Page 48 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

“So you and your mom lived with your grandma?”

“Yeah, and honestly, I had a great childhood. I know I’m supposed to feel upset that I never had a dad, but I’m not.”

“Hallie, you’re not supposed to feel anything, at least not with me. All I ask is you just be honest with me… and more importantly with yourself.”

“Yeah, well thanks for that.”

“So your grandma got sick?”

The panic of realizing her grandma had a terminal illness hits her as if she’d just heard the news. It has a way of sneaking up on her when she allows herself to wallow in memories.

“Fucking lung cancer. She didn’t even smoke.”

“That really sucks. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Yeah, me too. As Nana got worse, my mom started to freak out. I had never realized how much she depended on Nana before. She had dated a couple times over the years, but nothing serious, but within a month of Nana’s funeral, she had this loser of a guy staying overnight at the house. I’d hoped it was just how she was dealing with her grief, but no such luck. She married the asshole a few months later.”

“Oh wow. That must have been a big change for you having a man in the house.”

“That’s the understatement of the century.”

“I’m guessing you didn’t like your new step-father.”

“I hated the prick.”

Traci smiles. “You like that word, I see.”

It takes Hallie a few seconds to realize what she’s referring to. “Yeah, well I guess I do. I’ve had more than my share of pricks in my life.”

“What was his name?”

“I told you. The Prick.” Traci isn’t smiling anymore. “Fine. Gene. His name is Gene.”

When Hallie sits silently, hoping for a change in subject, Traci smiles kindly. “You know my next question, don’t you?”

The therapist’s candid and honest approach is refreshing and not at all what Hallie expected from her first session with a professional. “I don’t like to talk about Gene.”

“Then don’t. Save him for another day when you’re feeling up to it.”

“Really? You aren’t going to pelt me with intrusive questions, making me spill my inner angst?”

Traci’s laughter is genuine. “I hate how Hollywood has everyone thinking all psychologists are prying idiots, only interested in getting their patients to break down into tears in every session. Sorry to disappoint, but I actually like people to leave here feeling better than when they arrived. One day, I hope you’ll feel like talking about Gene will help you feel better.

I’m not sure you’re there today. So why don’t you tell me more about Eddie.”

Hallie can’t help but giggle. “Well, sure because talking about him is so much better.” “Fine, what do you want to talk about?”

Hallie hesitates, unsure if she wants to really know more or not. “How about Eagle’s Pass and well, you know… what makes it different.”

Traci’s watching her carefully, as if she’s unsure what to share. Hallie is reminded that she is technically not an official member of the co-op. Still, she’s curious.

“I’m happy to answer any of your questions, Hallie, but before I do, have you talked to your Aunt Gina or Uncle Adam about this? They have lived here longer than I have and as a married couple, they can answer any questions about the town and its guidelines better than I can.”

“Maybe, but my questions aren’t necessarily about the rules as much as they are about…”

Hallie can see understanding in Traci’s expressive eyes. Her own heartbeat has increased for some unknown reason. “I see. You’re more interested in understanding why a woman like me would choose to live here.”

“Not just you. Why would any woman want to live here? Like Aunt Gina and that wife of the guy that was here on Saturday. She was beautiful. She could have any guy she wanted. Why marry some guy who makes her live in a place where the men can beat their women?”

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