A Month Later – Learning To Cope

"So how are you doing today?"

Aaron was in no mood to sit and talk about his feelings, but Jackson had brought him to the session and was currently sat outside to stop him running.

"Fine."

Aaron mumbled without lifting his gaze from the floor.

"Great. Well since that is so obviously true you can go home and I can take a very early lunch. David quipped. I know you are not okay. Aaron. He looked up at David's face. It is okay to talk about this. Are you still having the nightmares? He managed a brief nod. And the other problems?"

Aaron blushed furiously, but managed to shake his head in the affirmative. David was referring to the bedwetting that had started because of the nightmares. His bladder seemed to have a mind of its own and it was getting more embarrassing, although to his credit Jackson never made a big deal about it, although Aaron could see the lack of sleep was getting to him.

"It's…I'm fine. I'll sort it."

"How?"

"I don't know."

Aaron growled irritably but honestly.

"You need to talk about the nightmares. Tell me about that night when you all went out."

"What about it?"

Aaron hugged himself protectively.

"The details. Everything and anything. I love a bit of gossip. Come on my job's boring otherwise."

David goaded until Aaron eventually cracked a smile. The one thing he hadn't been counting on was that once Aaron started talking there really was no stopping him, but he was grateful he had kept an open diary for that afternoon.

"And I guess that brings me more or less up to today."

Aaron finally took a deep breath and a genuine smile played on his lips.

"So, how do you feel now?"

"Better, well calmer actually."

"I can believe it. David laughed. You've just released a good twenty years of pent up emotions."

"True, but how does that help me now? Paddy isn't coming back."

"No, but that is the first time you have said his name out loud so maybe that was the first step in the right direction. You can't just forget him, you need to grieve. Once you have fully accepted that Paddy has gone and you can remember the good things, you can move forwards and all those problems you're having will just stop."

"Really?"

Aaron didn't mean to sound skeptical but it all sounded too good to be true.

"I think so. Talk to Jackson or Marlon, or if it will help you visit Paddy's grave."

"I….I…can't well I haven't been yet."

"Give it a try. Like I said you don't have to forget him. I'll see you next week."

"Yeah. Yeah you will and thanks David."

"My pleasure. Take care, now."

In the deserted waiting room Jackson had been dosing. In all fairness they had not had many nights of undisturbed sleep and with having started a new build up at Home Farm for Declan he was shattered. As the door creaked open and he heard Aaron's voice he was startled awake.

"So how did it go?"

Jackson could hardly believe it. Aaron seemed to be smiling.

"I'm great. Lets pick up some tea and a few cans. I have a lot to tell you."

"So you're definitely feeling better?"

"Much."

"Thank God. So we might get some sleep tonight then?"

He sounded relieved.

"Don't count on it. Aaron flirted outrageously. Give me the keys. I'll drive."

"Fine, but take it slowly."

That was a testament to how tired Jackson actually was, as usually he didn't trust anyone with his van. However, since the accident he'd been cagey about getting behind the wheel, but what with all Aaron's problems he had pushed his to one side for the foreseeable at any rate.

"You coming then?"

"Yes. I'm just getting the feelin' back in my legs. I've been sat out here for two and a half nearly three hours."

"I know. I'm sorry about that."

"It's okay 'cos I'm sure I just heard you say tea's on you."

Jackson quipped.

"Café it is then."

"Whoopee. Last of the big spenders."

"Well it's a good job you're with me for my astounding looks and winning personality isn't it?"

Aaron fished for compliments.

"That and you're not a bad-"

"Oy. Not here."

"I was going to say cook."

Jackson pouted as Aaron slapped him playfully.

"Of course you were."

"I was."

"Fine. Well it's a shame we're eating out, because I could show you how much of a good cook I am."

"We could give the café a miss. Jackson suggested hopefully. I'm not that hungry anymore."

"Me neither."

"Home it is then. With a final shared smile Aaron put his foot down. I said slowly!"