Page 74 of Flawless

I give Onyx the shortest but most accurate description of events that took place earlier.

“Damn, that’s crazy. Do you need me to come to where you are?”

“Yeah, it’s crazy, but no, I don’t need you to come here. I’m fine. I just wanted to let someone know what’s going on with me. After leaving rehab, Onyx, I don’t want to go back. But I also don’t want to mess up my journey. It’s not easy, you know?”

“I can imagine that it isn’t, but I’m proud that you’re tackling it and no longer running from it,” he says.

I hear the love and affection for me in my big brother’s voice. It’s been there all along, even when he was furious with me. I just couldn’t hear it since the drugs were blocking everything out.

Now, everything is as clear as day, including his love for me.

“I’m taking a little break from life to get myself together mentally and spiritually. I’m sober, and I need to stay that way.”

“This guy. Is he good for you?”

“He’s the best, Onyx. I screwed up once before and pushed him out of my life. I don’t plan on doing it a second time.”

“Yeah, learn from me,” he says wisely.

My brother almost lost his marriage three years ago when his wife spiraled into depression after an assault, and he cheated on her. Thankfully, they are back together, and their growing family is intact.

“Would you do me a favor?” I ask.

“What’s that?”

“Call Mama and Daddy and let them know that I’m okay?”

“I think it would be good if you did it yourself.”

“I will, in time. Not right now, though.”

“Okay, I got you. And Dani?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for caring enough to call,” Onyx says.

A smile tilts my lips. “Thanks for caring enough to answer.”

“Always. I’ll always be here for you, little sis.”

“Love you.”

“I love you even more, Dani.”

We end the call, and I can breathe a little easier. My next call may not go quite as easy, but I don’t know.

I stare at the phone again and breathe. Before I know it, I’m lying on my back and drifting off.

“Hey,” I hear Zenon call to me.

I look up, and he’s standing in the doorway. “Are you okay?”

“Seems like that’s all anyone asks anymore,” I say softly. “I am. I have one more call to make.”

“Okay. I’ll be here when you’re ready,” he says, pushing off the door and walking out of the room again.

I hear the front door bang closed, followed by the high-pitched laughter of teen girls. I smile, and my heart dances. Who am I that I should be so blessed as to experience this?

---