Page 289 of Small Town Firsts

“Nope, just his email, and before you even suggest it, I amnotemailing him.”

“Fine. Spoilsport. Do you need to shower?”

I shake my head. “I did last night.”

“Okay. Well, I’m going to. Be back!” She flits out of the room like a fairy on crack and I venture out behind her, planting myself on the couch with a cup of coffee while I wait.

If I lived with anyone else, I’d finish getting myself ready, but I know Stella will want to have a say in everything from my outfit to how I wear my hair.

So, reality television and caffeine it is.

I’m half an episode deep intoAlaskan Bush Peoplewhen my phone vibrates on the coffee table. It must be Gabe or Zach, because the only other person who would text me is currently covered in suds.

I pause my show and grab my phone, unlocking it and dragging down my notifications. I tap on the text alert without paying the sender much mind.

Mommy Dearest

I assume you’re settled in?

No hello, no how are you—nothing.

As I read her text again, I regret even picking up my phone. One of these days, I’m going to block her number. The only reason I haven’t already, is there’s a small, foolish part of me hoping she’ll have a change of heart and start acting like my mom again.

Me

I’ve been here almost a month.

Mommy Dearest

Are you taking your meds?

Me

As prescribed.

Unlike you,I think bitterly to myself.

After Rob assaulted me, I was diagnosed as clinically depressed with a heaping side of anxiety and a dash of PTSD.

I was distraught upon my diagnosis and utterly terrified of meds. Not entirely surprising, after seeing mood stabilizers all but turn my mother into a mindless Stepford wife.

Luckily my therapy team was able to teach me that, when prescribed and administered properly, meds can be a good thing... a glorious thing.

I still have my good days and my bad. Sometimes, I even think I can skip a day when I’m feeling particularly great. But deep down, I know I can’t... so I don’t.

Mommy Dearest

There’s no need to be snappy, Emmalyn. Also, talked to Robert, and we decided it would be best for you to remain on campus over the holidays. You understand, right?

I understand you couldn’t pay me to come back there. That’s what I understand.

Me

Sure. Got it.

Mommy Dearest

Oh, and, Emmalyn, please don’t cause any more trouble. Keep your nose clean and your legs closed.

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