Never Truly Healed

Here Goes Everything

Celeste's POV

"...leste... Celeste, it's time to wake up, honey."

"Mmm..."

I groaned and stirred awake, turning over onto my back. I rub the sand out of my eyes and let out a small yawn. I slowly open my eyes to see my sister, Jacquelyn, at my bedside. Another yawn leaves my lips. She giggles.

"Good morning, Cel."

"Morning, Jacqui," I said tiredly. She brushed a strand of hair away from my forehead before leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on it. "What time is it?"

She reached over for my phone that sat on my nightstand. She pursed her lips.

"It's nearly 8:40." I groaned, wanting to curl back into bed. "Do you want me to drop you off to class, or...?"

"No... I can take the bus." I lazily sat up out of bed, stretching. "You have to take care of things around the house, anyway..." She handed me my phone and I smiled gratefully. "But, would you be able to pick me up...?" My sister chuckled.

"Silly, I am picking you up today. Remember? We have that appointment." I heaved a sigh. "Did you forget?" I laughed, glancing away from my sister.

"To be honest, I was hoping you would." Jacquelyn gave me an incredulous look.

"Cel, really?"

"Do I really have to go?" I whined.

"Yes! That shouldn't even be a question at this point!" I pursed my lips, not meeting my sister's eyes. "Celeste, you and I both know that avoiding this... isn't gonna do anything for you." Frustrated with myself, my eyes welled up with tears. "Oh, sweetie..." Jacquelyn pulled me close to her, rubbing my arm comfortingly. "You have to talk about this to someone. Marie and Leana gave you this information because they knew you needed this. You can't just turn this down." I blinked my eyes, letting the tears stream down my cheeks. I buried my head in Jacquelyn's shoulder. She wrapped her arms around me. I sniffled and leaned off of her.

"Okay... Yeah, you're right, Jacqui. I have to... keep it together." Jacquelyn pursed her lips.

"Just pray about it, okay?" I lent her a small smile, nodding. She pressed her forehead to mine. "And know that I am always here for you."

"I know."

She presses a kiss to my forehead before finally leaning off of my bed.

"Make your bed, freshen up and come have breakfast, alright?" I nodded.

"I'll see you in the kitchen."

***

At the Independent Living Center

Taking a breath, I opened the door. I peeked inside, breathing a sigh of relief. Looks like I didn't interrupt anything. I blew a breath and set my backpack down onto the couch. I sign in at the front counter and jump at the voice behind me.

"Good morning, Celeste." My mentor, Marie, comes over smiling at me.

Marie is the supervisor of this place, the Independent Living Center. It's an agency that helps adults with... special needs, find employment. The ILC has classes that clients can take to gain the skills needed for the workforce.

I cover up my anxiety with a smile.

"Good morning, Marie."

"How was your weekend?"

"It was good. How was yours?"

"It was good, yeah." I could feel the suspicion in her eyes as she stared at me. "Is there something on your mind?"