In The Background

The Counselor

"The world hates me."

Staring at the empty school parking lot, many would think I'd be saying such a line because I had no ride home. But wait. I walk home. So why would I say such a thing?

Because it was raining like hell.

My house is 8 minutes away by walking. I could have avoided the rain. I could have been in the comforts of my home before this tragedy. But no, I had to get held up by that idiot.

I needed to quit my job.

I pulled my black hood over my head and began sprinting out of the parking lot. The rain drenched my one layer of protection in seconds. My red vans and black and white checkered socks betrayed me. Puddles had formed in my shoes. With every thud, I actually got a slosh. I was glad I'd worn a skirt so I would have to deal with pants sticking to me.

As I ran home, all I was focused on was the thought of Lady Grey tea and Pocky. It gave me all the power I needed to run faster.

Soon, the white two-story house came into view and I fell onto the porch. I laid on the ground taking in the view of the porch ceiling. So refreshing to just lay down and catch my breath and watch the spiders make their web-

Moment ruined. I'd rather die than be out there with the spiders.

I pushed my key into the hole and opened the door. As I stepped into the warmth, I sighed in content. Closing the door, I kicked off my shoes and twirled around. Shelter.

Then a ball hit my face. And a scooter hit my leg. And I realized that I wasn't safe anywhere.

My little sister and brother, who were 8-year old twins, were laughing on the floor. Oh, so funny. Wow, their sister's pain is so funny.

Without a second thought, I picked up two balls on the floor and lodged it at both their heads. They lay there groaning.

"First of all, what did I say about scooters in the house?" As I picked up their scooters and toys, I glared at them. "This is not Full House. How are you even home before I am? What is going on? Where is your supervision? I've had it up to here, I swear to-"

A hand covered my mouth before I could say more. "Whoa, chill, Em. You're getting worse than mom," a soft voice teased with a chuckle. My eyes widened and I turned around with glee.

"Philip! O.M.S, you're home!" I hugged my older brother tight. One thing about my day was good it seemed. He hugged me back and we stayed like that for awhile. Then, I karate chopped his shoulder. "What the heck are you doing here? And why did you let these heathens out of their cage?"

"Ow!" He rubbed his shoulder and started helping me pick up after the twins. "They aren't heathens, you know. They are children and this is how they are."

Philip carefully placed each toy in the closet. He grabbed the ones out of my arms and placed them there as well. After closing the closet, he grabbed the twins' hands and brought them to the kitchen. They sat at the counter as he gave them a popsicle.

As he ruffled Oaker and Delia's hair, he smiled at me. "You used to be just like them. I had to grow up fast."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah. You avoided my question. What are you doing here?"

Philip looked at me seriously. He sighed after awhile. "Maybe we should go into the living room."

We walked to the living room. I took off my socks before walking on the white, fur carpet. I sat on the couch, while Philip sat on the loveseat.

He ran his hand through his dark brown curly hair. "I'm surprised Mom and Dad haven't told you the news yet. I mean, I know it happened not long ago and it's still fairly new but-"

"Just spit it out." My patience was razor thin.

Philip's dark eyes got bright and looked into my green ones. "I'm gonna work for Dad, Em."

A smile instantly washed over my face and I hugged him for the second time today. After, I went back to my seat and jumped up and down in it. "They accepted you?!"

He leaned back in his seat and looked up dreamily. "Yeah. I'm actually going to be training to be the next branch owner. Dad's boss said I had promise and I'd be a great successor for Dad." His hand fell onto his face and he laughed. "Can you believe it? My dream is finally coming true?"

"I'm so happy for you!" And I really was.

My father worked for a company called VannCo. It ran throughout the whole country and held a plethora of different businesses. He was the branch owner of the Northeast. It was huge that my brother would be the next owner. He was only 20 years old and he made it so far already.

It also meant he'd be home, instead of going all around the country to gain experience.

There was a crash in the kitchen. I groaned and slid off the couch onto the floor. Why couldn't I have been the last kid?

My brother chuckled and stood up. "I'll take care of it. Go do your homework and your secret job stuff."

I quickly shot up and looked around to make sure my parents weren't home. "Hush! You cannot speak of my library sessions in public like this."

I lodged a pillow at him. He put his hands in the air while walking away. After he was gone, I smiled. This day wasn't all that bad.

Walking upstairs to my room, I looked through my bag. As I entered my safe place, I shut the door with my foot. After pulling out my giant blue binder, I fell onto the bed.

The soft, quilted moroccan patterned comforter made me sigh in content. I took in the books and tapestries lining my walls. The plants lining the windows gave off an aroma that made me want to drift off to sleep...

Too bad there was business to be done. I'd made a mistake when I made my room the epitome of relaxation. I read a book on middle eastern decorations and my life hasn't been the same since.

I had to stay focused.

With my binder in my hand, I crossed the room to my desk and sat. I put my unruly dark brown curls into a bun and grabbed my favorite fountain pen. Time to get down to business.

The binder read "Patients" on the front. I quickly flipped to the green tab divider and started filling in information on Courtney.

Much had been revealed. It had to be written down for our next meeting. The poor girl didn't know what she was getting into. I needed to create a strategy that would help her out of this bind. At the same time, though, I wanted to make sure her heart stayed intact. Ugh, what a pain. Why is this job so complicated?

You might be wondering why some book nerd with no friends would care so much about others. Why would I do all of this for people I rarely associate with, except for sessions? It's simple really.

I had nothing better to do.

There might have been some other heartwarming reason, but I sure as hell didn't know it. I was only doing it because I liked the challenge. Also, again, I had nothing better to do.

Every day of the week, except Wednesdays and weekends, I'd see my 11 patients. Three on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Two on Fridays. I did mornings before school, lunch, and after school. If there was a crisis, I'd sometimes make room in my schedule.

It was a hobby of mine. Something to keep me somewhat social. I had a habit of keeping to myself and lurking in the shadows. Look, I was talented at staying the in the background. All I did was watch other peoples' lives.

I was content.

I had hope for a good year actually. It was September and not many bad things had happened. I had a plan made up for my patients. I had my brother finally home.

As I laid my pen down and closed my binder, I let out a breath. "Nothing is gonna change. This year will be the absolute same."

Why'd I fricken jinx it?

...

I wanted to show you some home life of our main background character and beloved counselor.

Hope you enjoyed. :)