Chapter 15 Brain Under Attack
London, England
"Chris, how are you doing?" Susan the therapist asks him.
"I've been better. I don't know where to trust Bella or not", Chris says as he sits down in his chair.
"Unfortunately, that's only a decision that you can make", Susan tells him.
"She seems repentant, but I just don't know. She's not the same girl that I fell in love with", Chris says.
"It's only natural for people to change over 15 years. You're not the same man that she fell in love with, either. Her fame and success is part of the problem. You were her prince charming that rescued her career. If it hadn't been for you, she wouldn't have become a superstar. Do you feel responsible for the change in her behavior?" Susan asks.
"Sort of. When we were first married, she was more friendly and open to strangers. Since career skyrocketed, she's much more guarded. In the US, we couldn't even go out to dinner without people bothering her. In a way, I do feel responsible for the impact it has had on her", Chris says.
"At our next session, we need to have a joint session with you and her. How is Zak handling this situation?" Susan asks.
"He's handling better since I took your advice. He wants his parents back together. I can't blame him for that, but I try to reinforce to him that it may not happen. However, Bella tries to do the opposite. She can be very frustrating sometimes", Chris says.
"I think she may be threatened by your close relationship with your son. Instead of doing a lot of father-son activities, try to include her. It may help remove some of her insecurity", Susan says.
"Any other suggestions?" Chris asks her.
"You two need a long weekend together. I mean just the two of you – no Zak or outside interferences. The two of you need to do this for at least once a month. You need to spend quality time together. It will help you decide whether you want to give Isabella another chance or not", Susan says.
Chris gets up and leaves her office to rejoin Isabella.
"How did your session go?" Isabella asks.
"Good. Next time she wants a joint session with the two of us", Chris says as they walk out the door.
"Great. I don't know about this therapist business. I don't really doing this. However, I'll do it for you", Isabella says as they reach their car.
Berlin, Germany- Bella's Doctor's Office – One Week Later
Chris and Bella had flown back to Germany together. While in London, Chris had arranged separate hotel rooms for them. So far, the media didn't know that Chris and Bella were trying to reconcile.
Bella had gone to her doctor and had gotten a full examination as Susan had required.
Isabella had to return to the doctor's office to get her results.
"We have the results of your tests", the female doctor says.
"So, what are the results?" Isabella asks.
"We need you to have a MRI", the doctor says.
"Why?" Isabella asks.
"We think that you may have a brain tumor".
"If I do have a brain tumor, is it fatal?" Isabella asks.
"Depending upon the exact size of the tumor, it may be inoperable. If that is the case, we may be able to shrink it by using radiation. However, if it does continue to grow it could kill you", the doctor says.
"When do you want me to have the MRI?"
"Today. We have an appointment scheduled for you. If you like, we can call your husband so he can be with you", the doctor says.
"Sure", Isabella says as she leaves the doctor's office to go to the waiting room for the MRI. She's very worried. She's thinking of Zak growing up without his mother and she's thinking of Chris having to raise Zak by himself.