It's been awhile, hasn't it? I've been distracted by school, among other things. My apologies:
Elizabeth and Henry kept their eyes averted from one another; both gazing out their respective windows as the D.C. skyline came into view.
"You know we don't have to do this," Elizabeth muttered as the car drove on.
"I want to," Henry stated.
"I just don't see why we need-"
"Elizabeth, please, I don't want to start anything before we get there."
"Fine," Elizabeth sighed and rested her head against the window.
Per Henry's request that morning, the two were headed for Dr. Sherman's office, and as much as Elizabeth appreciated the gesture, it seemed a little desperate for the situation. She had hoped that they could've figured it out on their own. Instead, it felt as though they were giving up before they had the chance to try.
"I was a little surprised to receive your call this morning," Dr. Sherman announced as she entered the room.
Henry glanced over at Elizabeth before answering, "...Yes, well, I thought we could use a visit...things haven't been the greatest at home."
"How so?" Dr. Sherman asked.
"We've been...arguing."
"Work," Elizabeth mumbled, "We've-I've been arguing about work."
"...And we haven't been able to get past the arguing," Henry admitted.
"What about work is bothering you?"
"It's all-" Elizabeth paused as to try to collect her thoughts and frustration, "It's not about work."
"It's not," Dr. Sherman noted.
"No," Elizabeth conceded. "No, it's not. I just want us to spend more time with the kids...and, and-"
"-I don't buy that," Henry cut in.
"I-"
"Why don't you?" Dr. Sherman questioned, once more.
"Because it's something more. I know, and that's why I thought we should stop by," Henry assured.
Dr. Sherman gestured toward Elizabeth.
"I was hoping we'd try to work something out before throwing in the towel."
"Elizabeth, we have. It's not working," Henry sighed
"If you say so…" She breathed, causing Henry to scoff.
"What's bothering you, Elizabeth?" Dr. Sherman asked.
"Umm," She inhaled,"Well, I've felt like our house has become something foreign. Even our kids...I...I don't feel like I know them anymore. I'm sick of following this routine-it's not me-it's not us."
"Routine?" Henry questioned.
"Yes, every day it's 'go, go, go,' but god forbid if anyone ever took the time to look at each other," Elizabeth stopped, sensing her frustration overwhelming her protective, calm front."
"Then we'll take devices and it will all-"
"-It's…" She sucked air in, "That's not what this is about, Henry."
"Yeah," He laughed, "You want me to quit."
"I just want to be able to interact with my family," Her voice began to shake, "...and I don't want you to quit. I want you home."
"Henry," Dr. Sherman nodded, taking advantage of the silent room.
"I-I just don't see what the big deal is. You know, we're both passionate about our work, but we make it work."
"Yes," Elizabeth laughed, "We make it work by hiding everything, Henry. I mean, don't you notice the kids? They know something's up. They're either out or moping around...Jason's grades..."
"I-I-"
Before Henry had a chance to answer, Dr. Sherman intervened. "Here's what I think needs to happen," She began, "You need to sit down, as a family, and talk through some of these feelings. My guess is your children are feeling some of what Elizabeth is, and, Henry, it wouldn't hurt to try. Alright?"
"Yeah," They both nodded.
"...And then you can come back in...a week, and we'll see where we're at, Okay?"
"Sounds good," Henry smiled as he stood, "Thank you, Dr. Sherman."
"Yes, thank you," Elizabeth said extending her hand.
When they arrived home later that afternoon, the house appeared to be empty.
"Hello?" Elizabeth called out from at the bottom of the staircase, "We're home."
"Guys?" Henry added.
"Hmm...see?"
"Ha. They'll come," Henry assured. And sure enough, all three descended the stairs in a moments time.
"What's up?" Alison asked.
"Family meeting, in the family room," Henry replied, "C'mon, let's go."
"So...why, are we doing this?" Stevie asked once everyone was seated.
"You're dad and I want to talk about what's been going on here...a chance to get out everything you've been thinking...or feeling," She looked across at her son, "For me, personally, I know I haven't felt much at home-"
"-Are you and dad, okay?" Alison's panic stopped her mother.
"Yeah, Noodle, we are. We're just working some stuff out," Henry consoled, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder.
"You were saying…" Stevie motioned toward her mother to continue.
"Look, we-I-know that with work and all we haven't exactly been there for you guys, so we just want to know what you're thinking."
"Yeah, I've noticed," Stevie agreed, "But we've gotten used to everything."
"But don't you miss our old family life?" Elizabeth asked.
"Isn't that just part of the job, though?" Alison asked.
"Well, no, it doesn't have to be," Elizabeth replied.
"I just want you to quit," Jason mumbled into his hand.
"Jason," both sisters reprimanded.
"What? You guys think this is fun?" He defended, "We live under a microscope."
"We just have to be careful…" Stevie replied.
"Well, you'd sure be the one to know," He shot back.
"Really?" Alison came to her sister's defense.
"Uh...yeah."
"Enough you two," Henry stepped in.
"Jase," Elizabeth addressed, "Do you want to continue?"
Jason sat up, and a look of aggravation washed his face. "They know it too," He said, pointing at his sisters. "They want you to quit. They're just too afraid to admit it, but-"
"-Is that true?" Elizabeth glanced at her daughters.
"...Not entirely…" Stevie hushed as she slouched further into the chair.
"Stevie, be honest" Elizabeth directed.
"Yeah, okay...yeah, I do," Stevie replied.
"Thank you. How 'bout you, Noodle?"
"Yeah," Alison responded in a barely audible whisper.
"Alright," Elizabeth sighed, "But I need some explanations.
"We're not the 'Merry McCords' anymore. I miss that," Stevie said through pursed lips.
"I do too, baby," Elizabeth laughed at her eldest.
"I just miss you," Allison said, reaching her arms out to her mother.
"I know baby, I missed you too," Elizabeth cooled, reciprocating her daughter's hug.
"This house was so depressing," Alison added, hugging her mother tighter.
"What about you, Big man?" Henry looked across the room at his son.
"...Yeah, I missed you too...and all that sappy stuff," Jason huffed, "So are you gonna quit, though?"
All eyes were quick to flock to Elizabeth as they waited for her response.