Page 6 of My Girl
If his fans could only see him now. His reputation would be ruined. He’d be the laughingstock of the century.
Sighing, Gabe scrubbed a hand tiredly over his face. Avoiding the nurse’s compassionate gaze, he mumbled, “I’m so sorry, Charisma. I hope I didn’t hurt you this time.”
“Not at all. I’m good. But more importantly, how are you doing? That was another really intense one.”
“Yeah, it was.” Heaving another sigh, Gabriel continued, “It’s been a lot of years since I’ve struggled with the dreams.”
Indicating the bed, the nurse asked, “Do you mind?”
When he shook his head, she perched on the side, giving him a long study. Finally, she spoke. “I was in nursing school when I was attacked by two guys. I won’t go into the details – you don’t need that thrown into the mix of heavy thoughts and emotions already troubling you. I was a mess. I couldn’t sleep, wasn’t eating, was pretty much on the edge of a complete breakdown.
“My sister came to visit unexpectedly one day and lost her mind. She bundled me up and drove me to a clinic. I spent a stretch there, dealing with what had happened to me, and to this day I believe my sister saved my life by forcing me to get help.
“The point I’m trying to make is, I know you’re feeling fragile right now and like you either can’t or don’t want to face the demons of the past. But, if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that we can’t escape them forever.
“For yourself, and your loved ones, get help. It’s not a sign of weakness. In fact, I believe it takes great courage to ask for it.” She gently patted the arm closest to her before climbing to her feet. “I’ll go refresh your water quickly. Be right back.”
Gabriel stared at the door for long moments after she’d left the room. He’d been resisting seeing someone for so long, unwilling to revisit the trauma of the farm attack he’d lived through as a boy, but maybe it was time.
He couldn’t keep going on like this. The idea of reliving his past through therapy, however, had him just about breaking out in hives. Then again, he was going through it nightly anyway. So maybe he should reconsider his stance on avoiding therapy like some kind of plague.
Besides, Gabe suspected that if something didn’t change soon, Jay was going to boot him out of the band. Without the band he had nothing – was nothing. Somehow, his whole identity had become wrapped up in “Gabriel Stone, obscure drummer”, and now he couldn’t be one without the other.
Jesus, a head doctor was going to have a field day with all the crap that went on in his head.
But if he was going to see anyone, there was only one person whose opinion he trusted to steer him right. Sheridan would know the best of the best. He just needed a little more time to decide.
Sheridan
Four Months After the Accident
Sheridan made a mad dash for the international arrivals building at Cape Town International Airport. She was running late – nothing new there. She’d promised her brother she’d collect his best friend and client, and that she’d be there on time. As always, though, things just seemed to happen to her.
She skidded to a stop in front of the announcement board and searched frantically for Gabriel’s flight details. Spotting them third from the bottom, she breathed a huge sigh of relief as she noted the flight was slightly delayed
Oh, thanks heavens. Now at least I don’t have to lie to Jarrod.
Her cell phone rang, setting off a round of frantic searching. When she finally managed to unearth it from her oversized handbag, she saw it was none other than the man himself.
“Hi Jay. What’s up?”
“Are you there yet?”
“Yes, of course. Where else would I be?”
“Late as usual?” He laughed.
“Well, you can bite me. I’m here, but Gabe isn’t.”
“What? Why?”
“According to the info board, his flight is delayed by fifteen minutes. They’ll be landing soon. Don’t panic, big brother. I’ve got this.”
“Yeah, yeah. You always say that.”
“Mainly because I do.”
“Okay, fine. You win.” Jay paused a moment. “Just keep an eye on Gabe for me, yeah? He’s not been himself since the accident, but he’s refusing to talk about it.”
