REMINISCENT

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: The Diagnosis (FINAL EDIT)

🚨 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.

Last night, after talking to Dad about my decision to go back to therapy, I'd gone straight to bed. Our conversation had gone on so long that I dozed off a few times while he was still speaking.

After breakfast, Mom and I got into her car. My stomach churned the whole ride, and I found myself more focused on keeping my food down than on the small talk.

"Ashley, you okay?" Mom gave me a quick side glance, her voice lined with concern.

"I'm kind of nervous. It's been so long," I admitted.

"You'll be fine, sweetie. If at any point you feel too anxious, we can stop and come back another day. Besides," she added, her tone light, "he's new, and he's very good at what he does. Patient, kind. You don't have to be nervous."

"Thanks, Mom." I managed a weak smile.

She parked in the staff lot and we started walking. As we turned a corner, we bumped into an elderly man in a white coat.

"Ah, Kathryn. How are you?" he greeted warmly.

"I'm fine, Doctor Neil. How are you?" Mom smiled back politely.

"I'm doing well. And who's this lovely young lady?" His eyes twinkled as he turned to me.

"This is my daughter, Ashley," Mom said, nudging me gently.

"Hello, Doctor," I said quietly.

"Well hello, Ashley. What's the matter—down with something?" He asked kindly, but the question made me stiffen.

"Just a few minor checkups. We should get going—our appointment's about to start," Mom answered smoothly, steering us away before he could probe further.

We made a few more turns before stopping at a thick wooden door. Mom knocked softly.

My heart rate spiked as a man's voice called, "Come in." I didn't even know why I felt so nervous, but it was pounding in my ears.

"Hi, Dr. Charles," Mom beamed as the door opened.

"Oh Kathryn, I've been expecting you. And please, I've told you countless times—just call me Charlie." He grinned, laughing. "We have to stop putting on the formal act in front of people."

Mom laughed back, relaxed and familiar.

"This must be Ashley," he said warmly, his gaze softening when it landed on me. "Hello, Ashley. I'm really happy to finally meet you. Your mom talks about you all the time. I'm Charlie."

I tilted my head slightly, peeking at him through my lashes. "I thought you said you're Charles?"

He chuckled. "My full name is Charlie Charles Brown. I go by Charlie or Charles, since there's already a Dr. Brown here."

That pulled a giggle out of me before I could stop it.

"That's... weird," I admitted.

"It is," he agreed with a smile. "My birth mom named me Charlie. My adoptive parents named me Charles. It was an open adoption—both families good people. So I keep both names."

He had the kind of smile that was hard not to return. His green eyes were striking, and the neatly kept beard framed his features in a way that made him seem approachable but professional at the same time.