When We Collided

The Couple's Therapist

"Let's take five," Felix called out. He looked at Onyx with a frown.

We were filming at the soccer field of a university. It was a hot, humid summer. We walked to the shade under the trees to escape the glaring sun.

I followed Onyx to a tree far apart from all the rest. "Talk to me," I pleaded.

He had been distracted all morning. He couldn't get his parts right. He was usually very clever, not needing to be prodded. But today he just seemed out of it. If he didn't get back in the game soon Felix will call him out.

"She knows and she's not happy."

I let out a sigh. I was kind of expecting it. Even though I've known Jessica for only a few days I could tell that she wasn't the type to hide anything. She was like an open book. A secret relationship would probably be too much for her.

"She loves you, right? She'll eventually learn to accept it. Just give her a little time," I suggested.

He shrugged. "Sometimes I feel like she's making me choose between this and her. And you know the scary part? Lately I've been wanting to choose this instead of her." He dry-washed his face in frustration. "Am I a bad person?"

"I don't think so. I think you've just grown up," I said matter-of-factly.

He looked at me in puzzlement.

"You started dating three years ago, right? That makes you both seventeen at that time. You were still quite young, you probably didn't know what you wanted yet, and probably didn't care. Now you've matured, you've changed. You can now see your life heading in the direction you want."

He nodded slowly. "You're right." He turned to me sadly. "It's just sad that she doesn't want the same thing."

I shook my head. "I don't think so. She told me that she just wants you to be happy with what you're doing. She was thrilled because you finally got this chance to move your career forward."

"She told you that?" He asked hopefully.

"Yes." I smiled. "Now that you know, your world doesn't look like it's going to crash anytime soon, right?"

"Right." He chuckled. "Thanks, Shan. You're the best."

"Don't I know it," I retorted.

We returned to the set and this time Onyx nailed it in one take. I couldn't help feeling a bit proud of this small thing I'd accomplished. I sincerely hoped playing the role of 'Couple's Therapist' helped save Onyx and Jessica's relationship. They seemed to love each other so much.

We finished for the day. Felix tapped me on the shoulder gratefully.

"What did you do?" he asked me.

I didn't think I should blab about their private issues, so I just said, "I helped him think something through. Two heads are better than one after all."

I realized my vague answer could be construed differently. Felix likely thought I was talking about my partner's lines, not his love life. That was fine with me.

"Ace was right. You really are perfect for him. Whatever magic you're doing," he whispered, gesturing with his hands, "keep it up, okay?"

"Sure." I flashed him a reassuring grin.

I saw Mom approach us carrying a paperbag. "Hey Mom," I greeted and kissed her on the cheek. Felix waved at us and returned to his chair.

She smoothed my hair. "How was your shoot?"

"It went well," I told her. "How are the boys?"

We talked about my two younger brothers' soccer game that morning while we ate tacos at a picnic table nearby. Mom interrupted me mid-speech when she waved at someone behind me. "Onyx! Come join us!"

Onyx sat beside me and joined in.

"How are you, Dear?" Mom asked, concerned. Mothers and their sharp eyes.

"I'm just tired, Rina. How are you and the family?"

"Well, thank you. Is your Dad doing well?"

"Recovering faster than we'd hoped," Onyx said happily. His father got sick around four years ago. He'd stopped working and the medical bills accumulated. Onyx was transferred to a public school where he knew no one. Then he joined a reality game show, made lifelong friends, and won. He had never worried about his Dad's health expenses ever since.

"That's great. You're such a responsible young man. I'm sure your parents are so proud of you."

Onyx blushed. "Thanks Rina."

"Thats's why my daughter is so lucky to have you." Mom looked him in the eye.

It was my turn to blush. I knew what she meant but I couldn't help noticing the double meaning. Mom knew he was already taken, but that never stopped her from teasing me about him.

Just last night, at the dinner table, my family ganged up on me.

"Shan, how's your boyfriend?" Nathan, the elder of my two brothers, asked cheekily.

"Haven't met him yet," I answered smoothly.

"I have," Sabienne, my younger sister, said brightly. "His name is Onyx and he's so handsome!"

"Bienne," I scolded her. "He's not my boyfriend. His girlfriend is Jessica and she's my friend."

"But I want you two together!" Bienne wailed.

My sister, the number one ShanOn fan.

"It's not like they're married yet. Even married people get divorced," Jadiel, my youngest brother, concluded, pushing his glasses up from the tip of his nose.

"If they ever break up, you'll grab your chance, won't you?" Dad asked me.

"What your father means is, we'll be happy with whoever you choose to date, Honey," Mom clarified, to my relief. Until she said the next words, "But if it's Onyx, we'll be extremely happy."

Facepalm.

Rule Number 2 proved to be a bit of a challenge. Aside from the fact that he was a naturally sweet guy, everyone around us, my family included, seemed to be pushing us together. But I had come to care for him and wanted him to be happy. And Jessica was his happiness. Besides, I knew Rule Number 2 would benefit us both tremendously.

I promised to myself that I'd work extra hard to follow Rule Number 2. For his sake. For both our sakes.

Photo credits: http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/357045898/fanart/cartoons/digital?view_mode=2