Double Life

by Kctimes2

Very AU. No morphing time here. Tommy Oliver is very religious and shy. He starts college, and he gets a job. At his new job, he meets Kim. His life changes for the worst, is he too far from being saved?

27. Chapter 27 Rehabilitation

A/N: It's been about four months, since I last updated this story, so here's the next chapter. I know it's long awaited. My head is always filling with story ideas, and I run with those, but I know I need to finish my other ones. Of course I am going to update 'A Look Behind A Female Ranger' too. I don't know when it will be out, but it will happen.

A/N: The reviews for this story have been amazing, and a guest reviewer had not necessarily flamed it, but the person was not pleased with 'no one being faithful', Tommy accusing Kim of killing their child (with that happening, knowing she was on drugs, he's slowly getting on drugs and drinking more, is he supposed to be thinking clearly?), and blah, blah, blah. So, Tommy, TJ, and Andros haven't made the best decisions lately. Not everyone is perfect, we all make mistakes, but it's up to the person to make the change and become resilient after that happens. Sorry for the rant, but I would've confronted the person myself but of course it was an anonymous reviewer. By the way, for that reviewer, this chapter won't be for you.

A/N: This story is like my baby, and to be honest, I think it has more meat than '50 Shades of Grey'. Yes, that's a pretty big statement, but after reading it and other fanfics on this site, trust me, other writers can and have done better. Sorry for those who actually like the book.

Disclaimer: I don't own the song, 'Goodbye' by Amy Jo Johnson.

Chapter 27- Rehabilitation

Xxxxx

Passages Malibu
Malibu, CA

She had to arrive in style, not because of her request, but on the behalf of her father's. The limo rolled through the curvy course that led to the expanse acreage of this property. Her home for the next three months, maybe sooner if she decided to run away. And, she would love to, only because she felt forced to be here. Her sisters were concerned over her welfare, but honestly, this meant staying away from her love, Tommy, for much longer than expected.

Heavily sighing, Kimberly Hart-Mercer looked out of the closest tinted window. She made out the dark sky, littered with twinkling stars and the brightly shining crescent moon. It had been awhile. Usually, her nights were spent inside, whether it was on a stage, a closed off room with a male companion, or inside the privacy of her home shared with Tommy. Ignoring that fact, she kept herself occupied by counting the endless amount of stars. It was better than trying to pinpoint exactly where she was, knowing she was far from everything she found comfortable. Her second family, her countryside home, him... tears filled her eyes instantly.

Though they had been broken up for almost a month, she still missed him and everything he's been to her. Her best friend, bodyguard, lover, and something like a kindred spirit. His presence prevented her from relapsing. If anything, she led a normal life outside of the club unlike most strippers. He aided her in becoming toned down. Likewise, she helped him come out of his religious cuticle, and she was his first lover, showing him the tricks of the trade. Their relationship wasn't supposed to turn out like this, where they were separated, she was fully submerged in her drug use again, and Tommy in Reefside doing God knows what.

The petite woman, who used to moonlight as a stripper, believed he was the one for her. She wanted to marry him, and for two months she was carrying his child. However, her infatuation with opiates had something to do with the spontaneous abortion. After that, she felt her and Tommy were never the same again. Granted, he received fellatio from another woman and he dejected himself to Africa. There he cheated once more by penetrating another woman. Despite those events, Kim was willing to make it work. Sadly, Tommy had broken things off in a letter. He knew she needed someone better than him. Maybe he was right, but at this moment, she felt he was wrong.

Reminding herself of the past month wasn't the best thing for the former gymnast, she rubbed her eyes. The traces of tears were still present.

"Miss. Kimberly, it's time to get out now," Marcus the limo driver relayed, and he exited the driver's side and opened her door.

Dressed in casual clothes, her hair in a messy bun, and not a trace of makeup, Kim's eyes fully took this place in. Honestly, it kind of looked like a Native American Casino with aureate plated handles and door borders, clear, almost mirror like doors, a beautifully crafted, milky white hotel-esque structure, with an inviting, almost homey feel slightly present too. Yet, Kim still felt like a tiny goldfish swimming in the Pacific Ocean, which was actually adjacent to this place.

"Thank you, Marcus, for everything," she kindly showed her appreciation by hugging him.

Marcus had a heartwarming smile on his face and reciprocated with his own bear hug. For the past decade, Marcus had been the driver for the Mercer family. Before Kim had left for the Pan Globals, he had treated her like a daughter. Whenever Kim would engage in an elaborately thought out shopping spree, he would be the one to take her. For her gymnastics meets, he'd accompany her and was in the stands cheering her on. Anton was busy with work, while Elsa and Trent would be off doing their own thing. Marcus loathed how Kim was treated like a black sheep, but at least she had him. To this day, his feelings for her hadn't altered one bit.

"Miss. Kimberly, everything will be fine. I know you can beat this demon, and we are going to support you," comforted Marcus genuinely, while placing a soft kiss atop her head. "Is there anything else you need," he questioned, as he retrieved her belongings from the limo.

"Walk with me," she requested nervously, "and stay with me until you can't stay with me anymore." Kim looked up at the sky, and the five sided shapes, similar to a fish in the sea, were brilliantly irradiating. Mommy, I need your strength right now, she desired.

Just like Tommy would do, Marcus walked behind her. She wished for a cigarette or something stronger, but she wasn't sure if that was allowed. Taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the golden plated tiller, but the driver didn't allow it and motioned her away. She obliged.

The two walked into the place. The ornately designed foyer housed the granite topped reception desk, several cream colored couches, beautiful fire lilies and miniature palm trees. The patio door opened to a unique rock-scape which overlooked the Pacific Ocean. There were plenty of hallways leading to doors, doors leading to rooms, and rooms leading to various activities.

That didn't matter though; Kim loathed this place already.

"Good evening," Marcus began, once he saw the receptionist, "I am the driver for Miss. Kimberly Hart-Mercer, and she's supposed to be admitted for the services provided here."

"Ah, yes, Ms. Mercer," the receptionist called for, and she picked up a pre-made file. Her blues eyes met Kim and Marcus' brown hued ones, and she brightly smiled. Krista was the name of the worker, and she was a beauty in Kim's opinion. With clear blue sapphires, dark tresses, and a funky style, she wondered if she was single. Kim had her little brother in mind. "My name is Krista, and I also do the intake, since I'm a nurse as well," she informed, while Kim was really liking the idea of setting her up with her little brother.

"Does Marcus have to leave now," Kimberly wondered, as she was following the directions of the nurse/receptionist. She looked over her shoulder, and Marcus had placed her luggage behind the counter already. He's on the wrong side.

"Unfortunately, he does have to leave. One of the rules, only immediate family is allowed. I'm not trying to be rude, but we were only told someone was dropping you off," Krista earnestly answered, and then, she gazed over the paperwork quickly. She was not trying to make this a color issue, since that was her concern.

Kim gnawed on her bottom lip, wishing to hold onto the only familiar person she knew. Her guard would continue to stay up sadly. "Alright," she mumbled. "Can I give him one final goodbye hug?"

Krista nodded, and Kim quickly went around the table and to the front. Marcus was almost to the door. He turned around and faced Kim. She held a sad smile on her face, but Marcus knew she was overreacting. Kimberly was strong, though she's made some bad choices. In his heart though, he knew she'd conquer this. He engulfed her in a bear hug once more, whispering words of encouragement. The motivation she needed was in those words, but she nodded bitter-sweetly. Marcus broke the hug, and he left, not looking back at her.

That left Kim wanting to cry, but she maintained her ground. She faced Krista, who still held her inviting smile.

"Come on back, Ms. Mercer," announced Krista, and she led Kim into the nurse's station. She pointed to the examination table, and she began to get out the necessary tools that would be apart of this intake process. "When was the last time you used?"

"Probably before I entered my second coma," Kim softly murmured, while staring at the ground. She began to noticeably fidget. "Is there any way I can smoke a cigarette or something?"

"Once this process is done, yes, you can. Outside of your room, there's a patio. No one is allowed on that patio, but you. Unless you grant someone access," the nurse replied, and then she motioned for Kim to take off her shoes. "Please step on the scale."

Kim did as told, and she looked at the number. 105.6, that sounded about right. She went to sit down once more. She should've been used to a needle entering her, but naturally she hated it. A vial of blood was extracted, and then her blood pressure was taken. The compression from the cuff became bothersome to the woman. After that was done, Kim went to pee inside a cup. She had to drink several cups of water before any urine could come out. These tests would determine whether or not Kim would undergo detox. People viewed that the process was excruciating, but at this place, they were determined to make it bearable.

The clock read 12:13 AM, and Krista ushered Kim to her room. This place was accommodating and behind the doors was the patio the worker had mentioned before. The picturesque scene out there was pacifying. As Kim's luggage was opened, another rule was search and seizure, Kim exited to light up a cigarette. Her emotions were held at bay due to this chronic habit. As her senses were filled with the smell of nicotine and burning ash, she thought about what was to come next for her. She didn't want to let Cassie, Ashley, nor Karone down, but at the same time, she wasn't sure she was emotionally ready to face her past. That's where she would like to keep how she felt when her mom passed, the anger she felt after Anton and Elsa married, the loneliness after Trent was born, the painful situation due to the rape, and lastly, anything related to Tommy including her miscarriage.

"Kim, whenever you're ready, I'm going to go over a couple of things with you," Krista said, while she placed the file on the solitary coffee table in this room.

The filter hit Kim's lips one last time, and she inhaled deeply. She placed the filter inside of the ashtray. She entered her room and sat on one of the chairs. Krista's smile hadn't budged one bit she noted.

"Alright, so here are the rules. It's required that you stay at least 30 days. Some people leave and never come back, people leave and then come back, but to make this rehab stay successful, at least complete the first 30 days. The next 30 days after that are pretty much the same as before, but they're grueling. After 90 days, you can return to your normal life. Next, no contraband allowed, and there was nothing out of the ordinary I found. I do believe you aren't a cutter and need to be on suicide watch, right," she curiously asked, while Kim nodded she wasn't a cutter. "Alright, now visitation occurs after the first 30 days. I know this is cruel and during this time family is needed, but you can always cut that short by not completing this at all," Krista relayed, as Kim looked at the paper carefully. "The downfall to that, you'd probably revert back to your drug of choice."

"I don't want that," Kim whispered.

"Everything will be fine Ms. Mercer, you-" A hand stopped Krista from continuing. "Is there something wrong?"

"My name is Kim; we don't have to be so formal."

Again, Krista elatedly nodded. "Okay, now, you can Skype. We provide laptops for that, but again, we stress that it's only for immediate family. I'm sure letters will come from friends or a boyfriend or a husband, but we screen them. This isn't jail, but we do have some rules that are reminiscent of a jail. This is for your protection too. In addition, phone conversations are tapped, so be careful on what's said."

"Why is this place so strict?" Kim wondered out loud, and she hoped to not offend Krista, who evidently felt the same way.

"I know it's going to be hard, and you're probably going to encounter an uphill battle, but trust me, when you finish this program, it is worth it," Krista knowingly explained, while initialing off some papers. She pushed them towards Kim, and she waited for her to sign.

"Have you ever been addicted to anything?" Kim became a little interested in Krista's story, while her letters flowed perfectly.

The other woman nodded. "When I was 15, I began to use heroin. It was always available, and by 17, I needed it everyday. My habit was pretty expensive too. I spent about $400 a week... I'm not proud of what I used to do to get my fix, nor am I proud that I used to do it. One thing I can say, I'm proud to have let it go," the receptionist and nurse in one vaguely replied, but the caramel haired woman understood where she was heading with this. She sympathized with her.

"So, how old are you?"

"I'm sort of in between 20 and 30; Kim, don't you know you should never ask a woman her age," Krista playfully chided, while she kept her grin.

"Do you date younger men?" Kim wondered on the behalf of her brother.

Wowed by the question, Krista was interested on why she was asking about that. "Well, age is nothing but a number," she used a popular idiom as her solution.

"Perfect," Kim simply said, and she yawned lazily. "Since this place is full of rules, is there a specific time I have to be up?"

"Yes, actually, set your alarm for nine. You will have breakfast, and at 10, you will see the psychologist. She's a wonderful woman and even helped me when I needed it. You'll like her," she promised and not because she was biased. After a few seconds, she grabbed her items. "See you tomorrow morning, Kim."

"Do you stay here?" Queried Kim, as she hopped out of her seat and went to rummage through her belongings for sleeping clothes.

"Yeah, I'm the resident nurse and receptionist. Double duty means a pretty good check and rents free too," Krista added. "I hope you will use this program for every perk it has." She was completely unaware of what Kim had gone through, but she believed with a little bit of hope anything was possible. She was living proof, after all.

"Good night, Krista," Kim wished, and after her door closed, she changed quickly. Walking towards the side wall, she turned off her light. Once more she stared out the window, the moonlight cascading on the water's waves. She sighed and climbed into bed. As soon as she did, her head hit the pillow and she was done.

Sleep claimed her.

Xxxxx

10:00 AM- the Next Morning
Dr. Appleby's Office
Passages Malibu

"Good morning, Kimberly," Dr. Appleby, a plump woman in her late 40s, announced with a honest curled up mouth. Her familiar eyes were covered with circle eyeglasses. She had a pixie cut hairstyle, fair skin with very rosy cheeks. Kim alleged that Dr. Appleby overdid it on the blush. Her lips were adorned with a rouge colored lipstick, and she was wearing pretty shabby clothes for a psychiatrist. They were presentable, but aren't they supposed to be dressed in like office apparel, similar to a district attorney? Kim mused.

"Good morning," Kim greeted listlessly. This morning, Kim was dressed in just a black shirt, jeans, and black tennis shoes. Her hair was down, and she did apply a teeny bit of makeup. Her cheeks were a little pink, and there were no obvious bags under her eyes. In addition, Kim's left ring finger was bejeweled with the same ring Tommy had purchased for her birthday. For the past few weeks, she hadn't worn it for obvious reasons. Part of her wanted to pawn the damn thing to spite Tommy, but she knew she couldn't

Today, this thing would channel some strength for her.

After reading some of her intake paperwork, Dr. Appleby spoke. "Your blood and urine tests are still processing. That's Krista's department along with the co-owners of this place and the doctor that superintends the medical staff". She was obligated to inform Kim on the status. The true essence of her job though; that lied in her opening Kim up, which meant bringing out the emotions and the underlying issues that were fueling her drug use. "Now, I see that you got in last night, and how are you doing?"

"I guess, good," was the the response, while Kim's eyes darted all over the place except for the woman across from her.

The setup was like any other office that dealt with the heavy topics. There were a ton of personal and impersonal pictures lining the walls of this place, and there were even awards for her recognition, as well as her degrees. The couches were intently placed across from each other too.

Kim rested on one of the long sofas, and she was still sitting vertically. This was her first session. Anxiety aligned with her nerves, so she felt too antsy to lie down.

"Did you sleep just fine," interrogated the kindhearted therapist. Her client nodded simply. "Wonderful, that's always good to hear."

"Can I smoke a cigarette," Kim wondered. Even though they barely started, she believed this was heading nowhere already.

"Would that help you to open up?"

"Well, no, not really, but I'm craving it," was Kim's reply, and Dr. Appleby mildly frowned at her. "What?"

"Tell me a little about yourself, what were you doing before you entered this place, what are your dreams, are you married, have any ki-" The glare coming from Kim's eyes immediately silenced the doctor.

"I'm not exactly in the mood to speak about that just yet. Listen, I'm only doing this on the behalf of my sisters, and that's all. To be perfectly honest, I'm not as bad as other addicts. I don't think I should be here, and if anything, we are going to waste each other's time," the former girlfriend of Tommy Oliver rambled, but Dr. Appleby wasn't buying this. For that, Kim was beginning to dislike the woman. Huffing, Kim's arms were crossed over her chest, and she looked away with anger diverging in her eyes.

"Why were you so pleasant with Krista, the nurse and receptionist, but with me, you're so brash," Dr. Appleby wondered with some clue. She looked over the brim of her eyeglasses, while the tip of her pen rested firmly in her leather notebook.

"Krista's been what I've been through, and she was easier to talk to," Kim contritely answered, and she gazed outside the window. Escaping sounds really good right now, Kim thought.

Dr. Appleby became indifferent; Kim hadn't known anything about her life though. The plump woman got up. She opened her door and motioned the outside. "If you wish to leave you can, no one is stopping you."

Kim hoisted her body up. While approaching the door, Dr. Appleby passed her, and Kim thought nothing of it.

In no time at all, the young lady was in her room. She grabbed a cigarette and exited to the patio door. She understood the necessity of being an open person, especially in a place like this, but at the same time, she did feel forced to do so. If anything, these workers tossed her into a terrible experiment. One where she was physically, mentally, and emotionally pricked and prodded.

A knock brought Kim out of her personal thoughts. She placed her halfway smoked cigarette in the tray and headed towards the door.

Dr. Appleby greeted her.

"Mind if I join you," she held up her cigarette, and Kim looked at her weirdly, "I know this is your personal space, but I would hate to smoke alone."

"Isn't there another person you could smoke with?"

"I could, but she's busy. I would really like to join you instead."

"You aren't going to give up, are you?" Kim wondered, and Dr. Appleby shook her head. Finally, the firstborn of Dr. Anton Mercer conformed.

The two woman headed towards the patio, and for a while, the two smoked in silence. Dr. Appleby broke the unnecessary muteness.

"Have you lived in California all your life?"

Kim went to sit down, and she lit up one more cigarette. I might as well get this over with, she internally said. "Born in France, moved here since Dad was in the running of taking over grandfather's company and haven't left since," she watched Dr. Appleby suck up the cigarette with ease. She didn't take the woman for being a smoker.

"That's right, your grandfather is Arthur Mercer, and your father is Dr. Anton Mercer. Must be nice to be swimming in money," the older woman gushed, while the displeasure was evident on her client's face. She sat down on the free chair, and she looked at Kim earnestly. "You don't like the money?"

"Money is as important as air," Kim cryptically stated. She sighed. "Money will always be available for my family, but I haven't always needed their money. I've found my own means to have an influx of income."

"By becoming a stripper?"

"How did you know that?" Kim incredulously questioned, and she was concerned that her father had found out about her double life. Not that he wasn't already disappointed in her becoming involved with drugs, but taking off her clothes in front of grubby men, now that was a different story.

"Your brother and I have had some correspondence. That was one of his concerns; he wished for you to get away from that, along with giving up this drug habit," Dr. Appleby answered. "So, you became a stripper, huh? What happened to the woman that was in pursuit of an Olympic medal?"

"She's in here, somewhere," Kim mumbled, after she exhaled. "When I came to Reefside, it wasn't for that at all. I knew it was a big city, which meant more opportunities to escape my father's shadow. That would explain why I would inform people my name was Kimberly Hart."

"I see, but why stripping?"

"The club had just opened, two young guys, and they happened to know this was where the money was. I knew a little bit about the industry, since Florida did have them. Some of my teammates took up dancing on the side to fuel their habit," Kim informed, while Dr. Appleby's eyes grew wide.

"Are you telling me that some girls you knew were doing that," she couldn't believe it.

"Yes, but I hadn't subjected myself to that in Florida. In Reefside, I was new, and I didn't have any money. Knowing the benefits that came along with stripping, I applied and was hired on the spot. The guys that opened the business were dating each other's sisters. That's pretty odd, but it worked out, and on top of that, there was a very young woman and her boyfriend. They were a family, and they took me in as another family member," Kim elaborated further.

Intrigued by some of her backstory, Dr. Appleby digged in deeper. "Family? So, your parents and brother aren't your family?"

"She's not my parent or mother," Kim dangerously hissed at Dr. Appleby.

Doctor Appleby would find out more on that later. "Well, then, what happened to your mother? It does take two to tango after all," the older woman queried, while Kim appeared very sad. Dr. Appleby formed an 'O' with her lips together in some sort of understanding. "Cancer?"

Kim nodded somberly. "I was really, really young. Probably the age of three, but at that age, I thought I understood the world. When she passed, everything crumbled beneath me."

"And then your father remarried?"

"Yes, he did. After a very brief courtship, Elsa Randall became his second wife. Not too long after that, Trent was born."

"How do you feel about Trent," Dr. Appleby inquired, and she purposefully left out Kim's father and stepmother.

Kim wistfully smiled at the woman. "At first, I hated Trent. He seemed to be the apple of my father's eye. Part of me wished to have burned him alive for taking my father's attention away from me. Elsa and I never got along, so he could have all of that attention; that bothered me none." As Kimberly thought how much her relationship with her little brother has changed within the last few months, she became like a walking contradiction. "Now, it's nothing like that. He's my savior, and I thank him for it."

"Hate is a very strong word," Dr. Appleby didn't admonish her, but she was beginning to understand her some. Throughout her career, she's dealt with plenty of clients to understand their MO, or modus operandi. Not all of their problems were the same, but they were similar. In addition, those problems were the reasons that drove someone's willingness to inhale, inject, swallow, or gulp their potentially harmful 'remedy'. Dr. Appleby wasn't the one to judge, but she made her assumptions. Most of Kim's problems lied with her family; she hadn't assumed any other reason, but then again, this was her first meeting with Kim.

"At that moment, I did. My mother hadn't been dead for long, and then my dad marries this woman and they have a child. What am I supposed to think!? Accept Trent, love Trent, I couldn't do that since he is half of her," she maliciously countered. Kim kept staring at the ocean's waters, not realizing she was baring her soul. "But, that's not how I feel about him now. He's filled the void ofTommy's absence," just then, Kim covered her mouth.

"And who is Tommy," Dr. Appleby wondered, since that name was mentioned in an email between her and Dr. Mercer.

"Can we stop for today, I don't feel like continuing now," came the pensive response, and Kim turned to her. She wasn't ready to relive the fact that Tommy and her had broken up through a letter, their careless jail stay, and she definitely remained closed her mouth at the thought of the miscarriage, which he blamed her for. Then there was the cheating, which Kim made an excuse she had cheated with her drugs. She kept fingering the ring Tommy had given her; she missed him. Regardless of his and her mistakes, she hoped there was still a 'them' after this.

"Alright, well that's a start," the doctor happily commented, and then she continued, "tomorrow, ten again?"

"Yeah."

Dr Appleby exited her room, and Kim crawled back into bed. She snuggled with one of the pillows. Maybe, she'd write a letter to the family and they'll pass it off to her ex. Maybe not, while she thought about it some more. What if Tommy didn't want to be bothered with her? Kim wasn't sure. She held some expectation. After everything her and Tommy have been through, their relationship was more than just romp sessions, drug induced times, and dependency. Time, age, two other woman, narcotics, all of that didn't matter to her.

Xxxxx

Day 35
Kim's Room

After some goading from Dr. Appleby and Kim being forthright, the two woman were able to make quite a bit of progress together. There were more talks about Kim's mother and family situation. The young lady even described her relationship with Tommy and the miscarriage she suffered. She had yet to disclose her rape, as she wasn't ready to do so. It was evident the catalyst to the beginning of the drug's strong hold on her began after she was sent away for the Pan Globals. Dr. Appleby was able gather that much.

Maybe, she would find out more today. In just a little bit, there was a family therapy session. Anton Mercer, Elsa Randall-Mercer, and Trent were appointed to show up.

In time, Kim embraced the program for what it was. She became interested in the art classes taught here, and she even began to do yoga. Not only that, but Kim practiced her old routines for gymnastics. She still had a knack for it. And then, something she spoke a little with Tommy about was becoming a new hobby-songwriting. As the lyrics would form in her brain, her pen would make fast and furious contact with lined paper, computer paper, even paper towels. One day, she would perform them.

There was some correspondence between her and Andros, Ashley, Karone, Zhane, and Cassie. The news about TJ's double life bothered her immensely, but what they had mentioned about Tommy made her feel worse. Obviously, the mention of what Tommy has been doing wasn't bluntly expressed, but there was a ton of concern, which caused her to feel the same way. As she looked over the letter once more, Kim couldn't believe how broken her second family was. She partly blamed herself, she was the 'Hart' of them, and without her, they were slowly disintegrating.

As much as she tried to keep a bright outlook, she couldn't. Tommy, he was beginning to become involved; he was straying. Why?

Cassie and TJ, even with that monstrous secret, could be fixed. Kim might be insane for thinking so, but she knew them. IfAndros and Ashley were able to come out of Andros' terrible mistake, then the Asian and the African American man can.

She knew TJ would give up anything pertaining to that child after the illness was fixed.

God, that sounds so heartless of me.

Kim shook her head, there was too much to think about. Coupled with her family being present for their first meeting here, she felt overwhelmed.

There was a knock on her door. Kim inhaled a deep breath, knowing what was to await her on the other side. She warily opened it. Her frown momentarily melted into a cheesy grin. She flung her arms around Trent, almost suffocating him.

Trent teasingly coughed, warning her that the embrace was a little too tight. "What's with this," he questioned her.

"Shut up, I'm actually very happy to see you," she gushed, while still hanging onto him. She finally broke the hug, and then she looked him over. He was sporting one of his famous white shirts, expensively distressed jeans, and casual tennis shoes. In addition, his spikes were carefully gelled. He came dressed to impress alright. She did mention Krista in a letter to him, so he must've been trying to impress her. "So, did you meet the receptionist?"

He nodded. "Yup, sure did. She's a cutie."

Kim smirked. "Well, from what I know she dates younger guys. You should get her number," she ordered. Trent sternly looked at her. She did the same. Both ended up laughing, and then they had to become serious. "Are they here?" He signaled they were. "Where are they?"

"Inside of the therapist's room; they're ready to get this over with," Trent replied with a vast amount of fear. "Are you?" Fireworks were about to erupt, and it wasn't even the fourth of July; that was his opinion.

"Do I have a choice?" Kim posed the question, and she went to sit on her bed. Trent joined her. "Keep this between you and me."

"Go for it, sis," Trent obliged.

Kim had a heartfelt smile on her face. She liked the nickname, and she knew they would continue to become closer after this. "I had talked to my other family, and-"

"How are they doing?"

"Not that great, there was another bombshell dropped. Maybe two, if you count what I need to tell you," Kim honestly responded.

She got up and began to pace, her mind going at a million miles per hour. "Tommy's been... using," she confessed, and she turned to Trent. "It's my fault."

He didn't buy it. "Kim, are you positive?" Even though Trent and Tommy weren't on speaking terms, he was positive her ex-boyfriend wasn't like that. After several conversations with his sister before, he was almost sure Tommy was a preacher boy, who began to experiment because that was the thing to do. However, he wouldn't take it so far as to begin a habit on his own. Also, he knew the second family wouldn't enable him, knowing damn well Kim's in rehab. That didn't sound like Tommy, and what would he gain in following Kim's footsteps.

"Yes, that's what I was told. It was in this letter," she handed it over to Trent, and her little brother began to read it. "They believe he's been using something, drinking a lot more, and if he has been, Trent it would be my fault," she mumbled somewhat apologetically. Her mind regressed back to the previous months. It stopped on the first night her and Tommy met. She bird fed him the hits of weed, she demanded for him to build his immunity to marijuana, and she was there when he would drink so often. Hell, she paid for the goddamn liquor!

"Hey," he said in an attempt to calm his sister down, "everything will be okay. You will complete this program, and when you get out of here you and Tommy will be together." He smiled encouragingly. "And you will know the truth, whether or not Tommy's become addicted or whatever. You guys belong together."

"Are you sure?" The words caused Kim's heart to flutter.

"I promise that, and if it doesn't happen, then it would be no one's fault. Maybe, it just wasn't meant to be," Trent commented sincerely, and Kim nodded in agreement. "Now, let's get this over with."

The brother and sister exited the room. As they walked towards Dr. Appleby's office, Krista, from behind the desk, waved at them. She even had a big, lovesick grin on her face. Kim noticed the sparks between the two and happily waltzed towards Dr. Appleby's office. Then, her movements were sulky, and she was lurching forward, as she entered. The two were in the presence of Dr. Appleby, Anton, and Elsa. Anton was coldly drinking the sludge, which was atrocious in his opinion, while Elsa stayed closely in Anton's personal space. Staying as far away from them as possible, Kim sat on another couch. She was joined by Trent.

"Nice of you to join us," expressed Dr. Appleby cheerfully.

"Good morning, Kimberly," Anton greeted his daughter, while she looked away from him. "I've missed you."

"Dad," the tone she had was icy.

Dr. Mercer nudged his wife. She inquisitively stared a him. "What," she muttered, and he gave her a commanding motion. She turned to Kim. "Good morning."

"Elsa," slightly snapped Kim.

Dr. Appleby took some notes, and she made sure to notate the differences in the way Kim would act towards her father and stepmother and Trent. "Kimberly and I have been having regular sessions for the past month. She's come a long way. With that, I think it's time for the three of you to help Kim. Kim, this is the honest zone, tell your family what you've been telling me." And she hoped, Kim would disclose her stripping.

Kim became nervous at the three pairs of eyes gazing at her. She gulped, not expecting this to occur so soon. Honestly, she thought they were going to talk about the weather, maybe about what they've been doing for the past month, not necessarily jumping right into the gist of things.

Trent furrowed his brows and spoke up. "Aren't we supposed to have like an icebreaker?" Kim expressed her gratitude with her eyes, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

"You are family, right?" Dr. Appleby questioned the four people, and there was a nod from Anton and Trent, but Kim and Elsa didn't hint to a yes or no. She took off her eyeglasses. This was going to be a long day. "Elsa, why didn't you answer?"

"We're family; have been for the past-" Elsa coldn't answer fully, since Kim profusely shook her head no.

"That's total and utter bullshit," Kim jeered with venom. "You never thought of me as a daughter. All you cared about was getting your next Chanel purse or Givenchy perfume."

Elsa grew small at those words.

"Kimberly Annabelle Hart-Mercer, do not speak to your mother like that," Kim's father reprimanded, but Kim wasn't hearing it.

"Just because she had you under a spell, doesn't mean I was under it. Elsa, I know you hated me, however, I never gave you a reason to. If anything I should hate you for what you were and are now. Coming onto a vulnerable father, ignoring his own child, replacing his first born with your own, and now, you are probably up to no good," Kim angrily sounded off. "With father working longer hours, there must be something you're doing to supplement your time."

Elsa was eerily quiet, as she listened to Kim's outburst. "But I-"

"Shut up! Your voice sounds like nails on a goddamn chalk board!" she yelled at her stepmother.

At her outburst, Dr. Appleby shushed her client. There was no tolerance for bullying.

"Kim, stop," Trent attempted to calm her down, but he knew his sister was slowly going off the deep end.

"No, I will not stop. You have no idea what I went through when you two first got together, and what's happened after," Kim lividly updated them.

"Can I speak," Elsa wished.

"For what? What do you possibly have to say," Kim questioned her, and she frightened Elsa with her attitude.

Elsa cleared her throat before she stammered her words. Finally, she found her voice. As if the room belonged to her and Kim, Elsa spoke to her. "I have to admit, I didn't like Kim, at first."

"Ha!" Kim thought she proved her point. Quickly, she was silenced by Dr. Appleby, Trent, and Anton. "What? Like it's some big fucking surprise."

"I didn't have any kids, and I frowned on the big responsibility. Yet, I was so in love with Anton, I needed to accept Kim was apart of the package," Elsa started. "Kim, I never meant for you to feel like I took Anton away, but we wanted to get married. And at that point, we had just found out I was pregnant with Trent; we only felt it was right. I wasn't trying to replace your mom in any such way..."

"But you did!" The tears were clouding Kim's eyes, just thinkin about it. She didn't feel loved, and then she turned to her father. "Why? Why did you get married so quickly?"

The spotlight was abruptly placed on Anton. "I did it for the best intentions. When Elsa entered my life, she filled the hole I had. I just wanted you to be in a two parent home, doesn't that count for something?"

"No," came the answer from Kim. "Mom had barely been gone for a year, Elsa got pregnant, and then you married her. Shit, couldn't you mourn for a bit before sticking your dick in someone else's pussy!"

"Oh gross," Trent became disgusted with the thought.

Elsa slightly blushed at the intense words exiting Kim's mouth, while Anton flinched at them. He cleared his throat before speaking, "Kimberly, do not use those words against your mother and I."

"Mother?!" Did he not hear what I just said? "What the fuck? She's not a mother; she may be Trent's mother, but she's certainly not mine," Kim disregarded him.

"Mom, are you okay," Trent asked her.

She nodded under the circumstances. She knew she should've been nicer to Kim, but instead she chose to ignore what she viewed as a 'problem'.

Elsa Randall was 19 years old when she met Dr. Anton Mercer. She became an intern at one of his offices. They met, and Anton pursued her. So, he was eight years her senior, but she fell for his personality, the charisma he had, and of course she found him to be a wonderfully handsome man. The money was a perk too. Just shy of turning 20, Elsa and Anton had sex for the first time. She had sex before, but those nights were nothing like her and Anton's passion filled ones. After two months of intimacy, she found herself pregnant. Not thinking of his little girl's feelings or consequences, she became ecstatic. They married soon after. Elsa was in some ways selfish though. She went from taking care of only herself to carrying her own child, and then realizing she had a stepdaughter to think about. It seemed like overnight she had two kids; she might as well have had twins. However, one child wasn't her flesh and blood. She felt she wasn't held accountable for Kimberly Mercer's well-being, therefore, she coldly ignored her.

Remorseful for her actions, Elsa wanted to make this better. Furthermore, before she bared her secret, she needed for her and Kim to be 'okay'.

"Kimberly, I'm very sorry for how I used to act towards you. I know I shouldn't have been so frigid, so uncaring, but I admit I was," Elsa confessed, and she took another glance at Kim. Realizing Kim wasn't accepting her apology, she continued. "You are very important to Trent and your father, I would hate for us to still be on opposite ends of the spectrum."

The former stripper didn't say anything, nor did she even care.

"Trent, how are you feeling about your mother not caring for Kim," Dr. Appleby interrupted the evident tension between the stepmother and stepdaughter, and she was beginning to get a migraine.

"To be honest, I thought Kim was lying. I really did think my mom cared for Kim, but now that I look back on it she never did," answered Trent. His head was out of the gutters. His family was more torn up than he realized.

"It just took awhile," Elsa spoke her defense, but Kim scoffed at her. "Am I that horrible? You never gave me a chance either."

"Was I supposed to," Kim shook her head, knowing this was really heading nowhere. "Can I smoke a cigarette? If anything, we are just going back in circles."

"Yes, we'll take a 15 minute break," Dr. Appleby motioned towards the door, and Kim promptly left. After Kim left, she observed the tattered family. When her family was undergoing the same issues, they worked together and bounced back in no time. For this family, they were far from becoming one and singing 'kumbaya' together. "Is anyone else leaving for a smoke break?"

"I don't smoke," Trent declined the offer, and Elsa shook her head.

Anton got up, and that was mildly shocking to his wife and son. Unsure of where his daughter went, Anton headed to her room. He was told of the location earlier, so he followed the directions. He knocked on the door. There was no answer, so he hoped it was unlocked.

It was.

He slowly crept inside, thinking he had closed the door. Just beyond the patio doors, he saw his daughter, puffing away. He headed in that direction, finally opening his mouth to announce his presence. "We need to talk," he requested severely.

She yelped in surprise. Her cigarette was carelessly tossed to the ground. She frowned. "Can't you warn me before entering? What if you were an intruder? What if I was doing something?"

"What else could you be doing on here?"

"I don't know, Dad," she mocked irately. "What are you doing here anyways? I thought I left you with your wife, Trent, and Dr. Appleby."

He got out a pack of his own cigarettes, and he took one out. Fidgeting inside of his pant pocket, he couldn't find his lighter. Kim held her lighter out and lit it up.

"Feel cool that you're smoking?" She rolled her eyes.

"We never used to be like this, you know?"

"I could hardly remember how we used to be," her chest hovered over the railing, as she concentrated on the waves erratically thrashing in the distance. The breeze touched her face, and she missed when Tommy's kisses used to do that. She sighed, not wanting to think about him, but he would make this endeavor a lot easier.

Again, her thoughts drifted towards him. He was the calming force she needed in her life; she was able to stray her away from opiates for some time. The sad part, he couldn't keep her fully away. They used marijuana together, they drank together, and it seemed the process was forming a cycle. That's something she hated, but what could she do? How could she help him, knowing damn well she needed help herself. Would Tommy even want help? How severe was his problem? Was her family overreacting? Those questions were tossed inside of her brain.

"What you've done to yourself is not about my marriage to Elsa, nor is it about Trent being your baby brother. Is it?"

"Nice one, Dr. Phil," she sarcastically muttered.

Anton exhaled his puff, and he earnestly gazed at his daughter's profile. He could tell she was keeping something from them. "Is this about Tommy and the miscarriage?"

"Leave him out of this," she deathly ordered and escaped to her room. She didn't have enough time to lock him out, even though she desperately vied to. "Dad, I don't want to talk about the baby I couldn't carry to term, or the fact that I was blamed for the death either."

"Talk to me then," Anton urgently requested, since he knew the sensitivity of these subjects affected her. He should've kicked himself for even wondering about that.

During that time it had been several years since he last saw his daughter. She had been hiding from him, and then he found out her connection to one of his interns. Via Thomas Oliver, he was informed of his daughter's coma. He went with his student to confront her. In that room, he was so angry with his daughter about everything. He even said some very crushing things to her, while she barely found out about her spontaneous abortion. His vicious words put the match to a can of gasoline, and the fire erupted. She kicked him out of the room with reason.

He wished, wanted, desired for them to fix their relationship. They never got any better.

Anton was barely in his 20s when him and his wife had Kim. The new parents spoiled her rotten, and she was inevitably daddy's little girl. He thought back to the time when Kim was tiny enough to sit on his lap. She would be at his desk, wide eyed, getting her fingers on every single thing on there. He gave her a piece of chocolate to calm her nerves, and she cutely ate it. That was a distant memory, since he realized that little girl has grown up. She didn't need him anymore. If anything, he was like poison, and she couldn't stomach anything to do with him, which was disheartening.

"There's nothing else to talk about," she adamantly stated. "Dad, you already know I'm not happy with how our relationship turned out either. I'm not happy that it took me this long to accept Trent, knowing we share part of the same blood line. Our family is very dysfunctional." She placed her knees up to her chest, as she sat near the headboard. She seriously looked into his blue eyes, as they made eye contact. "Do you really have any idea what I've been through," she queried, and he going to speak, but she didn't let him answer. "No, really, what I've encountered in my life."

"A closed mouth doesn't get fed," he simply said. "Until you open up to me and Elsa like you've done with Trent and Dr. Appleby, we will never get over these barriers."

She doesn't know everything, Kim mused to herself. He was right about one thing, she hadn't divulged her secret. Yes, she opened up to Tommy, her last rendezvous with Salvia flooded her brain and transferred her back to that dreaded night. Other than that, and even after all these years, she couldn't say what happened.

"I'm sorry, I can't," she apologized genuinely. "I'm so sorry, dad."

Unexpectedly, Anton wrapped his daughter into a heartfelt hug. He hated to see her like this, and he wished to erase whatever she's been through. Surprised by the motion, Kim didn't reciprocate the hug. It was his next words that let her wall breakdown.

"We will get through this together," he sincerely vowed.

Hesitantly, her arms unfolded from the secure wrapping of her legs. Ultimately, she engulfed his waist with her arms. Instantly, she felt like a little girl again-in her leotard, hair in two high ponytails, wearing sandals, and her father handing her the smooth chocolate. She cried in front of him.

If only her mother was here to see.

From the door's opening, Trent and Elsa watched them. Surprisingly, there was a tear in the corner of the 'evil' stepmother's eye. Lovingly, Trent embraced her.

"We're going to be okay," he encouraged, she nodded, even though she didn't feel like it. She needed to come clean eventually.

Xxxxx

Day 50
Dr. Appleby's Office

"Kimberly, isn't there something you would like to share with us today," questioned Dr. Appleby, and she nodded for her patient to continue.

It had been almost two months since Kim entered treatment, and she was letting her addiction go. After confronting a majority of her problems head on, she was growing stronger and finally expressing no need to relapse. For that, she became ecstatic. Though Kim didn't want to, she had confessed the traumatic event that subsequently threw her into an unnerving, drugged tailspin. Dr. Appleby honestly had no clue Kim had been through a rape. There were plenty of tissue boxes used that day, and Kim substantially felt better. Even the therapy sessions with her biological family were smoother than before.

To truly get past this though, Dr. Appleby advised Kim to tell her family, since it would set her free. Also, and this was a big maybe, they would become close over this.

Understandably, Kim dreaded this, but she knew it was necessary. "I, uh, um, this happened-" Kim stammered, but Elsa rose her hand. "What is it?" She gave her stepmother her undivided attention. She was grateful for the stall.

Trent, Anton, and Dr. Appleby looked on with interest. Any hint to Elsa wishing to speak on a matter was unfound.

"Anton, I need to tell you something," she faced him, and in her body language, this woman was nervous. Her fingers shifted from left to right; her feet did the same.

"Mom, what's wrong," Trent asked, concerned for her.

"You can tell me anything," Anton promised his wife of the past two decades. She whispered her secret, which was very dramatic in the occupants' point of view. Visibly shaken by her news, he abruptly left. There were no words exchanged. He didn't even take a second look back.

Elsa broke down, and Trent got up and went to her side. He consoled his mother the best he could, while Kim and the doctor had question marks all over their faces.

"What just happened," Kim wondered curiously, but she didn't like this one bit. Her dad, the calculating business man, the one that hardly smiled, and the epitome of intimidation, he left the room so quickly. His first born was appalled. "What did you tell him?"

"Don't make me repeat it," the wife of Dr. Anton Mercer stressed, and she was definitely ashamed of herself.

"Tell me, mom," Trent urged, and she did. Trent never anticipated her secret. On the other hand, he finally comprehended her long shopping trips, her late night gym sessions, and the other times she would mysteriously disappear. His father was always swamped with work, but it was so she never had fend for herself. He couldn't believe the selfishness she's exhibited, and for that, he was unsure of what to do next. He completely ignored her and went back to the couch with Kim.

Elsa sobbed harder than before. "I'm sorry, Trent. You have to believe me," she pleaded.

"What's going on," Dr. Appleby interrogated expectantly, and Kim agreed. Both women felt out of the loop.

"Tell her, mom," Trent challenged her, since he knew Kim would go ballistic over his mom's clandestine relationship.

Instead of revealing the truth, Elsa walked out of there. Although he might not want to see her, she didn't care. Her desire was to make him see where she was coming from; even more, she hoped they could get past this.

In spite of everything, it ended just before Kim had entered rehab, and it was on her behalf. Both parties knew they could've continued though.

"Trent, what the fuck is going on? Why is dad so upset?" Kim grilled her brother, and he solemnly glanced at her. He quietly voiced the answer, and she couldn't believe the truth. "We gotta find him," she sympathized with her father. After all, Tommy did the same thing Elsa did.

Before this session could even start, it had already ended. Dr. Appleby heavily sighed. This family had been through quite a bit, and now with this added news, it seemed like someone was out to get them. "Why don't we reschedule, Trent," Dr. Appleby requested in a soft voice. She was no psychic, but she knew what's occurred.

He nodded the same sentiment, but the three of them wouldn't call it quits anytime soon, since Anton had stomped back into the room. Elsa rounded out the back, and she closed the door. Not sure where to sit, she remained upright.

"Sit down," Anton commanded infuriatingly, and he signaled the farthest spot on his couch. Elsa obeyed, and she sat with her head facing the ground. "Who is it?" The anger radiated from his body, and since she was within his proximity, Elsa's anatomy developed a vast amount of anxiety. She had never felt around her husband before.

"You don't know him, he's just this guy I met at the gym," Elsa feebly explained; she attempted to touch her husband much to his dismay.

He shrugged her off. Anton continued to look ahead, his head resting on his interlocked hands, while both elbows leaned on his knees. He couldn't believe this was happening to him—to them. All the years they've been together, and she does this. He wanted to kill the man that shared his wife's body for almost four months.

"Why," Kim asked, still a little shocked, and the anger supplying her motivation to lunge at this woman. But, and this was a big but, she couldn't do this to Trent nor the family. Also, it was no secret, Elsa would endure damage at Kim's hands. She passively took another approach. "My father loved, loves you, and I don't get why you did this to him."

"I second that," Trent vouched, and he became enraged with his own mother. "If things between you and dad were so bad, then why didn't you just separate, divorce, and then do that. Instead, you did the cowardly thing and cheated."

"It wasn't supposed to continue," she promised them. "It began at the gym, okay. Our machines were side by side, we always talked, and then, one morning, we were heading towards the showers, but he didn't go to the mens' bathrooms, he came to mine. We ended up consummating, and that was supposed to be it," she elaborated further. After thinking about this some more, she was absolutely wrong for doing this to her husband. "Then the phone conversations became frequent, he missed me, he loved my company, he needed me, and I missed being wanted," she also provided ineffectively. "After, Kim's drug addiction became worse, I stopped it. I'm so sorry; I shouldn't have thought about my needs."

"You stopped it now, but why not before it happened, or at the very least, stopped after the first time. Obviously, he had something you wanted. You wanted to lay in bed with some asshole unbeknownst to me, our son, and my daughter, and you expect to just be forgiven? You are sadly mistaken Elsa," Anton heckled exasperatedly. "I work my tail off practically, and you sit at home, in the finest clothes, the most expensive accessories, you drive the nicest cars, hell you don't even need a goddamn car! And you bring this up. Here, out of all places, this isn't about you. My daughter needs help."

"It should've been revealed now and in the presence of Kim. I know I hurt you in the worst possible way, and I was stupid for doing this. I take full responsibility. You have been my husband for 20 years, and I don't want this to break us," she cried again. "Please Anton, listen to me. I do love you, and I'm sorry for doing this to us!" She knew what she did was wrong, but she hated being his robotic companion. She loathed sleeping alone at nights, and she disliked filling her loneliness with extra shopping trips on his behalf. Honestly though, she shouldn't have began the damn thing in the first place. She gulped down what felt like knives in her throat, which was sore after the crying she had already done.

Dr. Appleby had a sad face, and she turned to Kim. "How do you feel about this?"

"To be honest, I am shocked that Elsa would do this to my dad. I may dislike Elsa, but she does love him. When I was younger, I witnessed it," Kim began, after she considerably calmed down and became rational. Up to this time, she wished for something bad to happen to Elsa, whether it was a car accident or her father leaving her. However, this changed the ballgame, and she hoped to fix whatever they had left. No, Kim was not bipolar in anyway. The reason for her sudden change, her father was happy with her. "I would be glaring daggers her way, but she wouldn't notice due to that twinkle she had in her eye. I was envious of seeing her happiness. It almost made me sick," Kim detailed. "I hate that she's cheated, after all, Tommy has cheated on me too," at his daughter's admission, Dr. Mercer became even more upset, but Kim simply motioned everything was fine. "Whatever reason or reasons she might have, I do believe she's accepted what she's done as an act of betrayal. It's really up to my dad on what he's wishes to do."

Immediately, Anton, Elsa, Trent, and Dr. Appleby's head rapidly extended upwards that it could've caused whiplash. It was preposterous to know Kim would defend Elsa so amicably. Their first counseling session had improved immensely, and they were noticing the change in her. This change was gradual and long awaited for.

"So you don't want to hurt her," Trent was the first to speak.

"What would that accomplish," Kim countered, and Trent shrugged.

"This is something like a crisis, and you are so casual about it," this bothered him a lot more than it obviously bothered her. "After your words about her before, I thought you'd powerfully launch yourself on her body, straddle her, and knock her until she needed the ambulance."

"Again, what would that accomplish? Would it take back what she's done? Would it erase the hurt dad's feeling? No, it would not. I mean, it would be gratifying to release some anger and stress, but honestly, it's not worth it. Let father and Elsa settle their differences, and we can be there to support the two," she retorted.

Dr. Appleby smiled at Kim, and then she turned to her patient's father. "Anton, how are you feeling right now?"

"I'm hurt," he curtly replied, and he couldn't loosen his tense body. "May I take a break?"

"You just came back," exclaimed an overzealous Elsa with reddened eyes. "Please, I need to speak with you about this. Make this better, something."

Kim's genuine speech was apparently overlooked. Her and Trent were beginning to feel stressed over this situation.

"I'd rather not. Why don't we go back to Kim," Dr. Mercer offered, as his daughter paled. Now, she wished she had been a little more combative to avoid speaking further. "What did you need to say?"

Sensing her apprehension, Dr. Appleby interjected abruptly. "Elsa, is there anything else you want to say?" The wife of Dr. Mercer shook her head, getting the hint her husband wasn't going to talk about the extramarital affair some more. "Trent, what about you?" He shook his head, at a loss for words. Mouthing 'sorry'-she knew this confession would be too much for this family- Dr Appleby signaled that the floor was hers.

She knew she needed to get this over with, but she was frightened to confess what happened in Florida. There was a picture on the wall, it was what Kim presumed to be a younger Dr. Appleby and a little girl around the age of seven. The tot had very dark hair, and the prettiest eyes. She concentrated on that. "When I left for the Pan Globals, it was my escape. Therefore, I held the control of my life. I didn't though; my problems worsened. Father and Elsa, I'm sorry for the way I used to act. I should've been a more understanding and loving daughter."

"Kim, no, I should've been more accepting of you. Instead, I became filled with anxiety and knew my adult life was gone. I don't regret Trent at all, but during that time I resented being a parent," Elsa opened up as well. Trent understood, and Anton nodded how he used to see his wife stressed out.

"On the other hand, I did train. I was going to compete, and I was going to make mother proud. She's the one that started me in gymnastics. Instead, I felt some inadequacy, and I held a significant amount of resentment towards you three. With that, I resorted to using drugs as a way to escape. It was the ultimate stand against all the morals I held and was expected to uphold in another state. Plus, the peer pressure from my teammates haunted me. It started with marijuana, and then I began to drink. Following that, a teammate of mine introduced me to opiates. She described them as haven's cure for the fallen. I swallowed three, then I drank a pack of wine coolers," she depicted her first experience from back then. Everyone listened carefully to her words, her family unprepared for what was ahead. "I can't fully describe the feeling of it, but I was in love and faithful to them. Pharmaceutical parties were the best, and my teammates and I always found one to attend."

"Where are you heading with this," Trent wondered, and Dr. Appleby silenced him with her authoritative hand. "Sorry."

Kim sadly smiled at her little brother and continued. "The dosages became bigger, then, I found different avenues. My nose snorted them, my mouth smoked them, and even worse, my arms intravenously sucked them up. There was one night in particular though..." For a moment, she stopped speaking. In her eyes, there was darkness, though she still concentrated on the picture nailed to the wall. Comfort, curiosity, and courage was displayed in that solitary photograph. "I had been smoking for a few hours, and then it happened out of nowhere."

"What happened," Anton questioned his daughter. Finally, Kim faced him, and she transformed into a little girl. The one before Elsa came around, and the one he always wished for.

"Daddy," she youthfully called her father. The word absolutely warmed not only his heart, but the therapist, her little brother, and even her stepmother. "I'm so-so-sorry for everything," she croaked, and Anton didn't want to hear it. He shook his head at his daughter signaling her to stop, but being stubborn she didn't listen to his request. "I should've really been better, and I should've paid attention to my surroundings more. I was so fucking inebriated that night, and I just-"

"What are you talking about," the fahter was beginning to wonder what's happened. She practically spoke in one big circle.

"I went there pure, but I unwillingly came home tainted," she inexplicably announced for the group. A few tears cascaded down her flushed cheek.

After that, there was a pregnant pause, her family still trying to grasp what she was saying. Explicitly, Anton's rage was growing at a rapid pace, while Trent began to clench his fingers into a tight ball. She had to be joking, but why would she joke about this. Elsa, once again, became frighteningly quiet. Maybe she should've waited to disclose her secret. Then again, how did she know something of his magnitude happened to her stepdaughter.

"I shouted no, I pushed him off futilely, and I begged for him to stop. Instead, he kept ramming into me harder than before," she explicitly pictured, even though it hurt her to do so. She knew everything should come out into the light, so she forged through. "He hurt me, there was blood, and he vulgarly demanded I reciprocate. I didn't though." They fell faster, and she rocked back and forth. "I should've been stronger."

"Stronger for what? Yeah, you fight back and this animal would've hurt you worse than he's already did!" Trent incredulously shouted.

"And it's better that she took it like she did," Anton fumed at the thought. "Are you crazy? My daughter was fucking raped!"

"Care to forget that she's my sister, who got raped." the other Mercer venomously countered. "You let her go there!"

"Only because her potential was harnessed there."

"Yeah, she was 'potentially' harmed, used, and abused. Fucking shit Dad! Did you not listen? She left to get away from us, and her drug use turned to fucking addiction over there, like it tripled or something!"

"She went to Florida to compete, and it's my fault that the coaches allowed this outlandish behavior? That's it, I am suing every single one of them," Anton grabbed for his cell phone.

Trent scoffed, "Yeah, because that makes sense. This happened what like eight, seven years ago. What are you going to say, huh? 'Hello, my name is Dr. Anton Mercer, and my daughter used to compete in the Pan Globals almost a decade ago. During that time she was raped, and don't worry, I own a gazillion dollars and now I can make what happened to her better. Since I finally know what happened to her.'," he callously mocked his father. "Your money can't fix this. If it did, then Kim wouldn't have resorted to becoming a stripper!" At those words, Trent covered his mouth. "Shit," he cursed under his breath.

"What do you mean she became a stripper," Kim's father's voice dangerously deepened at the confession.

Kim really wished to punch her brother in the face, but she refrained from doing so. She was an adult, and she needed to be like Elsa and accept the responsibility. "Yes, I was. It let me keep my lavish lifestyle."

"Explain this more, Kimberly," Dr. Appleby demanded.

Her patient nodded. "I didn't find it degrading. Part of me blocked it out with drinking, or smoking something. I supported myself, and that was why my bank account was very expanse. Father, I needed to survive, and that's what I chose to do."

"I can't believe you, Kimberly," her father was completely flabbergasted.

"It was there, fast, and I was in love with it," Kim admitted while sobbing. Her red eyes was timidly displayed for the occupants. "By any means necessary."

Trent wrapped an arm around his sister, and he bravely faced his father. "See, look what you've done. You pushed Kim to another state, and you pushed her farther when she came back. She left, never looking back, and you sent spies on her, you even tried paying Tommy off! You thought buying Kim a car would change how she felt about him or you or fix her after she lost her baby. Your money, how you are dealing with things right now, none of this is working."

"How dare you say that to me! I taught you better than to speak like that to your elders," Anton reprimanded. "I don't appreciate it."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, shut the fuck up!" Trent consoled his sister, while continuing to run his mouth off. "I'm sure you don't appreciate the way mom cheated on your ass, nor that Kim hated your fucking guts. There has to be a reason you are out the goddamn loop all the time," Trent couldn't believe it.

Elsa was surprised by her son's outburst. "Trent Brandon Fernandez Randall-Mercer, what's gotten into you?!"

Ignoring his wife's words, the patriarch spoke his defense."I work to support this family. Who paid for your first year of college, your first car, the clothing on your damn back, and who is footing the bill for everything else in your life? Me damn it, I work the long hours, I forgo anything that has to do with my family, so we can remain stable. And this is the thanks I get," Anton spat furiously.

"Thanks? What kind of thanks do you want, your daughter was raped, and your wife has been cheating on you. Maybe this is what you needed to realize your home life isn't fucking perfect, but your work life is!" Trent yelled angrily.

"Stop it!" Kim screamed for them to stop, as she wiped her eyes. Her ears were exasperated after hearing them. "Just stop it right now!"

Both men had their mouths opened, as they were ready to combat vocally again.

"Please, listen to her," Elsa cried, as her eyes began to water. She had no clue about Kim's life, and for that, she loathed who she used to be. In addition, she wished her husband and son would give Kim their attention instead of being at each other's throats.

"There were two confessions today. Not just one, but two, and what are we doing? Better yet, what are you two doing," Kim beckoned her father and brother to speak. They remained quiet. "I didn't want to tell you both because I was ashamed. My body was perceived to be a trophy, some random hook up that continues to haunt me to this day. I never wanted to admit this, but for me to finally overcome this, I needed to."

"I'm very proud of you, Kimberly," Elsa praised.

Kim became surprised. This woman cheated on her father, yet she felt leniency on this woman. She wasn't sure why.

"To see the my father and brother heatedly bicker over this confession; this wasn't what I expected. Instead, I wish for you two, maybe three," Kim directly looked at Elsa, "to help me. I yearn for it, and we can look past this," she pleaded with her family. "As you three can see, I've dealt with quite a bit. My life was supposed to be filled with medals, endorsement deals, and happiness, instead I wandered down a dangerous path. I'm sorry for everything."

"There is nothing to be sorry about. What you have done today, Kim, took a ton of courage. For that, we are all proud of you," Dr. Appleby smiled at her, as well as the members of her family. For this doctor, she wasn't sure what else was going to happen to this family. But, there was a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

The family continued talking about this, and they spoke more about the affair. Elsa and Kim subtly took glimpses at one another; each finally understanding who the other woman in Anton's life was.

The unity wouldn't happen tomorrow, but it would.

Xxxxx

Day 75
Back Lawn Overlooking the Ocean

"And inhale... good, and then exhale..." The yoga instructor calmly hummed for the group in front of her. As instructed, her and her group were in the lotus position. Outward palms, fingers scrunched up, eyes closed tightly, and they began to meditatively breath.

Kim adored these sessions, since they were very emotions weren't all over the place like before, and she planned on keeping it that way.

After the two bombshells, Anton and her were on much better terms. He's even taken a few days off of work to continue seeing his daughter regularly. Trent became very supportive in the days to come, and the siblings, who were once cursing each other, were almost too close for comfort. It's apparent that the young gymnast has accepted her brother unconditionally. It was also decided, that Kim would return to the ranch house on 1992 Valencia Road with Trent. Anton would foot the bill as long as his daughter was comfortable with the arrangement. She was, even though, she wasn't sure what the future held for her and Tommy.

So, everything in her life should be good, right?

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Anton hasn't been able to ignore his wife's deceit. He moved out of their lavish home, and he decided to contact a lawyer. The paperwork was served to Elsa, but she hadn't responded yet.

Kim was determined to make anything related to her family right. Therefore, she was glad Elsa hadn't signed those wretched papers. Her father was in the wrong. Kim knew they could see past this.

Planting her hands on the ground, Kim fully extended her feet and legs behind her—her arms and pelvic area, parallel to the floor-and then she jumped up and got into the warrior stance. Her mind had been cleansed of the toxic ideals she used to encounter. She was, also, ready to get her life back together and get on the right track. It was time for her to become a gymnastics coach. She smiled triumphantly at the thought.

"Alright, wonderful. That's it for today. Until tomorrow," the teacher bid adieu, and she smiled at everyone.

Kim left to another part of the grass, and she began to practice a few tumbling routines. She felt great, and she even decreased the amount of cigarettes she had been smoking. Finally, she could move around without feeling winded.

"Kim," Krista called from a few feet away. Kim turned to the direction of the voice. "Hey, Kim."

"What's up," Kim asked, as she went to get her towel and wipe off her sweat.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing," Krista said, and the two women walked back to the center.

"I'm great. Like when I leave here, I have the tools to never use again," Kim responded. "Thanks for asking."

"No problem," Krista grinned, and then she became mildly embarrassed. "Hey, is your brother seeing anyone?"

"I'm almost positive he's not; why?"

"He's sort of dense, don't you think? Every time he comes, I smile at him, flirtatiously bat my eyelashes, giggle like a school girl at his words, and he has yet to ask me for a date. Is he worried about the distance?"

This was something Kim had been waiting for. "I'll talk to him. Guys can be idiotic sometimes, and my brother is no different. So, you like him?"

"Trent is nice, and he's not like the other guys I've encountered before. Is he an artist?"

Kim nodded.

"I thought so because he kind of has that written all over his face and sometimes I can see the splatters of paint on his clothes or hands," Krista laughed at the times he's come in.

"Yup, that's Trent for you," Kim became very happy, and she hoped this would work between them. "I can't wait to tell him."

Krista was flushed at the statement. "I hope he doesn't judge me over my past," she did panic over that.

Kim wrapped her arm around the taller girl. "I'm pretty sure he won't. I'm going through the same thing you went through."

"Yeah, you are right. I am glad about one thing."

"What's that?"

"You are finally over your problem. It takes a lot of tenacity, crying days, and willpower. Not many people can complete this program. I knew you had nothing to worry about," Krista congratulated her. "Have you thought about what you are doing after you get out of here?"

"Yup, I'm going to get my license and become a gymnastics coach," Kim replied with enthusiasm. "It would be good for me to teach others what I know."

"Yeah, your moves are sick," Krista complimented.

The two women stopped by the doors to this place. In 15 days, Kim would be leaving. Putting everything she had learned right to the test. Everyone at this place had faith in Kim. The used to be stripper knew drugs were a thing of the past, but she was also determined not to get all cocky about it.

"Thanks that means a lot to me," Kim accepted her compliment in stride.

"I'm sorry about everything that's happened to you too," Krista sincerely apologized, while Kimberly became quite baffled with her remark. "It must've been really hard living the life you had."

"Huh?"

"You'll find out what I mean soon enough," Krista promised, and she glanced at her watch. "My break is up. I'll see you later!" She ran back inside.

For a moment, Kim became confused with the nurse/receptionist. There was something about her, and she found herself being a little curious about the dark haired blue eyed beauty. She entered the center, and she couldn't wait to Skype with Trent. By the end of her stay, those two would either be on a date or married. Thinking about it, she giggled to herself.

Xxxxx

Day 90
Kim's Room

As Kim was packing up her luggage, she thought about her time here. In three months, plenty of things have changed for her.

First of all, her life was now just beginning. Her identity wasn't consumed with dancing for money, injecting opiates, nor was she even grabbing for a cigarette. She was leaving here with a sense of clarity, and an attainable goal was in mind. Second, her family was becoming a unit, unlike how it was prior to this stay. Dr. Mercer was more accepting, while Trent remained with her regardless of how bad her situation had become. Finally, she let go of the rape, she stopped blaming herself for losing her own child, and she accepted that her and Tommy were better apart than together.

The last thing Kim packed was her notebook that she had her lyrics scribbled in. She turned to the last page, which housed her most recent song. The lyrics represented what she was currently going through. She replayed them in her head, and then she finally placed it in her pink duffle bag.

Do you see me like I see you
Do you hear me when I speak of you
Do you feel me when I'm loving you
Do you see me because I see you

There was a loud knock on her door. She twisted her small framed body and headed towards that direction. Her mouth curled into a beautiful smile, and she opened her arms widely. Trent and Anton embraced her back. Right behind the two was a woman of dark complexion, luscious brown hair, and a thin body. There was a mix of happiness and sadness in her eyes.

Softly, Kim gasped at her presence.

"Elsa?" The now sober Kim asked, and Elsa happily nodded. "I thought you weren't coming."

"Anton and Trent asked, and I didn't want to say no," she responded. She surveyed Kim intently. "You look great."

Yes, Kim did look wonderful. There was this air about her-one that no one had seen since before she entered puberty, and there was even a glow present. The two women wrapped their arms around each other's body, finally holding some security with one another.

"Thank you. It means a lot that you showed up," Kim acknowledged cheerfully.

Anton and Trent grabbed her luggage and headed down the steps. Elsa, soon, trailed them.

but it's goodbye again

One last time, Kim looked at her room. For the past three months this was home, but she was now returning to her rightful place. She turned off the light and shed a few tears. This journey was arduous, but she remained confident. This would be her only stay here.

Kim waved goodbye to the staff; as she passed by the front, she giggled at how cute her brother and Krista were. They were giving each other kisses on the lips and whispering amongst themselves. Lastly, she went to the front of the place. There was Marcus, helping her Dad and Elsa place her items inside. She received a grand bear hug from Marcus. At the move, Kim yelped in excitement.

I saw your world from the side
a simple glimpse of the pleasures you pride
now it's back to my own reality
I wish you could see me

This was sobriety alright. For almost ten years, Kim's life revolved around opiates, alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana. She wondered what it was like to be free, and finally she was. The excitement radiated from her, and she couldn't wait to get back. On her agenda, she wanted to hold baby Xavier for the first time, and crawl on the floor with little Ray. Also, she was going to get the ball rolling on her licensure. Things were falling into place for the young woman.

but it's goodbye again

The old Kimberly would be a figment of someone's imagination, and she felt that Tommy would remain to know that Kim. Until he changed this dangerous path he was on, Kim found him to be detrimental to her. She hated that, but that's how life was she supposed. Not everyone can get whatever they wanted.

he chases the snow while I chase my dreams
so my life just got cold
dancing alone in the dark it always seems
to be with him is to be bold

"Are you ready," Trent questioned his sister, after he joined them.

Kim nodded. "Yeah, I miss Reefside. It's time I go home," she had a bright outlook. "I think I'll be okay."

"You'll be better than okay. You've overcame a lot, and I couldn't be any prouder," Anton complimented genuinely, as he came behind them. Each arm was planted on his son and daughter. He patted them a few times on the back.

"Thanks, Dad," his daughter smiled.

"Hey, Trent, what's going on between you and Krista," Kim queried, as they walked to the limo.

Trent smiled. "The commute will be hard, but it's not like she's in another country," he answered. "She's requesting time off, and she'll be in Reefside next month."

"Do I need to run a background check on her," Anton lightly joked, and his children sternly looked at him. "Hey, I was just trying to kid around."

Kim and Trent rolled their eyes playfully.

"Are you all ready," Elsa wondered, as she kept one foot inside of the limo, and she kept her other foot planted on the estate's soil.

The three adults nodded her way, and Elsa waited for them. She parted from the door, and Trent entered first. Anton was right behind him. He gave his wife a soft kiss on the lips, and her cheeks became infused with pink.

"We'll talk when we get home," Anton promised his wife. He realized there was more to the situation, and he couldn't abandon her like he hoped to.

"That's all I can ask for," Elsa accepted his offer.

The two went to sit inside.

Until the moon fell under the sun
Now life's begun

One last time, Kim turned to look at the place. At first, she hated it here. She thought nothing would come out of it, but now, she realized how much this place helped.

She, then, noticed Dr. Appleby came out to see her. The two met, and Kim gave Dr. Appleby a hug. They remained like this for some time.

"Thank you, for everything," Kim heartily expressed her gratitude towards this woman. They may have started out rocky, but they became friends. Their relationship was far from client and doctor.

"I simply helped you to talk about your feelings. What you've done so far is amazing, but there's still an uphill battle," Dr. Appleby departed from the hug. "Truly, when you leave here it's a test. I would hate for you to revert back."

"I won't though."

"Not everyone will embrace the program for what it's worth, but you did. As well as others before you, I should know," Dr. Appleby said, while Kim became confused. She pointed at the woman, and Dr. Appleby shook her head no. She's never been attached to drugs or alcohol like that, on the other hand, she smoked a cigarette once in awhile.

Marcus honked the car horn.

"I guess I should go," Kim muttered a little sorrowfully, and Dr. Appleby escorted her to the limo. "Thank you again."

"It's no problem, Kimberly," the doctor held her smile. Kim entered, and she closed the door. She tapped it twice. She stayed there for a moment, watching the vehicle exit. A tear escaped, but it was happy. She wished this family the best.

"Mom, do you think they're going to be okay," a woman's voice asked inquisitively.

Dr. Appleby turned to the voice's location. "Of course my dear, otherwise I wouldn't let you date the son," she softly quipped.

"Hey, that was all Kim's doing," she said. She slipped her arm around her mother's waist. "I really do hope it works out for them."

"Like how it has worked out for us," the mother asked her daughter. The daughter nodded. "Krista, this will work out for them. This is her new start for a new life. Come on, we should get back to work."

"Aw, mom," Krista stomped her foot kiddily, but two women returned to work.

With Kim rehabilitated, the only way to go was up.

---

Preview for the Next Chapter: It intensifies, Kim reunites with the family, and Tommy and Kim see each other.