Scene XXXV: One year later, at On Vine, an upscale restaurant in San Diego
It was a perfect San Diego evening. The restaurant was busting at the seams, as people eagerly ate and participated in lively conversation. Over in the corner of the outdoor dining area, the Parker-Nichols family is raising glasses to toast.
Walter: First of all, I would like to say that I am very happy that we could all gather here for this special occasion. Jen, you haven't looked more radiant. I'm so proud of you and your accomplishments. Getting your college degree is the first of many steps you will take in the right direction in your life. Second? You have proven to yourself that life does go on. You, yourself, have shown the world that while life can throw you a nasty curveball, you can still hit it out of the park. So, with that, I ask you all to raise a glass and congratulate Jennifer Nichols on a job well done!
The table erupts in applause and "saluts". Jen hasn't seen so many people happy for her in quite a long time. Walter and Audrey were there, beaming as proud parents. Sitting along with them at the table were Josh and Mindy, arm in arm and ever looking more in love. Drake was there also, dressed very well in a smart, but sleek Brooks Brothers suit, and with him is Andrea, his steady girlfriend of nearly six months. He has never looked so at ease with himself ever. Megan also stood and applauded, flanked on her left by Neal.
Over the past year, a lot has changed for the family. After that initial session in Dr. Greenberg's office, the family agreed to continue to meet once a month to discuss any issues involving Jennifer, but issues among themselves as well. These sessions have proved to be very beneficial for everyone.
Walter and Audrey have renewed their love for each other, and for their love towards their children. Although that adoration was unwavering prior to the sessions, they only reinforced them much more. It was as if they were one family from the beginning of time. There was no more Nichols vs. Parker fighting. They were truly one big family.
Josh took a cue from Mindy and began volunteering at a place called Family Service League. There, they helped with the more severely ill patients by letting them participate in arts and crafts sessions. Their favorite was making scrapbook pages of family photos. The simple gesture of dressing up family pictures brought smiles to even the most horribly depressed faces.
Megan began talking to Neal again shortly after the third session. She grew to appreciate Neal for his honesty, and in admitting his mistakes in the past. It wasn't easy to find a boy like him. Although she still isn't ready to start "dating" boys, as she is only 13, she has found a true friend in Neal. Who knows where this will lead, but she's happy with what she has right now.
Drake met Andrea a little over a year ago. She was the one that introduce him to Sally, the infamous "Psycho Slut from Hell". After giving being a gentleman another shot, he found out that his cousin was right after all. Andrea is the perfect girl for him. She's smart, beautiful, and can play guitar just as well as Drake.
Jen sits at the head of the table surveying the audience. In the past 18 months she has turned her life around to where she can survive on her own. Although she is still taking medication, and actively participating in cognitive therapy, she feels comfortable enough to continue on this path like a grown up.
What Jen doesn't know is that her soul mate is sitting two tables over.
To be continued…
