Not Like Before

Chapter 23

Mature language

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Laura's POV

"No offense Mr. Addams, but isn't this kind of Chandlers thing?" I ask. I got called out of my study hall period to talk with our guidance counselor because of all the rumors and drama circulating. Thankfully, I don't think Mr. Addams is the type to ask 'is it true?'

"Chandler has problems. A lot of them, but he isn't the only one." He says softly.

I sigh. His words are comforting, but I wish I didn't need to be comforted.

"I just don't understand why she hates me so much." I say quietly.

"Haleigh Ryans is going to be suspended starting next week. Which I know doesn't change what she's done, but I want you to know that she is being dealt with." Mr. Addams explains and I nod. It really doesn't help, but he's a guidance counselor and can only do so much.

"Yeah, that's good I guess. But I was dating this boy named Bradley and even he believed what Haleigh had been saying. And he didn't even know me really!" I started. I knew I was starting to ramble but I couldn't find it in me to care, I needed to say it and he was getting paid to listen, so I continued.

"And I know this is more petty high school drama than actual problems but even people who do know me asked if it was true! Well, really just one person, Chandler. And he's my ex and all so I guess I shouldn't care but correct me if I'm wrong, we were on pretty good terms when I left right? Like I was crying because Haleigh told everyone I had an STD and he was laughing and was all like 'well do you?' Who says that?" I say and take a breath. He takes one too, probably trying to comprehend everything I just threw at him.

He takes a minute before responding and I start to wonder if he even has anything to say to that.

"So did it hurt you worse that Bradley believed them or Chandler?" He asked.

"I guess Chandler. He knew me, Bradley didn't." I say quietly and my cheeks heat up. He sighs and nods.

"I know I shouldn't care what either of them think and it's pathetic for me to but I really loved Chandler, and for him to be so cold towards me all the time hurts." I explain myself.

Mr. Addams nods in understanding.

"Listen Laura, I know you two had something special. I see a lot of high school couples walk these halls and I don't say that about many of them. But between you and me, when you moved away something changed in Chandler... he never got excited anymore, he stopped caring about what was right or wrong, he just didn't care about anything anymore.

"I'm not telling you this to make you feel guilty but to try to get you to understand that if he's acting cold towards you it's not because he hates you...I think he just finally got used to you not being here and then you came back." He explains. By the time he's done I noticed there was a tear rolling down my face and I wipe it away quickly.

I sigh.

"Why can't he just get excited like a normal person?" I mumble and Mr. Addams smiles sadly.

"You know Mr. Addams, you should try being a real therapist. You're really good at it." I say after a short pause.

"Oh! About that..." He says, seemingly excited and looks through his drawers.

He finally finds what he was looking for and puts it on his desk in front of me.

It's a certificate.

"I'm gonna be, actually." He smiles proudly. I gasp a little and pick up the certificate. Sure enough, Mr. Addams is now a licensed therapist in the state of Georgia.