Chapter Four

Cherie

Inside my apartment, I heaved all of the grocery bags onto my small dining table. Once sorted and put away in their proper places, I was finally able to make myself something to eat. Just as I finished plating up a grilled cheese sandwich, my phone dinged. It was reminder on my calendar. With losing my key, I'd nearly forgotten my appointment. I knew that I needed to leave soon if I wanted to be on time.

I wrapped the sandwich in a paper towel and shoved a bottle of water into my messenger bag. Then I grabbed my spare key from my jewelry box. I kept a tight grip on it as I locked the door. Then I headed down the stairs and out to the street. I had gotten pretty good at navigating the city. It was only a quick train ride and a short walk.

The place wasn't that hard to find. When I walked in, I heard a chime sound. I sit down in the waiting area and look through the pile of magazines. None of them looked even remotely interesting. Maybe I could convince the doctor to subscribe to Teen Sweets. She probably has teenage female patients.

A minute later, the office door opens. I stand up and immediately freeze. What…the…fuck? I found myself standing five feet away from Elliot, who looked like a deer caught in headlights at that moment. No doubt I probably had the same expression. This was not how I pictured bumping into him again.

The doctor came up behind him. "Goodbye, Elliot," she said.

He turned to her and nodded, but his expression didn't change. He glanced back at me before pulling up the hood of his sweatshirt and walking out the door.

"Cherie?" I turned to look at her. She smiled at me. "I'm doctor Gordon. You can call me Krista if you like."

Seriously? Did she not just see me and Elliot staring each other down? Or was she ignoring it?

"OK," I responded flatly.

"Please," she said. "Come in."

We went into her office. I sat down on the couch and she took a seat in an armchair across from me. She picks up a file folder from the side table and starts to scan through it.

"So," Krista said. "Where do you want to start?"

"Can I ask a question first?" Krista nodded. "The, um…the guy that was just here…your last patient…um, Elliot…?"

"You two know each other?"

"Well, kind of. We live in the same building. We just met like, right before I got here." I shifted in my seat. "Is it OK if I talk about him?"

Krista sits back in her chair and sighs deeply. "Only if necessary. Can we agree to that?"

I nodded. I had so many questions that I wanted to ask. So much more I wanted to know about Elliot. It seemed that Krista was strong in her ethical code and doctor-patient confidentiality. It put me a bit at ease knowing that anything I said to her was safe.

"Agreed," I said. "I'm just…I'm not sure how I feel about him yet. He is…intriguing.

Krista nodded. "It would benefit you to have a friend here. Right now, let's focus on you. What was behind your decision to move to New York?"

"I'm a writer. Or, rather, I want to be. New York seems like the place to be if you want to create art."

Krista nods. "And how are you adjusting?"

"Fine. I mean, I've got a place to live. I'm writing freelance for a magazine. I possibly have a new friend."

We both gave a small smile at this. Then Krista looked down at my file again.

"How are you getting along with Debbie?"

I scoffed. "My aunt's a bitch."

"I'm sorry you feel that way."

"Don't be. I'm at a point in my life where I don't need her anymore."

"She's your family."

"Whatever. She's just glad to get rid of me."

"Did she say that?"

"Not to my face."

"OK." Krista looked at my file again. "Are you still taking your medication?"

I nodded. I really didn't have a choice. Those times when I went off the medication were the darkest days I ever faced. I would never go back there willingly. Just the thought of it made my wrists itch.

We wrapped up our session and Krista set me up for weekly appointments. I thanked her for seeing me and headed back to the train station. I got a good vibe from Krista. Better than my last shrink. But the issue of Elliot also being her patient loomed over me. I hadn't wanted him to know this about me and I was fairly certain from his reaction that he hadn't wanted me to know that about him either. So, where do we go from here?