Meryl and Don: An Unforeseen Journey

Chapter 72

A few days later Don and Meryl were walking into the therapist's waiting room and Don went up to the receptionist window. "Meryl and Don Gummer to see Dr. Shafer."

"Yes, sir." The receptionist looked down at her notes. "To begin with the doctor would like to see Mrs. Gummer alone; then he will see you both together."

Meryl immediately inserted herself into the conversation. First of all, she knew how her husband felt about the therapist and she didn't exactly blame him. She could see where he was coming from. Second of all, she wanted Don in there with her. "What? Why?"

"It's common practice in couple's counseling." The receptionist explained. "Mrs. Gummer, I will let you know when the doctor is ready for you."

Meryl nodded as she grabbed Don's hand. "Okay, thank you."

"Come sit down, Mer." Don said leading her over to the sofa area. "Sweetheart, if you want me in there then I WILL be in there. He can't stop me."

Meryl tenderly kissed his lips. "I know, my Don Man, believe me, I know. Maybe it's a good thing? I don't know, I've never done this before."

"Yeah, me either." Don sighed. 

Meryl stroked his cheek. "I know you don't trust him; but let's give it a shot."

"If at any time you feel uncomfortable just yell for me." Don said.

Meryl smiled at him. "I will. Just because I don't want space from you doesn't mean I don't need need to learn to do things on my own again."

"I know, but it's only been two weeks since you were rescued." Don said. "I worry about you and Henry."

Meryl nodded. "I worry about you and Henry as well; and I love how protective you are of us. I know you don't completely trust him. You'll be right out here. I meant what I said a few days ago, he crosses a line and we revisit this conversation."

"Okay." Don whispered with a kiss to her forehead.

The receptionist leaned out the window. "Mrs. Gummer, you can go in now."

"Okay, thank you." Meryl looked at the receptionist.

Don cupped her face in his hands. "I will be RIGHT here if you need me. I love you."

"I love you too, Don Man." Meryl said with a kiss to his lips. "See you soon."

***

Meryl had only been back with the therapist a few minutes and Don was already worried. While he took responsibility for their fight the other night, he also felt the doctor had been playing with her mind and the fight wouldn't have escalated like it had if it weren't for Shafer. He knew she needed to do things on her own again; he wasn't a controlling husband and he didn't want to be. He just wanted to make sure she was getting the care she needed and deserved. He also felt that she had made GREAT improvement since they had been released from the hospital and he didn't want some quack to undo all the amazing work she had done. Don sighed when he looked down at his watch again and realized she hadn't even been back there for 5 minutes. He looked at the magazines on the table and smiled when he picked a certain one up. "At least they have Golf."

***

"Have you been making space between you and Don?" Dr. Shafer asked as he licked his lips and looked her up and down.

Meryl didn't necessarily like the question. "Just a little. I don't want space from him. He makes me feel better and safe. We've gotten to the point where we're comfortable being in separate rooms in our apartment which is a huge step since that is where my son and I were taken from."