Seeping Wounds

XIX-Harrison

It takes a few weeks for Mia to write me back. It's almost the beginning of November.

Dear Harrison,

I am so glad to have heard from you. I know we kind of hated each other but I miss you. You should write to Claire, she misses you. Derek too.

I don't suppose they would let you like email me or something? I actually don't mind writing letters but it's really slow. You could ask your therapist, or I could write and ask, or I suppose Claire or Derek could.

What you said about your friend, Kayla, has been bothering me. I don't know what to suggest, I wish I could give you advice but I don't know what to suggest. It breaks my heart to think about someone could be so unhappy, feel so hopeless that they want everything to just end.

What I find works best, with anyone who is hurting, is to just listen. Let them talk to you, they need someone to listen. You could be that person for Kayla. Is there anyone else there for her? Is she allowed to write to anyone the way you are?

As for the other stuff, I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. I believe that you deserve a second chance. Also, if Addison decides something good luck trying to change her mind. Unless you're her mother, then you might stand a chance. Lucky for you, you are not Addison's mother.

I think what really needs to happen now is for you to forgive yourself. Harrison I know you aren't a bad person. Not many people would have stood up for Addison the way you did, especially when you were new to the school.

This is what I think of you. I think you are a kind, caring person who got handed a shitty hand of cards at birth. If you can learn to trust I think you will do incredible things.

I do forgive you Harrison, for everything.

Your loving cousin,

Mia

The sound of the basket ball striking the floor fills my ears.

The gym here is wicked, I mean seriously, it's huge. 

Kayla tries to dribble past me and I reach out and knock the ball out of her hands. Laughing I take off in the other direction.

Well, until I trip over my shoelaces and face plant on the floor.

Like the good friend she is, Kayla grabs the ball and takes off towards my net leaving me on the floor. Thanks Kayla.

After she sinks the basket, Kayla comes back and stands over me. A grin takes over most of her face. "Hows it going?" She asks.

"Fabulous," I say, "I was testing the gravity and then I realized the floor needed a hug, it's getting lonely and feels like people are walking all over it."

Kayla laughs, her face red from the exercise. Sticking out her hand, she pulls me up.

Snatching the ball from her I chuck it at the net, making a three pointer.

"So there." I say laughing.

"Aren't you two just the cutest."

We spin around, Sydney stands in the doorway of the gym. A smirk on her face. I want to slap it off, but I can't bring myself to move toward her.

I can't hurt someone again.

"What do you want?" I demand, but my voice isn't as rude as it used to be. The fire that used to fuel my anger is gone. As much as I want to hate Sydney I can't. I don't know enough about her to hate her. I don't know Sydney, I can't hate her. Even though I want to.