Page 52 of Tortured Whispers
Ronnie told me in our sessions that he understood my concerns about Ashley but Brook needed to do normal things. She needed to have friends and branch out. She even needed to make bad decisions on her own. It was all a part of helping her find herself and have confidence. I agreed with him. I didn’t like it, but I agreed.
I noticed my sessions with Ronnie turned more and more into sessions where we spoke about Brooklyn and less about how I navigated the world without my brother. Ronnie pointed it out during one of our meetings before Brook got there. “How’s your grief over Anthony been lately? Have you noticed that he’s been on your mind or has he faded into the background more? There’s no right or wrong answer,” he assured me.
“I guess he’s faded more into the background,” I said.
“That’s a good thing. I know it can feel like we’re betraying our loved one’s memory but that’s not it. Sometimes they have to go into the background so that you can heal. It means you’re…”
“Compartmentalizing Ant’s memory,” I said, finishing his observation.
“Exactly. As you know, it’s a sign of progress, Cease. You should be happy. Your mind is adjusting even though I know you still miss him. I honestly don’t think you need any more sessions to work through your grief.” Things fell silent as Ronnie scribbled on his pad then he lifted his eyes to me. “I do think we may need some sessions about Brooklyn though.” He watched me, gauging my reaction but I didn’t know how to react. Had I been that see-through? I tried not to balk at hearing him refer to Brook as my niece. I tried to keep the conversation casual when she was brought up.
Maybe I wasn’t as careful as I thought. Ronnie’s raised eyebrows and patient expression told me he was waiting for me to speak.
“Why do we need sessions about Brook? Is she okay?” I played dumb and Ronnie saw through that shit too.
“She’s fine. She’s great. I think that can be attributed to you. You make her happy. She makes you happy. Am I correct in this assumption?” I saw his pen moving slowly that time while he wrote. He was analyzing me and I was trying to map out where his thought process was headed.
“Of course,” I chuckled, folding my hands together in my lap.
“Good, good,” he nodded.
“So, you wanna tell me why you’re analyzing my relationship with Brook? Be up front, Ronnie.” I narrowed my eyes and rested my elbows on my knees. I needed to hear every word that came from his mouth.
“Cease, I’m noticing unusual behavior between you two for an uncle and niece. Now you know my office is a no judgment zone and I still uphold confidentiality even though we’re friends.”
“What are you getting at, Ronnie?” I asked, my brows crashing together and my nostrils flaring. I wanted him to spit it out. I refused to initiate such an intimate conversation.
“I’m not the bad guy here. I’m not trying to hurt. I’m not trying to expose anything. I’m trying to understand. I’m trying to help.” I stood to my feet and headed to the door. My back was tense and my spine was stiff.
“Are we done here?” I huffed. “You’re not being direct and I sense apprehension so I see no further need for us to continue if the session isn’t benefitting me any longer.”
“You’re right. I’m being passive. Forgive me, Cease but this is a sensitive topic.” He swallowed what I assumed was a knot of reluctance before he spoke again. “Are you and Brooklyn…involved romantically?” He finally asked.
“I’m not dignifying that question with an answer. I’m protecting her.” My jaw flexed furiously.
“You’re in love with her,” Ronnie countered. My heart knocked against my chest like a fist. I had been too transparent. This shit was going to tear apart the safe haven Brook and I built around each other.
