Page 111 of Tracing Holland

Sylvie’s face is alive with anticipation as she waits for Holland’s cryptic gift.I can barely contain my own smile, especially when she literally collapses against the wall the second her display lights up with a video.She stares at us in disbelief, completely frozen.

“Is that…is that…”

“Are you going to watch it or what?”

She squeals and jumps a few times before drawing in a deep breath and pressing play.

“Hey, Sylvie.Casey here.Heard you’re into our music.That’s awesome.Anyway, just wanted to say hello and thank you for all your support.Hope you like the swag.Enjoy the show tomorrow.”

There’s no response.She presses play again.And again.And again.Then, Sylvie Drake disappears from view down the hall.

“Geez, Holland.I hope you’re happy.As if mom and dad need to spend more money on therapy,” Hannah mutters.

“So Luke,I hear you’ve decided to officially brave entrance into this family,” Hannah says, selecting a carrot from a tray of snacks on the coffee table.

“Ignore her.She’s the moody, sarcastic one,” Holland explains, and Hannah makes a face.

“You mean the smart, sane one.Well, minus the meds and shitload of therapy.”

“Hannah Marie!”we hear from the kitchen.

“Crap-load of therapy,” she corrects.“Crap-load, Mom!”she shouts.God, I love this girl.“But hey, nothing 10mg of Nilapax and some counseling can’t help with.”

“10mg?Not bad.I’m in the 20 club,” I boast, loving the way her face ignites with a surprised grin.

“20mg?Look at you!Right on.Weekly or biweekly sessions?

“Weekly until the tour.Now, as needed by phone.”

“Ha!Weekly for three years, biweekly for the last two.”

I warm to the challenge.“Thirty days in an in-patient rehab facility.”

“In-patient?”She lets out a low whistle and shakes her head in defeat.“Damn, Holland.Where did you find this god among men?”

She presents her fist, which I tap with a laugh.

“Are you two seriously bonding over antidepressants and treatment plans right now?”

“Well, it beats doing each other’s nails…or does it?”She gives me a look.“What kind of rockstar are you exactly?”

Holland smacks her arm as I laugh again.

“The kind that prefers discussing my struggle with mental illness over manicures,” I assure her.

She lets out a dramatic breath.“Ok, good.You can keep him,” Hannah says to Holland.“Not that the nail painting would have been a problem, it’s just we’ve already got Sylvie so, you know, that’s a lot of primping for one house.”

“Seriously!I don’t know why I ever bring anyone home,” Holland mumbles.

“Um, because we’re awesome.”

“Because you love us,” Annie adds, dropping another plate of food between us.“Hannah, I hope you’re not tormenting your sister.”

“Me?I would never!”she cries, shocked hand to her horrified heart.She exchanges a grin with me as Holland rolls her eyes.“So who’s ready for the clarinet recital?”

“You play clarinet?”I ask.

She snickers.“No.But I should totally learn just for moments like these.”

---