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When Bobby was eventually released we were asked to keep a watchful eye on him. They couldn’t be sure if he really had bipolar disorder or not.
All I remember when in the hospital was that Bobby’s mom was constantly holding his hand and stroking his hair with the other as she recited prayers over his head. Back then she would’ve never done something like that, she would’ve been drinking her sorrows away and telling Bobby to f*ck off. She’s really gotten better.
When we returned to the dorm, Bobby was quiet. I looked at him concerned as I asked him “ what’s up buddy? You doin alright?” I asked as I finished folding my laundry. I had to start doing these f*cking chores man, I’m getting embarrassed going to school with my clothes all wrinkled.
Bobby nodded “I think…..” he said ominously. I co*cked a brow as I asked again “you sure? You don’t look it.” I stated. Bobby took a moment to gather his thoughts “ my mom is like….. doing a lot better now and I scared the sh*t out of her the other day because I was so stupid…. What if I died? Would she have relapsed?” He asked himself. I could tell he was feeling guilty so I stood up and walked to his bed and gently hugged him. “You didn’t die man, you’re doing okay now. Don’t think of the what if’s just think that everything is fine okay?” I said softly as I rubbed his back. He hugged me and sighed relaxing a little “thanks man… and thanks for being so like… caring dude. I thought you were gonna give me sh*t” he said “oh don’t worry buddy. Imma tell everyone how much of a dumb ass you are for thinking those pills were candy” I reassured as he grumbled “nooooooo” and that made me die laughing. He sounded like he was defeated because he knew I was going to do that anyways.
Later on PJ and Stacey stopped by. Stacey gave Bobby a hug and a gift “I heard what happened. Don’t do something so reckless like that again” she said softly as Bobby chuckled “I won’t, I won’t…” he said in a gentle manner.
We hung out together for the rest of the day….. Bobby didn’t say much.
As they week went by and we started heading towards winter break Bobby was very distant. I know it’s bad to hope that it’s just a trauma thing from what happened but what better outcome was there? It was either that or a life time with bipolar disorder. It’s a scary thought.
On the Friday when break started PJ, Bobby and I had packed up all our things. I went to hang out with Bradley for the rest of the Friday which meant PJ looked out for Bobby. We’ve been taking sort of shifts to make sure Bobby didn’t do anything self destructive. But he hasn’t, he’s just been laying in bed. It worried us. It worried us a lot.
By the time we were on the road, the drive mainly consisted of only PJ and I talking. Bobby laid in the back quietly. He usually is the designated driver but today we thought against it.
When we dropped off Bobby to his house we helped him out with unloading his items and we said our goodbyes. I dropped off PJ and his stuff back at his place when his dad got up and sighed “back again so soon? You’re killing my paradise kiddo” his dad said stretching as PJ sighed “nice to see you too dad” he rolled his eyes “oh shut up, come on kid give your old man a hug” Pete said opening his arms. PJ walked over and hugged his dad as I silently watched. “Okay hugs over. Oh and uh nice seeing you again Max, tell your dad I said hello” he said as I nodded and smiled “nice seeing you too. I’ll tell him” he said waving goodbye to PJ before heading back to my car.
PJ never knew his mom ever since she up and left the family. She didn’t want to raise her kid and so PJ’s dad had full responsibility. He never blamed PJ but being a single father is stressful. He never got time alone when PJ was a baby turned to toddler. So when he has the opportunity where PJ isn’t at home nagging him as he would say, he gets excited. I don’t think uncle Pete understands how that’s effecting PJ. PJ has this overwhelming anxiety and he’s a people pleaser now because of it, all he wants is to feel appreciated instead of feeling like a burden all the time like his dad makes him feel. Actually I got into an argument with uncle Pete once about it. When I went home that day my dad explained that uncle Pete had always been really negative and how uncle Pete is really stressed because he thought he found love only to be left as a single father. I can’t be too harsh on uncle Pete, especially because PJ doesn’t ever complain about harsh groundings or getting physically hurt by his father. But sometimes his dad says stuff to him that really effects him and he doesn’t even realize.
I got back home to the house decorated head to toe with Christmas decorations and was greeted by my father instantly “ MAXY!!” He squealed and hugged me tightly, a little too tightly as I wheezed “ dad! Dad I can’t breathe!” I wheezed as he giggled “I’m so glad your back! And I have a surpriiiiiiiise!” He sang as he put me down and I chuckled “glad to be back dad and surprise?” I asked curiously. He nodded and stepped aside. There I saw Ms. Marpole walking into the kitchen “hello Max” she smiled. I perked up a little confused “she’s all moved in now!” My dad smiled “wha” I stuttered confused as my dad walked over to her and hugged her gently. “ I hope you don’t mind Max” she said softly. “I’ve been really lonely and she makes great company! So having her around I don’t feel like I’m alone anymore!” Dad laughed “ah-hyuk!” Which caused her to giggle.
All I could do was smile “ that’s great you guys, I’m happy for you” I said. I was genuinely happy, even if it’ll be a little awkward around the house for a while I guess I can adjust. “Great!! Okay well I’m going to finish cooking dinner!” My dad hummed and walked off to the kitchen. Ms. Marpole and I watched him leave as I took off my shoes besides the door. She turned and looked at me silently as I perked up noticing “is something wrong?” I asked curiously “no…. But um… I wanted to talk to you” she said softly. I grew worried for a moment but I nodded and followed her to the couch beside the obnoxiously huge Christmas tree.
“Max” she started as she sat on our couch. “I just want you to know that um….you know already that your father and I are going to get married soon. We’re thinking around late May next year. Your dad has told me all about your mom. I just wanted to talk about how um…. Well I am going to be your step mother. But I’m not going to invade the role of being your mom. Of course unless you want me too but all in all I feel like we need to have this conversation. Sort of as a blessing from you” she stammered. She was so nervous. I smiled softly and comforted her “you don’t have to worry, you aren’t a bad person and you better my father too. You make him happy and that’s all I care about. I don’t think I am comfortable enough to call you mom” I said as she interrupted “oh no no no don’t call me that. Call me Slyvia, I’m so sorry if I sounded like I was trying to invade. ” she chuckled and so did I “Slyvia, got it and no you’re fine. But you don’t have to worry about being here in your own home now. There isn’t anything to say except one rule! Do not go into my room without knocking… please” I begged because dad does that a lot and it’s a huge pet peeve. She giggled “it’s because of your father isn’t it?” She asked as I nodded “yes!! Does he do that to you?” I asked “oh gosh all the time. I’ll be in the shower or changing and he waltzes right in. We got in a fight once because I wanted to surprise him with my outfit for our date and he walked right in as I finished my make up!” She said as I sighed “oh god. Dad…” I shook my head chuckling as she chuckled back. She’s a very sweet lady. I don’t think we’re going to have any problems.
“ oh Slyvia! Maxyyyy! Dinners ready!”…..
