Steps forward [rp for 2012_approaches]

[on_jennys_terms]

It's not terribly late when Jen calls and it isn't really a crisis call like last time, but she does need guidance.  Now that a decision has been made definite, she's not sure what to do or where to go.  She can hear Alex watching a movie as she retreats upstairs with a mug of ginger tea.  The bedroom is a quiet space where she can make her phone

Comments

[2012_approaches]

The life of the devoted therapist, Davis' phone is attached to her and she answers on the second ring. A call like this can only mean two things: Jenny decided to keep the baby or decided to get rid of it. "Dr. Davis," she says as she answers.

[2012_approaches]

"Can you give yourself permission to enjoy it?"

[on_jennys_terms]

She shakes her head, "I can't. I don't want to." Jen pauses for a moment and reconsiders, "I do want to, I just can't."

[2012_approaches]

"Fair enough." Davis is glad to hear the reconsidering and waits to see what Jen's next move is.

[on_jennys_terms]

"Because as soon as I let my guard down, something will happen," she says. She's starting to get distressed and this could very easily turn into a crisis call.

[2012_approaches]

"Jen, you don't have to let your guard down yet. This is done in steps. If you let your guard down all at once, I'd be worried."

[on_jennys_terms]

"So what do I do now? Where do I go from here?"

[2012_approaches]

"Well, what's your first instinct?"

[on_jennys_terms]

"I really don't know. I'm still overwhelmed by the feeling of having a building lifted off of me."

[2012_approaches]

Davis smiles softly and it translates into what she says next. "So be overwhelmed. The feeling will die down in a bit."

[on_jennys_terms]

"Okay."

[2012_approaches]

When Jenny resorts to one word answers, Davis worries a little bit. "Are you worried you won't stop feeling overwhelmed?"

[on_jennys_terms]

"Yes," she says, taking a few moments before continuing, "and I worry I won't ever allow myself to connect."

[2012_approaches]

Davis knows better. Just these few weeks with Jenny, she's learned the power of how Jenny connects to the people she cares about. But telling her otherwise right now will mean meeting with a brick wall of fear and defense. So she asks the best question she knows. "Why?"

[on_jennys_terms]

She's too tired to piece out which part Davis is asking about, so she says, "Why what?"

[2012_approaches]

Davis can't help but chuckle a bit, but it's in her head. Jenny sounds exhausted. "Why are you so worried you won't connect? You, Jenny, connect deeply to the things you care for."