Group Therapy

Twenty One

Dallen

This Mikey guy seems way too suspicious. What are him and Marissa talking about that is making her laugh so much?

Michael Dean has been at our school for about a day, and him and Marissa are already sitting next to each other. Laughing as if they were best friends.

Yesterday when he walked in, Marissa's head shot up so quickly. He saw her and then waved, like he already knew her. She smiled and waved back. How the hell did they meet?

He then gave Jared a high five and sat right next to Marissa. Ever since yesterday all they do is laugh and whisper. The good news is he has a girlfriend. The bad news is, I'm pretty sure that won't stop Marissa.

But maybe she doesn't even like him. Maybe they're cousins. Except they don't really look like each other.

I shake my head. I should not be worried about Marissa. I shouldn't even be thinking about her. I should be thinking about Arden. I had fun with Arden. She was fun. I thought she was going to be creepy and shy the whole time, but once you get to talk to her, she pretty cool.

We hung out at my place on Monday after practice and let me tell you, she is a phenomenal kisser. We're kind of moving too fast, I guess. But it's not like we're dating just yet. Arden is great though. She's cute, funny and really smart. Yet I still need to find an excuse to talk to Marissa.

"Hey Marissa, do we have group therapy today?" I ask walking up to her. I know we don't but it was the first thing that came into my head.

Marissa's smile fades into a frown. Maybe she doesn't want Mikey to know about group therapy. I know not a lot of people know I'm in group therapy. It's kind of weird. Like I feel if I tell people they'll just think I'm weird or crazy.

"No. It's Wednesday. You know we don't have it on Wednesdays," she says.

"You're in group therapy?" Mikey asks her. I try to hide my smile. Maybe he'll think she's weird and will stop talking to her.

"Uh yeah. But it's not big deal. I'm supposed to be working on my anger issues. But trust me I have those way under control," she says.

"I thinks it's great that you're able to release your feelings and keep them under control," says Mikey. Marissa's smile returns. Fuck me.

I walk away, mostly because Marissa acted like I wasn't even there.

"You know, you better just play it safe and stick with Arden," says Tommy when I get back to my seat.

"What are you talking about?"

"The whole school knows you're basically in love with Marissa. But things are not going to end well if you try to pursue things with her. So just stay with Arden."

"Since when are you in expert in all things love?"

"Just because I've never been in love, or even dated a girl, doesn't mean I don't know about it. Morgan makes me watch a lot of romance movies."

"Why the hell don't you just date Morgan?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "I can't do that, then what will happen to all my other side chicks? Morgan would never want to be in a relationship and neither would I."

I've never understood that. Hooking up with a girl just for fun. I actually want someone. Just someone to hold and love. I know I sound like such a girl but it's true.

The rest of the day went by extra slow. Football practice felt as though it was weeks away. But eventually school ends for the day and I am back on the field.