A whole two months of Lucy going to therapy consecutively And she assumed everything was going fine so far.
After week one of therapy and talking about her consistent nightmares and lack of sleep, the therapist recommended melatonin (healthy dosages). She slept through the night now.
She had trouble waking up in the mornings though so her doctor suggested some coffee in the mornings. She could've figured that one out herself, for free as well.
On week 2, of therapy she had confessed her history with her father and the anxiety she had around most men that resembled him. The man chalked this up to irrational fears, so along with her weekly exercises to prevent her from drawing back from these people, he also prescribed to her benzodiazepines. This relaxes the muscles and calms the mind.
One week 3, her talks with the doctor were a bit more distanced and incomplete. The therapist could observe them as side effects of the medication; Lucy also admitting that she was feeling depressed. She was told to stop taking benzodiazepines from her daily dosages, and she was told to start taking Citalopram, an anti-depressant which also took care of PTSD and panic disorders.
On week 4, the therapist checked up on Lucy as always. No nightmares, no depression, and no drowsiness. A good start, even though they were a month in. They continued discussing the exercises she was told to practice and the effect. Lucy practiced them often, getting herself out and meeting new people. She said so far it worked, and people seemed to like her. Which they did. She couldn't help but think they were just being polite given her history. No doubt the whole town knew.
On week 5, Lucy was experiencing lack of motivation to do her exercises, and less motivation to talk to anyone. Therapist thought not the time to ask, noticing it seemed like a deeper situation than medication, or fear.
On week 6 Lucy finally came out and told her therapist that her father was being released in 2 months.
On week 7 the nightmares came back and the dreams revealed to be more lucid. Lucy was put back on benzodiazepines and some different antidepressants.
On week 8 Lucy was talkative, keeping to a healthy diet with a splash of coffee here and there, and working on her exercises. They're difficult at times, she admits, but she does them nonetheless. Therapist confirmed medications to be working and sees improvement in the patient. Consistent sessions are still required for follow up.
______________
Lucy walked into the diner lazily and slumped in the chair at the bar table. "Coffee.. please.." she groaned, not caring if she was heard or not. It seemed to reach some ones ears because the next thing her ears heard was the smell and sound of coffee. She looked up from the counter to see her coffee cup slid over to her by none other than the hands of Jess Mariano.
"You're still here." She teased and drank her coffee not caring how hot it is.
"You say that everyday." He smirked.
"I'll keep saying it until I believe that you're staying." She said.
"I'm staying. Why is it so important you know?" He commented slyly.
She purses her lips before drinking her coffee and ignoring his question. "Do you have a job yet Mariano?"
He smirked still. "This is my job."
"I mean a real job. One where your brain looks a little different than the paddies you flip. Where it's put to good use." She said already half done with her coffee.
"And where would that be?" He leaned on the counter on his elbows and looked at her.
"Have you written anything since high-school? It's almost been two years since you've been out." She said and finished her cup.
"I've been busy." He shrugged getting up from leaning on the counter already.
"Doing what?" She looked at him doubtfully. "Cleaning out the fryers?"
"More like making it okay with Luke." He said in a lower tone. She smirked seeing as she already knew this. Luke has begrudgingly let Jess stay. Meaning Jess moved in without permission and Luke didn't kick him out.
"Well you've worked your way to taking customers orders." She said sarcastically, "A step up in the family category and a step down in every business prospect." She said.
"Why are you being so mean to me?" He said teasingly and smiled. Lucy couldn't help but smile back confidently "I don't know, you bring this out in me I guess." She smiled.
Jess was not shocked but a little surprised to be seeing this side of Lucy. Frankly because he never expected she could be this lively. He assumed it might have been therapy. She seemed alive almost.
"Jess are you okay?"
He snapped out of his thoughts. That seemed more like her. Her old self at least, which he had a twinge of longing for.
"Hm?" He asked.
"You look dazed and confused." She smiled widely.
"That's called livin." He smirked and went to serve another customer.
"L I V I N." She smiled and completing the reference as she spelled. She proceeded to move to get more coffee from the other pot herself. She smiled as she filled up the cup.
She saw her reflection and bit her lip slightly. Her coffee colored reflection frowned.