REMINISCENT

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: The Diagnosis (EDITED)

🚨 Important A/N🚨
I'm no professional when it comes to anything in this chapter, it's merely research. I advise anyone going through this or something similar to not self diagnose because of the research. Please seek professional advise from a medical doctor and/or therapist. Asides that enjoy the chapter 🫶🏾

Ashley's POV
I woke up at 8:30 to get ready for my appointment at the hospital today.

Last night after i talked to dad about my decision of choosing to go back for therapy, i went straight to bed because we talked for so long that i even dozed a few times while talking to him

After mom and I both had breakfast, we got into her car and headed to the hospital

I was nervous and frankly I was more focused on keeping my food down than the conversation we are currently having "Ashley, you okay?" She gave me a side glance

"I'm kind of nervous, it's been so long" i said honestly

"You'll be fine sweetie. Whenever you feel anxious we can always stop and come back another day. Besides he's a new doctor and he is really good at what he does, you don't have to be nervous he's patient"

"Thanks mom" I smiled

She parked at the hospital staff parking lot and led the way "uh Kathryn how are you" we ran into an elderly man

"I'm fine doctor Neil how are you" she smiled politely

"I'm okay, who's this lovely young lady here" he turned his attention to me

"This is my daughter Ashley" she tapped me to say hi

"Hello Dr" I greeted

"Hello Ashley, what is the matter? You're down with something?" He Smiled at me

I stiffened at his question "just a few minor checkups, it's almost time for our appointment. It's good to see you Dr Neil" mom politely excused herself and we left before he could continue holding the conversation.

We made a few turns here and there before stopping at a door that Mom knocked softly on

My heart rate spiked after hearing the sound of man saying coming from behind the thick wooden door we stopped in front of. I don't even understand why I'm so nervous

"Hi Dr Charles" my mom beamed when he opened the door

"Oh Kathryn, I've been expecting you. Please I've told you countless times, just call me Charles" he beamed back. "We have to stop acting like this in front of people" he laughed and mom laughed agreeing

We walked to his desk, my head still hung low "this must be Ashley, hello Ashley I'm happy to finally meet you, your mother constantly talks about you. I'm Charlie"

"I thought you said you're Charles" I looked at him through my lashes

He chuckled "my name is Charlie Charles Brown. I go by Charlie or Charles because there's already a Dr Brown here" i smiled at his introduction

"That's weird" I giggled and looked at his face which earned me a wide smile in return. He is a handsome man. He had gorgeous green eyes and a face covered in neatly kept beards which completed his whole look.

"That's the smile I've been looking for. Please sit down" he pointed at the seat and took one himself "it's weird yes because my birth mom gave me the name Charlie and my adopted parents gave me Charles, open adoption both good people so I used both" he explained with a smile

"Kathy" he signaled and she nodded in response

My nerves returned when I saw her leave my side "don't worry she'll be sitting right behind you. I just want you to focus" he smiled reassuringly