Phin
After the therapy session with Lizzie, we went home, and I went to our room. I needed to lie down and rest after reliving that particular beating; it had been physically and mentally draining. I was overwhelmed with so many feelings and memories I was having a hard time finding peace. I hadn't realized how much I blamed myself for not saying anything and how powerless I’d felt. A great sense of relief hit me now, and I felt like I was letting go of all those toxic feelings.
Lizzie peeked her head in our dark room. "Phin, you need me?"
"Yes, I do. Come lie down with me."
She cuddled up behind me, holding me tight. "How are you feeling? You were so brave today."
"I am exhausted, Lizzie, but I want you here."
"Lying in bed with you is one of my favorite things."
"Mine too." He pulled my arms tighter around him.
"You know your birthday is in a few months? What should we do?"
"My birthday wish would be to spend the day naked in bed with you and a bag of Chinese takeout."
"Phin, it's your twenty-first birthday. We have to do something big; this birthday is a big deal. Do you think Duke might come up? My parents want to come over. Would you want to invite your mother?"
I hadn't forgotten it was my birthday coming up, but Lizzie continued to try to talk me into a big celebration. I couldn’t wait for my big day. I'd only really enjoyed celebrating my birthday since I'd left home. The parties Duke threw for me were the best of my life. I hadn't wanted to ask Lizzie to do anything special. The deadline for my trust was a big deal for us, but a real party wasn't even on my radar. I rolled over on my side to face her and show her what it meant to me. I brushed a gentle kiss on her lips. Her sigh almost did me in when I pulled away and rested my head on my hand.
"Not sure about my mother. As for Duke, that guy would do anything you asked him, Lizzie."
"No, he loves you, Phin, he'd do anything for you." She was right, he would, but I hated asking.
"I would love for him to come." I couldn't lie to her; it would mean a lot.
"Good, because I already invited him."
"Lizzie, what have you been up to?" She enjoyed planning as much as I enjoyed cleaning.
"You'll see, but I think you'll love it. Trust me?"
"With my life."
She giggled, kissed me softly on my lips, and cuddled into my side. Today was a total shit show, but Lizzie showed me I could do anything with her by my side. Lying there with her in my arms, I realized our future could only get brighter.