Ever Since New York // H.S. - ON HOLD

CHAPTER 31 - SO MAD

As the weekend quickly approaches, the feeling of being on cloud nine has yet to escape me. I don't think I have smiled this much in three years. As dark and twisty as I am, it feels as though the sun has finally broken through, leaving radiance and warmth in the wake of it's rays.

Vowing to both Lisa and Harry to keep myself on the wagon, I promised to restart my routine—and not skip my therapy sessions. Comparing my mental health from last week to now, you would think it was all just a blip in the matrix, a short in my system. Respecting my wishes, Harry promised not to discuss my episode unless I bring it up.

And so far, the only place I have done that was inside the sacred walls of Lisa's office.

Knowing there was a lot more that was needing to be addressed, I have seen her nearly everyday this week. She was able to shift some things around, which I greatly appreciated because it was becoming painfully obvious at how much I was struggling to cope with the uncertainty of life recently.

The minute I walked into her office Monday afternoon, I was greeted with an overly cheerful Lisa asking, "How's your boyfriend?" To which I responded with a vigorous roll of the eyes and a hearty groan as I collapsed on her sofa.

Of course I said yes to Harry. How could I not?

Despite all of the anxiety and fear that swirls around in my head related to being in a relationship, especially with an A-lister such as Harry Styles, I decided to listen to my heart for once. Which for the record, completely turned to dust at the pure poetry that spewed from his mouth that night.

After the initial discussion about how I am feeling about being with Harry officially—but unofficially to the public—Lisa and I quickly moved on to unpack the dissociation episode. She practically fought me tooth and nail to understand that despite the week I had, I have progressed so far beyond her expectations. And the sheer fact that I am in a committed, trusting romantic relationship is proof of that.

During the subsequent sessions, we talked a lot about Peter. More specifically the voicemail I received a few weeks ago, which funny enough, I nearly forgot about in the midst of everything with Harry.

I had received a few emails and a voicemail from Maria, my lawyer, letting me know she was in the process of discussing Peter's actions with his lawyer. He didn't call me from the prison, so that leaves so many questions in our heads. How did he get a phone? How did he get my number? Why is he being so civil? What does he want from me?

Luckily, Maria had called me again during my session with Lisa yesterday.

"Hi, Evelyn. I'm glad to finally reach you." Maria speaks clearly with a hint of frustration evident in her voice.

"Hi...Yeah, sorry. There's sort of been a lot going on for me lately..." Feeling slightly insecure, I nibble on the chapped skin of my bottom lip. Lisa sits opposite of me, patiently listening to the conversation since I have the call on speaker.

"Well, I'll just cut straight to the point. As I mentioned to you last month, Peter and his lawyer are still in the midst of filing for an appeal." With my brows furrowed, I try to maintain control of my breathing as Maria continues. "From what I understand, it is under review, so we'll know pretty soon whether or not they grant approval. If it gets denied, then they will move forward with the parole hearing."

"Okay...Now what about the voicemail?" My tone comes out much harsher than intended.

"Alright, so essentially his lawyer is a piece of shit. However, that is off the record." Disgust lingers in her voice as she scoffs. "Your contact information is kept on file at the courthouse and although he denied it, he most definitely paid someone to get your current phone number. The phone Peter called you on was his lawyer's."