"Why do you have to go mommy?"
"I'll be back soon princess..."
The look on her face replayed in my head during the bus ride to Santa Barbara rehabilitation center, early Friday morning. There was no turning back. I had to do this for my child but more importantly myself. I knew she'd be in good hands with her father. Besides we're all she has. At this point Ari is my main motivation to get through all of this. I stared out the window, watching the beautiful oak trees and fresh fields of grass. It calmed me in a way. Maybe this won't be as bad as I thought it would. Within fifteen minutes we arrived and might I say I was impressed yet sketchy. The rehab center was literally in the middle of nowhere. It was surrounded by nothing but open nature which was lovely. The bus stopped at the gate which opened moments later. Me and this other girl hopped off the bus. She was Caucasian with red long flowing curls to her mid back, gorgeous eyes, and perfect pink lips. She seemed so timid and innocent as if she didn't belong here.
Moments later another white woman came walking outside towards us, smiling extra hard. She had to be around her forties or something. In her hands were two sheets of paper. "Hello ladies, I'm Karen and I'm the rehab counselor also known as the lady in charge," she smiled, "anyways you must be the new comers right?"
I stood stared at Karen blankly while the other girl nodded. "I'm Catherine but everyone calls me Cat heh heh" the girl giggled moving side to side.
"Okay and you are Zonnique am I correct?"
"Yeah how'd you know?" I asked raising an eyebrow.
"We've been expecting you darling! Now come on get inside so I can show you girls, your room" Karen said leading us through the big glass doors.
I slowly followed behind the two, taking in my new atmosphere and environment. Inside where the lobby was were smooth marble floors ans cream colored walls. It looked very fancy. Karen took us to the elevator which lead up to the fifth floor. I'm guessing this is where our rooms are. She stopped at room 507 then unlocked the door.
"This is where you two will be staying. There's a bunkbed, bathroom with a shower, furniture, and the whole nine yards. Get settled then meet me downstairs in the mess hall" Karen informed before walking straight out. Well damn.
I rolled my eyes before placing my suitcases on the top bunk.
"Hey! We didn't decide on who gets top bunk" Cat pouted folding both arms.
"We didn't have to. I put my shit up there so it's my bunk" I scoffed and looked at her puzzled. She acts like a damn five year old or something.
"Fine then! Ya didn't have to be such a meanie" she snapped and ran into the bathroom.
I can already tell she's going to be a pest. Maybe there's a reason she act like that. I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover so soon. I took out all of my clothing and folded them neatly into the brown drawers. Within thirty minutes, Cat was still in the bathroom and I had to pee really badly. I approached the door raising my fist slightly but she opened it quickly.
"Sorry! I was... uh... um.. doing my hair!" Cat stammered and hurried away to the bed.
Okay?
* * *
People starred as I sat down. I just avoided any contact, playing with my fingers. There were only about ten people inside this room or whatever. Everyone sat in comfortable plush red chairs while Karen sat in a black spinning chair. I'm guessing this the counseling session where everyone explains why they're here. Honestly I'm an isolated person. I don't know any of these people and I don't feel like I should tell my personal business. I sunk down into the chair with my hand over my forehead. "Good afternoon! As you can see we have two new comers" Karen said referring to myself and Cat. "Introduce yourselves"
