Subterfuge | LT ✔️

Chapter Twenty-Four: Onward

The day of Larry and Laurent's counseling session has arrived. When Larry called Laurent and asked him to join him he also said they would talk before this day. They've called to check in but also spent time talking. Laurent also expressed that he was looking forward to this time as it's not only the path of healing for the both of them, but also quality time together by shooting some hoops. Larry told Malik of he and Laurent's time together who tells him to have fun and before leaving for work he asked Larry to tell Laurent "hi" for him. Larry assured him he would and now it's the appointed time. Larry has arrived in a pair of basketball shorts and a T-shirt. His fro is pulled back in that glorious puff which beautifully accentuates his face. He walks inside the basketball court expecting to see other players, but he only sees an unfamiliar man. When he's noticed, the man walks towards him and now face to face he asks, "Larry Bourgeois"? Larry nods confusingly then it comes to him so he replies...

Larry: "You're Dr. Belanger".

Belanger: *smile* "Yes. Pleasure to meet you".

Larry: *smile* "You too".

Belanger: "Seems we're only missing your twin".

Larry is about to reply and say that he's sure Laurent is on his way when they hear, "I'm right here" so they both turn in the direction of his voice. Larry and Laurent smile the instant their eyes connect as it's been some time since they've seen each other, but he also notices Laurent's hair is styled just like his. He makes his way towards him and right away Dr. Belanger extends his hand. They introduce themselves then Laurent looks back at Larry...

Larry: *smile* "I like your hair puff".

Laurent: *smile* "I like yours too".

Dr. Belanger has already begun his observation of the two of them and to see them smiling makes him smile, but what neither of them are aware of is his purpose for choosing their favorite activity for today's session which he begins right away...

Belanger: "So now that you're both here we can get started. First, I have to get the housekeeping done and let you both know that information shared here won't go beyond the three of us".

Larry: "I understand".

Laurent: "Me too".

Belanger: "Ok. Now what I would like is for one of you to grab a basketball and for ten minutes I want you to play a game of one on one".

Larry: "No problem. I'll get the ball".

Dr. Belanger nods so Larry walks across the court to get that ball. Minutes later he's bouncing it and does that ball between the legs trick. When he's back at their reserved court Dr. Belanger steps to the side and watches them get right to the game. He begins pacing back and forth as he watches their dynamic at play. It doesn't take long to pick up on certain aspects of it that he will address at the proper time. When the ten minutes are up he calls out, "time". Larry has the ball and he tosses it right as he hears him. They all watch the ball in silence then hear it swoosh through the basket. They're breathing is quiet but a bit labored and because this was a physical assignment, Dr. Belanger came prepared. He takes out two bottles of cold water from a cooler that he tosses to each of them. It only takes a few moments for their breathing to return to normal then they look at the therapist and wait to hear what's next...

Belanger: *smile* "First, you both are great basketball players". 

Larry and Laurent: *smile* "Thank you".

Larry: *smile* "It's always been our favorite".

Belanger: *smile* "It shows". *pause* "Now I did notice some things while observing you both and I'll get to those shortly, but I understand the main purpose for this session is addressing some trauma that you both are struggling to deal with".