Safer With A Ghost - Part Two | Simon "Ghost" Riley

Chapter Fourteen

The following morning, Ghost was released from the hospital and began physical along side Konig a few days later. Though hardheaded and fought it, Ghost eventually settled to the idea after taking a particularly nasty fall when he tried to walk.

"You're doing that wrong." Konig teased. "Go fuck yourself, Konig." Ghost said with frustration in his tone as he struggled to walk. The nurses held in their giggles as Ghost cursed Konig. "Alright, Lieutenant," one nurse said, "Let's take a break." She guided him to the table in the corner of the room. "You, too, Colonel." another nurse said as she followed Konig to the table. 

Ghost plopped down on the chair carefully as he held the table for support as Konig sat across from him. When the nurses left, Konig spoke. "You really shouldn't rush it, Ghost." Konig said as he leaned back in his chair. Ghost rolled his eyes, "I'm not rushing it." he said stubbornly. Konig shook his head, "I can see that you are, and so can the nurses." Konig said as he crossed his arms. "When did you go to medical school?" Ghost asked as he adjusted in his chair. Konig exhaled a laugh through his nose. "Has Ivy talked to that doctor yet?" Konig asked cautiously. Ghost exhaled a sighed, "No, I hope she does though." Ghost said shortly. "Me too, the things she's been through-" "Yeah, I know." Ghost cut him off before he could finish. Konig didn't pry further to avoid upsetting Ghost more. It was quiet for a moment before Ghost spoke again. "If I ask what he did, would you tell me?" he asked. Konig looked at him with an unsure expression. "You want to know?" he asked. Ghost nodded. Konig sighed, "Would Ms. Ivy want you to know?" Konig asked again. Ghost shrugged, "She told me she doesn't want to be the one to tell me," he said. Konig nodded, "If you want to know, I think you should hear it from Ivy." Ghost nodded as well, "Yeah you're probably right." he said with an annoyed tone. "You don't like me much do you, Ghost?" Konig asked. "I like Ivy so I guess that means I have to like you." Konig nodded and laughed. "I supposed that makes sense." 

Ivy was walking through the compound, waiting for Ghost to finish with physical therapy when her phone rang. When she pulled it out, a number she didn't recognize was on the screen. "Hello?" she answered. 

"Hello, is this Ivy?" the female voice asked. 

"Yes it is, who's this?" Ivy asked. 

"My name is Dr. June, Dr. Hales asked me to contact you." 

"Oh yes, I did." 

"What's going on, Ivy?" Dr. June asked. 

"Well, I'd rather not talk about over the phone. Could we make a time for me to come see you?" 

"Of course, when's best for you?" 

"As soon as possible, if that's alright." 

"I'm free now if you want to drop by?" 

After arriving at the building Dr. June told Ivy about, Ivy stood outside the doors feeling hesitant and overwhelmed. After a moment, and a lot of deep breaths, Ivy walked in. Inside, there was a front desk in the very quiet office. "Hi," the receptionist greeted, "can I help you?" she asked with a smile. "Yeah, Dr. June said to come see her." Ivy said nervously. "Oh yes, you must be Ivy. She's ready for you, I'll take you back." she stood and walked to through a door and Ivy followed. 

The two stopped outside a door with the name Dr. June painted on the glass. The receptionist knocked lightly. "Come in," a voice said from the other side of the door. The receptionist opened the door and walked in with Ivy close behind her. "Ivy's here," she smiled. Dr. June, a tall, dark skinned woman with small braids stood up with her hand extended, "Ivy, it's nice to meet you. Please sit. Thank you, Lisa." she said as they receptionist left, shutting the door behind her. Dr. June looked at Ivy with a soft gaze, "What's going on?" she asked as she leaned back in her chair. Ivy stuttered out everything that she'd gone through from the first time Graves kidnapped her until just recently as Dr. June sat and listened. "That's a lot for someone to go through in such a short amount of time. And dealing with loss, and having to relive the blow a 2nd time, is difficult. Too difficult for anyone to explain. Can I ask how you've dealt with hardships through your life?" Dr. June asked. "I haven't, just been crying it out then hiding it away, I guess." Ivy said, feeling ashamed. "Well, we can figure out coping skills, or you can just talk and tell me what it is you want to accomplish from our conversations." Dr. June's tone was comforting. "But I worry about this Simon you mentioned. Is he someone that brings you comfort?" she asked. Ivy grew confused, "Y-Yeah, he's been great. I didn't mean to make it sound like he doesn't, he just-" Ivy tried before Dr. June held up a hand, "It's alright, Ivy. I'm not here to judge anyone. I just want to make sure you have a good support system." Ivy nodded, "He's great..." Ivy nodded, second guessing herself in the back of her head nagging at her. "Is he?" Dr. June asked. "What do you mean?" Ivy asked. "Well, let me put it this way. You get kidnapped, Simon saves you and you fall in love with him. There's a term for that, it's pretty common. It's called Nightingale Syndrome. You've also been affected by Stockholm Syndrome."