The Things That I Know || George Michael

twenty-four - we can work together

"Honestly, my darling, they're so good at what they do."

Levi moves his arm subtly to his side, allowing his hand to grasp at George's in reassurance. George feels this touch; and, in turn, he closes his fingers around his partner's. George glances up at the posters on the walls in front of him; they're full of advertisements for various private healthcare services and treatments. His eyes flit to one in particular, which showcases private therapy and how it is able to change one's life. He hopes with all his heart, that it will have this affect on him.

"They'll be calling me in, in a moment," George announces quietly. He wouldn't admit it, but he is incredibly nervous for his first therapy session — of course, he knows that the entire idea is to receive the help he requires; however, despite this, he knows he must also divulge the deep feelings he has kept locked away for weeks; months; years; decades, in order to receive said help.

"And I'll be waiting right out here for you," Levi answers him, squeezing George's hand once to accompany his statement. "I can sense you're nervous. But really, they're so kind. If they weren't, I'd tell you. I know some therapists don't suit everyone."

George is momentarily surprised that his husband can detect his anxiousness; but then the mild astonishment diminishes when he realises that Levi knows him inside out by this stage in their lives. Choosing to ignore this fact, he responds only to the latter sentence. "Well, how do I know that this therapist will be suited to me? Just because they're suited to you, doesn't meant they'll be suited to me ... right?"

"You and I are more similar than you think," Levi reminds him. "If I give something approval, then ninety-nine percent of the time, you'll give it approval too."

George's apprehensiveness is reduced, albeit negligibly, by Levi's words. "I suppose I'll find out in the next few minutes or so."

As if on cue, a mid-height woman — who looks to be in her mid-thirties — with tightly-curled hair and smart-casual attire approaches the waiting area from the corridor. "Mr ... " She glances down at her clipboard, to ensure she pronounces the name as accurately as she can. "Georgios ... Panayiotou-Jones?"

George snaps his head around to look at Levi. "Guess this is it."

"You'll be fine." Levi ushers George along with his hand playfully. "Good luck. I'll be right here."

George nods, before rising slowly from his seat to follow the lady. He enters the therapist's office full of curiosity; though, his nervousness overrides this. His mind runs wild with all the potential questions and the what-ifs.

Will this work out? Will she immediately ask about his mother's death? Will this therapist be a good match for him?

What if he can't bring himself to answer the questions she asks him? What if he breaks down during the session? What if she judges him for being homosexual? But she wouldn't do such a thing, surely?

"Take a seat, Mr Panayiotou-Jones." The inviting voice of the woman interrupts his many questions. She gestures to a chair to encourage George to sit down. "So," she continues, taking her own seat behind her desk. "This first session isn't going to be getting into the super deep stuff yet. It's more a case of getting to know you a little better, before anything else."

"Yes," George agrees, suddenly feeling extremely conscious of every word he says. "Um, go ahead with any questions."

"Alright." She averts her gaze to her notes. "So, you came here with your husband today — was that him in the waiting room?"

"Yes," George responds. "He was the one who prompted me to come here. He does therapy himself at this place."

"Yes; I've seen him around before," she adds. "By the way, before anything else, my name is Julie. I do apologise for not introducing myself sooner. I want you to feel comfortable with me; and I think in order to do that, one has to at least know the name of the person they're addressing."