AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I sit rigidly in the oversized chair and wrap my arms around my chest. Don’t get me wrong, Dr. Pepper is a lovely, kind, and compassionate lady, but I feel like she digs more than someone usually would.
“How have you been, Gracie?” she asks, opening her notepad and getting comfortable. I shrug and take a deep breath.
“I'm honestly okay. There was no need for this appointment today. I would have been fine waiting until next week. I just needed some space. I didn’t plan to fall asleep and stay out all night,” I tell her, hoping she can’t see the lies.
“Be that as it may, Gracie, you had a lot of people worried, and after everything that happened, they had the right to be. Now tell me what you’ve been up to since we last spoke. Did you do any more baking? My office ladies loved the red velvet cookies you brought last time.”
I nod and try not to fidget. “Yes. I made some chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting the other night. I’m glad they enjoyed them. I’ll try to remember to bring something to my next appointment. I enjoy baking,” I say with a sigh.
Apparently, I got the love of cooking and baking from my dad; I wouldn’t know.
“Beating and rolling the dough when I make homemade bread helps to relieve some of my tension, and it makes me feel so relaxed afterward; plus, I get to eat lots of yummy goodies. My mom’s not the best cook, but I’m sure I’ve put some weight back on in the last few weeks.”
I reach over to the side table and grab my tumbler of water, taking a sip.
“Which is a good thing, I guess. I needed to gain weight since my ‘accident.’’” She nods her head and writes down a few notes.
“That’s good. I’m glad you have found some healthy exercises to help you relieve your tension. I know things must be hard for you, but just know that you have people who love and care about you. Even when they yell and overreact at times.”
I snort, and she gives me a small wink. “Yeah, that’s an understatement. They went ballistic, and I’m grounded. I feel like they may be overreacting just a bit. You would think I'd been missing for days rather than a few hours. It probably didn't help matters that I didn't text them that I was going to be late, but I mean, I'm eighteen, and after everything, I need some space and freedom.”
I wince as I realize I have revealed more than I meant to.
“I think they were most concerned that you decided to do this the same day you were left alone. How’s school? Have you had any problems returning?”
“Not really, it’s just odd being back.”
She narrows her eyes, watching me closely. “Really? Oh, well, that’s good. How was practice?”
“Honestly, horrible. I don’t remember any of the routines, and I know my team was starting to get annoyed. I might just quit,” I grumble, and she closes her notebook.
“Your memories may not be gone for good, Gracie. They could still return, and then you may be upset about no longer being on a team with friends you used to love. I’m sure the other girls understand.”
I try not to laugh. “Yeah, maybe,” I mumble, and she sighs, opening her notebook again.
“How are you finding the medications I prescribed?”
“I’m not sure they’re working. They make me feel sluggish. And the anxiety’s still there.” I twist my hoodie between my fingers.
“Any more flashbacks?” she asks.
“Yes, I’ve had a few more. Nothing of great importance, though. Really not worth mentioning.”
“Why don’t you tell me anyway? I can be the judge of that,” she pushes. I’ve noticed that she always starts digging when it comes to my flashbacks.Trust me, lady, you’re not the only one looking for answers.
“No. Not today.” I glance at the clock and sigh with relief. Only five more minutes. Today was only a half-hour session since it was an ‘emergency.’ She moves closer to me and rests her hand on my knee.
“Gracie, I know I sound like a broken record, but what you say here will not be repeated. This is a safe space. Are you sure there is nothing more you would like to open up about? We still have a few minutes.”
“I’m sure. Thanks though.” I continue to fidget with my hoodie, and she just sighs and closes her notebook, giving me a small smile.
“Okay, I’ll see you next week. I will discuss a different medication with your mother. Something that hopefully won’t make you sluggish.” I nod my head, then make my way out to my mother’s car. Ugh, now I get to go home and be locked in my house once more. Yay.
It’s just another day in purgatory.
Carter
“Seriously, what is taking you so long? Let’s go!” Dom barks as I pull my shirt on over my head. Practice just ended, and he wants to swing by Ash’s house and check if he’s returned. I think he would be better off going to Gracie’s, though.
