Chapter 11: Celebrations

Sheila lets the young couple enjoy their revelations undisturbed for a time, “Jonathan, Shelby? Would you two wait outside? I'd like to talk to Mary for a minute.” When the door closes behind the kids she turns to Mary and runs full into a huge hug. “Sheila, that was fantastic! More than I've ever dreamed would happen!”

“I know! I can't believe it. Two separate breakthroughs in one session! I may have to write a paper”

“I never thought I'd see the day Shelby felt close enough to anyone to reveal she wasn’t simply a girl, but transgender, and that person would just accept it! This is huge for her. I'm so happy she met Jonathan.”

“Yes, so am I. She exceeded my expectations and showed so much courage in her revelation. And something told me Jonathan would accept her. I’m so happy my suspicions were correct. But you still need to know something.” She motions Mary to sit. “There is more to come from him. This is the most he has ever said about the accident. Even to the police he says he can't remember. But I know there's more.”

“How so?”

“I've read the report. It was an ugly, horrific accident Mary. They had to cut all of them out of the car. His parents never had a chance. They are still not certain how he survived. The good news is; it wasn't his fault. Like he said he was driving. They found where there was black ice and therefore there’s nothing he could have done. The problem is, he is carrying a huge amount of guilt. My theory’s, he somehow believes it was his fault. It could simply be because he was driving. But I suspect something else happened. I can't convince him otherwise until he gives up the memory and I can compare his memory to the investigation.”

“Poor kid. You know, when it comes out…” Sheila trails off.

“I know, and that's where Shelby and your family come in. If he talks, I need to know. This is a good young man. He's good for Shelby. But like he said, he's broken. That he is trying to fix himself is significant. Mary, by my math, Jonathan's progress began taking off about the time they met. Shelby’s too, for that matter.” She pauses as if an idea just came to her, “Mary? I'd like you to consider the idea of me putting their sessions together.”

“Is that a good idea? What if they break up?”

“It’s a possibility, but based on what I'm seeing, and Jonathan's family history, I don't see that happening. But if they do part company, the work they do together now may be more valuable than having to treat a teenage breakup.”

This is another of those too short chapters, but helps advance the story. Chapter 12 soon to follow.

v/r
JM