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“Every case is different, but the hope is to fade the alternate personalities out and merge them with Ren. As I explained, this disorder is a trauma response. Ren projected all the feelings he didn’t want to feel onto River. By dealing with his trauma and accepting all the emotions that come with it, he should be able to transition well, especially with daily sessions.”
Hearing her say that lifts another huge weight off my chest. She can help him, and she sounds pretty confident about it. “Is there anything I can do to help the progress?” I ask.
Dr. Stone turns to me. “Just be there for him and be understanding. Having someone close to him that cares for him will help him feel more confident and stabilize him during the process.”
I look over to my father. “Did you hear that? It would help him if I could come to visit.”
My father remains stoic. “We’ll see.”
Dr. Stone goes back to looking a little uncomfortable being caught between us. “I think that’s it for today, but I’ll be happy to come back tomorrow at whatever time works for you.” She looks back and forth between Ren and my dad. I guess normally she would schedule a time with her patient and not with his prison guard.
“Same time as today if that works for you?” my father finally offers.
“I’ll make room in my schedule.” She smiles.
“Do you mind seeing yourself out?” My father questions, but it’s more of a command.
Dr. Stone gathers her things and stuffs everything in her leather purse before getting up from her chair. “Of course, I look forward to our session tomorrow,” she addresses Ren.
The clicking of her high heels has barely faded away when I start bombarding my father with my request. “I think I should be able to see Ren when I want to. He is no danger to me, especially not behind bars. The doctor said it would be better if he had someone, and who is more suited than me?”
“Luna is here and free to see him anytime.”
Ugh, I should have known he’d throw that in my face. “Why do you never trust me with anything? You trust Luna but not me.”
“Because every time I look the other way, you do something stupid and put yourself in danger.”
I glance over at Ren, who is uncomfortably quiet while listening to my father and me fight. “I know I’ve made some bad choices and put myself in danger, but I regret nothing. Everyone makes mistakes as they grow up, and you have to let me make mine just like you let Quinton make his. I can’t be your little girl forever. I love Ren, and I want to be able to at least see him. That’s all I’m asking.”
At the mention of love, my father’s face scrunches up, as if the sound of that word pains him. “I’ll think about it,” Dad finally says.
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.I’ll think about itis a step better than a no. I smile, knowing my dad well and that he is going soft on me. One talk with my mom, and I could have him swayed.
11
SCARLET
My heart’s in my throat as I walk to Dad’s office. He wants to see me. I don’t know why, but I’m going to bet it has to do with the prisoner still locked away downstairs. I hate thinking of Ren down there, all alone. He’s already been alone for so long, locked in his mind. Tortured. The last thing he needs now is to be a prisoner. Physically, as well as mentally. But I know better than to fight, especially when Dad and Q still act like Ren should be grateful he’s alive. Like not murdering him makes them heroes or something.
I have to push all of that out of my head before I tap on the door. The only sound that comes from inside is Dad’s voice ringing out in response. “Come in.” I roll back my shoulders and lift my chin before striding into the room like there’s no problem.
“Good morning.” Like the good little daughter I am, I walk around his desk and lean down to kiss his cheek. “How are you feeling today?” I ask. He looks tired as hell. Maybe his conscience is bothering him. I can’t imagine how it wouldn’t. I know he thinks he’s doing what’s right for the family, but Ren thought he was doing the right thing, too.
“The kid who tried to murder your brother and your pregnant sister-in-law is still locked in one of the cells downstairs.” He gives me a sour look before snickering and rolling his eyes while I try not to react to the mention of pregnancy. “I’m feeling wonderful, in other words.”
There’s an easy way to fix that. Just let him go. Nope, that wouldn’t get me anywhere. I have to bite my tongue hard enough to hurt, but at least I manage to keep my thoughts silent.
“Did you want to see me? Mom said I should visit you this morning.” Rather than sit in one of the chairs arranged close to the desk, I plop my ass on the corner and fold my hands in my lap.
“Yes, I thought we should talk. There are a few things I would like to clear up between us.” He sits up a little straighter in his chair, all business.
My heart is hammering, but I play it off, shrugging. “Okay. What’s on your mind?”
He narrows his gaze, looking me up and down. “What is this?” He waves a hand in my general direction, cocking his head to the side. “What’s the angle?”
“Who says I have an angle?” All that gets me is a smirk, which makes me groan in frustration. I have to bite my tongue again and calm myself down before adding, “I’m trying to be a grown-up. I’m trying to, you know, meet you halfway. That’s all.”
“I’m impressed you’ve turned over this new leaf.” His smirk doesn’t go away, though. If anything, it widens. In other words, he doesn’t believe me. “I’ve come to a decision. A way for us to both get what we want.”
