The Woman Behind the Glass Wall

by DB Jones

  Her face flushed, her heart rate jumped, and a quiver ran up her spine. “I can’t believe I missed that call.” She hurried to shower and dress before rushing out to make the morning coffee.

  Teddy came out of his room running his fingers through his hair. “I sure didn’t expect you up this early. We don’t have to be there for hours.”

  “I know. I’m so excited.”

  He scratched the top of his head. “You’ve done a complete reversal from last night. What changed?”

  “He called.”

  “Who called?” Teddy asked, reaching for the coffee pot.

  “Jacob.”

  “What did he have to say?”

  “He still wants to escort me around the lake when I’m ready.”

  Teddy held his coffee cup and inhaled the steam coming off the cup. “Yeah?”

  “Yes.”

  “What else did you two talk about?”

  “We didn’t talk. He just left a message. Do you think I should call him back?”

  “I would if I were you, but it’s not my decision. You’re a big girl. What do you want to do?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Anna opened her bedroom door. “What is all the commotion? Do you two know what time it is?” she asked as she tightened the sash around her robe.

  Teddy kissed Anna as she approached the counter. “It seems my sister got a call last night from the good doctor.”

  “Well, it’s about time one of you made a move,” Anna said as she reached for a mug. “What did he want?”

  Teddy grinned. “He wants to take my sister for a walk.”

  “Huh? A walk?”

  “It’s not just a walk. Jacob wants to be the first one to escort me around the lake when I’m ready. I believe that it’s going to be real soon. Who knows; it might be after today. What do you think, Teddy? Do you think I’m going make that breakthrough this morning?”

  “You know, I think you will. You’re certainly ready.”

  Sydney took her cup to the French doors and pulled them open. “Hey you two, let’s have coffee out here this morning.”

  Anna raised one eyebrow and looked over at Teddy. He held his breath as Sydney took a step onto the balcony without any encouragement.

  Anna squeezed his arm hard and smiled up at him. His eyes welled up. He quickly wiped them with the back of his hand then smiled.

  Jacob tried keeping busy all day but couldn’t stop thinking about Sydney. “I know Ted said I should wait a few days to call her, but damn, I want to hear her voice. After dinner, he retired to his room to work on his research papers. He just couldn’t focus. The thought of Sydney reliving the event that forced her into her isolation haunted him. “I wish I could be there for her.”

  He picked up his cell phone and clicked on her number several times, but couldn’t push the call button. “What would I say. “Oh hi, how did it go today? Any new revelations?” He rubbed his forehead and stared at the phone. “This is crazy; I’m her doctor. Maybe I could just inquire on how she’s doing with her recovery. Thornhill, that’s lame.”

  He set his phone on the nightstand and headed for the shower. The hot steaming water pulsated against his tense body. “Why can’t I just ask the woman out, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee?”

  He dried off, slipped into a pair jogging shorts and returned to the edge of the bed. “Good grief, Jacob, call the woman. What’s the worse that can happen, that she’ll say no?” He ran his hand through his wet hair, tilted his head back and held his breath. “Just do it.”

  He reached for his phone and quickly pushed the dial icon for Sydney’s number. It rang several times and then the voice mail came. Now, what do I say? He left a quick message and hung up. “I can’t believe you asked to walk her around the lake. She’s going to think you’re a jerk. Maybe she won’t get that message.”

  He laid on the bed and stared at the ceiling replaying his message. “That’s not at all what I wanted to say.” He finally dozed off.

  “Son, are you going to get up?” Jacob heard coming up the staircase.

  He looked at his clock. It was 8:30 a.m. He jumped out of bed, tossed on his robe. “Crap!” Then he remembered he wasn’t working that day. He hollered out the door. “I’ll be right down, Dad.”

  He splashed cold water on his face, combed his hair and started down the stairs. His father was standing at the back door looking out at the lake. “Such a beautiful day to waste it in bed.”

  “How did you know I had the day off?”

  “My mind might not be what it use to be, but I did remember you saying you were taking a few days off. Do you have anything planned?”

  “Not really. Do you have something in mind?”

  “Wondered if you wanted to go fishing with Sal and me? We’re renting a boat. Sal’s son is loaning us his fishing gear. It should be fun. Want to give it a go?”

  “Not this time, but I’ll take a raincheck. Do you think I need to fire up the grill tonight for your catch?”

  Senior twisted his mouth. “Maybe,” he snickered.

  “You’re going to miss out. Sal’s bringing the lunch, and I’m bringing the beer.”

  Jacob grinned. “Sounds more like a picnic than a fishing trip.”

  “Even fishermen have to eat.”

  “You two have fun. I’ve got a few things I need to catch up on. See you tonight? You want me to fix something to eat before you leave?”

  “No, I’ll grab a biscuit on the way out.”

  Jacob nodded his head as his father waved goodbye.

  The moment Senior pulled out of the driveway, Jacob checked his phone for any messages, but there weren’t any. “What did you expect?” He looked at the clock. It was nearly 9:30 a.m. “She’s probably on her way to her session. Ted said it was at 10:00. I hope he calls me when it’s over, and I pray it all works out for her.”

  He refilled his cup and went back to his room, dressed and took out his research papers. “I need to get these articles done.”

  He kept looking at the clock. “I should have heard something by now. What if it sets her back further? What terrible event might be exposed?”

  Teddy and Sydney entered Doctor James office. “Good morning, Doctor James.”

  “Good morning, Sydney. Are you ready to continue?”

  Sydney squeezed Teddy’s hand and smiled back at the doctor. “I’m ready.”

  “Okay, then.” He motioned her and Teddy into the small room off the office. The lights were dim. The only light in there was a dim glow from a candle in the corner of the room.

  Sydney took her seat and reclined on the couch.

  “Sydney, just like yesterday, I want you to focus on my voice, and if at any time you’re uncomfortable you let me know. I’m here only to assist you at your pace. We can discontinue if this becomes too stressful and reconvene at a later date. Do you understand?”

  “I understand, but I need to find out what’s holding me back. I’m ready to begin.”

  “Okay. I want you to close your eyes and relax. I’m going to count back from three and when I reach one you will resume where you were yesterday when you awoke. You are safe, and I will be right here with you the entire time. Are you ready?”

  “Yes.”

  Doctor James counted back from three and touched her shoulder on the count of one. Sydney’s body fell into a deep trance. All her muscles became flaccid, and her breathing was calm.

  “Sydney. You see the light across the road. Now, what is going on?”

  Teddy leaned forward in his chair as close to Sydney as he could without disturbing her. He clinched his fist into his open hand and bit down hard on the inside of his cheek.

  “It’s dark, and the rain is stinging my face. I’m not sure that’s our house. If it’s not, then where am I?” Her head turns from side to side.

  “Where are you now?” Doctor James asked softly.

  “I’m just about to the edge of the woods. I’m going to run across the road to see if
that’s our house.” Suddenly, her entire body jerks.

  “Sydney, what is it?”

  “Big lights are coming right at me. I don’t think I can cross the road in time.” She jerks again. “It hurts so much.” She slumps on the couch.

  “What do you see?”

  “Bright lights and a figure standing in front of them, but he’s disappearing, and I’m …”

  “Sydney?”

  She doesn’t respond. Doctor James called her name again. “Sydney?”

  “My legs hurt so much.”

  “What do you see right now?”

  “I see a figure walking around, but he doesn’t see me. I’m trying to call out, but he just gets back in his car and leaves. ‘Don’t leave me.’ ”

  “On the count of three you’re going to awake feeling rested but you’re going to remember everything you just saw. One, two, three.”

  Sydney breathes in heavy, looks around the room and begins to cry softly. “I was run over, but the person couldn’t see or hear me?”

  Teddy rushed to her side and sat down with his arms around her. “That’s what it sounded like.”

  She looked into his eyes. “That’s why I’ve been afraid of going outside and crossing the road, isn’t it doctor?”

  “What do you think?”

  She leaned into Teddy’s chest. “I’m sure of it.”

  Teddy continued to hold his sister until she smiled up at him. “I’m okay. I just wonder if the one who hit me ever knew? He might have thought he hit an animal and that’s why he left me there.”

  “How do you feel?”

  “Relieved.”

  Sydney folded her hands on her lap. “Now, what, Doctor James?”

  “That’s up to you. I would suggest if you want to test yourself, that you do it slowly and only with someone you completely trust until you feel strong enough to challenge that move on your own.”

  Teddy and Sydney stood up, thanked Doctor James and left the room.

  “Well, Sis, what do you want to do now?”

  “I don’t know. I need to think about this a bit. Let’s go home and tell Anna. She must be pacing a hole in the carpet.”

  “Sounds like a good idea to me. Teddy turned toward his sister. “I’m so proud of you, Syd. I know this wasn’t easy, but at least now you know what happened. What you do with that information is totally up to you. You’ll get no pressure from me. Well, not too much, he said with a grin.”

  “Teddy, I can’t believe I let that day destroy me all these years.”

  “Syd, you were a child and crippled by it. Don’t be hard on yourself. I think anyone in that situation would have felt the way you did. You didn’t have the memory to work with, now you do.”

  “I wish I knew who it was. I know that’s not going to change anything, but I’d still like to see the person.”

  “But if the person thought they hit an animal, how is knowing who, going to help?”

  “You’re right.”

  Anna saw Teddy’s car pull into the parking garage. She couldn’t wait. She rushed out the door and met them at the elevator. When she saw the smile on Sydney’s face, she knew. She threw her arms around Sydney and began to cry. “Are you okay?”

  “Anna, I’m fine. Can we go in and sit down for a minute?”

  “Oh, sure.”

  They took their seats in the living room. Anna sat on the floor with her elbows propped up on the coffee table and her head resting in her hands waiting.

  “I don’t know where to start. Teddy, you tell her. I’m still digesting it all.”

  Teddy curled up on the couch next to his sister. “Well, give me a minute to put the sequence of events in order.”

  Anna blew out the air in her cheeks. “Good grief you two. Someone tell me something.”

  Teddy began to give details. He started from the moment the doctor put Sydney into the trance until she awoke. Anna lifted her head with her eyes wide and gasped for breath. “Oh my God! You did it. You remembered. You relived every detail.” Tears streamed down Anna’s cheeks. “It’s too much for me to take in, I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now.” She looked over at Teddy again. “How do you feel about all this.”

  “We’re both pretty much still in shock.”

  “Syd, are those the answers you were hoping for?” Anna cautiously whispered.

  “I think so. I have a better understanding why I have been so fearful of going out all these years. I just wish I could have remembered it before the session.”

  “But you have now, and that’s what counts.”

  Sydney leaned back on the couch and stared aimlessly at the wall.

  Teddy patted her leg. “Sis, what’s on your mind?”

  “I guess knowing what happened has posed another question.” She sat up straight. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s not going to stop me from taking the next step in my recovery, but the vision of the image of the person in the headlights is burning in my thoughts now. Who is he?”

  “Why did you say he? It could have been a woman.”

  “No, it was a man. I could hear it in his voice. I wonder if it’s someone we know, or lives in our community. I guess I’ll be looking at every man with that question. “Are you the one who hit me?”

  “You may never know, Syd. I’m sure if the man had known that he ran over you, he would have gone for help.”

  “You’re right. It would be a waste of time searching.”

  Anna got up off the floor. “It sure would. You have more important things to think about now, like falling in love.”

  “Anna.”

  “I’m just sayin’.”

  “I’m exhausted. I think I’m going to pour myself a glass of wine and soak in the tub until my skin turns into a prune.”

  Anna walked toward the kitchen. “You get your bath ready, and I’ll pour you a glass. I could use one, too. How about you Teddy?”

  Teddy didn’t answer.

  “Uh, Teddy?”

  “Huh?”

  “Would you like a glass of wine?”

  “Not right now. Honestly, I need to drive over to my office today and finish up some paperwork. I’ll be back in the morning.”

  Anna followed him down the hall. “You’re leaving?”

  He stroked her hair. “I’ll be back soon. You know I’m going to be traveling back and forth a lot until I move here. Nothing to worry about.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

  “All right. Be safe and come back to me soon.”

  “I will. Can’t stay away from you too long.”

  Teddy tossed his bag in the back of his car. “I need to call Jacob.”

  “Jacob, sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner.”

  “How did it go? Did Sydney discover what was causing her fears?”

  “She did. It was an intense ordeal, but I think it was a big help.”

  “Can you tell me anything about what happened?”

  “I’m going to let her share that with you when she’s ready. One thing I can tell you is that she feels good about the prospect of moving forward now. Why don’t you call her later today? I’m driving back to my office. I have a few things to take care of, but should be back late tomorrow.”

  “I appreciate you keeping me in the loop. I won’t mention you called, but I do want to talk to her, just to see how she’s doing.”

  Teddy chuckled.

  “What are you laughing about?”

  “Oh, nothing. Why don’t you call her? I know she’d be glad to hear from you, again.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Good grief, man. For two intelligent people, you and my sister seem oblivious to what’s right in front of you.”

  “What are you talking about, Ted?”

  “Just call the woman, Jacob. I’ll talk to you later. I need to get on the road.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  Jacob hung up with Ted. “What the heck did he mean by that statement? I’m just glad it all went well.” He packed up his
briefcase and left his office for home.

  His cell phone rang. It was Sydney.

  “Hi, Sydney. How did it go today?” he mumbled.

  “Jacob?”

  “Are you okay. Sydney?”

  “I am. I have a favor to ask of you.”

  “Anything.”

  “You left me a voicemail saying you wanted to escort me around the lake when I’m ready. Did you mean that?”

  “Of, course I did.” There was a hesitation. “Sydney, are you still there?”

  “I am. The session revealed the blanks in my memory, but only presented new questions. If you have some time tomorrow would you mind stopping by?”

  “I could come over now if you want to talk.”

  “If you’re not busy, that would be great.”

  “In about a half hour, okay?”

  “Perfect. Thank you, Jacob.”

  “I’ll see you then.”

  Jacob raced home and changed. His father was waiting for him in the den. “Got time for a drink?”

  “Dad, I have an appointment in thirty minutes. Can I take a raincheck?”

  “Sure.” He watched Jacob leap up the stairs and within minutes raced back down. “It must be an important meeting.”

  “It is,” he gasped as he hurried out the front door.

  He sat in his car in front of Sydney’s for a moment reflecting on what Ted said. “You’re not kidding anyone but yourself, Doctor Thornhill. You’ve fallen for your patient.”

  He slowly got out of the car and walked across the street.

  Sydney set out two wine glasses on the counter as Anna entered the room. “Are we having wine?”

  “No, you and I are not, but Jacob and I are.”

  “Well, I’ll be. The girl finally made the first move,” Anna grinned grabbing her purse, and winked. “I’m going out for a while and not sure when I’ll be back.”

  “Have a nice time.”

  “Wow! You’re not even going to try and convince me to stay. Good for you, Syd. I’m proud of you.”

  Jacob was just about to knock when Anna opened the door. Anna greeted him with a big smile. “Good evening, Doctor.”