Moonshine(46)

Two knocks on the Doctor G’s door and I just walk right in now. He is always expecting me and I have never walked in on something I shouldn’t. Thank God.

“You know the drill,” he sipped his coffee mug and grabbed his notepad. He waited for me to take my seat and he already had his shoes off. This was our thing now. Once I finally got comfortable with the doc he asked if he could take of his shoes. I thought it was weird at first, but it was just his way of showing me that he felt comfort in my presence and I think he wanted me to feel it too. So now it’s just ritual. He has his shoes off and I take off mine and hop onto the couch and get comfortable. I feel like sometimes we should be popping popcorn and watching movies. It’s safety for me and I craved it from the moment I stepped in his office.

“What are we talking about today?”

“Since your time here is nearing an end, I thought we would discuss your final exam. Do you feel like you are ready to talk to Moon?”

“I’m afraid of his reaction, but I know I have to tell him. It’s important for me to heal so I guess that I am as ready as I’ll ever be.” I squeezed the pillow into my chest.

“I’m glad to hear that. You have come such a long way. You aren’t that frightened little girl that we first met, you are ready for the world, and I know that when you leave I won’t have to worry about you.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

“Now,” He tapped his pen on the paper. “What about your parents? They have come to visit you every Sunday. Are you going to be telling them the secret too, or are you fine with the two of them not knowing?” I rubbed the green suede fabric on the pillow back and forth. I wasn’t sure how to answer the question. My thoughts on the situation were up in the air. “Tell me what you are thinking. I can tell the wheels are spinning, and if you rub a hole in my favorite pillow you are buying me a new one.”

“I just…” I let out a sigh. “I don’t know what to do. If I tell them they will be devastated. They may get mad at Moon and his mom because of what David did. I don’t want that, but on the other hand I feel like they have never understood why I did it. I feel like I at least owe them an explanation. What if they blame themselves? I mean, we have never really discussed any of this.”

“I see both of your points, but let’s talk about them for a second. Put yourself in their shoes. How do you think they feel?” O great. I know this reverse psychology babble.

“All right, Smart Guy. I get it. No need to pull out the big guns. I will tell them everything.”

He was laughing and snorting. “Oh Shine, you unquestionably make my job so much easier. I don’t even need to work while you are here. I’ll miss you, Kiddo. Don’t tell anyone, but you are my favorite.”

“Of course I am.” I took pride in knowing it too. “So when is this whole spill the beans thing taking place?”

“Sunday when your parents come to visit,” he stated matter of fact.

“That is two days.”

“Very good, counting is something to be very proud of.” He winked.

“I am serious. I don’t know if I’m that ready.” I used air quotes when I said “that” because I was not kidding.

“You are ready. Trust me. Now do you have a way to get Moon here too, or should I call him and schedule it myself.”

“No, I know how to do it. Will I be telling them together?”

“I’ll leave that up to you. I figured that since Sunday will be Bradley’s last night here that he will be here to comfort you along the way. I know he is your side kick and he will be a good friend for you to have around after you get things off your chest. No more worrying about this because it will be just fine. That is all for today.”

“Ugh! I hate when you end it on sour notes.” I started putting my shoes back on.

“I know, that is why I do it.” He laughed a fake evil laugh and I just rolled my eyes and headed out the door.

I slammed my bedroom door hard when I shut it, because I wanted the whole hallway to hear it. Johnny was already on my bed reading today’s letter and waiting for me.

“Bad day with the doc?” he smirked.

“You could say that again. Sunday I am having a meeting with my parents and Moon, to tell them my secret. I just don’t know if I’m ready.”

“You are ready. Come sit down and let me rub your back. Come on.” He patted the bed between his legs and I went willingly. I sat with my back facing him so that he could work his magic. “You will do just fine. It’s like that big ugly band aid that I have been telling you about that you just have to rip off. Remember?” I just shook my head while he continued to rub. I’ll be right here in this room waiting for you when you are done. I will hug you and rub your back and make sure you don’t freak out. But I’m telling you that you are over those days. You can do this; I have no doubt in my mind. I am the smart one out of the two of us. You are supposed to listen to me.”