Autumn Haze

33: 'The one with the unexpected reunion...'

My leg bounces erratically as I sip on my second coffee of the day, my energy has been almost at zero lately so coffee has been my lifeline

I grin brightly as my bedroom swings open to reveal Sammy standing there with numerous snacks in his hands.

'Hey!' I chirp as I race towards him and tackle him into a tight hug.

His eyebrows knit together as he pats my back awkwardly, 'You okay?'

I snort slightly as I push him away, 'I think it's the caffeine.' 

He studies me for a moment, 'Are you in the process of getting tested for bipolar?'

I tilt my head as I take a step back, 'Yes. Why?'

'You do realise on the off-chance you have bipolar, caffeine can trigger manic episodes.'

I wave my hand dismissively, 'I have never experienced a manic episode to my knowledge, so I think I'll be fine with a few cups of coffee.'

He lets out a small sigh as he makes his way to the edge of my bed, 'Maybe you just didn't realise that you were in an episode, I mean when you were younger  you used to take substances and drink heavily.'

I stiffen, 'That's because I was trying to escape the reality of having a shitty family.'

'Autie, I'm not judging you. I'm just worried about you.'

I yank on the ends of my copper curls, 'Everyone is always so fucking worried about me and I'm sick of it.'

'It's because we care.'

'But it makes me feel like a shitty person, do you know how much guilt consumes me because I know everyone is constantly afraid of what I'm going to do next.'

Sammy hesitantly stands up and edges closer to me, 'I'm not afraid.'

'It appears you might be the only one.'

'Mental health is complex but it's not something I'm scared of. You will always have my support, now and forever.'

My heart aches wildly, 'What would I do without you Sammy?'

'You'd probably be really boring and miserable.'

A watery laugh escapes my lips, 'That's true.'

He fiddles with the hem of his t-shirt, 'By the way I invited Toby around...w-when them photo's came out of you, we all kind of knew something wasn't right, so he kept one...just in-case we'd ever need it in the future.'

I recoil and I'm not entirely sure why, 'Y-You all knew?'

He shrugs, 'We had a bit of an idea but we didn't want to assume anything.'

My bottom lip wobbles, 'H-He has my evidence?'

Sammy nods as he gently takes my hands in his, 'He's going to provide what we need for us to finally take down this sick fucking bastard.'

My breath hitches when I notice a familiar flock of blonde hair standing outside my open bedroom door, my eyes widen dramatically when I take in his appearance he looks visibly a lot healthier, his face doesn't look as hollow and pale.

He offers us both a small wave, 'Hey guys.'

Despite everything I can't help but give him a small smile when I notice how much he looks like the old him, 'Hey.'

He winces as he reaches into his pocket and gently places the photograph on the floor, 'I always prayed that we'd never have to use this, I'm really sorry that you're going through this Autumn.'