Borderline

Session Five Chapter 7

A whole year had passed and no one took notice in Sophie's change in behavior, her sudden serenity, sudden happiness. Everyone just thought that Sophie was getting better. Sophie's father was the only one who found the sudden change in Sophie alarming, he kept insisting that she be admitted to an institution, but no one would listen to him, they chalked it up to his stresses these days because he lost his job. This time he didn't make the family move but her was barely around anymore, he was always going out to meet up with old friends, getting drunk and then coming back angry and even ended up beating up his wife once. But no one spoke about that.
Sophie's mother, always forgiving had let him get away with his deed. She focused her attention on her son, who was now on the football team and was the happiest he's ever been. And she absolutely adored Clarissa, she was the daughter she always wanted, so she was not going to do anything to jeopardize this place of happiness they have reached, even with Sophie. Sebastian, once on his own path of happiness, saw Sophie's happiness as something natural in his now perfect world. It wasn't until the end of Junior year that Sebastian started caring again. Because of Jared.
Jared was a senior now and he was still Sophie's dealer. Although now they became more than just dealer and buyer. Sophie would come to Jared's car at the end of most days and they would smoke together. They talked sometimes-never about serious stuff, nothing deep-but most times they'd stay in silence, enjoying each other's company. Finding relief in one another.
By the time prom came around they were planning to go together. At first they weren't going at all, why go to something that you hate? But then Jared's sister who worked at the cafe next to the school told him that it was his last chance and he can really find something special. She was being nice at first, but eventually she forced him to go. Jared didn't wanna go down on his own so he was taking Sophie with him. They didn't need to dress up, just be there.
"No. You are not going with Jared. I don't like that guy. Have you not heard the rumors about him?" Sebastian had said when she finally told him and their mother about her plans for that night.
"Seb, it's a little too late for that. Prom is tonight. And I'm not gonna stop hanging out with a guy just because he's your girlfriend's ex" Sophie said without so much as turning towards him.
"Wait what are these rumors? Who is this boy?" Her mother had finally seemed to be concerned with her daughter's choices.
"It's not because he's Clarissa's ex and you know it. Clarissa has seen this guy and she knows what he's capable of. And everyone at school knows about him, Sophie" Sebastian stated.
"Can someone please explain to me who this guy is?"
"Mom, this guy is a drug dealer. Clarissa used to date him until she found out about what he does and broke it off with him."
"A drug dealer? That can't be true. Sophie, no you can't go there. I thought you were finally getting better." What Sophie's mother said was laughable.
"Getting better? Wow mom, you really don't know your own daughter. Let me telling you something, the rumors are true. Jared is a drug dealer, he's my dealer. Surprised huh? You thought I suddenly turned into some happy cheerful preppy girl? Jared is the only person who was able to help me. None of you could do that for years," Sophie was on a rampage and she wasn't about to stop, "I did this for you Sebastian,so you can be happy. So you can move on with your life and stop babysitting me all the time! Can't you see that I care about you, I don't you wasting your life taking care of your crazy junkie of a sister" Sophie had exploded. The looks on their faces were of utter shock. And disappointment.
"You are not going anywhere. You hear me? You are grounded." Her mother was yelling now. Something she never did. Sebastian was shocked to silence, not knowing what to say.
"You can't stop from going to the prom. If you don't let me go, I swear I will kill myself, it'll do everyone a favor won't it? I mean you don't need me you already have a perfect daughter, Clarissa" Sophie couldn't be stopped. Her mother couldn't be stopped. She had already extended her hand, she had already slapped her daughter. Sophie went upstairs and did good on her threat. Or at least tried to. Sebastian had followed her upstairs and took the tiny razor that she used to start off her end. A small drop of blood stained the carpet.

***
"Was this Sophie's first suicide attempt" the doctor wore a solemn look on his face. Who could blame him?
"No. But this is the first she remembers. You know doc, I get what's going through your mind. I had the same feelings as I wrote this story, I hate this part, but it's essential don't you think?"
"It's essential that Sophie attempts to end her life?"
"It's essential that we look at these things and comprehend them, not brush them off and move on. Too many times through life people attempt suicide and then it's brushed off, no one looks twice at the gory details. And guess what, the next time they succeed, because people didn't want to listen to the bad parts. They still don't."