“Thank you for your suggestions. I hope in time I’ll learn to read the situations properly.” If he wakes up...
No. Stop thinking like that, Sarah. He will wake up.
“Hayden is a surprising young man that has more potential than he’s aware of. If you’re both able to meet in the middle and compromise, communicate your needs and troubles, and also work on understanding each other, then you have a better chance at a long-lasting relationship.”
I glanced at the clock on the wall and saw we were running out of time. “Once more, thank you, Ms. Kishimoto, for your time and suggestions. I believe that Hayden and I will be able to solve our problems in time.” I truly did. I was learning more and more about him and his issues, along with ways to deal with them.
Maybe love wasn’t enough to make things work, but it certainly gave a good boost for people to try working out their issues. It was a fruitful ground for building trust, reconciling differences, and flourishing understanding.
Hayden had never had anyone by his side, not even Kayden, who hadn’t been able to cross the gap between them and settle their disputes, and he had been hiding his real self all this time. He’d gotten so used to wearing his masks, always pushing everyone away, that him opening up to me felt like a miracle.
This accident reminded me how short our life was. We didn’t have many chances. It reminded me that holding grudges only filled our life with bitterness and misery.
He’d done so many despicable things, but they were in the past. There was no point in building our future if I couldn’t fully give myself to him.
So I’d forgiven him. I’d forgiven him for everything, even the cruelest, most devious acts. I’d forgiven him because, despite everything, he wanted to change. He suffered on the inside, and he wanted to escape his darkness. He’d always been trapped in his world, dealing with his version of reality the only way he knew. I could always hold it against him, but what was the point of staying in the past? People changed, and if he regretted everything, he deserved a second chance. So I decided to be a better person and get over his bullying.
And I felt at peace. There was no holding back; my heart and mind were ready to embrace everything that awaited us.
“I want you to know there is an option of couples counseling,” she said. “It could help you establish effective communication and make your relationship more stable and functional.”
I’d never considered going to therapy with Hayden, but I had to if that could help us. “I’ll think about it.” She nodded. “Is there anything else we can do to make our relationship work?”
She cracked a smile. “Yes. Laugh.”
“Laugh?”
“Yes. Always try to have time for each other and do something that will make you happy. Hayden needs happiness more than anything, so find things that you both enjoy and do them together.”
My heart fluttered at the image of a smiling Hayden, which was so rare. All I wished for was to see him smile more.
I stood up and took my backpack and jacket. “Thank you. I won’t take more of your time.”
“One more thing, Sarah.” Her face grew serious. “Please, take care of yourself. It would be ideal if both of you can equally give and take in your relationship, but there is always a possibility that you’ll end up giving more. If that happens, you’ll overtax yourself. Create healthy boundaries and make sure your needs are fulfilled too. Do you understand what I mean?”
“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.” She stood up too, and we shook hands.
“Good. If it becomes too hard, it’s better to leave sooner rather than later, for both your sakes.”
I was already at the door, itching to get going. “Yes. Thank you.”
“Sarah.” Her smile was professional this time. “I know some good therapists. So if you ever decide to consult a therapist for your own needs, do let me know. I’ll be more than happy to recommend someone to you.”
I FELT EXHAUSTED AFTER another Krav Maga training session, and all my muscles screamed in pain and begged for some form of relief. Liam and Trevon taught us two new moves, and we had to repeat them over and over, but I wasn’t complaining. This class was another stress reliever, and I welcomed anything that would take the edge off the anguish taking root in me.
Mel was supposed to visit Hayden with me, but her mom called after the class and asked her for help with something, so she was just going to drop me at the hospital. I had to hand it to Mel because she was doing her best to understand and accept Hayden. She’d promised me she would treat him better from now on and support us, which I appreciated a lot.
“We’ve arrived to your destination, ma’am,” Mel said and gestured at our surroundings, acting like she was my chauffeur. I giggled. I could almost imagine her wearing a black suit and driver cap.
I returned her amused stare. “You could totally pass as a chauffeur. It suits you.”
“Why, thank you. It’s always been my dream to drive those spoiled rich assholes around while they screw each other behind me.”
I snorted. Her silly imagination knew no limits. “You forgot they’re also drinking champagne in formal wear,” I added, playing along.
“Yes. And throwing cash at me as they flash their intimate parts at the people outside, with ‘Gangnam Style’ playing in the background.”
I was in fits of uncontrollable chuckles that went on as I walked through the hospital hallways. I entered Hayden’s room with a rush of exhilarating hope that he was finally awake, but all my positive feelings vanished when I found Blake and Masen seated next to his bed. I’d hoped I wouldn’t have to see them so soon, but luck was not on my side.
My eyes landed on Hayden’s unmoving, painfully frail form, and my hope dwindled to nothing, leaving bitterness in its stead. Blake’s eyes zeroed in on me, telling me this wasn’t going to end well.
“Hey,” I greeted them weakly, my eyes on Hayden’s pinched face. A flicker of sorrow fused with the bitterness, but I refused to let it overcome me. He would wake up soon. Just a little bit more.
“Hey, Sar,” Masen said, calling me by a regular nickname instead of the one he’d often used—Sars. “Have you saved anyone since lunch? Some other nerds or hobos?”
I didn’t want to talk about it in front of Hayden in case he could hear us. It might upset him to hear his girlfriend went against his friends because of their bullying.
“I can’t even count how many,” I mumbled.
“I want to have a word with you outside,” Blake said and strolled out of the room without waiting for my answer.
I looked at Masen with raised eyebrows, surprised by Blake’s request. I was reluctant to talk with him.
“He won’t eat you. Come on. Don’t be a pussy.” His eyes glimmered mischievously, and I already knew what kind of words would come out of his mouth next. “Although, your pussy—”
“Okay, Masen! Enough.” I raised my hands in the air and squeezed my eyes shut, shaking my head. “Save those obscene words for the girls you hang out with.”
I left the room before he spurted out more nonsense. His laughter followed me until I closed the door behind me and turned to Blake, who was leaning with his shoulder against the wall across from me.