Thanks for the support!
Chapter Twenty-Two
Rayburn felt slightly embarrassed being seen at such a meeting. She didn't belong here in a dank room that smelled like stale coffee. She was better than all of them. She had half a mind to turn away but the she saw him.
He looked more at ease in the room. As he came closer she noticed big circles under his eyes. His tie was crooked. He looked as tired as she felt.
Rayburn took the initiative. "We meet again Dr. Reid," she said somberly.
"I had a feeling I might see you here. Our schools are so close."
"Will that be a problem?" she asked tightly.
"No. I am only here for help with my daughter. I honestly don't care why you're here."
"Well so am I, so your presence doesn't bother me either."
The last two seats left were facing each other in the circle. They purposely looked avoided looking at each other.
A woman with short graying hair stood up to speak.
"My name is Dr. Gina Carlin. To those who are new to our group, welcome. This is a judgement-free zone where we discuss the unique issues we each face as parents and/or guardians. Who would like to start?"
A woman named Samantha began to speak about the difficulties of raising her child adopted from Russia. She spoke about how difficult it was to relate to her. Other parents offered support and comforting words. Some even shared stories of similar struggles.
Next was a man named Brenden, spoke about the difficulties of raising two kids as a single divorced dad. He described his frustrations over his wife's lack involvement despite still living only a few miles away.
Neither Reid nor Rayburn offered any input. They were both too busy not staring at each other while lost in their own thoughts.
It was Reid's turn to speak.
"My name is Spencer and my wife died suddenly five years ago. My daughter is twelve years old. Despite my best efforts and intentions, she had turned into a bully. She doesn't respect authority and verbal therapy isn't working as well as I hoped. I keep asking her if it has to do with losing Mom and she won't talk to me about it."
A person raised her hand.
"Do you think she'd open up to another member of the family? Maybe an aunt or an uncle even?"
"Her only aunt lives in New Mexico and the members of definition of family are very busy."
Another person raised their hand.
"If your family cares about you, maybe one might be able to help you. It never hurts to ask."
Reid nodded. "Thank you I'll consider that." He then took his seat.
Rayburn could not stop staring at Reid after that. Reid avoided her gaze. This man was clearly lost. It wasn't his fault that his daughter was acting this way. He didn't have the support system he needed. He was lost and afraid to seek out the help he needed. Kind of like her in some ways.
Someone coughed. Rayburn looked around and realized it was her turn.
"My name is Addison and I hate my ex," she said bluntly. "We constantly fought when were married. It took us nine years to realize we shouldn't be living together and were hurting our daughter Stephanie. The divorce papers were officially signed two years ago.
My daughter is twelve and hates me. She worships the ground my ex walks on because he lets her have whatever she wants. He has a girlfriend he plans on marrying in two months and wants to refile for full custody."
A man raised his hand.
"I know what that's like," he said. "My oldest son likes his step father more than me. We're currently fighting over how my son is getting a car I can't afford to give him."
Rayburn let out a short laugh. "I can't wait until that conversation comes up."
Others offered advice and suggested services to her. She appreciated their input but more than anything it felt good to say what she'd been feeling in a judgement free environment.
When she sat down she notice Reid was now staring intensely at her. His eyes were full sympathy. She looked like she felt: Hungry for a connection.
Others spoke at the meeting but neither paid any attention. They were both lost in each other's eyes. Rayburn noticed how good he looked in the sense that she guessed he probably looked a good five years younger than he actually was. His hair was a little too long for a man his age but it probably looked perfectly at home on a college campus. Rayburn could see from the way the corners of his mouth twitched that maybe he was admiring her too. There was a level of mutual attraction.
The meeting concluded and they both got up at the same time. They both stared at each other for another second. Rayburn turned away and then turned to see that Reid had done the same. She didn't look his direction again.
It couldn't work. Rayburn wasn't interested in another relationship. She tried to brush any thoughts of attract away as she got in her car. She knew she wasn't entirely successful.