“We will support whatever you feel is best, Doctor,” Tori’s dad says.
“I agree,” I add in, feeling like I’m at a loss for a happy ending to this situation, and even though I can’t imagine how hard this will be, I know it’s what has to happen. “Whatever it takes to get her better.” Can I be hopeful enough to think this could work or do I prepare myself for more disappointment? I have a history of believing everything is going to work out for the best and finding it not to be the case.
“There will be some paperwork coming your way, and we’re going to be following up with Tori in regards to the next steps.” The doctor stands from his seat and offers both Tori’s dad and myself a handshake.
He leaves the two of us in the small waiting room, both of us in silence. I may be the only one in complete disbelief, though. Her dad places an arm around my shoulder and claps his hand over my arm a few times. “Let’s get our girl some help,” he says.
The weight I’ve been carrying on my shoulders for months just got a hell of a lot heavier and I may be in some kind of shock.
When we re-enter Tori’s room, her mother is sitting on the edge of the bed, running her fingers through Tori’s matted strands of hair. “I’m sorry,” Tori tells her.
“Tori, I know you have no control over these situations. There’s no need to apologize,” her mother says in a loving way.
I make my way over to the bed and kneel down beside her, curious as to how she’ll react to me after her incredible flip-flopping behavior today. Without a word, I take her hand and bring it up to my lips. “I’ve been so worried about you,” I tell her.
“I owe you an apology too, AJ. I’ve been a horrible wife and mother for the past few months.” I shake my head to disagree with her. It’s the last thing I want her to be worrying about right this second. “You don’t have to pretend like it’s not true.”
“We’re going to get you the help you need, and things are going to be okay,” I reassure her. Though, I can’t help but wonder if what I’m saying is a lie. How could I know?
A weak smile struggles over her lips, and she reaches her hand up to my cheek. This is the Tori I know—not the small smile, but the gesture and the wide-eyed look. “I don’t know if that’s possible,” she says.
“Of course it is, T,” I assure her. I get that she may be feeling pessimistic if she’s been seeking help for years, regardless of hearing this for the first time today, but if rehab is new to her, maybe this will finally help. That’s what rehab is for, right?
“I’m going to this rehab place for a while,” she says, taking a second to look at each of us. “AJ, will you be able to handle Gavin on your own?” I could say so much in response to this question, but it isn’t necessary.
“We’ll be okay. What’s important is that you get well so we can continue our lives peacefully,” I tell her, trying to convince myself that this will be the outcome.
The forced smile disappears from Tori’s mouth, and she swallows against what sounds like a dry throat.
With no response from Tori, her mom chimes in with, “AJ has quite the support system. You know you can always count on us too, AJ.”
After a day from hell, I head home, alone, without my wife, to an empty house. Hunter has taken Gavin home with him and I am sitting at my kitchen table in front of a chocolate cupcake resting on a small dessert plate. Despite everything horrible that occurred today, I need a brief timeout for my little girl.
I carefully place a candle in the center of the cupcake, light it, and make a wish. “Happy Birthday, kiddo. Your dad loves you—I hope you know that. I wish you were here. I wish I could hug you. I wish I could see what is probably the most beautiful smile in the world. I wish I could see how much you must look like your mom.” I blow the candle out and lean back into my chair, feeling the heaviness in my heart weigh me down just a little more.
CHAPTER TWELVE
A YEAR LATER
Thirteen. I have a teenage daughter and it sounds almost impossible, seeing as your mom and I were teenagers when you were born. How have so many years passed since the day I held you in my arms—the first and last day I held you in my arms—the day I handed you over to two strangers that I hope have given you the life you deserve. 4,745, little girl—that’s how many days it has been. I miss you more today than I have the last 4,745 days because every day that passes feels like I’ve walked another mile away from you.