Page 21 of Social Sinners

Can you see through my character flaws?

See the real me?

I know I’m not perfect

No one will ever be

But when I’m with you

I’m the best I can be

You’re the best thing I’ve ever had

Without you, there is no me

Together we can make it through anything

Apart, not so easily

Say you’ll be mine so we can stand the test of time

Together forever

Battling the world

Just you, and me

“You wrote another song?”

“I wroteyoursong. I want you to have your own.” His lips coated every inch of my face, and I laughed. Had the bench not been secured in place I’m sure we would’ve toppled over with it. I wanted to make him happy, and it seemed penning my emotions did the trick.Battling the world, just you and me.

“Ahem,” a voice cleared beside us. When I glanced up, a very stoic intern was standing there. “They’re ready for you, gentlemen.”

“It seems playtime is over.” I couldn’t help myself, I kissed him again before setting him on his feet and following the stiff inside.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Dr. Linden said after we’d been delivered into the room she was waiting in. “Easton, how are you doing today?”

“I’m okay,” he said, wiping the palms of his hands on his jeans. “A bit nervous, to be quite honest.”

“That’s understandable. Have you had any more nightmares?”

“Yes. I’ve tried the imagery rehearsal therapy but have been unsuccessful.”

“It can be challenging. Did you bring the changes you’d like to try to make while under hypnosis?” She asked, he nodded and pulled a paper from his pocket. He took a deep, calming breath before handing it to her. “Are you ready to begin?”

“As ready as I’m going to be.”

“Easton,” I turned to him, “I love you, you’ve got this.”

“I love you too.”

“Easton, lay down on the couch, close your eyes and find the calming place you’ve been going to while meditating,” she instructed. It took him a few minutes to reach his center. I watched his chest expand and contract until finally settling on an even keel. “Good. Now picture yourself on an island. White, sandy beach, reclining in a lounge chair. The sound of the waves breaking in the distance. No electronics. No one bothering you. Just you and the calmness surrounding you as you lay beneath the umbrella, relaxing.”

I watched as the muscles in his arms calmed, allowing them to slide off his chest and fall to his sides. His breaths were even, a peaceful serenity washed over his facial features, one I hadn’t seen in some time.

“Now Easton, I want you to tell me about the night of the accident.”

“I was sitting at the table just inside the door, emailing the arena manager about our next show. It was late. Joey and Stoli were already in bed. Mickey was in the kitchen getting a snack, and Diamond was playing games on the couch across from me.” His spoken words were calm as he shared this, and I recalled that night along with him.

---