Private Affair (The Private Series) Read Free Page B

told any of you about what has been happening? Or for how long?” She asks us.
    I shake my head no and Dad answers her with a saddened “no.”
    “I see. That is normal and that is why I suggested the agreed facility back in Seattle, they will help her talk about it and how to heal.”
    “When does she go?” Tess asks.
    “She is cleared to leave this evening. I suggest getting home and having her get some sleep in her own surroundings and I can suggest only one of you to go with her in the morning and I recommend that be her choice. It’s about feeling comforted and safe at this stage.”

 

     

     
     
    As hard as it is to agree that Caroline needs to have professional help, I know it’s the best and only option. I never took it as far as she did, yes I cut but, it was never as deep or as frequent. I watched a nurse change her bandages and I saw all of the scars, far too many. She needs to get help now before she does it again. Next time she may not be found in time and things could be a lot worse.
    “Tess?” Caroline speaks up as the nurse removes her IV.
    I leave Ben’s side and I walk over to her bed and she pats the bed for me to sit next to her.
    “My doctor told me that I get to choose who I want to go with me to the … rehab to help me get settled in.” She was reluctant on the R word.
    I nod.
    “I want you to go with me Tess.”
    I notice Ben’s head shoot in our direction and I try not to notice his shock. “Why me Caroline?”
    She drops her head and shrugs, “I just trust you and I need a girl to go with me.”
    “What about Gwen?”
    “I love Gwen, but I don’t want a lecture. I don’t want to be fussed over. I just need someone who gets it, because it’s bad enough I have to go.” Her eyes drop to her hands. “But, if you’d rather not…”
    “I would love to.” I jump in, she doesn’t need rejection on something that could bring her comfort right now. I look over my shoulder at Ben who sends me a nod of approval.
    Caroline offers the tiniest of smiles, but it’s a start.
     

     
    Caroline has just been discharged and was released in Jack’s care, to fly back. I volunteered to sit with her on the flight back, in case she wanted to talk, but Jack was told to give her a sleeping aid for the flight to keep her relaxed.
    “Here baby girl,” Jack hands Caroline a couple of pills. She retrieves them and pops her head back and takes them down.
    “Thanks Dad.”
    Ben is sitting behind us on the flight, because this plane only has rows of two and I am with Caroline. Jack and Gwen are seated in front of us. I twist in my seat just before the take-off, to give Ben a little kiss. “You okay?” I ask.
    With sad eyes he offers a nod, “Thank you for being with her, in more than one way.”
    I give him a tight smile and lean in for another kiss. He sits back and I return my attention back to Caroline, “How are you?”
    “I’m okay, the pills are starting to take effect.” She rests her head on the back of the seat. I grab a flight attendants attention before she sits for take-off and ask her for a pillow and blanket for Caroline.
    I see her eyes close and I know she is out for the count. The attendant returns with my request. I lightly lift her head and place the small white pillow under it and cover her with the blanket. I see her take a restful breath and I am relieved I could help in that.
    When we touch back down in Seattle it’s late at night and the facility is closed till morning. Caroline wakes up in shock from the landing and panics slightly. “Hey, it’s okay, we just landed.” I take her hand.
    She shakes her head and rubs her eyes, wincing at the movement of her arm. I only offer her a knowing glance and as if reading my mind she tells me, “No, I’m fine, I don’t need any medication.”
    Brave thing.
    Jack and Ben jump to our side in the isle to offer help, and I see her giggle behind her hair, which is around her face. It warms my heart. I start out of my seat