EMBERLY'S POV

I sit in the group room, waiting on the other patients and the psychologist leading the session to arrive. I haven't been going to group sessions because I didn't care. But since I had my first taste of freedom with Andy at Six Flags yesterday, I have newfound motivation to do whatever it takes to leave this place.

~Yesterday~

It feels so good to be in normal clothes again. I'm wearing my favorite skinny jeans, a KISS sweatshirt Andy lent me, and a pair of slip on vans.

Andy and I walk into the park hand in hand. There's hardly anyone here since it's a Monday. The cool wind chills my nose but it feels good. This is the first time I've left the hospital since being admitted more than half a year ago. I close my eyes and just enjoy the nip of the fall southern air.

     "What do you want to do first?" Andy's deep voice pulls me from my trance. I look into his curious eyes and smile.

     "I want to ride all the rollercoasters." I tell him. He grins.

     "You're on." We sprint through the park to the line for the closest rollercoaster. We ride every single on within an hour. Then, we do it again. We take a quick lunch break before riding the other rides. To finish out our day, we play some carnival games. I laughed until my face hurt. Walking back to Andy's black Range Rover, we don't say anything. I'm content and ready to face whatever challenges I need to to claim my freedom.

~present day~

Everyone finally files in and takes their seats. We go around the table, each saying our name, our goal for the next day, and the highlight of our week thus far. Then, the psychologist launches into her speech. After she finishes, she asks if any of us have anything we'd like to say. I slowly raise my hand. I realize everyone has their eyes on me.

     "I have been here for seven months." I start. "I haven't been the most cooperative patient. I didn't believe there was a point to trying to heal. It just seemed like whenever I got a little better, life just tore me down again. Now, though, I realize healing is a rollercoaster ride. There are going to be ups and downs, but it's just about staying on track. I'm done letting my past define me. I'm done letting myself stay stationary in one place. From now on, I want to fight to get better and I want to be able to triumph over my inner demons." I drop my eyes. Then, the unexpected happens. Applause starts, quiet at first, until everyone in the room is clapping. CC hugs me from behind.

      "You and I. We're gonna win this fight and get the hell out of here." He whispers in my ear. I feel a smile growing on my face. Our session is over, and I go to find Andy.

     "Hey, Em!" He greets me. I smile at his enthusiasm.

     "I want to finish my ECT. And I want to start tomorrow." I tell him. His face breaks into a smile and he hugs me, lifting me off the floor and spinning me around.

A/N: sorry for the short chapter! I'm really excited about this story! I'm planning on making this a 4 book story, and I'm pumped about all the ideas I have! Thanks for bearing with me! Comment and vote.