sanctuary || d. wayne

TWENTY - ONE

"GC COUNSELING CENTER"
JANUARY 4TH
16:52 P.M.

The holiday season came and went with many small changes to Noelle's life. It's been six weeks since the gala. Six weeks since Beau died. Six weeks since Daniel was murdered. Six weeks since Jade was finally caught again.

It had been five weeks since Andrea went to work (and was immediately sent home) after a week of recovery. Five weeks since Noelle had to attend Daniel's funeral. Five weeks since Noelle attended that first session with Dinah.

It wasn't hard to admit how badly Jade and Beau affected her. The nightmares alone proved she needed help. And as the sessions continue, Noelle was able to get a good night's sleep eventually.

The best session they've had, so far, was when Noelle found out Jade was out of the hospital and transferred to an out-of-state prison. It was relieving but nerve-wracking at the same time. If Jade could escape from Arkham, what's to stop her from escaping elsewhere?

Dinah was understanding, to say the least. While she wasn't an official therapist, her background in psychiatry was helpful. She was a great listener and offered helpful advice, especially since the matter was superhero-related.

She had to remind Noelle that Jade had help with her escape. She had to remind Noelle that Arkham is notoriously easier to escape from than most federal prisons. It didn't completely take away Noelle's fears, but it did ease them.

The worst session, however, was having to acknowledge how Damian's presence affected her life. And while none of it is his fault, Beau wouldn't have found her if it weren't for Jade's obsession. She wouldn't have been attacked with the fear toxin if it weren't for Jade. Noelle hated the truth but harbors resentment for no one but Jade and Beau.

Today was pretty neutral, in the scheme of current events. Fewer nightmares to discuss, but the memory of pulling that trigger still haunted her.

"You've made progress," Dinah says as their weekly session comes to an end. "Don't you think?"

Noelle smiles before nodding. "Yeah. I feel a lot better than I did when we first started. For the most part, everything feels okay."

Dinah raises a brow. "For the most part?" she repeats. "Do you want to expand on that?"

"I mean, it's not really about any of the incidents."

"It doesn't have to be."

"But isn't that why I'm here? To talk about those?" Noelle frowns. She gathers her braids over one shoulder, a sign of her nervousness.

"Technically, yes, but this is your time, Noelle," Dinah reminds. "My specialties revolve more around PTSD or general trauma, but I'm sure I can at least attempt to help with other personal matters."

Noelle's silent for a moment, inwardly debating with herself. After a few moments, she sighs. "It's Damian," she admits. "I'm worried about him."

"You rarely mention your relationship with Damian," Dinah notes. "Why are you worried?"

Noelle lets out an unamused chuckle. "He thinks he's invincible, whether it be physically or mentally. And unfortunately, he's a good actor. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he's perfectly fine."

"What makes you think he isn't okay?"

"I think he's been so concerned with me that he forgets to check on himself," Noelle admits. "I think he really blames himself for the Jade incident. I haven't mentioned this, but he tried to break up with me a few days after my mom was released from the hospital."

"Oh?" Dinah raises a brow. "But you're not broken up, right?"

"Of course not," she scoffs. "I wouldn't let him. He was being ridiculous. He was doing that whole 'this is the best way to protect you' bullshit. I called out the flaws in his logic."