letters with zach

12

12

I sat in the waiting room with my head in my hands. Lindsey's parents won't even look at me and Duke's been pacing since we got here 45 minutes ago. Judy was sat next to me. She looked so upset. I knew that because she poked my arm causing me to look at her.

"D-do you know why she tried t-to..." I could tell the girl didn't want to continue her sentence. I would've yelled at her, just because I'm an ass when I'm upset, but she's probably a sensitive girl if she's here.

I wouldn't have replied honestly if Lindsey hadn't told me how comfortable she had been around her.

"All the bullies became too much for her to bare. Then the teachers and advisors pushing a dyslexic to do better in school isn't helpful either. Just because they are pushing her to do something for her own good, doesn't mean it isn't peer-pressure." I explain.

"I noticed her getting thinner. I noticed my bipolar pills were missing. I never connected the dots... I'm sorry, Zach. I-i shouldve-"

"Hey, Judy, it's okay. I know what it's like to have so much happen under your nose without you even knowing it. That's why Lindsey is at the rehab school. She tried killing herself a few months ago, she left school early and her brother and I had no idea." She looked completely shocked when I told her that this wasn't the first time Lindsey has tried killing herself. "You've been a great friend to Lindsey. She trusts you, I can tell. Duke and I were the only ones she trusted, before you."

Judy gave me a warming smile. I sighed when I heard a string of curse words muttered under Duke's breath. He ran into a wall.

"Uh, Zach, is her brother okay?"

"No." Why lie? "But, you should try talking to him." Maybe something good might come out of this. I did notice Duke staring at her. She shrugged and slowly, shyly approached Duke.

Just then, Judy was replaced with Mr and Mrs. Rogers.

"Um, hi." I said awkwardly.

"Leave." Mr. Rogers said.

"What?" If it weren't for me, Lindsey could have very well died.

"You heard him. You're the reason she could've died." Mrs. Rogers raised her voice. I was so shocked I couldn't move. "Leave god dammit!" Then she pushed me off of the chair onto the ground. A male nurse came rushing into the room.

"Miss, I understand you're upset, but please calm down-" then Mrs. Rogers began crying. She reached down and slapped me across the face - hard enough to make me hold my cheek.

"Mom!" Duke exclaimed. I backed away. "You read the one letter! Did you read the others?!" He shouted. "She hates you guys, Lindsey does. He tried convincing her that you guys do care and that all you guys were doing was for her well being." I can honestly say I've never seen Duke so angry, I've known this kid since fifth grade. "Lindsey loves him. I get it if you're trying to protect her, but this is her second time in the hospital nearly dead. Clearly you are doing a horrible job." No sugar-coating with him. "He can protect her. I'm her older brother, I'm not supposed to approve of any guy except the one that's perfect for her. That's Zach." He ended. If this were a cartoon, there would be steam coming from Duke's ears.

"We need each other, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers. I will go to court and get that stupid restraining order off of me." After that, I turned to the male nurse who stood there shocked. "Can I please see Lindsey Rogers?" I pleaded. He nodded and led me to her. Duke followed behind with Judy. "Nurse, can we go to?"

"One at a time." He said before walking away.

"You go first." Duke insisted. I would've argued but I needed to see her.

I walked in and she was awake - really pale, but awake. There were black circles around her eyes as she stared quietly at the tv. The Fosters was playing. It was her favorite show.

I shut the door quietly and that's when Lindsey's eyes snapped over to mine.

"Zach..." She whispered. "I cannot believe you did all this for me."

"Why not?" I asked. I didn't let her reply. "I did it because you are not useless, you are wanted, you are loved, you're not fat, you're beautiful. Most of all, I did it because I love you more than anything."

"I love you, too, Zach. I realize it now. I don't care if people don't like me. I have you, Duke, and Judy." Lindsey then sat up and scooted over, patting the space beside her, giving me a small smile. I smile back, of course, and sit down beside her.

"Yes, you do. So, are you going to finish it here?"

"Yeah. For real this time. No more self-harm. I'm gonna do good, I'll be back by senior year, with you I promise." I loved that little smile on her lips.

"I love you. Oh, and I think Judy has Duke, if you know what I mean." I gave her a playful wink.

"Aww!" She exclaimed. I chuckled at her, but gave her a fully-hearted smile when I saw the largest and realest smile I've seen on this girl's face in two years.

She looked genuinely happy, yet she was laying in a hospital.

"Just because I approve of you two, does not mean I approve of sharing a bed!" Duke called in, shielding his eyes.

My smile grew larger when my ears filled of Lindsey's genuine, hearty laugh.

That was enough to make my life perfect. Lindsey is finally realizing that she is perfect just the way she is.