The Muse ~ Vughead

Ch. 28, Appointment

Jughead

"So have you tried any of the coping strategies that I suggested?"

I nod, "I have" I hold up my arm showing her the rubber band that resides on my wrist.

Mrs. Reeds smiles, "I'm glad, tried the pen?" I smile, rolling up my sleeve of my left arm. Patterns looking similar to henna running down my arm.

"How had that been working for you?" I smile, "good, but now it's just mostly something I do in class when I'm bored."

"Well that's alright some strategies work better depending on the person. At least it is something to take your mind off being bored or stressed."

"So over the phone you told me that you almost had a relapse, can you tell me more about that?"

"I almost threw up, I had a bad day"

"I had a flashback earlier that morning, then later on when my dad was home. I just couldn't take the emotions"

"What were the flashbacks about?" I shrug, "Betty, Archie and I. I felt sick and continued to hear her voice in my head so I went to the bathroom. But I ran out and told my dad."

"Did you feel better telling your dad?"

"Yeah, felt a lot better, I felt vulnerable telling him at first but he just made me feel comfortable and I felt okay afterward. Went on my dad with Veronica and she really helped me as always."

"That's very good, a great step in the right direction. You mentioned that you talked with Veronica before this session about it right?"

"Yeah we had a date after my father calmed me down, we talked about it for a moment, she made me forget about it. Made me feel okay again"

She nods, "what about your conversation with Betty, how was it?"

"Vulnerable, in a way I never felt before. I yelled at her got mad but I forgave her."

"Why?"

"Because it is not something I want to hold onto for the rest of my life, I don't want to hold onto that hate and hate her because hating just stoops down to her level."

"Veronica told me forgiving is more than just forgiving her. Forgiving yourself and allowing yourself to move on and not feel guilty or hold yourself back- don't know if I should have done it so soon though. But it made me feel better, lighter on my shoulders"

"Very wise she is, that's good for you I see it has made you more relaxed and not so tense. Have you spoken with her since?"

"Yeah she told me she was going to therapy in the hallway later after my flashbacks. I'm glad she is getting better, but other than that no, I think it will be awhile before she does talk to me again."

"What about Veronica and your discussion?"

I shrug, "Veronica and I admitted what we really wanted, not just pretending to please each other helped a lot."

"Does Veronica want you to become friends with Betty again?"

"No" I laughed, "Veronica and I had this discussion, the original I idea was yes but after my flashbacks, we decided against it."

"It is your choice, you are in no way pressured to be friends with them anymore just because they are back and they apologized. It is not the wisest choice either, at least before you have mentally healed fully from them. Then it is a choice weather or not you want them in your lives after the pain and struggle they caused each of you."

"I think that is what Veronica and I are going to do, focus on ourselves and our relationship than worry if they will turn on us again or not."

The timer rung. She smiled, "end of session for. Same time next week?" I smile, "sounds like a plan."

I walk out and begin to head through town. I pull my phone out and go to Veronica's number, haven't texted her all day.

Juggie: want to get a milkshake at Pops?

Beautiful: yeah of course

Juggie: in ten minutes?"

Beautiful: I would love to

I smile, heading to Pops with a skip in my walk.

Authors Note

Hey guys, sorry that it's a little short this week, haven't had much chance to write this week, next week a chapter will be posted on Wednesday because of Christmas Eve, I'll get writing more since Winter Break starts on Wednesday for me. I will make sure next weeks is longer, but that's all I have for you guys, hope you guys have a good Thursday!