Fifteen Layers of Steele

Chapter 8

*WARNING: Chapter contains mild references to domestic violence and abuse.

Feeling as if I was about to pass out I had excused myself from the room to get some air and alone time. The back of my throat becoming too try, I found my way over to a water fountain to mend it and collect my thoughts. Oh my god what do I do? He can't really be serious about attempting to touch me himself, can he!? It's got to be obvious that it won't be possible! With a face like that anyone would flip shit! Also, if he thinks he's going to get me to talk about my past to him then he's absolutely mad! We sure as hell aren't close enough for that yet!

Splashing a bit of cold water from the fountain under my eyes as well helped to jolt my senses and wake me up a bit more. The side of the fountain now became a support block for my hands. The shock beginning to wear off by the droplets running down my face, I started to relax a little. Never mind all of that. You did make a promise to yourself that you would try to work on your problems after all! Just pull yourself together! Taking in a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let my mind fall into a meditative state. Okay you've got this Anastasia! It's too late to turn back now. You've already decided on doing this and made your way here. Gotta follow through! So go get your ass back in there and face this like the strong woman you are!!

Turning around with newfound confidence and determination, I marched right back over to the door. As soon as I walked through and took one look at Christian sitting there, I immediately turned around and walked back out.

"Hey, hey, where do you think you're going?" he called out as soon as he saw me leave. Motioning his hands towards the couch he almost laughs at me "It's going to be just fine, get back in here!"

Peeping my head around the corner of the door, I shyly stand back despite his beckoning. At that he gives a warm smile. "Nothing bad will happen today. I promise."

His tone was soothing and pure like velvet. Somehow it instilled a bit more trust in me. Still not fully sure whether to believe him or not, I had gained just enough confidence to sulk back in and sit down on the couch anyway. "Now then," he went on. "Let's get started with some questions for the day." Taking out a clipboard filled with paper he proceeded to write something down and start the interview process. "First off, I just want to take the opportunity to get to know more about you and your history. I realize talking about some of the things that I'm going to ask you might be uncomfortable, so just try your best to let me know whatever you can."

Still nervous, I let out my breath, "Alright."

"Perfect. So first things first, do you have any idea at what age you developed your phobia? Or is it just something that you've always had?"

"Let's see..." I fell into thought. It took quite some time to recall. "I believe it first started to begin around the time I was eight. It kind of came on slowly so it's difficult to say exactly. I also didn't fully understand what was happening at the time, so it gets quite confusing.

"Completely understandable. I will just mark down 'around 8 years old' for now then." Just as he said, he scribbled it into his notes. "Second of all, I was curious to know if you yourself had any idea about what the cause of your Haphephobia is?"

The entirety of my body froze. Gosh damnit I knew it. "Actually I do believe that I know the central cause of it, but it's not something that I like to talk about." If I refuse to tell even Kate everything, then there's no way I'm going to tell you whom I barely know!