Chapter 22

       Dax called me earlier to see he and Isadora were going out for dinner with the twins. Wilder was supposed to go with them too, but he told his parents that he wasn't feeling well. So, Dax wanted me to go over to their house after they left to keep an eye on Wilder.

       I headed over there as soon as I saw them left. When I walked in with the spare key Dax gave me a while ago, I was greeted by Skittles 2.0 who was very happy to see me. I smiled and knelt down in front of him to pet him. "I miss you too," I said. "But I know Wilder is making you feel really loved."

       I then got up and took off my shoes before closing and locking the front door, then heading up the stairs to Wilder's room.

       And I heard him crying behind the closed doors.

       I opened the door and he quickly wiped away the tears. "Wilder, is everything okay?" I asked, sitting down beside him.

       Wilder shook his head. "Something's wrong, Atti. I keep hearing people talk but nobody is here. I-I don't know if I'm imagining it or there's spirits or what, but I don't like it."

       It was really hurting me seeing him like this. I know the doctors told us not to say anything, but what was the point? Things were going to get a lot worse if he didn't know, and if he was going to keep denying it then I would figure something out.

       "Wilder, I know you won't want to hear this, but there aren't any spirits," I said. "You have a mental illness, and it's where you can't distinguish the difference between what's real and what's not."

       Wilder furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you talking about? I know what's real."

       "Okay, but sometimes, you can't," I said. "Those voices aren't real. It's all in your mind."

       "Would you stop lying?" Wilder asked. "I'm not stupid. I know what's real and what's fake."

       "Wilder, please listen," I said. "I would never lie to you. You really do have a mental illness and it's called schizophrenia. There's nothing wrong with you. You're still you. You're still my funny, smart-ass, vulgar little brother. I would never, ever like to you no matter what. You really have to believe me. That's why I got you Skittles 2.0. Remember Skittles? He helped out your dad a whole lot, and when Skittles 2.0 came in, I thought he would be perfect for you."

       Wilder didn't even say anything else. No denying it, no believing it. I didn't know what he was thinking so I had to continue.

      "There's nothing wrong with having a mental illness," I said. "We all still love you and yes, you do struggle at times but you really have to believe me. I can't have you deny it anymore or else things might get worse with your illness."

       "Atti, you have to be honest with me," Wilder said. "You're telling the truth? One-hundred percent?"

       "Yes," I said. "I would never lie to you, especially about something so serious. You're really schizophrenic."

       While Wilder did believe me, it also hurt him a lot more. He started crying, so I pulled him into a hug. "I don't want to be," he said between sobs.

       "I know," I said. "The only thing you can do about it is continue taking your medication and listening to everything your psychiatrist says. And I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

       "No, you won't," Wilder said.

       "What are you talking about?" I asked. "Of course I will be."

       "Not when you have a girlfriend," Wilder said. "You're going to put her first."

       "Wilder, Orchid already knows that I have to put you first," I said. "Not will, have to. And she's completely fine with it. Family is a huge thing for her, so she knows exactly what it's like to have to put someone before their girlfriend or boyfriend. After all, she has to do the same thing with Nolan."

       "She won't be mad?" Wilder asked.

       "No, of course not," I said. "Like I said, she has to do the exact same thing with Nolan. If something happens with Nolan while Orchid and I are on a date, she would leave and I wouldn't get mad. If something happens with you while Orchid and I are on a date, I would leave and she wouldn't get mad. I'll always be here for you Wilder."

       Wilder nodded. "Thanks, Atti."

       "You're welcome. I would do anything for your annoyingness."

       "Well. That's rude. But completely understandable because I am the most annoying asshole ever."

       "Wilder, come on, you're not an asshole."

       "Aww....Can I be a fucking douche bag?"

       "Uh....sure?"

       There were times when Wilder was the weirdest person ever, and the only person who could understand him was his own father. I was like an older brother for him, but I didn't even understand him at those times.

       At least Wilder was back to his normal self. Well, for now at least. With his condition, I could never be too sure.

       I texted Dax to tell him that I had no choice but to tell Wilder about his schizophrenia, and he actually accepted it this time. Dax didn't get mad a me, even though it was what the psychiatrist told him. In fact, he was really glad Wilder accepted it.

       After I finished texting Dax, Orchid called me so I answered it. "Hello?"

       "Atticus, I really need your help," Orchid said. "Are you busy?"

       "Kind of," I said. "I'm with Wilder now. Why, what's wrong?"

       "It's Nolan. Something's wrong and I really need your help."

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:O

Lol, sorry for cut it off here but I have family friends at the campsite now and I, apparently, have to go bond. WHATEVER. cx I'll hopefully continue this tomorrow or Friday SINCE I'LL BE HOME.

ANYWAY, Atticus was in Forever, so why not vote for Forever in The Fiction Awards 2017? (lol get that shameless promo) Right now, Forever is in third place with 5k votes, right behind 2nd place which has 5.01k votes. Voting ends on Sunday and I'm just aiming for third place but it would be nice to hit second because REAL LIFE NOLAN FANNED ME ON YOUNOW. I AM DECEASED.