Page 38 of Lani

I join him at the window. “I think it’ll be hard for a long time, but someday it will hurt a little less and it’ll become more manageable. Look how far they’ve already come. They’re living the best they can and they’re thriving. They are so strong and have a will to fight. They left that life without a backwards glance, threw caution to wind. Not many would do that. They’re strong, just like you are.”

I wrap my arms around him tightly, thinking about his words last night and the pain he suffered as a child. He carried on, he lived, and he is happy. He’s winning.

I’ve never suffered a trauma like they have. I can’t fully fathom what they went through, but I have so much sympathy for survivors. They are truly the strongest people in the world.

To suffer and come out still functioning is amazing to me.

The door to the cottage opens and Vinny and I dart away from the window so we aren’t caught spying. We laugh loudly and plop on the couch next to Trey.

Braelyn comes to the door and we wave her inside. She slips in and shuts it behind her.

“Hi guys, mind if I sit?”

“Of course.” I motion for her to sit on the couch in front of us. I take Vinny’s hand because he’s nervous.

“I asked Lynn and Etta if it was okay to talk to you guys, so don’t worry about that,” she starts and sets her bag onto the floor.

“Lynn and Etta have suffered a great amount. Both of the girls have CPTSD.” At our confused looks, she smiles gently. “Complex post-traumatic stress disorder is from repeated and prolonged abuse. Most of the time PTSD stems from a single event, but Complex is something that happens repeatedly over a period of a time.”

Vinny tightens his hand in mine. “I offered medication, but they both want to try extensive therapy first and take medication if they really need it. I feel like daily therapy sessions will be needed for them, especially since they have just now escaped the abuse.”

She looks sad for a moment. “They are incredibly strong. I’m kind of in awe of them. Vinny, I’m not sure if you know, but your father was their first abuser. It started with him before they can even remember.”

Vinny jolts like he’s been shot. It must have never crossed his mind, but it’s clear to me, if he hurt Vinny, it’s a given that he hurt them too.

“They have a long road ahead of them. I have my own office and have many therapists and psychiatrists working for me. I’m going to hand off most of my cases to my colleagues and concentrate on the girls, along with the other girls you’ll be finding in the next couple of weeks. I’ve worked with the MCs for many years. I know things and I’ve signed an NDA, so don't worry about that,” she tells us, and I let out a deep breath of relief that she can be trusted.

“They need to be seen by a gynecologist, and a thorough checkup will be needed. I want to be there for that, and, Lani, I assume you want to be with them?” I nod, and she smiles sweetly.

“I’ll meet you at the clinic?” she asks, and we all nod. I think we’re just shell shocked, honestly.

We knew the girls suffered, but the thought of it starting way before they got married sadly never crossed my mind.

I know Vinny is hurting because of it. “We better get Michaela checked too. She’s probably never seen a doctor,” Trey suggests.

“I agree.”

The girls appear at the door in leggings and sweatshirts, with Lynn carrying a diaper bag. They come inside and sit down on the couch in front of us after Braelyn leaves.

“How are you feeling?” I ask them.

“I honestly feel better, unloading everything. Speaking the things you held inside for so long is so empowering, but it also makes it so real. I have hope and I know it’s okay to feel what I feel. I can move at my own pace,” Etta tells us.

My heart swells at how strong this beautiful girl is. “Wow, you’re so amazing. I’m in awe of both of you!” I walk over and start to hug them but stop in case they’re not okay with that.

Lynn laughs and tugs me down, hugging me. “Thank you for taking care of us,” she whispers in my ear, and I hug her a little tighter.

Even if Vinny and Trey didn’t agree with me taking them, I would have done it all on my own. Someway, somehow, I would have made it happen.

“I will always take care of you guys, always,” I tell them honestly. I hug Etta and wipe away her tears. “Are you guys ready to go?”

“Want me to take Michaela to the park while you guys are there?” Trey offers, and he reaches inside of the playpen, waking her up.

I sigh internally at the sight of them together. Michaela cries when he lifts her up but immediately settles the second she’s lying against his chest. He rubs her back, rocking side to side.

“That’s fine with me. I don't want her to sit for hours in the doctor’s office.”

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