side job

16

Going to therapy was overwhelming Jonathan's life. He was texting his therapist practically every day. Even when he was feeling hopeful, his therapist would send him a text to make sure he was alright.

All Ted wanted was for the man to open up more, and allow himself to feel all the feelings. Jonathan seemed to hold everything in until his breaking point, but the constant messaging from his therapist seemed to help that. Jonathan knew that the woman was consistently in touch with Ted, but it didn't bother him.

They were just trying to help him, and he couldn't be too mad about it. He felt like a child being monitored under a microscope at times, but he knew that it was done with love and care.

Once a week Jonathan would meet his therapist in person. He had just left the session, and was skimming a packet of paper she gave him. The weather was nice and Ted wasn't able to give him a ride back, so he had walked home.

A little park came into view as he walked, and his inner child seemed over the moon about enjoying the weather at a cute little park, as he did his therapy homework. It was a five page packet, each page giving him a prompt to write about.

A separate journal was provided so he could write more than one papers worth. He used the packet paper to take notes from their session to incorporate into his writing. Sometimes he couldn't put together a proper sentence and other times he couldn't stop writing.

Today was a day where he was particularly in a good mood. The sun was bright and the wind was gentle and kept it from getting too hot outside. He could hear a few birds make their little noises, and life seemed really peaceful.

So he read the prompt.

'In todays session, we talked about isolation and how it can help or hurt us. What is a way that you isolate yourself in a harmful way? What is a way that you isolate yourself in a helpful way? Try and put together a goal that allows you to work towards being more open to your friends and family. Once you have pieced together a plan, try and utilize it. Next week, we will discuss your progress! Remember, baby steps are important. Don't feel ashamed if you don't fix all of your problems in one week.'

A small smile spread across Jonathan's face. He felt inspired, especially since he had really missed hanging out with all of his YouTube friends. The first step of his plan would be to apologize genuinely to everyone whose been hurt trying to help him, whether it be physically or emotionally.

After about ten minutes, Jonathan compiles a list of people that he wanted to not only apologize to, but thank as well. Ted, Charlie, and Minx had been through so much in dealing with this situation.

Jonathan flinched as he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He looked up, squinting his eyes and trying to see who the person was through the blinding sun.

His whole world felt like it flipped around as his eyes adjusted and revealed a grinning Ezra. A lump already formed in his throat and his heart was racing in pure fear. He didn't know if he wanted to run or fight, but his body didn't move an inch.

"J!" He cooed, sitting down and pulling Jonathan's hands into his. "How have you been my love? What's all this?"

Jonathan stuttered, unable to form a full sentence. This couldn't be happening. He hadn't thought about Ezra since the last interview! Surely Ezra had known about the trial by now.

"Aw, you're shy now? Surely my boyfriend would be able to talk to me when something is wrong." Ezra mumbled, pressing his forehead against Jonathans, his eyes closed tightly.

Jonathan was breathing heavy, trying to calm himself down and remember everything his therapist had said to him. "He manipulated you. Tried to love-bomb you into staying. He is bad, Jonathan. Bad for you!"