21. Chapter 21 #2
Jace clears his throat, his expression shifting to something more tentative.
"Before we dive into investigation mode, I wanted to ask you something.
" His fingers tap lightly against his thigh in that familiar rhythm I've noticed before.
"Have you ever spoken to anyone professional about what happened? A therapist, I mean."
The question catches me off guard. I hesitate, my hands hovering in midair.
"I know it might seem unrelated to finding your stalker," he continues carefully, "but trauma like what you experienced... it affects everything. How we process danger, how we respond to threats. This person is playing on your already established trauma and fears."
Theo watches me closely, unusually quiet, giving Jace space to continue.
"I have someone I see," he says carefully. "Dr. Levine. She's... she understands trauma. And she's excellent with non-verbal communication."
I tilt my head, studying him. There's something vulnerable in the way he offers this information, something personal.
"She helps me navigate the world when it gets too loud, too overwhelming," he continues, his eyes meeting mine with quiet intensity. I tilt my head, curious about what he means, but he doesn't elaborate. "She might be able to help you too. With the memories, with processing everything."
"If you wanted to try," he adds quickly, "I'd go with you. Every session. Wait outside, or come in if you wanted support. Whatever you needed."
The offer touches something deep inside me—this careful consideration, this gentle suggestion without pressure. I sign slowly, "I saw someone briefly after the hospital. They wanted me to talk about what happened."
"But you couldn't remember," Theo fills in, understanding.
I nod. "Felt pointless. Just made me feel more broken."
"Dr. Levine doesn't push," Jace says. "She creates space for healing to happen at your pace." He pauses. "Even if your voice never comes back, working through the trauma might help with the panic attacks, the hypervigilance."
I consider his words, the sincerity behind them. It's been so long since I've let myself hope for any kind of healing.
"I'll think about it," I sign, and I mean it.
"That's all we're asking," Theo says, squeezing my hand.
The sincerity in his voice makes my throat tighten with emotion. I look from him to Theo, overwhelmed by their unwavering support.
"Thank you," I sign, the simple gesture feeling wholly inadequate for the depth of my gratitude.
"In the meantime," Theo says, sitting up fully now, "you shouldn't stay here. Hotels have too many strangers, too many potential security gaps."
"You could stay with one of us," Jace suggests, his tone carefully neutral. "My place has a good security system, and I work from home most days."
"Mine has a doorman," Theo adds. "And I'm only two blocks from the office, the cafe is only around the corner."
I shake my head, though the offer is tempting. "That wouldn't be fair to either of you," I sign. "This is still new, whatever this is between us. I don't want to impose or force choices."
They exchange another look, that silent communication I'm beginning to recognize.
"What about your apartment?" Jace asks finally. "Would you feel safer there if we were with you?"
"Both of us," Theo clarifies. "Taking shifts if needed. No one gets in without going through us first."
The suggestion makes my heart beat faster. My apartment—my space—with them in it. It's both terrifying and exhilarating, the thought of letting them fully into my life like that.
I think on it, turning the idea over in my mind. The thought of returning to my apartment makes my stomach knot with anxiety, but there's logic in what they're suggesting. It's my space. My territory. And maybe reclaiming it is the first step toward reclaiming my life.
"The flowers," I sign finally, my hands moving hesitantly. "They're probably still there."
Jace's expression darkens. "All the more reason for us to go. We need to document everything, look for any evidence this person might have left behind."
"You don't have to do this," I sign, giving them one last chance to walk away from the mess that is my life. "This isn't what either of you signed up for."
Theo takes my hands, stilling their nervous movement.
"Wren, listen to me. We're all in this together now.
" His voice is uncharacteristically serious, his usual playfulness replaced by steady determination.
"You, me, Jace. Whatever this is between us—and we can figure that out as we go—we're in it together. "
"He's right," Jace adds, his hand finding the small of my back. "We're not going anywhere."
The sincerity in their voices makes my throat tight with emotion. For so long, I've been alone—running, hiding, surviving. The weight of that solitude suddenly hits me, and I lean into Jace's touch, drawing strength from his steady presence.
"Okay," I sign finally. "My apartment."
They both nod, a determined look passing between them that makes me feel simultaneously protected and nervous. This is happening. We're really doing this.
I suddenly become aware of how sticky I am from our morning activities. "Actually, I need to shower first."