The Flyer & The Frat Star

The Support Group

Josephine

It's been a week since shit hit the fan, yet I survived it all with the help of an amazing support system. Surprisingly, people haven't been talking about the big fight or talking about me, aside from a few pitying looks and whispers, and I'm sure that has something to do with Hero's intimidation and Khadijha's talk with the squad to avoid the topic. I've been able to return to relative normalcy in my routine, finding solace in cheerleading like I always have. Hero and I haven't hung out much this week aside for meeting up for coffee between classes, I just feel like I still need more time to process everything alone before I become too codependent on him. I can't believe his reaction to everything. How incredibly soothing, supportive, and thoughtful he was, and it's pointless to try to fight my feelings any longer. This man is the one.

Today is Saturday and the first time I'm attending one of the group therapy sessions that Hero suggested on his list. I really can't believe he took the time to do that for me, it just truly shows me how much he cares. I throw on a WSU sweatshirt and some leggings when I hear a knock on my door. Hero's 10 minutes early... typical. I open the door with a nervous smile, feeling the anxiety seep in about therapy. Hero's standing there in all his glory, making joggers and a sweatshirt look straight from the runway. "Hi, baby. I know I'm early, but I just wanted to make sure you still wanted to go. You don't have to if you don't want to," he gives me a peck on the cheek and moves further into the room. He's been hesitant with affection since everything happened, yet I want nothing more than for him to grab me by the neck and shove his tongue down my throat. I understand his reluctance, and it shows me how considerate he is, but my impending time of the month is driving my hormones insane.

"No, I still want to go," I sit on the edge of the bed to tie my trainers before popping up, tightening my high ponytail, and grabbing my small purse with my phone, wallet, and keys. Hero reaches his hand out for mine, immediately encasing my sweaty palm and calming my nerves. He gives my hand a slight reassuring squeeze as we head out the door. Hero offered to drive me to the center where the group is held, and it's the least I could do since he's been so adamant with helping me along this rough journey. He opens the passenger door for me before sauntering around the car and sliding into the driver's seat. It's only about a 15-minute drive, but I know these 15 minutes are going to feel like a lifetime as I begin to feel my thoughts running amuck. Hero pulls out of the dorm parking lot and turns onto the road, his right hand instantly moving to my thigh. It's like he knows his touch makes me feel safe, like I can get through this, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I place my hand on top of his, linking our fingers together, and I see a slight smile tugging at his lips as he continues driving.

We pull up into the lot of the community center 13 minutes later on account of Hero's "shortcuts" and my leg is bouncing up and down insistently as I stare at the building as if it's the Kraken. "There's still time, Jo. You don't have to go in, we can just hit the diner and share a milkshake if you want," Hero speaks softly as to not rouse my already worried state. As delicious as a milkshake sounds right now, I know this is something I have to do.

"No. I can do this," I say more to myself than Hero, trying to sound much more confident than I feel. Fake it til you make it, right?

"Are you sure you don't want me to come in with you?" Hero asks for the umpteenth time since I told him I'd decided to go. 

"Babe, I appreciate the offer, but I think this is something I need to do alone," I explain, squeezing his hand still placed on my thigh that's rubbing up and down comfortingly.

"Okay. Just call or text if you change your mind or you need me. I'll be right outside as soon as it's over," he says so seriously, as if he's dropping his toddler off to kindergarten for the first time. I can't help but smile at his paternal tone. Hero with kids? Swoon. Now is not the time.