Page 73 of Beneath Cherry Blossom Memories
Eli needs help. Real help.
The kind I can’t give him.
“I don’t know yet, but I’ll figure out something.”
“Didn’t you say that Oliver is seeing a new therapist?”
“Yeah, but I don’t know which one.”
“Doesn’t Nyx?”
I sigh and kiss Helios’ head. “Yeah. I…can ask.”
“Can’t hurt, right?” She glances down at her mismatched pajamas, aka my boxers, and someone’s bleached Pantera shirt—probably Devon’s from when he dyes his hair. “I’ll ask Jorge for the hotel info while I get my car. But seriously, ask her.”
“I will.”
“You got this, bro. I believe in you.”
I huff a laugh and thank her.
She grabs her keys from under the couch, shaking her head in confusion, then slips on black UGGS before leaving. I sag further into the cushions when it’s just me and my cat in here. Asking Nyx is the easy way to go about it, but why not try to go straight to the source? I grab my phone from my pocket and pull up Oliver’s thread. He read my text from yesterday.
Rubbing my face, I consider how to ask. I’ve never asked himanythingabout his therapy or rehab stints in years. He probably assumes I don’t care.
I do care. I’m just a dick.
I’m trying to get Eli to see a therapist. Was wondering if yours was any good?
I send it, not expecting anything. But he writes back. There’s a shiny new text from my baby brother, and I swear to god, I’m going to cry again.
About damn time. Dr. Jake Langely.
He sends the address and phone number.
Ohmygod.
How are you?
I’m sorry.
I’m so fucking sorry, Oli.
I miss you.
He reads them but leaves it alone.
Doesn’t write back.
Fuck.
I sniffle, clutching the phone for a moment, and process. That was too much. I bombarded him after one scrap of acknowledgment. Shit. I go to text something else but think better of it. Next time I see my sister, I’ll ask her for his address. Fuck, I’m going on tour, though. I leave in about a week.
I groan loudly and plug my phone into the charger. Of course, now that I’m trying to make amends with the people I love more than anything, I have to leave the country. There’s no way I’d ask my band to cancel this tour; they can’t have anyone fill in on such short notice. I have to go. I have toleave.My gut twists at the thought.
Gently placing Helios beside me, I get up and creep back into my room.
The heaviness in my heart eases some when my eyes land on Eli’s sleeping form. His long lashes rest over his cheeks, and he looks serene right now. Even with his scruff and damp hair, the calm that exudes him makes him appear almost angelic. God, I’m such a sap. I get into bed with him, spooning his back, and kiss the exposed spot of his neck. He subconsciously scoots closer to me like he used to when we were together.
