Sepulchre There by the Sea - A Fairytale Green fanfiction

More Than Love - Part 13

I'M BACKKKK!!! Kayla's recent updates of The Firing Line has inspired me to update as well. This will be a double update. Part 14 will be posted in an hour!

I missed you guys sm <3

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"Yo," Lil Tony called, slapping me on the back.

I laughed quietly and turned to look at the middle-aged wannabe-rapper, greeting him with a smile. "Hi, Tony-"

"Lil Tony."

I shook my head softly, laughing. "Lil Tony. How are you?"

"Good, good. Got my six-month sobriety chip today. Feeling great."

I grinned and fist-bumped him. "I'm so proud of you, that's amazing! Lemme see it."

As I inspected the chip with curiosity, Lil Tony began filling a paper plate with selections from the spread of pastries on the table.

It had been two months since I overdosed. Two months since I walked in on Tyler and his step-mom, Two months since I started living with Stone. Life was much better, I felt lighter, happier. It was like the joy I had felt in high school had suddenly thrown itself back into my life. I had Stone, Lana, and Brennan back in my life. We were all a group again. It was like nothing had changed. Except, of course, for Lana's boyfriend and Brennan's girlfriend. Everything was different, but somehow it felt exactly how it felt years ago. Good.

I've been going to this recovery support group twice a week for two months now. At first, I only went there for Stone. I felt so guilty for overdosing. Which might sound strange, but... If I didn't overdose, Stone wouldn't have gotten so worried. I wouldn't have overturned his life. But those feelings have since faded. Living with Stone changed a lot for me. I've doubted myself less. I've allowed myself to accept help. In every moment in this new phase of life, I have felt myself evolving. Becoming a better person. To others, and most importantly, to myself.

I love myself again. Mirrors feel less terrifying each day. My reflection no longer glares back at me, it no longer shouts at me for feeling or yells at me for caring. My reflection is once again, Ella. And fuck, I've missed Ella.

"Ella?"

I turn away from Lil Tony to face Max, the leader of the support group.

"I have something for you, wanted to give it to you before you left." His kind eyes searched me for a few seconds before he continued. "I... I just wanted to say something before I give it to you. I'm really proud of you. I know it was hard for you initially, but you've really become involved and put in the work toward recovery. You have a resilience that I haven't quite seen before. You are incredible, Ella. I'm so proud."

I felt the sudden urge to cry, but instead, I leaped forward and pulled him into a hug. He had been such a great support those past months, I wasn't sure I could've done it without him. "Thank you, Max. Really."

He nodded and then reached into his pocket, pulling out a golden chip. "This is for you," he said, handing it to me. "Your two-month chip." He paused and then put his hands on my shoulders. "I look forward to giving you more chips in the future. I know you can do it."

I felt a rush of warmth fill me as I stared at the chip. "Thank you," I said softly, no other words able to capture what I felt.

He nodded again, squeezed my shoulder, and then turned to talk to Lil Tony. I continued gazing at the chip in awe. It wasn't the chip itself that was warming me at that moment, but knowing that I was two months clean was like drinking hot chocolate in front of a burning fireplace.