Alex closed her eyes and pulled away. Natalie noticed her body begin to tremble as she fell silent. She stepped up and placed a hand on Dani's shoulder. "Will you let me have a go?" she asked. There was something in her eyes that made Dani rethink her denial and move out of the way. She watched as Natalie took her place, and in a soothing voice let Alex know she was there.
"Did you know I went to the 2004 Olympic games in Athens?" she asked as she began to massage Alex's scalp. "I saw several events, but my favorite by far was the softball. I was there for nearly every USA game. That team had some of the best players to ever play." She smiled when Alex slowly opened her eyes and looked at her. "One of their pitchers was absolutely incredible. Every time she pitched, the stands were full. She set records that will never be broken. I left those games with complete admiration for that woman, as well as a bit of a crush on her and her catcher. Her physical and mental strength were something to envy." She placed her hand on her shoulder, and gave it a gentle squeeze when she saw her begin to relax. "No matter how tired she must have been, she would continue to pitch until the game was over. She never gave up. I may not know you very well, but you remind me of her quite a bit." She gave Alex a quick wink. "How's the leg?"
Alex carefully flexed her toes and smiled. "Much better, thank you."
Natalie's head tilted to the side and she frowned slightly. "I'll take that as a good sign." She stood and began to move away.
Dani stopped her with a gentle hand. "How did you know what to do?" she asked.
Natalie shrugged. "She was extremely stressed, and beginning to withdraw. I needed to distract her, so I told her about one of my heroes."
Dani shook her head at her explanation. "That doesn't answer my question. Her stress was obvious, but how did you know she was beginning to withdraw and needed to feel safe?"
Before Natalie could respond, Alex spoke up and said, "It's okay, Natalie. Everyone here knows."
She looked down at Alex and met her eyes, seeing the pain slowly fading from them she nodded, and watched her sit up. She turned to Dani and explained. "Alex told Kelly about her ex earlier, and had her explain it to me. So I know about the abuse. That helped me recognize the signs much faster, but I would have eventually anyway." She looked back at Alex and said, "I'm a psychologist specializing in victims of physical and sexual abuse. I've watched you tonight, and am very impressed with your progress. I never would have guessed you were a victim until Dani triggered your submissive, obedient response. How long have you been seeing your therapist?"
"A couple of months."
"Seriously? That's all?" she asked incredulously. Alex nodded. "Now I'm really impressed."
"She's an amazing therapist. I couldn't ask for anyone any better. Words are my business, and I don't have the words to express my thanks for what she has done for me."
Natalie looked over at Dani and saw her smiling as she looked over Alex's shoulder. She followed her gaze and saw Rachel staring at the floor with a pink tinge to her cheeks. She watched as Rachel walked up behind Alex, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "The doctor is only as good as the patient. You've worked very hard to overcome your history, Alex, and are always open to direction."
"Just accept the compliment, Ray," she responded with a chuckle as she slowly stood, testing the stability of her leg.
Rachel walked around the end of the couch, and stopped in front of her. "I could say the same to you, Lexi." She watched as Alex's eyes dropped to the floor then rose to meet hers.
"Point taken, Doc."
"I thought you didn't let anyone call you that," Kelly said from across the room.
Alex looked over at her, and her sadness was clearly visible. "I don't. It still hurts too much. Only my mother and my sister called me that, and hearing it reminds me of them."
Kelly's surprise was evident as she said, "I thought you were an orphan."
"I am."
"I mean, I thought it happened when you were very young. We all thought you had no memories of your family. You never spoke of them at all. Shit, I didn't even know you had a sister."
Alex sighed as she struggled to explain. "I was young, but I do remember them. I just didn't want to talk about them because it hurt, and I didn't want to be reminded of them every time someone called my name."
"Well, that's completely understandable," said Natalie.
Alex gave her a smile and a slight bow. "Thank you for the dance, Natalie. It was a pleasure. Maybe we can do it again sometime, after this leg heals a bit more."
Natalie smiled, and with a twinkle in her eyes said, "The pleasure was all mine, Alex. I'd love to dance with you again. You just give me a call." She looked over as Kelly stepped up to her side, and placed an arm around her.
"Keep your hands off my wife, Alex."
Alex chuckled. "Take care of her yourself, Kelly, and I won't have to."
Kelly grimaced. "You know I have two left feet and can't dance to save my life."
"I did offer to teach you once."
"Yes, and had the bruises to prove it."
Alex got a far off look in her eye as the corner of her mouth lifted slightly. "As I recall, those had nothing to do with the dancing." As Kelly began to blush, Alex turned to
