Ok I'm back hope you all still enjoy this story!

The next day Spencer awoke with a new sense of determination to begin her recovery. She had managed to get a few hours sleep last night, which was a big improvement and her mom had managed to snag a last minute appointment for her with a new therapist in Philly, Dr. Anne Sullivan. Walking downstairs she was greeted by Veronica, who appeared to be cooking enough breakfast for the whole of Rosewood. Pouring herself some coffee, Spencer was disheartened to find that she still had no desire to eat anything and it had obviously been playing on Veronica's mind too. Seeing that her daughter was once again planning to skip a meal, she placed a huge selection of breakfast food in front of Spencer and pleaded with her to eat just one thing. Giving in Spencer picked up a small pancake and slowly forced herself to finish it, each bite harder to swallow than the last. Finishing her coffee as well she went upstairs to get ready for her appointment.

An hour an a half later having showered and painstakingly changed her bandages, Spencer met her mom in the kitchen. Dressed in a blouse and black jeans, she felt more like herself than she had done the last two weeks, never out of her pyjamas or tracksuits. Giving her daughter a small smile for encouragement Veronica followed Spencer out to the car.

The drive across town was slightly awkward, Spencer's phone kept beeping with messages from Toby or her friends, but even though she was making steps to begin the recovery process, she just wasn't ready to let them in yet, especially not Toby. She knew she loved him and that he loved her or at least he used to, she wasn't sure how he could possibly love her anymore. She's damaged and scarred and she doesn't think she'll ever get back to the person she used to be, the person Toby fell in love with. Even if he could still love her, Spencer can't help but be scared, scared that she'll freak out every time he comes near her, scared that he'll leave her, scared that he's only staying with her out of pity and so for now she ignores his calls. She blocks him out and decides to focus on her appointment and being prepared enough to go to school tomorrow.

The waiting room, is not what she expected, its cosy, warm and empty and Spencer feels safe as she sits in a comfy leather chair beside her mother. The receptionist smiles politely at them and says that the doctor will be out in a minute. As the seconds tick by though, Spencer begins to feel agitated and fidgety but is calmed by the gentle hand that she suddenly finds clinging to hers, smiling, her mother gives her every ounce of assurance she can. Their loving moment however is interrupted by the loud tap of heels on the floor and then the strong voice of the doctor calling her name.

Twenty minutes into her appointment Spencer still can't bring herself to say a word. Dr. Sullivan sits across from her gently trying to help her open up but Spencer can barely breath. She thought this would be easier, still hard, obviously but easier. She lifts her head trying to shift her trance like state of staring silently at the floor and is met with a warm smile from the well dressed, middle-aged woman in front of her.

''It's ok to be scared Spencer but this is a safe place, ok? Anything you say here is confidential.'' Anne Sullivan starts,

''I know that'' Spencer snaps, ''It's just harder than I thought it would be ok'', she apologises.

''Why don't we start with why your here, eh'', Dr. Sullivan suggests,

''Ye right like my mom didn't tell you on the phone'', Spencer sarcastically remarks.

''No Spencer she didn't, but I did get the impression that she loves you very much and is really worried about you'', Sullivan adds

''She is worried, everyone's worried, and I'm really trying to get better, I am, that's why I came here.'', she quietly admits

''Ok so lets talk so I can help you feel better soon'', the doctor encourages but with a sad smile Spencer murmurs,

''I'm not sure I'm ever going to feel better again.''

Half an hour later Spencer greets her mom in the waiting room with teary eyes and a small smile. Veronica tries to enquire about the session but Spencer brushes her off with ''It was fine mom'' and leads her to the reception desk to book another appointment. The car ride home is once again filled with silence and awkward glances until Spencer decides that maybe she should try to put her mom's mind at ease, even just a little. Suggesting that they pickup takeout on the way home, Spencer can tell that her mom is surprised but she hides it well and nods her approval and the two drive to the nearest Italian restaurant.

The rest of the evening is spent eating takeout on the couch in the living room and afterwards Spencer curls up beside her mom and they watch a movie. The normality of the situation comforts Spencer and she doses off in her mother's lap, warm, strong hands gently running through her hair. Veronica too is comforted in knowing that her daughter will get at least some semblance of a peaceful sleep before her return to school tomorrow.