We're Okay

Family Bonding

"Ben I know you had a bad day, but I have to get you to your therapy appointment. Come on out."

Without replying, I trudged out of the bedroom. Bailey grimaced at my hair and tried her best to fix it. Seeing the look on her face after she put her hands down, I guessed that it didn't work.

"You look like you had a worse day than me," I pointed out. "Maybe you need therapy today."

"I feel like I do, but I don't have an appointment."

I was a bit taken aback that she hadn't said "I'm fine." She was an expert at bottling up her feelings, so it must have been bad for her to show it. Bailey needed therapy.

"Do you really want to go to therapy, or are you pulling my leg?"

"I'm serious, I think it would be nice to have some time to sort things out."

I didn't reply, but an idea formed in my mind. This time it wasn't a stupid idea.

•

ben?!: can i ask u something

TheBestCeleste: Yeah but why on instagram messages instead of the ones on your phone

TheBestCeleste: You have my number

ben?!: i do, but i nickname all my contacts and i may or may not have forgotten which one is urs

TheBestCeleste: 😂

TheBestCeleste: What was your question

ben?!: would i have to pay extra to take a person with me to a therapy session

TheBestCeleste: No one has ever asked that so I don't know what to say

TheBestCeleste: Ok, sure

ben?!: so i can just bring my sister

TheBestCeleste: So that's who this is about

TheBestCeleste: I finally get to meet her

ben?!: yep, but i haven't told her she can come yet. i want to surprise her

TheBestCeleste: That's sweet of you

ben?!: i try.

TheBestCeleste: Ok, see you in twenty

ben?!: see u

•

The ride to therapy had been silent so far, but now I was tapping my foot in anticipation. Hopefully Bailey would accept the opportunity. Sometimes she tries to play the "you need it more than me" card, but it wouldn't fly this time.

"We're here," she stated tiredly, "I'll see you in an hour."

"No, you're coming with me."

I hadn't meant to sound forceful. I rolled with it anyway, deciding forceful might be the only way to get her out of the car.

"I can't. I don't have an appointment."

"You can come to mine, I already asked."

She looked shocked. She began to open her mouth, but I interjected. "No arguing. You're coming with me to see Celeste."

Somehow being demanding worked. She followed me, still looking confused. There was probably a rule against this, but I had permission from Celeste, and that was good enough for me to break the rules.

I marched Bailey into the cushy room. I knew even before today that Bailey would love it. The room was well furnished, with a couple of colorful bean bags, a large mahogany bookshelf against the wall, and an office chair for Celeste. She thought it made her look professional.