Page 121 of You Saw the Best In Me

“It’s the only way I had to survive. I was so relieved when the weapon was still in the glove compartment that I cried silently in the backseat. I knew what I had to do and planned it out using my knowledge of him to my advantage,” I explain, and she nods while taking notes.

Before I know it, we’ve been talking for two hours, and a nurse interrupts to bring me medication.

“No, Amber. I’ve removed that from her chart for now. I’ve taken over her case from the emergency department,” and the nurse obliges.

“What was she going to give me?” I ask curiously.

“A sedative. Your panic attacks last night were severe, and the on-call physician ordered sedatives. I’m here because of Maverick,” she smiles, and I feel safe again.

“Thank you,” I say, and she dives back in with the questions.

“What did you and Asher talk about on your drive?” she asks, and I shiver.

I can’t think of getting back into a car, and the panic builds again. I try to control my breathing, but I’m struggling.

“Karina, back to me. What just happened?” she tries to bring my focus back to her.

“I, uh, thought about being in a car. Going back home,” I breathe, feeling grounded.

“Okay. Understandable, but let’s circle back to what you spoke about,” she re-words her question.

I noticed, and this time, I’m able to answer it.

“I spoke a lot about our inappropriate relationship. He stole my life, my twenties, and everything innocent about me,” I explain, and she closes her notebook.

“This is where I want us to end things for right now. Is that alright with you?” she asks, patiently waiting for me to answer.

“Yes.”

I’m relieved. I’m tired of talking.

“Thank you, Karina. I have another patient to see. After I complete my workup, I will recommend a few things for you and pass them along to a nurse on my service, okay? She’ll be your new resource for anything you need. I’ll be by later tonight if you have any questions or anything else you want to share with me,” she smiles and closes my door.

I breathe a sigh of relief. I did that for Maverick at first, but by the end of our session, it was for me.

I’m determined to heal from the trauma caused by Asher and my mother, no matter what it takes.

A little while later, Maverick comes in, and his smile is the highlight of my day.

“Please, come lay with me. I’ve missed you so much,” I beg, and he wastes no time.

“I’ve missed that smile, baby girl,” he kisses my cheek.

“Thank you for absolutely everything. Most of all, for loving me,” I smile, moving over so he can fit in this bed with me.

“Thank you for having that session. I didn’t know what to do, and I couldn’t see you, so … broken anymore,” he snuggles into me, resting his head on my shoulder.

“You’re my Angel,” I turn to kiss him, but he hesitates.

“Are you sure? Yesterday, you seemed afraid,” he checks in, always ensuring I feel comfortable.

“I’m certain. I love you, Mav. He’ll never change what’s in my heart and soul for you,” I smile, and he pulls me in for the kiss of my lifetime.

I’m confident we will get through this together.

I had a lot of time to reflect on the shit choices I’ve made thus far, but Maverick is the light in my twenty-year darkness.

He’s the soldier in my army, always on the front lines to protect me, and I’d do the same for him in a heartbeat.