Chapter 4 Sessions after sessions

"So, hooka, what you gon' wear?" Veronica asks.

"I don't know yet. You wanna go shopping for some new shit tomorrow?"

"Yes, at what time?"

"I have to work until ten, so is 11:30 good for you?" I ask.

"Yep, sounds good, chica. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Alright. Bye, suga," I reply, hanging up the phone.

I walk into my bathroom with the waterfall shower and turn on the faucet, opting for a shower instead of a bath. I take off my heels and undress. Taking time to look at my body in the full-length mirror and admire my flawless skin, I slide under the waterfall and fantasize about Mr. Dimples, wondering when he'll call or if I should call first.

Chapter 2

Britney and Andrew

9:00am

Opening the door for what I thought was going to be a couple's therapy session, I see Britney Grimes alone. She walks in solemnly and sits on the long couch, opting to lay down with her feet up. I grab my pen and pad and jot down that her husband, Andrew, did not attend this session, with a question mark behind it.

"Good morning, Britney. How are you today?" I ask.

"I'm ok, Dr. Petersen. I'm a little disappointed my husband wasn't available to join us today," she says. "How can we do couples therapy without the couple?"

"Well, we can start with you first, and when he's able to make it, we can make better sense of what is going on with you guys and start a plan to solve it," I say. "What brought you here today?"

"I love my husband very much," she begins. "We have been together for five years and married for two years. We've been trying to start a family and were excited until I miscarried a couple of weeks ago," she says with tears in her eyes. "Ever since, there has been a disconnect with us. I feel like he blames me for our child dying, and honestly, I blame myself too," she sobs.

I hand her a box of tissue, and she grabs a few, dabs her eyes, and blows her nose as she continues her story.

"Now, I barely see him. He leaves for work early and stays late. I don't want to believe that he's sleeping around on me. I really shouldn't blame him if he is. I haven't been in the mood after losing the baby. I'm just asking for time and understanding, Dr. Petersen, that's all," she states.

"I understand, Britney, but men go through grief and pain differently from women. Maybe he needs the same space and time that you're asking him for. Tonight, when he gets home from work, you sit him down and you guys just express yourselves. Keep the line of communication open. You know that old saying 'a closed mouth don't get fed?' You can't expect for him to read your mind or for you to read his," I respond.

She smiles as if she understands what I mean and stands up with hope in her eyes. "Thank you, Dr. Petersen. I'll see you in a week for sure," she says smiling.

"I'll call to set up the appointment with you, and I'll see you soon," I say as I walk her to the door.

Alicia

10:00

Seeing that my next appointment is already seated and waiting patiently in the lobby, I invite her back.

"Hello, Alicia. Have a seat. So, what brings you in today?" I ask.

"Dr. Petersen, I think Darnell is still messing around with Denice," she says sadly.

"What makes you think that?" I ask.

"Yesterday, Darnell left the house saying he was going to see Kenya because Denice called him and said something had happened at her school. He was gone all night and didn't come back until the next morning. I was calling and texting his phone, and he never answered or responded. When he finally came home, he smelled like Victoria's Secret soap. He rushed right to the bathroom and took a shower and walked out the door saying he was gonna be late for work. He did not bother explaining why he didn't come home!" she exclaims with tears forming in her eyes.

"Let's not jump to conclusions. Give him a chance to explain himself. If the explanation is not a good one, then it's time to re-evaluate your situation. If he doesn't have an explanation, then it's time to re-evaluate your situation. Communication is key, and with any marriage, there must be some level of trust," I explain.

Sobbing softly to herself, she shakes her head in agreement.

"Thank you, Dr. Petersen," she says.

"Will it be ok if I have my own sessions, separate from the couple's sessions?" she asks.

"Yes, of course. My door is always open," I respond.

"Thank you. I'll call next week to set up my own appointments," Alicia says.

"No problem, I'll talk to you soon," I say as I walk her to the door.