The Shadows Fall: Chapter 30

Jessica found herself outside in the garden at St. Anne's, sitting on the bench, soaking in some of the sun and fresh air.  She felt fortunate that this time, she had caught herself before too much damage was done, and managed to bring herself in to St. Anne's before things got too carried away with Tess.  


Jess had a great morning session with Dr. Levin.  She did really like him; he had been a great hope to her over the years, throughout all of the trials and tribulations connected to her DID.  She was grateful, and so was her mother.  Jessica winced a bit at the fact that her mother, still at this point, did not know why she was put into St. Anne's, but was proud of her daughter for committing herself.  Luckily, Tess had not totally assumed the front position, and Jessica was still able to function as herself, so that she could work with Dr. Levin more easily.


She tried to remember what it was that brought Tess out, and couldn't remember the moment or time that it first happened.  Maybe that didn't matter now.  She continued to enjoy the day, the sunshine and the air, and leaned her head back, basking in the sun.  Suddenly, she heard a voice beside her.  "Is anyone sitting here?"


She lifted her head.  Opening her eyes, she saw a man standing beside the bench.  He was holding a book in one hand.  


"You mean aside from me?  No."


"May I?"


"Of course."


He extended a hand, "I'm Devon."


"Jessica."


"Nice to meet you.  Um, anxiety disorder."


"Oh, uh, DID."


"Really?"


"Yeah, really."


"Feeling okay?"


"Right now, yes.  You?"


"Sure.  Just going to take a minute and read.  Never had the chance to do that much when I wasn't here.  Always busy, that sort of thing.  Always worried."


"Worry's no good," she said.  She glanced at the book he was reading.  "King?"


"Yep."  He opened the book.  She laid her head back again and let it dangle a bit in the sunlight.  


A while later, she opened her eyes and realized she had fallen asleep, and, that accidentally, her head was now resting on his shoulder.  She pulled it up quickly.


"Oh, I'm...I'm sorry."


"It's okay.  I was going to leave like an hour ago, but you were sleeping so soundly."


"Oh my God, I am really sorry!  How embarrassing..."


"No, I was just kidding, it's all good.  Thanks Jessica for the nice afternoon.  See ya' around."  He got up and left, heading toward the main building.


She thought to herself, "well, great, Jessica, now you're sleeping with strange men.  Or, is that just some kind of repeating pattern with both you and Tess?"




***




"Mom, Dad, I have to talk to you." Jack said, walking in through the penthouse lobby.  He threw his book bag onto the couch.


Todd was working, Blair was reading.  Both looked up from their materials.  Todd said, "What's up, Jack?"


Jack sat down across from Blair, and Todd joined her on the sofa.  Their son began, "I've been doing a lot of work in therapy."


Blair said, "We know, Son, and we're very proud of you."


"What's this about?"  Todd asked.


"Well, Ray told me that I might be able to move past the last bits of the anger if I can face it.  Which means, he thinks I probably should face Zeus in person."


Both were quiet for a moment.  Blair said, "How?  Where would it be?"


Jack said, "Since Zeus is still at Mountainview, I guess he thinks we could do it right there.  I need your permission, both of you, to be able to bring him in."


Todd and Blair looked at each other.  Todd said, "I have no problem with it, Jack, as long as one of us is there, in the building with you, and Ray is there at all times."


Blair, crossed her arms, concerned.  But she said nothing.


Jack said, "I'm fine with that.  I just think it has to be done.  I think it's something I need to do."


Todd spoke, "As hard as it is, I agree.  I know it's going to be tough on your mom and I to know you're seeing him after the things he's done, but at the same time, it's an important step for you."


Jack smiled weakly.  "Okay, then thanks.  Ray said the next time you go there, you can sign the consent forms."


"All right."  Todd said.


"Jack?" Blair asked.


"Yeah?"


"How are you feeling about your other anger issues?"  She was still not letting on that she knew how he felt about her, but wanted to check on how that was progressing.


"Fine.  They're all behind me.  All of them, except the ones related to him."


She breathed a relief sigh, and Todd took her hand.  Todd added, "That's good, Jack.  You're doing great."


The teen ambled up the staircase, and Todd and Blair watched him go.  She turned to her husband, "Are you sure he'll be all right?"


"I'll be there," Todd said.  "I'll be right within earshot of that session."


"All right, I trust you with our children."


"Good.  I can remember a time when you weren't so sure about me, Blair."


"I'm sure about you.  You might not be perfect, but if there's one thing I know, your children are always put above your own life.  Oops!  Speaking of which, this little one is kicking up a storm today!"


Todd reached over and rested his hand on her belly.  For one moment, he could see a little foot pushing against her from the inside, and a lump formed in his throat.  "That's her, eh?"


"That's him.  He's ready for the outside world."


"Not yet though," he said, still rubbing on the baby's foot.


"No, not quite yet, but almost!"


Todd was suddenly choked up, and looked her, not knowing what to say.  She touched his face and smiled.  "Don't do that."


"Do what?" he asked.


"Don't question what you did to deserve all this.  Don't ask yourself why you're happy.  Just be happy, Todd."  Her voice slid into that buoyant silken sound he loved and often had dreamed of for comfort.


Be happy.  He moved toward her to gently kiss her lips, still not wanting to say the truth; he didn't know how.


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