Free Two of a Mind by S M Stuart Page B

answered.
    â€œI knew it was this morning but forgot the time, that’s all.” I didn’t want to admit that Seth’s visit had sent everything else straight out of my head. I’d kept his mother’s
Handi
out of sight. I instinctively knew that he wanted it to be our secret for now. Seth was convinced his mother’s reputation was at risk if it became public knowledge that she’d committed suicide. People could be so narrow-minded. Surely they realised that if you’d got to the point of wanting to end your life you weren’t going to be thinking straight. Ms Thorogood had told us that even your PT couldn’t overrule your deepest feelings. But what had made Elizabeth so despairing of her life that she felt she had to end it? Whatever it was, it must’ve been awful – especially as she was adored so openly by her family and friends. It couldn’t have been easy to leave her beloved Samuel and Seth behind.
    â€œDez, sweetheart. Dez? Are you listening?” Dad’s voice finally got through my morbid thoughts.
    â€œMm? Sorry, Dad. What were you saying?”
    â€œI was asking you if you wanted one of us to sit in on your session with Mr Grey?”
    â€œOh, I’m not sure. No offence, but I’m going to find it hard enough to concentrate on the whole hypnotic trance thing. Anyway, isn’t Ms Thorogood coming along? She’ll be there to keep an eye on me.”
    â€œYou’re probably right, Desirée. We’d only get in the way.”
    I could tell by the tone in Mum’s voice that she had taken offence even though I’d said not to. Or maybe she was uncomfortable about the hypnotherapy process too. I didn’t know her opinion of the treatment – we hadn’t had chance to discuss it. Just as I was about to ask her there was a tentative knock on the back door. The silhouette showing through the door’s privacy screen was obvious.
    â€œCome in, Seth,” I called. Mum frowned. In her opinion it’s polite to greet visitors face-to-face and she hates it when I shout through closed doors.
    Seth came in looking bewildered. “How’d you know it was me?”
    My exaggerated look towards his head gave him the message. He automatically tried to smooth his hair, with the usual lack of success. We grinned at each other, almost embarrassed by the normal banter but not knowing why.
    â€œDesirée has an appointment this morning,” Mum said.
    â€œYes, I know, Mrs Hanson. Sorry to bother you so early but I was hoping to catch up with her before that. It’s a nice morning. I thought a walk in the fresh air might do her some good. If that’s okay with you?”
    Mum looked at Dad for support but Seth’s polite request couldn’t be denied without good reason.
    â€œMake sure to be back in good time,” Dad said, looking at me and tapping his antique wristwatch.
    â€œJust gotta clean my teeth,” I said and ran upstairs to complete my morning routine.
    When I returned to the kitchen Seth was still standing by the back door –
honestly, Mum, talk about good manners!
    â€œDon’t start without me,” I called over my shoulder and I pushed Seth out onto the garden path. I heard Dad chuckling at my cheekiness as the door closed behind me.
    â€œGood to see you’re back to your old self,” said Seth.
    â€œDon’t bet on it,” I replied. “I simply daren’t give them an excuse to send me back to the clinic. We’re all treading on eggshells in there. It’s driving me crazy for real!”
    We walked on in silence. Not a strained silence, just the quietness between friends. No need to talk for a while. Seth finally broached the subject he’d come to discuss.
    â€œHave you had chance to think about Mum’s journal entries yet?”
    â€œNo, not yet. Sorry, I was so tired when we got home yesterday that I went straight to bed. I’ll come round to