Chapter 11

Kate had left and I was eating breakfast by the time Mom and Dad came home. They saw me and smiled hello. I chewed another bite of cereal and waved to them

"How was the reunion?" I asked.

"Oh you know, you're mom was the most popular girl in the grade back in school and you know what," he said, walking up to give me a hug.

He squeezed me and I felt a shudder run down my body from my head to my toes, last night's nightmare making me feel uncomfortable in his presence again. I tried ignoring this

feeling and gave him a forced smile. He didn't see through it and took a quick bite of my cereal.

"Things haven't changed since! Everybody still sucked up to her! We were busy talking all night and let me tell you, it was exhausting!" Mom and I chuckled.

"Yeah, I bet," I said.

"Oh, he's just exaggerating," Mom said. "We only met up with a few of my old friends."

I could see Dad behind her make a funny face and shake his head, I looked down and laughed hoping Mom wouldn't notice. She did notice, however and playfully smacked Dad on

the arm and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Any plans today, Adylann?" Mom asked.

"I was going to meet Alicia at the movies," I told her.

"Oh, what time?"

"In a couple hours actually."

"Okay," she said. "See me before you leave; I'll give you some money for popcorn. "Okay, thanks, Mom," I said.

I went into my room and read my book for about ten minutes until I decided it wasn't going to suck me in. So, I got up and paced around my room, wanting to do something other

than sit around. Going to me closet, I put on some boots, a coat, and gloves. Then, I went out the back door and wondered my way back to the Hatch. It's been a while since I've

gone there. It's the only place I can actually clear my mind and think!

The backyard itself was fairly small. It was the shape of half an oval and consisted on a patio table, bird bath, and hose holder. Behind the backyard, where the woods began, was a

pond not too far; and a quarter mile to the left of the pond was a big willow tree; and a half mile past that was my Hatch. Without knowing how to get there, it's very difficult,

which I like. It's quite a walk, but it gives me the fresh air I need. It's quite a walk but it gives me the fresh air I need and without knowing how to get there, it's difficult, which I

like. It's quiet, nice, and I can be alone, knowing that nobody can find me all the way back there. It felt like I could breathe.

Everything the Hatch had to offer me was perfect for a moment like this when I'm stressed and need to relax. I sat down in my chair I that I carved into a tree last summer. It

doesn't look much like a chair. It's uneven and still has random branches sticking out of it but it's nice because it has an arm rest and I can finally lean back now while I sit down

without having to worry about falling back. I shut my eyes, thinking of the times in the spring, summer, and fall where I have had cases of falling asleep in this very chair.

I opened my eyes and let them wonder the kind, familiar surroundings of the Hatch until they came across a little white piece of paper folded into fours, half hidden underneath a

rock. A smile immediately slid across my face as I bent down to pick up the paper; I just knew it was from "J".

Adylann,

It's okay to feel tense and uneasy around your father after a night like last night. I have already written you a note on that subject but sometimes new notes for a similar subject

must be written, and so I write:

It is not normal for people to experience what you were forced to experience only summers ago; but it is normal for a decent person to seek help after having a mental illness. I

know things can never be the same with you and your father but it all depends on you. It's time to mend your relationship with him again and listen to Kate. Maybe it is time for

you to try to forget what has happened. I know it is much easier than said but trust me when I say it will help you! It hurt Kate to see you like that last night. So, if I may say,

please trust me that your father is a different person for the best! He's realized his disgusting mistake and did something about it. His therapy and medication has truly helped him.

It is time to forget and move on. Don't let this experience affect you anymore. Move on and enjoy the beauties the world has yet to offer.

-J

By the time I finished reading this, my eyes welled up with tears. They weren't tears of sadness though, but tears of gratitude. "J" is right. It's been years since the incident has

occurred and it is time that I forgive and forget. I know Dad, and he was a different person back then. He's fine now and healthy. He is a strong, caring, devoted man. I can say now

that he is one that I trust and believe in. I know that things will never be the same and it isn't something I can even try to change but the least I can do is put in the same amount

of effort as he is into fixing our relationship. I also am grateful for "J" and everything he or she has done for me for years now!

My pocket suddenly buzzed and I jumped, dropping the note on the ground. I took out my phone from my pocket and unlocked the screen to find a text from Alicia. Oh, crap! What

time is it? I checked the text she sent me. It read, Are you there yet? I'm on my way!

Oh, thank God, I thought to myself. If I lost track of time and missed the movie she would kill me! Through all the years I've known Alicia, she's always been impatient and a

grudge holder.

Quickly I stuck my phone back into my coat pocket and bent down to pick up the note I dropped. It was wet outside and some of the words had gotten smudged, but I just wiped it

off on my coat and shoved that in my pocket as well. I then ran out of the woods and into the house to quickly put my hair in a ponytail and get money from Mom.

It wasn't too long until I arrived to the theater where Alicia was waiting for me. She was inside already with her popcorn and ticket looking around impatiently. When she saw me,

she smiled, rolled her eyes, and walked over.

"Where were you?" she asked. Without giving me time to answer, she said, "The movie's about to start. Come on!" She took my wrist and dragged me inside theater room number

seven where the movie was just about to begin.