Not Like Before

Chapter 27

Mature language

Okay fr tho, use of the f word 🫢 I'm a Christian and don't like to use those words lol but I also know what being seventeen is like- and in Chandlers case in this story I feel like the LEAST he can do is be allowed to curse 😭

Trigger Warning:
Mentions of self harm
Mentions of child abuse
Mentions of sexual assault

This is an angsty chapter because I feel like I've been ignoring Chandlers trauma for the sake of making sure Laura got enough story time lol...with that being said it's pretty Chandler- centric

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Third Person POV

Andy knew that Chandler had PTSD. He didn't need a doctor to confirm it, but that didn't change the way his heart tightened when he heard the words come out of the mental health professionals mouth.

PTSD- Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is commonly known to affect war veterans.

War veterans.

Andy was having a bit of hard time coming to terms with this, as Chandler was barely seventeen years old.

It was recommended that he stop going to group therapy (Much to Chandler's relief), and stop going to see Mr. Addams at school and get real, one on one therapy (Much to Chandler's dismay).

The doctor explained that the 30 minutes a day at school from the guidance counselor wasn't going to be enough.

Chandler decided that nothing could be worse than he'd already been through, so he was willing to give therapy a shot.

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(The next day)

It was 9 am on a Saturday when Andy pulled into the Counseling and Wellness Center. Chandler had the same tightness in his chest he always did when he was about to have to talk about something he didn't want to.

Andy seemed to sense his hesitance and put a hand on his shoulder.

"You're gonna be fine, kid. It's just an hour and a half session and once it's over, we'll go pick up Payton from soccer and go get ice cream or something. Alright?" Andy said, trying to sooth his nerves.

Chandler ignored the way his heart swelled at how lucky he was to finally have a dad that cared about him.

He nodded and shakily took a breath.

When they got inside, there was a kind woman with dark hair pulled into a messy bun and glasses sliding down her nose working behind the front desk. She flashed them a warm smile and welcomed them in.

Chandler immediately felt more at ease. Andy explained that they were referred there by Chandlers doctor and needed to start seeing a therapist.

After a lot of questions, the woman, who they now know is named Mrs. Hudson, called someone (presumably Chandlers new therapist) and explained who Chandler was and his situation.

After about 15 minutes, Mrs. Hudson stood up.

"Alright, you guys can follow me." She said and smiled. She brought them down a long hallway to one of the therapists' rooms.

She knocked on the door but didn't give anyone time to respond as she opened it and waved Andy and Chandler in.

Chandler was immediately met with a familiar face.

"Chandler, this is Kevin Addams. He's a newer addition to our team but I think he'll be a perfect fit for you. Andrew you're free to stay with him since it's his first session." Mrs. Hudson smiled kindly and left, shutting the door behind her.