Seraphine

two

Seraphine 

It's late when Seraphine finally fulfills her earlier rushed promise to Dr. Reeves and writes up an email; around 11 o'clock. It doesn't feel worth it anymore, not after what Derek put her through, but she needs to know in order to correctly complete the assignment. 

Dr. Reeves, 

I apologize for my vulgar language earlier, it was inappropriate of me. I was running late to a lunch date.

As for my question about the homework assignment, I was wondering if we are supposed to diagnose all four scenarios as well as provide treatment options? And as a follow up question, is "marriage counseling" too broad of a solution? 

Thank you, and I apologize again for my behavior today. 

Seraphine Thatch

She breathes out a sigh and turns her head slightly to find Derek sleeping next to her, only a sliver of space between them. They could only afford a full mattress with both of them still completing school, so they were a little cramped (especially with Derek's starfish sleeping), but to Seraphine it was great, perfect eve. Falling asleep with him was one of the ways she knew she still loved him, and he her. 

It almost makes her forget all the manipulation and beatings she receives. 

Almost. 

Seraphine stares at Derek a little while longer, until her laptop dings with an incoming email. She jumps, her eyes flitting to the screen and then back to her boyfriend, hoping the sound didn't wake him up. 

When he does nothing but shift a little, she breathes out a sigh of relief and turns fully to the screen, clicking her inbox open. 

Her heart does a little jump when she sees the email is from Dr. Reeves--she'll never get used to her professors responding her. Derek's "lessons" made sure she knew her place in the world, and that was a bother to everyone else except him. 

Miss Thatch, 

I apologize for the instructions being unclear. Yes, you must diagnose and provide treatment for all four scenarios. And, good follow up question--my answer again is yes, "marriage counseling" is far too broad of a solution. Think outside the box when analyzing the relationship and their issues: suggest something like more/less sexual activity, having a baby/other large commitment, moving to a new environment, etc. 

As for your vulgar language, I didn't mind. It just surprised me. Give your date my regards. 

Have a good night. 

Dr. Luca Reeves

Seraphine stares at the email, her cheeks getting rosier by the second as her gaze flits over the typed words. Sexual activity? 

She pats her cheeks gently, trying to cool them down, and forces herself to not think of Dr. Reeves' sexual activity. 

"It's a good solution," she says aloud, biting her lip as she opens the assignment and skims the four scenarios, looking for any sign that she could apply 'more/less sexual activity' to one of them. She finds one, and types that in as her solution. 

Her face is still burning when she clicks back on the email and reads over it again, this time her eyes landing on the signature at the bottom. 

"Dr. Luca Reeves," she breathes, testing his first name on her tongue. It sounds nice to her, different than the generic "Derek" she's always saying. 

"Go to sleep, Seraphine." Derek's voice comes from next to her, all hard edges and unspoken threats. Seraphine's rosy cheeks drain of their color, and she frantically nods, though he's turned away from her and can't see her. She quickly shuts her laptop and places it on the nightstand, getting under the covers.