Bad things happen to good people

Counselor

The bus to school is hectic. Kids throwing food, screaming, and one throwing up in the garbage can. I didn't really have the energy to participate in this fun (not like I would anyways), so I put in my headphones and watched youtube.

"WHAT'S UP GUYSSSS?" The YouTuber obnoxiously said. "Today we're going to look at-"

I cut the video off before he could go any farther. I scrolled for another one.

Again with the scrolling, I thought to myself. Mindless.

I clicked on a speed build video. It was a house. A family house.

I watched that one for a little while, until the bus took that one familiar turn down the road that the school was on.

I ripped my headphones out of my ears. They were broken. Rips in the wire cover, earbud almost snapping in two. I couldn't get more though. It was a miracle I had even gotten these ones.

I got off the bus slowly as the kids shuffled down the aisle. The bus driver waved bye to me; she always did, and I always waved back.

"Good morning everyone!" the Principal said, standing outside the school's oversized front doors. "Welcome back from break!"

I gave her a little fake smile. Adults eat shit like that right up.

"You seem chipper this morning!"

"Yeah, just excited to be back," I replied. Of course, none of this was true. It's all part of the act.

Walking to my homeroom is the worst. I have to go by the counselor's office. I hate counselors and therapists. I hate how they try to know everything about you.

My Mom had tried to get me to go to therapy after She died. My Mom tried so many kinds: Online, in person, group, and even going to the school counselor. That is precisely why I hate the counselor. He always has this look on his face like he's trying to figure me out and I hate it.

"Good morning!" He said to me as I passed by the doorway.

"Morning." I mumbled back.

He frowned.

We both paused, not sure what to say or do next in this awkward situation.

I turned to keep walking.

"Wait!" He said. I turned back to him. "I was thinking you should come to my office during lunch today."

"Maybe.." I said. I went to keep walking. "I have a test to study for.."

"Your Mom called me," He said. When I turned to look at him, he looked like he wanted to say more. "You should come in. I just want to talk."

If Mom called him and I don't go, I'll get in trouble, I thought to myself. But if I do go, it's playing right into their little scheme to 'help' me.

"Okay," I replied finally. "I'll come today."

"Great!" He said, enthusiastically. Oddly.

Then, the bell rang. I was going to be late for homeroom.

"I'll write you a pass." The counselor said. I waited for him to write the pass, grabbed it, and left.

What does he want from me? I thought defensively. Whatever it is, it's not good.