"Come with me this week," Link said, "Dr. Isaac said I need to go over things with you two. Please?" His blue eyes were pleading, shy. I knew it wasn't easy for him to ask.
I embraced him. "Of course! I'll be there whenever you need me."
"I know." He murmured softly into my hair. I felt his gratitude in his arms as they held me. Since Rhett had returned, the three of us had been walking on eggshells in the bedroom. Every time Link touched me, Rhett was on alert. It made for a dissatisfying experience for Link, and added anxiety to Rhett's. While I was always taken care of, the tension grew tiresome, and I found myself eager to be done with the situation. Dr. Isaac seemed to be helping, and I was willing to do whatever it took to move things along.
Link ran his hand down my back. "You've been so supportive, Des, and I still can't wrap my head around it."
I held him tighter. "You're a good man, and I love you. And as long as you are trying to get better and still love me, I'll be there."
His breath hitched. He pulled away from me slightly to look me in the eyes. Upon closer inspection, his eyes were glassy. "And I'll never stop trying, or... You- you're so amazing, Desiree. Anyone else would have taken off." In shame, he turned his face as a tear escaped and ran down his cheek.
My hand turned him back to face me again so that I could kiss him.
I'll love you forever.
...
Both Rhett and Link looked a bit nervous. Rhett bounced his knee and tapped his foot while he stared intently into space. Link wrung his hands. For some reason I was strangely calm. The office was atypical. Instead of a leather couch, a hammock hung from the ceiling. Chair swings hung to replace the typical chairs. Dim lighting made for a soothing ambience. It smelled of vanilla. Numerous certificates and plaques lined the sky blue walls, but it was the only thing that reminded us that this was a therapist's office.
The round faced, friendly Dr. Isaac sat in his chair facing us at an angle. The man was immediately likable, with a warm smile and kind eyes, but had a hardness about him that warned against any doubts of his ability to handle patients.
"Rhett, why don't you tell Link what you're worried about?" The man sat with his pen poised to write in the notepad on his lap.
Rhett looked uncomfortable. I reached over and patted his arm reassuringly, which earned me a grateful smile. "Like, about his issues?"
"Right. I want you to talk to Link about why you're worried." Dr. Isaac nodded.
"Well," Rhett shifted to see Link better. "You get so out of control when you go into... into that zone. When we started this thing with Desiree," he reached over and took my hand, "We talked about how I felt before I ever said anything to her. This isn't just another girl to me, and I will do what I have to in order to keep her safe."
I glowed on the inside.
"And do you think that your presence guarantees her safety?" Dr. Isaac asked.
Rhett looked determined and certain. "Yeah, I do." He squeezed my hand.
Link sat in his chair swing, rocking himself back and forth, looking thoughtful and sad. It took everything I had not to go to him and kiss that look off of his face. Seeing him so torn up was devastating.
The doctor turned his inquiries to me. "Desiree, do you feel safe with Link?"
It felt as though everyone held their breath as they awaited my answer.
Do I?
it had been a couple of weeks, but the worry was still there. Then again, he had made love to me and more than made up for his mistake. But did I really feel safe? Like I could relax?
"If we monitor the situation, yes." I replied, trying not to look at Link. "I believe he would never intentionally hurt me in his right mind."
Dr. Isaac accepted that answer. His eyes glanced to Link, who was looking at him with questioning eyes. "Then Link, we have work to do in order to help you cope with your PTSD. If you are to form meaningful relationships, it is essential that you continue therapy." He turned to Rhett and me, "If we need you again, will you be willing to come in?"
We nodded enthusiastically.
...
Rhett and I left the room, leaving Link with Dr. Isaac. I looked at Link as we walked out, silently willing him to know how much I loved him. He smiled.
The door closed behind us, leaving us in an empty hallway, and Rhett turned to me. "I meant what I said in there, you know. I will protect you."
I looked up into his beautiful eyes, shining so fiercely as they gazed down at me. "I know."
"And I love you." Rhett seemed intent on making sure that point was comprehended. "That will never happen to you again. Ever. Not while I'm around."
While I know he meant well, I couldn't help feeling a little upset that he was missing the point. I spoke gently. "We are here to make sure it doesn't even if you aren't, Rhett."
He scowled and shook his head. "I just don't know, Des."
"I do." My face was impassive as I stroked his arm. "We will get past this. We have to."