Star: Take 3

Chapter 18

SIMONE POV

I had been in rehab for two weeks, and every day seemed to blend into the next with the same routine and the same faces. Today, though, was different. It was family day, and I felt a flutter of excitement at the thought of seeing Ms. Carlotta, Star, and Alex again. I missed them more than I thought I would.

As I waited in the common area, adjusting the sleeves of my sweater nervously, I saw them walk in. Their presence filled the room. My heart swelled seeing them; this was the piece of home I had been missing. "Simone!" Ms. Carlotta called out as she approached, opening her arms wide for a hug. I rushed into her embrace.

"We've missed you, girl," Star said, her voice tinged with emotion as she joined in the hug. Alex gave me a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, her smile reassuring. "How are you holding up?" she asked, genuine concern in her eyes. "I'm getting there," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. Ms. Carlotta stepped back, her expression turning slightly more serious.

"Simone, there's someone I want you to meet," she said, gesturing to a man standing a little way off. He stepped forward, and my breath hitched slightly. He was handsome, with a strong build and a gentle yet firm demeanor that was immediately intriguing. "This is Cane, your new bodyguard," Ms. Carlotta introduced. "He's going to make sure you're safe, especially once you're out of here."

Cane extended his hand, a polite smile playing on his lips. "It's nice to meet you, Simone. I've heard a lot about you." His voice was calm and reassuring, and as I shook his hand, I couldn't help but notice the warmth in his touch. "Nice to meet you too," I managed to say, feeling my cheeks warm up a bit. As the others chatted, I stole glances at Cane. He was professional, yes, but there was a kindness in his eyes that made me curious to know more about him.

After family day, I had to attend group therapy. The group therapy room was a circle of chairs, each one soon to be filled by someone like me, someone trying to find their way back to themselves. I took my usual seat, the fabric of the chair familiar under my fingers. The room filled slowly. Our therapist, a woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense attitude, began the session. "Today, we're doing check-ins," she said. "Go around the room, each person share one thing they're struggling with."

I had so much to say, so much pain buried deep. But as the others began to share, my resolve crumbled. They spoke of the challenges they faced. It was my turn. I took a shaky breath. "I guess I'm struggling with...with feeling like I'm always the problem," I said, my voice shaky. The room fell silent, heavy with understanding. I could feel every eye on me, but I kept my gaze fixed on the floor.

"Feeling like a burden?" the therapist repeated. "Can you tell us more about that, Simone?" My heart pounded in my chest. I took a deep breath. "I just...I feel like I'm always the one everyone has to watch out for, the one who messes everything up," I said, my words tumbling out. The room fell silent. Sofia broke the silence, her voice raw and trembling. "I...I don't know where to even begin," she stammered, her eyes red but fixed firmly on the therapist. "I've spent my whole life running from myself."

As she spoke, I could see the pain on her face. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I blinked hard to keep them at bay. I had never felt so deeply for someone I had known for such a short time. But in that room, surrounded by strangers battling their own inner demons, I knew that I wasn't alone. The session ended with the announcement that we would be meeting our sponsors. I felt nervous. Who would mine be? What story had they lived through? Could they really help me?