Talking it Through - Part 3

Bianca returns with some good news.

Dr Stanhope was smiling as he waited for his next appointment. Bianca Montgomery was due any moment and he was desperate to hear how things had developed between her and Marissa.

When Bianca walked in her head held high she eyes bright and big smile on her face he knew the news was good.

Bianca took a seat on the couch.

"She loves me." She said her smile growing even wider. "Marissa loves me!"

"That's fantastic." said Dr Stanhope, his smile growing too.

"I think I'm a little in shock." Bianca admitted. "One moment I was sure it was over and now… now everything is… wonderful."

"So why are you here?" asked the doctor, Bianca didn't usually make an appointment if there wasn't something worrying her.

"I think my heads still spinning a bit. I haven't been this happy since…" Bianca thought for a moment and then grinned again. "I can't remember when I was last this happy. It's all happening so fast right now, I guess I just want to slow it down so I can savour ever moment. She told me she loves me, then she told JR, Scott, her mom toasted us with champagne. Everyone knows were together and we haven't even had a date yet. I haven't even had a moment to tell her I love her too."

"You are worried that it won't work out?"

"No! Marissa is just perfect and very very sure about how she feels. I've never been in this position before. The one being pursued, I think if it were only the two of us it would be perfect but now there's an added complication."

"Are you concerned at how your children will take it?"

"No the girl's love Marissa and AJ is a sweetheart; he's more worried about his mom. No my worry is JR, Marissa's ex-husband. He is drinking again and that is never a good thing. He's taken it personally and I guess I can sort of see why but he's lashing out at everyone including his son AJ and it scares me a little."

"Go on."

"JR can be very self-destructive and if he ruins his relationship with his son because of this we could all end up in a bad place. Either JR will hurt himself or he will go after someone else, probably Marissa."

"Are you worried about your safety?"

"I'm worried about JR. I'm worried what he's doing to his son. I'm worried about what he could do to Marissa. I'm also worried about my girls… JR is the reason Reese gave up the custody suit, if he does something to persuade her to sue again… JR can be a self-pitying drunk or a mean drunk and when he gets mean he gets very mean."

"You are lost in the what-ifs and maybes again." Doctor Stanhope reminded her. "Are you happy with Marissa?"

"Yes, very happy." said Bianca, her smile returning.

"Is she happy with you?"

"Yes." said Bianca he smile widening again.

"Have you done your best to help to JR?"

"He won't listen."

"Then all you can do is hope for the best."

Bianca sighed, but didn't look convinced.

"I am going to ask you to do something that's goes against your very nature." said Dr Stanhope, taking her hand. "Bianca I want you to be selfish for once. You are in love – enjoy it! You can handle anything and everything the world throws at you, but you can't spend your life waiting for the bad things to happen. Just enjoy being in love."

Bianca nodded.

"I'm very happy for both of you." Dr Stanhope said finally.

"Thank you." said Bianca, her smile reappearing.

Dr Stanhope looked at the clock, they had only been speaking for a few moments. Bianca followed his gaze.

"Why don't we call it a day." He said. "I'm sure there is someone you'd much rather be spending an hour with. No charge – let's call it a wedding present!" he teased.

Bianca gave him a playful glare at the bad joke.

"I'll be sure to send you an invite." Bianca quipped as she left his office. She paused at the door her face suddenly serious again.

"I'm not sure I've ever thanked you properly for everything you've done for me."

Dr Stanhope sighed,

"Believe me Bianca seeing you as you are now, healthy, happy and in love is the best thanks you could ever give me!"

Bianca shy smile was as captivating as ever as she graciously accepted the compliment.

"And remember." finished Dr Stanhope, "I'm always here if you need me."

The End (until the next twist)