AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I wish everyone would stop asking me that. I’m fine.” I growl out my displeasure and sit down on a stool. “I just needed some space. Those meetings are stifling. They’ve all been through worse than I have. I feel like a fraud being there.”
“You’re not a fraud, Kally. People have been through different levels of abuse that they need different levels of care for. Remember I told you that the body works in mysterious ways in order to protect your mind?” I nod. “Well, this is one of those mechanisms. You feel like everyone else in this facility is worse off than you because that’s what you need to hear. That’s what you chose to believe. You’re here because you want to be. Another choice that you’ve made. It’s all about choices for you. Making decisions gives you some level of control, yes?”
I nod. “Some days I feel like I’ve made great progress, but others…” I shake my head angrily.
“You have made great progress. Every day, every single hour, I see you much stronger than the woman you were when I met you in your bedroom. Every day is another step forward to a happier life. A life that’s waiting for you to slot back into.”
“What if I can’t just pick up where I left off?”
“When you’re ready to take steps forward, we’ll all take them with you. I spoke with Clark earlier. He calls every day. Sometimes three or four times a day.”
Just hearing Clark’s name mentioned sends goosebumps throughout my body. He still affects me in ways no other man has, even after what his brother did to me.
“Is he okay?”
I look over at Dr. Bellingham as she sits at my desk. “He’s a good guy. I know he’s missing you like crazy. He’s desperately waiting to hear when he can come see you or even just speak with you.”
I’ve been here for two weeks now, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss Clark. I miss his voice, his embrace, his patience. I never thought his absence would be so hard this time after living without him for three years.
“When can I see him?”
Dr. Bellingham crosses her leg over her knee and smiles at me. “As soon as you like. I think seeing familiar people will help your recovery. We initially like our patients to remain away from family and friends for the first six weeks to allow us to assess their needs, but honestly, all you need is time, love, understanding, and family to build you up. It isn’t going to be easy taking these steps, but they’re necessary for you to move forward.”
I nod. I want to see Clark. I need to see him. I feel like I’ve been locked away from him for more than two weeks.
“I’d like to take that step.”
“I’ll set it up. I’ll let you know a time when I’ve spoken with him.”
I cross my arms over my chest and tighten them together, tensing my upper body. I take in a few deep breaths and let it out slowly. A technique I’ve learned in here when I get nervous or uneasy. I’m not nervous about meeting Clark. I’m nervous about him seeing me in here. I don’t want him to think differently of me because I need this time and space away from society.
Colton has taken a lot away from me over the years, and now I want to take my life back. I owe it to myself, to my babies, and to Clark, who has stood by me all the way.
I will fight all the way.
I will get my life back.
Chapter 23
Clark
“You’re serious? She’s going to see me?” I stand up from my home office desk quickly. My heart is pounding in my chest with fear and excitement all rolled into one. “Thank you. I’ll see you then.”
I put down my cell and rush out of my office. Nancy meets me in the hallway and grabs my arms.
“What’s happened?”
“She’s going to see me, Nancy. I can go see Kally today.”
Nancy wraps me in her warm embrace and rubs her hand up and down my back, just like she did when I was a child.
“I’m so glad, honey. Maybe this is a turning point for Kally. Just be patient with her.”
I nod. “I’ll be able to take her flowers, chocolates, and the new clothes we got for her. Oh, and I can get her some books.”
“Slow down. You’re going to give yourself a heart attack.”
“This is the first step, Nancy. Next step, home, right?”
