SARAHS’S POV
“It’s you’re parents.”
The world around me grew silent in a frozen state. I felt my fingers clench the loose sheets, but besides that I sat still. My breathing was soft, not enough for my chest to rise or fall, and my eyes remained wide like a doll. I remained still, trying to understand her words, as the world around me slowly began to return to a normal pace. “Sarah, are you alright?” Justin’s voice faded in first, enveloping me in his soft tone. I gave what sufficed as a weak nod, blinking my eyes back to reality.
“Is it really them? M-my parents?” I stammered, still not fully aware. Though up to speed, my world felt hazy as though I were still dreaming.
With a light smile, Dr. Bennett nodded. “Yes, Sarah. It’s them, and they really want to meet you.” She informed me kindly. Again I gave a halfhearted nod, regaining the ability to raise my head. Looking past my window, I noticed a man and a woman standing less than a foot from my room. The woman was quite short and very thin. Frizzy brown hair was tied loosely in a bun and a thin layer of makeup glazed her face in an attempt to hide her tired eyes. The man was tall, much taller than the woman. His hair was a dark shade of brown with obvious dashes of gray. It was cut short though still long enough to be brushed from his face.
Scrunching up my face, I cocked my head to the side. “Who are they?” I asked, as the tired woman met my eyes. They instantly widened, as her lips curved to an excited smile. Startled, I looked away, playing once again with the fabric of the sheets.
“Sweetie they’re your parents.” Dr. Bennett said honestly, a bit of worry in her eyes.
“No they’re not.” I replied instantly, my hands beginning to shake. Curling my knees into my chest, I shook, catching quick glances of the strangers outside. “Those aren’t my parents. “ I repeated, an obvious quiver in my voice.
Kneeling beside me, Dr. Bennett tried her best to meet my eyes. “I know you may not remember them, Sarah, but they remember you. They are your parents, and that woman right there is your mother.” She smiled, pointing softly at the woman staring hopefully into my room.
Violently I swung my head, digging my nails into my hair. “Mother,” I hummed to myself, slamming my eyes shut. “Mom. Tall, but not too tall, curly light brown hair, and dark hazel eyes. She likes reading and watching cartoon with me on Saturday mornings.” Again I repeated the words, knowing for sure that none of them matched the stranger outside. That’s not my mother. She can’t be… “Mom. Tall, but not too tall, curly light brown hair, and dark hazel eyes. She likes reading and watching cartoon with me on Saturday mornings.” My head throbbed, trying desperately to remember anything else about my mother. Alas I was trapped in the same repetitive sequence of words. It was all I had left of her to cling onto.
Trembling, I felt Justin’s steady grip take my hands away from my face, lacing my tangled hair within our fingers. “Shhh.” He hushed, as I continued to mumble the words under my breath. “Shhhh.” He soothed again, pressing his forehead against mine. “You don’t need to talk to them right now, okay? You can wait. You have nothing but time.” He assured me. Opening my tear glazed eyes; I nodded, returning to a normal sitting position.
“That’s not my mother.” I pulsed, regaining my steady disposition. “That’s not my father. Justin, I can’t do this.” I shoot, wanting nothing more than to run away and take Justin with me. I just needed to hide far from the doctors and the noises and the pain. I wanted safety from the strangers who dared to call themselves ‘mom’ and ‘dad’. “I can’t talk to them. I can’t even look at them.” A small crack escaped my voice, realizing I’d been mouthing the words I pulsed. When had that habit been picked up?
“Please don’t cry.” Justin pulsed, his face remaining frozen like a statue. So much emotion, though it seemed lifeless at the same time. “You’ll be alright.” He promised, kneading his thumb into my palm soothingly. Nodding I took a deep breath.
Looking up, I noticed Dr. Bennett still standing there, her eyes wide in amazement. “How’d you do that?” She asked curiously, turning her attention to Justin.
“Do what?” He asked, cocking his head to the side allowing tuffs of brown hair to fall in his face.
“You were able to calm her with little to no words. It was as though you spoke a different language.” She purred, shoving her hands in her pockets. “You two really are something else.” Nodding, Justin smiled lightly. “What do you want me to tell them?” She asked, no longer referring to the couple as my parents. She gave ma a comforting look and smiled. “I can tell them to come back later if you want. Justin’s right, you have nothing but time to adjust to this. We know it’s a lot.” She said in a calming tone, as she fixed her glasses.
Thinking it over, I flexed my fingers, instantly curling them back around Justin hand. Shaking my head, I replied. “No,” I mumbled, looked warily at Justin then Dr. Bennett. “Are you sure they’re my parents?” I asked nervously. Dr. Bennett nodded. “Then… I want to meet them.” I decided, still comprehending my decision.
“Are you sure?” Justin asked, his grip tightening a bit anxiously.
“Yeah.” I nodded, hardly audible. “I want my parents back.”
YOU ARE READING
Strive
Teen Fiction" Sometimes the road to recovery is more twisted and agonizing than the sickness itself." Eight years ago Sarah and Justin were kidnapped. For years they were trapped in the dark, knowing of nothing but pain. It seemed like it was all over for them...
