MEAGAN

Chapter 6

Fastening my belt, I stepped out to join Danny, determined to pull my composure in place for the rest of today.

Breakfast was quiet, and I didn't appreciate it knowing Danny's intention behind the silence was keeping close watch on me. He worried too much about me.

“I'll do the dishes.’’ I offered before Danny got it.

“You know I wasn't going to let you do it but you asked anyway.’’ He said.

“I…’’ I was going to protest but my phone beeped.

“You should get that.’’ Danny nodded his chin towards the phone and took away the dishes.

“Yes, Naomi?’’ She was my secretary.

“Someone is here to see you, ma'am. He insisted on waiting even when I told him you may not be in the office today. I think it's urgent.’’ She reported through the phone.

‘‘And who may that be?’’ I frowned lightly, running a check in my head on my appointment schedule for today.

There doesn't seem to be any important client I have to meet.

“He wouldn't say his name, but I think I heard someone address him as Mr Barrington.’’

I froze, and my phone dropped from my hand onto the table.

Barrington.

That was Sarah's surname.

“Meagan, everything alright?’’ Danny rang from the kitchen, cornering h the kitchen island towards me.

I picked up my phone immediately, struggling to pull back my composure in place. I forced a smile at Danny, a trembling one that I feared he might notice.

“It's nothing. My phone slipped.’’

Thankfully, he stopped. Coming any more closer would have blown up my pretentious smile.

“Are you sure you're fine, Meagan?’’ He asked with genuine worry in his eyes.

That hurt.

“Please stop worrying so much about me, Dan. I don't deserve it.’’ I lowered my face, guilt gnawing at my heart.

Danny came closer and pulled me into his embrace. “Don't say that. Just appreciate what I do for you rather than push me away, okay?’’

“I just feel like I'm being so much stress on you, and I hate to think about it.’’ I said sincerely.

He pulled away and smiled. “Let's get going.’’

I nodded.

Naomi had ended the call, probably when I didn't pay any attention to her again. But her message relayed, like a heavy layer of foundation against the earth, leaving a lump in my throat with a thumping heart.

Half way into the ride to the hospital, I decided against it.

“Can we turn over to Mrs Ashford’s instead?’’

Danny took a quick glance at me before speaking. “You have a session with her?’’

“I didn't book one yet, but I'm sure she'll be able to speak to me for a few minutes.”

I needed to see my therapist. I needed someone to explain this sick ordeal of mine to. I couldn't keep it down to myself any longer or I might just explode.

Why was Darrell doing this to me?

How did he even find my office?

Just how long had he been in town for?

“You should put a call through to her first, know if she'll be available for unplanned minutes.’’ Danny suggested.

“She doesn't take calls at this time. I should probably send an sms then, but she also won't check her phone either.’’ I explained.

But Danny didn't seem convinced. “I'm just concerned that your episodes have grown worse since yesterday.’’ He mumbled, and he wasn't wrong.

“The more reason I have to see Mrs Ashford.’’ I urged.

“Did you take your meds this morning?’’ He asked

“Yes I did.’’

“Still, it's not guaranteed that Mrs Ashford would have the time to see you. Since you already booked a session for tomorrow, how about we just wait it out till then?’’ He glanced at me again, his eyes appeasing.

Heavens! I wish he understood the situation I was stuck in right now.

“You still plan to visit Sarah today, don't you?’’ He asked again.

I bit my lips this time, not having anything to say. It was no debate how much time I always ended up spending at Sarah's headstones.

“Then we also have to be at the family house this evening remember?’’ Danny added.

“It's alright, I'll just go tomorrow instead.’’ I smiled, even though I wasn't sitting well with the idea of waiting until tomorrow.

What if Darrell showed up before me again?

Danny flashed a smile at me, and like that we ended at the hospital. I was surprised to realise that he had booked an appointment with Dr. Thessa already, and all we needed to do was wait till she was done with the patient using her service when we arrived.

Everything happened quickly, except that I had to come up with a lie to fill in the spaces that involved my recent trauma of seeing Darrell everywhere I turned because that was exactly how it felt.

I knew the doctor was going to discuss everything with Danny soon after and I still needed certain information kept away from him.

“Hey.’’ Danny received my gently as I returned from the session with Dr Thessa coming behind me.

“Thank you, Thessa. How is she doing?’’ Danny redirected.

“It hasn't been anything too serious so far. She just needs to keep taking her medications and avoid stress.’’ Dr. Thessa answered, I swallowed emptiness.

“Are you sure? Her episodes seemed to have gotten worse since yesterday.’’ Danny insisted.

“Uh.. Danny.’’ I called.

“I promise you, I'm fine, okay? Like Dr. Thessa said, it's nothing serious. I just thought about Sarah too often, and it's probably like you said yesterday. Her birthday.’’ I said, hoping he would drop it at this.

He exchanged glances with the doctor, one that I perfectly understood the meaning behind it but there was nothing for me to worry about now.

“I'll call you.’’ He said to her, and she acknowledged us with a smile before retreating into the hall.

Danny smiled briefly at me. “Let's go.’’

“We should get Sarah some flowers.” He suggested as we drove towards a florist store ahead.

“Sure.’’ I smiled.

“I'll get it, you just wait here.’’ I said as I undid my seat belt.

Danny touched my hand before I could leave, his eyes soft and tender. “You will be fine right?’’

I smiled, rubbed his hand over mine softly, and whispered. “I promise.’’

He nodded and let me go.

As soon as I left Danny's side, the air grew on me. But I had to compose my steps. I had to do this one thing without ruining myself this time.

I loved asking about the meaning of flowers, and as such, I knew the meaning behind many. Thanks to someone I didn't want to think about.

I got some white lilies for Sarah, they signify peace cause I believe she's resting in a more peaceful place, and happiness because I wish she would be happy with the lord.

I used to love red tulips years ago. Aside its beauty, I loved that it wasn't too common like roses. But I especially loved them because of who they came from all those years ago. Every time I saw them, I was instantly reminded of him. But it faded sometime during the past few months, thanks to therapy and Danny's roses.

However, seeing them now instantly reminded me of him. How could it not? He was here now.

“You still love those?’’

A voice asked from behind me, and striking chills drove down my shoulders to the soles of me feets.