Separated

Everything's okay... Not

Chapter 7:

I woke up the next morning thinking about all the shit that went down last night. I can't believe I attacked my own mother. My own flesh and blood that has done nothing but protect me. I feel sick thinking about it. But I can't stop my addiction, I still need it to help my anxiety. The vape calms me down, the pills take me to another world. I never want those feelings to wash away. It's like I'm almost having second thoughts about rehab.

"Mom?" I say while walking down the stairs. "I'm so sorry I attacked you."

"Cassie, how many times am I going to tell you. The reason you've attacked me was because of all these damn drugs you're taking!"

"I know but you're not understanding it helps me!"

"It's not helping you for the last fucking time! It's hurting this family!"

"This family was already broken to begin with!" I say. "Obviously someone has to turn out like their shitty father."

"Enough! I told you the conversation is over. Now go get ready for school before you're late like you always are."

I have a strong feeling my mom still isn't over the whole situation. The thoughts in my head were spinning again. Using my vape, I take another inhale. I taste all the juice again, it's so cool how it calms my nerves down.

The 1st period for us is usually a passing period. I sit by a bench and wait for Emma. I can see Lydia coming towards me.

"Cassie! How's it go-"

I stop her from finishing her sentence.

"Fine Lydia, can you just leave me alone?"

"Shit, what even happened?"

"Well, let's just say thanks to you I'm now addicted to these fucking pills and this vape!" I say. "Don't you know how terrible addiction is?"

"Cass, I suggested them to you! I didn't know you were going to get fucking addicted," Lydia says. "Why did you listen to me anyway?"

"Cause I thought I finally found someone who I can talk to! Not get me into trouble."

"You think I'm causing trouble?!"

"Clearly since I fucking attacked my mom last night!"

"You what?! Why would you-"

"Because of the fucking drugs Lydia! This is what that shit does to you."

"I have some news I need to tell you anyway."

"What could you possibly tell me that will change up this whole conversation?"

"I got a call from the hospital, Marla woke up," Lydia states. "I'm starting rehab in a few weeks so I can try to get better. Maybe you should start too."

"No... that's not true... How? I-"

I can feel tears streaming down my face. Marla's alive?!

"I'm going to see her in a few weeks. I'll let you know how she is."

"Cassie!" Emma calls out.

She looks at me very confused.

"What's going on? Why are you crying?" Emma asks. "Lydia, what did you say?"

"Nothing! All I said was Marla's-"

"Alive," I sob quietly.

"No fucking way! Are you serious?! I knew she would make it."

"Yea, my sister is pretty tough."

"So when can we go see her?" Emma asks.

"Not for a few weeks," Lydia says. "She needs some time to function properly, start remembering things."