Thank you, Kelley

Chapter 35

Meghan's POV:

I walk downstairs and into the kitchen. I have just woken up. It's almost 9 am.

"Good morning sleepyhead," Kelley says. I freeze. My mom used to call me that. God, I miss her so much. She would always be sitting at the kitchen counter in the mornings with her coffee and her laptop. It didn't matter what time I got up she would always be sitting there and she would often say that same line. Those are some of my favorite memories. Us as a family making pancakes and sitting together at the kitchen island and eating together.

"Meghan?..." Kelley is now right in front of me. How did she get there? She was just sitting a moment ago. "Are you ok?" uhh I must have zoned out. "What's wrong?" she asks again.

"Umm, my mom used to say that. When I was a kid." I say not making eye contact with her. I feel her arms wrap around me.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know," she whispers to me.

"No, it's ok. You didn't know. It just reminded me of her that's all. I'm good." I say and smile as I pull away from the hug. I can tell that she still feels bad but it's really ok. I just miss them. I move across the kitchen and get myself a bowl of cereal before sitting down next to Kelley at the counter.

"So I made an appointment at a therapist's office. It's at 1:30 today. Is that ok?"

"Oh ya..." when Kelley said that the other day I didn't realize she was going to do it so soon.

"Hey. I know it's scary. But I promise the women I made the appointment with is great. Her name is Leah. She is my age but she is the best'' Kelley says sensing my reservations.

"You know her?" I ask slightly confused.

"Not everyone's perfect ya know." She says with a laugh.

"I didn't mean it like that. I was just confused."

"I know. But yes there was a time I used to see her a lot. To be honest I haven't been in a long time... I haven't needed to."

I guess this surprises me. I didn't realize this about Kelly. I guess I always just saw her as this perfect happy person. But I of all people should understand the struggles of mental health.

"Do you want me to take you? They said this first appointment is more about just getting to know each other. Make sure it's the right fit. I don't have anything to do today so it's no problem."

"Umm... ya can you?"

"Of course."

We both just hang out and do whatever until it's time to leave. I get more and more anxious as the time gets closer. I guess just the thought of opening and sharing terrifies me. Kelley drove me as she said she would. We stay quiet most of the ride. It gives me too much time in my own head but oh well. We arrive and I walk in by myself. I am honestly terrified and what makes it worse is that I can't even tell you why. I know for a fact that I am in no danger. Nothing bad will happen.

I sit in the small waiting room. Thankfully it is empty. A few moments later a young woman about Kelley's age came out. Her curly black hair is pulled away from her face.

"Meghan?" She looked over at me. Ok. here we go.

I step into the small room. On the far end, there is a small desk next to the window. There is a couch and a chair that seems to be hers.

"Hi I'm Leah but I'm sure you already know that." her voice is kind and soft. "Here take a seat." She pointed to the couch. As I sit I notice the plants that line the room. It makes it feel like a jungle. I honestly love it.