After playing with the kids for a while and having some quick dinner together, Justin made Silas and Phin ready for bed. He read a book for them and finally sang a slow song to help them falling asleep. 

Jessica was sitting with a glass of red wine in front of the telly when he returned downstairs. He sat down next to her at the sofa and gave her a calm smile.

„We made a lot of mistakes, but our boys are perfection.“

Jessica smiled back.

„I agree.“ 

„Hey ehm… how come your boyfriend isn’t around tonight?“ He asked curiously. 

Jessica took a big sip, before answering. 

„We broke up few days ago.“ 

„Why?“ Justin asked surprised. 

She sighed. 

„He was struggling with the way I earn my money.“

„Means?“ 

„I have a new film project. When I received the script, he wanted to know what kind of movie this was. I explained it was a romance. He asked, if there were any sex scenes in it and I said yes. Then he turned uneasy and told me he wasn’t okay with that. I explained, that this is part of my job, but he didn’t care and completely freaked out.“ 

„You broke up because of a script?“ Justin asked in disbelief. 

„This was not the first time he became jealous. He was from the beginning. First I thought it was cute, but things became really strange after a while. He turned possessive and tried to tell me who I was allowed to talk to or not. The script was just the tip of the iceberg.“ 

„I’m sorry to hear that, Jess.“ 

„Really?“ She asked skeptically. 

„Really.“ 

Jessica took another sip. 

„Now tell me what happened to you.“ 

„Do you mind, if I have some as well?“ Justin changed the subject, pointing at her wine. 

„Of course not, please help yourself.“ 

He went into the kitchen, took a glass from the cupboard and filled it up. Then he returned to the sofa and tasted it. 

„It’s really good.“ 

„Justin. I know something is wrong. Talk to me.“

Eve woke up in her bed the next morning, still wearing her clothes from the prior day. Josh was spooning her tightly, also being dressed.

As he refused leaving her alone the prior night, she rushed into her bedroom and slammed the door. Then she laid down in bed and cried badly. It took just few seconds, until he joined her. He hugged her close from behind and let her cry. As she finally fell asleep, he allowed himself closing his eyes and drifted away, as well. 

Eve enjoyed the warmth of his body a little longer. Being in his arm made her always feel save and secure. 

„Can it be, that you have serious mental issues, Eve? Is he right when he says, that you’re not yourself anymore?“

While she was lost in thoughts, Josh started waking up slowly. He took a deep breath, inhaling her scent and pushed her body even closer to his chest. She loved when he was doing this to her. When he eased his embrace, she turned into his direction. He was still holding her and looked into her eyes.

„Hi.“ He said calmly and kissed her head. 

„Hi.“ She replied.

She hugged him close and enjoyed the smell of his warm body.

„Thank you for staying. I said, I want you to go, but it was a lie. I was just terribly mad at you.“ She said, still inhaling his scent. 

He smiled and kissed her head one more time. 

„I know that.“

She looked up into his eyes again.

„Are you hungry?“ 

„I think you know the answer.“

„You should have let me cook first and start that unpleasant conversation after dinner.“

„Believe me, I’ll never do the same mistake again.“ He joked. 

„I love you, Josh. You’re right when you say that I’m not acting the way you used to know. But my feelings for you didn’t change.“ 

He gave her a calm smile and caressed her cheek. 

„We need to find a way out of this situation, honey. Things start to run out of control. I don’t want any of us getting unnecessary hurt…“ He said carefully. 

„So, you believe I need professional help to find out what I really want?“ 

„This is not about finding out what you want. I think you need someone to help you to process what you went through in first place. When you learn how to deal with all what happened to you, I am convinced it will help you to see things clearly. And then you will find an answer.“ 

„I know seeing a shrink is not a big deal here. But where I come from, people deal with their shit on their own. Seeing a shrink is a sign of weakness.“ 

„This is nonsense, honey. Admitting that you need help is not a sign of weakness.“ 

„You’re right. I just want you to understand why I freaked out when you made that suggestion.“ 

„I understand. And I’m very relieved you see things different today.“ 

Eve sighed. 

„I’m still upset about what happened with Justin.“

„Don’t be. I bet he’ll call you as soon as he can and admit that he overreacted. There is no way he stopped wanting you, just because you had sex with me.“

„I didn’t tell him what exactly happened.“

„Good. It’s not his business what we did."

She smiled sheepishly. 

„Our sex was very exciting, Josh. I had no idea how…“

Josh put his index finger on her lips to interrupt her.

„In case you didn’t notice, I’m already hard as fuck. We can’t have this conversation now.“ 

Eve bit her lower lip and gave him a naughty grin. 

„Then let me make you some breakfast at least.“ 

At the same time Justin woke up. He needed a moment to remember where he was. He stared at the wooden ceiling, before turning his head to his left. Then he panicked. Hastily he raised his upper body, gasping for air.

„FUCK!!!“

„I must admit, I was really surprised when my assistant informed me, you wanna see me this morning, Mrs. Chasez.“ Josh’s former doctor said. 

She was sitting in front of him at his desk, feeling a little uncomfortable.

„Actually, I didn’t think I would see you ever again, doctor. But I need some help and believe you might be the right person to ask.“ She started explaining. 

„Okay, I’m listening.“ 

„It’s not easy for me admitting the fact, but I think I should see an psychologist.“ 

The doctor raised his eyebrows. She looked at him, waiting for any kind of further response. 

„Mrs. Chasez, what happened?“ 

„Josh’s memory is back.“

„I already heard the good news. He informed me as he came back from Florida. Does it mean you’re back together?“

„It’s not that simple, doctor. My life turned pretty complicated and it looks like I’m not handling things well. That’s why Josh believes I need professional support.“ 

The doctor smiled calmly. 

„Your husband is right.“

She raised her eyebrows.

„Well, I’m not denying the fact. But it surprises me you just said that, without knowing what is going on in my life. 

„I don’t need to know what is going on in your life to know that you’re traumatized.“ 

„Traumatized?“ 

„Yes. Let me explain. First you gave birth without your husband. Then you learned about his tragic accident. Later you were confronted with the fact, that he won’t wake up. But as he finally did, he couldn’t remember you. You dealt with a very high emotional stress level for a long time, but your mind never got the chance to heal. That’s what we call unresolved trauma.“

„Okay. It makes sense.“ 

„I guess you came here to ask for a specialist, right?“ 

„Yes, I hoped you could recommend someone.“ 

„I can. Her name is Dr. Miranda Brown. I’ll give her a call and make sure you’ll get an appointment shortly.“ 

„Thank you, doctor.“ 

„You’re very welcome, Mrs. Chasez.“ 

Eve stood up.

„May I ask something off the record?“ The doctor asked, before she left.

„Sure.“

„How is Josh dealing with the fact, that he isn’t your baby’s father?“ 

Eve’s stomach dropped to the floor and her knees turned into jelly.

„Excuse me… what did you say…?“