love you too, Dad" I smiled.

We said our final goodbyes, as they walked me to airport security.

I turned around and waved goodbye as they did the same. I saw my mother start to cry. I blew her a kiss before turning the corner and losing sight of them.