Philips (Sequel to De Santa)

Chapter Twenty Nine

"You seem different," Dr. F observed as he motioned for me to sit in the chair across from him.

"I do?" I asked as I sat down, the back of my thighs instantly sticking to the uncomfortable leather couch.

"Yes. From the moment I saw you, I could see a change in your demeanor. Did you have some revelation?"

"Some would call it that, I guess," I shrugged.

"What would you call it?" I thought for a moment before finally smiling.

"I'd call it getting back to normal. I feel like all my missing puzzle pieces are finally coming together to finish the big picture."

"And what is your big picture?"

"Happiness? Peace? I don't know, not being a depressed fuck all the time, I guess."

"May I ask what changed?" I wanted to tell him, but I couldn't form the words. "Does it have anything to do with Trevor?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

"What's going on there?"

"We...we're kind of together."

"Oh? And that obviously makes you very happy."

"Yeah, but if Dad finds out, he will kill him. So now I'm stressed because I gotta keep this a secret."

"I see. Well, sometimes secrets are kept for good intentions, but sometimes keeping secrets can put a strain on relationships. Be it friends, family, or even romantic relationships."

"I know," I sighed. "I just...I want the timing to be right, you know? I hate that I'm keeping this a secret, it's not fair for Trevor. I mean, it's like I'm acting as if I'm ashamed of being in a relationship with him, but I'm not. I know why he wants to be open about it, but I don't want anything happening to him."

"I get that. Sometimes you've gotta do what's safe instead of what's right. I'm sure one day you'll be able to be open about your relationship." Dr. F's phone began to ring, causing both of us to jump. "I'm sorry, I don't know why that's ringing. I told the receptionist that I don't take calls during sessions."

"Maybe it's important."

"Do you mind?"

"Not at all." I watched as Dr. F got up and rushed over to the phone.

"Grace, I'm in the middle of a session," Dr. F grumbled. "I see...okay, just give me a moment." Dr. F hung up the phone and turned to me. "I'm so sorry to do this, but there's an issue with another patient of mine that I need to address immediately. If you'll please wait here, I'll return in a moment." I gently nodded as I watched Dr. F exit the room. A few moments later, my phone dinged and an unknown number popped up on the screen. I unlocked the phone and read the text.

𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚑𝚎'𝚜 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍

Before I could respond back, another text popped up.

𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚍𝚘𝚘𝚛

Who was this person who was texting me? Was it Trevor? But why wouldn't his number be saved in my phone? I hesitated for a moment, but when the curiosity got the best of me, I quietly exited the room and made my way for the back exit. Once outside, I looked around to see who texted me, but the parking lot was empty. I slowly made my way down the steps, jumping back when a black SUV suddenly pulled up. When the window rolled down, I half expected to see Martin Madrazo, but instead, two unfamiliar men came into view.