It Started With A Cigarette|✓|

Chapter-22: THE FINAL APPOINTMENT

We stood outside the small building.
I checked my watch. It was a quarter past seven. Our appointment was at seven thirty every Friday.

I walked into the building and waited for Drew to park the bike.

The inside of the building was calm and peaceful. Two or three doctors occasionally walked past us, carrying clipboards or papers. They wore casual clothes and did not look formal at all. Two or three people passed us and gave us a small smile.

I held Drew's hand and walked along with him to the doctor's cabin.
We saw Dr.Ryan sitting in his chair. He wore a casual black t-shirt and camo pants.

His Auburn hair was swept to one side as usual and his brown eyes were hidden by glasses. For forty years of age, he did not look a day older than twenty five or twenty four. Apart from being a psychologist, he also worked as a gym instructor.

He looked at us and gave a small smile followed by a nod before asking us to take a seat.

Dr.Ryan was helping me get over the slight PTSD that I had developed due to my father and the accident in which my mother had passed away. I was becoming more and more open to the outside world with the doctor's help.

He also helped Drew control his abilities, possibly even make them vanish, all for Drew's own good.

"So, how have you both been?", Dr.Ryan asked with his glamorous smile.

"Fine.", I replied with my own smile.
Drew nodded to confirm.

"Well, in the past few weeks, I have seen a lot of improvement in both of you. Drew, you need not worry about the PTSD that you had been going through. I can ensure you that it won't affect you again.", Dr. Ryan said.
"As for the other matter,", Dr.Ryan started with a grave expression.
"It happens to one in a million people. It can be a blessing as well as a curse. You should know how to use it, for the betterment of mankind or for its destruction. Do the mental exercises I've taught you, regularly. Try to focus on whatever you do. Don't let your mind drift off. That's the only thing that can avoid the unwanted mind reading.", Dr. Ryan said.

We both just nodded.
"Coming to you, Dina. You have been doing pretty well. It is a good thing you finally got the courage to file a case against your father. You will be moving out next year anyway and I'm pretty sure you won't miss him. But Dina, let me tell you something.
He is your father. You can't neglect him. Howmuchever abusive he was in the past five years, he also provided love for you when you were a child. He is also a human being, Dina. Even he needs love. He needs someone whom he can depend on. Bring him out of his drunk stupor, Dina. Only you can do it. He is going to be in jail for two years. I say you go and meet him whenever you can. The police won't let him drink anyway. He will be sober. I suggest you talk to him. At least try. All human beings need love, Dina. That's what brings them out of their ruthless and painful world.", Dr. Ryan finished and Drew squeezed my hand at the last line.

I would have handed Dr Ryan an Oscar or a Nobel prize if it was in my hands.

I gulped and nodded.

A tear threatened to slip out. After all these years, I felt some kind of attachment towards my father.

"Now let's start our session, shall we?", Dr.Ryan casually said as if he hadn't given any kind of sentimental speech.

Just like that, he began our last therapy session.

---×---

I walked out of the building a new person. The wind blew in my hair and I enjoyed the atmosphere around me.
Even though I could say I was enjoying life right now, I felt my conscience poke me from inside.
For the first time, I felt guilty about abandoning my father like that.

My mood suddenly darkened. Thoughts of my childhood flooded my mind. I closed my eyes and pictures of my childhood flashed in front of my eyes.

The pain it caused was suddenly unbearable. I took in a deep breath. I knew this would happen. Dr.Ryan had prepared me for this.

I closed my eyes and thought about all the good things that happened in my life, even though there weren't many.

I felt Drew clasp my hand and pull me closer. He hugged me protectively. I hugged in closer and relaxed.

Our moment was ruined when we heard someone clear their throat behind us.

"You two lovebirds should get to home. It's dark.", Dr. Ryan said.

I gave him a sheepish grin before heading towards the parking lot, pulling Drew along with me.

---×---

"Let's call Jess and Ethan over to my place. We'll have a blast.", I said as I sat behind Drew on his bike.

"Umm ok but I thought it was going to be only me and you.", Drew said.
"It's ok to have fun together sometimes.", I said.

"What do you mean?",Drew asked.

"When you nod your head yes but you wanna say no...", I continued it for him.

"What?", he said.

I laughed and shook it off.

As soon as I reached home, I pulled Drew inside and shut the door behind me. It was way too cold.

I quickly pulled out my phone and dialled Jessica's number.

"Hey, Jess?", I said.
" 'Sup?", Jess asked.

"Wanna come over to my place? And yeah, bring Ethan too. Drew's here.", I said.

"Sure. Make sure you both control yourselves while we're on our way.", I could almost see Jess winking.

I groaned.
"Come on. Whatever. Be here in ten.", I said.

"Sure thing. Bye.", Jess said as she cut the call.

I tossed my phone inside my bag and looked at Drew.

"You wanna change?", I asked.

"What will I wear? Crop tops and shorts? No thanks.", he replied.

"No, you idiot. I have my dad's old shirts. He doesn't wear them anymore, by which I mean, they don't fit him anymore. Wait here.", I said before heading to dad's room.

I hadn't been there in years. It looked the same, only a little empty.

I grabbed a t-shirt and a tracksuit from the shelf. They looked almost new.

I went to Drew and handed him the clothes.

"Aren't you gonna change?", he asked.
"I will.", I replied.

"Wanna change together?", he asked with a suggestive wink.

I gave him a smile and punched his arm.

"Go.", I said, pointing towards the guest room before I headed to my own room.

---×---