𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒𝐄𝐘
For the past five years, I've managed to avoid him. I've managed to forget about him and move on from him. Mostly. Alex Lancaster and I have history, but nothing will ever change between us.
At least until he shows up at my dad's work...
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I've been on Naomi's couch for weeks. I don't move, I barely eat. I know it's bothering her, I know she feels bad for me, and I know I'm causing her to worry while she's trying to plan her wedding.
But I can't move.
I hate that he did this to me. But I'm doing the exact same thing I did when I left. Rotting away with nothing but my thoughts. Though, back then I had to worry about Delilah.
I lay on my side, eyes shut, and feel a hand on my shoulder. I don't move, even as a blanket is placed over top of me. Probably Naomi.
I hear footsteps, then hushed voices. "She's still on the couch? It's been three weeks."
"I know. But she's going through a lot right now, Rhys." Naomi whispers.
"She needs to go home. She can't spend the rest of her life living off our couch. She needs to go to work."
"She needs therapy." I open my eyes, looking in the hallway where Naomi and Rhys stand. I try not to stir too much, in case they see. "She almost died, Rhys. You would've done— No, you did the same for me. If we can get her into therapy, she can move on. She can heal."
"Naomi, she's been living here, and our wedding date is coming up soon. We're going to have to push it back if this keeps on." He whisper-hisses to her, looking at her desperately.
Therapy. Maybe that's what I need. Maybe therapy can help me get over the pain.
"It won't, Rhys. I promise. We just need to get her into therapy, and then she can go back home. Come on. I don't want to wake her."
Can't wake something that wasn't already asleep.
It's not until a few days later that I'm finally sitting across from a therapist as he asks me questions and I answer mindlessly. I don't focus on what he's saying. I can't. It's hard to focus on anything as of late.
I need to do this. For Rhys and Naomi.
"You mentioned that you also have a fear of sleeping alone. Do you believe that is due to him leaving, or Maggie attacking you?"
"Mostly because of Maggie. I don't feel safe in my own home, in my friends' homes."
"Even though she was put away?"
"If there's even a slightest chance she could break out, yes. I don't feel safe anywhere knowing that she's still here. That she knows where I live, who I'm friends with."
"And, have you thought about taking self-defense classes?" He quirks a brow.
"I know how to fight." I retort.
"Fighting and knowing self-defense are two very different things, Lindsey. The best way for you to feel safe is to learn how to defend yourself. You may be able to fight, but what if they have a gun? Or a knife? What then?"
