Page 23 of Beautifully Broken

Conrad

Waking up the next day, my head is pounding and my mouth is drier than the Sahara. There’s also an abnormal amount of warmth against my chest, peeking my eyes open, I see chestnut hair spread across my chest. Enid. She stirs as I begin to run my hand gently through her hair.

“Morning,” my girl mumbles.

“Morning, Bubbles.”

“Hotshot.”

“Sleep okay?” I ask.

“I tried.” She grumbles, nestling further into my chest.

“I’m sorry.” My chest tightens, knowing what I’ve put her through over the past few days, more specifically yesterday.

“It’s okay.”

“It’s not, though, I should’ve talked to you.”

She sits up and faces me so that our eyes connect as we speak.

“You didn’t know how, and you couldn’t navigate what you were experiencing. It’s okay. I’m just glad I got here when I did.” Her shoulders bunch, the memories of what I put her through briefly flashing across her face.

“Come here.” I open my arms for her and she slides into them easily, “I’m going to call Coach and get in touch with the mental health department for the team. I should have done it a while ago.”

“Good, I’ll support you however you need. I have a feeling the team will too.”

“Yeah… Coach offered to help last week, but I lost it and just walked out. I’m going to be benched and fined, but I didn’t know what else to do with myself. ”

“It happens, Conrad. Especially when you’re experiencing something that you’ve never felt before. Don’t let it weigh too heavy on you.” Enid gives me a reassuring squeeze.

“Thank you, seriously.”

“You’re welcome. I’ve got you.”

“I’ve got you.”

“I know.” Enid pulls herself back and gently kisses me, allowing the unspoken words to flow between us. All I know is that entering this healing phase doesn’t feel as daunting with her by my side.

***

Two months later

Starting therapy was a journey that I never thought I would experience.

Everyone tends to think they don’t need therapy until life shows them that they do.

If asked, I’d say with my whole chest that everyone should try it.

Having an outlet and an objective person to help you navigate even the smallest struggles has been my biggest game-changer.

Combined with the medications to help increase my serotonin levels, the hard days seem a little easier.

Everything isn’t perfect, and I still have a lot to work on.

For now, though, I’ve developed a support network, I got the girl, and Florida doesn’t seem so bad.

The end... For now.