Aiden Harper

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Eden

After speaking to Casper, I found myself returning to him to talk. Aiden agreed with the idea of speaking to Casper. I wasn't sure why, but he was okay with it.

Casper and I sat in the front pew with a cup of coffee and talked like we were old friends. I had to admit. Casper was right that opening up as friends and not a professional was easier.

We discussed my family and ex. Casper explained what betrayal trauma was. I didn't realize it existed. But it made sense and helped me understand my situation better. We also discussed boundaries since I had none.

However, something nagged at me about my family. The question has been plaguing me for years as if I was missing a piece of information. Why did my parents dote on Mia and push me aside?

So, I asked Casper about it.

"Eden, you want an answer to a long overdue question. Have you asked your parents about why they treat you and your sister differently?"

"Yes, but they never answered me. Instead, they tell me to stop acting like a spoiled child."

"Ask yourself why your parents avoid a simple question. You're not asking why Mia got a better present than you. You're asking about the preferential treatment given to your sister. They should be able to answer it."

"They should, but they won't. I tried for years until I quit trying. Now, they want my attention after cutting them off. I don't have the energy to give them what they want."

"Fair point. Let's discuss Aiden. He seems to have a positive influence on you. Tell me about him."

I took a deep breath and released it before telling Casper about Aiden. Casper listened while I talked. The words vomited from my mouth like they were nothing. I can't help it. Something about Aiden stirs something inside me.

"It sounds like you care about Aiden," Casper said once I finished my mouth vomit.

"Is it wrong to feel something for someone when you ended a five-year relationship not long ago?"

"Not at all." Casper shook his head. "People make the mistake of assuming you must take years to mourn a relationship. You don't need to. If you find someone you care about after ending a relationship, there's nothing wrong with it. You decide when you're ready for something new. From the sounds of it, you already are."

"Then why do I hesitate with Aiden?"

"Why not? It's okay to be cautious after dealing with a betrayal. No one says you must throw caution to the wind and jump feet first. And no one would blame you if you did."

I looked at Casper and nodded in understanding. He made everything so simple. For once, I didn't have turmoil raging inside me.

******
Aiden

When Eden mentioned speaking to Casper, I didn't tell her he was my cousin. I didn't want to hinder her from getting help, thinking I set it up. I didn't. And it's not like Casper can divulge what they discuss. I was relieved that no one would bother her while she spoke to a professional. She didn't need the hassle.

I also spoke to Conner about everything. I needed another therapy session outside of our normal sessions, and it was helpful.

"You've spent a great deal of time with Eden. Tell me about it."

"I want to help Eden. She's nothing like anyone I have ever met. She's strong, resilient, and tenacious. She picked herself up when people knocked her down and kept going. She never had anyone except her aunt, uncle, and cousin in her corner."

"Do you want to help Eden because you didn't get a chance to help Claire?"