Veronica-When Andrew said he wanted to go camping, this wasn’t what I had in mind. I let Andrew call the shots and allowed Lyrek to handle everything. Instead of taking my brother to get his treatment taken care of, he wanted Lyrek to take him so they can take care of the details of the trip.I expected that they were going to find a nice place out in the woods or something. Yet, as I stepped out of the car to look around, I was flabbergasted at what I saw. We were definitely going to be camping, but it wasn’t in the woods, it was on a beach.“What do you think?” Lyrek asked coming up beside me with Andrew.“This is awesome!” Andrew answered for me and then took off running toward the shore.I didn’t know how to respond, but the word awesome didn’t seem to do it justice. An entire campsite was set up on the beach, with a large white canopy as a tent, with clear sidings to keep us covered while we slept. Instead of sleeping bags, there were two beds inside the tent, including a couch.
Veronica-Pulling up to an amusement park, I nearly jumped out of my seat. Andrew started screaming with excitement when he saw where we were. I knew Lyrek said he had a surprise for us, but I didn’t think it was this.The moment the car was parked, Andrew bolted out of the car, and I was close behind him. I felt like a kid again, or perhaps I felt like a kid for the first time. My entire life I have dreamed of going to an amusement park, but my parents thought it was a waste of money and time.“I want to ride all of the rides!” Andrew yelled as he took off running towards the front entrance.I was right behind him and in full agreement. I didn’t care that I was more than likely looking like a fool right now. I could hear Lyrek laughing from behind us, but I didn’t pay any attention to him.When we reached the gate, I reached for my wallet, but I was stopped when Lyrek grabbed my wrist. “This is on me.”“You have already done so much for us already; I can’t let you pay for everything.
Veronica-We have been back for three days, and I was already starting to go stir-crazy. Between staying at the penthouse and the hospital, I felt like I was bored out of my mind. I was used to working all the time, but now I just sat around the hospital or at home.I was waiting for Lyrek to finish his rounds because he agreed to let me work a shift at the bar if I promised to take it easy and wait for him to walk me there and back. Since coming back, there hasn’t been a lot going on and Andrew has been sleeping a lot. I think the little trip we took wore him out.He was in much better spirits though, which was a plus. Things have also quieted down now that Margaret was no longer around, and the news has moved on to another topic. I still didn’t think it was completely done with, but for now, I was simply happy that I wasn’t being named a gold digger currently.“Are you ready?” Lyrek’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.Jumping off the couch, I made my way toward the door where Lyrek
Veronica-I wanted to yell, scream at them, or do something. Glancing around the bar, I knew I couldn’t since there were still customers. Biting my tongue, I kept myself from making a scene. Taking a deep breath, I attempted to calm myself.“How did you find me?” I asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear their answer.“We saw on the news that you worked here. We took a plane the next morning. I am so glad to see you are okay. I can’t imagine what you must have dealt with.” My mother’s fake smile and fake concern were good enough to win an award for best actress.“I am fine. You didn’t need to come all this way.” I told them.“Why don’t you all go sit at the table in the back, that way you can talk.” Rick offered.I would have preferred it if he had just kicked them out, but it wasn’t his fault he didn’t know the full story. When he ushered my parents towards the table, I glared at his back. While I never told him the reason behind why I was taking care of Andrew, I figur
Lyrek-Watching Veronica lose control, I knew I needed to do something. In the time I have known her, she rarely let her emotions get the better of her. Turning my head, I noticed that Rick was coming over.“He is still my son, and I will take this in front of a judge. Do you really think that I can’t convince them that you are no longer fit? I mean just look at you. You work at a bar while he is in the hospital alone.” Her mother yelled back at her.“If you think you can do better than me, then by all means. You will be responsible for his medical bills as well. Do you know how much I pay every month just for his medication? Let’s not forget his treatments, hospital stays, surgeries and so much more. You have no right to walk in here and act like you give a shit when you left me to raise him at only eighteen years old.”“Do not talk to your mother like that!” Her father roared, getting up from his chair to tower over everyone.I knew if I didn’t do something soon this was going to co
Lyrek-On the walk home, I decided I wasn’t going to tell Veronica about the money I gave her parents. I knew I should, but I also didn’t think it was a good idea. She has already suffered enough because of them. I didn’t want her to think they cared more about money than her or her brother.“How did you manage to get them to leave?” She asked the moment we entered the penthouse.Sighing, I ran my fingers through my hair as I thought of a way to tell her the truth while leaving out certain details. Closing the door, I busied myself with removing my shoes and jacket. When I finished and turned towards her, she was looking at me expectantly.“I bought them a plane ticket and told them to go back home. I explained that they were upsetting you and that if they tried to take you to court, I would use all my resources to fight it.”I hoped that she believed my story, although it wasn’t exactly a lie. Her eyes studied me for a while before her body noticeably relaxed. When she turned away fr
Veronica-Waking up alone in bed, I was confused because I didn’t remember coming into the bedroom. Sitting up, I recalled what happened the night before. In the aftermath of my parents, I ended up spending a beautiful night with Lyrek.We had fallen asleep on the couch together. I remembered waking up in the middle of the night due to a nightmare and I had been wrapped up in his arms. Maybe he had carried me to bed later?The urge to use the restroom pulled me from my thoughts, so I pushed the covers back to get out of bed. After using the restroom and washing my hands, I headed out of the bedroom wearing a robe. My mind was in turmoil because of everything that had happened.Making my way into the kitchen, I stopped when I noticed a tray of food on the kitchen table. There was a note next to it with a single pink rose tied to it by a small white ribbon. Lifting it off the table, I untied the ribbon so I could read the note.“To my beautiful wife, I didn’t want to disturb you this mo
Veronica-Sitting in the office of Dr. Hendrix, I felt a little awkward. It wasn’t that she didn’t seem friendly, but I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do. Lily had dropped me off saying she needed to get to run a few errands.The shrink was scribbling notes or something on a notepad, which I couldn’t see. Her office was nice, but it was a little stuffy. Looking around the office, I couldn’t bring myself to look directly at her.“Would you like something to drink?” Dr. Hendrix asked.“No, I am fine.”“Are you nervous?”Directing my attention to her, I noticed she was looking at my hands. Currently, I was wringing them together as if my life depended on it. Forcing my hands apart, I placed them under my thighs to keep from fidgeting.“This is my first time seeing a therapist.” I admitted.“That is understandable, but I want you to know this is a safe place. Anything you say here I am legally obligated to keep confidential. Nothing that is said inside this room will be repeated to an