Chapter Thirteen
CARI
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know who else to call. I know you guys are having trouble, but I was worried about her, and I didn’t know if she had family I should call.” I hear Hazel say.
My head hurts, and I try to remember the last time I ate or had water. Everything is a blur.
“It’s okay, we are her family,” River says.
I try to open my eyes wider to see who’s with her. My heart leaps at the thought of Max being with her. But everything hurts, a pounding in my head, my mouth too dry to ask. When was the last time I even left the bed? I remember refilling my weed pen at some point, but I don’t know when. I roll over when I feel the bed shift. Someone touches my hair, brushing my bangs out of my eyes, and I can see a little clearer. Aspen is looking at me solemnly. I wonder what is going on with her.
“Hey, how are you, buddy?” Aspen asks.
I try to answer, but my mouth is too dry, and everything seems to feel heavier than it actually is. It isn’t something I’ve ever felt before. Nothing hurts, but all my body parts feel heavy. As if moving them is taking more effort than it usually did.
“Riv,” Aspen calls and I hear a second set of feet across my floor.
“What’s going on Cari?” River asks.
“I’ll get her some water.” Aspen excuses herself, coming back with a bottle of water. I glance at it, but I don’t have enough energy to drink now.
“Cari, you have to drink and talk to us,” River says, helping me sit up before taking the open bottle from Aspen. I want to growl at her, but it’s easier to go along with her. I take a big sip, and another, and another before realizing I’ve drunk the entire bottle. I am still thirsty, but my body feels instantly better.
“I know you’re upset about what happened on Instagram, but you can’t stay in bed for two weeks. Hazel and I are worried about you.” River sighs.
Instagram, the pounding realization that my income and stability is gone. All because of a stupid photo. I was high and sad, ignoring the very obvious rule of social media. It was rare to get away with a naked photo, I thought maybe, since my nipples were mostly covered, it wouldn’t count. But enough of my former followers reported me, and that was all it took. No matter who I emailed or how many times I appealed the decision, my account was still gone.
My million followers. Gone. With no new way to follow me. Which soon meant my deals would be gone too. I was wanted by those brands because of the people I could reach.
Without my audience, I am no one.
“I didn’t know it’s been two weeks,” I admit. I know better than to question her, she wouldn’t lie about something like that.
“What’s going on with you lately? Are you depressed or something?” River asks, her tongue laced with concern.
“No, I’m just having a tough time. I’ll bounce back,” I lie. It doesn’t feel the way it used to. I’ve never felt this low before, and part of it scares me.
“Cari, I think you should call your therapist. When was the last time you saw her?” Aspen adds quietly.
“I uh, I don’t know. I’ve canceled the last few times. I’ve just been busy.” I shrug. It feels like I’m carrying the weight of the world when I do.
“Okay, give me your phone. I’m calling her right now.” River holds out her hand for my phone, but I don’t move, only glancing at her hand.
“Look, I appreciate it. But I’m capable of calling my therapist myself. I’ll give her a call later,” I lie. I don’t want to see her and I’m pretty sure I ghosted my last few sessions.
“I didn’t ask a question. I’m here to help Cari. Your sisters said you haven’t called them back in weeks, and Hazel said she’s barely seen you leave your room. We’re worried about you, and you need help, C,” River says, keeping her hand out for my phone.
“I’m fine. I get the concern, but I’m fine.” I sigh.
“You look like crap, C. You haven’t showered in at least a week; your hair is a mess. You’ve been kicked off Instagram, and no one’s heard from you. I know with Max, it’s a lot, not to mention Halloween. But I’m still here for you, and this is a cry for help if I ever saw one,” River says angrily.
“Fine, so go, and I’ll shower. Happy?” I grumble.
“I can’t do this.” River sighs, looking at Aspen. Aspen gives her a nod toward the door and closes it behind River, looking at me.
“You don’t want to hear this, and that’s fine, but I’m not leaving here until I see you talking to your therapist. You can smell like crap and have shitty hair, but you cannot and will not hurt my wife. You’re not you, Cari. I know things with Max got complicated, and I’m sorry for that, but you have to rise from all of this,” Aspen says.
“What if I don’t want to?”
