The Need to Speak

Session Ten - A Second Try

Alex wasn't able to meet Scott for breakfast this time, so he sent a text after he got to work.

A: Remember that you are strong. You can do this.

The set up would be the same as last week, including Lynn watching. Alex ushered Scott into the workroom before disappearing for a few minutes. He returned with the same woman from last week.

"Scott, nice to see you again." She said warmly as they shook hand.

"Hello." He said kindly.

"So, what can I help you with?"

"Uhh," Scott said, "I, uh, have a sore throat." He had forgot to have a fake ailment ready.

After that, the conversation went a little more smoothly.

Alex held his breath when she repeated the same question from last time, word for word.

"Is there anything in your personal or medial history I should be aware of before we proceed."

Scott looked nervous as a shaky hand pulled the piece of paper out of his pocket. The doctor glanced at it, not really needing to know the information. Alex had asked her to further question at this point, if Scott even got to this point.

"I see that you had mono a few months ago. Does this feel the same to you?" The question was dangerously close to asking how Scott got mono. He got it after making out with a stranger at a bar. A male stranger.

Scott's brain was going blank again, but he fought it. He quickly thought of his sessions and his work with Alex. She would only know things about himself he told her.

"Not at all." He said somewhat confidently. The doctor had no clue about Scott's case, but she was in doctor mode regardless that it was fake.

"You never can be too sure. Do you remember how you got mono?"

Alex knew something was wrong in Scott's mind, but he doubted the doctor would notice.

"Not sure how." Scott managed to struggle out. Alex could tell the whole thing about mono was real, except how he got it, and that Scott was freaking the fuck out.

The doctor smiled at him. "In an actual exam, we'd go into testing now. I guess that means we're done here." She stood up and shook Scott and Alex's hands before leaving. The second she was gone, Scott flopped onto the couch.

"Scott, how did you get mono?" Alex asked cautiously. Scott knew he didn't have to actually answer the question but he did anyway.

"Dude at a bar." He said quietly.

"See, you didn't have to tell her that. She only knows what you tell her. You did it. I'm so proud of you."

Scott sat up and smiled. "I did fucking do it. Am I cured?" He said happily.

"Well, I wouldn't say cured, but you have the skills to use when needed. Why don't we stop here, and we can tie up the loose ends on Monday?"

Scott agreed and they left the room. Lynn was waiting in Alex's office.

"Well done, Scott. I watched last weeks and this weeks Thursday sessions, and I must say how happy I am." She embraced Scott before leaving the office. Alex couldn't help but stare at Scott's face. The boy was so happy.