“Well you’re going to have to prove to me that you’re willing to let people help you then. Get dressed, we’re going to pick up Caleb.” I walked into the bedroom without looking back, pulled on a shirt and grabbed my keys. Leah silently followed behind me, pulling on clothes, and trailed out behind me to the truck.
I was still pissed and I think she could tell. I didn’t know how long it would take me to let go of this anger that I felt inside, but if she was willing to go along with what I wanted, I think we could make things work. Maybe someday things would go back to normal and we could have our fairytale life that we both deserved.
“I’ll call to make an appointment first thing Monday. Oh and by the way we’re going to Vegas in two weeks, whether I have to drag your ass there or not.”
Chapter 18
Leah
I guessed if it would make Chase happy, I would go to counseling. It couldn’t hurt anything, maybe it would actually help. I peeked at Chase as he drove to his mom’s house. I could see that he was working his jaw, something he did when he tried to stay in control. I could only guess how upset he was, I was upset with myself. Upset enough to where, really, I would do anything he asked right now.
He pulled into the driveway and slammed the door shut behind him, not even looking back at me once. I opened up the door slowly. I was a little uncomfortable about being back at Mary and Chris’s house. I had avoided them and everyone else for the past month. I wasn’t sure what all Chase had told Mary, so I didn’t know what to expect. Most of the time, he told her just about everything.
I don’t know why I thought Mary would be anything but comforting. The minute I stepped onto the porch, she rushed out and wrapped me in a warm hug. Her hugs always smelled like cinnamon and cookies, and I breathed in the scent, instantly feeling relaxed.
“So good to see you, Leah. I take it the talk with Chase went well?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Good, dear. I know how hard all of this has been. Just know that I’m always here if you need someone to talk to. I know that son of my mine has a soft heart, especially when it comes to you, but he can also be a little stubborn sometimes. I know you can be too, that’s probably why you two are so good together, but it can make things a little difficult.”
“Thanks, Mary. And thanks for being so understanding. I was a little worried that you would think I was being a bitch. I know I haven’t been easy to deal with, but I’m trying. Chase wants to try counseling and I’m willing to give it a shot.”
“Leah, we would never think that of you. Never. Now enough of this depressing talk, let’s go inside. Caleb has been asking about you since he got here. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you out and about.”
As soon as I stepped inside, Caleb let out a screech and flew into my arms. I squeezed him tight, realizing how much I had missed having him in my arms. He was growing up, and didn’t like to cuddle as much as when he was a baby, so I should be cherishing these little moments. He pulled back and looked at me with those deep brown eyes. “Feeling better, Mommy?”
“I’m getting there, buddy. You make me feel so much better. Are you ready to go home?”
Chase came to stand behind Caleb and I saw a brief hint of a smile directed towards me. Just that little gesture from him made me tingly, but I knew we wouldn’t be close to that point again for a while.
*********
“So, how do you think that went?” Chase tucked his hands in his dress pants, following me closely as I walked out of the doctor’s office. I had just completed my first counseling session. The appointment had started with the both of us.
I think it was good for me to hear Chase’s struggles with this whole experience. I knew he had been shaken up, but I hadn’t even bothered thinking about his feelings. Instead, he had to deal with me, while he was trying to heal too.
He left after the first half of the appointment to wait in the waiting room. It was nice to have someone to talk to that wasn’t involved in our lives. Friends and family were always nice to talk to and have around, but I think to have someone that was removed from the situation would really help me.
“I think it went good. Thanks for making me come.”
“No problem, baby.” He dropped a kiss on the top of my forehead and deposited me at my car. We had drove separately since he had to go back to finish out classes for the second half of the day. Just the simple kiss had me smiling. He hadn’t been cruel to me the past week, but he definitely hadn’t been the normal Chase that I married who could barely keep his hands off me.
“I’ll see you later tonight, alright?” He shut my door for me once I was settled in the car and I watched him as he walked back to his truck. I was glad he seemed to be happier. I was sure that having the whole mess cleared up at school had lifted a great deal of stress off his shoulders. He hadn’t told me about it right away and I felt guilty that it hadn’t been brought up sooner. I knew how much he loved his job and I could tell that he, once again, enjoyed going there every day.