The Edge of the Rain by Patrick Councilor
"There's someone here to see you."
"I don't have any patients scheduled. Who is it?" she asked.
The door opened and the last person she expected to step through the door, did just that.
"Hello Mel."
"Niles... What are you doing here?" She stood up from her chair, but stayed on that side of her desk. "Why would you come here?"
"I've come to ask you a favor."
"Well that's mighty big of you since you involved me in the shortest marriage on record," she snapped.
"That was so long ago and... I'm happy to say, I see a ring on your finger."
"Yes, I've found someone who appreciates a good woman, though I can't say that it's any concern of yours."
"I am sorry for what happened between us. Even today, I am. I had no intentions of hurting you."
"Well, I'm glad. Because if that's what unintentional felt like, I surely am glad not to feel the repercussions of you intentionally wanting to hurt me."
"I only bring it up because I hope he makes you very happy."
"He does, thank you."
"I'm very glad to hear that. Do you have children?"
"Two."
"I have three. They grow up so fast, don't they?"
"Tell me about it. What are their names?"
"David, Rozalynda and Abigail."
Mel showed a partial smile. "I have two girls. Gwendolyn and Rochelle." There was a moment of silence for what they had in common. "So, what can I do for you and afterwards, convince me why I should help you."
"My son… he's in love. The girl was in an accident and needs reconstructive surgery."
"What do you want from me, Niles? My specialties are nips and tucks, Botox, and lifts. I am far from being a reconstructive surgeon."
"Well, I was looking into the best plastic surgeons and Dr. Coleman of New York seems to be the choice in the field."
"Yes, unless you're considering going out of the country, he is your best."
"I recall you mention his name before."
"Yes, I've met him at a few conventions. My father knows him well."
"It is near impossible to book a consult with him."
"Well, I would imagine so…" She gave him the look. "Niles. No. No, Niles."
"The lives of two very wonderful kids have stopped completely. They deserve better than this."
There was a moment of silence... a moment of consideration. "What if I do this for you? What is in it for me? What do I get out of it?"
"What can I offer you?"
"Well… you're a shrink. I want thirty free one-hour sessions. Fifteen for Gwendolyn, fifteen for Rochelle. No wait, let's go twenty/ten. Gwendolyn has much more baggage."
"Of course. I would be happy to oblige. Thank you Mel." He went to shake her hand.
"That won't be necessary. No contact."
Niles back-stepped away. "Of course."
"I'll have my father make the call."
"Thank you Mel. Let's make it sixty free sessions… that is... if you would like that many. And her name is Danielle Shackleford and I will be responsible for the bill."
"Can you afford that kind of bill?"
Niles squinted. "Not exactly."
"I'll see if my father can get you the friends and family rate."
"God bless you Mel. Thank you."
She smiled and shy-fully glanced his way. "You're welcome Niles. And thank you. And… how is… Daphne?"
"She's good. Very good. And your husband?"
"Phillip. He's good. He may be coming to see you. He may need to use some of those free sessions."
Niles laughed. "Oh, yes."
But Mel wasn't laughing. "You think I'm joking, don't you?"
Niles face flushed as he backed up to the door. He shuttered at the thought of consulting with her husband and having something in common with him: being married to Mel. "Oh, I'm sorry. Well, I best be going. Thanks again Mel." He opened the door, stepped out and closed the door in one fluent movement.
[ ONE WEEK LATER ]
Niles came through the door. His beautiful wife was there to greet him with a kiss and to take his briefcase and coat.
"How was your day?" She handed him a glass of sherry.
"Oh, thank you. Busy. I just want to relax. Nothing more and nothing less."
"Alright. I'll go fetch your slippas." She hung his jacket, put his brief case up and headed upstairs to get his slippers.
There was a knock at the door.
"Now, who could that be?" He got up from his comfortable place on the couch and answered it.
David was standing there. "Thanks Dad." He took the sherry that Niles was holding before stepping inside.
"It's alright son. I was just about to get myself some." When Niles retrieved another glass of sherry, he sat down with his son. "What a pleasant surprise. What brings you…" He stopped in his tracks when he saw his son tearing up. "David what's wrong?"
David tried to swallow, but the lump in his throat was hard to fight through. "Danielle is… a… she's scheduled for surgery next week in New York. Mom… Mom says that you… you went and set this up… with Mel."
Niles grinned and he nodded.
David meant to say thank you, but he was so emotional, that it didn't come out right. He hugged his father in great appreciation.
Daphne had just come downstairs when she found her men hugging. She put a hand to her chest in gratitude.
"I love you pop. I love you very, very much."
"I love you too, son. I love you too."
When they broke away, David tried to dry his tears before his mother came in for a hug.
"You see, things are going to be fine," Daphne told him.
"Thank you. And thank you Dad. It must have been difficult to go see Mel."
Niles toasted his son with his glass of sherry. "Well, you're worth it, son."
