Carter was nervous. She kept looking back at her daughter and whenever she caught her eye she would smile, in what one could only assume was an attempt at a reassuring smile.
" I'm not nervous Mother. You're only reassuring yourself when you do that."
"Then let her reassure herself Nexus." Nexus' father said sternly, "You don't have to say that out loud, especially when you know she's stressed out."
"Why though? Her feelings are not my problem. And why is she stressed anyway? It's a Psychiatry appointment."
Before her father could retort her mother interjected.
"Alistair, calm down. Getting our feeling riled up won't make this situation any better. Her response is the exact reason we are going to see Dr. Abernathy."
"I hope he actually can help. Her attitude is disgusting. She's rude, selfish, and a liar!" He grumbled, saying that last part particularly loudly while staring at his daughter in the rear view mirror.
"Dear, don't say such things. However that does remind me. Nexus, honey. No lying to Dr. Abernathy ok? I know you may feel inclined to so that you get a particular result, but in the long run it will only do you more harm then good."
The young child stared blankly at her mother, cocking her head to the side in a silent bid for her to continue.
"Nobody likes to talk about the bad things that they've done, and nobody wants to get in trouble, I understand that. However, the only way for you to get better, and get in trouble less is to be honest with Dr. Abernathy. He's here to help you and has your best interest in mind. And everything you tell him will stay a secret between you and him. He won't even tell mommy and daddy what you tell him. Ok?"
"Really? It stays a secret?"
Carter nodded her head flashing Nexus another small, sad smile. She reached back and grabbed the the little girls hand, caressing her palm with her thumb. Nexus stared at both of their hands and noted how different they were. Her Mothers hand was a light tan, kissed by the sun as her father once told her, very different from from the girls own darker, coffee colored complexion. Not like the black coffe her father drinks, but lighter, like the iced carmel macchiato her aunt Rachel always has in her hand. The older woman's fingers were also very long, smooth and slender, meant for drawing and paint as she always did. In contrast the child's fingers were short, stubby and calloused from her time playing in the woods and building things with her Grandfather.
"We're here." her father stated.
Carter grabbed her daughter's hand again after they got out of the car. She gave one last reassuring squeeze as they all head toward the building. As they entered Nexus felt another hand clasp around her free hand and looked up to face her father.
"It'll be OK kid."
She still didn't know why they were so nervous.