You Are Never Alone

Chapter 4: The Journey to New Beginnings

Astrid stared at her reflection in the mirror of her bathroom. Dark rings were engraved beneath her eyes due to lack of sleep that night, her mind whirling about her upcoming appointment in just two hours. After her classes that day, the blonde girl returned to her apartment for a quick shower to freshen up and have a snack. She rubbed her face with her hands, drawing a long sigh before trudging out of the bathroom in her bathrobe and a towel that wrapped her hair securely.

In her bedroom, Astrid dried her beautiful blonde hair out, weaving it into her signature braid right after. She then snuck herself into some comfy clothes she deemed appropriate enough to go out in before collapsing into her study chair. Minden had agreed to come over before the two made their way to Hiccup's office. It wasn't too far to walk, yet even if it was, the girls' favourite activity together was having a nice stroll in the beautiful outdoors. They wouldn't mind any distance.

Although she tried her best to get work done, Astrid's mind remained preoccupied by the meeting as it dripped by closer and closer. She slammed her laptop shut in frustration, letting out a groan as her hands covered her face. Suddenly, her phone buzzed from the desk. Reluctantly, Astrid plopped a lazy hand on the desk to retrieve it, viewing a text from Snotlout.

"Snotlout: Take care, Astrid. I won't tell you to not worry since it definitely won't help and will be annoying for you, but rest assured you'll be in good hands.
Don't forget if at any point you want to leave you're allowed to.
If there's something you don't want Minden to hear she can step out for a moment.
Do not feel obligated to satisfying anyone else in the room. It is their duty to make you comfortable, not yours.
Also don't forget your water again."

A small smile crept onto her exhausted and slightly pale face from tiredness. It melted Astrid's heart knowing how much her best friend cared for her, even if he hardly ever showed it in physical presence situations. An additional bonus was that his girlfriend not only accepted their friendship, Minden even bonded with her over their mutual hobbies.

"Astrid: Thanks bud, got it.
See you tonight for a fried chicken feast?
Minden is confirmed to be here.
Bring Hookfang."

The man responded almost instantly.
"Snotlout: Sounds good, gtg to class now."

At that exact moment, Astrid's doorbell rang. The blonde dashed from her bedroom to answer the front door, delighted to see Minden's bright grin.

"Astrid! Ready to go?" The newcomer chirped as she wrapped Astrid in a tight hug. As they broke apart, Minden reached into her sling bag, pulling out a sealed paper bag. "Got you some doughnuts, they were fresh out of the fryer!"

"Thanks girl, let me gather my stuff then we can go," the blonde haired girl replied, accepting the bag and placing them on the kitchen counter. Once she had her backpack ready, the pair departed the apartment building, hand in hand on their journey.

On their walk, Minden felt tension within her partner. A glance at her answered her suspicions, her face displaying all her worries and anxiety. Instead of saying anything, the brunette hooked her arm around Astrid's, giving her a comforting smile as she glanced, their blue eyes connecting in a moment of intensity. Minden's supportive look helped Astrid calm her nerves, sucking in a deep breath of fresh air with a small nod as she turned back to the sidewalk ahead of them.

It felt like a five-minute journey from her home, when they'd spent almost twenty minutes walking, minus the moments they stopped at traffic lights or zebra crossings. The building complex wasn't the biggest: it's lobby was sufficient enough to fit a main counter with a plush seating area in the middle and doors lining the sides. In the back, three elevators stood, ready to transport occupants.

Astrid checked her phone and past text messages from Hiccup for the office level as Minden read the building directory. "I remember Snotlout mentioned Hiccup's office on a higher floor with a quote unquote 'sick view I'd want for my own'," she commented, purposely skipping the first few floors' plans. Then her finger stopped on the name of the person they were looking for. "There. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, psychotherapist. Seventh floor. Yeesh, that full name is... horrendous."

A sly smirk radiating from Minden couldn't be wiped off unless time left her pun behind. Astrid stifled a giggle as she pushed the sneaky grin from her face proximity that craved attention for her wit. "Don't you dare say that in front of him," she whispered, tears forming in her eyes from her suppressed laughter.

Minden just shrugged as they got into an elevator. "Eh, maybe when we get on better terms and he turns out to be a chill person will I tell him."

The two giggling girls arrived at their destination, all seriousness wiping on as they approached the front desk. A few doors lined the corridors on either side of the registration room, which Astrid assumed were all offices to different therapists. A young lady sat behind a computer, typing away as the pair approached. Without glancing at them, she spoke. "Name and chosen therapist?"

Minden answered on behalf of her friend. "Astrid Hofferson. She's supposed to have a complimentary first meeting with Hiccup Haddock, the mental health therapist."

The lady's eyes rolled up to stare Astrid down intensely for what seemed like a whole minute, making the blonde girl's gut flip upside down in discomfort. She took a step back, shifting her weight on each foot as she slowly snuck behind Minden. Her demeanour would always have a major shift from comfort with friends and family to nervousness and panic with total strangers. Computer lady rolled her eyes before glancing back at the screen as she typed for Hiccup's appointment list. "Astrid Hofferson. Office is somewhere there," she said without looking once again, pointing off into one of the two hallways.

Minden mumbled her thanks before turning away, slightly annoyed with the attitude of the administrative staff. She grabbed Astrid's arm and marched off away from the counter, keeping her as far from the lady as possible. Astrid's bothered body language clearly displayed her guilt, with her probably assuming she had done something wrong. "Oh boy, Hiccup is not going to like how our first meeting will have me bring up that woman's lack of respect for people with differences. Heck, she should have some manners with anyone!" Minden grumbled, still clutching Astrid's arm tightly and protectively.

As they passed each office, Astrid read every single title of each therapist. Career counsellor, family therapy, speech therapy, the list went on, and they were only along one of the two vast hallways. It didn't take long for them to find the right room, owing to the signs on each door. Maintaining confidentiality, the door seemed to be made of thick wood, ensuring the rooms remained soundproof. Before they entered, Minden spun Astrid to face her dead in the eye. "This is it. One last chance to back out. Are you you taking the leap of faith?"

Astrid took a deep breath as she stared at the door. She wasn't able to see anything through it of course, but had a rough idea of what was within. Raising a shaky hand balled in a fist to the hefty wood, she nodded with strength in her motion. "Yes I am. I can do this."

Her knocking received a call from within, inviting them in. A last glance at a smiling and encouraging Minden gave her the boost she needed to push open the door. There seated at a desk was a young man with thick, messy auburn hair and gentle forest green eyes. A sweet, friendly smile from him settled her nerves, knowing this man would fight to retrieve a long-awaited 'normal' life for people like her.