AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The next day, I went to book club even though I only read half of the book.It didn’t capture my attention, so I figured I’d just let the ladies tell me about the rest.
They were doing their normal, sharing of photos, talking about their kids, and today Stephanie didn’t have much to say.The woman actually looked like she was in the depths of despair.
“Stephanie, you alright?”I whispered after we actually talked about the book.
As I thought, it was not worth my time to read and everybody else thought so as well.It seemed like it was written with a young adult in mind but listed under main stream women’s fiction in the bookstore.We were not impressed, at all.
“Yeah, um.”She looked down at her feet.“I’m just dealing with some stuff.Well,notdealing with it is more of the operative term.”Then, she raised her eyes, gazed at me, and said, “You got a hot date or something like that?”
She winced and then looked me in the eye.“Hell, I’m so sorry Camila.That’s just not nice and maybe, I just for once in my goddamn life could focus on my own mess and not point out others.”
I almost choked at her words but knew that look in her eye all too well.It was the feeling of being out of control.
“It’s fine,” I assured her, even though we weren’t the closest.
“Um, don’t you go to that group clinic thing?”Stephanie asked.
“Group Therapy.Yes.”
“It seems to be working for you.I mean, you’re practically glowing, and you just live your life.No matter what people think.I, uh, don’t think I can do that.”She cleared her throat.“I mean, I want to, but I don’t even know how.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool.”I found a card in my purse.“You should stop by.The first day is free, and they have payment plans too.”
Her eyes brightened but then she muttered, “I think I’m beyond repair.Not sure what good it would do.”
I pulled Stephanie to the side, so no one could hear us.She was a short thing but very pretty with a large bush, impeccable makeup and even the fake eyelashes.I wasn’t sure why the woman was so judgmental, but I assumed it had to do with her upbringing or just shit she never dealt with.
“Stephanie, I can’t have kids.Like ever.So, I’m not sure what your issue is and I ain’t into comparing who has the worst life; but if I can get help for that, you can get help too.”I smiled.“Nothing wrong with getting some guidance.We all need some.You know?”
Tears came to her eyes, then she nodded her head and said, “Yeah, I know.Um, thanks Camila.I really needed to hear that today.”
Something about what she said did not sit right with me, so I asked her again, “Are you okay?”
“No,” she answered with wide eyes.“My mentally abusive mother just moved in with me.She’s sick and uh…I thought I got away from it all.I thought I had passed it.I’m grown right, but the shit is coming back to me like I am that little girl all over again.”
Stephanie started stuttering but I just cut her off and said, “Hold on, your mentally abusive mother just moved in.Why?”
“She’s sick and no one else will take care of her.My sister said it would be a cold day in hell, and it’s the Christian thing to do, right?But if she says I’m ugly one more time or what I can’t do despite the business that I successfully own or …”
I cut her off.
“Girl, stop.You are hurting my heart right now.”I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“I’m sorry.”She shook her head.“I’m coming to,” Stephanie looked at the card I gave her.“Heart Alliancetomorrow.”
“Good.Sounds like it’s needed.”I nodded as Stephanie holstered her bag on her shoulder.“Stephanie, call me anytime.Okay?Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, so I’m here.”
She looked at me while nodding her head.Then she said, “I appreciate that Camila.Really.I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you then.”
As I rode home, I thought of what Stephanie said about her mother.That was the most absurd shit I’d heard.A mother was supposed to protect, defend, and nurture.Not tear down.I must have had my feeling plastered on my face because Chris kissed me after I walked through the door.He took a step back and asked, “What’s wrong?That girl Stephanie starting her shit at book club again?”
“Naw, not this time.She needs some help.You know, like me and she’s going to come to our therapy session tomorrow.”I pulled off my coat and put it on the rack.
“Ahh, look at you.Being the bigger person.”Chris pulled me into his arms.“Looks good on you.”
“Shut up.”I kissed him again.“You owe me dinner.”
