Crystal Lies - Melody Carlson [114]
“Do you think Dad would really do that to me?” He turns and looks at me with slightly frightened eyes, as if this is somehow penetrating the tough exterior that he has created to protect his addiction.
“What do you think, Jacob?”
He looks down at his lap now.
I reach over and put my hand on his hand. “But what if you were in treatment?” I ask in a gentle voice. “What if you were really seeking help, Jacob?”
He looks at me again. “You mean you’re going to use this to pressure me into rehab?”
I shake my head. “Obviously, it’s your choice, Jacob. You know as well as I do that they won’t even admit you if you don’t go in willingly. To be honest, I don’t know if they even have room right now.”
He frowns and sighs. “I don’t know what to do, Mom.”
“Jacob,” I say. “Look at me.” He looks at me again.
“I am your mom, Jacob. I’m sure that I love you more than anyone on earth loves you. Do you honestly believe I would try to get you to do something that would hurt you? Have I ever tried to hurt you?”
He shakes his head.
“Have I ever lied to you?”
He shrugs now.
“When?” I demand. “When have I ever lied to you?”
His chapped lips curve into what is almost a smile. “The Easter bunny, tooth fairy, Santa Claus…”
I laugh and squeeze his hand. “Seriously, Jake. I would never deceive you. I would never do anything to hurt you. You can trust me.”
“Was Dad really mad about the break-in?”
I nod. “I wouldn’t lie to you, Jacob. He was furious.”
“Do you think he called the police?”
“I honestly don’t know, Jacob. He did say he was going to. But it’s hard to tell with your dad. It could be pretty embarrassing, you know, that his own son burglarized his house. On the other hand, he was really angry. I don’t know what he did.”
Jacob looks toward the buildings now. “I guess it wouldn’t be as bad as jail here. Do you think?”
“I wouldn’t think so.”
“But what if they can’t take me today, Mom?”
I think he sounds honestly worried now, as if he’s finally made up his mind to get treatment and will be devastated if he can’t get in.
“All we can do is ask.” I feel myself choking up again. “Do you want to go see?”
He nods and reaches for the door handle. Together we get out of the car and walk through the fog toward the main office building. I pray with each step. I pray for a miracle.
“Is Marcus here?” I ask the receptionist. This is a new girl I haven’t met before, and I decide not to waste time trying to explain anything.
“Do you have an appointment?” she asks.
“No. Is he busy?” I glance up at the clock and see that it’s twelve thirty, so it’s entirely possible that he has left for lunch. I know he likes to go to a deli not far from here. Maybe I can find him there. Still, the idea of getting Jacob back into the car and away from Hope’s Wings worries me. What if he suddenly changes his mind?
“Glennis!” calls a familiar voice, and I turn to see Marcus walking toward us.
“Hi,” I say, trying to sound calm although I feel certain my eyes are giving me away. “Do you have a few minutes?”
He smiles. “Of course. Come on back to my office.” He extends his hand to Jacob, waiting to shake. “How’s it going, Jacob?”
“Okay.” Jacob tentatively shakes Marcus’s hand, then glances over his shoulder as if he’s considering a fast break.
But Marcus puts his other hand on Jacob’s shoulder and guides him back down the hallway. “How’s your music coming along?”
“All right,” mumbles Jacob as we go into the office.
Once we’re seated I quickly tell Marcus that Jacob is interested in treatment now. Marcus, being the professional that he is, turns his attention to Jacob, ascertaining that this is really true.
“You really want to be here?” he asks, studying Jacob’s face closely.
Jacob swallows, then nods.
“This is a decision you’re making of your own free will?” Jacob nods again.
“You really want help? You want to change?”
Then Jacob begins to tear up, and I grow worried that the emotion will make him change his mind. I know how he hates crying in front of anyone.
“All