𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐲𝐧┃𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐰𝐨

138. 𝐵𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝐼 𝐺𝑜

"Mia, I'm very real," he spoke. "And you're having an episode right now. Calm down and listen to my voice, before you commit another crime you'll regret."

I opened my teary eyes slowly to see the therapist sitting in his chair and I sniffled as I looked around. He was really here. My mind somehow momentarily convinced me that he wasn't truly here and I was left stunned in my seat.

"Do you see how easily your mind can betray you?" He asked. I nodded slowly as tears fell down my cheek and he sighed. "We can help you, Mia. But you're going to need more than therapy."

He stood up and picked up a brochure next to his desk and passed it to me. I hesitantly looked at it and read "Forest Side Mental Retreat". It looked like some sort of hospital building, but there was a welcoming feeling to it. Maybe it was the ocean beside it, the water always seemed to calm me.

"We handle all types of mental conditions and help you understand why your mind makes the decisions that it does. It lasts three months. I highly urge you to consider going before you hurt anyone else," he said.

"When would I have to leave?" I questioned.

"It starts in two days," he said.

"What?! I would have to leave like...today."

"You wouldn't regret it, Mia. It's never too short notice to focus on your mental health," he said. "I just need you to decide if you're going or not so I can reserve your spot."

Should I go?

It seemed like a great idea, but I was afraid. Going to a mental hospital made it all feel more real. If I went, that meant admitting that there was something beyond jealousy wrong with me. Was I willing to destroy myself for a chance to heal my mind?...

"I'll go," I whispered. I could sense no one wanting me around anyway. Cleo was still my friend, but I hardly talked to anyone else. Queen herself was avoiding me. Maybe it was best to leave town for a while.

My phone vibrated on my lap and I sighed as I picked it up. My heart fluttered as I saw a text message from Jackson and I opened it.

Jackson🥰: I need to see you.

"I'll let the hospital know they should expect you, right?" Dr. Jones asked. I snapped my eyes back to him and nodded quickly.

"Yes, I'll take a flight tonight." With those words, the realization set in. Whatever Jackson wanted, it would also have to be my opportunity to say goodbye.

꧁꧂

I pulled into Jackson's driveway and exited the car. I looked around the small neighborhood I had called my second home for the past few years and I smiled. I would definitely miss this place.

With a refreshing breath, I walked towards the porch and walked up the stairs. As if he were expecting me, he opened the door and gave me a small smile. "Hey."

"Hey, Jackson," I said softly.

His eyes lingered on mine before he cleared his throat and opened the door wider. "Come in."

"I shouldn't," I admitted. "If I come in, I'm not sure if want to leave."

"Oh?"

"Why'd you want to see me?" I asked.

"I missed you," he said. "The house feels empty without you." His hand reached out for mine and I smiled before taking it into mine.