Page 107 of Beneath Cherry Blossom Memories

Eli squeezes my hand suddenly and then clears his throat. "I want to…apologize…to you both."

Veronica arches a brow. "What for?"

"For being high at your wedding. For the accident. For whatever nasty things I said before it. I…I'm sorry."

Deke claps his hand on Eli's shoulder, making him sway. "Thank you for saying that, Elijah. It was a hard night for everyone."

Veronica hugs Eli. She's much more forgiving than her husband. "Welcome back to the family, Eli. And I'm so happy you're doing better."

Damien comes over to us, dressed like he just got off work.

“Elijah,” he grunts, offering his hand.

Eli takes it hesitantly. My brother can be slightly intimidating if he wants to be. “Damien.”

I get yanked into the living room by Nyx, who goes on and on about Helios’ new collar.

And when I set eyes on my baby, I can’t help it.

I rush to him, snatching him off Dad’s lap, and crushing him to my chest.

Eli

Shout

Phoenix sobs into his cat’s fur. Murmuring how much he missed him and loves him anddaddy’s home.

I bite back the giggle, standing somewhat awkwardly in the entryway.

His family is close-knit in a way I’ll never understand. But I’m surprised to be met with less hostility than expected. His dad, Brandon, eyes me for a long moment before he gives me a subtle nod. That’s all I get, and I don’t blame him. I hurt his son repeatedly, and I know I’ll have to earn his trust again.

Phoenix’s mom, Emma, hugs me and says it’s good to see me.

It’s a bit of a blur, honestly. All the talking and catching up with his family. He tells them about his tour and the rising success of his band. And for once, they all seem to take interest in it. Before, he’d be less front and center, more of a decorative item amongst his siblings. Or maybe he just never opened up enough to see that they all wanted to be more involved. I plan to talk to him about it at some point. As it stands currently, though, this little visit seems good for him.

And I guess, for me, too.

I don’t necessarilyneedhis family to approve of me, but it helps knowing I’ve got a shot at it. When we have Helios in his cat carrier and his stuff loaded up in the car, I feel the need to tell Phoenix about Oliver. He’d asked every family member if they’d heard from or seen him, and everyone said they hadn't.

Regardless, Iknow.I know, and I need to tell him.

But I’m hesitant.

He’s so happy.

And for once, I feel like I’m catching that happiness.

The past few weeks have been the best of my life so far. I still struggle almost daily and have moments where I wonder if sobriety is really the right move for me. I won’t be able to drink or smoke or anything because it’ll possibly send me into a relapse. Straight edge as fuck is my new reality. I’m still scared of it, but I'm open to the possibility.

Now that Phoenix is home, my wobbly legs seem stronger. Like I have something supporting me so I don’t fall.

I don’t want to ruin it by telling him about Oliver, but I won’t keep him in the dark anymore. He deserves to know. I’m pretty sure he can handle it.

Still, I wait until we’re back at his apartment before dropping that bombshell. He fusses over Helios, gets everything back where it goes and feeds him. When he’s finished, he beams at me. God, he’s so happy. Content. Relieved. All of those good feelings I’ve been learning to identify with Dr. Langley.

“What?” he asks, seeing my face slowly wilt.

“I have to tell you something,” I say, ripping the bandaid off. It has to be done.

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