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He smiled, a small one, but it was something at this point. If he had Holly by his side, he could do anything. “I’m not sure yet, but until I figure this out, I need you to trust me.”
28
Holly
Holly tapped on her leg with one long fingernail. Her eyes watered as she repeated Eric’s words in her mind. Even though Eric had said it was his parents’ fault, she really knew who was behind it all. Like the person Holly remembered, his mother was now holding another thing over his head and destroying his path to success.
“Holly, are you still there?” Eric asked. His voice sounded as weak as she felt. How many more hurdles did they have to jump before things would get easier in their relationship?
“Yeah, I am.” She bit her lip and then released it. “That was really unkind of her, Eric. She shouldn’t have put you in such a tough position.”
“So, you’re not mad?” he asked.
“How could I be mad at you? You fought for us. You stood up to your mother, and you’re taking a route that will be the best for us. All I want to do is hug you.”
A sob sounded on the other line, and Holly felt like crying herself. But one of them had to remain strong. “Eric, we’ll get through this. It’s only a few months, and I’ll save up all my money and come visit during summer break. That’s only a few weeks away.”
“Aren’t you still saving for a car?”
Yes, but love is as important as daily grind.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to find a clunker by the start of the semester. Don’t worry about me.” Disappointment pitted itself in her stomach. A semester he wouldn’t be there for? All the things they’d looked forward to during their senior year, a few more dances, going to games together, Halloween—they would miss it all.
Eric sighed so deeply into the phone that she jumped back. “Well, I can’t say I’m not relieved to hear you say that. I was worried you’d drop me like a hot potato.”
She forced a laugh. “Of course not. I’d hope we’re tougher than that.”
“We are,” he said, his voice stronger. “I love you, Holly.”
“And me too.”
She stayed on the call for a few minutes to make sure he’d vented all that he needed, and then she curled into a ball and cried. How was she going to deal with it all?
Holly walked into Cambria’s office and dropped off a stack of files. “I updated them electronically as well.”
Cambria lowered her glasses, making the glass beads on her string clatter together. “Already? You’re fast. How was the meeting with Jonathon? Was he receptive to Dr. Martin’s suggestions?” She gestured to a seat, and Holly plopped into a chair.
Jonathon was one of the most troubled kids Holly had met in her life, and that was saying something. “About as good as expected. He’s willing to attempt a week-long trial with shortened screen time and a diet change to see how it’ll affect his mood, and of course, his parents are on board, though the dad is in denial anything is wrong.”
“That could be a problem, but hopefully he puts his child’s needs above his own.”
“He might need some work done after his son is treated. He’s got some anger issues himself.”
“That’s too bad. I hope his son will be able to separate the two.”
Holly stretched and then stood. “Writing charts is so much easier than meeting with clients.”
“Ah, yes. Practical work is much harder, but you’ve helped make so many breakthroughs while being here. We’ll miss you working here full time.”
“I’m just glad you wanted me to stay at all,” Holly said honestly.
Not many interns stuck around after the internship was complete.
“I don’t let good things go easily.”
Holly smiled and ducked her head. “Thank you, Cambria. I’ll check in with you next week after I’ve had time to check into my apartment and have adjusted to my new class schedule. I’m sure I can fit in a few hours to be around the office.”
“That’s what I like to hear. Good luck starting your classes.”
