Chapter 9
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Marissa: So here we are at the hospital. Bridget has just woken up, and mom told her about Amy's death. Bridget has some really bad luck, doesn't she. Her big sister committed suicide, after a fight with her. And now, just when she and Amy officially become a couple, Amy dies in a car accident. Officer Benson here is about to question Bridget, probably standard procedure when someone dies.
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Benson: Ms Cooper, may I have a few words with your daughter?
Kelly: Do we need a lawyer?
Benson: You certainly have the right to speak to a lawyer, and to have a lawyer present before any questioning. However I should point out we have no intention of charging Bridget with anything since she wasn't driving. However these questions are standard procedure whenever there's been a fatality.
Marissa: I was right.
Kelly: With all due respect, I'd rather talk to a lawyer before we talk with you.
Benson: Very well.
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Marissa: So mom spoke with a lawyer, he said it was okay to talk to the police. This whole thing just increased Bridget's sense of survivor guilt. You might be wondering why Bridget should feel any guilt, she and Amy acted responsibly, not their fault some idiot decides to drink and drive. But like I said before, guilt is a very subjective thing. Bridget thought the other students in highschool were judging her, particularly Jill. I thought I saw the same look in others when I had the abortion, in both cases it was probably just our own guilt. Mom continued to bring Bridget to the family therapist, hoping this could keep her from making the same mistake that I made. Bridget admitted that she was having trouble sleeping, and the doctor wrote her a subscription for sleeping pills. Mom kept track of these pills, made sure that only the recommended dosage was dissapearing. And Bridget did seem to be sleeping better. So when she asked for a refill prescription, the doctor decided that one, and only one, refill would be beneficial. What neither our mother nor the doctor knew at the time was that Bridget was hiding these pills, one at a time, in her mattress. Why would she hide the pills, take none, and then ask for a refill? You know why. Mom did a good job checking on the pills, making sure Bridget was sleeping better. It just never occurred to her that Bridget was sleeping better because she'd already made her choice. And there is a certain peace that comes when you've made your decision. Mom didn't know it at the time, but she was about to lose both of her daughters to suicide in less than five months.