Belle Stone

Part 26

The world Belle got lost in started to slowly fade away. The white wall she was staring at replaced the dark attic. She starts looking around, moving her eyes and head, searching for Mark. As soon as she sees him, guilt punches her in the heart. He hung his head down. His hands are holding hers while he is sitting next to her. His eyes are red from crying. She was selfish again. She hurt someone she loves again. Nothing she does is good. Nothing.

"Dad.."
She says almost in a whisper. Dumbfounded by the sound his muscles tense up. He doesn't look up, instead, he ignores it. His eyes close shut in frustration as his mouth lets out the words.
"I can even hear her voice now that is how much I miss her."
"You aren't hearing voices. It really is me."
Her voice was still quiet as she reassured him.
"Belle!! You are back!"
He jumps in her arms and hugs her tightly. The joy was overflowing in him.
"You are really back! It happened even sooner than the doctor said it will. I missed you so much. Don't ever do that again."
The hug was so tight, so full of love that she could barely breathe. She was confused by him and startled by his joy but happy he is smiling again. She felt loved. Adored. He missed her even though she was there. He missed her because she was mentally missing a day. Only one day. He couldn't cope being without her even for a day. That is why he was her dad. That is why she loved him so much.

"Come on, let's eat now."
Mark starts pulling away from the hug, grabbing her hand.
"I am really not hungry."
"You didn't eat for a long time. You have to eat, even just a little bit. Please, for me."
She nods her head lightly, giving in to his persuasion. What else could she do? Make him worry more. No. It was enough. He worried enough.

After dinner, he told her about the psychologist that came and about the future sessions that they are going to have. She wanted to tell him that there was no need for it but she couldn't. She couldn't disobey him so she agreed to those sessions. She had no heart to say no to him for anything now. Not after she saw him that broken when she woke up. When the doctor sees she is fine the sessions will stop. There is no need for disobeying him now.

Right away, tomorrow afternoon, the woman came. She didn't need to be escorted this time but she didn't object to that action. Mark accompanied the woman to Belle's room and then left them alone. Monica did a friendly approach once more. Instead of treating her like a patient, treating her like an acquaintance.
"Hi. Belle, is it? Do you remember me?"
Belle shakes her head with a sorrowful expression on her face.
"I knew you wouldn't. You were very young when we met. So do you want to talk about what happened? Or, how you feel about it?"
"Not really."

Monica considered the low volume of Belle's voice was due to her being shy. She remembered it from before. Not the voice, of course. The shyness. The first time she came Belle tried to hide from her. That is why she didn't want to force her with anything. When the time is right, when she is ready, she will talk.
"It is okay we don't have to."
"Really?"
Belle says surprised and kind of relieved.
"Yes. Is there anything you want to talk about?"

Belle looks away. A small sigh escapes her lips. Every time she tries to speak it hurts. What if she messes up again? She doesn't want to hurt anyone. But it seems like no matter what she does someone is left hurt.
"I don't really want to talk."
"That is fine. I understand."
"Thank you for that but I know I have to."
"No, you don't. This is only the first session. Let's just get to know each other better, okay?"
Belle returns a small smile. She is glad that this woman is being considerate of her.
"Okay."

"So, I am Monica. Monica Wright."
Monica extends her hand awaiting a handshake.
"Belle Stone."
Belle takes her hand. The doctor's handgrips firmly Belle's limp one. It brings a sincere smile on the face of the frightened girl.
"Where are you from?"
"I don't. I don't really know."
Belle's voice gets even quieter. She stares the ground absentmindedly.
"Okay... Well, I live here. Just around the corner. Maybe you can come for a visit sometime."
"Maybe..."