A/N: I apologize for the delay. I have been working on another FF, "Between the Lines," my first attempt with Achele/Faberry as the main couple and heYa/Brittana in the background, with a focus on BROTP Riveragron. Much thanks to all of you for taking the time to read, follow, and favorite this story! As always, any constructive criticism is welcome!
Heather is sitting outside, looking out towards Los Angeles. Jamie and Jenny's home is high above in the Hollywood Hills and has one of the most breathtaking views of L.A. that Hemo has ever seen. It a perfect California day: the sun is shining, the sky is pristine blue without a cloud or smog in sight. Whenever they come over, she always comes out here to think and to decompress. Right now, Nay is talking to James, 1-on-1. Her time will be coming up next.
She was trying to process everything she had gone thru over the past 3 months. Heather finally chose Naya; it was a non-decision. When she was going to break-up with Taylor, he sensed it and they mutually ended the relationship. He was hurt and so was she. They were each other's first love but they both knew that they were vastly different people than they met six years ago. Taylor was not surprised when Heather finally confessed that she was in love with someone else named Naya Rivera. He was the great, stand-up guy and friend that she needed in that moment. They always knew that they would be in each other's lives because, after all, they were best friends first. It was just going to take time to adjust to their new situation.
Heather took some time before she went to Naya. She wanted to be in the right frame of mind and didn't want Naya to think she was just a rebound romance. It was quite opposite, in fact. She knew, deep down, in her heart of hearts, that Naya was "the one."
Once she finally told Naya that she was free and that she chose to be with her, Naya just kissed her over and over until infinity, or that's what it felt like to her. Heather laughed, remembering how fast things went from that point, knowing that they were the epitome of how fast lesbians move in a relationship. The thing was that they all ready knew everything about each other: the best, the worst, the faults, the insecurities, the picadillos that made them uniquely Heather or Naya. They were madly-in-love and didn't see the point in wasting any more time. They made love, this time as girlfriends. Heather told her that she loved her for as long as should could remember. Naya told her that she loved her with her entire being and that she felt like she was finally home.
But then, they got into a stupid argument after Naya saw that Taylor was still texting her. It was that night that was the start of the slippery slope. She slept with Cory. She saw the red flags. She figured out that Naya was cutting and drinking again. She walked into Naya's session with Jamie last night.
Heather knew that last night was the turning point for Naya. She could feel it in her bones. She hated feeling so helpless in this situation. After everything Naya had done for her, to take care of her after she was the one who cheated. It was then that she realized just how much she loved Naya. Only someone who not only loved you, but was deeply in love with you, could put aside their anger to take care of you when you needed them most. And Naya did just that: she got her the morning-after pill. She rocked her to sleep and dried away her tears and soothed her, instead of shutting her out and leaving her. What Naya did instead was far worse that taking out her anger at her for what she did. Naya internalized the anger and took out in herself. The results were evident with the cuts on Naya's forearms and the many empty bottles of Grey Goose that she found.
She felt a hand upon her shoulder; she could tell that it wasn't Naya.
Hey Heath! Sorry, I know that Naya's still in a session with James, but i forgot one my files in my office.
Ohhh! Hi Jenny! It's no worry. They are both inside anyway in Jamie's office.
Jenny took a seat next to Heather and laughed at Fenway and Yankee bathing in the sun.
If I didn't know any better, I would say my dogs are working on their tans.
Heath looked over at them and joined in her laughter.
So, how are you, Hemo?
Me? I am okay, Jenn. I mean, I am more worried about Naya.
Since Jenny was Jamie's wife and they were all friends outside of the context of the professional therapeutic relationship, she did know a little bit of what had been going on. Of course, whatever information she knew was told to her by Naya or Heather. Never, ever from Jamie.
Jamie knew that having a personal friendship outside of the confines of the doctor/patient/therapist/client relationship is rare, especially when it includes their significant others. It is frowned upon in the establishment, to have a relationship outside of the confines of the office, for obvious reasons. The most important one of all is that it can be detrimental to the progress of the client. But Naya was no ordinary client and the circumstances with which they began this relationship were unique to say the least. Finding a fellow lesbian couple that Naya and Heather could trust, considering their stature in Hollywood was difficult. They had set distinct boundaries that kept all parties involved in-check.
Yeah, H. Me too. Being worried about Naya makes me worry more about Jamie.
Really? Why? Is something wrong? Heather says with concern, as she turns to face Jenny.
What? Oh, it's nothing bad, I swear. It's just that I know how much she cares about Naya. It's just been hard on her on a personal and professional level. I can understand now why that is not supposed to happen between a psychiatrist and her patient. Why they should not be friends outside of therapy, especially when Naya is still seeing her on a professional basis.
Wow, Jenny. I didn't even think of that. You are right. This must so difficult for her, seeing Naya as both a patient and as a friend.
Well, she does have her extensive training to fall back on and James does see a therapist to her decompress, but she isn't perfect. None of us are, right? Jenny says with a small smile.
That is a lot to deal with, Jenny. Even for someone as accomplished and professional as your wife. Seriously.
Heather put her hand on top of Jenny's and gave a squeeze of support when the heard laughter coming from inside the house. Soon enough, their loves emerged to join them on the veranda.
Baby! What are you doing her? Jamie exclaims as she gives Jenny a knowing look.
Doc, I am sorry. I just forgot this file that I needed this afternoon for my meeting at Childrens. I couldn't find it on my desk and then I realized I left on my desk, in my rush to leave this morning, so that you could start your session with Naya.
At that, Jamie's eyes softened. She always melted when her wife called her Doc.
But here, I got it, so I guess I should descend down before traffic gets any worse.
Jamie goes to walk her wife out that door as Naya takes a seat next to Heather. She places a gentle kiss to her girlfriend's bubblegum pink lips.
Hey.
Hey, baby.
Heather kisses her back and asks, So you doing okay?
Naya takes a moment before she answer.
You know what, H. I think that I am okay.
Just as Heather was about ask what Naya means about that, Jamie comes out.
Okay Hemo, your turn. Naya, do you need anything?
Oh, nope James. I am good. I think I'll just hang out here and check up on my e-mails.
Jamie smiles at Naya, then at Heather, to signal her to come inside.
Heath presses a kiss to Naya's forehead, as she follows Jamie thru the living room, into her office.
Heather sits on the fluffy soft chaise while Jamie sits across with her, a good 3 feet away. She takes a look around the room.
It's your first time in here, isn't it?
Hemo took a moment to see of that was true. Jamie was correct; this was her first time in this room.
Now, Hemo, I think it is only fair to tell you that I am only doing this session with you because I know how emotional last night was for both of you. I would never treat a couple separately and honestly, if you two were to ask me if I could do couples counseling for you, I would have to tell you no. It is already difficult for me to treat Naya, considering our friendship. I cannot be your therapist too.
Heather remembered what she and Jenny had just discussed.
I get it, James. This is a one-time only deal.
Yup. Good. Just wanted to make things crystal clear before we get started.
Crystal clear, J.
Okay, H. Well the floor is yours, so to speak.
umm. well. i haven't talked to anyone like this since I was a teenager, right after my dad died. a grief counselor. i saw him for like a year. so, yeah...
That's right Heather. I am so sorry about your dad.
Thanks Jaime.
If you feel like you need to talk about him, I will gladly refer you to my partner in the practice...
Oh no, I am good with that. Well, as good as you can be, when you lose your father at age 15.
True, Hemo.
Well, I guess I'll just dive right in?
Jamie gives her a nod of approval.
All of THIS is MY FAULT.
Naya cutting and drinking. it's all my fault.
Before Jamie can even interject, Heather continues-
Because of what I did, sleeping with Cory, it brought Snix out. It made her seek comfort in the Goose and the release of cutting. She internalized all of this anger she had towards me and this is the result, she manages to get out before the tears come tumbling down.
