Goodbyes

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by Ajj2003

by Ajj2003

Rowan kept his distance the entire ride, squeezing against the passenger door. Harley was blowing up my phone with pleas, probably still in the sobbing state we'd left her in. I didn't have a choice.

"Rowan, you're sixteen. This is the fifth time I've caught you drinking in the past month. I-I don't know if you're lashing out or if you're stressed or what but it's a problem and it needs to be stopped. I'm out of options baby. I'm sorry." I stopped the car in front of the main building on a big campus. Top notch recovery and rehabilitation center.

"Damon please.", he whispered, "I will not make it out of here. I-I know I promised I was doing better but I-I lied. I only drink when I don't wanna be alive and it's been really hard not to kill myself this past month."

"You have to talk to me when you feel like that Ro."

"I was scared. I-I'm really scared still. I don't wanna do this bubba. Please!" Someone knocked on my window as I rolled it down, finding a security guard,

"Yes sir?"

"Do you folks need some help?"

"No sir, we're just having a chat."

"Okay, well just let me know if you need anything. Sign in is right through the front door-"

"That won't be necessary. Thank you."

"Of course." He left as I rolled up the window.

"Please tell me this is one of your really mean lessons?", Rowan whispered. I sighed,

"This time it is Rowan. This time. Next time, it won't be. That's a promise." He immediately jumped on me, shoving me into the door as he sobbed,

"Thank you! I-I promise I'll do better bubba! I-I'll be a better brother. I swear."

"Rowan you're a fantastic brother. I love you so so much but we still have to fix this problem. We'll do it together though, okay?"

"Okay bubba."

~~~~~~~~

Harley was sobbing into Asher's shoulder when we walked in the door.

"What'd you do?", he asked me. Harley glanced up before she jumped up and latched onto Rowan.

"Shh, it's okay kid. Calm down.", he whispered, holding her tightly.

"I-I was so scared.", she sobbed.

"I know love. Me too."

"I thought you'd never come back." He didn't answer, just held her tighter.