Tate walked out of the shadows and into the front room.
"You mean it? You want to be my friend?" He asked, smiling excitedly.
"Yes Tate, just no more watching me sleep ok?" I instructed and he nodded. He walked over to me. I sat down and packed the bowl before grabbing my lighter.
"Why don't you smoke with me before the doctor gets here. I'm probably not supposed to be high for an appointment, but I'm in a bit of pain." I explained as I took a hit. He sat down next to me and watched me as I passed it to him. He took a hit.
"So what's wrong with you?" He asked bluntly.
"Mentally or physically? Cause there is a list." I chuckled.
"Both." He said.
"Mostly just anxiety and depression. I also have an endocrine disorder and a dysfunction that causes chronic pelvic pain." I told him. I wasn't sure why I told this strange kid these things.
"Sounds like it sucks." He stated as he took another hit before passing it back.
"Yeah, but what can I do? Nothing, except play the cards I've been dealt. That's all anyone can do." I said before inhaling the smoke again. I just needed a decent buzz to get me through the session.
"I'm a diagnosed psychopath." The boy sighed. I was shocked by this confession. I sat up and looked at him.
"Tate, a diagnosis is just a sheet of paper. Your life is in your hands. I've hurt people, and I've paid for it. You don't have to be like that. You are in charge of your own life." I told him. This kid may be messed up, but so was I. If I could prevent him from making my mistakes, maybe I could find redemption somehow.
"Who did you hurt?" Tate wondered. I took another hit and passed the bong back to him.
"A few years ago I had a mental breakdown at my father's office and I harmed myself. Security was called and I fought back. In the struggle, I pushed one of the guards down the stairs. Thankfully he survived, but he was very badly injured." I sighed, feeling those bad, self-loathing thoughts sneaking in again.
"You didn't mean to though." He said.
"Still, someone got hurt and it was my fault," I added. He just gave me a sympathetic look.
"You hungry? I've got plenty of chips and sweets." I Offered, I usually ate a bunch of snack cakes when I smoked.
"I could eat." He said and smiled. I handed him my snack box. He took a few things out and I took another hit.
When it got close to 2 o'clock I went upstairs to get ready to see the doctor, I was already dressed, but I wanted to put on a bit of concealer to cover the dark circles under my eyes. Benny knocked on my bedroom door and I answered.
"Who is the kid on the couch?" He asked.
"Neighbor, his mom said he needed a friend. Frankly, I think he just wants some time away from her, the woman seems rather overbearing." I told him as I pulled my hair into a ponytail.
"Alright, I'm heading out for a bit. Want me to show him out?" He asked.
"Sure, I wouldn't want him to sit there while I'm talking to the doctor," I said.
Benny left and I guessed that Tate had as well. I heard the doorbell ring and I rushed downstairs to answer the door. When I opened it I saw Doctor Harmon standing there. He had kind eyes and a nice smile, but something about him seemed a little off.
"Hello Doctor Harmen, come in." I welcomed him and showed him into the sitting room.
"It's very nice to meet you, Ms. Winchester," He said. "Today will be a simple session. I just want to get to know you." He informed me as we sat down.
"Ok, well I just moved here from Kansas." I started as I picked at my arm. I saw his eyes dart to my arm and I stopped.
"And you were hospitalized there, correct?" He questioned and I nodded.
"For about a month and a half," I confirmed and he wrote something down in his notebook. I chewed on my lip and squirmed in my seat.
"And what was the reason for your hospital stay?" He asked, looking up at me.
"I had a mental breakdown at my previous workplace and I injured a security guard," I explained and he sat up, looking at me more attentively, which made me anxious.
"What triggered this?" He wondered, preparing to write down whatever I said next.
"My mother had unexpectedly called me and started in on me, about… well I don't really remember, something ridiculous I'm sure." I expounded.
"Your mother causes you a great deal of stress. Was she physically, mentally, or sexually abusive?" He pondered and I nodded.
"All three," I said. He made another note and we talked a bit longer about lighter subjects, such as my move and future employment endeavors.
He left after about thirty minutes and I went to the kitchen to get a cup of tea. Moira was there, cleaning the floors and I could see right up her dress. No way was that dress appropriate, but I wasn't about to complain. I put the kettle on and Moira walked over. She leaned against the counter and I struggled not to stare at her chest.
"You seem stressed." She observed and gently touched my arm. I looked at her hand and back at her.
"Well I am with the move and doctor's appointments, dad still won't be here for a few more weeks." I sighed and grabbed a teabag.
"I could help you with some of that stress." She offered and smirked. I thought about taking her up on that for a moment. I imagined all the ways she could take my worries away.
"Moira as much as I would love to, it would be inappropriate, you work for my father," I told her. She looked disappointed. The kettle squealed and I turned back to get it. When I went to pour the water I saw that she was gone. I huffed sadly and leaned back against the counter. At that moment Constance walked in, without even knocking. I jumped slightly and looked over.
"Constance, I wasn't expecting company," I announced, hoping she'd get the hint and leave, but of course, she didn't.
"I just wanted to bring you some flowers dear, to brighten up the place." She gave another backhanded remark. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
"Thank you, Constance, that is very kind." I showed false gratitude.
"So that friend of yours, is he single?" She questioned, fluffing her curls and looking around for him.
"I think Benny has had his eyes on someone for a long time," I stated. I had caught him checking out my dad a few times when he thought no one was looking.
"You?" She asked, sizing me up as though I were competition.
"No, Benny is not my type at all." I laughed. I wasn't going to tell her I was a lesbian, she didn't seem like the accepting kind.
"Is Tate your type?" She prodded.
"I assure you, Constance, my only interest in your son is friendly," I said firmly. She scoffed and rolled her eyes as though I had offended her in some way.
"Well I should be on my, it's time to walk the dogs." She grumbled and walked out. I stood there, dumbfounded. I went back to preparing my tea.