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Belle had asked for some added help in the center this morning, due to new clients who suffer from PTSD being enrolled. These soldiers deserved the best from them, but also everyone knew how volatile these situations could be and planned accordingly.
Avery was staffing the front desk, and was prepared to call should the light of either room glow red. That was the silent way the therapists had to ensure help was on the way if something went wrong. Jack Townsend would also be supplying some standby support, as were three others that normally were not in the center.
“This seems like you all have this down to an art form,” Jake said to Belle, as she ran through everything with the gathered team.
“We always wish to provide the safest and best treatment for all clients. These are tough ones, though; unlike kids, they are not as easy to hold should a problem arise. Making sure they are treated with dignity and respect even during this tough time, helps give them their power back,” Belle said while making notes in her notebook. “We help everyone blend in, so it appears natural and easy-going, but we can leap into action should it be called for in the worst-case scenarios.”
“It’s really essential places like this exist,” Jake exclaimed as something in his voice caught her attention.
She watched the tick in his jaw and the slight clench of his fist. He was having a bit of stress brought on by the situation.
“You good?” she asked, reaching an outputting hand on his arm.
Jake had only been here a couple of days, but she noticed there was something explicitly inviting and good about this man. It worried her from the first that she had noticed him in a way she did not usually notice men. He was spectacularly good looking with that clean-cut, blonde, distinct military look. But more so, it was something about his demeanor, and his gentleness that added to his draw.
“I’m good. I will admit,” he sighed deeply. “We lost a bunch of guys in my unit to a roadside bomb on my final tour. It was bad for those of us who made it back, but one of the guys,” Jakes’ face lowered as not to meet contact with her eyes. “He didn’t make it to a facility like this in time. We just couldn’t reach him, and then it was too late,” he said, swiping at his eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Jake,” Belle said, feeling his pain deep inside. “We want more success stories and no failures like that to happen at the ranch. It is what all of us are called to do,” she whispered.
“Medicine is a calling,” a voice she recognized as Reagon’s voice burrowed into the conversation, causing her to look up. She plastered a smile on her face.
“Of course, it is. We all give so much to our schooling, work, and preparation to make this possible,” she said, explaining to Reagon.
“I just don’t know if this touchy-feely stuff actually works,” he said, shaking his head.
Belle’s face fell. This was not the first time Reagon had called into question what she did. She truly hoped his time at the ranch might change his view.
“I’m trying to understand sweetie,” Reagon said, putting his arm around her. “I just mean medicine is my calling. You have to enjoy it as we don’t get paid as much as we once did.”
“Definitely not in it for the money.” Reagon turned to Jake. “Reagon Harmsworth,” he said, extending his hand.
“I make a good living, but nope it’s not about the money. Jake Williams,” he said, taking Reagon’s hand.
The two sat sizing each other up for a moment longer.
“I am going to go into town this morning as I need to grab a few essentials I forgot,” Reagon said.
Belle wished he would spend more time on the ranch. So far, he had slept in each day and taken her out to dinner the two nights he had been here. She wanted him to engage with her friends, the surroundings, and learn what she did at the ranch. It was his break though, so she tried to find a compromise with her thoughts.
“No, Margaret is cooking tonight and invited us over,” she said hoping tonight would be the pivotal moment. She held her breath.
He looked ready to turn it down but then surprised her. “Sounds good. I will be back as soon as possible,” bending over to plant a peck on her lips before swiveling to leave.
“They are here,” Avery suddenly said, glancing out the window.
“Okay, we are on people,” Belle clapped her hands for a moment together.
She offered a silent prayer for patience and peace to pervade. Let them find a way to help treat these clients and the understanding to know what they need to get well. Rolling her shoulders, smile in place, she moved to the front door to greet the new clients.
