He’s asleep, and I contemplate waking him but think better of it. If Nurse Ratched is caring for him, she’ll have my hide. When I’m about to leave, I hear his voice.
“Drew?” My name comes out raspy and weak.
I turn around to see Reese’s eyes open, looking at me. He looks so small in that bed. Almost childlike. It doesn’t escape me that he’s alone. Nobody’s here fussing over him.
That would’ve been Alexa. She was the only one who truly cared about her brother. She’d be here right now, and I know her absence is partially my fault. I need to learn that I can’t take full responsibility for other people’s actions. Their choices are their own, but I’m not there yet.
“How are you doing?” I step forward into the light and pause at the swelling and bruising around his eyes and up his neck.
Bailey’s injuries were worse, but all of hers are internal or hidden by her clothes. At first glance, Reese’s injuries physically look worse.
“I’m—” He looks embarrassed.
I remain quiet, needing him to speak.
“I’m so sorry.” He inhales, wincing at whatever pain he must be feeling. “I-I lost my mind. I know it’s no excuse, but my mind convinced me it was her. The drugs—” He trails off, sighing heavily. “Well, they fucked me up, man. You’ll never know how sorry I am.”
“You need help, Reese,” I say, closing the distance and placing my hand on his shoulder.
“I know I do,” he says, lowering his gaze to the bed. “The drugs help me forget. It’s why I use.” He looks at the ceiling for a long moment. “My life without Alexa is not one I want, Drew. She was the only person I cared about. She was the only person who cared about me.”
I don’t say a word. He obviously needs to get this out. Reese never saw a therapist after Alexa’s death, which was a tragedy. His parents opposed it, saying he didn’t need it. He’d survive. They are the lowest scum on this earth.
“She was the only person who really knew me. She was my only real family. The only one who gave a shit about me, and she’s gone. How do I go on after losing that?”
I sigh, knowing that he truly feels that way. “She wouldn’t want this. Alexa would never want you to repeat history. Your family did a number on her, too. Don’t let them destroy you like they did her.” I squeeze his shoulder. “We may not be able to choose our family, but we can choose to go our separate ways. There’s nothing that says you’re stuck with the hand you’re dealt. Get up and walk the fuck away.”
He nods. “I’m done with them. They couldn’t even be bothered enough to visit. You’re my only visitor.”
I knew this was the case but hearing him say it only manages to churn my stomach. How could his parents be so damn cold?
“Thanks for coming, Drew. I know I’m probably the last person you want to see, but you being here means a lot.”
“Listen, when you’re released, you’re going to be transported to a rehab facility in Arizona. It’s the best in the nation. Everything is paid for. You go and get better. Understand?”
“Drew, you can’t—”
“This is my final tribute to Alexa, Reese. She’d want you to get better. After this? I’m done. No more help. No more excuses. You get clean, or I write you off completely. Understand?”
He swallows hard, choking back the tears I can see welling in his eyes.
“I’ll do better, Drew. For you.”
I shake my head. “No. You get better and do better for you.”
I squeeze his shoulder one final time before leaving Reese alone to think about what comes next. I can only hope he gets better.
I was given my redemption, and I feel he deserves his. Bailey is my happy ending, and I can only hope that one day, Reese finds his.
Epilogue
Drew
I look over at my smiling wife.
Bailey looks radiant tonight. Her hair is swept up into an updo. At least I think that’s what they fucking call it. And her navy-blue dress hits about an inch above her knees and scoops low on her open back. But it’s my grandmother’s ring on her finger that makes everything complete.
She’s perfect, and she’s mine.
It wasn’t a smooth road to get here, but it was worth every bump and detour.
This weekend marks our fourth month as Mr. and Mrs. Lawson. I didn’t think I’d ever want to hear those two words together in reference to me, but Bailey was a game changer.
She walks across the stage, head held high, and receives the diploma she’s worked her ass off for. She didn’t need it. I will always take care of her, but she insisted it was something she had to do for herself. I couldn’t be prouder of the woman she is.