"The therapist's gentle voice broke the silence, 'How are you feeling today, Beatrice?' Beatrice's voice trembled, 'I'm falling apart...I'm losing my mind.' The therapist's calm demeanor soothed her. 'Take a deep breath in, and relax,' she instructed. Beatrice inhaled deeply, feeling her tense muscles unwind. But before the therapist could speak again, a wave of emotion washed over Beatrice, and she burst into heart-wrenching sobs. The therapist's voice was a comforting whisper. 'Let the tears flow, Beatrice. Cry freely, and you'll laugh freely again someday.' She paused, then added, 'Healing begins with acknowledging the pain, and then facing it head-on.' When Beatrice's tears finally subsided, the therapist encouraged her to share her story. Beatrice poured out her heart, recounting every detail, every hurt, and every fear. The therapist listened attentively, offering a safe and non-judgmental space for Beatrice to unburden herself.
"The therapist's gentle eyes locked onto Beatrice's tear-stained face. 'Why did you take out your anger and hurt from Keith's betrayal on Jared?' she asked softly. Beatrice's sobs intensified as she replied, 'I never meant to hurt Jared. I love him with all my heart, and the thought of losing him like I lost Keith is unbearable.' The therapist's expression was empathetic. 'Are you certain you're not still holding onto feelings for Keith?' she probed. Beatrice's voice was firm, 'No, I feel nothing but hatred for him.' The therapist's eyebrows rose slightly. 'What makes you feel that way?' she asked. Beatrice's eyes flashed with anger. 'He betrayed me, and I'll never forgive him,' she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
The therapist fell silent for a moment, collecting her thoughts. Then, with a gentle yet firm tone, she spoke. 'Love and hate are closely linked, Beatrice. To heal, you need to understand your true feelings for Keith and Jared. Right now, your past is holding you back. You're carrying around heavy emotions that are weighing you down. It's time to release those feelings and learn to love and trust again. Letting go will set you free.
The therapy session drew to a close, and Beatrice stood up to leave. The therapist smiled warmly. 'Until next time, remember to relax and let go of those heavy emotions.' With a gentle goodbye, Beatrice walked out of the office and into the reception area. As she reached the exit door, she collided with a familiar figure. Their eyes met, and the past came rushing back. 'Keith?' Beatrice whispered, her voice trembling. Keith's expression was neutral. 'Beatrice, how are you?' he asked politely. But Beatrice's anger flared up, and she let out a disdainful hiss. Without a word, she turned and walked away, leaving Keith calling after her. 'Please wait, Beatrice! Don't go!' His calm tone only fueled her anger, and she quickened her pace, disappearing into the crowd
"The ride home was a blur as Beatrice's mind wandered to the unexpected encounter with Keith. She couldn't help but wonder what had brought him to the therapist's office too. But she quickly shook off the thought, her anger and resentment resurfacing. 'Keith is history,' she told herself firmly. 'He's nothing but a painful memory, and he can stay in my past where he belongs.' With a newfound determination, Beatrice pushed aside all thoughts of Keith, focusing instead on her own healing journey and the love she still held for Jared.
After a draining day, Beatrice sought refuge in her home. She freshened up, trying to shake off the stress, but her mind kept drifting back to Jared. She couldn't help but think of him, and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Longing to hear his voice, she picked up her phone and dialed his number. But her heart sank when she realized his phone was switched off. Feeling defeated, she dropped her phone onto the coffee table. Just then, her phone sprang to life, ringing loudly. 'Unknown number?' Beatrice wondered, hesitant to answer. But the phone rang again, insistently, and she finally picked up, curiosity getting the better of her.
"Hello?" Beatrice said, her voice cautious. But as soon as she heard the voice on the other end, she froze. The voice was unmistakable, and it sent a shiver down her spine. She paused, her heart racing, before speaking again. "Who's this?" she asked, trying to sound calm. There was a pause, a heavy silence that seemed to stretch on forever. And then, the voice spoke again, its tone low and husky. "It's Keith." The name hung in the air like a challenge, and Beatrice felt her anger and resentment simmering just below the surface.
"As soon as Keith's name echoed through the phone, Beatrice's world turned upside down. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her heart racing wildly as she struggled to catch her breath. Panic set in, her mind reeling with questions. 'How did he get my number?' she wondered, her thoughts swirling in chaos. With a mix of anger and desperation, she finally found her voice. 'Keith, what is this? What do you want?' she demanded, trying to keep her emotions in check. 'You told me to move on, to be practical, but now you're calling me? You're married, for goodness' sake! Leave me alone!' she exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a frantic plea.
"Beatrice, I'm deeply sorry for everything," Keith said, his voice filled with regret. "Please, just listen. I know it's been a long time, but I had to see you again. Today, I went through a lot to get your number from the receptionist at the therapy center. I don't want to bother you with the details. Beatrice, I'm sorry my call is upsetting you so much. I know I deserve it, but I've been worried sick about you all day. I couldn't stop thinking about you and what could be troubling you enough to seek therapy." Beatrice was stunned, unable to speak. Keith realized his call might make things worse and could get the kind receptionist in trouble. "I'm so sorry for calling you after everything I did to you," he apologized, but Beatrice remained silent, her emotions overwhelming her. Finally, she hung up the phone, leaving Keith with only silence.
That night, Beatrice tossed and turned, her mind racing with thoughts of Jared and Keith. But for the first time in a long time, she felt a glimmer of peace when she thought of Jared. Her heart felt lighter, filled with positive thoughts. 'I trust Jared,' she told herself. 'He won't give up on me easily. His love is strong, and he wants me to change for the better. He'll come around, and I know he still wants me in his life.' She felt a sense of hope and determination. 'Now is the time to trust him, to give him space and time to think clearly.' But Keith's sudden reappearance in her life left her confused and worried. 'What does Keith want from me now?' she wondered. 'Why is he stirring up trouble in my life again?'
Just as Beatrice was starting to feel hopeful, her mind took a dark turn, drifting back to Keith and the pain he had caused her. She tried to push the memories away, but they flooded her mind like a tidal wave. Tears burst forth as she remembered the brutal way Keith had treated her in Lagos three years ago. The memories were still raw and painful, like an open wound. She recalled the devastating feeling of being left alone, crying uncontrollably on the floor as Keith walked out without a word. The memories came rushing back, vivid and intense, like they had happened just yesterday. Beatrice's body shook with sobs as the pain and heartache washed over her all over again.
Weeks turned into an eternity for Jared as he found himself consumed by the absence of Beatrice. It had only been three short weeks since their breakup, but the silence between them felt like an unbearable weight. Jared couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt for ignoring her. One morning, as he rushed to prepare for a crucial business meeting, his mind wandered to Beatrice. 'Maybe we could still be friends,' he thought, hoping to salvage what was left of their relationship. Even as he sat through the meeting, his thoughts drifted back to Beatrice, and he found himself distracted by memories of her smile and laughter. As soon as the meeting adjourned, Jared quickly pulled out his phone, his fingers itching to dial Beatrice's number.