Alex- A special POV

***Self Description***

Many of my clients often ask me how I sort things out quickly. The answer, ironically, is something I probably can't  think of myself! I'm an older brother and I care a lot about Rachel because, quite simply put, I didn't have the same privilege. 

I was a pretty average student at school but every time I needed help, mom and dad were busy. "Figure it out yourself." they always said. So I always feel the urge to jump in and help those who can't really help themselves in a situation. I admit, sometimes I go too far and people do need to learn the value of independence too but it just can't be helped!

That's why I got into psychology and decided to become a full-time therapist. If teen me would have walked into my office today, I would have definitely diagnosed him with anxiety disorder. I always felt like the world was running too fast for me to catch up. Of course, I still see signs of it when I'm thinking of my future or stuff mom otherwise calls "necessities" like getting married, for instance.

I do want to move out, but it really isn't as easy as it sounds. I always want to be there for Rachel and mom, even when they push me away which just won't be possible if I don't live here. People may assume I have the whole 'life' thing under control but truth is, I really don't.

Being a therapist may seem glamourous but truth is, in my facility, it really doesn't pay well. Honestly, when I'm drowning in a world of problems I have a passive sense of calm which makes me numb to my own.

***Real life***

I'm sitting down to talk to Naomi in my office.

"So, do you think you can talk about the coming out?", I ask her. She is still taking in the room, looking at all the marvel posters I put up.

"I think I can. So, Rachel had been telling me for quite a while about coming out. Originally, I hadn't planned to do so, but my trust in her convinced me, what was the worst that could happen? Turns out I was majorly wrong."

"Why do you think your parents reacted that way?", I ask as I take notes in my head.

"I honestly don't know. My stepdad and I haven't ever been close and my mom never really talked about this sort of stuff. It's kind of a sensitive topic, you know?"

"Yes, of course, I understand. When did you guys move in with your stepdad?", I ask.

"It's been about 6 months since they got married. He's really sweet to my mom but I never knew why he didn't make any effort to get to know me now that we're 'family'."

"How do you feel about your current relationships with them?"

"Frustrated... Angry and I'm just super tired at this point! I'm lonely in my own family and feel trusted when I'm with you guys.", Naomi sighs. Just then my phone rings. It's Nina.

"Hello?", I ask

"Alex! Rachel is freaking out because Naomi's stepdad is here to get her and we don't know what to do. We stalled for Naomi and it pretty much worked but he's here now!", Nina screamed into the phone.

"Give him the phone, let me do the talking. You stay upstairs with Rachel, okay?", I say.

"Okay.", I hear Nina running down the stairs and putting the phone on speaker.

"Hello?", I hear a gruff voice through the phone.

"Hello sir, I am Alex, Rachel's brother. I'm a certified therapist and I want to talk to you about your daughter.", I say as I try not to sound nervous.

"Look here, I don't care for this stuff. My step-daughter has been missing for quite some time and Tina Blaise of all people told me she was at her place. You are an adult, young man and you better be mature enough to hand her back.", he scolds. He sounds conceited, and I clearly notice he doesn't care one bit.

"Sir, you may not notice but the way you and your wife are handling the situation doesn't make it any better for Naomi to be in it. I understand it may come as a shock for her to come out to you but she needs a loving home and you just weren't giving that to her which caused her to run away.",  I calmly talk to him even though he had just scolded me.

"Son, I understand what you're saying but being the way she is, that's NOT how society works and she is too young to understand herself. Dating Rachel at this age should not be something she should be doing."

"If Naomi said she was straight, would you say she is too young to know?", I ask calmly.

"Um, frankly no. But that's different isn't it?", his voice seems to have calmed down a bit.

"It's only different if you treat her differently. Try to make a conscious effort to get to know her and let her come to therapy. It'd benefit your father-daughter relationship.", I suggest.

"Thank you for talking to me, I will try to think of this next time but do you think you could put Naomi on the phone?", he asks. I hesitate. Most people don't exhibit change this fast, and if they do they are probably acting. Though Naomi asks for the phone so I give it to her. I hope this ends well.