I recognise immediately what she means.
“The doctor has probably given you something already, but when I get like that, we learned these breathing and tapping exercises. Sometimes they help.”
I stand, going over to find the clipboard at the end of her bed, taking a loose piece of paper, and writing down the method that helped Regina and I so much, then show her on my own wrist and other places she can do it.
I hand the paper to her, and she gives me a lopsided smile. “Thanks, she’s sprouted so much information my head hurts trying to contain it.”
Her gaze travels over my writing, and I watch the rise and fall of her shoulders as she mimics the movements, then her eyes lift when Regina speaks. “You know we’ll always be here when you want to talk. Don’t think we haven’t asked because we don’t care. We just want you to take your time.”
Jenna’s eyes glisten again, her bottom lip wobbling as she drags in a breath. “I thought I was going to die in there, and no one would ever know the kinds of fucked-up shit those people did. I keep pinching my skin to make sure I’m not in a room somewhere, messed up.”
“You don’t need to talk about it if you don’t want to,” I say, gently stroking her arm.
She nods her head, casting her eyes downwards. “No, it’s okay. It feels…a little easier with you both.”
Jenna tenses her shoulders, taking in a deep breath before looking straight ahead, like it’s easier to tell it out loud without looking at either of us.
And I get it.
Talking about your trauma and looking into the eyes of those you care about just makes it harder.
“The details are a bit fuzzy, but someone broke into my house. They stripped me out of my clothes and put them on this girl; she was terrified. I’ve no idea who she was. They made me…watch. Said if I didn’t comply, then I would take her place for real.”
I didn’t see Jenna’s face when we got to her house; all I noticed was the clothes she had on from when I last saw her in the morning. That, mixed with her body sprawled in blood in her pitch-black hallway.
I wouldn’t have thought to question any of it.
“They kept the people they kidnapped at the manor; they’ve got a basement there…and another place one of the twins owns. We were mostly drugged up at the manor when providing services.”
My stomach feels like waves are crashing into each other.
Being subjected to that kind of horror for six whole years doesn’t bear thinking about the destruction it would have on your mind.
Both Regina and I reach out to hold her and, and she grips our hands tightly, her palms beginning to heat with a light sheen of sweat on them. “They kept me there for months before they…fuck,” she chokes, dragging in a breath before blowing it out harshly.
I speak up. I don’t want her to force herself. “It’s okay. We’ve got all the time in the world. It’s always on your terms what you tell us. We don’t need to know but will always listen when you feel like sharing.”
She bobs her head, but the monitor attached to her arm starts to beat rapidly, the beeps picking up by each second as her heart races.
“Do you want us to get the doctor?” I ask.
“Please.”
I slide my hands from hers, trying to not make my movements rushed and startle her. “Gina, stay with her.”
I speedwalk to the door, opening it and looking down the hallway to find Dr Beverley sitting in a chair, scrolling on her phone.
Closing the door softly, I try to keep my voice as quiet as possible, but it’s no use; it travels down the hallway. “Dr Beverley! Jenna needs you. I think she’s having a panic attack.”
The doctor rises to her feet, running in as I hold the door back open for her.
I watch as the doctor tries to soothe Jenna, handing her a soft toy I hadn’t noticed behind the window as Jenna squeezes it to her chest, nodding as tears fall from her eyes, staring straight ahead as she tries to control her breathing.
“Indie! Is she okay?”
My head snaps to the owner of the deep voice, finding Rex standing in the middle of the corridor, dark eyes tight at the sides.
“She was telling us a little bit about what happened. I think it’s been too much for one day and overwhelmed her,” I say, walking to stand closer to him.
