Odessa

chapter 36 - adrenaline

"And how long would you say you've been experiencing these symptoms?" The doctor asks politely and I close my eyes, trying to think back.

"Two weeks... maybe three?" I respond.

Curled up on the couch, I play with the sleeve of my sweater as Dr Jamie asks me questions.

The sky is cloudy and dark, and I can't keep my eyes off the glass-covered gas fire splitting the living room and dining room.

Giselle sits at the kitchen table typing on her phone and computer as my eyes readjust.

"Sorry, what did you say?" I ask as I realise I had zoned out.

"That's alright. I just asked if these symptoms appeared together or separately." Dr Jamie asks, getting his pen ready.

I like him, he's kind of old school. Most would have a laptop, but he's got one of those clicky pens and a spiral notepad.

"Um, sometimes they're separate, but usually one after the other or all at the same time."

"Could you give me an example?" He asks. I know he knew what I meant, but just wanted to get as much information as possible, which I appreciate.

"I would usually start feeling a bit nauseous, then sweaty for a few minutes and my vision would go kind of strange, then I would get really dizzy if I tried to stand up or walk anywhere."

He nods, writing.

"And would you say you've been exposed to any stressful or traumatic events recently?"

"Uhh..." I pause, unsure if how much he knows. I look over to Giselle, hoping she might have heard the question and respond for me.

"Ms Stone, I have been working with Mr Dante for many years. I am aware of his life style. It is important you are as honest as possible." He clarifies kindly.

I take a breath, trying to figure out how to summarise the 'stress' and 'trauma' of my life.

"I think this conversation is the first non-stressful thing that I've experienced since I was 14."

He nods, giving me a sympathetic smile, before writing.

"Would you consider speaking to a psychologist regularly?" He asks.

"If you think it would help, sure."

"I think sharing what's on your mind will do a great deal for your physical health."

"So is that was the... symptoms... I've been experiencing are? A projection of my mental health?"

"That is my impression, yes. The mind is a powerful thing."

I sit back, "Huh. I guess so."

"Now would you be comfortable for me to take a blood test? Just to make sure we're not missing anything."

"Sure." I speak, completely unsure.

I've always hated needles.

I roll up my sleeve as Dr Jamie sits on the table in front of me, unpacking his kit.

Rubbing the area with a wipe, I think he senses my uneasiness, so he begins to talk.

"So how long have you been in New York?" He asks, putting his gloves on.

"A bit over a month now I think."

"You think?"

"Yeah. Time has been kind of warped recently." I say, almost hissing as I see the needle.