Saving Myself (Law and Order)

Chapter 136♡

(Ariel's P.O.V)

I was being discharged today.  I couldn't wait to go home. I know that Mom and Dad did this to help me. Looking over at the envelope that was on the table in my room, I saw Dad's writing on the front. What if I felt scared by what his words said? What if our relationship couldn't be repaired? Looking at the envelope, I opened it.

Dear Ariel,

I just want to say that I love you. Very much. I remember when I first met you. You didn't seem too happy. You had just been through the worst tramua and you didn't want to let anyone in. I could tell that you were very guarded. I miss my daughter. I'm sorry for invading your personal space. I'm sorry for questioning where you were at 3am. I just feel this need to protect you. I can tell that you may not even want to see me right now, but having these last few weeks with Paige has made me see how much I miss you. I miss both of you being together. Laughing, chatting and having a good time. I know for certain that you'll come out of rehab better and stronger. I'm determined to try and repair our father/daughter relationship.

I love you sweetheart.

Love from,

Dad xxxx

A single tear dropped down my cheek. Maybe Dad has changed. I did miss him. I think I pushed  him away because he was another male figure in my life that I just wasn't used to at the time. Hearing a knock at my room door, I asked who it was. "It's Deena." Opening the door, I smiled at her. 'Morning." Heading downstairs to the reflection room, we got the art stuff out. "How are you feeling today compared when you first arrived here?" Using some brighter colours in my drawing, I said that I felt a lot better now than I did a few weeks ago. "I feel a sense of calm. I just feel lighter." Deena said that she could tell. "From your drawing that you had a few weeks ago, I can really tell that you've taken out the time. How do you feel about going home?' I said that I felt nervous. 'What if I don't feel like I want to be there?" Deena advised me on coping strategies. "If you feel overwhelmed, take yourself away to a space where you feel safe like your bedroom or even a space outside and take five deep breaths. Do you still have your journal?" I said yes. "It's at home. In my draw."

"That's good to know. Are you excited to see your friends?" I said yes. "I can't wait to see them. I've missed my best friends." Thinking about Jason, I realised that I did like him a lot. He's been so understanding throughout everything lately. I think I just need to sit with him and chat. "How would you feel about taking a prescription of the substitute tablets home with you?" I felt my hands sweat.. "I don't mind it. I'm just a bit scared of the side effects.. what if I can't talk to my parents about how it makes me feel?" Deena said to me that I was more than my addiction. "You are honestly so strong. If you ever feel an urge whilst you're in recovery and you don't feel like talking, try a new hobby. You can try your art therapy again. Talk to your friends, teachers and mentor when you're at school. Your therapist will still help you too." I thanked her. "That's ok. You've been great to help. You are capable of recovery. And remember, it's ok to slip up sometimes. Recovery isn't easy." Taking out my phone, I told her that I was going to delete my ex dealer's number. "That's a big step Ariel. Well done." After I did that, I made sure that I had everything. Putting Dad's letter in my backpack, I checked my suitcase. Dr Green then knocked on my room door. "Hi Ariel. I have your prescription. Here we go." He gave it to me.

"Thankyou for all of your help. I really appreciate it." He said it was his job. "You're going to be ok Ariel. Everyone around you loves you a lot." Smiling at him, I agreed. "I know. It's going to take time, but I'm willing to try." He said that was a good idea. "Trying is always good." After I'd packed my stuff, I went downstairs to see some of the other young people.