Page 21 of No Regrets
Dex finished tying up the bag of garbage, calmer now. “Alpha is my team. My family. You know what that’s like. If I can’t lead them or if my actions break up the team, I’m not sure what I’ll do.”
Matt did understand. The bond between teammates was like no other. He watched his only son pick up the bag and walk into the house, wishing he could make this go away. He could make some calls, and he’d given it some serious thought. But this was Dex’s fight. His boy was a grown-ass man and was going to have to handle whatever the Navy decided. All he could do right now, is be here for him.
CHAPTER FIVE
“I understand you’re being discharged soon?”
Kelly sat opposite Claire. This was her third session and the woman had been nothing like what she’d expected. The five-foot-two bubbly redhead did not seem to be a typical therapist.
“Yes. The wounds are healing, and I can manage to sit upright now, dress myself, take a shower. It still hurts but it’s bearable.”
“And how do you feel about that? Going home?”
“I’m not sure. Partly relieved, partly scared.”
“Scared of what?”
“Being home alone. Empty house. Too much time to think.”
In the first two sessions they’d talked about coping mechanisms. How to deal with the nightmares, panic attacks. The whole rollercoaster of emotions she was experiencing. They had yet to get to any of the nitty-gritty stuff. But Kelly was warming to this petite woman who had strolled into her room last week wearing jeans and a t-shirt with “The only music is country music” emblazoned on the front.
“Yeah, hope this is OK. I’m not really into the whole wearing a suit, glasses perched on the end of my nose kind of therapy.”
Kelly had actually smiled at that, relaxing a little. “I’m not sure the Navy would approve.”
“I might be employed by the Navy, but I work for myself, so they do not get to tell me what to wear. I’m a civilian.”
“Is there no one that can come and stay with you for a while?” Claire brought her back to the present.
“No. It’s just me.” She pushed the thought of Dex being just a few houses down out of her mind.
“What about family? Are you from Coronado?’
“I was born here. My parents are from Chicago but moved here when my dad got a job as an engineer on the base.”
“Are they still here?”
“No. My mom left us when I was seventeen. My dad passed away six years ago. No siblings, so like I said, just me.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your father. Are you not in touch with your mother?”
“I haven’t spoken to or heard from my mother since the day she walked out.”
Kelly watched as Claire made notes. She used to get so angry about her mom, but over the years it had dwindled. Growing up, she thought her mother had loved her. She felt loved. But she’d walked out of her life without looking back. So, clearly, she’d been wrong.
“Do you want to talk about your mother?”
“Not really. Dad told me she met someone else. What else is there to say? She chose him over us.” She shrugged, looking out the window. She might not be angry, but it still hurt.
“What about friends? Anyone that can stop in on you?”
Kelly shook her head then looked at Claire. “Sad case, aren’t I?”
“No, but I don’t think you’re telling me everything. You went to school here, joined the Navy. Coronado is a small community. I don’t see you as the type of person who grew up playing alone. Someone who doesn’t make friends.”
Kelly looked down at her hands clasped together in her lap.
“I did have girlfriends growing up, but I’m the only one that joined the Navy. The rest have got married or moved away, and we kinda lost touch. Yes, I have friends in the Navy but not close ones that I would want checking in on me.” Again, she pushed Dex from her mind.