PAYBACK IS A BITCH

Chapter twenty six: Banana ice cream

It is mid morning on a Tuesday, the sun high up in the sky. Time about 9:30am. I checked my watch as soon as I parked in the parking lot of the office complex in front of us. I looked at Dave who has been quiet all through the our drive here. He was leaning against the seat with his eyes close, nothing on his face to let me know what he was thinking. Today is the first day of his therapy session and as promised I brought him.

"Are you alright?" I asked him.

He didn't bother to open his closed eyes before he answered. "Do I have to do this?"

I knew this was coming. Him getting cold feet. No one likes to acknowledge that they need help, especially help from a total stranger. Acknowledging that you need help is the hardest part, followed by seeking the said help.

"It is okay to be scared," I told him gently persisting the urge to reach out and touch him.

I saw a tiny glimpse of the fear he was fighting so hard to keep from me peep through his expression, before it was masked by a stubborn denial. "I am not scared."

I sighed inwardly. Arguing with a teenager can be such a futile effort. "Do you wanna get out of the car?"

He didn't immediately go for the other. You could see his reluctance in every movement he makes. He opened then door and came and I joined him on the other side. Together we made our way into the building .

When we got to Dr Sharp office we were welcomed warmly by her receptionist who let us know that Dr Sharp was with another patient.

"Would you like some tea, coffee?" The kind looking dark skinned receptionist asked with a heavy accent.

"Coffee will be nice," I smiled at her. I have seen how she has been looking from Dave to me since we got here, probably trying to figure out our relationship. The new me bears no resemblance to the kids.

She looked at Dave asking without speaking what he wanted. "Nothing," my son answered wriggling his fingers together, a nervous look on his face. this time he could hide it anymore. Again I had to curb that maternal instinct urging me to reach out and tell him everything will be alright and that his mother is here. But the unfortunate fact is that I am not. I promise to do my best to correct the damage my leaving caused.

The slightly overweight receptionist got up from her seat to get me a cup of coffee. Leaving Dave and I in silence. I looked around the office space and came to the conclusion that Dr Sharp is doing well for herself because of how beautifully ultra modern her office is and still she managed to make it relaxing for her patient with the touch of aquarium scenery the huge live fish pond provided.

I focused my attention on the fish watching their slick and unhurried movement looking so unbothered by anything and I couldn't help but envy them.

The sound of door opening on the far side of the office reached us and I watched Dave sit up on his seat just as sound of footsteps headed our way.

A posh looking lady with an expensive hand bag walked past us without sparing either of us a glance. It was obvious from the way she was dressed that she was rich. She was a testament of Dr Sharp's clientele. I was glad that Billy went for the best, which shouldn't surprise me. He was a man who doesn't do half measures, and have always gone for things that will flaunt his money, not that I am complaining.

Following on the woman's heels was a tall elegantly dressed gorgeous brunette with a polite sunny smile on her face, displaying a row of perfect white teeth that left me wondering if it was doctored and if it wasn't she should feature in a toothpaste commercial.

"You must be David Reinhardt?" she looked in the direction of my son, who nodded shyly at her. Watching his shy interaction with the beautiful doctor made me realize that though he might be six ft tall and always acting cold and tough he still a kid, and he is scared.