Chapter 44
"I know you hated hearing David recommend counseling." I laughed as I walked my Mother to her vehicle.
"Damn right! If I wanted you to get counseling I would have recommended someone myself. That was an hour wasted of my life. Donna swore he was the best. Oh, I'm going to give her a piece of my mind when I get home."
"Maybe he's the best because he gets marriages back together, mom. I wish there was something like that when you and daddy got divorced."
"Victoria, don't you worry about that Stephanie Moore. I'm going to get you another lawyer. A real one. I don't want you spending another minute with Michael."
"Mom, I was actually thinking counseling would be best for us. It could work."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah. I'm going to call Dr. Moore."
"I wouldn't. It's a waste of time. Why are you so calm about this, Victoria?!"
"Because there is no reason to be mad about something that could help. No offense, mom, but if you and daddy went to counseling, he would still be around and you wouldn't be so bitter."
Mom was taken a back, "how could you say something like that, Victoria?"
"It's true." I shrugged.
She got in her car, "talk to me when you've got some goddamn sense." She sped off. I headed toward my car and looked at Stephanie's card. Pondering if I should call her or not. I looked at David's card. He looks much better in person. I got my phone and dialed Stephanie.
"Dr. Stephanie Moore speaking. How may I help you?" She answered.
"Hello, Ms. Moore. My name is Victoria Jackson and-"
"Did you just speak with David Fischer?" She interrupted.
"Yes...yes, I did."
"He just informed me that I should be expecting your call."
"Oh..." They mean business.
"David tells me you and your husband are seeking counseling."
"Yes, we are."
"Are the two of you free tomorrow, say three in the afternoon?"
"We are."
"Perfect! I hope I don't seem rude and abrupt. You'll get used to it. Just know I'm not like this during a session."
"That's good to know." I laughed.
"You have the correct address to the office, right?"
I checked the card, "I sure do."
"Great. Tomorrow at three. Remember that. See you then!" Stephanie hung up. She's really means business.
-
"How'd it go?" Joshua asked when I walked in the house.
"David recommended counseling."
"Counseling?" Joshua laughed. "That ought to be good."
"It looks like it's actually a good thing. I should have thought about that."
"You know what they say when a divorce seeking couple goes to counseling?"
"No, what?"
"The couple suddenly gets spontaneous and has sex during a session once the counselor is gone. Fixes plenty of marriages."
"I doubt anyone is going to be spontaneous if Michael has something." I made a face.
"Right, well... It was advice..."
"I don't need advice from you on how to get my husband back. All I need is to see my boys. It's been too long since I've seen them last."
"So, you're going to see them?"
"I should, but I'm going to wait."
"What are you doing for the remainder of the day?"
"That's a good question." I thought about it and the only thing I could think of was going to see Michael.
-
I woke up beside Joshua on the couch and noticed it was still dark outside. I looked at my phone to see that it was five in the morning. Great. I got out of Joshua's embrace and stretched. Joshua is getting too attached. All I wanted was a male friend and he's acting like we're married. I took a shower, got dressed, packed my things and hurried out to the car. When I get home, I just want Michael to hold me. That's all I want. Then, I'll tell him about the counseling.
-
By the time I got home, all the lights were off except for one. I would expect for everyone to be asleep. I got my bag and went to the back door to the house. The house was clean and in order. I guess I should have expected that. I left my bag by the dining room table and went to the guest room. I was actually thinking about going up to my room and sleep with Michael, but something was stopping me from that. I took off my jacket and fell face down onto the bed. It feels so good to be home.
(Michael)
I know I'm not crazy. Either Victoria snuck in or someone broke in. That or I'm hearing things. Especially since I've been up all night and practicing the many things I could say to Victoria to get her to take me back. I got up from my desk and walked over to the mirror. I've got some serious bags under my eyes. Remind me never to stay up all night ever again. I went downstairs to get a glass of water. After I drank the whole glass, I lay my head on the table. It would be awkward for Camille or the boys to see me asleep on the table, so that's not a good plan. I sat up and looked around. The couch is calling my name. As I stood up, I kicked something on the ground. One of boys' toys. I bent down to pick it up and noticed that it was a bag. Victoria? When did she get home? My heart raced at the thought of her being home. I hurried to the guest room and found her laying on the bed face down. I moved her over and lay beside her, studying her face, listening to her steady breaths. I love her so much.