Connection

Chapter 8

Dr. Cook thought it was a great idea to have another family meeting seeing as how the restraining orders were to be up soon. He wanted to check in with all of them to make sure everything was good.

Mal was sure nothing was good. He poked Marcy as she brushed her hair.

"What?" She could see her hair coming out in the brush.

He could see it, too. "Are you this stressed?"

She slowed down until she stopped completely, looking down at the brush. "No."

"Baby."

She set the brush aside and went to put on makeup.

"Baby, talk to me." He sat on her vanity top.

"Please don't do this. I don't feel like fighting."

"Talking to me will cause a fight?"

She looked up at him.

Instead of looking angry, he was shocked she looked scared. "I'm sorry, baby."

She rubbed her nose, knowing she was being vulnerable and hating it.

"Don't cry." He tried to hug her but she refused.

"I'm not crying." She should have told her voice.

"Okay."

"Stop doing that." She headbutted his stomach.

"Doing what?"

"Talking to me like I'm broken."

He wanted to tell her she wasn't but he feared she was. "Can I have a kiss?"

She coughed out a laugh and he smiled.

M-A-P

Mercedes grabbed Marcy's hand on the way into the building. "Hey?"

"What?" Marcy looked up.

"I'm not trying to make this about me but the last time we did this, you ended up hating me. Please don't hate me again."

"Mercy, I have never and will never hate you." Marcy made eye contact.

Mercedes felt that reassurance in her soul. "I love you, too."

"I never said it."

Mercedes poked her.

Marcy smiled. "Come on. The sooner we get started, the sooner I can go home and hug my kids."

Mercedes giggled as they walked to the elevators.

M-A-Pish

Dr. Cook enjoyed seeing all of the siblings and also the parents at once. He liked seeing them interact and how they are with each other. "Hello, all!"

"Hello, Dr. Cook." The large group waved.

"Please take seats."

They sat.

"Now. How have you all been?"

"Good." Rang out.

"Marcy?" He knew it would be good.

"Why are you like this? You know I'm not good." Marcy snapped.

He kept his smirk to himself. "I won't know if you won't tell me."

"Now you know. Can we go?"

"Would you like to leave?"

"Don't ask stupid questions. You know I don't even want to be here."