Aunt Kora flinches, then lowers her voice. "The man I referred you to?"
"Yes."
Her pen drops to the table. "No."
"We're in love," I say, the words ripping out of me.
"He manipulated you?" she says through gritted teeth.
"No! He didn't manipulate me. We chose each other."
She swallows hard and softens her tone. "Blue, I'm sure you're confused, but protecting him?—"
"I'm not confused, and I'm telling the truth. We're in love. I chose him. It took him a bit to realize it, but he loves me, too," I say louder.
Aunt Kora snaps, "He's your therapist!"
"So?"
"He violated ethics. And now you're sitting in custody because of it."
"They treated him like a criminal."
She fires back, "Heisone now."
"So make it go away!"
"I can't!"
My hands shake harder. I lean closer. "You sent me to him. You know he's a good man or you wouldn't have told my mom about him."
Her jaw locks. "I referred you to a licensed professional."
"And he was good to me. He didn't prey on me. I preyed on him if anyone is to blame."
"That doesn't absolve him. It incriminates him," she coldly asserts.
My hands shake. I beg, "Then help us."
Aunt Kora puts her hand over mine. "I will help you, Blue."
"Help him, too."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"It's a direct conflict."
"Aunt Kora, you can't let him suffer. I love him! He's mine! I need him out. Now!" I shriek.
"Calm down, Blue."
I shove my chair back and slam my hands on the table. "You have to help him! This is my fault!"
"Yeah. Fix it!" Demi demands.
Aunt Kora snaps her head toward her. "I'm fixing Blue's case. And I've warned you."
