Hate That I Love You

7

Damian
Flashback

Leila suggested. "I honestly think you should try therapy, baby. You have so much inside that just needs a release."

"Girl, that's what I got you for." I flirted and smacked her ass.

She laughs hysterically. "I'm flattered Damian, but seriously. I think it could work for you. Will you think about it?" She wraps her arms around my neck.

"You care that much?"

"Yesss, baby. A man's mental health should mean just as much as a woman's. Who knows? You'll probably like it."

"For all I know, I could possibly end up in a straight jacket if I vent about my issues. Sounds like a set up to me.

She sucked her teeth and removed herself. "See, that right there. Stubbornness. An additional reason as to why you should try therapy."

"Oh you got jokes huh?" I pulled her back over to me.

"Maybe a little."

"So I'm stubborn?"

"Very."

I get to thinking. "Fine. I'll go. Only if you go with me. Just one time."

"Awww, baby. I'm always gonna be right by your side. You don't have to worry." Leila reassures, placing her lips along mine which forms into a much more heated kiss.

........

Present
Two years later...

"Do you still find yourself thinking about her till this day, Mr. Romano?" My therapist asked me.

"Not as much as I used to. There's moments but..." I shrugged. "What can I do? She's my past."

Dr. Green nods his head and writes more notes down in his notepad. "Well you seem like you've finally accepted the situation. Do you feel like you're at peace now?"

I inhaled deeply. "For the first time in a long time.... Yeah. I am."

He smiles. "That's really good, son." He looks at the clock. "Our time is almost up. I want you to keep doing what you're doing, Damian. I know it was a hassle to get you to open up at first, but we're improving. I'm proud of you. Next week we'll dig deeper into your history with your biological father. Sound good?"

"Sounds good." We both rose to our feet and shook each other's hands. I made my way out the door of Mr. Green's office building. It was raining heavily outside. I got in the car and took a deep breath silently.

"How was it?" She asked so kindly.

"It was decent. Feel more and more relieved each time I go in."

"See. I knew therapy would be good for you, honey." Ava rested her lips on mine. "Progress."

I smiled at her comforting wit. Ava and I have been dating for about nine months now. I met her in group therapy a while back. We talked over drinks and come to find out we have a lot in common. She's Italian. Adopted and came from an abusive background as well growing up. The only difference is she ran away from her situation while I was left on the side of the road. Her personality is calming, peaceful. A little on edge at times but I know how to tame the attitudes. Oh and not to mention she's a massage therapist.

I drove back to the apartment. "So, are you still going to your mother's 50th birthday party this weekend?"

"Yeah, if I don't, she'll probably stab me." She looked horrified at my joke. I laughed. "Relax, sweetheart. I'm only kidding." Am I?