Page 75 of Heal For Me

Do I? Yes. We are not heading to London until tonight. Do I want to? No. But I am curious about what he will say about the dream, so I lean back in my chair and wave him on.

“Go on, Doctor. Do your thing.”

I go on explaining the dream and everything that happened, he asks me my feelings and then discusses what each part could mean. The storm could represent what is happening in my head, apparently. The battle between my thoughts, or something. And according to him, the daughter is my wants being represented—he’s right on that. One day, I want children with Payson. As far as the cut throat and Payson being covered in blood, it’s just PTSD from that night.

The bell sounds, and even though he tells me we can keep going, he has given me enough to think about for one day.

“Thank you.” I shake his hand.

“Of course. Anytime. And I meant what I said about Payson joining you for a session. I would love to meet her.”

“She just spent months in therapy, doc. I don’t know if she wants to go back so soon.”

A knowing grin splits his face. “Very well. Have a good day and enjoy the city. Be sure to take her to see the British Museum. It’s very interesting.”

Yeah, okay. I’ll get right on that. Of all the things to do in London, taking Payson and Janelle to a museum isn’t on the top of my list.

32

Payson

“What about the British Museum?” I ask.

“I think that is a brilliant idea.” Beverly smiles, genuinely meaning it. William on the other hand is quite obviously holding back a smile, and when Janelle boos me, it breaks out.

“Pay, we are going to London. You want to see the museum?”

“I think history is cool!”

She leans forward and grabs the “Things to do in London” pamphlet from my hands. “You are not in charge of the itinerary.”

If his parents weren’t here, I would call her a bitch, but I’m trying my best to be on my best behavior.

“Oh, you girls are very entertaining.” Beverly laughs. “Whatever you decide, will be lovely. You can’t go wrong with much in London.”

“I can think of a few places that would be a waste of time,” William tells us as he pulls up his booklet like he’s about to read us a list.

The front door slams, and Ash steps into the room, his eyes immediately finding me. I don’t know where he’s been all morning. I’ve only been awake for about an hour, but he’s been gone longer than that because his side of the bed was cold.

“What is a waste of time?” He drops behind me and pulls me against his chest, laying a firm kiss on the side of my head.

“Payson is trying to make our trip to London lame, your dad is trying to save us from it.”

Ash’s dad chokes on his tea, obviously disagreeing, but Janelle is paying no attention.

“What are you wanting to do, baby?”

I drop my head onto his shoulder and look up. “I thought the museum would be nice.”

Dumbfounded for a moment, he groans loudly. More than I would have expected, but he doesn’t even get a real word out before Janelle is shouting, “Told you” in my direction, like we are eight again.

“No, Payson. This isn’t a school trip.”

My mouth drops. “You’re meant to be on my side!”

He smiles, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. “I’m always on your side.”

“Then say yes to the museum.”

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