An online novel by Gillette Edmunds

“It might be good not to get into a relationship right now,” Maggie said. “You should get some therapy Barbara. You have a lot of grief work to do and I’m sure some childhood issues to deal with. When I came out of the hospital, I got the job here, and I went to individual therapy two nights a week, group therapy one night a week, and Alanon two nights a week. I did that for three years and then I cut back to Alanon twice a week and individual therapy once a week. I’m going to need that the rest of my life. I almost died Barbara, several times. I had to take this thing very seriously and so should you. Working here is also very therapeutic. Standing up for women who can’t, helps me stand up for myself. You have to learn to stand up on your own Barbara before you can be a full partner in a relationship”

“Michael isn’t like Chuck,” Barbara said. “He’s never had an affair in his life. But I know it is too fast. And you are right. I’ll find a therapist. I need to do that. I promise you I will do that. I have been having crazy memories. I thought they weren’t real at first but I know they are. I need to talk to someone about them.”

“Sexual abuse?”

“How did you guess that?”

“It is very serious Barbara. Some women commit suicide. They put themselves in abusive relationships because they would rather die than feel the feelings. They kill the feelings with drugs and alcohol and then overdose. I will give you the name of several therapists specializing in this.”

“Thanks,” Barbara said. “I do want help. I do.”

“Listen, I might have something else for you too. We have some funding for a part-time job. I haven’t had time to look for anyone. It’s all legal work, research, fact gathering, and depositions. It’s really full time work but we can only pay a half salary until we get more funding. You were a great law student. It would be an easy job for you and it could be healing. If you want it, you could start next Monday.”