Teach Me

Chapter 6

Rae's POV

It's been a week since that and I have been going through it. I have had a nightmare almost every night that either Demi or the dogs had to wake me up which is taking a toll on me and them. I haven't been able to go back to the diner so James has been running it every day which again is taking a toll on me, him, and his family, which is not fair to them.

Every time I think of the man, who I didn't end up pressing charges on because it was accidental even though he did treat me and my employee badly he didn't mean to hurt me, I see the foster father who haunted me for years is haunting me again. This hasn't happened in over a year.

"Maybe you should just spend the day with me?" Demi suggests as she is getting ready for the day. "You need to leave the house or it will never get better." She says.

I haven't left the house since we got home that night other than to the backyard to watch the kids play, I have been over-sensitive to everything, and just about everything triggers me.

"Just take the kids to Moms for the afternoon and come at lunch like you did last week but this time stay the rest of the day. Just hang out with the classes and expose yourself to things but have a safety net." She starts again when I don't respond. "You and Sarge or Max come spend the afternoon at the school, that way you know you are safe but you're out of the house." She reiterated what she said before.

"I will try," I say distractedly.

Ever since we got home and settled down I haven't been able to focus on anything unless it's for the kids. I know maybe I am being dramatic but I can't help it. It's like everything is out of focus and isn't real. It's like a panic attack that never ends 

"Please, I am getting worried about you, baby girl." She says. "You haven't left the house in a week."

"I will try, Demi, I really will try." I tell her. "It's just every time I think about it flashbacks start, and the pain makes me think about it every time I move."

"I know, I know, trust me I know and it kills me that you are having to relive all of that but I do think going places you are comfortable with will help." She says. "Being in another place where there is no threat to you and you know the kids are safe but don't have to be cooped up either would be good. For both of us."

"I will come, Demi, but I can't promise I will stay." I gave in with a sigh.

A few hours later Dianna is on her way over because it wasn't lunchtime and I texted her. I told her to tell Demi she couldn't watch the kids or something so I don't have to go. Instead, she decided to come over and talk to me. Saying that couldn't let me keep avoiding things without at least trying to help.

I hear a knock on the door and slowly make my way, as Luna holds on to my leg, to open the front door.

When I open the door I see Dianna and instantly let her come in. We make our way back to the living room and sit in silence for a minute.

"You know, Demi would never let anything happen to you, if she can help it." She says. "She is just as scared about you going back to the diner as you are that's why she wants you at the school. She knows the kids are safe with me and you are safe with her."

I just stay silent.

"All of this is hurting her as much as it is hurting you, but I think you know that and I think that is what you are really scared of. You are scared how it will affect her if something happens to you because you know how to handle pain." She sighs when I continue not to respond. "The two of you are so in love and worried about the other it's debilitating. You need to go and show her you can do it, show her you can function again and it will make her worry less."