Hand of Thorns by Ashley Beale Page A

Time me or something? I'd like to be available for all her appointments."
    "Absolutely, that would not be a problem whatsoever. Do you have any more questions or concerns you would like to discuss with Monica or myself while we're all here?"
    "Oh, I don't think so. Babe?" She looks up to Leon, who is still looking anywhere but at me.
    "I can't think of anything."
    "Okay, so I will keep in touch. Have a safe trip, Ellie." Marney walks them to the door, closing it behind them as they leave.
    She looks to me with a small smile on her face, not nearly as enthusiastic as before. "Are you ready for your first counseling session?"
    "No choice, right?" I laugh playfully, but it comes out dull.
    "You do have a choice, but it is highly recommended. Only once a month until you're at thirty five weeks. It really isn't so bad, and you'll be able to leave when you feel like it."
    I nod my head, standing from the bench. "Then I'm ready."
     
     
    The counselor is much older than Marney and myself, probably in her mid-to-late fifties. She has on thick glasses, and her face is framed with choppy dark brown hair. She is a heftier woman who wears clothes straight from the nineties, but she is polite in her briefing, and starts out asking simple questions that I have no issues talking about.
    Then she asks, "How did you feel during the ultrasound?" And I'm left feeling indifferent.
    "I don't really know," I answer honestly.
    "Why is that?"
    "I felt a lot of things, but I also felt... empty. I don't think I can explain it."
    "Believe it or not, that is common. The fetus is growing inside of you, and you're experiencing all the hormones and emotions, but you have your brain warning you not to get attached. It's sending out signals all over your body, letting it know this is going to be tough. This is why it's extremely important you have a support system behind you. You do have friends and family helping, correct?"
    Bowing my head in shame, I admit that I haven't told my mom yet. I also tell her about everything that happened with Sumner, but how I have Rochelle and Penelope helping me. She gives me options on different ways to tell my mom, with the probability of having a friend with me when I do so. Then she gives me guidance with everything that happened with Sumner. By the end of the counseling session, I do feel a lot better. She helped clarify my thoughts and gave me the encouragement I needed.
    Walking out of the building, I check my phone for messages or calls. I have one text from my mom, asking if I'll be there for supper. I've been avoiding her lately, scared on how to tell her about everything, especially watching her gradually do better with her addiction and grief.
    I type out a message telling her I'll be there sometime after five. Then suddenly I scream out when someone's hand touches my shoulder. Quickly turning, I go to swing for whoever it is, just to be frozen in place by bright silver eyes.
    "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Leon's face looks anything but sorry. In fact, he looks purely amused.
    Taking a couple deep breathes to ease my pounding heart, I take a step back from Leon, knowing the proximity of one another is far too close. "It's fine. I really wasn't expecting anyone I know to be around here. Or to touch me without saying something first."
    He runs his hand over the scruff on his face, while still looking seductive with his half smile. Except, I told myself not to think that, so I look away from him, pretending to be in a bit of a hurry.
    "Looking for someone?" he asks.
    "Just my car." I realize seconds after I say that that we're nowhere near the parking lot, and I'm definitely not looking around like I can't find my car. I'm looking... well, pathetic.
    He doesn't say as much, but when I sneak a look back over at him, he continues to stare at me with enjoyment.
    "What are you still doing here anyway?" I ask. My appointment was over an hour long after they left.
    "Wanted to celebrate."
    "Celebrate what?"
    "Were