Therapy Session

Ch.1

"Maybe you should try therapy."

The words that got me into this situation. Therapy. The word never crossed my mind living in a screwed up family. Yeah, with a psycho sister and a father who wants me dead, life's been peachy. To bad my mother isn't around anymore to straiten this crap up, but that's another story. Right now I stay with my uncle. His name is Iroh Yoshida. Yup, the one and only tea loving crazy old man. You might have heard of him. He owns a tea shop, The Jasmine Dragon, but then again you might not love tea and Pai Sho so you're probably wondering what the hell I'm talking about.

Who am I? Well I'm your average mid 20's, tall, pale skinned, scarred face, florist. I bet you're wondering; how could a guy like me be a florist? It's simple really. I've been a mama's boy and always will be. My mother loved gardens. It was her dream to open up her own flower shop. I promised I would open one up for her in her name when I was older but I never really got around to it. I'm currently employed at Amai. It means sweet because that's what we sell, sweet smelling flowers *put's on fake smile for customer*. I consider myself our best employee since I've been around flowers my entire childhood life and even after that. And yet my idiot of a boss just thinks I'm another bum looking for quick cash and has no talent what so ever. Maybe he's right. Maybe I do waist my time…You see? That's why my uncle suggested therapy. I am the biggest pessimist probably in the entire universe. I never see things a 'positive' way. Maybe because I haven't really had a loving family to raise me right.

But back to the story.

"Chiyu Center?"

"It's the name I found online. You should see if they're any good. You really need to talk to someone." With that my uncle patted my back and slowly made his way back to his kitchen. I watched him as he walked. He was getting old I could see. It was plain as daylight, anyone could tell. I wished the old man would take a rest here and there but he insists on working hard for his tea shop. He's very proud of it.

We headed back to our small apartment after closing to shop. It wasn't much, just a two bed, one bath, simple kitchen and typical living room. My uncle has a really good taste in furniture. That's one of the things I enjoyed most with living here. I sold my old apartment to live with him when he started getting sick. It's been on and off but he's hanging in there. He's got a strong heart, probably what's keeping him alive…or all that medication.

I tossed the mail on the counter and hung up the keys on its little rack when I walked in. I brought some fresh flowers from work for uncle's room. He's likes it when I make his room smell all flowery and fresh. He pulled out his special tea and turned on the stove to boil some water. My brow went up.

"Didn't we just leave a tea shop?" I asked handing him his 'special' tea making pot.

"You could never have too much tea." He grinned at me and I rolled my eyes. I began to help the poor old man with the making. I thought I was pretty good at making tea, but no where as good as his. I went to the living room and pulled out a Pai Sho board. I knew I would lose…again, but it made him smile and laugh at me. Anything to see that.

"Game on." He said coming over with the two cups and a smirking face.

After I lost, big surprise, I gave uncle his pills and helped him to bed. He used to joke around with me, constantly asking 'Can you tuck me in mommy?' but it soon became a serious matter when he grew weaker and actually needed me to tuck him in. I smiled at his sleeping form and headed to my room.

It was very neat and tidy. Uncle would have a fit if one speck of dirt was lounging around on my table or anywhere for that matter. I hung up my jacket in the closet and checked my pant pockets before taking them off for bed. I took out the card uncle gave me earlier. I almost tossed it on my night stand but took a second glance. There were four different names and numbers under the name and cheesy line 'Where were one big family', like I haven't heard that one before. I looked over it, and thought if I really wanted to try this. I mean life I complicated especially for me. If uncle says these guys can make it easier I might be willing to try them out. I didn't want to upset uncle. I hate to see him sad especially because of me. Maybe I can drag my ass over there and test their skills.

I grabbed my phone and dialed the number. I figured no one would answer this late. Sure enough I got the stupid voicemail and waited for the robot lady on the other line say the option I was waiting for.

"Press 4 to talk to one of our receptionist." They had a button for that? Wait who was too lazy to not pick up the phone when I was calling.

"Please wait for a receptionist to take your call." I was on hold and the corniest music started to play. I wonder if there's actually someone there you will take the c-

"Thank you for calling Chiyu Center where were one big family. My name in Jin, how may I help you?" The feminine voice sounded tried and bored. I could here her try not to yawn while talking.

"Hi, uh, I just wanted to know more about this place and if I could make an appointment?" She sighed like she's been taking these kinds of calls all day.

"We have the best therapist in the city sir. There are plenty who you could meet if you would like to. We have many patients come out very satisfied with results. I've only seen happy people walk out since I started working here." I sat back in my chair, running my hands through my soft black hair.

"Who could I talk to?"

"That depends. What kind of problems are you having?"

"Aren't I supposed to tell the therapist that?" I wondered. She didn't answer so I sighed heavily and continued. "I don't know depression I guess. Family issues." Another pause came from her end. I heard a few pages flip. Guess she was looking under Depression: Family Issues: Just right for Zuko.

"So is there like a list I could choose from or something?"

"Yes." I waited for her to tell me more but she was really out of it.

"Could you name them?" I asked.

"Of course sir." I took out a paper and a pen pressing the phone against my ear and shoulder and waited for her to start.

"Hachiro Aichi, Kenji Katsu, Dai Ito, Katara Sakamoto, and Amaya Dono." She paused to let me finish writing. "You got all that?"

"Yeah thanks." I said with a hint of sarcasm. "Which one do you recommend?" At this point I just wanted to mess with her and her bitchy mood.

"Uh, Amaya Dono. She's pretty good." I could tell she just picked a random name.

"Well is she available for tomorrow?" I heard the keys on the computer start up.

"No but I'll check the other's schedule." Finally! She's acting like a real receptionist.

"Sir, Kenji Katsu is available at 4 and Katara Sakamoto at noon."

"Could you set up an appointment for noon with Miss Sakamoto please?"

"Sure. Could I have your name?"

"Zuko Yoshida."

"Is that all sir?"

"Yeah thanks."

"Have a good evening." She tried to say sweetly but failed horribly. I quickly turned off the phone and put it on the table. God! That was a pain in my ass! I put on a simple t-shirt and got in bed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, I can tell you that.

0.o 0.o 0.o

I got up that morning and made breakfast for uncle. He likes getting up early to drink his tea and take his pills. I put a plate of waffles in front of him and poured him another cup of tea. Tea and waffles. Yum. I handed him his glasses as he reached for the newspaper and sat down in front of him with my breakfast.

"I'm taking up your offer today." I said after chewing. He looked over his glasses confused.

"Therapy." The word made him smile and chuckle.

"Tell me if they're any good."

"Will do." After the small conversation, we finished our meal and I cleaned the plates and put them away.

"I'm going uncle." I shouted before taking the keys and a jacket. I walked down the steps and headed towards the car when a familiar face walked out of her apartment with a garbage bag.

"Hey Zuko." This was Mai. Our grouchy neighbor. We go way back but never really bonded. Yeah at one point we went out, but only because we were always pushed to it. She didn't seem to mind one bit. I think she really liked me but I called it off before she got crazy. She was friends with my sister, probably why she's so damn grouchy all the time. I never did know how she ended up living down stairs. Her parents have money and a lot of it. But hey for all I know she could be a stalker.

"Hi." I said back not really paying attention. She started following me and I looked back to see what her problem was. She just raised the garbage bag in her hand I looked back seeing my car parked next to the big garbage can. What the hell Zuko!

"Great place to park a car." She mumbled, but I caught it.

"Yeah, yeah." I got in the car and followed the directions I printed up from their website. It took a good twenty, twenty five minutes to get there. I approached the building. It wasn't big but wasn't a small little office type place. Can't believe I never noticed this place before.

When I walked inside a cool breeze of air blew in my face. Good old air conditioning. I walked up to the desk dead center of the inside.

"Hi I have an appointment with," I looked down at the paper. "Katara Sakamoto."

"Are you Zuko Yoshida?" I nodded. She smiled. "You're early. Second floor, room 210. The elevator is just over there." She said pointing the way and I went over and pushed the 'up' button. The doors opened and there was a girl with two ponytails sticking outward on the sides of her head. She smiled and I noticed she was missing her two front teeth. What was this kid doing here? I got in and pressed 2.

"Hi."

"Hey." I said taking a small step away from her.

"Are you here to see Aunt Wu?" I looked at her. Her big eyes were eager for an answer.

"No. Katara Sakamoto." She instantly frowned.

"Oh." Then the doors opened and she walked right out going the opposite direction of me. I ignored the random girl and walked to room 210. I knocked on the door and waited against the wall with my head down. What have I gotten myself into?

"Yes?" The women asked. I looked up expecting to see an old mean lady with big bulky glasses but boy was I wrong. I couldn't help but stare. She had tan exotic skin with creamy brown colored hair done up in a bun and a few lose strands and her bangs hanging out, framing her perfect face. Her eyes were the bluest most pure eyes I have ever seen. My hazel ones could never compete with that. She wore a black pencil skirt and a white puffy blouse with black flats. I looked at her from head to toe but apparently I observed her body a little too closely…especially her chest. She cleared her throat to get my attention.

"Excuse me?" I looked up totally embarrassed my mouth slightly agape.

"Are you Zuko?" I nodded slowly.

"My name's Katara." She reached for my hand. I got up from the wall and took it. Her hands were so soft and she smelled so good! "Let's get started with our first therapy session shall we?" She smiled.