AN: Text messages are in italics

Alison POV:

I open my eyes and look around. It takes me a minute to realize that I am in mom and dads bed. I get my bearings, look down and realize that it wasn't a bad dream. I ache all over. My arm and shoulder are bugging me and I feel like I need to get out of the house. I have no idea what time it is, other than morning. I look over to moms side table and I see my phone with a note on top of it. "Thought you might your phone to keep you company. Blake dropped it off this morning. Text me if you need anything or just want me to rescue you for a bit. We both know how clingy mom can be. Love, S". I love Stevie. She knows exactly what I need in this moment. I reach over, grab my phone, turn the volume down low and decide to watch some funny animal videos on Youtube.

As I finish watching the fifth video I text Stevie "Good morning. Thx for my phone. Going stir crazy and need pain meds." Within moments the message shows as read and then Stevie is by my side. She leans over to help me get up. The force of the movement must have woken mom and dad because within moments they are awake.

"Good morning Noodle. How are you feeling?" Mom asks. "All good now that Stevie is here" I say as I take my pain pill and wash it down with a glass of water. Mom reaches over and hugs Stevie. "You're a good sister, you know that right?" She asks as Stevie nods. "Pancakes and strawberries for breakfast? I'll wear the Chef Dad apron." Dad says. I smile. "Mom, can you help me? I need to use the restroom." I say. Mom and Stevie get up and help me off the bed. I take it slow, but I get to the restroom and shut the door. I let out a deep breath. Having my arm in a cast makes everything really hard and it takes a long time but I manage. I walk back out to the bedroom. "Ready?" mom asks. I nod. Mom puts her arm around me trying to lead me out of the room. "I think I can do it by myself" I say. I head downstairs slowly. I get to the bottom to smiles from the entire family and head to the table. I sit down and a plate with pancakes and strawberries is placed in front of me. "Eat what you can Noodle. I also made extras just in case." Dad said. I try to cut the pancakes and struggle. "Can someone help me. I can't hold both the fork and knife" I ask. Stevie jumps in an cuts everything on the plate for me. "When can I go back to school? I'm getting kind of bored" I ask. Mom and dad look at Stevie and Jase and they grab their plates and head to the couch. "So we are going to have you seen by Dr. Moore and then we would like to get you to a psychologist and when they clear you then you can go back" mom says. "Why do I need a psychologist?" I ask. "You've been through a lot and my psychologist, Dr. Sherman is excellent and I'm sure that she can find you someone if she doesn't work for you. Dad and I, in no way think that you are crazy. Dr. Sherman was so good with me after Iran and I know that it's always good to have someone to talk to you." "I don't want to talk to someone. I will be fine." I say. "You need to talk. Let's just try once and if you like her then we can continue and if you dont then we will figure something else out." mom says. I decide that i will just give in. My parents arent going to let me get away from talking to someone. "Fine. When is the appointment?" I ask. "I'm going to call Dr. Sherman and see when she is available." mom says. I sigh and nod as mom takes her phone and walks toward dads office. I get up and head towards the couch suddenly interested in the movie that my siblings are watching.

"Okay, thank you. You too. Bye" mom says walking toward the couch. "Stevie, Jase can you guys go upstairs please. Dad, Alison and I need to talk." mom says. Stevie stands up and squeezes my hand as she leaves. "I just got off the phone with Dr. Sherman, she is available today and would love to chat. Dad and I will go with you. Go start getting ready. Call me if you need help." I head upstairs and try getting changed. I struggle for a few minutes before I give up and text Stevie. Getting dressed, need help. Mom stressing me out. I text. Be there in a sec. Stevie texts and walks into my room a moment later. Stevie giggles when she sees me. I'm a state. I've got my shirt partway over my head, my good arm trapped in the shirt by my head and my jeans unbuttoned. I look like a crazy unicorn. "oh my gosh, how did you manage this?" Stevie asks. "Would you stop laughing and help me?" I ask. Stevie manages to free me. "Why is mom stressing you out?" Stevie asks. "Shes pushing me to see a therapist and I don't know if I'm ready. I mean I know I need to talk to someone but I don't want to do it today. I feel like I just got home" I say. "She really helped mom after Iran so she can't be bad. Try it today. If it sucks, don't go back. I will be in your corner." Stevie said. I head downstairs. "Ready Noodle?" mom asks. "As ready as I'm going to be" I say. Dad helps me into my coat and we get into the car.