The Escort S2

Part 88: I'll always try for you

Taehyung's POV

I walk into the grand lobby of a gorgeous high rise building that has a unique and artistic architectural design. The building appears as a sleek sheet of glass that has dropped down from the sky. I move around the grand lobby mesmerized with all the art. I'm early so I decide to browse the art and I'm pulled to a vase. As I stand admiring the aged pottery piece, a sudden rush of sadness rolls over me and I swallow. I think about my beautiful vase that I can no longer feel in my soul. I close my eyes attempting to search for that centered peace inside me but it's no more. This vase, although exquisite, is cold and distant. More than my vase was shattered seven weeks and three days ago.

"Tae!" Lisa calls from behind. I turn as she moves towards me and smiles big. I'm happy we are going to have some time alone but why here? What's here? There is a thin cloak of secrecy and I'm eager to find out what it is.

"Hi Lisa!" We embrace and hold each other tight. "This place is like an art museum," I say scanning the room.

"You like it, Tae?" She asks.

"Yeah, I do. But why are we here?"

"I need to talk to you." What? She takes my arm, and we enter a glass elevator that takes us to the 77th floor of this magnificent building. The doors open into another lobby with creamy, rich and plush furnishings, and we sit. Maybe she's going to tell me that she and dad are going to marry. That would be nice.

Before Lisa can speak, a young woman approaches. "Ms. Chen, Dr. Oli had a cancelation, and the appointment time is in15 minutes if that's okay." My mouth drops open as the woman leaves.

"The doctor?" I whisper and Lisa nods.

"What's this about, Lisa?"

"Tae, my plan was to talk to you first and then our appointment got moved up."

"Our appointment." My gut clenches.

"Why are we seeing a doctor? Is there some scary health news you want me to be present for with your doctor? Is everyone okay?"

"Yes, Tae everyone is okay and there is no health crisis." She then takes my hand.

"Dr. Oli is a therapist, and she is highly recommended." My eyes expand as it all begins to settle in. "I moved heaven and earth to get you this appointment. She's the best in South Korea for treating trauma." I slowly I pull my hands from hers and stand. Tension churns deep inside of me with a bite of betrayal.

"Tae, please don't be angry. You need to work through your trauma."

"Lisa, you had no right! I-I told you that I was going to see someone when things settled. I-I just need time. This is private. It's just been nearly 2 months. I gotta go." I turn and start to step away.

"Sweetheart, it's been 8 years." Her voice is soft and caring. What? Eight years? Has it been that long since that asshole imprisoned and abused me? "Your break was devastating for Kookie." I stop in my tracks as my feet are planted in cement and I feel a dull pain move through my chest. She comes closer. "Everyone was beside themselves. You mean so much to us all and you need to get well." I turn my head away. "Don't do this for anyone but yourself. You've got to work through this or the next time you may—"

"There won't be a next time," I scoff and roll my eyes. "Anyway, what do you know about it?" I know that was a low blow but, in my mind, she deserves it. She had her own trauma and that was so unfair of me to discount what she's been through.

"I know a bit about it but I'm not going to be sidetracked by your defensive trauma response." How dare she? "So how are things with you and Jungkook? You are talking about it or smiling and avoiding." Fuck if she didn't have me there. Kookie and I busy ourselves with lots of talk these days, but nothing about what happened to me. To us.