Riley's POV:

"So this boy 'Eric' told you to be strong?" The psychologist asked me. I pulled my legs into my chest and nodded.

"It's a really long story and you probably think I'm crazy... but something just clicked when I was unconscious. I can't explain it." I admitted.

"I don't think you're crazy. My best advice for you at this point is to surround yourself with positive people and let yourself be happy. What other people think of you is none of your business, alright?" She smiled warmly towards me. I pulled the hospital robe strings tighter around my waste awkwardly, feeling completely uncomfortable. I never thought I'd have to sit down with someone and talk about my feelings--I've never had a reason to.

"Right... so can I go home today?" I asked her in a weak yet hopeful voice.

"You can." She said, and my spirits immediately lifted. "However, I'd like to start you on some medication for insomnia and depression... Does that seem fair?" she suggested, and I nodded numbly. How did this happen to me? It took a month and a half for my life to do a one eighty in the worst way possible.

"That seems fair." I sighed.

"And I'd also like to have a few follow up sessions once a week... Also fair?" She remarked. This one was going to be annoying.

"Fine." I groaned.

After another two more hours of discussing school, bullies, boys and my family, I finally felt alright enough to leave the hospital. I asked Harry to take me home since my parents were already back and busy with work as well as damage control for their embarrassing suicidal daughter. I'm honestly excited to see him and just be with him... which is another thing my doctor and I decided... Harry is ok for me.

"I have a surprise for you." Harry smiled, taking my hand and leading me out of the hospital. I nodded my head and slowly followed him towards his big truck parked outside, and when I opened the door handle my eyes lit up like Christmas lights.

"Surprise!" Louis, Niall, Liam, Zayn and Perrie all screamed from inside the car. The smile on my face was undeniable and I was honestly too excited to see all of them. I'm also relieved that they're here, because this way I don't have to explain to Harry everything 'Eric told me.'

"Hey guys.." I giggled nervously, hopping in the car. Their faces were a little softer than usual, less gang and more friendly. I was dressed in a very stylish outfit that Harry brought me, but you could definitely sense the dark demeanor I was sporting.

"You look sexier than ever babe!" Louis teased, kissing my forehead.

"Enough of that." Harry shouted from the front seat, making all of us crack up. I was most excited to see Perrie... my only real girl friend at this point.

"How do you like the school?" I asked her as Harry pulled into the Starbucks in town.

"It's cute! I'm glad that you're coming back though, I think we have almost every class together!" She giggled, making me smile again. Surround yourself with positive people. That psychologist knows her shit.

"I honestly can't wait." I said half lying. I could wait forever before going back to school, but I'm excited to spend my days with Perrie in school, she's honestly a great person.

The seven of us hopped out of Harry's car and headed inside Starbucks to pick up drinks before we went home, before I noticed a familiar car in the parking lot. Instead of running in the opposite direction or telling the boys, I decided to do something risky.

"Why don't you all wait inside the car, Perrie, Harry, Zayn and I will grab the drinks?" I suggested and the three idiots piled back inside Harry's truck. I quickly headed inside the Starbucks without responding to Harry's confused glares and made eye contact with the one and only, Dixie.

"We can go somewhere else--" Harry started to say.

"Shhh." I muttered, getting on line behind Dixie. When she turned to face me, her eyes were a bit softer than usual, but her nasty was was prevalent.

"Hi." She whispered flatly. "Is it true you were in the hospital?" She asked with an odd tone in her voice.

"Yeah, that's true." I replied without looking at her. I felt Harry's hand lock with mine, only giving me more confidence.

"Are you alright now?" She asked, showing the slightest bit of concern.

"Nope." I replied, popping the 'p'. "But that doesn't matter to you, does it?" I asked, and she rolled her eyes at me.

"God Riley, don't try and blame your craziness on me. It's not my fault you got yourself wrapped up in the wrong friends and let some guy take dirty pictures of you." She chuckled. My hands squeezed tightly into balls, and I put a hand up towards my friends along side of me to let them know I had this.

"The only 'craziness' I can find in my life right now is the fact that I was friends with someone as mean as you for so long." I chuckled, handing the cashier a ten dollar bill.

"You used to be just like me... even Zayn knows that." She said, finally looking up at me.

"Thank god for change, right?" I shrugged my shoulders, trying to make it seem like everything she was saying didn't phase me.

"Whatever Riley... I'm done with this conversation. See you at school Monday, unless of course you have another mental breakdown before than, right?" She giggled, heading towards the door.

"You'll definitely see me, bitch. And just a heads up, your shit doesn't phase me anymore. I'm taking my spot at the top back, mark my words." I winked and immediately regretted it.

"I'd like to see you try." She chuckles before walking out of the Starbucks. I looked up at Harry who had a small smile growing on his face.

"What the hell did I just do?" I groaned, burrowing my face inside Harry's chest.

"Who says you can't be a the new Riley and the queen bee?" Harry smirked, and Zayn and Perrie were laughing.

"This is too much." I laughed as the four of us got the rest of the drinks and headed out towards the car.

Truth me told, I don't even know if I have what it takes to be the Riley knew and loved anymore. I'm not some sweetheart, I'm more than that now. I've been broken, I've been hurt and I've experienced a hell of a lot in these first couple months of senior year.

However, I like a challenge, especially when it's up against that bitch / ex best friend. The only positive I have right now are my friends and my family, something I wasn't sure I had a few nights ago. It's gonna be hard to get everyone on my side at school... but it's worth a shot.

And like my lovely psychiatrist told me, What other people think of you is none of your business. This is a lovely fact that I'm slowly but surely starting to pick up on.

Mind over matter Riley, mind over matter.

Notes

Therapy & Harry = a new and improved Riley Cutler!

What do you guys think of where the story is heading? Yay or hell no? Please let me know in the comments!

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Christmas is so soon!!!! I !!! can't !!! wait !!!