Tarasia {Short Stories}

24: Therapy

Hey! Happy reading! And of course, all mistakes are mine!

Therapy is about understanding the self that you are. But part of getting to know yourself is to unknow yourself—to let go of the limiting stories you’ve told yourself about who you are so that you aren’t trapped by them, so you can live your life and not the story you’ve been telling yourself about your life.

Fantasia Monique Barrino had been going to therapy for about six months now. The therapist was a miracle worker—professional but gentle and compassionate. Fantasia had never met anyone like her. It was nice to not only be heard but seen as well. Usually with the people in her life, she got one or the other, sometimes neither, but never both at the same time. Her therapist made her feel like she mattered, though. And that was why Fantasia's mental state was so much stronger than it had been in the past.

When Fantasia won American Idol, she thought all of her dreams had come true. She had put in so much hard work and effort, but in the end, she had nothing to show for it. Her short-lived success only caused her more problems. And it definitely didn't bring about the fortune that she thought it would. The money she did earn disappeared in no time, and that was why she had filed for bankruptcy. It was also why she had almost taken her own life. But therapy saved her; it was the catalyst that launched the trajectory of the rest of her life.

Dr. Taraji P. Henson was great at her job. She upheld her oath to do no harm, be compassionate, and protect her patients at all costs. Her career gave her purpose and the motivation to get up every morning. But while her work life was wonderful, her personal life was pretty much non-existent. She occasionally went on dates, but nothing substantial ever really came from them.

Taraji was too independent for her own good. It was a quality that was a turnoff for most men and made other women envious. The doctor was good at offering help, but when it came to accepting it, she was as stubborn as a toddler refusing to take a nap. That was why she had been single for so long. But her loneliness was catching up to her. The fear of being single for the rest of her life had her inclined to seek therapy for herself. What am I doing wrong?

~~~~~

Fantasia waltzed into her therapy session, tired and frustrated. She plopped down on the couch, sinking into it. "This thing is more comfortable than any furniture I have in my apartment, including my bed." Fantasia said as she let out a heavy sigh. Life had been lifing all week, and she felt like she might explode if she didn't get it all out. Dr. Henson chuckled. Fantasia was definitely one of her more theatrical patients, but the woman never failed to put a smile on her face.

Dr. Henson was ever the professional, but she was also human. And that human side of her lately had her feeling things that she shouldn't. Her thoughts, even outside of the office, had been consumed by Fantasia. For six months, Taraji had remained focused on Fantasia's care and well-being. But now she was fixated on how beautiful, smart, and funny the other woman was. And she had perfect vision, so seeing Fantasia's body as the work of art that it was had her lustful thoughts going haywire.

"You know your session doesn't start for another half hour, right?" Taraji questioned and then laughed when Fantasia shot her that 'but I need you now' look. She shook her head and started her timer. "So, how can I help?" Fantasia smiled broadly, and her eyes lit up as she gazed into her therapist's dark brown orbs. But Taraji soon watched that light dim. "My mother called," Fantasia said, and tears slowly slipped down her face.