Beyond The Threshold: Episode Four

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“I was born, grew up, and now here I am.” Elaine wasn’t going to give him the whole story. Why should she when she wasn’t going to see this guy again? Besides, it would be too painful to walk through it.

The therapist wrote something down in his notepad, taking longer than she thought he should. She tried to look over the fatherly hand that blocked her view, but he closed the notepad and stared at her.

What was he staring at? Were her shorts not short enough? Or maybe her roots were showing. She knew she should have dyed her hair a week ago when she first saw the brown peeking through the blonde, but she hadn’t had the time.

If Tom saw how long her roots were he would have beat her until she stood over the bathroom sink applying hair dye. Rose would have to get her some new dye tomorrow. She needed to look perfect. It was wrong not to.

Finally, after what seemed forever, he asked, “How is your relationship with your sister?”

“She’s the one person in my life who is always here for me. She pushes me to do better. Without her, I don’t think I could keep going.”

Again, he noted something down. Why did she let him come? Already, she was too uncomfortable.

Looking at the clock, she noticed ten minutes had already passed. “Okay, it’s time for you to go. Thanks for coming.” She stood to open the door.

“I’ll let your sister know I was here. I had a good time talking with you, and I hope you find yourself ready to talk to me again soon.” He beamed at her and left.

As soon as he was gone, Elaine ran to examine herself in the bathroom mirror.

Men that keep us reading romance

Okay, he’s sexy and he cleans. What more can you ask for?

OH la la, I want to touch those abs, then I can come home to my husband. Is there anything wrong with that?

Beyond the Threshold: Episode Three

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“What?” Elaine’s mouth dropped open. “What do you mean in an hour?”

“Your sister, Rose, made an appointment for today at three. Would you like to confirm this, or do we need to reschedule?”

Now Rose had gone too far. This was uncalled for. “I told her I didn’t want to see a therapist. I’m surprised she scheduled without my permission. So, no, I don’t want to confirm or reschedule. Sorry about the inconvenience.”

“Ma’am, if you don’t mind, all I’m asking is for one ten-minute session. No obligation. You don’t have to say one word to me. Your sister is concerned, and I’m sure if you at least see me it’ll calm her nerves.”

He had a point, and ten minutes wasn’t that long. What could this guy say or do in that short period that would cause pain? Besides, maybe Rose would get off her back about things for a while.

Elaine took a deep breath. “Okay, ten minutes. That’s it.”

“Alright, I’ll see you soon.”

After hanging up the phone, Elaine sank into the couch. Why couldn’t everyone just leave her alone? She was perfectly content to stay indoors by herself. Maybe she’d lock the door and never let anyone in again, but she couldn’t completely turn her back on the world. So, she was stuck with talking to the damn therapist.

When the doorbell rang, she took her time to answer. In front of her stood a man with short, gray hair. His aura radiated with a pleasing nature. It was so strong, she almost felt giddy. Without realizing it, a smile spread across her face.

As she beckoned him inside, she said, “Come in and have a seat.”

Reaching out, he took her hand. “I’m glad to finally meet you. Your sister told me a lot of good things about you.”

“Really? That’s good.” She wondered what non-good things her sister had said. “Okay, let’s get down to business.”

He waited for her to sit down, then opened a notepad. “So, if you don’t mind, tell me how you got to where you are today.”

Funny: Man Screwing up a Romantic Bath

I thought this was funny and wanted to share it. Do any of you have any cases where you were trying to be romantic, but your love ruined it?

Beyond the Threshold: Episode Two

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“Elaine,” Rose screeched as she rushed to give Elaine a hug. “You look… good.”

“You don’t have to lie, Rose.” Elaine glared at her younger sister. “What are you doing here anyway?”

“Now, that’s no way to talk to me. I’ve got some good news.” Rose dumped the contents of her duffel bag on the battered kitchen table. “I’m getting married!”

The elaborate smile Rose beamed across the room did little to break through Elaine’s mood, but she tried her best to look happy for her sister. “Congratulations.”

“You know what the best part is?” Rose held up a picture of a lavender dress. “You’re going to be my Maid of Honor.”

“How am I going to do that if I can’t even leave the apartment? You know I don’t go beyond that door.”

“Come on, sis. You can do it for me. I won’t be happy without you there at my side.” She handed Elaine a business card. ”I hired a therapist to help you prepare for the next few months. That’s his card if you need to call him. It’s time to put everything behind you, especially the horrible way that man treated you.”

An image of Tom’s face flashed in her mind and she crippled to the ground, covering her head with her arms. Just as quick as the picture entered her mind, it disappeared. Realizing there was no danger, she slowly stood, pushing away the hand her sister held out.

“I can’t do this. It’s too much for me. I’m sorry Rose, but can you leave?”

Rose’s concern turned to a pout. “But I wasn’t done. I wanted to go over my plans with you, and I have something else to tell you.”

“Not now. I just need to be left alone.”

“Well, I guess I can come back tomorrow. I love you.” She hugged Elaine and left.

Before Elaine could take a nap, the phone rang. “Hello.”

“Hello, is this Elaine Ferguson?” a male voice asked.

“Yes. Who’s speaking?”

“This is Jordan Hartsfield with Hartsfield Anxiety and Phobia Treatment Center. I was calling to confirm our first meeting in an hour.”

Beyond the Threshold: Episode One

It was just around the corner. Just a little farther. Elaine started to shake, and her heart pulsated. Too far. She had gone too far, and her apartment, her comfort zone, was out of reach.

All she wanted was to mail one little letter. She should be able to do that. Where was her strength? She could see the mailbox, but her feet wouldn’t move. Not able to breathe, she turned to go back inside. At least in her apartment she wouldn’t be scared.  Before reaching the top of the stairs, she heard Richard, the mailman, call her name.

“How are you?” He headed toward her as she tried to calm herself.

Eyeing her doorway before facing him, she sighed. “I’m fine. I have a letter for you.”

Compassion filled his eyes as he took the envelope in her hand. “It’s good to see you out of the house.” He handed her the mail and smiled. “Would you like me to start leaving your mail in the mailbox?”

“No, I still would like it brought to me, if you don’t mind.” She was glad he never asked her why she needed the mail delivered to her doorstep. The few people in her life at least kept their curiosity to themselves.

Tipping his hat, Richard said, “Well, I guess I’ll see you next week.” Then he trotted to his van.

Inside, she plopped on her ugly couch and curled into a ball. She was worthless. She couldn’t even walk down the driveway to the mailbox. Shutting off the world around her, she cried. Would she ever find the courage to overcome her fears, or was she really the good-for-nothing she believed she was?

For hours, she lay there feeling sorry for herself, trying to build her self-esteem without any luck.

Hours later, a knock at the door pulled her out of the dark.

Romance Novels: The First Meet.

     For any romance lover they crave the first meeting between hero and heroine. But what if the first meet is during a very heart wrenching moment? Would the attraction make you think the character isn’t compassionate, or do you find it natural for someone to feel attracted to someone even during a dramatic scene?