Friday: June 29, 2012 3:45 P.M.

I walked into Dr. Sullivan's office. I had my therapy with her today. Admittedly, I was rather glad about that. Things had been tense and awkward with Randy at home this week, and I had hope that Dr. Sullivan could help me find a solution.

Dr Sullivan greeted me with a smile. "Marissa! Glad to see you! Have a seat!"

I sit down. "Thanks. Nice to see you too."

"How did work go this week?"

"Pretty well honestly. The only issue I had was a disagreement with my ex, but I didn't appreciate that he got involved in my business."

"I see. How are things going with Randy?"

I sigh. "I don't know. We talk a little bit, but it's tense and awkward. I think he's still upset because I am still going to work on my birthday on Monday."

"And he doesn't think that you should still?"

"I'd assume not. He hasn't said anything else about it. I think he's trying to keep things peaceful since my birthday is in three days, but I still think it's way too awkward at home. My birthday party is tomorrow. I don't want it to be affected."

"I see. Well, I believe that you should do what you believe is best on your birthday. If it's going to work, then go to work. As for things being awkward, maybe you should approach Randy about it and talk about it, so you both can work to make things less awkward."

"That is probably a good idea."

"I'd also suggest that you do that tonight since your birthday party is tomorrow."

"You're probably right about that. The last thing I want is for it to affect my birthday party."

"You two are also going to need to work together on your issues to get through. I'm not trying to advertise and make you pay me more money, but couples therapy is something to consider. I do host couples therapy as well."

"I don't want to go straight to that, but I'll consider it if whatever we end up doing doesn't work out for us."

"That's completely understandable. Just make sure that you two find a way to get on the same page about things. That's the only way the two of you are going to get through this."

"I understand."

"Anyway, how are you doing with those letters from your mom?"

"I haven't read any since the last time I came here."

"I see. It seems like you put off reading these letters quite a bit."

I sigh. "I didn't have a good relationship with my mother while she was alive. It's a bit rough to read these letters."

"I understand where you're coming from, but you should read them. How about this week you try to talk to Randy about your issues and make things a little bit better and you try to read one of the letters from your mother, okay?"

"Okay. I'll try that. Thank you, Dr. Sullivan."

Randy looked at me as I arrived back home. "Hey, how'd your errands go?"

I start taking the groceries that I bought on my way home to the kitchen to put away. "Good. I got everything taken care of."

Randy follows me into the kitchen and helps put the groceries away. "That's good to hear. Glad that you were able to get everything taken care of."

I nod. "Yeah, is that everything?"

"I think it is."

"That's good. I guess we're done putting things away."

"Yeah, listen, I know things have been a bit awkward between us recently. If it's…uh if it's too much, I can stay away from the birthday party tomorrow."

"Why would I want you to stay away from my birthday party? You're my husband. I want you there."

"I'm just making sure. You won't be getting my gift at the party though. I'm waiting for you to actually turn thirty."

"Oh. Alright."

"I don't want things to be tense and awkward between us." Randy whispers.

I lean on him. "Me either. I want us to be able to be at peace with each other."

"The thing is it won't be able to be fixed that quickly."

"I know."

Randy kisses my forehead. "I know that it'll be rough, but we'll get this figured out."

"I know we will. We always do."

Randy smiled. "Yeah, we do. Let me cook dinner tonight."

"Oh, you're cooking?"

"Yeah, I've been practicing. Let me cook."

"Alright."

Saturday: June 30, 2012 7:19 P.M.

I blew out the candles on my birthday cake after everyone sang happy birthday to me. I smile as Randy starts cutting the cake. I sigh as I watch him.

Randy gives me a plate with a piece of cake on it. "Here you go, birthday girl."

I roll my eyes. "My birthday isn't for two more days."

Randy smirks as he gets his own piece of cake. "But it's your party. Also, I'm officially halfway through this suspension."

"You are, aren't you? I guess that's only one more month with people making comments about it."

Randy raises an eyebrow. "Who made a comment about it?"

"Daniel did, but I put him in his place."

"Good." Randy kisses me.

"Gross, we didn't ask to see this PDA." Tyler comments.

I roll my eyes as I kiss Randy back. "It's my birthday."

"Your birthday isn't for two more days."

"But this is my party."

Randy chuckles as he pulls me back in for more kissing. "I love you. I couldn't tell you how happy I am that you finally came back to sleeping with me in our bed last night."

"I should be keeping it that way. I have problems sleeping when you're not in bed with me."

"So do I." Randy whispers. "We're going to get things back to the way they should be."

I smile as I take a bite of my cake. "That's what I want."

"Good, I'll get you that. Also, my plans for celebrating your birthday are much better than this party."

"That's great because I'm getting a little bored."

"I'll get you an excuse to leave soon."

"Thanks, stud."