Forbidden Feelings

Emma Taylor's life was a perfectionist's story. Her husband then, Michael, was a successful lawyer; she was a prominent psychologist with a busy practice. His beautiful home in the center of the city was the result of his efforts.

Emma's heart swelled with pride and accomplishment as she walked into her sleek, modern kitchen. It was sunny, the coffee was percolating, and bird song filled the air outside. It was going to be a great day.

Emma went to the kitchen and made herself a cup of coffee, and she sipped carefully, as she marveled at its flavor. Keeping an eye on the clock on the wall, she knew she had time to read a few notes for a new patient she was going to see next.

Emma sat down at the kitchen table, but her thoughts drifted to her patient Ryan. A call had come from his primary care doctor asking for help treating Ryan's anxiety and depression. Emma was curious about the challenge, and had accepted the case.

Just as Emma opened up her notes, Michael strode across the kitchen door, dapper and confident in his tailored suit.

"Morning, gorgeous," he said, giving Emma a peck on the cheek. "How's your day looking?"

Emma smiled and leaned into his kiss. "It's looking great, thanks. Today I have a new patient coming in and I'm excited about working with him.

Michael nodded, looking around the kitchen. "That's terrific. No doubt you'll do a great job. P.S. where's my phone? I could've swore that I left it right here on the counter."

Emma shook her head. "I didn't see it, but you might want to review your study." You were working late last night and you probably left it in there."

Michael nodded and left the kitchen, leaving Emma to her notes. And as she studied Ryan's file, she got that feeling again, that something wasn't right; And though she could not put her finger on what it was, she felt there was something about Ryan's case that would be more complex than what she originally thought.

Emma's concentration was broken by the ringing of the doorbell. She looked at the clock and remembered it was her time with Ryan. She inhaled, stood up, and straightened her dress. It was time to switch into professional mode and help Ryan work through his struggles.

By the time Emma reached the front door, she was both excited and fearful. She didn know what the next hour would bring, but shed meet anything thrown her way.

When Emma opened the door, her eyes fell to Ryan's chiseled features, bright blue eyes. He was more handsome than she had ever imagined, and for a moment she felt a flapping in her chest.

"Hi, Ryan," Emma said, reaching for his hand. "Thank you for joining our session today."

Ryan shook her hand, smiling, a firm but not crushing grip. "Thanks, Dr. Taylor. I appreciate you seeing me."

Emma walked Ryan into her study, a sunny room with bookshelves and a velvet loveseat. She waved for him to sit on the couch, while she occupied her armchair.

"So Ryan, tell me a little about yourself," Emma said and took out me notebook and pen. "What brings you here today?"

Ryan reclined on the couch, his eyes moving around the room until they focused on Emma. "I've been fighting anxiety and depression a long time," he said, his voice low and silky. "I've done therapy before, and it didn't really work for me. I'm hoping you can help me understand what's happening."

Emma agreed but her mind began racing. "I'm glad to assist you, Ryan. Can you explain a little more about what you've been experiencing? What kind of symptoms have you been experiencing?"

Ryan hesitated, his gaze falling to the ground. "It's just...I feel stuck, I guess. It was like I was going through the motions of life without the actual drive or direction.

Emma's heart went out to him. She was no stranger to that feeling. "I believe we can do something with that," she said, smiling encouragingly. "But before we get started, let me reassure you that all we talk about in this room is private. You're safe here."

Ryan looked up, hope glimmering in his eyes. "Thanks, Dr. Taylor. That means a lot to me."

Emma smiled again, a sense of connection in an unknown way, in Ryan. "Please, call me Emma. We're going to be working together, we're going to be working closely, and I want you to feel comfortable with me.'"

Ryan nodded, a smile tugging on his lips. "Okay, Emma."

She grew more and more engrossed in Ryan's story as the session progressed. She was committed to helping him get to the bottom of his anxiety and depression, and on the road to healing and moving on.

But as the hour ticked away, Emma had the feeling that there was more to Ryan's story, that there was something he wasn't saying. She filed this away for discussion in their next session.

Emma frowned as Ryan got up to leave. She had become used to his presence in her study, and she wasn't ready for the session to be over.

"Thank you for coming in today, Ryan," Emma said as she walked him to the door. Highlights will include the sand, see, dead tree and many more.

Ryan grinned, which crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Me too, Emma."

When Ryan walked out the door, Emma was not in the least levelheaded. She had a feeling that this would be a very interesting case indeed.