Surviving the Life of College (Smythe #3)

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

       Chuck led me to the entry room of the hospital where I was officially going to be released from the hospital. As soon as I walked in there, I saw Seb waiting for me. I couldn't help but rush over to my big brother and wrapped my arms around him. "I missed you," I said.

       "I missed you too," Seb said.

       "I'm really sorry I freaked out on you," I said. "It's just...."

       "Dax, it's fine," Seb said. "It's all part of your schizophrenia. I'm not mad because of it. Now let's get you home because Skittles really missed you. He has been whimpering basically every day since you've been gone."

       "I can't wait to see him," I said.

       Seb smiled and led me out of the hospital and to his car. "By the way, I didn't tell Artemis or Isadora that you were being released. Thought it would surprise them."

       "Sweet, I like surprises," I said as we got into the car.

       The drive back to the apartment felt like a long time because I was very anxious to see Isadora, Skittles, and Artemis. I missed them all a lot.

       We got to the apartment after what felt like hours and made our way up to the floor. Neither Artemis nor Isadora paid attention when we walked in. Artemis was cooking something in the kitchen and Isadora was watching TV.

       Skittles, however, must have sensed me because he hurried out of my bedroom, then ran over to me and jumped on me, making me fall to the ground as he continuously licked my face. "Ow!" I said as my head hit the floor. "Thanks, Skittles. I needed that."

       "Dax?" I heard Isadora say.

       "Hey, Isa," I said, though I couldn't see her because Skittles was still too busy licking my face. I would hug you, but as you can see.... Okay, Skittles, get off."

       My dog finally got off of me and I stood up, dusting off my clothes. Isadora then ran over to me and wrapped her arms around me. "I missed you so much," she said. "What are you doing here?"

       "I got released from the hospital," I said. "Seb thought he wouldn't tell you and Artemis to surprise you."

       "Well, it worked," Isadora said with a smile. "So, you're all better now?"

       "Yeah," I said. "We figured out what happened. I'll tell you about it later. Right now...." I looked at Artemis who was still in the kitchen, but she was looking at me. "I'm still waiting for my hug, Artie."

       Seb flicked my forehead. "Don't call her Artie."

       "I can do what I want," I said before looking back at Artemis with my arms wide. "Come on, my arms are getting tired."

       Artemis hurried over and wrapped her arms tightly around my waist. I hugged her back tightly, digging my face in her neck. "I missed you so much," she said.

       "I missed you too," I said.

       She pulled away to look at me, her arms still around my waist. "So you're okay now?" she asked.

       "Yeah," I said. "Yesterday, the psychiatrist finally found out exactly why it all happened."

       "Why did it?" Seb asked.

       "My drinking," I said. "Remember how my doctor said that alcohol can make the symptoms worse? Well that, and me seeing Mom's grave when I took Isadora to the graveyard triggered it all, on top of me not taking my medication. So, as long as I continue taking my medication and don't drink at all, I should be back to the way I was."

       "I'm so happy you're okay," Artemis said, hugging me again and I hugged her back.

       "Well, I have to head out," Isadora spoke up.

       I pulled away from Artemis and looked at Isadora with furrowed eyebrows. "What? Really? But I just got home," I said.

       "I know," Isadora said. "But I didn't know about it and I already made plans with Stacey and Leanne to hang out with them today."

       "Oh, okay," I said. "And it wouldn't be fair to cancel on them."

       "Yeah," Isadora said. "Sorry."

       "No, it's okay," I said. "Besides, we have all day to hang out tomorrow. I'm kind of tired anyway, so I should go take a nap."

       "Okay," Isadora said. "I'll see you when I get back."

       As soon as she left the apartment, Artemis was the first to speak. "What was up with that?" she asked. "She seemed like she was in a hurry to leave."

       I shrugged. "I don't know."

       "I actually have to go out too," Seb said in a quiet voice. "We're running low on groceries, so....I should go pick some up."

       "Do you want me to come?" Artemis asked.

       Seb shook his head. "No, Evelyn is still sleeping and you're cooking lunch, so you should probably stay here."

       "Right," Artemis said. "I should probably get back to the kitchen then." She kissed Seb's cheek before walking back to the kitchen.

       "You okay?" I asked. "You look upset."

       "I'm fine," Seb said.

       "Are you sure?" I asked.

       "Yeah," he said. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go to the grocery store." When he left, I sighed and went to my bedroom to have a nap. The beds in the psychiatric hospital were okay, but my bed was a lot comfier and I really missed it.

       I flopped down on my bed, laying on my back and looking up at the ceiling. Why was everyone acting so weird? Isadora leaving so quickly and Seb looking upset. It was weird.

       I sighed again, turning onto my side and closing my eyes so I could rest.

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I was going to stop writing this chapter and finish it tomorrow, but I decided I should get it up before I go to bed. cx

So now, I shall go to bed before my wifi shuts off because it's still being annoying.