Page 43 of Fractured Grief
“You know why. I can’t even step foot inside. All the work we’d done is probably ruined. I haven’t even looked at the car s-since I found him.” My eyes burned with unshed tears as I told the truth. I’d been the one to find Pa. He’d been working on our restoration project, and I’d ducked out to grab us some coffee. By the time I came back, he was dead. Now, whenever I thought of the beautiful 1964 Pontiac Tempest Convertible, all I could see was Pa lying dead on the floor near the hood.
“It’s been over three years. I can still see it like it was yesterday.” Silent tears streamed down both our faces. “It hurts too much, Lyric. It hurts too m-m-much.”
“I know,” Lyric whispered. “I feel it too. I see Pa whenever I look in the mirror.”
Glancing at Lyric out of the corner of my eye to see that he was similarly affected, with tears caught on his thick eyelashes. Even in profile, he looked so much like Pa when he was young. With his high cheekbones, regal nose, and intense green eyes, I could only imagine how distressing all the similarities must be for him. Even their boisterous personalities matched.
“Maybe we should both talk to someone. About Pa, I mean. I’m sure Levi could help you,” Lyric added gently.
“Probably,” I answered, knowing he was right. “I will, if you will.” I needed to be able to move forward and face mygrief. It was the healthy thing to do. I wanted to work on myself if I had any hope of having a successful relationship. It didn’t make it any easier to face, though.
Most of the week passed quickly, and it was Friday before I knew it. I was so excited to see Indy. I was overflowing with nervous energy. So much so, I’d even annoyed Lyric into leaving early.
My appointment had been changed to an afternoon session, and my reminder text said Dr Carol Redcliffe would be attending. I wasn’t sure if she was there to supervise or was taking over my care. Carol was head of the department and the manager of outpatient care, but I couldn’t remember her taking on clients, so I had no idea what was happening. I hoped that Indy was okay and that everything worked out.
It was two o’clock when they arrived, and I couldn’t help the smile taking over my face as I opened the door.
“Hi…wait, what’s wrong?” I asked as I took in Indy’s mask-covered face. His eyes were red, and he looked exhausted.
“I’m fine. I think I have a cold and wanted to take all the precautions to avoid giving it to any of my patients.” His smile reached his eyes as he gazed up at me.
“Hi Seb. It’s good to see you again.” Carol spoke from beside Indy. “Mind if we come in?”
“Of course.” I quickly moved aside to let them in. Gently placing a hand on Indy’s shoulder, I got him to hold back a bit. “Are you okay? You look tired. Can I g-get you something?”
“I’m okay. Just a busy week, and this cold has hit me hard.” He shuffled past me and followed Carol into my living room.
The coffee table was still off to the side since my first appointment, so the rug was clear and ready for us to start. Taking a seat on the single recliner, I gestured to the three-seater that sat in the center of the room, waiting, with a close eye on Indy. He was too pale. He needed some of Ma’s healing soup.
Focus, Seb. There’ll be caretaker time later.
“So, let’s jump right in. There’s no point beating around the bush. I understand you two wish to pursue a romantic relationship. Is that still the case?” Carol smirked as she looked between me and Indy.
I smiled at Indy as he nodded. “Yes, that’s correct. But I don’t want it to affect Indy’s j-ob.”
“I know. Indy and I have had a few discussions this week and have come to an agreement. As we are fully booked, I will be taking over your care. Unfortunately, I will only be able to make one appointment a week in person. We cando an online, telehealth style for the supplement appointments, or leave it, and I will have to trust you are doing your daily exercises, stretches, and strengthening.” She raised an eyebrow at me.
“Yes, ma’am. I do all of those daily.”
“Good. From your notes and progress, Indy assures me you’re an excellent patient. I know you will continue to work hard even without Indy’sofficialguidance.” Carol pulled out a stack of forms from her satchel. “I have a transfer of care form to cover, and then we can get started. Indy also mentioned that you can’t drive, but you would like to. I can work with Judy to make this an additional priority if you’d like.”
“Yes, p-p-lease. I’m a mechanic and love to drive, so if we could, that would be g-great.” I glanced at Indy. I doubted I’d be able to drive by our date, but the fact that it was on the cards boosted me more than I would have thought. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I will work you hard and ensure you are pushing yourself safely and often. You’ll probably hate me, but I get results,” she smiled with a somewhat manic grin. “Let’s get to work.”
Carol put me through a quick circuit that had me sweating, panting, and my arms shaking by the end. She was right. I think I would hate her if she were always going to work me this hard. We finished up the paperwork, and she gave me a list of exercises and stretches she wanted me to work on, and then the session was over. I didn’t want Indy to leave yet. We hadn’t had any time together, andour texts during the week weren’t enough. I wasn’t sure I could wait eight more days to see him again. It wasn’t as if I could keep them here any longer or ask Carol to wait while I spent time with Indy.
“Well, I’ll see you next week, Seb. I’ll have a schedule sent through for you to approve, and please feel free to email me if you have any trouble with the exercises in the meantime.” And with that, she left, shooting a wink to Indy as she closed the door behind her.
“She’s fun,” I was being sarcastic, of course, as a breathy chuckle left my lungs. “I guess I’ll see you next week, too.”
“Or we could catch up for about an hour before I, too, have to leave,” Indy smirked at me.
“Wait. You’re not leaving?”
“Not unless you want me to.” His eyes sparkled as he teased me.
“Please stay,” I launched at him and wrapped him in a hug, so happy to feel my arms around him.
