Page 97 of Rise Above

Can you blame them?” She leaned against her car. “Eventually, you’re going to need to face all those pent-up emotions. Wallowing in anger only hurts yourself at the end of the day.”

“What’s the real reason you got into social work?” I

chose to ignore her words for now.

Aife frowned, not enjoying my attempt to change

the topic. “Secret for a secret?”

My hands found their way into my hair again. I

trusted Aife, but Melody was a raw subject for me, and I knew that’s what she would ask. Sure, Aife knew about the cheating aspect, but could I tell her all the horrible things Melody did? How she destroyed my self-esteem? It was a miracle I even still liked women after what that woman did.

With a sigh, I nodded. “Sure.”

She slowly sat against her car. “It did start with a

class. All of that was true. But, I really got into social work

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because I was traumatized by my medical experience.” Tears slowly formed in her eyes. “The way I was treated and dismissed for my very real pain was completely unacceptable. Every surgery and all the pain I dealt with led back to one common diagnosis. It took eight years to get it. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did, and I won’t let it happen.”

Aife was still hiding a piece of herself. There was

clearly still some fear and anxiety around her medical ordeals. I wasn’t going to push though. I never wanted to push her.

“Thanks for sharing,” I said, finally sitting down

next to her on the hood of the car.

She nodded. A loud sigh left her lips. “I’m still

dealing with my recovery. It’s not linear, at all. Some days are far easier than others. Other days, I feel like I’m still right in the eye of the storm.” Aife fiddled with her long sleeves. She always wore them.

“I like that,” I said. My eyes remained on her

sleeves. I never questioned why she always had her arms and legs covered.

“You like what?” Aife swiped at her tears. She

tugged again at her sleeves, pulling them almost over her hands. It seemed like a nervous tick.

“Recovery not being linear. Melody did a number

on me. Told me all kinds of horrible shit, like I’d never amount to anything after hockey. She really fucked with my head.”

Aife’s eyes connected with mine. “You are so much

more than a hockey player, Talon.”

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“And you are so much more than medical issues,