Authors' Note: Hey guys! Not much to say about this chapter, except I REALLY hope you like it. Enjoy!
Story Title: Far From Gone
Written By: ButterflyCryx
Chapter Seven: The Duncans Go To Therapy - Part Two
P.J ran as fast as he could, his heart beating rapidly against his chest. His breathing began to hitch and he had no choice but to stop. Mr. Anderson wasn't too far behind and eventually caught up to him. He patiently waited for the teenager to regulate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide going in and out of his body then took small steps towards him. That's when P.J backed away and spoke.
"So when were you going to tell me? Mr. Anderson, or shall I say Dr. Anderson." P.J emphasized, shooting him a cold look. They were four blocks down from the office, just outside an alleyway. Paul gave the boy a sincere look but all he got back was an angry one. He sighed and tried to muster up some kind of excuse. Truth was, he had none.
"Look, I know you're upset and you have every right to-"
"Do you have any idea of what I've been through? Of what my mom's been through?"
The doctor added a quick 'no' but didn't break his eye contact with the boy. P.J spoke again.
"I thought you were just a guitar teacher. You never told me or any of your classmates that you were a therapist. Were you planning this behind my back or something?" P.J asked in disbelief.
It was now Paul's turn to speak.
"P.J, I'm sorry. I know it was wrong of me for not telling you... To be honest, I wasn't planning on this, any of it, but I did pick up on some signs that led me to believe things weren't right at home for you. Your aunt was the one that called our office and set up the appointment-"
"But she told you our names. You've spoken to my mother before. Yet you still made that appointment. Why? Why do that to me?"
The teenage boy was obviously hurt. Paul looked into his eyes and immediately sensed that he was protecting something. Whether it was his heart or himself in general, his defenses were definitely up. He searched for gentle and soothing words to say as the teenager began to pace.
"It's my job, P.J. I vowed to never turn down a patient the day I became a therapist. I wasn't going to turn you or your family down because of our student-to-teacher relationship. I know you're upset and it's okay to be. You can be upset with me, that's fine. But don't be upset at your aunt. She didn't know."
This was all too much for the eighteen year old. He couldn't do this, he just couldn't. He had kept every single scream, hit and traumatizing experience he had faced to himself and never intended on telling it to anyone. That was the vow he made and he wasn't planning on breaking it either. He shook his head then began to walk away, Paul following close behind.
"Just give me a chance. Please P.J, I want to help you-"
"I don't need help!" He spat furiously, making a few bystanders stop and stare at the scene unraveling before them.
"You can sit in your pretty little office chair and talk to my family all you want, but you sure as hell won't be talking to me." he made clear, giving the doctor and teacher one last look before turning to walk away again. Paul sighed then followed.
Returning back to the office, P.J sat in the chair he was in before running off, then avoided his families gazes.
"P.J, honey, are you-"
"I'm fine, mom. Just... please." He begged, not wanting to yell at her. His voice was calm despite the anger rising within him. Amy nodded at him then immediately backed off, waiting for Dr. Anderson's return. She was honestly furious with him, no longer wanting to have this meeting. Teddy sat there quietly, avoiding eye contact with the professional man who noticed the minute he spotted her. Paul looked at the distraught family before him then took in a deep breath. He clasped his hands together then broke the awkward silence.
"Alright, let's get started."
Helen had volunteered to take Charlie to a nearby park and said her goodbyes to the family. She whispered a quick "Good luck" to her sister who remained unresponsive. She sighed then ruffled Gabe's hair before walking out with her niece. Dr. Anderson looked at his clipboard and thought of who to speak to first. He eyed the small boy who nervously looked down at his hands.
"Gabe, you're first. Is that okay with you Amy?" the man asked, turning so he could look at the blonde. She said nothing but gave him a nod of approval.
Feeling like a deer caught in headlights, the dark-haired boys eyes widened. He quickly recovered then slowly nodded. No one else said a word. P.J was sitting by himself near a window, Teddy was sitting in a chair a bit further away with her hands folded across her chest and Amy was standing by the door, her demeanor unwelcoming. Gabe got up and followed Paul to a room.
As they entered, Gabe instantly took in his surroundings. He could tell that this is where the smaller kids went when Paul needed to talk to them. He grimaced at the coloring books and boxes of crayons that were neatly placed on the round table. He spotted the stuffed animals and toy cars on the floor and felt like he was going to vomit. How old did this man think he was? Five? Paul noticed Gabe's facial expressions then laughed out loud.
"Don't worry, were not going to use any of this stuff. I know you're way too old for it anyway." Paul teased, offering the seat across from him. Gabe looked at it momentarily before finally sitting down. He was now looking at the therapist before him.
"I'm not that old." he finally commented. Paul smiled.
"I didn't say you were."
Gabe switched his gaze to the floor and began to dangle his feet.
"So, you're ten right?"
"Yes."
"And you live with your mother Amy and siblings, uh- what are their names?"
"P.J, Teddy and Charlie. I was the third kid to be born." Gabe answered honestly. Paul nodded his head and jotted somethings onto his clipboard. Gabe watched the pen move swiftly across the paper. The therapist fixed his glasses before asking another question.
"How would you describe your home life?"
"How would you describe your home?" Gabe retorted. 'Clever kid' Paul thought as he gave the young boy a small smile.
"A bit rough, to be honest. Thanks for asking. Wanna tell me about yours now?"
Gabe twiddled his thumbs then sighed before answering.
"Good, I guess."
"Not very convincing."
The ten year old rolled his eyes then leaned against the table.
"Can I go now? My mom is out there and-"
"You're close to your mom, aren't you?" Paul dared to ask. Gabe's eyes flickered a bit as he looked directly at Paul. There it was. The therapist could tell by Gabe's reaction that he was very protective of Amy.
"Yes, I am. She's all I've got." he responded, his tone lowering.
"What about your siblings? They live with you too, correct?"
Gabe cleared his throat before speaking.
"Yes, they do... but... I, uh... I'm just always with mom."
"What about your dad?"
Gabe lowered his head again. He didn't feel like talking anymore. He just wanted his mommy.
"He's... he's... dead." he finally answered as his eyes got moist. Gabe couldn't believe the man that he had called his father, the man who attended every one of his soccer games when he was six (that's what each of the pictures in the family album told him), had the audacity to abuse his mother. Amy meant everything to him, he had such a strong connection with her... the thought of Bob hitting her repeatedly had crept into his mind again and Gabe felt like he was going to lose it.
"I'm sorry, Gabe. I know it must be hard-"
"No! I'm glad he's dead!" he blurted out, anger rising within him. Realizing what he just said, Gabe immediately shut up and bolted towards the door. Paul stood up to stop him.
"Wait, Gabe, don't go. We don't have to talk about him if you don't want too. In fact, we can make a list about the things you prefer to not speak about. Then, when you feel like the times right, we can cross whatever it is off of the list, together, and finally discuss it. Sound good?"
The offer sounded promising to the ten year old. Gabe had stopped at the door with his back facing the therapist as he listened to his words. He slowly turned then nodded.
"Okay." he answered as he wiped at the tears that dared to be released from his face.
"Okay."
Teddy, to her dismay, was up next. She watched as the therapist kindly walked Gabe back into the waiting area. They were the only family there at the moment, which the sixteen year old found a bit strange. Not taking her eyes off of the man who was now speaking to her mother, she began to wonder about him. What was his life like? Was he married? Did he have kids? Was he as kind and patient as he presented himself to be... or was he angry and aggressive behind closed doors? Teddy huffed at the realization that her father, while he was still alive, was both. He was kind and patient outside of their home, but angry and aggressive once he had a bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand. Too lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice Paul approaching her. He began to call for her attention.
"Teddy?" he said for the fifth time, observing her face closely. Teddy snapped out of it then sheepishly looked up.
"Sorry, I-"
"It's fine. Come on back with me and we'll begin." he replied sweetly, waiting for her to stand and follow him. She eventually did and now found herself in his office. Teddy scanned the walls filled with awards of recognition and some even for his guitar playing. She then remembered that he was P.J's guitar lessons teacher. That explained why he was so pissed off earlier. Paul sat in his chair and waited for her to join him in the seat across.
"You should of told my brother, you know. He's not gonna forgive you for weeks." Teddy said, looking at the pictures Paul put up on his walls along with the awards. He folded his hands on his desk then spoke.
"I would have, except I didn't get a chance to speak to him." he said, eyeing her. Teddy stopped and look at him.
"Oh." she shrugged then continued to snoop.
"Why don't you take a seat so we could talk?" he offered, kind as always. Teddy was hesitant but sat down anyway. She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat then folded her hands on her lap.
"So, how are you today?"
"I'm fine." Teddy said nonchalantly. Paul just looked at her.
"What?"
"You expect me to believe that, Teddy?" he asked, his tone gentle. Teddy rolled her eyes then sat back.
"No, but it was worth a shot." she said smugly. He laughed.
"You must be quite the character."
"Meaning...?"
He smiled then changed the subject with another question.
"How do you feel about writing?"
Teddy's face lit up and she gave him a geniune smile.
"I love to write, actually. Its a hobby of mine."
"That's great, would you like to keep a journal? You can write in it every day and I'll be able to read it at the end of every week. But, if there's specific pages you don't want me to read, I won't." he promised, studying her. Teddy took a moment to think then tucked a strand of her dark blonde hair behind her ear. She bit her lip while thinking then finally came up with a decision.
"Sure, I guess." she agreed. Pauk smiled then gestured to the closet in back of her.
"There's a stack of books back there and color pens. Pick whatever you want."
Teddy froze once she realized where he was gesturing too and found herself stuck. She looked back at him with glossy eyes.
"Um, I'd rather not. I can get my own." she said politely, hoping he wouldn't push the situation. He unfortunately did.
"Don't be ridiculous, its free and-"
"Please, just forget it. I'm not poor, I can get my own." she interrupted. Paul didn't want too, but he knew he had to question her once more.
"Okay... is there something wrong?" he questioned. Teddy blinked back her tears then felt a sudden wave of anger come over her.
"Stop! Okay?! JUST STOP! I know she told you!" Teddy yelled, no longer sitting. Confused, Paul looked at her, a bit stunned. He watched as she began to pace.
"Teddy, I'm sorry I upset you, but I don't know what you're talking about."
This made her even more angry.
"Just cut the crap, okay! I know my aunt told you! That's why I'm here, isn't?! Because I'm fucked up and I have problems!" Teddy said, tears streaming down her rosy red cheeks. She tried to suppress her breathing but seemed to fail. She was practically hyperventilating now and Paul had no choice but to aid her.
"Teddy, please, just-"
"Don't touch me!" she yelled, backing away. Paul stood there and thought of what to do.
"You have to calm down, you're having a panic attack. If your heartbeat accelerates any further, you can faint." he quickly informed her, watching her struggle to breath as she choked on her sobs.
"You tried to make me go into that closest! No one can make me go in there, no one!"
Paul analyzed her words carefully then realized what the issue was. Teddy was afraid of closests. It wasn't one of those phobia's either, but he knew she could overcome it if she tried. She was scared of them because someone, unidentified to Paul, had probably locked her in one. They probably left her there for countless hours, ignoring her pleas and screams to be released. He gave her a sympathetic look as she still struggled to catch her breath. She was now against his closed door, gripping onto the knob. She held her chest and squeezed her eyes shut. Paul inched towards her then offered his hand.
"Teddy, take my ha-"
"GET AWAY FROM ME!" she screamed, her voice screeching towards the end. The therapist put his hands up in defeat and watched as she sat on the floor, hugging her knees close to her chest.
After several minutes of comforting words, Teddy had calmed down and asked to leave. Before letting her go, Paul got a book and blue pen out of his two-door closet. He handed it to her and said,
"Please, write in it. I'm hoping to see you Monday."
Teddy snatched it out of his hands then walked away. He sighed then followed her.
"P.J?"
"I'm not going." he immediately said. The anger was evident on his face. Not wanting to force him, Paul let it slide.
"Fine, but hopefully next Monday we can talk?"
"I have school."
"Your appointment is scheduled for 5pm. I did that so all of you would be able to attend. I also wrote letters to your teachers so they could excuse you for today."
P.J looked away, not saying a word. Paul nodded then approached Amy.
"Shall we?"
The tiny blonde took a deep breath then followed him inside.
She didn't know what to expect as a mixture of fear and nerves churned in her empty stomach.
A/N: Amy's up next. Thoughts? Opinions? Review, pretty please?
