All of the Lights

Chapter Twenty-Six

Previously...

I need to get help. I need to do something. This isn't going to fix itself.

I opened the door to Jake's room. Cody and Sam stood not even a foot away. I startled them, and they jumped backwards. They both coughed and looked at each other, acting as if nothing happened.

"Eavesdropping?" I cocked an eyebrow at them. Sam bit his lower lip while Cody stared at the ground.

"I'm going to rehab." I stated. Sam's eyes crinkled, but Cody's brightened.

"What?" Sam gave me a shocked response.

"That's great!" Cody replied. Both boys looked at each other, scowling.

"I can't hurt anyone anymore." I whispered.

"But Riley-" Sam started.

"I'm not listening to you, Sam. I have to do it."

We both looked at each other. His breathing slowed, and so did mine. And as we both stared into each other's eyes, something between us clicked.

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Chapter Twenty-Six

"Riley Drescher has checked in to rehab..." I drowned out the rest of the television. I blinked hard, looking over to Sam.

He was sitting beside me. It was a Friday evening, also known as a visiting day. Sam wasn't allowed to visit me except on Fridays. It sucked.

"Don't worry about it." He offered. I turned my head towards him, giving him a blank stare. He crinkled his eyebrows and reached for the remote.

"According to sources, she was suicidal and bipolar." The television went on. I perked up, grabbing the remote away from Sam.

"What?" I hissed. I turned up the volume.

"Riley..." Sam scolded. He pulled himself up, walking towards me.

"After reports of trying to harm her friends, Riley was taken in by her boyfriend, Sam Bernard." Pictures of me walking into venues were being flashed across the screen.

"She quoted, 'I'm taking a break. I need to figure some things out before I peruse my career.'" The reporter, a tall, thin, brunette appeared back on the screen.

The television went black. My eyes flashed to Sam. The remote was in his hand.

"What are you doing?" I yelled at him.

"Get away from it, Riley! Don't watch it." Sam ordered. I bit my lip and watched him set the remote on the top of a tall dresser.

I sighed, slumping deeper into my chair. My head fell into my hands.

Why did I do this?

"One day closer to going home." Sam came up from behind me. He gently rubbed my back.

"One day closer to losing my mind." I peered up at him.

Sam was silent for a moment. He couldn't disagree with me on that. Rehab was hell. I could only talk to Sam once a day, and visit him once a week. It wasn't enough.

As for everyone else, I barely saw them. Sometimes Cody would visit me, but he hasn't lately. He's been busy with his new girlfriend. I can't say that I'm not jealous about that.

I felt like everyone was forgetting me. Everyone was slowly moving on with their lives, but I wasn't. My life was frozen. I couldn't go forwards or backwards. I could only remain the same. I could only hold on to what I used to have.