Page 28 of Give Me Strength

Bonnie sighs, wringing her hands in her lap. “I know. That’s why this guardianship is so crucial. She needs stability and support, especially with her finances and future decisions. She may be an adult at eighteen, but she’s still so vulnerable. Even if she doesn’t think she is. Even if she’s eighteen going on eighty.”

I lean forward, elbows resting on my knees, fingers steepled together. “I’m all in.”

Her eyes soften, relief washing over her features. “Thank you.”

I can’t help the frown that forms. “Why? Did you think I’d back out of this? Wait, don’t answer that.”

“Maybe,” she teases. “I wasn’t sure, and I did play into your innate sense of responsibility.”

“And I’ll pretend you didn’t imply what I think you did.” Honestly, I don’t know whether to be content, indifferent or insulted. “You and I know that it’s not just about the legalities; it’s about continuing to provide her with the foundation she needs to heal and grow. And also, it’s what Rachel would’ve wanted.”

Although, I doubt Rachel would be thrilled to learn the thoughts that go through my mind at the sight of her young protégé.

“I noticed a few subtle mistakes in her technique,” Bonnie says, her tone shifting to something more serious as she brings me back to the present. “Small things, like the angle of her arm or how she landed some of her leaps. Then, there’s the soles of her feet. After what happened at the graveyard, her teacher told her to take a month off. Her feet aren’t completely healed, so she’s lucky she didn’t do too much damage tonight. Even though the shoes were a bit snug, her posture was slightly off. And she wasn’t fully extending her legs in some of the jumps. It only takes one ill-timed landing to twist her ankle and set her back by months.”

“You say all that like I’m supposed to know what any of that means.”

That draws a dry, resigned smile from her. “You don’t, but Lynn knows better. She knows that mistakes can lead to long-term issues if not corrected. It’s clear she’s pushing herself too hard. And while her determination is commendable, it’s also concerning. She could do irreparable damage if she doesn’t stay off them.”

“Would locking the dance studio help?”

She shakes her head. “There’s no need for you to go that far. And even if you did, it would be futile. Lynn’s quite skilled at picking locks. I would know since I taught her everything she knows. Hannah obviously disapproved.”

“But Rachel would’ve encouraged it. She did have a knack for getting into places.”

“That she did. They bonded over that, and it drove Hannah nuts.”

I can only imagine. “Any tips on how to get through to Ashlynn then? Besides lock picking.”

“You’re a smart guy. You’ll find some common interests. Just be your usual self with her. If you try to be anything other than that, she’ll see right through it. Her bullshit meter is very refined.”

“But not her sense of self-preservation?” I ask. “As you were listing off her technical errors, I detected some underlying concern for her well-being. One that goes beyond technique. You worried about her self-destructive tendencies?”

Bonnie’s lips thin out at that.

“Everyone has them,” I continue. “Self-destructive tendencies, I mean. It manifests in different forms. For some, in more extreme ways. I have a knack for running into literal danger zones without thinking things through first. Rachel struggled with an eating disorder, and from what I gathered, Hannah suffered from self-image issues, amongst other things. Should I go on?”

Another head shake. “Tonight was… is complicated. That’s why we… Lynn and I were talking upstairs, and she, um,” she pauses and leans forward, running her fingers through her hair. Her hair hangs over her face. A beat passes, her face lifts, and there’s something indecipherable in her eyes. “Lynn said that she had a story to tell.”

Something tells me there’s more to it than that, what, with the way Bonnie is looking at me.

Do I ask?

Do I even want to know?

“I don’t know what that means,” I tell her because it’s the truth. Somewhat the truth.

“No, I didn’t think you would. But you will. Eventually.”

Sounds ominous.

Whatever it is, it’s a journey we will undertake together, and I’m committed to seeing it through.

I nod, absorbing the information. “I meant what I said about her seeing a grief counselor, or any therapist who specializes in it. I can’t do it since it’s a conflict of interest. But she needs someone who understands the depth of her pain, someone who can help her navigate this difficult period without causing herself harm.”

Bonnie smiles at that, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “Her last therapist was at Aspen Grove. I heard she retired, but I’m sure you can find someone suitable.”

I lean back, the weight of the responsibility resting on my shoulders. “I have someone in mind.”

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