Torrid Affair | LT ✔️

Chapter Thirty-One: Beyond The Pain

AUTHOR'S POV 

The sounds of light sniffs with the sporadic whispers of Laurent to his love are the only sounds that fill the large office bringing the therapy session to a short halt. Speaking about what happened to him is extremely unsettling for Larry. Equally unsettling is explaining the nightmares and how much they've affected him since it ended. It's as if it hasn't ended it all. Each nightmare is as real as can be and as he told the therapist, it feels as though he's never going to get away from Todd this time and something worse is going to happen to him...the worse being Larry getting killed instead of Todd who ultimately was. Dr. Garrett continues her observation of the two of them and is near tears herself for she can just feel the love and the endless support beaming off of Laurent. She's honored to witness such love. It then comes to her remembrance of what they initially came for and she wonders if it has something to do with the statement Larry made about living alone because he blamed himself. She will definitely help him with his post traumatic symptoms but also on her agenda is to make sure that just as he lives a quality life free from the trauma the abduction caused he and Laurent's marriage will also stand strong. Although she could have watched their beautiful interaction until the end of their time together she also wants to make full use of that time so with the softest voice she speaks to Larry...

Dr. Garrett: "Larry, I want you to know that I really admire your bravery in talking about this and wanting help to cope. I promise to do my very best as your counselor and if there's anything additionally that I can do to help you please let me know, ok"?

 Larry: "I will, thank you". *pause* "I don't want this to have control over my life".

Dr. Garrett: *smile* "I promise you, it won't". 

Larry returns the warm smile then looks over at Laurent...but Laurent is already looking at him, well, he never really stopped looking at him and when Laurent gives him another beautiful, reassuring smile it prompts a wider smile in Larry. Feeling slightly better now that he's released some emotions Larry takes a breath in, slowly blows it out then looks back at Dr. Garrett who's gathered some Kleenex and retrieved a bottled water to help further relax him. Since it's been established that Larry will come back for PTSD treatment as often as necessary she decides to shit focus and address something he said earlier...

Dr. Garrett: "Larry I heard you say that you lived alone because you blamed yourself". 

Larry: *nods* "Yeah I did". 

Dr. Garrett: "Can you explain that for me"?

Larry: "I just...if I didn't cheat on my husband and hurt him...." *pause* "If I wasn't selfish and did my part to help us then Todd would have never been in my life...."

Larry feels his emotions coming back with a vengeance and as he attempts  to finish his sentence his voice becomes very shaky...

Larry: "....and he wouldn't have taken me that day". *pause* "My husband wouldn't have worried and stressed for that and he wouldn't have got hurt...more than once". *deep sigh* "I blame myself for everything. Not just for cheating so I left mama's house and got a place alone because if Laurent didn't see me then he wouldn't remember what I put him through. He could move on and find someone better". 

Now Laurent is getting emotional and as he watches Larry explain. He swallows the lump in his throat in an attempt to keep from crying. He's heard Larry say these things before...but for some reason in this moment it's like he's hearing it for the first time. Or perhaps it's because it hurts as much as the first time because the absolute last thing he wants is for Larry to constantly blame himself. He takes his right hand, lightly places it on Larry's back and starts a smooth up and down motion with the hope of it reminding Larry that he means what he said. He's completely forgiven him and what Todd did after isn't his fault...and it never will be his fault. Before he can get a chance to remind him of that verbally Dr. Garrett chimes in...