Rhode 's P.O.V"So, Rhode , have you been to therapy before?" Dr. Elizabeth asks me as I sit down in her office. She's an older woman in her sixties maybe, with short white hair and dark rimmed glasses. I felt like I needed to start fresh with someone new, even though my last round of therapy only r
"Those aren't the kinds of things you've done in other relationships?" She asks, I almost laugh. I don't think I'd count any of my past hookups and contractual agreements as relationships, but let's humour her."No. I wasn't the kind of guy to want to settle down and commit" I tell her. The thought
"Sure" I confirm with a slight nod, allowing myself to sink further into the seat. Trust the process."From what age did you first notice the abuse?" She asks as delicately as anyone can ask that question."It's just always kind of been there. One of my first memories was my father shoving me out of
"You mean do I resent the fact that he didn't beat her up in front of me? Because I don't, not at all. I would have taken a thousand beatings to save her from one." I retort. I feel myself becoming defensive, how could I be mad at Bianca for being liked by our dad? I'm not harbouring some kind of si
"What is it about you that makes you think that you're an asshole? What makes you okay with thinking that about yourself?" She sits forward slightly, I remain reclined back in my seat."I'm a very selfish person, I'm not known for being kind or considerate towards other people unless I get something
"She knows I didn't have a good childhood and that my father is dead, but that's basically the extent of it" I inform her. I don't exactly view it as lying, it's more just me sharing what I've been comfortable with sharing. And even if I did feel comfortable talking about this awful man, there are l
I wish we had met in another way, I've fantasized about it many times in fact. But it's the way we met, and I'm thankful for it."Was that a difficult adjustment for you to make? Going from this contractual relationship to one that is more real and vulnerable?" She queries, the top of her pen sittin
"See you soon, bye" Amelia says quickly into the phone before ending the call and standing up. "How was it?" She asks nervously as she walks around the dining table over to me. I let out a long sigh and nod slightly."Brutal, but good" I admit as I rake a hand through my hair. Now isn't exactly the
"Wanna give one a go?" I suggest to her with a small grin."Might be a bit premature, don't think Max is the marriage type quiet yet" She responds with a quiet giggle, then catches herself as we all stop and gape at her. She hasn't mentioned Max in that context in a very long time. Behind Poppy, Fra
"It's stunning sweetheart, absolutely stunning" My mum comments excitedly as I allow my hands to rest at my sides, my reflection making my heart race quickly. I'm wearing a wedding dress. Maybe not the wedding dress, but a wedding dress none the less. It all seems insane to think that I had spent th
Fran, Bianca and now Sarah are at the racks, perhaps browsing for me or for Fran, who recently moved to London and is flat hunting with her boyfriend Zayn."They have wedding dresses at charity shops? I can't tell if that's bleak or romantic" Poppy comments quietly to me as I sit down beside her."
"You are referred to as exactly what you are, a man, while I am referred to as my relationship to you, a wife. Like the only identifiable thing about me is that now I am your wife but you still get to be a man in your own right" I explain. It's something that's always irked me while watching TV show
"You forget we had sex in a bookstore?" Rhode leans in close and murmurs to me, heat rising on my cheeks instantly. One of my wilder moments I would say."Did not forget that, but I'd rather not have to explain that story to, well anyone" I say with an embarrassed giggle. I definitely told at least
"Please, take it" He states in a soft tone that makes butterflies flit around my stomach. "When?" He adds with a little more urgency."How about, before the years end?" I suggest. It's early October now so going into the colder England months, it's not exactly going to be extraordinary weather but t
"Thank you" I mumble against his lips, brushing my nose against his. His hand lingers on my hip as I come down off of my tiptoes, the wind blowing some of my hair into my face."I'll support you either way, it's up to you" He softly states, his eyes never leaving mine as his hand leaves my hip and t
"Hey, you remember yesterday when we had the family over for lunch?" I say just as we approach the small coffee stand near the fountain at the centre of the park. It's run by a father and son out of a truck that normally attracts a large crowd of locals but today seems a little isolated, supposed we
"To be honest, I feel anxious about taking her out on my own" Rhode states honestly as we wait at the corner for our crosswalk light to turn green. It's a surprising admission that immediately gets my attention."You've never mentioned anything like that" I express as I put a hand on his arm while h