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Chapter 31 - that mystery guy

Juliet:

It was the day of Juliet's first counselling session at school and she was immediately filled with unease and uncertainty. She wished the school had never got involved and she wished she didn't have to sit here today and be expected to talk to a nosy stranger about her life. Herself and Sophie had been coping just fine before Brad shared a rumour that got everyone involved. She hated how the school saw them as incapable just because they were both young and had no parents around.

"Um... I'm here to see the counselor." Juliet practically whispered to the lady sat at her desk in the office.

She didn't want anyone overhearing her as she didn't want to be instantly judged. She knew there were still people who probably believed the rumours that Brad had shared and seeing her arrive for counselling would just cement them in their minds even more.

"Okay sweetie, take a seat over there and she will call you through when she's ready."

Nodding at the receptionist, Juliet then glimpsed over at the seating area where a few other individuals were sat. She didn't recognise any of them thankfully however, there was one particular guy that caught her eye.

He had brunette hair, spread messily across his face that his hand lifted up to run through. His body was slouched back against the chair in an uncaring manner as he tapped through his phone. She then watched as he pulled a packet of half eaten crisps out of his bag, tipping the crumbs down his throat before screwing the wrapper up and throwing it to the floor.

Edging her way over to take a seat down on the chair opposite his, she was doing her best to not spark his attention however, it clearly failed as the creek of the chair made her presence known. The boy looked up at her with a grin over his face as he began to chuckle; his childish response instantly frustrating Juliet but also filling her with complete embarrassment.

"Juliet Carter!" A voice called out, making her jump as she then looked over to see a smiling woman stood at the counselling rooms door.

Forcing a smile back at her, Juliet then stood to her feet.

"Yes, that's me."

She hadn't been eager to get to this session before however, after the embarrassment that was currently consuming her, she just wanted to get away from this boy's presence.

...

Walking into that room instantly had Juliet on edge and prevented her from wanting to stay and experience this session. This woman was now sat on a sofa with a patronising smile across her face yet she didn't feel like sharing anything. However, as the lady swept her hand towards the sofa opposite her, Juliet felt as though she had to follow her request and take a seat too.

"My name is Lisa and I'm going to be here for you whenever you need a chat." The lady began as she sat comfortably back into the sofa, the relaxed posture being the opposite of what Juliet expected from this smart looking woman.

She had her dark hair tied back in a tight bun on her head, a black dress covering her body with thick black tights and expensive looking high heeled shoes on her feet. From a quick glance she could have seemed quite terrifying however, her soft voice and welcoming aura completely changed that view.

"I have you scheduled in for once a week however, you can come and see me anytime."

Nodding her head, Juliet just began skimming her eyes around the room uncomfortably as this lady tried to hold her eye contact.

"So, how about we begin with you telling me a bit about yourself and I'll do the same?"

"Um..." Juliet began, unsure of why any of this was necessary. "I'm 16, I live with my sister... um..."