Characters belong to Charlaine Harris. I just gave them my hometown and a little bit of my attitude. New Jersey belongs to itself.
"So this is the source of your conflict?" asks Amelia. "The dichotomy of his character?"
Looking at her, I see that the therapist's eyebrows are drawn in. Dichotomy. I've noticed she sometimes hides behind big words to buy time while she's processing her thoughts.
"Yeah," I answer. "I guess that's as good a way to describe it as any…"
"Eric is…" Amelia falters. An uncomfortable quiet descends.
"Eric is a vampire, Amelia," I finish for her. "They really do exist and I'm dating one."
"Ah, yes." Staring at me, she hesitates on her next words. I know what she's going to ask before she does so but I bite my tongue on my reply, out of politeness. "Has he hurt you since that time on the fire escape?"
"No," I say, shaking my head.
"Has he hurt anyone you care about?"
I look at Amelia. He's hurt you. And you don't even know…
Wordlessly, I shake my head again. To say it aloud would be a lie. Not saying it aloud is still a lie.
We sit in silence for a moment. It's not a long time, but I find myself battling the tears that are filling my eyes.
"Okay," she nods. "So, what happened next?"
AN: I know this might qualify for the shortest chapter ever but I'm so happy to be back on this, I felt like shouting it out. Reviews - or words of encouragement at this point - always welcome. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And what's with all the new functionality on this website?