Waiting For Superman

Second Chances

“What’s wrong with eating at home?” Kara asked as she and Joyce walked into Marche. “Oh, I just thought you and I could spend some time on our own. After all, we’ve only ever gone out with Sharon,” Joyce said with a smile.

Kara nodded in agreement as they sat down at a table. “It’s actually great to have a break from Sharon. I know she’s my best friend, but she can be a little overbearing at times,” Kara said with a chuckle.

As they both headed off to get their food, Kara’s phone chimed. She looked at it and smiled to herself before typing a quick reply then keeping it in her pocket.

“Who was that?” Joyce asked as they queued up for their food. “Oh, it’s just Josh,” Kara said with a small smile. Joyce chuckled to herself and placed their orders with the chef.

Kara ignored her and grabbed a tray for them and piled their food on the tray. As they headed back to their table, Kara’s phone chimed again, but she ignored it.

“So, what’s going on between you and Josh?” Joyce asked as the dug into their rosti. “Nothing much,” Kara said nonchalantly. “We’ve just been getting to know each other.”

“So nothing romantic’s going on between the two of you?” Joyce asked. Kara laughed and said, “Of course not. We’re just friends.” “Friends who spend three nights a week together?” Joyce asked quietly, continuing to eat.

Kara stopped chewing and sat in for silence for a while before saying, “I recently started going for therapy sessions with him.” Joyce looked up at those words and said, “My brother is your therapist?” Kara nodded slowly.

“He’s been helping me get back on my feet. He even put me on medication,” Kara said softly as she continued to eat. “Why start seeing a psychiatrist now?” Joyce asked. “Glenn’s been asking you to go for ages.”

“Well, the fallout I had with him and his mum made me realize something. The entire time we were together, he spent a lot of effort trying to help me, but I rejected his help. And it made me realize that it was probably the reason why nothing seemed to be changing, so I decided to finally take a step forward  to make the change,” Kara said thoughtfully.

“Have you told Glenn all this?” Joyce asked as she sipped her coffee.  Kara shook her head and said, “I haven’t. I didn’t think he’d react well to it.” “If you don’t tell him, you’ll never know,” Joyce said gently.

Kara sighed and leaned back in her chair. “If you’re gonna lecture me Joyce, I’m not in the mood,” Kara whispered, closing her eyes. “I’m not here to lecture you Kara,” Joyce said gently. “I’m here to help you.”

“Help me do what?” Kara said, tears forming in her eyes. “I don’t know what to do anymore Joyce. My life seems like a complete mess. I don’t know how to salvage this relationship anymore.”

Joyce reached out for her arm and said, “Hey, don’t cry. It’ll be fine. I promise.” Kara sniffed and said, “How do you know?” A voice beside her startled her. “Because she asked me to join you today,” the voice said beside her.

Kara looked up and saw Glenn sliding into the seat next to her. “Hey Kara,” he said softly, looking at her. Joyce smiled at them and said, “I’ll give you two some time together.” She picked up her tray and walked over to an empty table a bit further away.

“I heard everything you said,” Glenn said quietly. “About going for therapy and everything.” “You did?” Kara asked, looking up at him. Glenn nodded and said, “I’m really touched by what you’re doing Kara. You should’ve told me earlier.”

“I was afraid you’ll get mad I didn’t go when you told me to,” Kara whispered. “Why would I be?” Glenn asked her soothingly. “I’m just really happy that you’re seeking help.”

Kara smiled at him and said, “Thanks Glenn. I’m really sorry about everything, especially all the fighting.” Glenn shrugged his shoulders and said, “It’s alright Kara.”

“You heard everything I said?” Kara said. Glenn nodded and said, “I heard what you told Josh that night in Sharon’s house too. I wanted to speak to you but when I got there, I saw you talking to Josh.”

“You believe that nothing’s going on between Josh and I right?” Kara asked, looking at Glenn. “Of course not,” Glenn said. “I know you still love me.”

Kara smiled at him and pecked him on the cheek saying, “Thanks for giving me a second chance Glenn.” “It’s no one’s fault Kara. I’m just glad we were able to make this work out,” Glenn said, hugging her.

“I’m glad you guys finally made up,” Joyce said with a wink as she sat down with them again. Both of them looked at her and smiled. “Thanks for doing this Joyce,” Glenn said as he smiled up at her.

“No problem,” Joyce said as she continued to eat. “Sharon was always going on and on about how you guys needed to reconcile, but she never did anything. So I figured it was about time someone stepped in and did something.”

“We’re really glad you did it,” Kara said gratefully as she split her food and gave half to Glenn. He smiled gratefully at her and dug in as well. “So, are you going to continue your sessions with Josh?”  Joyce asked as she looked at Kara.

“I guess so,” Kara said. She looked over at Glenn and said, “You don’t mind if I continue my sessions with Josh, do you?” Glenn shook his head and said, “I’m fine with it. If you’re comfortable with him, by all means, continue. Don’t let me decide on your therapist.”

Joyce smiled and said, “You better keep him Kara. Guys like him don’t come along often.” “Not that you would know,” Glenn said with a smirk. Kara hit him on the arm and said, “Glenn, we get it.”

Joyce laughed and said, “It’s fine Kara. Everyone knows about Sharon and I anyway.” Glenn smiled at Joyce and said, “Thanks for supporting me.”

Joyce shrugged and said, “No problem. Just make sure you protect Kara alright? I won’t be this nice to you if you return her to me with a broken heart.”

Kara laughed and said, “No worries. I can take care of myself too.” Turning to Glenn, she pecked him on the cheek and said, “I love you.” Glenn smiled and kissed her back saying, “Love you too Kara.”