Before The Storm by Kels Barnholdt Read Free Book Online

mom used to wear when she was going somewhere fancy. I feel more comfortable in her arms than I did in my own father’s. It all feels so surreal and raw to me that I’m not sure how to process it.
    I want to tell her I don’t remember seeing her when I was a baby. I want to tell her that up until a few hours ago I didn’t even know she existed. But somehow I feel like now isn’t the time for that conversation. At least I know she’s my actual aunt and not here for some other girl. My father’s presence proves that point.
    She pulls away and places her hands in mine, looking me up and down. “You’re just perfect.”
    She’s clearly delusional. I’m the worst possible version of myself. I know this because this morning when I looked in the mirror in our bedroom I said aloud to myself,
    “You’ve become the worst possible version of yourself.”
    My hair hasn’t been kept up at all. It’s stringy and much too long to be considered healthy. My complexion is pale, and the bags under my eyes heavy. My sleeping situation has not improved since I’ve been here. I’m careful not to mention this to anyone though, the last thing I need is for them to make me take medication for a sleeping disorder. Not to mention my weight is down, and not in a good way. The food served here is all-natural and all-disgusting. I don’t look like I’ve been off someplace these past ninety days getting healthy. I look like I’ve been off getting tortured.
    “Well, just a few last minute things to tie up here,” Dr. Morgan says, walking around to the other side of the desk and taking a seat in the chair that’s waiting for her.
    “Now, I think we’ve covered a lot in our sessions already Victoria, but you do understand what’s required of you when you get home, correct?”
    “Yes,” I say, looking down at my hands that are still tightly bound with my aunt’s. She doesn’t seem like she has any desire to let go any time soon.
    “Well,” Mrs. Newington says in a cold tone, “I think a verbal reflection of those requirements would be a wise decision, just to make sure there is no confusion.”
    “I agree,” my father adds.
    Of course he agrees. I’m sure he and Mrs. Newington would be best friends in their everyday life.
    “Very well,” Dr. Morgan says not missing a beat. “Victoria, you will continue to see a therapist recommended by the staff here. You will maintain the commitment to get back into your normal routine, including maintaining a high grade point average and getting involved with at least one after-school club. You will attend group therapy sessions dealing with how to cope with losing someone close to you at least once a month. And above all, you will maintain a healthy and family-oriented relationship with your stepbrother Nathan.”
    As she says each word aloud Mrs. Newington nods along with her as if to say yes, oh yes, and definitely yes.
    “Do you understand Victoria?” Dr. Morgan asks me.
    Mrs. Newington, who was just a moment ago nodding along with Dr. Morgan, suddenly stops when she realizes what’s being said. “Excuse me, but surely that is not all,” she says, looking nervously at my father.
    “Well, if there’s anything you’d like to add at this time…,” Dr. Morgan trails off.
    “I would just like to say that during the end of this process Victoria’s father and I have been in very close communication.”
    Wow, no wonder she hated me so much. A little time with my father is all it would take for anyone to think the absolute worst of me. I knew Dr. Morgan had been in touch with Missy here and there but I had no idea my father was involved in anything going on with my therapy.
    “And I want Victoria to understand something very important to her recovery process,” Mrs. Newington says, turning her attention to me slowly. I feel my aunt’s hand grasp mine tighter as Mrs. Newington’s intense and evil eyes look me up and down. To my surprise, I find myself not feeling uncomfortable