LISA
I am sitting in a middle of a therapy session. I really do not want to be here right now because this patient has been coming here almost every day this week. He has the exact same problem as the day before and I swear he just comes here to see me.
"So...how does it make you feel?"
I know what his answer is going to be as it has been the same every day. I look at the clock and I pray for every minute to go by faster. He pays good money for best therapy but I am almost sure he does not need any therapy.
"I know you are the best Psychologist but just feel alone in this world and I wish that I can have someone by my side to help me with the demons that I have to deal with every day"
Blah blah blah. He wants to go on a date with me. Suddenly, I have a great idea for him. I stand up and walk over to my desk. I remember that one of my patients gave me this business card and I am sure that he would make use of it.
"I feel your pain, Mr. Harrison and I think I have a solution"
I can see the shock on his face as he did not expect me to give him a solution.
"Here you go. Call this number. Tell them that I have told you to call them and I am sure you will not be lonely anymore. Now, if you will excuse me my next patient is waiting"
There is no next patient but I can not stand the sight of this man any longer. I help him up while he looks at the business card that I gave him and then as I open the door for him he says.
"But our time is not up yet-"
"They say there is no time like the present to resolve the problem that you have. Make use of this time and call that number"
Then I close the door behind him. I will gladly refund his money and from here on out I will be too busy to see him. I sit behind my desk taking a deep breath. I know that I gave up a life in the Navy for this but now all of a sudden, the wounded soldiers do not look so bad in comparison.
But then as I stare out of the window I remember. I just could not handle seeing them so distorted and destroyed. There was nothing that I could do to make them feel better about the men that they lost in the field. I guess in many ways I did not want to hear how every man that I had to do therapy with, had a good friend that died before their eyes.
I know that my dad was not happy with my decision for leaving the Navy but I had to do it for myself because I was sure that I was drowning little by little. I will much rather handle a divorcee that can not get grips with reality or someone that is clinically depressed for no reason at all.
Just then there is a knock on my door.
"Come in"
"Dr. Miller..."
It is my secretary, Stacey. She has been with me a few years now and maybe we have become close friends too.
"...your father called and said he would, and I quote, "want to see his daughter again before he dies"
My dad is very possessive and protective. I see him every week for dinner but every time he acts as if he never sees me.
"Just tell him that I am seeing him Friday night and that he will not die because he is too stubborn"
Stacey just smiles at me and then walks out of my office. Then my phone light up with a text.
"Can't wait to see you"
Oh god, I have completely forgotten about my date tonight. I have been with Steve for almost a year now and I keep on forgetting things when it comes to him. He is such a good guy and I can see that he really cares for me.
I jump up and run out of my office. Stacey then calls after me.
"Where are you going?!"
"I am late again!"
"Steve?"
"Yes, but don't tell anyone"
Stacey knows me too well and she is the only one that knows that I always forget about Steve. I call a cab and then make my way to the restaurant where we are going to meet. I rush through the doors and then I see him sitting at a table.
He is always on time and then he gives me that smile he always does. He stands up when I walk closer and kiss me on my cheek. I take off my jacket and he helps me take a seat.
"I am so sorry I am late"
"I know that my Lisa is always late and I love her for that"
I smile and give him a kiss on his cheek.
"I have already ordered for us if that is okay?"
"That is fine. You know what I like"
He is the perfect boyfriend. He is a cardiovascular surgeon. Because of his schedule, we do not get to see each other much, and that works just fine for me. What we have is comfortable and I like it that way. We eat and drink, enjoying each other's company.
At the end of the night, we say goodbye as he has another surgery he needs to attend to. He helps me get a cab and then I make my way back to my apartment. It has been the perfect date.
I open the door to my apartment and then I listen to my answering machine. There are a few ads and people who would like to sell things to me. I take off my jacket as I listen to every message and then pour myself a glass of wine. Then the next message comes through.
"Honey, it is your dad. I know that we have the usual dinner on Friday but I want to know if I can see you earlier. I need your help with something. Please call me back as soon as you can. I love you, my pumpkin"
I wish my dad will stop calling me pumpkin. I think that I am all grown up now and at least deserve to be called something else. I wonder what an Admiral would like to have help with, especially from me. He has the entire Navy at his beck and call.
I melt away in the softness of my couch while drinking my wine. I had an exhausting day and can not wait to fall asleep in my bed. I will deal with my dad tomorrow. He might be the Admiral but he is still only my dad.