The Game

Fifty-three

Five Years later...

"That must of been tough for you to deal with that at such a young age" I look up at Jamie.

"Yes" he responds.

"It seems you had alot going on in your life, things that maybe a twelve year old boy shouldn't have had to deal with" I place my note pad down as I clock the time.

"Yes, I should of been out with my friends. Playing outside, playing on the xbox not helping my parents get upstairs because they've drunk a bottle of vodka or sniffed a gram of coke" He grits his teeth at what I can only imagine is memories flashing back.

"Jamie I would very much like to continue these sessions. So would you like to book in with Tanya at reception for next week?" I stand as I hold my hand out.

"Yeah, I think I will. I was worried about coming. You know what people say about coming to see someone like you" he nervously shakes my hand.

I laugh, "We all need some help and direction in life. Even the strongest of people fall at times. It doesn't make us crazy or weak, it helps us understand and how to improve in life. We will catch up next week" I smile as I open my office door.

"OK. Next week" he turns around to confirm. With a nod I slowly close the door and walk back to my chair and slump into it.

I rub my head as I feel a headache coming on, it's hard dealing with my own problems when my job is based on sorting everyone's else's out. I wouldn't have it any other way, I enjoy my job but jesus it's hard work. I've been a qualified professional for two years now and it's the best move I made. I sit up and walk over to my desk as a notification pops up telling me there has been an appointment added to my diary.

I look at my calendar and see Jamie's appointment for next week has been booked in for Tuesday.

As I'm about to close my laptop an email pings, I open it.

You busy?

I roll my eyes and send one back saying no.

Within one minute my door opens and Darren glides into my office closing the door behind him. He walks over to my armchair and sits down like he does every day for the past five months.

"Yes?" I lean back in my chair raising an eyebrow.

"Don't act like you don't know why I've come here" he laughs.

"Why come here when you know what the answer will be" I close my laptop down.

"Doesn't god love a trier?" he smirks.

"Hmm.. Go on ask me" I fold my arms.

"Can I take you out on a date" he sits up waiting excitedly for my answer.

"No" I stand up, "That's settled that for the next Twenty-four hours" I walk round and take my coat off the coat hook and grab my bag.

"You do like to make me work" he stands and walks over to me.

"I've told you, I'm not ready. I don't know when I'll ever be ready. Right now having a man in my life is not on my to do lists" I open my door and gesture for him to leave.

"Come on! food and drinks. I'm not asking for anything more, but rest assured if you offered it I wouldn't say.."

"No" I pull him out of my office, "Look I like you, as a friend.."

"Oo friend zoning me, I see how it is. I guess I'll check back with you tomorrow" he walks off towards his office, "I won't give up" he shouts back at me.