Chapter 86: 1 on 1 Therapy

The next morning, Mrs. Faulkner woke the boys up early, helping them get ready for their trip to therapy. Jake and Alex had their usual appointments, but this time, Jordan and Tyler would be tagging along. Tyler wasn’t sure what to expect, but he clung to Jordan’s hand as they all got into the car.

The ride to the office was quiet, with Jake and Alex looking out the windows, seemingly lost in thought. Tyler, meanwhile, leaned against Jordan, his thumb lightly brushing his lips before he caught himself and quickly put his hands in his lap. Jordan noticed but didn’t say anything, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze instead.

When they arrived, Mrs. Faulkner checked them all in while Miss Harper took a seat in the waiting area. A few minutes later, a therapist, a kind-looking woman with short brown hair and glasses, stepped out with a smile. “Alright, Jake and Alex, let’s get started.”

Jake and Alex followed her back to their usual session, leaving Tyler and Jordan alone in the waiting room. Tyler fidgeted in his seat, eyes darting around. Jordan could tell he was nervous.

Another therapist soon appeared, a man in his late thirties with a warm smile and a friendly demeanor. “Tyler? Are you ready?”

Tyler looked up at Jordan, hesitation written all over his face. Jordan gave him a reassuring nod. “You got this, squirt.”

Tyler took a deep breath before standing up and following the therapist into the room. It was cozy, with soft lighting and a couple of bean bags in the corner. The man gestured for Tyler to sit wherever he felt comfortable, and Tyler chose one of the bean bags, hugging his knees to his chest.

“I’m Dr. Sutton,” the therapist introduced himself. “You can call me Dr. S if you want. So, Tyler, I hear this is your first time in therapy?”

Tyler nodded slowly. “Yeah… I guess.”

Dr. Sutton smiled. “No worries. This is just a space for you to talk about anything on your mind. No pressure, okay?”

Tyler bit his lip, playing with the hem of his shirt. “Okay.”

Dr. Sutton leaned back in his chair. “So, I hear you’ve been spending a lot of time with Jordan lately. You two have gotten really close?”

Tyler’s face brightened at the mention of Jordan. “Yeah… he takes care of me.”

Dr. Sutton nodded. “That’s great. Having someone who makes you feel safe is really important. Can you tell me what you like about it?”

Tyler hesitated for a moment before answering. “I dunno… It just feels… nice. Like I don’t have to worry about stuff. Jordan always knows what to do, and he doesn’t make fun of me for… for liking what I like.” " I didn't like it at first as this started as a punishment... I made front of jake and alex my closest friends due to them being in onesies and diapers.

Dr. Sutton’s expression remained warm and understanding. “That’s really good, Tyler. Feeling safe and accepted is important. Do you think you like being taken care of because it helps you feel less stressed?”

Tyler thought for a moment before nodding. “Yeah… I think so. Before, I always felt like I had to act a certain way, like I couldn’t just be me. But Jordan… he just lets me be me.”

Dr. Sutton smiled. “That sounds like a really special bond. You know, there’s nothing wrong with wanting comfort or security, no matter how old you are. If this helps you feel happy and safe, that’s what matters.”

Tyler exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “So… I’m not weird?” It's not concerning. i sometimes have a baby voice when saying things but not in control of it."

Dr. Sutton shook his head. “Not at all. Everyone has different ways of coping with things. What’s important is that it makes you feel good and doesn’t hurt you or anyone else.”

Tyler’s lips curled into a small smile. “Jordan says the same thing.”

Dr. Sutton chuckled. “He sounds like a smart guy.”

Tyler nodded. “He is.”

Dr. Sutton leaned forward slightly. “Well, Tyler, I think we’ll have some good talks together. How do you feel about coming back next week?”

Tyler hesitated for only a second before nodding. “Yeah… I think I’d like that.”

Dr. Sutton smiled warmly. “I’m looking forward to it.”

As the session wrapped up, Tyler walked out of the room feeling lighter. Jordan was waiting for him in the hallway, and as soon as he saw him, Tyler ran up and hugged him tightly. Jordan hugged back without hesitation. “How’d it go, squirt?”

Tyler smiled. “Good. I think I wanna keep coming.”

Jordan ruffled his hair. “Proud of you, buddy.”

Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper exchanged, knowing smiles, watching the two. No matter what happened next, one thing was clear—Tyler was exactly where he belonged.

Dr. Sutton then stepped out into the hallway and looked at Jordan. “Jordan, would you mind coming back with me for a bit? I’d like to chat with you one-on-one.”

Jordan hesitated for a moment before nodding. He turned to Tyler. “Go ahead with Miss Harper and Mrs. Faulkner, okay? I’ll be right out.”

Tyler nodded but then looked up at Jordan with big eyes. “Okay, Daddy Jordy.”

Jordan chuckled, ruffling Tyler’s hair before following Dr. Sutton, in his office, was curious about what this session would hold for him.

Dr. Sutton gestured for Jordan to take a seat, then sat down across from him. “Jordan, I wanted to take a moment to check in with you. It seems like you and Tyler have formed a very strong bond.”

Jordan nodded. “Yeah, I guess we have. I just… I don’t know. It kind of just happened. At first, it was just about making sure he learned a lesson about teasing people,  and it was to make sure he was okay, but now… I really care about him.”

Dr. Sutton smiled. “That’s a good thing, Jordan. Taking care of someone can be really fulfilling, but I want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too. Do you feel any pressure in your role with Tyler?”

Jordan hesitated. “Not pressure, exactly. I mean, yeah, it’s a lot sometimes, but it doesn’t feel like a burden. If anything, I like it. I like knowing he feels safe with me.”

Dr. Monroe nodded thoughtfully. “That’s important. As long as it’s something that brings you both comfort and not stress, then it’s a positive thing. But I also want you to remember that you’re allowed to have your own space too. It’s okay to be a kid yourself.”

Jordan thought about that for a moment and then smiled. “I get it. But honestly, I think this is just who I am. And I wouldn’t change it.”

Dr. Sutton smiled. “That’s all that matters.”

Meanwhile, in Dr. Monroe's Office

Jake and Alex sat on the couch in Dr. Monroe’s office, both boys unusually quiet as they picked at the seams of the throw pillows in their laps. Dr. Monroe, a kind woman in her mid-forties with soft curls and a warm expression, watched them for a moment before speaking.

"You two seem a little distracted today," she noted. "Something on your minds?"

Jake glanced at Alex, who shrugged, looking hesitant to speak. Jake sighed and leaned back. "Just… a lot going on at home."

Dr. Monroe nodded, folding her hands in her lap. "That makes sense. You’ve had a lot of changes recently. Do you want to talk about it?"

Alex shifted uncomfortably. "It’s weird," he admitted. "I mean, not bad weird, just… different. Tyler’s changed a lot since this whole thing with Jordan started."

Jake snorted. "Yeah, you can say that again."

Dr. Monroe tilted her head. "Do you feel left out?"

Jake and Alex exchanged glances again. "Not really," Jake admitted. "It’s just… I dunno. He used to cool one

you know? Between the four of us. But now, it’s like Jordan and Tyler have their own thing going on, and we’re just kinda… there."

Alex nodded. "And it’s not like we’re mad or anything. It’s just new."I mean, Mama made Tyler stay in diapers for a week for being mean to us."

Dr. Monroe considered this. "It sounds like you both miss how things used to be, even though you’re happy for Tyler."

Jake rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, pretty much. And it’s not like Jordan ignores us, but he’s different now. More… I don’t know, responsible?"

Dr. Monroe smiled. "That’s an interesting observation. Maybe taking care of Tyler has changed him a little."

Alex fiddled with his sleeve. "I guess. I just wonder if things will ever go back to normal."

Dr. Monroe leaned forward slightly. "Change can be hard, even good change. But have you talked to Jordan or Tyler about how you’re feeling?"

Jake hesitated. "Not really."

Dr. Monroe smiled gently. "Maybe that’s something to think about. If you’re feeling a little left out, it’s okay to say so. Jordan and Tyler care about you both a lot. I’m sure they’d want to know how you’re feeling."

Alex looked down at his lap, deep in thought. "Yeah… maybe."

Dr. Monroe gave them both a reassuring look. "You don’t have to figure everything out today. But it’s okay to have feelings about this. Just remember, you’re not losing anyone—you’re just figuring out a new way to be together."

The boys nodded, and for the first time that session, Alex let out a small smile. "Thanks, Doc."

Dr. Monroe grinned. "Anytime. Now, tell me—anything else on your minds?"

Jake smirked. "Yeah. Can you tell my mom to stop making us eat so many vegetables?"

Dr. Monroe chuckled. "Nice try."

For the first time that day, the two boys laughed.

Dr. Monroe gave Jake a kind smile. “Jake, would you mind waiting in the waiting room for a little bit? I’d like to talk to Alex alone for a moment, and then you two will switch.”

Jake glanced at Alex, who looked a little nervous, but he nodded. “Yeah, sure.” He stood up, stretching before heading for the door. “Don’t say anything embarrassing,” he teased Alex with a smirk before stepping out.

Dr. Monroe observed Alex for a moment before easing into conversation. “Alex, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve noticed some changes in your behavior recently—specifically, your regression and use of diapers. I wanted to check in with you about how you’re feeling and what’s been going on in your head.”

Alex stiffened slightly, his fingers gripping the hem of his shirt. “I don’t know…” he mumbled.

Dr. Monroe nodded, giving him space. “It’s okay if you don’t have all the words right now. But sometimes, when people go through something difficult, they find comfort in things that make them feel safe. Do you think that’s what’s happening with you?”

Alex hesitated before nodding slowly. “Maybe… I just… ever since the Bobby Lyle thing, I don’t feel safe. I feel small, and when I wear them… it helps. Like I don’t have to be strong all the time.” I wore them long before to as I have night accidents but after a day Jake at the mall we liked them during the day too.

Dr. Monroe’s face remained warm and understanding. “That makes sense. What happened to you was terrifying, Alex. Your brain is looking for ways to protect itself, to find safety again. There’s nothing wrong with needing comfort.”

Alex swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. “But it’s not normal. I’m too old for this.”

Dr. Monroe shook her head. “There’s no ‘normal’ when it comes to healing, Alex. Everyone copes in their own way. The important thing is that it’s helping you and not hurting you. Do you feel like it’s helping?”

Alex shrugged. “I think so… but what if I never want to stop?”

Dr. Monroe smiled gently. “Then we take it one step at a time. You don’t have to make any big decisions right now. All that matters is that you feel safe and supported. And if this helps, then that’s okay.”

Alex’s eyes glistened slightly, but he quickly blinked it away. “I just don’t want to be broken.”

Dr. Monroe reached out and patted his hand lightly. “You’re not broken, Alex. You’re healing. And that takes time.”

Alex took a deep breath, nodding again. “Thanks, Dr. Monroe.”

She gave him a reassuring smile. “Anytime, Alex.

Dr. Monroe walked to the door, calling Jake back in, while Alex sat back, feeling just a little lighter than before.

She then teels Alex to go and wait while she talks to Jake

Dr. Monroe watched as Alex left the room, offering him a small nod of encouragement before turning her attention to Jake as he sat down. She studied him for a moment before speaking in a gentle tone.

"Jake, I wanted to talk to you about some changes I've noticed. Your mother mentioned that you and Alex liked to use diapers before everything that happened, but it seems like you've been using them more lately. Can you tell me about that?"

Jake shifted in his seat, looking down at his hands. "I don’t know… I guess it just feels different now," he muttered.

Dr. Monroe nodded. "Different how?"

Jake hesitated before answering. "Before, it was just for bed wtting than it was for fun, you know? Me and Alex, we didn’t really think too much about it. It was just something we liked. But now... I don’t know. I feel like I need it more."

Dr. Monroe leaned forward slightly. "Do you think it helps you feel safe? Or maybe in control of something, after everything that happened?"

Jake let out a small sigh, rubbing his arm. "Yeah… maybe. When Bobby Lyle came after us, everything felt so out of control. I was scared—like, really scared. And now, even though he's gone, I still feel like... like I’m waiting for something bad to happen again."

Dr. Monroe gave him a soft, understanding look. "That makes a lot of sense, Jake. Trauma can make us look for comfort in familiar things, things that remind us of feeling safe. If using diapers is something that helps you cope, there’s nothing wrong with that."

Jake looked up at her. "But what if I’m just making it worse? What if I get too used to it and can’t stop?"

Dr. Monroe shook her head. "Right now, the focus isn’t on stopping or changing anything. It’s about understanding what makes you feel safe and why. Healing doesn’t have a timeline, Jake. You’re not doing anything wrong."

Jake exhaled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "I just don’t want Mom to think I’m weak or something."

Dr. Monroe smiled. "Your mom doesn’t think you’re weak. She loves you and wants you to feel safe and happy. And for what it’s worth, I think you’re incredibly strong for being honest about how you feel."

Jake let her words sink in before nodding slowly. "Thanks, Dr. Monroe."

She smiled warmly. "You’re welcome. Now, do you feel ready to head back out with Alex?"

Jake took a deep breath, then stood up. "Yeah, I think so."

As he left the office, he spotted Alex waiting for him, and the two exchanged a look—one of understanding, of shared experience. They didn’t need to say anything. They just knew.

As Jake stepped out of Dr. Monroe's office, he spotted Jordan walking out of Dr. Sutton’s office at the same time. Their eyes met briefly before Jordan gave him a reassuring nod.

Mrs. Faulkner and Miss Harper were already standing near the reception desk, Tyler holding onto Jordan’s hoodie like a lifeline. When he saw Jordan, his face lit up, and he let go of Miss Harper to toddle over to him, wrapping his arms around Jordan’s waist.

“Hey there, squirt,” Jordan chuckled, ruffling Tyler’s hair. “Miss me?”

Tyler nodded, looking up at him with big eyes. “Mhm! You okay, Daddy Jordy?”

Jordan smirked at the nickname but didn’t correct him. “Yeah, bud. All good.”

Mrs. Faulkner smiled at the reunion and then turned to Jake and Alex. “How about you two? Everything go alright?”

Jake and Alex exchanged a glance before nodding. “Yeah,” Jake said simply. “It was… good to talk.”

Alex nodded in agreement but stayed quiet, his expression thoughtful.

Miss Harper clapped her hands together. “Well, since we survived therapy, how about we grab some lunch before heading home?

The boys all perked up at that idea, and Mrs. Faulkner chuckled. “Alright, let’s go, then.”

With that, the family headed out of the office, ready to move forward—one step at a time.