Ryland wheeled her trolley across the polished tile floor of the hallway, her face burning under the gaze of her 'stalker' beside her. He ran ahead of her and opened another door, and she rolled her eyes.
"I don't need a babysitter, you know…", she snapped as she entered the expansive room. She was surprised to see that they had been beaten there by several others, and she stopped walking at the door, her right hand coming across to grip her left arm nervously. Adam didn't say a word to her snark, only stepped up beside her and placed his hands on his hips.
"Well…at least it's not couple's therapy…that would have been awkward."
"In your dreams, asshole…", Ryland snapped once more before more footsteps were heard behind them.
"Let's calm the language…It could be a major trigger for some of the youngsters here.", a man, not much older than all the others murmured to them, his eyes narrowed in a small smile, "I'm Andrew…"
"Well it's nice to meet you Andrew. I'm Adam…", Adam scooted from behind Ryland, extending a hand. Andrew's eyes widened just a bit, and he took a step back, nodding politely at the extended hand. Adam dropped it, his face reading of his stupidity, as Ryland giggled softly.
"Nice to meet you both…", Andrew whispered, clearing his throat. He pasted on a smile once more, and took off across the room, "So glad to see the huge turn out today! I'm Andrew…I'll be mentoring you, for now. Why don't we start by taking a seat…"
He made a gesture toward the chairs, for those who weren't seated, and then smiled, "And can I ask for a volunteer to get us started? Give us your name, how old you are, and why you feel you are here…", he continued, gazing around at everyone.
Ryland and Adam took their seats toward the middle of the half circle, and Ryland placed her hands under her, obviously not volunteering. Adam, however, stood straight back up.
"My name is Adam Baker…I'm um…some of you know me…from school and stuff…", he paused, suddenly nervous, under the eyes of semi familiar faces, "I'm here because my parents have decided that making my own choices has lead to me becoming clinically depressed, and that I'm throwing away my life. She apparently hopes that you…or you guys can convince me that I'm a douchebag jock who needs the money, but deserves to be alone…"
His honesty caused Ryland to raise her eyebrows, slightly impressed as she glanced around, and finally met Andrew's surprised eyes.
"Well…we're happy you're here Adam, for your support and everyone else's…Right guys?"
BladeSS4
kingeditor
Oso
Shadow Dragon
