Two days later Graham was again going to a therapy appointment with Aubrey. His parents had left that morning, they'd wanted to stay but had some business that they needed to take care of back home. As they sat down in the office and the therapist asked how everything was going, Aubrey spoke up first.
"I think I'm getting there, the exercises you gave us have helped. I have learned some of my triggers and Graham is very willing to help. But I was wondering if you would be willing to talk to him about something he's going through today."
The therapist turned to Graham, "I know that dealing with a significant other's trauma can be hard, but that's why we ask you to come, so please let me know how I can help."
Aubrey was quick to interject, "Oh, it's something totally different and I didn't even ask him if he wanted to talk about it beforehand, I just wanted to give him the opportunity to do so if he needed to." She looked sheepishly at Graham.
"Um, I would rather spend this session helping Aubrey, since that's why we're here. I think I'm dealing okay with my family thing, it's just overwhelming sometimes."
"Therapy is really good at helping with overwhelming situations Graham, but I won't press if you don't want to talk about it, unless you or Aubrey feels it might be detrimental to Aubrey."
"He has been more withdrawn lately which I understand because of his family thing. But he is still working to help and support me." Aubrey said.
"Graham, why do you feel it's necessary to withdraw from Aubrey while you're dealing with this struggle in your life?"
"Sometimes I just need to be alone and think. Saturday I decided to use an unhealthy coping technique - I got drunk - and didn't want her around because I was afraid that would add to her trauma. I don't normally get drunk - you can ask my housemates, I've only done it on a handful of occasions, but I felt that I just needed to escape for a night." Graham felt the need to justify his bad choices to the therapist. "If I had to do it over, I probably wouldn't have drank quite as much but given my state of mind that day I don't think having Aubrey close to me in an intimate setting would have been a good idea even if I would have been completely sober."
"Graham, I think it's good that you realize there are some times when you're struggling that you may hurt her accidently. I think you did good by realizing that and making sure to not be in a situation where you could trigger her trauma. And it's also good you realize that getting drunk is not a healthy way to cope with stress. Why did you feel the need to do so?"
"I just needed to not think and be numb for a night. I'm going through a pretty intense re-writing of my personal history with my family and just needed to be able to silence it. I'm sorry I don't really want to go into details, I've already talked to Aubrey, my best friend, my housemates and my parents." Aubrey gave him a look at him mentioning his parents as people he'd talked to about his 'family thing'. "I think I'm pretty much talked out about it at this point. If that changes and I feel I need to discuss it with a professional, I will make an appointment and do so. I'm sure Aubrey will help me know if I need to as well." He smiled at her and she nodded.
The rest of the time Graham was in the therapists office the went over how things were going with Aubrey. Then Graham was excused so Aubrey could talk to the therapist alone. He worked on an assignment while waiting for her.
Two days later Graham showed up at Aubrey's apartment dressed in his normal business attire, but he had a dozen roses that he gave her. Aubrey looked surprised as he gave them to her but she thanked him and put them in a vase. They went to an Italian restaurant where Graham and made a reservation.
"I wanted to express my gratitude for the understanding and support you've given me over the past week. I don't know how to do that so I'm hoping tonight is a good way for me to show that to you. I hope you know how much I appreciate it."
"I already knew Graham, but thank you."
They enjoyed dinner and as they walked toward Graham's, he held her close. He knew he loved this woman, and he wanted her to know it. He'd wanted to make the night he told her special. As the walked into the house, he led her to his room. As they walked inside he entered first and turned around to see her reaction. He'd put a heart of rose petals on his bed.
"What's this for? You really don't have to go this far to tell me you appreciate the last week." Aubrey said. Graham could tell she was a little nervous.
"Aubrey, this isn't just a thank you. I love you. I wanted the first time I told you to be special."
"Graham, that's so sweet." Aubrey turned around to hug him and he returned her embrace. He did notice that she didn't tell him she loved him back, but he didn't want to force her to feel for him the same he felt about her. He hoped she did. But he'd wait for her to love him back.
As she pulled back and gazed up at him she said, "I'm pretty sure I'm falling in love with you too. I'm sorry I'm not sure of my feelings yet."
"Aubrey, it's fine. Take your time, I'm not going to be going anywhere unless you tell me to, but please don't do that." Graham felt sick inside when he thought about her not loving him back ever, and he may have sounded a bit pathetic, but she had to know how much she meant to him.
"Graham, you're an amazing guy, I'm not going anywhere. It's just hard for me to open up and I'm getting to where I can open my heart to you more. I can't rush it, even if I want to."
"I wouldn't rush you and that's all I ask is for you to not give up on us yet."
"I won't." Aubrey reached up to kiss Graham. Graham was determined to show her how much he loved her now that he'd told her. He knew he wouldn't forget this night and hoped Aubrey would remember it as well.