Just Love Me

Chapter 12 Part 1: Falling

Chapter 12 Part 1

"The freedom is granted as soon as the damage of vodka arrive" Kendrick Lamar - Swimming Pools

Monday

My first day back at work after a week and a half was rough. Samantha and Chelsea busted into my office early in the morning telling me how much they missed me and to fill me in on all their high school drama. Mrs. Reyes had a million and one questions about my unplanned absence, I didn't know what story she was concocting in her head but I'll let her think whatever she wants. Luckily, Aunt Sonya didn't ask much other than if I was okay; I suspected that Tay filled her in on my disastrous marriage.

Still hadn't heard anything from Rick. No call, text, email, snail mail, pigeon note- nothing. His lack of communication was the reason I was sitting in my office at ten after six crying my eyes out and stuffing my face with Twizzlers.

My heart felt full and my mind confused. If he would give me one phone call I could have a chance to fix this. If he would at least tell me what I did I would change for him. I sniffed and wiped my eyes with a tissue.

"Elle?" I jumped when I heard my named. Dr. Parker stood at my door with his briefcase in his hand and his white coat draped over his arm. "Are you okay?" he took a hesitant step into my office.

I tried to wipe the remaining tears off my face. I forced out a weak laugh and nodded. "Yes I'm fine. Sorry, I thought I was alone." Dr. Parker didn't look like he believed my lie one bit. He came fully into my office and laid his belongings on my desk. He pulled my spare chair around my desk to sit in, causing the front of our knees to touch when he sat down.

"Judging by the half empty pack of Twizzlers on your desk, I'd say something's wrong."

I shrugged. "I like Twizzlers."

"That may be true but you only eat them when you're sad." I frowned trying to think about his statement. "And you eat chocolate when you're stressed and sour candies when you're bored." I raised my eyebrows and crossed my arms.

"Dr. Parker, are you stalking me?"

He laughed heartily with his head thrown back. "Not at all Mrs. Dawson." I felt my chest tightened for a second at being called that name. "You're predictable. And you're auntie filled me in on your method."

"Why?" I groaned. "She told you tha- wait. My auntie?"

He smirked confidently. "Dr. Robinson. Don't deny it either, she has already confirmed."

"Aw shit, don't tell anybody please. Dr. Robinson is my godmother. Mrs. Reyes is the only other person that knows and I don't want it leaked around for office gossip."

"My lips are sealed." He said pretending like he was zipping up his plump lips. "But stop avoiding my question." He sat back in the chair, spreading his legs to get comfortable and placing his elbows on the armrest. "What's wrong?"

"Nothin­-"

"You can say you don't want to talk about it but don't say nothing's wrong when obviously something is." My smile faded and I broke eye contact to look down at the carpeted floor.

"I don't want to talk about it," I whispered, feeling a hard lump in my throat. I wiped the first tear that escaped quickly off my face. Dr. Parker shocked me when he got up from his chair to pull me into a hug. His arms wrapped around me securely; I felt protected, for once. It was like being held with my head against his chest dulled the ache in my heart.

He rubbed my back then pulled away. "Don't stay in here all night, k? Go home, cook up a good meal for you and your husband and get some sleep. It's almost six-thirty, we've both been here too long."