Family

Sorry...

Now, what is my WIFE's room number?"

Katherine's POV

I am seething with anger but, I don't want to set a bad example for my children.

"Are you sure you are not SISTERS?"

"We are not sisters. We are married. Very happily actually. Now. Just tell me my wife's room and, we can go our separate ways. I am sorry that I offended you but, I'm not sorry."

"Fine you disgusting whore. Room 634. Now get out of my SIGHT."

I briskly walk away holding Lauren tightly but gently. I find the elevator and click the 3rd-floor level button.

"Hey, mom? Are you ok?"

"Why. Wouldn't. I. Be. Ok?"

"Your face is red, you are clenching your teeth and I know how you feel about other people bashing on Mother's and your's relationship."

"I'll be fine... Here we are. Can you hold Lauren and watch Amy for me while I walk in and check. I'll come outside and tell you. Does that work?"

"Yeah. That works."

I put Lauren in Lisa's arms and quietly knock on the door. I don't know why it's not like Christina will respond. I quietly open the door and see Christina sitting there reading a hospital pamphlet on mental illness. Probably seeing what she can learn from it, despite her Doctoral degree in mental health. She looks up and smiles when she see's me.

"Hey babe, how are you doing?"

I'm fine. How are you all?

I can tell she isn't ok but, I don't push it. Not wanting to send her into another panic attack.

"I think we are fine. Lauren is a little shaken up though. When can you come home?"

I can leave in about an hour. Just in time for the appointment.

"Why can't you just... Be the therapist for us? "

Christina sighs and runs a hand through her beautiful long hair.

You know why. It's just better to get help from someone who you don't know personally. And I can't be a therapist for myself. Sorry...

"No... You don't have to be sorry. I'm just being silly. We do need the help. I just don't like meeting new people... You know that... And you know why."

I know... I know... I.. I'm still sorry though...

"Can... Can you tell me what the panic attack was about?"

She looks down and nervously wrenches her fingers. Before beginning.

When Dani asked me to talk... I just freaked out I guess... I panicked and rushed upstairs... I- I thought that I was a disappointment to you... It's all my fault.

She takes a small pause.

I was scared... I don't have a reason to be like this... I wasn't raped like you were... I... I don't have a reason to be like this... I should be a leader... Not a scaredy-cat. I was scared that you would get mad... like... like they did... I'm sorry... It's all my fault that... that they raped you... I should have protected you... I'm sorry... It's all my fault...

Christina has tears gently falling from her eyes.

"Oh, kitten. What... What happened to me is not your fault. It's not your fault at all. No one else blames you. Why do you blame yourself?"

She just shrugs. Wiping her tears.

Just... Just pretend I never told you anything... Please. Please?

I see her pleading eyes and decide to drop it. For now.

"I'm going to get the kids, then we can go to the therapists after a little hanging out. Ok?"