Bloodlines

Couples Therapy

Avalon

"Thank you, officer." I put my purse over my shoulder and meet face to face with Sam.

"I'm just looking out for you. I don't know your situation but—"

"You're right. It's not your business. My boyfriend does not abuse me." I shoulder bump past him.

The boys look at San with nasty smug looks as I walk over to them.

"What a fucking tool." Ezra groans.

I sigh and shake my head. "What's going on with Theo?"

They all shrug.

I roll my eyes over this whole situation while taking a seat and running my fingers through my hair.

We sit in silence until about twenty minutes later an officer talks out with Theo. We stand up and the officer smacks his hands together. "Alright, y'all are good to go. I'm referring you out to a couples therapist and strongly advise for Theodore to get scheduled with his psychiatrist again."

I'm handed a paper and nod in defeat.

We finish up at the station and take the silent drive home.

"Bab—"

"I don't want to talk right now, Theo." I look out my window.

By time we arrive home, I grab my pillow and blanket to sleep on the couch.

It just felt like it needs to happen, at least just for tonight.

"Take the bed. Goodnight, baby. I love you." Theo brushes past me with his pillow and blanket.

Sighing, I place mine back down and curl up in bed. Theo's side, actually.

I just want this awful nightmare to end.

*****

"What are your concerns, Theodore?" Our therapist, Makayla asks.

Theo shakes his head and leans back on the couch. "I have no concerns. I feel this is all stupid and that jerk just put a strain on everything."

"Were you jealous?" Makayla jots down in her notebook.

I turn to Theo.

"I simply don't like my girlfriend being corned at the gym by a guy who is clearly interested in her." Theo sits up. "Yes, I am being treated for anger issues. But I know every man would feel the same if they saw their girlfriend in that situation."

"Do you feel it's Avalons fault?"

"Of course not! I wasn't going to sit by and watch another man bother my girl." Theo states.

Makayla nods. "Jealousy is a very common thing in relationships. As long as you trust Avalon, it's no need to bash out."

"I'm gonna keep my mouth shut." Theo shakes his head.

Makayla turns to me. "How do you feel, Avalon? Does Theodore do anything that makes you feel upset?"

"No. Though, I've been working crazy shifts and with Theo in school it makes it harder to have time alone. He's always with our friends and we have never have alone time." I sigh.

I feel Theo's eyes on me.

"When was the last time y'all were intimate?"

"I don't think that's any of your busin—"

"Two weeks?" I estimate.

Makayla nods. "I feel you both should make out a calendar for date nights and just time for each other."

"This is ridiculous. I love Av and try to be with her all the time—"

"Of course! But not with your other friends." Makayla says and Theo immediately jumps from his seat and walks out of the room.

I get up as well. "I'm so sorry!" I run outside and get into the car after Theo who is already inside of it. "Theo!"

"Is this going to help?!" Theo gets out.

"It could—"

"No, Av, it's not! We have been perfectly fine together but the SECOND that douche comes in it's like we're on the verge of a fucking breakup for no damn reason! I love you, Av. I really fucking do. Do not EVER think I don't. This is all ridiculous! We don't need therapy!" Theo shouts.

People outside turn their heads, causing me to immediately hop into the car.

Theo sighs and gets in, pulling out of the parking lot and making our way home.

****

"Babe." Theo walks in the living room where I'm rewatching the vampire diaries. "I'm sorry for making a scene, okay? I just don't see why we need this."

I pull my blanket up and get comfortable after taking a sip of my pepsi.

Before Theo can say another word, there's a knock on the door.

"Go get your best friends." I put my arm up.

"Baby—"

"The door was opened!" I hear a familiar giggle.

"Tatum!" I squeal.

She finishes hugging her big brother and runs straight into my arms. "I missed you so much!" She squeezes.

I chuckle. "I missed you too!"

"Hey Avalon!" Valentina walks over.

I get off of the couch and give her a hug. "How was your vacation?"

"It was great! A lot of much needed relaxation with the hubby." Valentina smiles.

My smile slightly falls.

"Guess what!" Tatum tugs on my arm.

"Oo! What?" I gasp.

"I went to a wedding!"

Tatum's eyes light up as she beams with joy.

"That's so cute! Did you have fun?" I rub her back.

"Yes! Avalon, can I stand up there with you when you marry Theo?" She gives me her sweet smile.

I melt down and hug her. "Of course you will be up here."

Theo and Leo walk over as they talk about how school is going.

"You are going to marry my brother right?" Tatum looks up at me.

I take a glance at Theo just to see him already looking back at me, most likely waiting for the answer Tatum is waiting for.

I smile and look down. "I am going to marry your brother."

"Yay!"

Theo gives a soft smile.

The night goes on with many rounds of games like uno, monopoly, guess who, and what do you meme.

Just from that list, you know it was a long night and we are exhausted.

Tatum actually fell asleep before we could even start guess who - her favorite game! She's for sure going to be mad when she finds out with played it without her.

"Bye y'all!"

Theo shuts the door and the second he turns around, I'm pressed up against his chest, hugging him tightly with tears streaming down my face.

"Hey. What's wrong?" He wraps his arms around me and slightly rocks me.

"I love you, baby. I don't know why I was so scared that everything we ever accomplished and got past would be destroyed. I was terrified all our progress was pushed back." I soak his chest.

"My love." He picks me up and sets me down on the countertops. "Yes, I was jealous. Very fucking jealous. But lashing out wasn't the answer and I know that so I'm standing here now admitting it. We are not taking steps backwards. I'm learning as we go. I don't ever mean to scare you or feel threatened and for that I'm so incredibly sorry."

"I love you so much." I wipe my tears before latching my lips onto his.

I feel like smile against my lips that cause me to smile back.