Therapy is Good for the Soul

Bailey and Tyler eventually headed back to her house hand in hand. Bailey was nervous about seeing her sister again and made Tyler promise he wouldn’t leave her side and let her be alone with her again. All the drama from earlier had truly brought them closer than ever.

Bailey’s mom was pulling into the driveway just as they reached the house. Ms. Thomas asked them to help her carry in a few gifts she received from visiting friends.

“Where’s Daddy?”

“While we were out, he suddenly didn’t feel well, so I called Michael to come pick him up. He’s upstairs restin.” Ms. Thomas couldn’t help but notice the blotchy redness on Bailey’s face and knew she’d been crying but didn’t want to pry. “Did you get all the potatoes peeled and the dressin fixed?”

“No mam.” Bailey inhaled deeply trying to prevent the tears from falling yet again, but she didn’t succeed. Tyler pulled Bailey in closer to his side and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze to let her know he was there for her. Bailey inhaled deeply before speaking. “I’m sorry Momma! I tried, I swear I really did, but I couldn’t do what you said and just walk away.”

Bailey’s mom knew right away Bailey had been in a fight with her sister and pulled her in for a hug. “It’s ok. It probably hasn’t helped that you haven’t been sleepin well. Why don’t you and Tyler go upstairs and take a nap.”

Bailey pulled back slightly from her mother’s embrace to make sure she heard her mother correctly. “What about Daddy and don’t you need help with dinner?”

Bailey’s mother smiled and looked at Bailey and then over to Tyler. “Don’t worry about him, I’ll take care of it. Just keep the door open and get some rest. I’ll get one of your brothers or Marybeth to help me in the kitchen. Everything’s going to be fine.” She kissed the top of Bailey’s head and gave her one last squeeze before they all headed inside. They placed the new gifts under the tree before going their separate ways, Bailey and Tyler to her room, and Ms. Thomas to check in on her husband.

Bailey excused herself from Tyler to clean herself up in the bathroom. Once she returned, she took off her shoes and joined him in her bed.

“You know, you’re the first boy I’ve ever had in my bedroom, let alone my bed.”

“And hopefully the last!” Tyler pulled Bailey in for a hug and kiss.

“I still can’t believe Momma said this was ok. She must really like you!” Bailey snuggled in closer to Tyler, resting her head against his chest and draping her arm across his trunk. “Mmmmm, I’ve missed my comfy pillow!”

“Your pillow has missed you too! Now, close your eyes, relax, and try to get some sleep.” Tyler kissed the top of Bailey’s head and began aimlessly playing with her hair, which always helped soothe Bailey. It didn’t take long for her to drift off to sleep with Tyler soon following.

While Tyler and Bailey were napping, Ms. Thomas was fervently working on Christmas dinner. She recruited Michael to help her for a while so she could get an unbiased account of the fight Bailey and Rebecca had while she was out. Bailey’s mom was mortified that her daughter could be so harsh towards her sister and poor Tyler had to just sit there and listen while he was being insulted. After, Michael filled her in on the complete story, she asked him to find Rebecca and ask her to come help with dinner.

“Hey Momma, did you enjoy your visits this mornin?”

“Yes, just wish your father didn’t get sick. I hope he’ll feel better by dinnertime so he can join us.”

“Me too! Did you see the green bean casserole and Senator Russell’s sweet potatoes are in the fridge? I had to git Jeff to help finish peelin the russet potatoes because Bailey just took off with Tyler before we were done. She didn’t even start the dressin. I would have made it, but I couldn’t find Ma’s recipe.”

“I see. That’s not like Bailey to just up and leave; you didn’t have anything to do with that did you?”

“Momma, I know you think she’s little Miss Perfect, but she’s not. I was just tryin to tell her some things I found out about Tyler so she wouldn’t get hurt and she went crazy on me and stormed off like a two year old. God only knows what she’s doin with that boy right now!”

“ Bailey was upset and exhausted, so they’re upstairs takin a nap.”

“Are you serious? Momma, she’s gonna give Daddy a heart attack! I can’t believe you are allowin her to get away with this! She always gets away with murder!”

“Your father will be fine, I told him I gave my permission and why. Rebecca Anne, what has gotten into you today? First you attack your sister and her boyfriend’s character and now you’re tryin to get her in trouble. I don’t understand why you seem determined to make your sister’s Christmas miserable.

“As usual I’m to blame for everything! Bailey never does anything wrong in your eyes. I’m so sick of her sweet and innocent act! Why don’t you ask her about her precious boyfriend? Pretty sure if you knew the real him you wouldn’t want him in this house, let alone her bed!”

“I trust Bailey’s judgment and so should you.”

“Momma, Tyler is not who you think is. He has quite a reputation and I’m just lookin out for Bailey and our entire family.”

“It’s not your place. I know, I’m not the most computer savvy person, but I do know how to use the Internet. I’m very aware of some of the stories about Tyler. I was just as curious as you, when Bailey started datin him.”

“Then how can you just stand by and let him take advantage of Bailey?”

“Have you seen the way he looks at her? How he treats her? They seem drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. I’ve never seen Bailey so happy and relaxed as she is when Tyler’s with her. His outgoing, confident, and playful personality has been good for her and I suspect that her kindhearted and gentle spirit has done the same for him. People can change and learn from their mistakes, especially when they are as young as Tyler and Bailey are. They had a bit of a rocky start to their relationship, but they persevered and have grown closer because of it. I truly believe they are soul mates.”

“Soul mates? Please, there is no such thing! They’re relationship won’t last and when it blows up, don’t come cryin to me when it’s a complete embarrassment to the family.”

“I know your first marriage ended badly, but look at what you have now with Jeff and Kara. Just because you didn’t find your match on the first try, doesn’t mean that Bailey didn’t. Please give Tyler a chance and let Bailey make the choices she thinks are best for her without interferin or judgment.”

Rebecca contemplated her mother’s words while she chopped celery. “I still think Bailey may just be infatuated with Tyler’s rugged good looks, charm, and lifestyle and not really know what she’s gotten herself into, but I’ll give Tyler and their relationship the benefit of the doubt. If I see somethin I don’t like, I’ll do my best to keep my mouth shut!”

Ms. Thomas stopped cutting onions, walked over to her daughter and pulled her in for a hug. “That’s all I ask. Thank you.”

After that the conversation shifted to be about Kara and other things going on in Rebecca’s life as the mother and daughter team continued to work on dinner.

Tyler woke up one and a half hours after he fell asleep. Bailey was still on her side nestled into his body sound asleep. He smiled as he looked down at her, loving that he could help her relax and feel comfort. He was pulled out of his revelry as he remembered what upset Bailey in the first place. He wasn’t sure how he was going to do it, but he knew he needed to convince Rebecca that he wasn’t the asshole she read about online and help her make up with Bailey. Family was extremely important to Bailey, and Tyler knew if he wanted to have a long lasting relationship with her, it was vital he got along with them. He also knew Bailey could never be truly happy if she left things the way they were right now with Rebecca. Tyler drew random shapes on Bailey’s back as he pondered how to fix everything.

Bailey started to stir about 30 minutes later. Tyler rolled over so he was on his side facing her. Bailey smiled when she opened her eyes to find Tyler staring down at her. She craned her neck to kiss him. As her lips reached his, he opened his mouth allowing an entrance for her tongue to collide with his. Tyler’s arm tightened around Bailey’s waist, pulling her closer to him. They made out for a while, until they needed to catch their breath, remembered where they were, and that the door was open.

Bailey giggled as she nuzzled her face in Tyler’s neck. “I don’t think there’s anything that could be as wonderful as kissing you.”

“Oh, I think I could think of a thing or two.” Tyler said seductively, giving Bailey a devilish grin. He planted a few kisses along her jawline before he began tickling her causing Bailey to burst into a fit of laughter. She was laughing so hard a few tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Stooooopppp!” She cried out in between giggles as she squirmed trying to get away from Tyler’s hands.

Tyler finally gave into Bailey’s pleas. He planted a quick kiss on her lips and smiled. “It’s good to see you smile and hear your laugh again.”

“You always know how to make me feel better.” She leaned in to give him a kiss.

“I hope you still feel that way in a minute.” Bailey stared at Tyler puzzled by his comment. “Bay we need to figure out what we’re going to do about your sister.”

“Ugh! Way to ruin the moment. What’s there to say? She hates you and apparently thinks I’m a gold diggin whore. Don’t think there’s anything we can do but stay out of her way.” Bailey pulled the covers up higher and stared up at the ceiling.

“We can’t just stay in your room and hide. What are you going to do after I leave? You can’t avoid her forever.”

“I don’t know! It’s not like she’ll listen to anything I have to say!” She took a deep breath feeling defeated and curled into Tyler’s side.

Tyler’s hold around her shoulder tightened. “This is what I mean Bay, you’re upset and you won’t really be happy unless we resolve this. I was thinking maybe we could both sit down with Rebecca to talk. We could even ask Jeff to join us so she doesn’t feel like we’re ganging up on her.”

“You’re determined to fix this aren’t you?”

“YES! Even though you don’t always get along, I know you love Rebecca and you adore little Kara. I don’t want to be the cause of a rift in your family and have you resent me. I’m not giving you any excuses to leave me!” He pulled Bailey in even closer to his chest and kissed the top of her head. “Will you please try, for me?”

“Fine, we can try to talk to her. I’ll even talk to Michael to see if he has any insight on the best way to approach her.” She pushed herself up for a minute to look Tyler closely in the eyes. “Tyler, no matter what happens, I’m not going anywhere; I love you too much! The fact that you’re not only pushin me to deal with this quandary but are willin to help, especially given you were personally attacked, shows me just how much you love me.” She leaned down and touched her lips gently to his.

“I love you!” He pulled her in for one last hug before they went downstairs to join the rest of the family.

By the time they got downstairs, dinner was almost ready. Tyler and Bailey set the table and fixed the drinks for everyone. Tyler and Bailey sat on the opposite end of the table from Rebecca to keep things less awkward for everyone else.

After dinner was over Bailey and Michael took Sarah Kate and Kara to the neighborhood playground while Tyler went for a long run. Fortunately, Sarah Kate was more than thrilled and quite content to run around playing on the different slides and in the sandbox allowing Bailey and Michael the time to talk. Michael told Bailey he thought Rebecca was jealous of her and that’s where all the tension was stemming from. He reminded her that Rebecca has always created some sort of competition between the two of them, even if it was only in her mind. Ever since they were little she would do anything she could to be the center of attention and didn’t like it when anyone, especially her cute baby sister would steal her thunder. Even though Rebecca now has a great husband and daughter she still has a lot of hang ups from her first marriage, which was an abusive relationship. She’s never had the best self esteem and has always been worried about what other people think. She still thinks people look down on her because she’s divorced and for all the horrible and crazy things her ex-husband did. It’s hard for her to see that Bailey appears to have found her true love, given that it’s her first real relationship. The fact that Tyler is a professional athlete automatically means their relationship will garner more attention from people good or bad. Michael also said it’s probably hard for her to see how quickly the family has taken to Tyler, since it took a while for everyone to get to know and be comfortable with Jeff. They agreed that Jeff is a very sweet and great guy that Rebecca is very lucky to have in her life, but he’s just socially awkward and a bit of a computer geek. Tyler is outgoing and easy to talk too, basically the complete opposite of Jeff. Michael told Bailey to tread lightly when they talk to Rebecca or it will make things worse. He liked Tyler’s idea of having Jeff present to act as a buffer and mediator if needed. Michael suggested Bailey start by apologizing for yelling at Rebecca and to take ownership for her feelings without attacking her sister. He also suggested that Bailey and Tyler boost Rebecca’s ego a bit by talking about her good relationship with Jeff, how adorable Kara is, and that they hope to have the same thing one day.

Tyler swung by the playground on the end of his run. He completed some pull-ups using the swing set bar before he pushed Sarah Kate on the swing for a bit. Then, Michael and Tyler played a game of chase with Sarah Kate, while Bailey played with Kara. As soon as Sarah Kate appeared to be tuckered out, Tyler swooped her up on his shoulders and they all walked back to the house. Once they were at the house, everyone got something to drink. Tyler took a shower, while Bailey gave Sarah Kate a bath. They joined forces to read Sarah Kate a bedtime story before kissing her goodnight when her parents came in to say prayers with her. Bailey quickly changed into her pajamas and filled Tyler in on her conversation with Michael. They agreed it was best to talk to Rebecca tonight, so they weren’t anxious all night and could get some sleep. After Rebecca and Jeff put Kara down for the night, they sat down in the living room with Tyler and Bailey. Initially they all just sat there in an uncomfortable silence before Bailey finally spoke. She followed her brother’s advice and started with an apology. By the end of the conversation Rebecca apologized to Bailey and Tyler as well. They didn’t walk away best friends, but they weren’t enemies either. It was going to take some time for the wounds to fully heal, but at least for now they could all be in the same room, be cordial to one another, and not make it uncomfortable for everyone around them.

Notes

First, I'd like to thank everyone for not giving up on this story and continuing to come back and read it despite the delays in updates!!! Second, I can't believe there have been over 31,000 views; that's amazing!!!! Third, I promise I am going to do my best to post updates more often in these next several weeks so y'all aren't left hanging again.

FYI- I did have a bit of writer's block for this chapter, but I was afraid if I continued to mess with it, I'd delete the entire thing. That wouldn't help me keep my promise so I decided to just go ahead and post it. Hope it's ok!