Second Ave Series: Ac-Counting on You (WLW)

One More Week

Gwen scanned her eyes around the lively street she traipsed on her way back from a session with Doctor Fiona, searching for the familiar face she'd seen several days prior, but finding nothing aside from the usual. Well, the walk was more littered with people, though it was of little deterrence for her. In fact, it bolstered her confidence. Just in her eyeline alone she saw at least twenty-five to thirty people walking in and out of the various stores along her trek, many of whom lingered outside and inside of the very establishment she aimed to enter. She needed a cup of hot cocoa and to see a friendly face now more than ever.

There was only one more week before she was meant to go with her parents to see her little brother and his band perform and she'd be lying if she said she wasn't frazzled. In fact, she'd explained as much during her session with Fiona and received her trademark appreciation for being so open while she gave her a few words of undying encouragement. This time, unlike every other time, it hadn't left her with the same sensation. Not after that mantle, the position of bestowing such a lofty feeling, was taken up by a completely different person over the weekend.

Gwen was sure that none would ever be able to be compared to the sense of resolve Brook gave her and she desired seeking it out from the moment she woke the morning. However, she had responsibilities and also sought words of wisdom over the new development from her therapist and friend. Fiona appeared to be nearly bouncing out of her seat at the prospect of Gwen meeting Brook's family and she couldn't deny feeling the same. She was giddy. They'd pushed the dinner back so that Brook could at least meet Gwen's little brother as her parents were out of town visiting family in Vermont and she felt herself literally counting the hours throughout the day until she met them.

Her mind successfully strayed from looking for the familiar face she'd seen, which had to just be a trick of the light, and focused her energy on the positive as the nightmares from that particular person's actions had always haunted her. She wasn't about to give them any more mind and turned toward the true source of her recent fascinations. The Hollow Leg held some new ferns along its awning and she smiled as she ran her gaze down from them to the very person she desired seeing since the wee morning hours. Brook was standing outside, though she wasn't alone and Gwen felt her brow furrow as she watched her with another woman.

Brook allowed the black haired woman to latch onto her hand and bounce it several times, then leaned down until she was right in her face. They bumped foreheads and the woman sitting down giggled as she reached up, petting the side of Brook's face. She was very affectionate with her and something in Gwen came alive as she made her way over before she'd even given her legs permission to move. She stared at the woman, fearful she may even be glaring, as Brook stood up straight and turned her gaze toward her. She quickly flashed a bright grin and met her eyes, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"Hey, you! How was your session?"

"Fine..." Gwen drew out the short word as she peered around Brook and looked right at the woman who seemed to catch her eye so early in the day.

Immediately, she regretted her decision in coming over so abrasively for two primary reasons. The first was her mind admonishing her for just what the hell she was even thinking. What gave her the right to get jealous of anything Brook did and how was she even meant to challenge it in the first place? Gwen was a coward. She knew this through and through, despite the encouragement received from others. It was a feeling she still couldn't shake, belittling with all its attributes. She swiftly turned her head away as she deduced the second reason with a heavy heart. Great first impression, Gwen... She chastised herself as she saw the stark similarities between Brook and the woman who was slightly older than her. She bore the same thick, dark locks and eyelashes as her along with a nose akin to Brook's. This was without a doubt a member of her family and Gwen covered her face with her hand as she sighed.