Against Every Odd

AEO | Sister's Keeper | 6

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AEO | Sister's Keeper | 6
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"I can only promise you one thing, I'll try not to kill him when I do run into that fuck nigga."
- Benjiman Cartier Gotti
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Wednesday | February 17

"Well, it's a pleasure to finally meet the woman that is making my boy the happiest, in person. I must say you are a beautiful young woman." Mrs.Tate voiced, as she stood to her feet to welcome Layton into a warm hug.

"Thank you Mrs.Tate, it's a pleasure to meet you after speaking on the phone for so long." Layton smiled, as she returned the kind embrace. As the two stepped out from one another, Layton took her seat along the sofa.

"Likewise. So, Ms.Westbrooks, I know this is out first session .. but I want you to know that or course all the things that we speak on is completely confidential and despite my sessions and relationship with Mr.Gotti, he is not my focus today or in any session we have. I'm in this session with the focus of your best interest only."

Layton nodded, happy to have the reassurance.

"So." Mrs.Tate started as she sat comfortably infront of Layton to begin the session. "How are you? Give me an adjective to describe it and then elaborate. I don't want to know in terms of any specific relationship, a job, any of that. I want to know how you Ms.Westbrooks is?"

"Disoriented."

Mrs.Tate nodded, jotting the word down onto her iPad that she used to document. "Hm, an interesting choice of word. Now tell me why you're feeling so disoriented today Ms.Westbrooks." She continued, giving Layton a moment to ponder and then expound upon her word. 

Layton released a small sigh. "It's just a lot going on in my life these days, which affects how I feel today. Even yesterday and every other day. I'm conflicted with a lot of things within my life and I've been searching for the guidance and clarity that I need in order to go forward. So I'm hoping that you'd be able to help me with that."

"Absolutely." Mrs.Tate smiled kindly. "I've been you in my younger days, so I know how that feels. My priority as your therapist is to counsel and help you to gain the tools you need to become better, grow, heal, learn, and apply all of these things to life. Now, why do you feel it is so much confusion and conflict in your life? Is it due to the people and situations around you or is it you?"

Layton was kind of taken aback by the latter part of the question, yet she still harbored an answer. "Honestly, I think it's me .. I know that it's me. At first I tried to put it off on things, on being afraid, on being young, really on anything that I could. Now, I realize it's me. I really have a tendency to choose the easiest way out and then avoid anything tough. It's like a protective mechanism, or a way to avoid making tough decisions. I wasn't this way forever, but meeting certain people in my past had me adapt these behaviors to protect myself. It wasn't a problem that I felt I had back then, but now I see it is."

Mrs.Tate continued to listen and use her pencil to note all of these things. "So, what caused you to deem it as a problem now? You've mentioned that you didn't find it to be a problem from your past, so what has changed?"

"Honestly, Benji."

Mrs.Tate looked up at the sound of his name, nodding. "And how has Mr.Gotti changed your outlook on it?"