A New Form of Therapy

Give Me A Reason To Stay

"You can't move away," Selena says. "None of us care what happens to you and your job. We need you here."

I look from Selena to the others: Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, and Zendaya.  They are all standing side-by-side, smiling, waiting for someone to say something. I have no words.

"Relax," Selena says like she could hear my thoughts. I was trying to figure out how everyone knew each other and knew that they came to me. "You don't think we don't talk to each other? I mean, who do you think kept sending people your way? Taylor sent me and then I suggested you to basically all of my friends and anyone that I could see was going through a tough time. We all have been to you and we all are better because of it."

"You helped me get through a rough spot," Zendaya says, stepping forward. "I really needed someone to talk to and you were there. Just in our first session, you made me feel welcomed and comfortable. You really listen and you give great advice. You were there for all of us and now we want to be there for you."

"I can't even tell you how many times you have helped me," Taylor says, laughing. She took the few strides to stand in front of me and hug me. "I can't imagine you being far away. Phone calls just aren't the same."

I hug her back and thank her and Zendaya for the kind words. Before I continue, Shawn speaks up. "I have something to say too. Well, more to sing. After we talked, I took your advice and put all of my feelings and thoughts into a song. I was actually going to debut it tonight, but I want you to hear it. After I finished it, I felt so much better and I wanted to thank you for it and for the advice. I may not have known you for as long as they have, but you helped me just as much. I have thanked Selena every day of this tour for suggesting you."

Selena, Taylor, Z, and I move to the front row as Shawn walks to the edge of the catwalk and taps on the microphone to make sure it is hot.

"This song is amazing," Selena whispers. "He let me listen to it the other day and it is beautiful. I almost wish I had written it."

Shawn starts playing. Immediately, his voice fills the arena. It is still empty so his voice echoes off every surface in the room. I hold my breath as I listen to the words. I watch his face. The emotions on his face and in his voice are beautiful. I can see the pain and the confusion he had been feeling. The words are beautiful too. The chorus, each time, is haunting. So full of truth and love. I close my eyes and enjoy the last minute of it, just listening to his voice. He is very talented.

His voice falls as the song ends and the room is silent. There are ten thousand seats in the arena and not one sound could be heard. "Wow," I say. I honestly do not have any other words. "That... That was..."

"Exactly my reaction," Selena says. "Now do you see why you can't leave? That song, all of that emotion, came from just a handful of sessions between the two of you. I have taken that same advice and put my emotions in so many songs. Even though most of our sessions included tears or something else, I haven't been happier in a long time."

"No matter what happens," Taylor says. "We don't want you to move. I consider you a friend, one of the best friends, and I can't lose that. I don't want to lose that. You have been there for us through the worst of our doubts and now it is our turn to help you."

"I know you're beating yourself down for everything that came out to the public, but please know that we aren't judging you." Zendaya wraps her arm around me. "You followed your heart and you can't say you haven't been happy. Maybe this getting out is finally a way for you to admit your true feelings."

"Guys," I say. I look at the girls and at Shawn, now sitting on the edge of the stage. "Thank you, but I don't think you understand. It is illegal for a therapist to cross that line with a client. I will lose my job. I won't have a choice but to go back home and figure what to do just to get by."

"We aren't letting you go anywhere," Taylor says. Her face, much like the rest of them, is serious. "I'm getting my lawyers to help you, free of charge. "Lindsey, honestly, you don't know how much you have helped all of us. We love you. We'll testify for you, if it were to come to it."

"And believe me," Shawn says. "From a guy's point-of-view, admitting your feelings and being true to them is more important than a job. You can always find something else to do, but you aren't always guaranteed another true love. Don't make the mistakes you hear us talking about. Follow your own advice and do what makes you happy, even if it means that you might lose a few things or friends in the process."

I don't know what to say. I can't believe that they all went through this much trouble to get through to me. I don't want to leave. I don't want to go home. "Thank you guys," I say. I hug each of the girls and then walk over to Shawn, who hops down from the stage, and hugs me back. "It means a lot that you are all so willing to help me."

"It is the least we can do," Selena says. "Think about everything and enjoy the show tonight. Everyone will be on the stage tonight. We can talk again later."

**HEY! First off, I am OBSESSED with the song at the top! Also, I'm thinking after this story ends I want to do a Shawn Mendes fanfic... Let me know what you think???**