Starting New: Returning Home

Chapter 5: Therapy

Another day has nearly passed. Nicole and Gumball, despite their return, haven't fully adjusted to their old home. It appeared the food they were eating more and more of didn't quite suit their stomachs. The added sugars and processed ingredients inside seemed like a foreign thing to them, considering what they were eating prior. But, hopefully, they would soon adjust to it. Well, somewhat...

'I can't believe we actually ate like this on the regular. What is it doing to me? To my children? I'm DEFINITELY going to be changing up our groceries when I have to go shopping...' Nicole thought to herself as she snacked on a honeybun.

The family still didn't have much food, and being gone for so long without any shopping had dwindled their supplies.

Grabbing a pen and paper, Nicole jotted down a few items to buy; with healthy foods being on the top of the list.

'If I want to change this terrible diet, I got to make sure these foods are bought first and foremost...'

Just as Nicole finished her list of most important foods that she could think of, she smiled to herself. She felt...accomplished in a way.

RING RING

The home phone suddenly rung and drew her to pick it up.

"Hello?" She asked.

There was silence for a few seconds before a familiar metallic voice finally answered.

"Hello Mrs. Watterson..."

"Bobert? Is that you?"

"Yes..."

Nicole cautiously looked around her and made sure nobody was paying attention to her as she rounded the kitchen corner and lowered her voice.

"I'm listening..." she said.

"Good. Are you alone?"

"Yes..." she replied.

"Now, here's what you must do. You MUST accept my offer to be your therapist. I have just received my license to serve you appropriately. The police should call and inform you shortly about the situation. We can't talk here, only in person. Do you understand?"

"Yes...I understand."

"Good. We will talk again soon; And Nicole...keep your word."

The phone then hung up, leaving only a small hum in its place.

Nicole let out a small breath before hanging up the phone. She knew what Bobert was planning, and also what he meant by that last sentence. How couldn't she? Gumball and her needed more information about their situation; and Bobert needed to know about theirs...

Just then, the phone rang again.

Nicole shook her thoughts away before answering it more cheerful.

"Hello?~"

"Hi! Is this the Watterson household?" A mystery woman's voice asked.

"Yes?"

"This is the Elmore police department. Who am I speaking with?"

"Oh, uh, this is Nicole Watterson."

"Hello Mrs. Watterson. We were just calling to inform you that since you and your son have gone through such traumatic events, we were hoping that we could assist in setting up you two with a therapist. It is something also recommended by the court that you attend to in order to recover mentally from what you were experiencing, given your reports."

"Ah, I see. Well, I guess that would be a good idea. May I ask who we might be meeting with?"

"Wonderful! And for your therapist, we received a call from one of your son's school friends. His name is Bobert, one of the best students of the school and an honor student who was studying for a psychology degree from one of local colleges. He volunteered to help you two, saying that it would perhaps be a good idea to help, given his close connection to Gumball and yourself."