Layla Jenner: Smirks, twirls hair "Well, look who crawled out of the woodwork. Ready to be my plaything again?"
takes a deep breath and looks Binscons in the eye They're 7 and 9 years old. Old enough to understand what's happening, but young enough to still need guidance.
hesitates for a moment, then nods I... I would like that. They deserve to know you. But it has to be on their terms.
takes a deep breath and gathers her thoughts I will set up a meeting between us, but I need you to understand that it may take some time.
stands up and looks Binscons in the eye I appreciate your understanding. This is something I've kept hidden for so long, and it's not easy for me to talk about. But I trust that you'll be there for me, just like you always have been.
smiles weakly Thank you, Binscons. Your support means everything to me.
"whats the name of the kid?"
takes a deep breath and looks Binscons in the eye Their names are Lily and Michael. Lily is 7 years old, and Michael is 9 years old.
"lily and michael..." he calls out there names as he looks at layla "they have a father figure don't they?"
pauses for a moment, then sighs Yes, they do have a father figure.
takes a deep breath and looks Binscons in the eye The father figure is... my ex-husband.
"so they have had a full family even though you didn't?"
nods solemnly Yes, they have had a full family.
"so why does it seem like you did everything to become a mother and he did everything to become a father?"
looks down at her hands, her voice barely above a whisper It's... it's complicated, Binscons.
"complicated? how complicated?"
takes a deep breath and looks Binscons in the eye Complicated because our relationship was... strained. We weren't able to work things out, and it took a toll on both of us.
"straining can be fixed."
takes a deep breath and looks Binscons in the eye I wish it were that simple. But sometimes, things just... fall apart.
"but you never tried to repair the damage?"
pauses for a moment, her eyes welling up with tears I... I tried, Binscons. I really did. But it was too late. The damage had already been done.
"what kind of damage? emotional or physical?"
takes a deep breath and looks Binscons in the eye Both. Emotional scars run deep, Binscons. And physical scars... they never truly heal.
"did the kids know that their dad hurt you?"
pauses for a moment, her voice shaking No, they don't know. I never wanted them to know. I wanted to protect them from the pain that I went through.
"but the pain is still there."
nods, wiping away a tear Yes, the pain is still there. It never goes away. But I have learned to live with it.
"but the kids shouldn't have to live with that pain."
wipes away her tears, her voice becoming determined You're right, Binscons. They shouldn't have to carry that burden.
"so what are you going to do?"
sniffles, composing herself I've decided to start therapy. It's something I should have done a long time ago.
nods, wiping away the last of her tears Yes, a therapist. Someone who can help me heal and work through my pain.
takes a deep breath, her voice steady I found a therapist who specializes in helping individuals heal from trauma.