Chapter 5

7 years ago...

'Jenni sat silently as she watched her dad discuss with the doctors. This was just another of her frequent trips to doctors and therapists regarding her depression.

After Derik accidentally hinted at her constantly depressed moods, Taryn became more alert and observant over her. Eventually, he became convinced she showed signs of depression and insisted on taking her to the doctor for an official diagnostic.

"Fluoxetine.... treatments..." Jenni was only able to catch snippets of their conversation, but she beginning to feel anxious over what they planned for her.

Not long after, Taryn drove them home and began explaining that she was going to be taking 'happy pills' so she wouldn't be so sad all the time.'

The pills didn't make her feel gloomy, and Jenni became more bubbly as time passed. She had been prescribed them two months ago, and now that it was her 10th birthday, Jenni was feeling a bit daring. She was always reminded of Andri and Avi on her birthdays, and today was no exception. It seemed that the dosage of 'happy pills' wasn't strong enough today.

When her dad went out to bring home her cake, she went to where he usually placed the Prozac and boldly grabbed a handful.

'how much is enough? maybe she should just take another 40 mg...' after swallowing the dosage, Jenni began to feel a little lightheaded.... was this normal? It was a bit drowsy feeling... maybe she should lie down...

"JENNI!" Jenni could hear someone calling her name... it sounded familiar?

But she couldn't figure out who before blacking out.

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Joriel rarely interacted with her stepsister-- not because she didn't like her, but because she and her mom felt out of place. The truth was, Lauriel wasn't the mistress or the homewrecker. She just talked to her godmother about how much she wished Joriel had a dad, and that was that.

It wasn't like Grandmother Ye like Adianne Aubright as much as Lauriel, to begin with. When presented with the opportunity to replace her daughter-in-law, Grandmother Ye pushed for the marriage. Jori wasn't even her biological granddaughter-- her dad was some one-night stand.

Nevertheless, Joriel tried to be as gracious to Jennabel as she could. Unfortunately, her stepdad was extremely protective of her and seemed to think that Joriel might harm Jenni. Not on purpose of course, but Joriel heard that Jenni was on medication and was not mentally stable.

Now, she decided to talk with Jennabel on her birthday because she brought exciting news regarding Luciandre. But now it didn't seem like such a good idea, since her stepdad returned home to find his beloved daughter unconscious on the floor, with a bottle of Prozac pills spilled next to her.

Not exactly the best birthday image, eh?

Anyways, Joriel was going to tell Jennabel that she had just completed her three years training at Moonstar, and she heard that Luciandre was there. After trainees left Moonstar, they had the opportunity to mentor juniors there. This was a chance for Jennabel to reconnect with her brother!

Unfortunately, Lauriel had just told her that Jennabel would be hospitalized for some time and that she wouldn't be able to receive any shocking news or be overstimulated without serious health consequences.

Looks like she'd tell that Derik Varyn instead. He and Luciandre were best friends, right?