Miss Unattainable

9

"It seems like you had a pattern of helping Gianna?" Dr. Abdel asked, knowing well what the answer was. Ann Mei just gave him a look saying—do I need to answer that? Dr. Abdel smiled. "Can you think of an example for me? How did it make you feel?"

There were too many examples really. Ann Mei didn't have to think very hard. May 11th, nine years ago. She'd come back from grabbing lunch, ready to eat at her desk as usual, to find a baby pink card addressed to her resting atop her computer. She glanced over her shoulder, confused.

Flipping the card over, she tore the embossed G seal to reveal... a birthday invitation? Who used paper invitations anymore? Wasn't that reserved for school aged kids and weddings? Ann Mei didn't know of any adults who invited people to their birthday via card—but then again this was Gianna. A spoiled socialite who played intern at Angelis Investments. Of course, her father's company.

Ann Mei was caught up in her retelling. Dr. Abdel scribbled away quietly as he listened to his patient speak. Ann Mei wasn't a particularly talkative patient, almost always having to be prompted. When she had first come into his office, he wasn't surprised that a deep betrayal was something she'd want to speak about. These kinds of experiences would give most people trust issues.

But there is more to it than that. As much as Ann Mei hated what this woman— Gianna—had done to her, she liked her. Anyone could see the clear adoration in her eyes as she spoke. Ann Mei's eyes almost sparkled as her lips upturned at the mention of her, a hint of a smile. Ann Mei wasn't a particularly emotive woman, but when it came to this matter, it seemed that was different.

Dr. Abdel quietly sprawled down some notes as he listened. Ann Mei was telling her frustration at Gianna and the circumstances they both were in.

Ann Mei remembered it clearly. "Annnn Meiiiii—" a high pitched slur rang out. Loudly. She jerked the phone away from her ear, grimacing a bit at the volume. The office was empty, thankfully, so no one could eavesdrop. Gianna was clearly plastered, yet again. And as usual, she called her.

"Why aren't you at my... PARTY?" The voice demanded, giggling a bit at the end. "I miss you!" Ann Mei sighed. "Look Gianna, I doubt you'd want me there. Are you alright?" She just heard laughing. "I lost count! I gotta go the captain wants his phone back" Gianna yelled into the phone. "But comeeee! I need you." Gianna begged. Ann Mei's heart squeezed at her words.

Ann Mei heard someone's muffled voice in the background. Suddenly, Ann Mei was worried. What happened if someone took advantage of Gianna? Yes the ship had staff, undoubtedly they would look out for the birthday girl... right?

Worry clawed at her. Gianna had specifically asked for her. But this was likely a false alarm. Gianna did this on the regular, calling Ann Mei when she wanted someone to come and take care of her. But then again, she had invited her, and pestered her to come.

Gianna had invited a bunch of their client's kids as well as the junior members of staff. Ann Mei found it incredibly unprofessional, and declined the invitation for that reason. But she knew that it was on David's insistence—she heard Gianna whining about it to her father several weeks ago. He had agreed to pay for the 20th birthday of her dreams, so long as she invited a few of his guests.

But now she was worried—what if this time was different. What if Gianna really needed her? Sighing, she ordered herself an overpriced Uber to Hudson River, and called the captain. David had given her the number after all, in case anything "went wrong" with his daughter. Ann Mei had explained in one of their past sessions that David the CEO had used her as a "babysitter colleague" of sorts for his daughter.

Terribly unprofessional culture marred Angelis Investments. Or as the employees would say "they worked hard and played harder."

When Ann Mei arrived at the port and flashed her invitation, she was quickly ushered onto the smaller boat tasked with taking guests to and from the party. The entire time there, she nervously drummed her fingers against her leg, trying to tune out the laughter of the very drunk other guest.