Aiden Harper

Getting help

Aiden

I met with Conner at his office and sat across from him while he sat in a chair with a notepad and pen.

"Whenever you're ready, Aiden," Conner said.

"I don't even know where to start." I shook my head.

"You can talk about whatever you want."

I looked at Conner and gripped the arms of the chair.

"Okay. How about we start with how you met Clair?"

I took a deep breath before releasing it and told Conner how I met Clair. He listened and jotted notes on the pad while asking me questions.

"Aiden, let me explain about guilt. We assume guilt for an incident out of our control. It's easier to blame ourselves for a tragedy instead of facing the reality of the situation. Most people will ignore or avoid a terrible situation because it's easier than to accept the truth," Conner explained.

"What is the truth?"

"You witnessed a horrific event, creating an unfathomable trauma. Instead of seeking help, you chose to carry the burden of another's death."

"Are you saying I'm to blame for not talking to people?"

Conner shook his head. "Not at all. You chose not to talk about what happened to your girlfriend because of the trauma you endured after witnessing her death. Most people assume trauma results from a physical aspect. While that is true, there's another trauma you endure that has physical reactions. You suffered betrayal trauma."

"What's that?"

"Betrayal trauma comes from many forms of betrayal. Sometimes, it's cheating on a significant other.  Other times, it's from betraying your trust. When your girlfriend chose not to disclose her mental illness to you, she didn't trust you enough to help her. The result was a betrayal when she deceived you into believing you were the problem."

"I don't understand." I shook my head in confusion.

"Your girlfriend projected her issues onto you, making you seem like you were betraying her with another girl. When in reality, you didn't. You said Clair had the Othello Syndrome."

I nodded.

"The Othello Syndrome is a mental illness that manifests extreme jealousy or paranoia. The person becomes extremely paranoid that their significant other is cheating on them and accuses them of such behavior. Most people would view it as an insecurity when it isn't. Without the proper help, it can worsen."

"I want to believe everything you're saying is true, but I'm having a hard time understanding it."

"Most people have a difficult time understanding mental illness. They want answers to their questions. Sometimes, it's not always possible. What we can do is help you process the tragedy you witnessed that night. It'll take time, but it will help."

"You're not clearing me to work until I attend these sessions, are you?"

"No." Conner shook his head. "It's a requirement for your certification."

I blew air past my lips, knowing I had no choice. Conner cleared me to get my certification, or I wouldn't work. Grandpa Matt refuses us to work on cars if our minds aren't right. He doesn't want to risk anyone's life if we make a mistake.

Now, what do I do until then?

******
Eden

I settled into my new job to earn as much money as possible. Since Diego's cousin, River was out of town and so was River's parents, I picked up extra hours at the bakery. I would need it for my bills so I didn't drain my savings.