FlAvor

Chapter 28

"How are you today, Adrienne?" My therapist, Shannon, asked me once I got comfortable on her long therapy couch. Her office had a cute Bohemian style to it that I loved. So much color and life came out in the room. From the couch to the paintings on her wall, about every color of the rainbow surrounds us.

"I'm doing very well," I grinned at her. "Everything's been falling into place. I've reconnected with Blaine a few days ago and life's been pretty much amazing. I'm writing more and expressing myself a lot easier. As soon I'm able to get access to a laptop, I think I'll be ready to write on my blog again. My readers are probably wondering where the heck I've been."

"I'm glad to hear that your progress has been going smoothly. I'm very proud of you for what you've overcome in the past couple weeks. Now tell me, no nightmares or anything?"

"Not really." I shook my head. "They may come once in a blue moon, but I don't get them as often anymore. But I don't think I'll ever truly forget the images."

"That's perfectly normal. You experienced events that were scarring. There's no shame in saying that. But you've come a long way. Which actually brings me to my next statement. I think that because you've improved very well during your time here, Dr. Reynolds and I have decided that, if you were ready, you could be released from the treatment center."

Was she serious? Am I ready? Holy shit. "Really?"

She nodded. "I think you are more than prepared to venture out in the real world again."

Her confidence in me stirred my own. I've cooped myself in here for long enough. The people here has helped me a great deal, and I will always be grateful for them. But I think it was time for me to go home.

"What do I need to do? And how soon can I leave?"

"You can call your parents and let them know so you and them could fill out the paperwork together. And then you can start packing your things up."

"Okay," I breathed out as I stand up. "I can't believe this is really happening." My right hand automatically touches the left one with the ring on it. I lose myself for a few seconds as I stare at it. I haven't taken this ring off since Blaine put it on my finger. How soon does he want to get married? Once I'm out of here, any time is as good as ever in my book. Pinterest will become my new best friend when I start planning.

"Adrienne?" I looked up to see Shannon staring at my fingers. "I'm assuming a congratulations is in order?"

"Thank you. For everything. You've helped me so much and I couldn't done it without you," I said sincerely.

"You are most certainly welcome, Adrienne. If you ever have any problem or a small set back, I'm only a phone call away." She wrote her number on a small sheet of paper and handed it to me.

"Will do."

I walked out of the office and do a little happy dance as I went down to the front desk for my phone call. This is so exhilarating. The weights on my shoulders have completely disintegrated.

When I arrive, I tell the receptionist that I'm making a phone call to my parents. She lends me the phone and I sit in the closest seat. One ring later and my mother picks up.

"Hey, hon. How's it going?"

"I can leave mom. Today! My therapist said that I'm in great shape and I don't have to stay anymore. I'm ready to go home."

"Oh, that's wonderful! Robert!" I heard her yell through the phone. "Get your pants on! We're checking Adrienne out today!"

"Mom, really?" I groaned, trying to not think if the image of my parents doing the nasty, or something of the sorts.