Dr. Skye Series: "Trapped"

Session #2

Attired in my new platinum black suit and tie. I reached for the door but heard crackling in the background,  "Girl, that is what I have been saying." I thought to myself. "Who could be at my office this early." Pausing, listening to the conversation, "Here he comes calling me, talking about us opening up today." With a shock on my face just wondering who is she talking to. "I asked him, are you sure you had time to heal? I promised her that I would watch over him until I die."

Miss Amy is my secretary. She was close friends with my mother when they worked together at the General Hospital. My mother was a nurse there for over 40 years, and Miss Amy worked in medical billing for about 30. Sadly, my mother made her transition a few years ago. Afterward, Miss Amy stepped in and has been like an aunt to me all these years, and when her home went into foreclosure, I paid it off and told her she could work for me for a few extra dollars a month to go along with her third of the month check.

The door rang as I opened it. The old lady's voice whispered, "Let me call you back. He is walking in now." With a big grin on my face. I spoke, "Good Morning, Miss Amy!!!" Maybe the facial expression and tone of voice would spook her and send a hint that I was listening. I  think it would because Miss Amy quickly humbled herself and replied, "Doc, you are looking wide awake this morning. How are you feeling?"

I only answer to "Doc" or "Dr. Skye" when in the office. I am not like most people who are all caught up in titles, my mother named me Charles Skye, and until I take my last earthly breath, I will always be Charles.

Trying to laugh it off, I looked into her eyes, "I had a good workout, and I propose to have a good day." Miss Amy has always been good at spoiling me. I never have to stop and get coffee or breakfast because her cooking will meet me at the door before I see her face. Unfortunately, today was not that day. Maybe, I called in at the last minute to inform her of my arrival. I was shocked when she said, "I have your coffee on your desk." I wanted to beat myself up when she said, " I made a cake this weekend but didn't know you were coming in."

Miss Amy makes the best homemade cakes. What kind? ALL are plate-licking good. When you cut a slice, the knife slides like a slim kid on a waterside. I always tell her to call me whenever she bakes a cake. "You are telling me this empty with hands," I said.

Of course, she laughed and hugged me, "I'm sorry, I was not expecting you back a week after your wife and daughter's funeral." Taking a deep breath saying to myself here we go again. "Miss Amy, I said I'm fine!!! Do you have my schedule ready yet?" At this moment, I was not cool. Her hug made me want to curl up like a baby and cry with a triumphant voice. I miss my wife and baby girl, but as I keep telling myself, life has to go on as usual.

"Yes, you have four new clients today," she told me. Giving her a confused look, "I can handle that." Like me, "I never saw this before, but they all requested to be together." My first thoughts were, "Are they family?" Back at her narrow but neat computer desk, she scrolled and looked at the screen. Her face brightened as if a light bulb had been turned on, "In the system, it says they are close friends."

Friends commonly hide their issues from each other. That is why they go to counseling to reveal secrets. I questioned, "How old are they?" It is a bizarre case to me. "They are high school male students," she said. Still scrolling through the profile. I asked another question, "What's their psychological diagnosis?" The question will help me plan and prepare for their visit today.

After reading a few lines, the brightness turned dark quickly. Miss Amy's face changed as if she was watching a horror movie, and everything went black. "They have been traumatized by life events: kidnapping, administration forces, and witness to a murder."

My mind immediately went into investigation mode. The killer of my wife and daughter is still free. Maybe these guys know something about it. Without thinking, I dropped my suitcase and screamed, "Murder!"

Quickly, Miss Amy arose from her chair and rushed over to me. She spoke to me with a calm relaxing voice, "No, not what you are thinking." She knew certain words had been triggering my temple, and if I did not calm down fast, I would demolish a room and the people within.

I took another slow breath in tears, "You know they are still looking for the guys or person that ran into Shalonda and Carly." My wife and daughter were in a hit-and-run which left them dead on the scene.

"Have a seat, and let me get you some water," she urged. "No, I'm fine. I'm going into the office and start preparing for the new clients, checking a few emails, making a few calls, and researching more on these young fellows coming in." I was trying to find a way into a private place for alone time.

Miss Amy walked away slowly, "Ok, I'll be at my desk." Sailing into my office with my head hidden low, I softly said, "Thanks, Miss Amy." She knew by my reactions. I did not want to be bothered by anyone at the moment. Watching me with hawk eyes, "No problem," was her response.

I sat down at my desk and saw the scriptures on my wall. I never said thanks to Miss Amy's church family. I pick up my phone and buzz her desk. "Yes, doctor?" she answered. Trying to fix my crying voice, I said, "Tell your church family I appreciate everything they did for me." Feeling her love through the phone, Miss Amy said, "I promised my sister ten years ago on her deathbed. My family will always be your family."