Hey Everyone, sorry that I missed a week posting; I was swamped with last minute uni work, however *cue fanfare I am now finished semester! I can't wait to get back into writing :)

Thank you SuperWhoMiz, Guest, and gypsy rosalie for their reviews :)

Chapter 8

'So how is seeing the counsellor going?' Mitchell delicately picked up his chai latte and took a sip. His pinkie wasn't sticking out like Cam's did, yet it wasn't that much less feminine.

'Yeah, she's nice enough.' Alex shrugged. 'I think it's maybe a little easier to talk to a stranger, but it still feels really weird to talk about all this.'

'It will for a little while, but you need to find the core of the problem and you can only do that by talking.'

'Yeah, I know.' Alex sighed, but that doesn't make it any easier.

'Do you think you'll be able to talk to your family about how you're feeling?' Alex raised an eyebrow at this question, giving her uncle a pointed look.

'Did you?'

'Touché.' He nodded knowingly. 'I know the family is a little...'

'Way too involved in each other's lives?' Alex offered

'No...'

'Crazy control freaks?'

'No...'

'Over emotional yet at the same time paradoxically distant?'

'Let's just go with intense.' Mitchell suggested. 'But they're like that because they love us, and as crazy as they are they form a great support network and between Gloria's comforting, Dad's going out there to kill whoever hurt you, your mum's fussing, your dad's hugs and Cam's melodramatic sympathetic sobbing, we've got you covered for any support you might need.' Alex chuckled at the accurate description of her family.

'No doubt Manny would have a literary quote and a warm beverage to go with any feelings as well.' She said dryly. 'Your support is the one I like best though; you let me know you're there for me without looking at me with pity in your eyes.'

'I'm glad to hear you say that, because I never know if I'm helping or not,' Mitchell chuckled. 'I just leave you be so I don't become that awkward hoverer.'

'Like mum, you mean?'

'Yes, like your mum,' Mitchell agreed. 'Look, our family is a crazy bunch, but they care deeply and I think that when you're ready, it will be extremely beneficial for you to talk to them. Until then, though, you can always talk to me.'

'Thank you Uncle Mitchell, that really helps.' Alex smiled, she wasn't sure if the warm feeling spreading through her was inner peace and love, or the effects of the hot cocoa, but either way it felt good, and warm, and safe.

"Remember how it feels to be happy, and cherish those moments so you can work towards feeling that way again one day," her counsellor had told her. Alex wasn't sure if she could call this happiness, perhaps satisfaction was a better word for it. Either way, it was a lot better than how she had been feeling lately, and was a step towards how she wanted to feel in the future, so she drank in the feeling, concentrating on the warmth of each cell in her body.

I will get better, I will be at peace with myself one day, it had become sort of a mantra for Alex, reminding herself of what she hoped to achieve; the alternative was just not an option.

I don't know about you, but I like the fact that Alex has her uncle Mitch there for support :) Please review even if you just leave a few words to let me know people out there are reading :) Have a nice weekend everyone, I shall see you next Friday :)