The 12 Steps

Step 8

Step 8: Redemption - Make a list of all those we have harmed and make amends to them

Song: Caterpillar - Mountains of the Moon

(Major Trigger Warning: Scenes of self-harm)

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L I A M

When you've been through a traumatic experience no one lets you forget it. Not your parents, your friends, your coaches, and definitely not your therapist. I thought Max would have given up by now but he was still calling. I know, wishful thinking.

I just wasn't expecting him to call today or for Lincoln to be the one to pick up the phone.

"Who is this?" I heard Lincoln say. I didn't know he was on the phone until I peeked over from the kitchen.

"Max Strome?" The minute that name came out of Lincoln's mouth, I was out of my seat and yanking the phone out of his hand.

Lincoln stared at me. I didn't know what Max said to him, but he didn't know I was in therapy and I wanted to keep it that way.

"I got it," was all I said.

He didn't move, but I could tell he was trying to figure me out. I couldn't tell what that look was on his face, but it wasn't with annoyance. I don't know.

I don't really care.

When he wished me a happy birthday, it completely caught me off guard. After what he said in the driveway last time, I stopped expecting anything from him. There weren't any words to describe what it felt like having Lincoln around for our birthday.

Not only did that make things difficult, his coming home an hour before his curfew made it worse. My mother called to let me know that Lincoln wasn't going home with me after practice. At first, I thought it was because she picked him up so he didn't have to wait for me since she knew I always stayed at practice longer than usual. But when I got home, Lincoln wasn't there.

When he did get home, my dad was upset, but my mom came to Lincoln's defense saying she knew about it. It surprised me that she didn't tell my dad about it. They hadn't allowed Lincoln to go or do anything without one of us being with him. It was only fair.

What surprised me even more was the next thing she said, "I let him go to Sunset Cove with Georgie."

They were arguing about the lack of communication and not being on the same page, but I couldn't stop staring at Lincoln after that statement. He was with Georgie? Alone? At Sunset Cove?

After warning him about taking advantage of my best friend, he goes to Sunset Cove with her. Are they friends now? Why didn't she tell me about this?

How long have they been spending time together?

Not once did Lincoln turn to look at me. He was too focused on our parents. It was probably the first time he had seen them argue like this. Especially about him. But to me it was normal. I was used to this.

I waited for Lincoln to leave. I could tell he was hesitating because he was taking his time moving away. It wasn't hot inside the house, but I was starting to sweat. I really hope Max didn't open his damn mouth about therapy.

He finally started walking up the stairs and I waited until he closed his bedroom door to place the phone against my ear.

"Liam?" Max's voice was low. I don't know why I thought he would've sounded different since I hadn't seen him or heard his voice in three weeks.