Chapter Four

Seth was confused. Jessica seemed the same yet different. He tried talking to her about it but she always distracted him either by kissing him speechless or engaging in more energetic activities. She kept him in bed most of the day today, not that he minded.

She was in the bathroom now, soaking in the tub, listening to music. She invited him to join her but he was exhausted and just wanted to lie down and watch the news.

Thomas Stephens, former medical doctor, was arrested today. Charges were brought against him by a client accusing him of hypnosis not related to medical care. It is purported there might be many more victims and if you feel you've been violated or harmed in any way by him, contact your local police department. This is the fourth alleged victim charging Dr. Stephens with theft. Years ago over forty victims accused him of various charges and he was found guilty. He was fined heavily but was only sentenced to seven years in prison. If convicted he faces over thirty years in prison.

Seth sat up abruptly. He hadn't seen Thomas Stephens for years but he would never forget him. So many patients had been harmed by him. Seth had to test so many people to determine if they were affected and if they were it was often difficult to stop the hypnotic effect until with time and practice it became second nature to him.

Jessica came out of the bathroom at that moment and Seth stared. She was dressed in a towel and dropped it as she approached the bed.

"Jess, look at me." He commanded.

"Of course, Seth," she agreed. She climbed into bed and scooted close to him staring all the while.

He began to walk her through several steps and he realized she was hypnotized. "Jess, put on your pajamas, please."

Jessica got out of bed and put on her pajamas then smiled at Seth.

Seth was torn. Taking her out of the hypnotic effect was easy but since he didn't know the triggers, she might awaken very upset. Knowing he had to do it, he made preparations. Slowly talking her through the steps until she was in a deep trance, he began releasing her from the hypnotic effect.

He watched her open her eyes. She looked around the room and then at him, confusion in her eyes.

"Seth?"

"Jessica, you've been hypnotized. I'm sorry I didn't realize it sooner. You were acting not exactly strange but different and I didn't see it." He knew she wouldn't be satisfied until she knew everything so he braced himself.

"Where are we?"

"We're outside of Alexandria, Virginia at a hotel. I came down for a convention and you asked to join me. The convention is on mind healing and knowing how you feel about it, I was surprised you wanted to come but you said you wanted to do some research on your next book, possibly based in Virginia." He answered.

She looked around the room. "And how is it that we're sharing a room?"

At least she wasn't looking at him with suspicion. "There was a mixup with your reservation so we decided you would share a night with me before getting your own room the next day." He went on to relay what happened at the front desk and after they entered the room.

"How long have we been here?" she asked.

"This is day four," he replied.

"So we're sharing a room? A bed?" She was beginning to look horrified and Seth's stomach began to twist.

She looked down at herself, then over at Seth, taking in his attire. "Am I safe in saying nothing inappropriate happened?"

Seth put his face in his hands. "Let me take you back to when I first noticed something different. Tell me what you remember." He wasn't stalling exactly but he didn't want to lose the friend that meant the most to him.

He started by mentioning the first time she kissed him on the cheek after dinner at her house. She didn't remember it or the gift of the coin bank. His heart sank. He led her through the touches and kisses and he saw how red her face was becoming.

"Oh Seth, I'm embarrassed."

"Even then Jess, I was questioning things but it was more along the lines of why it was happening, what had I done to make things change."

"So I just invited myself along on this trip?"

"Yes, but that was fine. I wanted to spend time with you, enjoying ourselves without interruption." He took a deep breath. "The first night was awkward. Being in bed with you but there wasn't an ulterior motive or anything."

"No, I don't think you would take advantage of the situation." She patted his hand in relief.

"Wait Jess. We were playing around in bed, innocently. When things changed. You er kissed me. Here." He pointed to his chest. "Um then you went lower and you grabbed me then…"

"Are you saying I raped you?" Her eyes were closed as though in pain.

"No, Jess. I could have gotten away. I didn't want to stop." Her eyes opened and looked at him. "Even then I didn't realize you were being influenced. I wanted to talk about it and you told me we could that evening. It didn't go well. I said stupid things and hurt your feelings."

Her face was distressed. "And the next three days?"

"We made love, Jess." He tried looking in her eyes but her head was down. "It was only while watching the news just now, they arrested a former doctor I testified against for hypnotizing patients. It's when everything clicked into place."

"When do we go home?"

"The convention ended today, Jess." He tried to catch her eye again but she wasn't looking at him. "We can drive home in the morning."

"I don't think I can do that, Seth." she said softly. "I'm going to catch a flight home and find somewhere to stay tonight."

"No, Jess. I'll stay somewhere else. You stay here." He rose from the bed and gathered his things together. Going to the bathroom and retrieving his toiletries, he packed them as well. He dressed in the bathroom and put his luggage by the door.

"I know you need time to be alone, to think things over so I'll see you at home." He put a hand on her shoulder and she flinched. "I want to talk with you when you feel up to it."

Seth let the tears roll down his face as he walked to the elevator. The best friendship in his whole life was over.

Instead of finding a room, he began the drive home. He knew he wouldn't last the entire night but it was only eight so he could last a few hours and find a motel. He drove on auto-pilot while he thought about Jessica. He wanted to point out to her that it is unlikely that she would do something she didn't want to do but even he knew she probably wouldn't appreciate the observation. Hmmm maybe she did like him to some degree and the hypnosis just lowered her inhibitions. He would have to think it over at another time. Right now he needed to figure out how their friendship could be salvaged.

Knowing her she would avoid him for as long as she could. There was so much he didn't tell her but she knew enough. His stomach clenched as he tried to think about life without her. He knew he was being selfish, thinking only of his wants.

Finally his thoughts turned to who would have hypnotized Jessica. She knew it was possible for her to fall under, he had even put her in a light trance once or twice just to prove it. He hoped she didn't think he was the culprit. He would never violate her trust in that way. He hoped she knew it as well. He stopped near Trenton, New Jersey and got a room at a motel off the interstate. He would be home before noon.

A week passed without seeing Jessica. He was pretty sure she wasn't in Cabot Cove. He began to think she stayed in New York. He hoped she would call soon. It was eating him up inside.

Another week passed and the rumor mill did not have Jessica returning to Cabot Cove. He would have to see her in New York.

The city was the same, noisy, dirty, overcrowded, but he was grateful for the delays and aggravation. The doorman remembered him and since he was carrying a bouquet of flowers, he didn't announce him.

Jessica opened the door and stared at him in surprise. She thought it was a neighbor. Her eyes were rimmed in red and she was wiping her nose. She stepped back to let him in. He walked to the kitchen sink and grabbed a vase she stored beneath there and put in the flowers.

"I know we need to talk, Seth."

"But first," he said. He walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. It was a good thing he had such a firm hold on her because she nearly collapsed, barely hanging on to him as he walked her over to her sofa and sat them down.

"I'm so embarrassed. I chased you, Seth."

"You caught me, Jess."

"You've seen me undressed!"

"Yeah," he gave a sigh with a smile and Jessica swatted his shoulder. "It's worth any beating you could give me, Jess."

She gave a smile before covering her face with her hands. "Seth, I haven't been with anyone since Frank. I wouldn't…"

"Yes, Jess. It wasn't what I expected, that's what was so confusing for me." He took her hands in his. "I don't want to lose you, Jess. You mean so much to me. You're my dearest friend."

"Am I ever going to remember what happened?" she asked.

"Maybe, but probably not," he replied. "I know you hate not knowing."

She stood suddenly. "Follow me." She walked into her guest room and closed the blinds. She turned around and took a seat on the bed. "Take off your clothes."

Seth's eyes bugged out. "What?"

"You've seen me and I don't remember seeing you and I can't be in the same room with you until things are even again." She explained.

"Jess? What? How does it even make sense?"

Jess' eyes filled with tears. "I can't stand knowing you've seen me. And knowing what happened is just too much."

"Jess, you aren't being reasonable," he complained.

"Who says I want to be reasonable?" she retorted. "Do you understand that I'm going to think you're remembering me every time you look at me?"

Seth started to slowly undress. Shoes, socks, shirt, t-shirt, trousers, then he dropped his boxers. He looked up at Jessica who was red faced and looking away.

"Well, are you going to look or what?" He grumbled.

Taking a deep breath, she looked his way. She started at his feet and worked her way up.

He watched her warily. Would she give him a sign of approval or disapproval? Would she notice if he sucked in his stomach? He stood there waiting until her eyes reached his.

"Do I pass muster? This is embarrassingly awkward." He wanted to put his clothes back on but he would wait on her.

She motioned for him to dress again and he did it with relief. She started twisting her hands.

"Jess?"

"Was I any good?" she asked hesitantly. "I mean, was it pleasing?"

"You were wonderful. I wish you could remember how great it was. I was nervous but you were so calm, so sure of yourself that I found myself relaxing." At her arched eyebrow he corrected himself. "Not that relaxed but I wasn't nervous. To be honest, I was probably the best I've ever been."

What now, thought Seth.