"Olivia, baby. Can we talk?" Mom asked as she set her things on the kitchen counter. We had just gotten home- she picked me up after she finished work because I had an after school activity.

"Sure." I threw my backpack so that it slid right into the doorway of my room. I was still rather annoyed that she hadn't told me- now it had been well over a week. It was Wednesday. On Sunday, I would be spending the day with Callie. I was excited about it. Also nervous. But, the main thing on my mind was my mom. Her nightmares. I was worried about her.

"I know you constantly tell me that you don't want me to hide things from you, that you're 'not a little kid'," Mom started.

I nodded. I did say that. It was true.

"Can we sit down please?" She pointed to the couch.

"Yeah." I followed her over, and we sat down. Maybe she was finally telling me. Probably not.

"There are certain things that I want to shelter you from. Things I don't think a 14 year old should have to deal with."

"But Mom-"

"Ah. I'm the mother. Let me speak." Mom's voice was soft, sad, but still got her point across. "That being said, I am not going to tell you every little detail of everything, because some things are just... there are things I don't want you knowing." Mom let out a breath. "But, I really need to talk to you about something... important."

"Okay." I bit my cheek. I wondered what it was. I hoped it was about the nightmares. I wanted to tell her to get the help she needed. I wanted her to know that I needed her to get the help.

"God... I really hope this isn't too much for you. I don't want you all upset or... stressed." Mom sighed.

"Mom, I can handle it." I reassured. I could handle it. I would figure out a way to handle it.

She avoided eye contact. "The main thing that I need to talk to you about... is that... I think it is best if I start seeing- well, a therapist."

I already knew that from my eavesdropping. But, her actually saying it to me still gave me a pang of worry.

"I need," She ran her hands through her hair, "I need help." She said, as if she was recognizing that for herself.

"Mom, whatever you need to do." It seemed simple to say that. But, I really meant it.

She nodded slowly, looking up at me. Her eyes were filled with tears.

"Mom don't cry." I whispered. I didn't want her to cry.

"You're... so amazing, Olivia. I'm so grateful for you."

I bit my lip, just nodding a little. I didn't really know what to say.

She spent some time composing herself. Clearly, this was a big deal for her. Understandably.

"I've been having... nightmares. I guess, you could call it that."

"I know."

Mom looked at me.

Did I accidentally say that out loud?

"I-I mean I-" I said quickly, searching for what to say. "The walls... they're thin. I... I heard what happened when Callie was over." I admitted, avoiding eye contact. "I was... angry that you haven't told me."

"Honey..."

"Mom, this is big." I looked at her again. "I want you to get the help you need." I felt the tears forming in my eyes.

I can't cry. I can't cry. I just can't.

Mom's face fell when she saw I was about to cry. "I'm going to get the help. I promise you that." She quickly reassured.

I rubbed my eyes in an effort to not cry. "How long has this been going on for?" I needed to know. I needed to know how long I had been oblivious.

Mom shrugged.

"Since we left?" I asked. I didn't want that to be the answer. I didn't want to know if I had spent so much time thinking things were getting better, when they weren't.

"I don't know, honey. It started, and then it just got worse. I see it now, I- Callie helped me realize... I need to see someone."

"I'm glad. But, I wish it didn't take that... I wish you told me." I whispered. I was grateful for Callie. That my mom trusted her, felt safe with her. But, I wish my mom showed a little more care for herself. I wish she hadn't needed Callie's coaxing to get her to get help. There was no way she didn't know she needed to see someone before Callie found out.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart." Mom frowned.

"What do you have nightmares about?" I asked after a few moments. Insanely personal question. But, she's my mom, it's fine.

Mom stayed dead silent.

It had to be what I assumed it was. What else would be scaring her that much? Did I really want to know, though?

I didn't want to say it. "Mom... did he hurt you?"

"What?"

I looked up at her.

She looked away, "Olivia, that is... a conversation for another day."

"Mom..." My eyes widened.

"Please, Olivia. Please." Mom begged. Her voice threatened to break.

I bit my lip. Oh my god.

"So you are going to see a therapist..." I quickly changed back to the original topic. Maybe I had gone too far.

"Yes." Mom nodded, collecting herself and then continuing. "I actually have been looking around. I made an appointment with one. I guess the first appointment is really just seeing if it is a good fit." Mom explained.

"Ok..."

Mom crossed her legs, and then uncrossed them. She took a deep breath. "Do you... feel like you would benefit from seeing someone?"

"A therapist?" I asked.

A nod.

"Um.." I didn't know what to say to that.

Mom waited for me to think, but still seemed rather nervous.

"I'm fine. I don't... have nightmares or anything. I'm fine."

"Baby, that's not the only reason you would see a therapist. Maybe just for someone to talk to, or someone to help you with things you're going through." Mom tilted her head. "I just wanted to ask you, it's perfectly fine if you don't."

"I don't need that." I shook my head.

"Okay." Mom nodded her understanding.

I looked up at her, "Thanks for talking to me about it."

"Thank you for listening."

I nodded a little. Of course.