Chapter One

Chloe sat in her office, it was decorated with inspirational quotes and colourful cushions. She pulled open the file of her new client whom she was about to meet.

"Aurora Monroe

15 years of age

Suffers with panic attacks, was put into foster care 3 years ago after reports of abuse and neglect from her father"

Chloe sighed. In this line of work, you really do need to stay objective and not let things get to you. But being to compassionate soul she is, Chloe finds this extremely difficult, especially now that she has begun working with adolescents. A knock at the door startles Chloe as she gets up to put the file away. The door opened to reveal an African American women and a small blonde child cowering beside her.

'That girl cannot be about to turn 16'

"Hi you must be Carrie? We spoke on the phone. I'm Dr Beale but you can call me Chloe" she says greeting in her usual positive manor.

"Nice to meet you Chloe, this here is Aurora" Carrie says gesturing to the girl beside her.

"It's lovely to meet you Aurora" Chloe says offering her hand to the teen. She grabs it and shakes it appreciatively.

"I prefer Rory" her words were barely audible. Chloe nods in response and gestures for Rory to sit down on her couch.

"Would it be okay if I leave Rory?" her social worker asks, concern evident in her face. She was met with a slow nod from Rory. It was soon just Chloe and Aurora.

"So Rory, do you wanna maybe tell me about yourself? What's your favourite thing in the world?"

The red head starts off light, taking not of Rory's closed off stature with her arms folded across her chest, the mess of blonde curls covering her eyes. The girl didn't look older than 13.

Rory stared at her, suddenly becoming very wary of the woman in front of her. She'd learned she couldn't trust anyone. But surely sharing this tiny bit of herself wouldn't hurt?

"Strawberry ice-cream and my toy bunny Bluey"

Chloe's heart broke. She was so young and innocent, yet there was a whole iceberg of trauma hiding under her façade.

Soon the session was over, Chloe was only able to get a few words here and there out of the tiny girl. The whole drive back to her apartment, the red head couldn't get Rory off her mind. Something about her just triggered something in Chloe. She desperately needs help.

"Hey Becs" Chloe sighs as she walks through the door, dropping her bag. Her wife kisses her passionately.

"How was work babe?" Beca knew Chloe was strict about her patient confidentiality, but every now and then, Chloe found it hard to separate her personal and professional lives.

"I got a new client today, She's so lost and broken Beca" Chloe puts her head in her hands, soon the shorter woman was rubbing circles on her back.

"You know you're an amazing therapist Chlo, if anyone can get her to open up. It's you."

I will, I am not letting Rory down.