Falling for Him 4 (Rachel and Peter in Love) (2 page)

She needed proof! Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself as she looked at him, challenging him to back up his words with action, “Promise to marry me, or I'll jump."

Lara watched him carefully, the light of victory just beyond her fingertips.
If he would only agree to her proposal, everything would be right once again. She wouldn’t have to face the embarrassment of her evil actions. There would be no disclosure to the police or her father. Life would be back to the way it was supposed to be!

When Peter nodded his head, saying, “
Yes. Everything you want,” Lara’s heart jumped for joy. He met her stare, even going so far as to hold out his hand in a silent plea for her to come back over the wall to a place of safety.

Lara broke down in tears, the
sadness, and despair of moments before slowly fading away.
Peter wanted her! He had just promised to marry her with all these witnesses around! He must love me! He must!

After calming herself slightly, she used her hands to feel behind her for the opening closest to her and then made her way back over the retaining wall. Peter was standing in the center of the
roof; silently waiting for her to come to him, with his hand held out in welcome and a warm smile upon his face.

Lara
had eyes only for him. She met his gaze, the tears still continuing to run unchecked down her cheeks, but a spark of happiness was taking up residence in her heart.
Peter wants me!

She
focused so much on getting to Peter’s side; she didn’t see the two policemen waiting in the wings. As soon as she was a safe distance from the protective wall, they jumped towards her, taking her to the rooftop as gently as possible and holding her in place.

Lara looked at them in shock, putting up no resistance to being laid out on the roof of the building. She kept her eyes on Peter’s for a moment, and then the tension left her body in a rush. Her mind turned off as she broke completely down, shaking and sobbing incoherently.

Lara slowly opened her eyes, waking up and having a moment of fear. She didn't recognize where she was. She calmed herself and searched for the things she did know and recognize. She was lying in a bed, although it was not hers.

S
he scanned the room looking for clues as to where she was. This definitely wasn't her luxurious bedroom in her father’s house.  It was too sterile. The walls were a faint green color and there was an odd smell…it seemed more like a hospital.

At th
at same moment, the door to the room opened and in walked a young woman dressed in the typical uniform of a nurse.  She wore a stethoscope around her neck, and was carrying a chart in her hands. She was in a hospital!

Suddenly, Lara
remembered what had happened. The roof. Peter. The policemen who had taken her down. All of it.
They must have transferred her here after her breakdown.

The nurse
approached the bed and said "Oh you're awake, Ms. Bishop. You have been sleeping quite a long time. How do you feel?"

Good question! H
ow did she feel? Numb - yes. Empty - yes. Emotionless – well, not entirely. Stupid – most definitely.
All these thoughts rushed through her head, but she couldn’t tell this woman any of them. Instead, she responded with a dry scratchy voice, "Okay. I'm thirsty, though."

The nurse
smiled at her, "I will get you some water right away. By the way, you have a visitor. May he come in?"

Lara's heart jumped
.
Peter? Would he come to visit her after everything that had happened?
She would apologize for everything and then maybe they’d be able to start over with their relationship.

The door opened and
she made a long face. It was her father – not Peter!

Mr. Bishop smiled encouragingly at his only child as he approached her bedside,
"Sweetie, how are you? I was so worried! I even called your mom; she'll be here tomorrow. She's traveling from France and there wasn’t a sooner flight available.”

Her mom
was coming to see her?
Mrs. Bishop had never been very interested in her daughter and had preferred to live the jet set life. Mostly without her husband, who was dedicated to his work twenty-four-seven. Lara and her father used to count the days of the year when her mother “visited”. They’d made it a game and betted on how long she’d stay and how many weeks until she returned the next time. 

La
ra gave her father a weak smile. She honestly didn't understand why her parents were still married. Her mother was traveling at least nine months of the year, while her father worked nonstop. She’d often wanted to ask that question, but never did, not sure if she really wanted to hear the answer. Sometimes ignorance was preferable to the truth.

Lara
swallowed before answering his question, "I’m fine. A bit thirsty."

***

Mr. Bishop looked around for a drinking cup, silently taking the cup offered by the nurse who had just returned. Handing Lara the cup, he looked at his daughter and wondered if everything he had done was wrong.

He had always loved her and given her everything she needed or wanted – without reserve. He had never objected to any of her actions and when she had crossed the line, he’d even covered up som
e of her greatest follies. His intentions were the best, but without his wife’s help, the whole burden of Lara’s education and upbringing had lain squarely upon his shoulders. And he was a workaholic.

His wife
always liked the jet set life, and it had become obvious by the time Lara was two, that raising a child was a burden to her and not something she would ever enjoy. He still loved his wife, but shortly after Lara’s second birthday, he had let her go her own path. It was the best for everyone. His wife would spend a few weeks per year with them and tell them excitedly about the thrilling life she had.

It actually
was very convenient to him as well, because he spent eighty-plus hours at work every week. No more rushing home to attend some charity function, or art exhibit with her. No bad conscience for working overtime and not being home with her. He had no one’s schedule but his own to be concerned with.  The short times his wife spent in Santa Clara with him were actually great, but both of them gladly went their own ways again after one or two weeks spent together.

He had hired the best nannies
money could buy to care for Lara. During the little time he could spare for her, he fulfilled her every wish; always trying to assuage the feelings of guilt. Looking back in hindsight that probably hadn’t been what was best for his daughter. Or himself. He had spoiled her to such a degree, that she was now having major problems dealing with life on an adult level. She was having problems coming to terms with the fact that life consisted also of disappointments and failures.

It was his fault that she had almost killed herself and he
was determined to change quite a few things. It was time for her to grow up! He realized that now and had already taken the initial steps in that direction.

Walking to stand at the foot of her bed, he waited until
she gave him her full attention before he spoke. “Sweetie, I talked to the doctors and they told me you had a serious mental breakdown. They have recommended, and I agree, that you go to rehab."

Mr. Bishop held his breath while he waited for Lara to react. He didn’t want to alienate his daughter in her time of need, but
he was afraid of what might happen if she didn’t receive some help.

How would she react when
she found out they want her to receive psychological treatment? Would she turn her anger on him?
He felt entirely responsible for her present inability to deal with life.

When Lara didn’t blow up at him, or demand for him to obtain her release, he took a shallow breath
; and then another. He waited patiently for an answer as several emotions crossed her face – sadness, hurt, and despair.

Her life had spiraled out of her control, and frankly, she
needed help to get it back.

S
he slowly nodded her head. "Maybe you're right, dad."

Mr. Bishop sighed in relief, but his heart broke in two as he gazed at his only daughter who was looking at him like a wounded animal. She was hurting, and it was his job to ensure she received the
proper help to make the pain stop!

After what seemed an endless drive with her father’s private driver Lara arrived at
Sunset Malibu
. The private holistic treatment center is located right on the coast, with a private beach, secluded property, and all the luxuries someone of Lara’s social class had come to expect.

Mr. Bishop’s name and money, arrange a place
in the most prestigious location, and with the best doctors and therapists his money could buy within a few short days.

Sunset Malibu
was a world-renowned rehab center, specializing in the treatment of addictions, suicide, and depression. Many celebrities and high-profile people had spent time in the facility with remarkable results.

Lara looked around h
er room and noticed it was gorgeous in an understated way. The small sitting area in front of the white marble fireplace, combined with the slate blue walls, and white bed linens, gave the place a clean and refreshing appearance.

A friendly staff member helped her to
put her belongings away and explained the amenities and house rules in detail. The facility boasted a gourmet dining room, full spa, and weight training facility. It also offered such activities as yoga, massage, and acupuncture therapy.

Lara was nervous upon her arrival, but after only a few minutes she found herself relaxing and looking forward to getting better.
This didn’t feel like hospital, but much more like a wellness spa. She could do spa. In fact, she almost enjoyed being here.

“Ma’am, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you where Dr. Richard’s meeting room is.”

Lara gave the attendant an absent smile, while she pondered whether they offered manicure and pedicure services as well. She quietly followed her out of her room and down several hallways.  The décor was splendid, and every room she passed spread a light and airy atmosphere. What a difference to the county hospital she’d been to before.

“Here it is. He’ll be with you shortly.”

Lara entered the room, surprised to see it looking more like a sitting room in any one of her friend’s houses, rather than a treatment or therapy room. She sat down in one of the bamboo-cushioned chairs, wondering what kind of man Dr. Richards was.

She didn’t have long to wonder.
When the late twenty-something man walked into the room, Lara found herself unable to take her eyes off of him. He was an amazingly good-looking man. He was tall, about 6’3” in height, and very tan. His black hair was full and thick, and wavy, inviting one to push their hands through it to see if it really was as soft as it appeared.

As she looked at him, she wondered what
color his eyes were. He had them cast downward, looking over what she assumed was her chart, and had yet to look up and see that she was already in the room.

He was gorgeous in a model-sort of way. I
t was obvious he worked out, by the muscle definition his dressed shirt attempted to hide, but not like a body-builder. No, his muscles appeared more refined and she wondered what kind of activity he used to keep himself in shape.

Lara fidgeted in her seat, drawing his attention with a sharp rise of his head. His eyes were brown – warm brown, like melted chocolate.
Eyes that seemed to be able to look directly into her soul.

Lara
had been attracted to him instantly, but now she was blown away. She found herself drawn into his eyes, wishing to get lost in them forever. She hoped this first interview wasn’t going to be full of hard questions, as she was already having difficulty remembering why she was here.

His dark
and masculine voice provided even more of a distraction and she found herself struggling to focus on what he was saying. "Good morning, Ms. Bishop. My name is David Richards. I’m assigned to you during your stay here and I’ll be your main contact and treating physician.”

Lara
almost groaned, "Mr. Richards."

"Please call me David
. This is a custom in our house. We do this to make you feel more comfortable; less like a patient. May I call you Lara?"

Lara
nodded her head, "Yes, please. Mr. Rich… uhm…David.When will I be released?
"
she asked as she met his gaze.

She really did need to get out of there quickly. Then again, as she thought about it, what did she have to go back to? Her life was a mess! Stopping herself, she pushed aside those negative thoughts. She had lots of reasons to be out of here! She couldn’t very well put her life back together inside this place!

***

David
couldn't help but smile in amusement. He took the seat next to her and observed her for a moment before answering. The young woman sitting next to him had just suffered a severe nervous breakdown, brought on after attempting to jump from the roof of an office building, and all she wanted was to leave.