Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 74226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74226 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 247(@300wpm)
“There is not much to tell. I didn’t realize there was something wrong with me until yesterday.”
“I don’t want you to think about it that way. There is nothing wrong. You are simply different. You experienced some trauma in your early life and that triggered a response. This is not your fault.” Dr. Stone continues to explain to Ren the basics of the disorder the same way she explained it to us a few days ago.
I listen to it again, memorizing every little word she says while watching Ren closely. He is still tense, just like the good doctor, but at least he is answering all of Dr. Stone’s questions so far.
“So, how exactly does the treatment work?” Ren asks when Dr. Stone is done explaining everything.
“Cognitive behavioral therapy is going to be the most helpful in treating DID. There is no medicine for the disorder itself, only for some of the symptoms. In your case, I recommend we start some antipsychotic medicine along with daily sessions of therapy.” Dr. Stone turns her head to look at my father. “Those sessions I will have to be in private with my patient. It’s imperative given the situation.”
My father agrees reluctantly before asking, “So what will the outcome be? If the treatment works?”
“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 it is 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.