Falling in Love : I love you, Today and Forever
Chapter 831: Consultation - Part 2

Chapter 831: Consultation - Part 2

Aria glanced at Noah again as Ronnie drove the car. They were on their way to meet the psychiatrist, and with every second that passed, Noah’s nervousness increased, making him all the more tense. He had been silent since they woke, barely articulating his thoughts even when Aria probed him. Something was bothering him for sure, and she didn’t have to think twice to know what.

Not knowing what to say, Aria grasped his hand, forcing Noah to look at her. Passing an assuring smile, she clutched his palm tight, hoping to ease his worries. However, it had a bare minimum effect on him.

Although Noah smiled back at her, he didn’t relax and remained anxious. Licking his lips, he tried to distract his thoughts and it worked to some extent.

Focusing on something else other than Aria or Jared or the hidden explosives helped him calm down and he let out a deep sigh.

Nobody spoke a word. Even Ronnie remained silent as he glanced at his Boss who seemed distracted and lost.

Noah, who had managed to calm down, bit his lip in nervousness as they approached the clinic. He was stressed, worried, and heartbroken. PTSD was no joke and Aria had to get therapy before it became too late.

The high-strung Noah accompanied Aria inside the clinic, clasping her hand tight. Oddly Aria was calmer than he was and was surprised to find his palms cold.

"Doctor West?" The receptionist looked at the computer for confirmation.

"That’s me." Aria nodded.

"Doctor Rossi is waiting for you. You may go in. The office is the second room once you enter the corridor." The receptionist pointed towards the corridor on her left. "And Sir, please wait here. You aren’t allowed inside."

Noah was cooperative. Although he wanted to accompany Aria, he knew she needed to be alone with the doctor for her session. She needed someone who could handle her professionally.

"Wait for me," Aria mumbled and Noah hugged her shoulder tight before letting her go.

Aria followed the direction the receptionist had pointed towards and stood outside the second office room.

Sofia Rossi. The nameplate on the door said. Taking a deep breath, she knocked at the door and entered the office once she got permission.

"You must be Doctor Aria West." The woman stood up once Aria was inside. "I’m Sofia Rossi."

Aria stared at the woman before her. Unlike her name, she didn’t look Italian and Sofia chuckled, reading Aria’s expressive face immediately.

"I look more like my mother. She’s American," she clarified and Aria smiled sheepishly, embarrassed to have been caught.

"Hello, Doctor Rossi. I’m Aria West."

The two ladies shook their hands and once Aria had taken a few steps more inside the office, Sofia closed the door.

"Please take your seat, Doctor West," Sofia took her chair around the table and Aria sat on the chair as she looked around the office.

"Would you like some coffee or tea?" Sofia offered.

"No, thank you."

"Okay. May I ask how do you know Doctor Davis?"

"Oh, Doctor Davis and I studied at the same university and he is my superior in the hospital I work at currently."

"I see," Sofia mused.

"So, tell me, Aria. May I call you Aria?" Sofia asked gently, making Aria lower her guards all the more.

"Surely, Doctor Rossi."

"If I am allowed to call you by your first name, you should do the same as well. Let’s keep our relationship balanced, shall we?"

"That sounds good," Aria agreed, discerning what the lady was trying to do.

"So, Aria, did you have your lunch?"

"Yes, I did. How about you?"

"Oh, I had my lunch as well. Although it was boiled vegetables and tasteless food." Sofia scrunched up her face in disgust and Aria let out a laugh.

"May I know what your hobbies are, Aria?"

"I don’t have anything particular as such. I barely have time to focus on my hobbies considering my shifts and work," Aria sighed and Sofia empathized with her.

"Is there anything you’d like to do in your free time? Perhaps reading a book or gardening or any sport you play?"

"Does playing tennis count? I haven’t picked up my racket for months though." Aria tried to recall if there was anything that interested, anything civil. There were other types of hobbies that she liked. But she was unwilling to share it with Sofia.

"Yes, absolutely."

Aria couldn’t fathom why they were speaking about her hobbies. She couldn’t perceive how it would help her condition.

"You must be wondering why I’m deviating from what actually needs to be done and asking you unrelated questions. Am I right?" Sofia read her thoughts and her smile widened when Aria nodded absent-mindedly.

"I will create a plan for you based on your answers. My questions might seem irrelevant to you. But they are necessary in the long run," Sofia explained, making sure that Aria was with her.

The next hour passed by with Sofia asking her all normal questions, from how her work was going to her family members, to her likes and dislikes. Not one question was related to her trauma or anything that caused her to suffer from PTSD.

The conversation was light and smooth, nothing forced or heavy. Aria felt relaxed and the walls around her heart collapsed until she started to open up on her own. By the time they were done, she was laughing and giggling along with Sofia whom she had slowly started to consider more than her therapist.

"So, that’s all for today, Aria. How do you feel?" Sofia leaned forward and clasped her fingers.

"Umm...comfortable and tranquil. Does that make sense?"

"Absolutely. I’ll send you your treatment plan to your email in a while. Please follow it for a week and if possible, include yoga and meditation in your exercise," Sofia suggested.

"Surely. When do I see you next?"

"A week later."

"Thank you, Doctor Rossi. Thanks a lot."

"My pleasure, Doctor West."

This time, the women returned to addressing each other formally and Aria stretched her hand which Sofia gladly shook.

"I’ll see you next week."

"Yes. Have a good day."

"You too, Doctor."