Page 79 of Fourteen of a Kind

“Oh, really?” Her lips pursed as she folded her arms.

“I know this isn’t right, but I need to see Charlotte.”

“For what?” She cocked her head.

“I need to talk to her.”

“Then call her office and make an appointment.” She began to walk away.

“Ella, please. I’m done with this bullshit. You’re too important to me, and I need to talk to Charlotte.”

She stopped and looked at me.

“Please,” I begged. “I’m asking for help.”

“Okay. I’ll take you to her house.”

We entered through the front door.

“Hey, you two.” Charlotte smiled.

“Graham needs to talk to you, Aunt Charlotte,” Ella said.

Charlotte stared at me momentarily and saw the desperation all over my face.

“Okay. Let’s go up to my office. Have a seat,” she said, closing the door. “What’s going on, Graham?”

I told her everything about my father, aunt, and my PTSD. It felt good to release all of it after so many years.

“You took the first step in getting help.” She smiled.

“I kind of had a little push from Christian and Nathan.”

“Well, it’s what we Kinds do.” A smirk crossed her lips. “I can help you, but it will take some work on your part. I want to see you three days a week to start. I know it’ll be tough with your hectic schedule at the hospital, but I’m willing to see you here at my home after your shifts.”

“Here?” I asked.

“If you’re worried about the family, don’t be. There isn’t a single person who hasn’t sat in that chair for therapy. We’re all here for you, Graham. But, if you want a relationship with Ella, you must tell her the truth. That’s not an option.”

“I do want a relationship with her, and I will tell her.”

“Okay. I think we’re good for tonight.”

“Thank you, Charlotte. You have no idea how much I appreciate all your help.”

“You’re welcome, Dr. Malone. I’m sure Ella is down at the bonfire.”

“Thanks.”

I went out the sliding door and down to the beach. Christian and Nathan both stared at me as I walked up.

“Ella, can I talk to you?”

“Yeah.” She stood from her seat.

We walked back to her house. Thanks to Charlotte, I wasn’t afraid to talk about what had happened anymore—to put an end to the lies I’d been living.

“How was your talk with Charlotte?” she asked.

---