Chapter 24: More Appointments

“Welcome. How is Lucy? Did she enjoy your conversations?”

“You know, she did. I am also lecturing her on personnel policies while I’m on-line with the office. She is quite agreeable.”

“So, how about those two questions, Lara?”

“Keeping our trio, our triad, together is so important to me. It’s why I’m here, Doctor. And, the second question is part of that. I am convinced that Davis will stand by me (and Lucy) no matter what.

“My goal here is to strengthen that already strong bond. To make that happen, we’ve got to get rid of my irrational fears. I’ve decided there’s a name for my problem.

“Penisphobia.”

Dr. Tranh laughed out loud. “OK, Lara, we’ll go with that. But I have already diagnosed you, and we’re going to put in an official claim on your health insurance.

“You have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. To be honest, I am surprised you have managed to compartmentalize your symptoms to only affect your intimate relations. I’ve seen other cases where much less severe medical malpractice caused serious disabilities.

“Lara, I don’t usually speak in these plain terms. But, working together, we’re going to FIX this. Your experience was horrendous, which is why it still resonates with you a year later.

It will be hard work, intense. I’ll be asking your partners to participate, too. Are you ready to put this behind you, for good?”

“I’m ready, Doctor. Let’s begin.”

Progress Report

“Well, Lara, it’s been two months for us, twice a week. I have my thoughts, but tell me your opinion. How are you doing?”

“I never believed I could get this far. I’m back in the big bed with my partners! To sleep, anyway. Davis, oh, Davis. He’s been so incredible. At every turn, he’s been considerate and thoughtful. I know he still misses our intimate life.”

“We go through the exercises you recommend, and I push myself as much as I can. Still, he shows me only patience and self-restraint.”

“I think it’s time to push you harder, Lara. I’ve been in contact with Celia and Davis to make the preparations, and tonight, you’re going to take a big step together following my clear and explicit instructions. Then, tomorrow morning at 9:00 I want you back here to tell me how everything went.”

“Doctor, this is all very indirect, and making me anxious. What are you talking about?”

“In a way that can’t trigger your anxieties, your partners are going to make love to you tonight. I’m going to ask you to trust me and trust them, you will be perfectly safe. You won’t see or touch his penis, I promise. Beyond that, I want you to simply participate and enjoy. You’ll have fun, I promise.

“It’s almost 4:00, I’m sending you home now, they are there waiting for you. Go!”

She sent Lara off with a smile, ignoring her anxious look as she left.