PTSD? Just have Coffee

Chapter 18

A couple weeks later

  Oakley has never thought that she'd see herself walking around this place, nonetheless with her best friend. Oakley and Kuo were walking around the mall today after her session with Bella for some new clothes as Kuo was getting sick of seeing Oakley in the same brand of turtlenecks everyday and seemingly not planning to change her outfits of choice lest someone make her. So as both a reward and punishment, depending on which way you look at it, they are shopping. [There was also another reason but that's information for later.]
  Kuo had dragged Oakley to Forever 21 and shoved jeans, crop tops, and dresses into her arms then pushed her into the dressing room. While Oakley was changing into the 10th outfit, Dakota showed up and recognized Kuo as Oakley's friend. She went up to her right as Oakley exited the dressing rooms in one of the more flamboyant outfits that somehow got into the pile and came with a big floppy hat, Oakley was very embarrassed. The sight made Dakota choke on her drink while Kuo burst out laughing, Oakley saw Dakota and became even more flustered knowing another close friend had seen her like this and quickly retreated to the dressing room. Eventually, Oakley and Kuo found some outfits that both could agree on and they left to look around Hotopic, Dakota followed having nothing else to do and they decided to chat on their way to the store which was way on the opposite side of the mall.
  "Been awhile since we had a proper conversation face to face, hasn't it, Oakley." Dakota started, Oakley smiled at her. "Yeah, it's been... around a month." Kuo was looking at the sky but looked at both in surprise, "Wait, you two haven't properly talked since your conversation in the cafeteria?" She asked perplexed and Oakley giggled at her, "We talked, just mainly on the phone or saying good morning."  She explained. Dakota then said, "Oh, Callie told us that you got a new therapist. How are your sessions going? Is she better than Alex?" Oakley gave her a huge grin followed by a thumbs up, "You bet, I've never felt so much better about myself. In fact, this whole outing is basically Kuo's version of a rewarding experience." Dakota laughed, "I'm glad you're doing better. Although, are you sure you can call that ridiculous outfit earlier a reward?" Oakley blushed profusely and Kuo snapped out of her daze to pat Oakley on the back while laughing. "Uh... yeah... Anyways, how is your life?" Oakley asked, trying to change the topic, Dakota blushed lightly while rubbing the back of her head. "I actually got myself a special someone recently." She partially mumbled, Oakley and Kuo gave her excited-shocked looks. "Really, you got yourself a lover?! Who are-" "Oh my god, is that you Oakley!" A loud female voice interrupted.
  Kuo glared at the direction of the voice for interrupting as her glare got darker as she realized who it was. Dakota looked at the person confused then also glared and Oakley toward her direction and felt her stomach drop. A blond lady in high heels clacked her way towards the trio, holding a latte and waltz over with a big smile. Oakley knew her old therapist from anywhere and stiffly greeted Alex. Alex motioned them to come sit with her at a cafe table and they awkwardly followed because Dakota and Kuo didn't want Oakley to be left alone with her and Oakley had the heart to hear her out. It was a bit awkward for them when they sat down till Alex nonchalantly started talking.
  "So it's been awhile since I've seen you." She talked as if they were old friends. "Yeah..." Oakley answered awkwardly. "Your trial has almost ended, I think. But since you haven't come in the past couple of weeks, I'm willing to extend your trial for a month. How does that sound?" She smiled giving Oakley a threatening look, Dakota almost launched herself at her but Kuo held her back with a knowing look, "Um, Alex, I'm afraid that I can't accept that offer." Oakley said with a neutral tone, Alex sputtered on her drink. "What?! I gave you a rare chance of an extended therapy session? Why won't you accept?" Kuo gave her an 'are you serious look,' Oakley just stared at her before continuing. "I don't know if you heard, but I'm seeing a properly trained therapist and yeah it costs money to see her but I believe it's better to see someone who is actually qualified for this line of work than someone faking being a professional just because they helped a couple kids, don't you agree?" She said harshly glaring at her, Alex was just sputtering stunned. "Now excuse us but we didn't plan to have this day wasted by sitting here and listening to your cries all day."
  With that she stood up from the table and left the still stunned Alex while dragging Dakota because she still wanted to punch Alex and  Kuo followed. Alex managed to snap out of her trance and tried calling out for them but they were already too far away.
  Once they got far enough away, Kuo burst out laughing "Did you see her face?" She asked, Dakota and Oakley joined. "Yeah, I bet she spilled her coffee at some point." Dakota added, "Way to go Oakley, how did it feel." Oakley grinned, "Pretty good, not going to lie. I'm so glad that I don't have to deal with her ever again." Kuo and Dakota nodded, "Although, I'm kinda annoyed that she interrupted our conversation earlier. What were we talking about?" Kuo mused, Dakota blushed and tried to walk away, "Oh, we don't need to talk about that anymore..." Oakley grabbed her shoulder, "Hold up, you can't leave us hanging after mentioning you have a lover." Her eyes brimmed with determination, Dakota gulped.