Forgive Me by Stacy Campbell Page B

Aruba’s involuntary admission into the psychiatric facility embarrassed the family, but Dr. Shipman assured them he could get Aruba back on track. Only Lance, Darnella, and James came to the hospital; Maxine stayed behind to get Jeremiah off to school.
    Darnella eyed her watch as they sat in the lobby area. “What’s taking Dr. Shipman so long?” she asked.
    Lance rubbed her shoulder but said nothing. He quietly stewed from yesterday’s revelation of Darnella’s secrets. Lance believed Darnella was past midlife crisis episodes; he wondered if she was evil, or so detached from reality she couldn’t see how much her actions resembled the ones she loathed from James. “Speck and logs.”
    â€œDid you say something, Lance?” she asked.
    â€œNope.” His gaze returned to the window.
    â€œFor the record, James, I let you come today because Lance thinks this is the right thing to do. If I had my way, you wouldn’t be here at all.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    â€œOh, so you’re patronizing me now?”
    â€œNo, ma’am.”
    James leaned forward and pulled his iPhone from his pocket. He saw a few missed calls from Shandy. He said to no one in particular, “I’m going to make a few business calls outside. I’ll be back.”
    â€œGo ahead and call your women. I’m sure you have a slew of messages from them,” Darnella hissed.
    â€œI…” James waved his hand and walked away, leaving her venom in the lobby.
    Lance faced her. “I’m telling you again, Nella, I’m not putting up with this nonsense. Leave the man alone and drop the attitude. Can you try to be civil for our daughter?”
    â€œI am being civil. Can’t I speak my mind?”
    Dr. Shipman interrupted Lance’s response. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Stanton. Would you please come this way?” he asked. He pointed to an office.
    They followed him and sat next to each other, both nervous about Dr. Shipman’s findings. He placed a manila folder on the desk and clasped his hands together.
    â€œAruba is not as despondent as yesterday, but she has a long journey. I am recommending outpatient therapy once she’s released.” He removed a sheet of paper from his folder and slid it to Lance and Darnella. “Here is a list of excellent therapists in this area. She’ll need counseling. She’s unrestrained but medicated right now. It is crucial that she have family participation to get better. How much time are you willing to invest in her recovery?”
    â€œNeither of us work now, so that shouldn’t be a concern,” said Lance. “We’ll do what it takes to help her.”
    â€œShe asked to see someone named James. Who is he?”
    Darnella shifted in her seat and pursed her lips. “My ex son-in-law.”
    â€œHe’s actually outside right now. I’ll go get him,” said Lance.
    â€œPlease do. I shouldn’t, but I’ll allow each of you to go in, but only for increments of ten minutes. Too much visitation is not good for her right now.”
    Darnella waited for Lance to leave the room. She leaned forward, clutching her strand of pearls. “Is there a way I can stop James from seeing her? I don’t want him to upset her any more than he has. He wasn’t the best husband to her, Dr. Shipman.”
    â€œI’m afraid I can’t make that call, Mrs. Stanton.”
    Lance and James returned to the room before Darnella could further protest.
    â€œDr. Shipman, you said Aruba asked to see me,” said James.
    â€œYes, she did. I’ll take you to her room.” James walked in stride with Dr. Shipman to room 184. Without asking, Darnella’s reaction let him know the divorce had been ugly. Still, he hoped they could be amicable for the sake of their child. He opened the door and pointed to his watch. He whispered, “Ten minutes.” Dr. Shipman walked out and left