Thank you -- those of you who are such loyal reviewers. I truly appreciate it -- and it helps the writing flow faster. I hope you continue to enjoy the story -- again, I always look forward to reading your reviews.

Chapter 10 Keeping the Monsters at Bay

The morning was fun. Pure and simple fun. Emily and Ella giggled though manicures, pedicures, and a very strange facial. Emily had made certain ahead of time that they didn't use any chemicals on Ella's skin. Apparently that left only fruit. Ella couldn't stop giggling when she discovered that her face was covered with avocado and strawberries. After the facials, the two ladies were led back to a private room of the spa. The room was cool and dimly lit with a light scent of lavender running through the air and classical music being piped through unseen speakers.

Emily helped Ella climb up onto the table that dominated the center of the room. The little girl sat and Emily stood so they were on eye level with one another. Emily took her hands and held them between her own.

"I know you want to try this. And I hope it helps. But if there is anything you don't like or any time when you want to stop, you just say the word. Okay?" Ella nodded and allowed Emily to drop a kiss on the top of her head. "You are very brave." She helped Ella slip out of her cotton robe and under the soft cotton sheets. Emily pulled a chair to the side of the table so that she could see Ella's face. They were only alone for another minute before a knock sounded on the door.

"Come in," Emily called. The door opened and they were joined by a petite red-headed woman with a kind smile.

"Good afternoon ladies. I'm happy to meet you. My name is Meg," she said, offering her hand to Emily. "Welcome, Emily. And this must be Ella," she said, meeting Ella's eyes. Meg pulled a short stool next to Emily so she could meet Ella's eyes while they spoke. "Do you understand what we're going to do today?"

"I think so," Emily said honestly.

"Well, that's a start," Meg said cheerfully. "You're going to have your first massage. And your mom is going to stay right here with you. And if at any time you feel pain or you feel like you want to stop, you let me know. You will not hurt my feelings," she emphasized. "Are we agreed?"

"Yep," Ella said. Meg stood and pushed the stool out of her way as she began to prepare. First, she placed a rolled towel under Ella's ankles so she could rest more comfortably. She gently twisted the young girl's hair into a loose knot so that it was out of the way. Ella shivered slightly when her shoulders and neck were bared to the room's air. Meg noticed immediately and pulled the blankets higher. She used a slightly fragrant oil and began to massage Ella's scalp, focusing on the nape of her neck where hard knots had formed.

"You're not breathing, darling. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. In. Out. In. Out." Before long, Ella was breathing normally without being reminded and seemed to enjoy the massage. Once Meg began massaging her lower back, Ella cringed and shuttered but remained silent. Meg looked at Emily, who nodded for her to continue. Emily took Ella's hand and held it firmly, reminding the young child that she was still there. Slowly, the child began to sob. The sound was horrific to Emily; all she wanted was to make it stop; to make Ella's pain magically go away. Meg again looked at Emily but then continued with another nod from the mother.

Emily pulled her chair closer to the table and l laid her head close to Ella's. "It's okay," she whispered reassuringly. "You're safe here. Cry as much as you need." Emily continued to whisper reassurances as she held Ella's hands and listened to her cry in loud, painful wails. Meg continued her careful ministrations until the crying tapered off and the young girl's breathing returned to normal.

"I'm going to give you a few minutes. Drink lots of water," Meg admonished before quietly creeping from the room. After helping Ella sit, Emily opened a bottle of cold Evian that had been left for them and persuaded the child to drink. She then sat next to her and wrapped her arms around her.

"Are you okay?"

"I think so. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry."

"Don't ever apologize for feeling what you feel. It happens. We can't control it. You need to let go, sweetheart. That's the only way you can move on. I know it's hard – but this is a good first step. Are you okay to continue? Or do you want to stop for today?"

"We can finish," Ella said bravely.

"Okay," Emily agreed, smiling softly. "And remember – cry if you need to, do whatever you need to do." When Meg returned, she had Ella flip over and began to massage her chest and arms. Again, they were fine until she reached Ella's abdomen. Ella yelped and began to cry again, this time not as deeply.

Ella was quiet through the rest of her massage and even sighed contently a few times, a sign they all took to be positive. Once finished, Meg wrapped her back up in the warm blankets and patted her gently on the shoulder. "Take as much time as you need. It was a pleasure working with you today, Ella. I hope to see you again soon."

Emily kissed Ella's forehead and whispered, "You did wonderfully. I will be right back," before following Meg into the hallway. "Thank you," she said as she reached to once more shake the woman's hand.

"No need," Meg said kindly. "She did a great job."

"Is that normal, so much crying?"

"It is," Meg answered, "and I'm certain that is what her doctor hoped would happen – and will continue to happen. The techniques I use are called Cranio Sacral Therapy and Emotional Release Therapy. Both have been proven to work wonders with children who have been through abuse or other traumatic events. It helps release the stress and pain that builds up over time."

"Would you consider taking her on as a regular patient? I need to speak with her pediatrician and therapist, but I really think today helped."

"I would be happy to continue working with you and Ella. You have my numbers. I'll let the receptionist know that you're only to be scheduled to me. The other therapists here are highly qualified—"

"But you've worked with abused children before."

"I have."

"Then I would be more comfortable seeing you if that's okay."

"Perfectly alright. Ella seems like a great kid. I hope I can help."

"Thank you," Emily said again. "I should get back to her. But I really do appreciate your help."

"I'll see you soon," Meg said with a smile, "take care." Emily reentered the room and found Ella sleeping peacefully. She pulled the button that called for an attendant and arranged to have the room for the rest of the afternoon, or at least until Ella awakened. Three hours she slept without a terror or even a cry. Emily sat nearby, watching; hoping to keep the monsters at bay.