Defenders: The Fighters of 13. Pt 1

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Collin's POV

I watch as Meg's entire demeanor changes after I tap on the glass. She looks panicked and like she's about to bolt from the room. I can see her chest rising and falling at a rapid pace. "Shit." Finn whispers beside me. He quickly stands, ready to chase after her should she decide to run.

Hastily she gets to her feet, the blue cushioned chair scraping against the floor as she does so. Her breathing remains rapid, and she nearly turns to run when Dr. Aeson stops her with a gentle hand on her arm. "Meg. I'm not sure who is on the other side of the glass, but clearly it is causing you anxiety. Would you like me to ask them to leave?" Please don't ask me to leave Meg.

She doesn't stop trembling, but she doesn't look ready to run anymore as she stares at the glass. Tears begin to well up in her eyes again. "I don't know." She whispers.

"We don't have to continue, but I think we're making good progress. We can continue if you feel ready, but I will not force you to stay."

Her teary gaze finally removes itself from the glass and back to her physician. "Can Finn come in here?"

"If he will help you feel comfortable enough to continue, then of course." She gestures to the glass for Finn to come in but Finn was already moving to the door before permission is granted. I watch him enter the room, and Meg runs into his arms; face buried into his chest. He rubs small circles on her back, and whispers to her softly. He pulls her away from him and helps her back to her seat before taking the chair next to her. She takes his hand in a white knuckled grip.

Dr. Aeson smiles softly at Finn, "Thank you. Now Meg, whenever you're ready. I would like to touch on what caused this distress."

Finn smiles back, and turns his attention to Meg. Meg is silent and trying to regain control of her breathing. "I just, I don't like people knowing certain parts of myself. Having another person in there..." She motions to the glass, to me. "...took me by surprise and it freaked me out. I'm okay." I know she's not okay, and the look of Finn's face says he doesn't believe it either.

Dr. Aeson nods. "Of course. Would you like to continue with our previous conversation?"

She almost seems hesitant, and looks to the glass once more, silence stretching on. I don't think she's going to agree to speak in front of me, when she finally nods. She turns back, awaiting the next question. I can't help but smile, she's trusting me enough to sit here and watch this. I know how private of a person Meg is, and the fact she's letting me after only allowing Finn for so long.... I almost don't know what to make of it. Finn glances at the glass, giving an encouraging half smile. He must be thinking the same as I. This is a huge step for Meg. A huge step for us.

Dr. Aeson seems to understand the importance of this moment, her careful intention with her words, and gentle prodding of Meg, working into her mind and through her emotions. Even more cautiously, now that I've disrupted the session, yet still managing to keep things going for Meg. Meg still looks uncomfortable, but is less flighty with Finn sitting beside her. I do hope that one day, she trusts me to be the one sitting there.

"As I said before, you've brought up Collin a few times in our previous sessions. How are things going with him?"

"Not well." Her simple answer makes me look down at my hands, away from her. I can feel Finn's eyes on me through the glass, but I keep looking at my hands.

"And why is that?"

"Well, considering he won't talk to me... I'd say things aren't that great."

"Why do you think he won't speak to you?"

"Because I'm the reason he left our squad."

"Care to elaborate?"