Chapter 29: It's Therapy Time.

HELENA. We ended our conversation on a lighter note, Luna was talking on how we would tell Aaron. I didn't want to drag him into this, but having another werewolf on my side would help greatly. Plus, his presence was utterly a confidence boost. Luna's words still echoed in my head as we walked down to the living room. My eyes lit up as I saw Veronica waiting by the door in her wheelchair, looking all excited. There was nervousness in her eyes. I smiled softly. She had been looking forward to this day for months. 'You look amazing Vee, are you ready?" I forced a smile. 'Meh, probably." She replied, absentmindedly. I smiled again, but this time genuine. She gripped the arms of her wheelchair, her knuckles almost turning white. 'I honestly can't wait to leave this stupid wheelchair." Luna gave her a reassuring nod. 'Believe me, I can't wait to see you leave it too." Vee exhaled, closing her eyes. 'You two better go get ready. And where is your prince charming?" Vee said, glancing into the kitchen. I glared at her, and she let out a small giggle. 'Breakfast is ready ladies." Aaron's deep voice sounded from the kitchen. He walked out, clad in only an apron and a pair of loose black pants. Can one man get any more charming? The morning sun cast a golden glow in the living room, and on him, tracing out the tender lines of his taut muscles. I could've sworn I was staring longer than I should've. Luckily, no one noticed. Veronica glanced at the huge pot he dropped on the dining table. 'Mac and Cheese for breakfast? You spoil us Aaron." She giggled, wheeling herself to the table. Me and Aaron exchanged glances. No insults today I guess. 'It's nothing. Besides, I haven't cooked properly in a while. And who says you can't have Mac and Cheese in the morning? This is my way of saying I'm sorry." He cast a glance at me. I turned away, unable to handle the intensity of his gaze. I had already forgiven you goddamnit. We joined Vee on the table, and the weight of Luna's words still lingered in my head. After one glance at the creamy, cheesy goodness in front of me, I decided to cast those thoughts aside for a while. We ate in silence, but it wasn't awkward or weird. It was comforting. Aaron's gaze kept flickering to mine, his green eyes filled with warmth. That warmth curled low in my stomach. 'Any big plans for today?" He asked. It was a Saturday, and it was kinda expected. 'Veronica has her first physiotherapy session." I said, forcing myself to focus on the bowl in front of me, and not the erratic beating of my heart. There should be a condition for this. He glanced at Veronica, 'You're going to do great. Just don't stab the doctor. It wouldn't- Ow!" He clutched his feet. I and Luna laughed as Vee glared at him. 'Sheesh it was just a goodwill message." Aaron said, sulking. He even looked cute doing that. Gosh. We finished eating, cleared the plates, and headed off to our rooms to get ready for the day. I was excited as well. The resident doctor had called me yesterday to make sure we were still coming for the session. She sounded professional, yet comforting and endearing. I couldn't wait to see what she would do today. We helped Veronica into the car, while Luna got into the passenger's seat. I was headed to the driver's seat when Aaron called. 'Helena?" I froze, turning around. 'Yeah?" 'This session is important to Vee. Don't allow anything to distract you, okay?" His features softened, and something brushed lightly against my chest. 'Okay." I said softly. He reached out, pulling a strand of hair from my face. His touch sent shivers down my spine. 'I'll be here, no matter what. Now go have fun." He said, gazing into my eyes. 'Jeez, just kiss already!!" Veronica yelled from the car. She peered her head out the window. I laughed and waved Aaron goodbye. I should have asked him to join us, but Luna thought otherwise. The drive to the center was short, and Veronica kept chattering excitedly. My heart was heavy with emotion, but I tried to keep it in check. Today was about her. Once we got to the center, we checked in and met the doctor, otherwise the therapist, Dr Emily. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the center, along with Emily's friendliness helped ease some of Veronica's nerves, but her eyes were still wide with excitement. 'Hi Veronica, I'm Dr Emily, and I'll be your therapist for today." Her smile was bright, and she was very beautiful. She glanced at me, 'You're Helena right? The one I spoke to on the phone." She extended her hands. I shook them, nodding slowly. She was really charming. 'This is Luna." I said. She acknowledged her presence, before leading us inside. 'So, are you ready to get started Veronica?" She beamed at her. Veronica nodded, a little hesitant. 'Yeah, let's just get it over with." her voice was filled with anxiety. Emily led us to a spacious room, with various exercise equipment and tools. 'Let's begin with some basic exercises to stretch out those muscles." She demonstrated a few stretches before pausing. 'Can you get up?" She asked. Veronica nodded, trying to get up with her cane. My eyes watered. Whoever did this to her was gonna pay dearly. Emily supported her as she stood up, leaning her frame against the walking rails. 'Can you try out some of those warm ups I showed you?" She asked gently. 'I can try some of them." Vee's face was a mixture of determination and focus as she replicated Emily's instructions. She was able to do some of the stretches, slowly going past her comfort zone. Her face contorted ever so slightly, and I felt a swell of pride in my chest as I watched her push ahead. After the warm ups, Emily decided to try more challenging exercises. She had Veronica do some simple stretches, loosening her muscles. Then, she made her lay down on a padded table and helped her with leg lifts, encouraging her through each rep. 'That's it Veronica, you're doing great!" She said enthusiastically. 'I can do this." Vee muttered, lifting her legs as high as she could. She gritted her teeth, as beads of sweat formed on her forehead. She hadn't sweated this much in a long time. I glanced at Luna, and she watched Veronica with similar amusement. The session progressed, from slightly tedious exercises to more relaxing ones. At the final stretch, Emily said, 'Let's try the parallel bars." Vee glanced at me almost immediately, her face flushed with exertion. 'Can you do it?" I asked. If she couldn't, we could end the session here. There was no use in hurting herself. To my surprise, she nodded, her eyes burning with desperation. 'You've got this Vee." Me and Emily stood on either side of the bars for support and Vee grasped the bars. Her arms shook slightly, as she tried to lift herself up. Her legs trembled as they tried to support her weight. She took one slow, concise step forward, taking a deep breath. 'That's it Vee, keep going." I smiled, but tears were threatening to make their entrance. I blinked them back. Veronica creased her brows, each step met with an exhale and determination to take the next one. By the time she reached the end of the bars, she was breathing heavily, but her smile was triumphant. 'I did it…I actually did it…" She whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. 'Yes, yes you did. You're amazing Veronica." Emily said, pride evident in her voice. Luna walked over, giving her a tight hug. We helped Veronica back into her wheelchair, thanking Emily and leaving the center. I was really happy for Veronica. At least for today, the past could wait. Today was about celebrating her strength and determination. As we drove home, Vee couldn't help but talk excitedly. 'I didn't think I would be able to do the parallel bars Lenny, but I did. I really did. Four more sessions and I'll be out of this damned wheelchair." 'Yes yes, we all saw. You're one strong girl." Luna ruffled her hair. Vee smiled with pride, and I giggled at her childishness. 'And I could finally smack Aaron how he should be smacked." She added, earning a chortle from me. 'Why do you guys pick on him so much?" I asked, making a left turn. 'Because he doesn't know how to do the obvious." Vee said, looking out the window. 'Obvious?" 'Yes. The man is crazy about you. Make a damned first move. Sheesh." She sniffed the air. 'Vee, things aren't as easy as you think." I exhaled, glancing at Luna from the rearview mirror. She glanced back, her eyes without emotion. 'Well, both of you should figure it out and stop keeping us in the dark. Omg Lenny! Bagels! Can we get some? I've missed burritos too. Damn. I have stayed indoors for way too long. We are definitely gonna have a girl's night out when I'm better. Gosh!" I giggled again as she chattered excitedly. I stopped to get all the things she mentioned, and we drove home in silence. Well, more like the sound of her rummaging through the bags, but that doesn't count. She taught me a lot today, and as I thought about what lay ahead, I knew one thing. I was gonna win.