Page 77 of Ruthless Blade

I shook my head, “I’m sure. I’m taking summer classes to make up for lost time.”

“They’re going to let you stay in this dorm?”

I nodded, “We won’t have to move until we graduate.”

Her body relaxed, and she placed the bag on her shoulders.

I unlocked the dorm and turned on the lights, going and opening my door. Hazel wasn’t here because she was working at the rink.

Mom set the bag down and closed the door behind her. We’d already talked to the police and filed a report that I wanted to press charges; hopefully something would be done, and soon.

I’d planned to avoid seeing Garcia and Ivy for the foreseeable future. If for some reason I saw them on campus, I’d go in the other direction, or surround myself with people so we were never alone. I hoped they’d have some severe consequences, but I also was realistic and knew if there was any money involved and their families had that, things would probably work out for them.

I still hadn’t heard from Kayden, but I didn’t think I would. I pushed him away and told him that I needed space. Hazel told me the guys took off to the NHL combine which was all the way in New York, so the possibility of seeing him somewhere other than television wasn’t going to happen.

Time to move on.

Is that really what I wanted though? To move on from him?

No. He’s the only one I wanted, and not being in his arms fucking sucked.

“What’s next?” Mom asked, and I couldn’t answer her. One thing I did know was that I needed to move forward with my plan of healing.

“I’m going to attend therapy. My first session is next week.”

Her eyes widened, as if it was weird thinking of me going to therapy. It is weird. I didn’t necessarily want to talk about what I was going through to a stranger, but if I couldn’t talk about it, could I ever really heal?

“Will you let me know how that goes?”

I nodded, but didn’t say anything.

“Well, if you’re alright, I’m going to head home. If you need anything, I want you to call or text. I’m going to be better about being a parent to you, and while it may take some time because we got off course for a while, I want you to know that I’m going to try.”

Wetness gathered in my gaze, and instead of wiping it away, I let it fall. We had been on our outs and I’d been alone for so long. It was good to know that she would be there.

“Thank you,” I said, as I pulled out the stool to sit down.

A yawn escaped my lips. I think it’s time for a nap...or three.

“Your medicine is in the bag, please make sure you take it.”

“Yes ma’am.”

She left shortly after and a piece of my heart sewed itself back together.

If only I could get all of it to become one again.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

LEXI

A week later...

Dr. Grant's office was smaller than I expected, all soft lighting and a couch that looked more lived-in than clinical. There was a box of tissues positioned within reach, and that gave me goosebumps on my arms. They expect their clients to cry. I guess I’m screwed.

My fingers went to my mouth and I automatically started biting. My nails were down to the bud because I’d been biting on them so damn much.

"You can relax," She said, settling into the chair across from me, a notepad balanced on her knee.