Chapter 16 #2
“Space,” I answer without hesitation. But when Leon’s leg tenses against mine, I embellish, “It’s just…
all the space Leon has graciously given me so far, well, he’s kept me busy with wedding planning.
And I’ve been giving all my attention to that, since I don’t want to let him down.
So, I haven’t been able to process things. ”
Leon’s leg relaxes a bit, and I let out a measured exhale, trying not to show my relief.
Dr. Parnard nods empathetically. “I can see how this would hamper your healing process. You cannot properly process the trauma caused by Leon in the past, since your attention is consistently consumed by his present-day self.”
I nod vigorously. From the corner of my eye, I take in Leon’s pinched face.
Dr. Parnard’s sharp stare flits between Leon and me, and I can almost see the gears turning in his head. “There’s much to be done if you’d like to rebuild your relationship in a short amount of time. This will take a lot of homework, from both of you, as well as continued counseling.”
Leon narrows his eyes but nods once.
“Vivian,” Dr. Parnard continues, “I’d like you to step down from wedding planning.
You will require multiple days of contemplation in order to fully process your traumas.
Throughout this period, you should see Leon as little as possible.
In fact, I recommend a distance of at least one hundred meters between the two of you at all times, unless you are attending my sessions. ”
“Oh, for fucks sake, that is completely–” Leon starts, but I interrupt him.
“Brilliant! This is why Dr. Parnard is the best, Leon. His methods seem unorthodox, but they’re highly effective,” I answer with wide doe eyes.
He gives a long-suffering sigh. “I’ll think about it.”
I do a mental happy dance. Dr. Parnard may be the sassiest, most frustrating professor, but I truly think it’s because he’s a genius who genuinely cares for his students.
“Excellent!” Dr. Parnard exclaims. “And Leon, for your homework, I believe you would greatly benefit from taking empathy walks. You will take a walk in Vivian’s shoes, for an hour a day, at minimum, and journal how it makes you feel, emotionally.”
Leon gives him a disgusted expression, but Dr. Parnard ignores it. “I also believe you would benefit from independent counseling. I’m concerned that your fixation with Vivian may stem from an attachment disorder. Were you breastfed as a baby, by any chance?”
When Leon doesn’t immediately answer, he continues, clearly starting to get into the whole therapist role. “Hmm, yes, I can see the issues with communication are far-reaching. We’ll also need to explore other, uplifting methods of self-expression. Do you perchance have puppets in this castle?”
Do immortals regenerate lost body parts? I can hear Leon’s teeth grinding together. Hopefully, he snaps one off. Maybe he’ll be reluctant to get married if he’s waiting on a tooth to grow back.
A girl can dream.
The silence stretches on, and I’m starting to worry that Dr. Parnard pushed too far. But I haven’t lost all confidence in his abilities. I’ve seen the professor shred students to pieces with surgical precision. There must be a method to his madness.
Or he’s blindly winging it, after being traumatically kidnapped and forced to improv as a therapist.
It’s definitely not the second option (delusion).
“And what is in it for me?” Leon finally bites out in a harsh whisper.
“Beyond your marriage?” Dr. Parnard clarifies, raising a brow.
“She’s marrying me, regardless. If I agree to any of this, I want something in return,” Leon all but growls.
“Ah,” Dr. Parnard notes, giving Leon an equally intimidating stare. “Of course you do. From this session, I’m sensing that you are mainly in turmoil over the lack of intimacy in your relationship.”
I feel like the ground below me just gave out.
Dr. Parnard, what are you thinking?
He doesn’t spare me a glance, his attention completely centered on reading Leon. “We will begin to rebuild that intimacy, should you be willing to complete your homework.”
That suggestion wipes the anger from Leon’s face, and he turns to me, eyeing my body hungrily. “I agree,” he says, and reaches for my thigh, like he’s ready to get intimate, right here, right now.
Actually, I don’t doubt that’s what’s on his mind.
If I ever get back to the land of wifi, I’m going to rate Dr. Parnard a negative one thousand on the professor rating site.
“Ah, ah ah!” Dr. Parnard, reprimands. “We must begin slowly. Otherwise, all progress in these sessions will be for nought. To re-introduce intimacy, we will end each session with a group hug.”
Why did I think this man would be helpful? He also thinks morning runs are a good idea. He isn’t a genius, he’s clinically insane.
Dr. Parnard stands, holding his arms open. “Now, on that note.” He waves us over.
It is taking a concentrated effort on my behalf to keep looking at the professor like he’s a guru. Still, I think I manage it, even as I awkwardly make my way over to him.
If this is what it takes to get the space I need to search for Irena, then it will be worth it.
Leon glares daggers at Dr. Parnard, who smiles at him encouragingly. “Now, now, Leon. You must trust in the process. This is a core intimacy-building exercise. Do not abandon Vivian again.”
His eye twitches again, and he woodenly stands, stepping toward Dr. Parnard’s outstretched arms.
When we’re both within reach, the professor wraps us in awkward, half-hugs. Leon tries to reach for me, but freezes when Dr. Parnard tugs his head onto his shoulder.
“Now, eyes closed, and emotions open,” the professor whispers, as he starts to sway with us.
When Leon shifts to move for me again, Dr. Parnard exclaims, “Heal…” drawing out the word.
The forced group hug lasts an uncomfortably long time, and every time Leon tries to touch me, Dr. Parnard cries out the word ‘heal’ with increasingly loud volume.
Finally, he releases us and dusts off his jacket.
“Excellent work, both of you. This is what healing looks like. Leon, you mustn’t touch a hair on Vivian’s head outside of these sessions.
We’ll meet again tomorrow at the same time.
I look forward to hearing how you’ve progressed with your homework. ”
Leon’s mouth opens, but no sound comes out.
“Now, get out of my office. Your hour is up,” Dr. Parnard adds, with the familiar, authoritative professor tone.
I don’t mention that he doesn’t have an office, as I hightail it to the door.
Dr. Parnard is insane.
He’s also the genius who bought me more time, and hopefully discouraged Leon from assaulting me.
Best prof ever.