~Next day~ ~Christian's POV~
That afternoon,I was at the park, taking a walk to clear my head from the stress. I grabbed the box of Marlboros from my hoodie pocket, and grabbed a cigarette. I pulled out a lighter,and put the cigarette to my lips,and lit it.
I put the box and lighter back in my pocket. I blew out a cloud of smoke, and my thoughts finally quieted.
I looked around and saw Nyx. I walked over to her.
"Mind if I sit?" I asked. "Nah mate." She replied. I sat beside her. "Whatcha doin here alone?" I asked. "I like solitude.. helps clear the head." She replied softly. I nodded and took another drag of my cigarette. "Understandable." I replied,blowing out a stream of smoke.
She lightly smiled. She rubbed her eyes and rested her chin in her palm and looked at me. "being human is so weird... Huh?" She asked. I chuckled. "I see your psych class finally got to you." I replied. She lightly laughed and nodded.
"Yea.. but I can't drop. I really want this degree for criminal psychology and forensics." She replied. "Is that why you watch murder mysteries?" I asked. She laughed again.
"Nah! It's more of an escape. It's close enough to reality,but it's sewn in with fiction.. so it's a nice escape. I like puzzles..." "It takes my mind off of school.. so watching them,gives me something to keep my mind busy." "but physically,I can relax." She explained.
"That's understandable." I replied. She nodded. "I'm trying to ween myself off though... My paranoia has been through the clouds." She lightly chuckled.
"Aw Hun.. I'm sorry. I'm glad you're trying to cut it off though." I replied. She nodded again. "Need a hug?" I asked. She hugged me.
We held each other for awhile. "Can I tell you something advice?" I asked. She let go and nodded,as she looked at me.
"Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed, my mate Mitchel and I,we wrestle or we play a video game that takes a lot of focus... We like FIFA,and NBA." "We're both quite competitive... So we do end up kicking and punching each other over it.." he explained with a chuckle. "we also play actual basket ball. We were both on our school's team in middle and high school." "I still play it,he doesn't really,but he'll play when I'm in a mood. And I do kick his ass,every time." "And sometimes,we listen to our favorite classic rock n roll records,and just vent to one another. That seriously helps." "I also have a guitar... And I'll play covers of my favorite songs,by this band called,The Neighbourhood." I explained.
Nyx nodded,and looked contemplative. "So you're saying I need an outlet.." she replied. I nodded. "Yea. Exactly. Maybe if you think of some things you like,or used to like,and want to get back into,we can find those things,and make them an outlet for you." I explained.
She softly smiled and nodded. She was quiet for a moment. "Oh I remember... In high school.. I used to get newspapers and Nat Geo magazines from subscriptions." "and my local coffee shop,and my school office always had spares lying around." "And I used to make Collages of the poems and big headlines or art and nature and city photographs.." she reminisced.
"And I used to play acoustic and drums.. I could do that again.. and I could always go check out the local record shop... I guess getting some new vinyl would be nice.." "and I don't get out much... I guess I could visit some of the local nature hikes... Or go to the beach more often.." she listed thoughtfully.
"See? That's already a lot! Those are great ideas! And hey,whenever you need the music room. I mean whenever. Weekends,late after school. Seriously,I will get you a spare key." "I want you to have a safe,quiet, space,where you can defuse." I told her. She hugged me again.
"Thanks Christian. I guess I should look up some local therapists huh? I really gotta stop dumping it all on my friends.." "but I'm really scared to do that honestly... I always feel... I don't know.. weak?" "Or like... Not enough for myself when I consider that... I feel like it won't work,when I know it will.." "I guess therapy should be a top priority.." she sighed.
I rubbed her back. "Hey,take your time with that option. You don't have to go when you're not ready. Don't rush yourself. Take it slow." "When you feel ready,then you can.." I reassured her. "Let's try some of those other outlets first,yuh?" I asked.
She softly smiled and nodded. "Yea. Okay. Thank you for letting me spill my heart out like this.. I really appreciate it. How can I make it up to you?" She asked. I held her. "Don't you worry your beautiful head about that. I'm always here to help you when you stumble and fall." "But for now.. it's about to rain.. how about we go grab some coffee. On me. Then I'll give you a ride home." I replied.
She smiled and blushed. She nodded, and we both got up,and I out my arm around her hip,as we walked to my car.
