A knock came up on the door of my room. I was in no mood to see anyone, even if it was Xavier. Shelly asked if I needed anything, but I told her to send in Mrs. Smith in whenever she came.

With folded arms, I continued to stare at the white flowing curtains that decorated my window. My eyes set upon the huge building, which stood next to mine. In it were a boy and two girls playing hide and seek. It was easy to see them from where I was standing and I knew their hiding positions.
'How fun would it be to go back to this stage? My childhood.... Everyone remembers theirs except me. What was my childhood like? I did not know. Do I still have a family out there?' I watched the kids jump on themselves in excitement and smiled.

‘Tap! Tap! Tap!’

Urgent knocks my musings, making me jolt back.

“Yes, who’s that?” I asked, reluctance lacing my bored voice.

“It’s me, Elle, Open up.”

I rushed towards the door, swinging it open. Elle entered and then closed the door behind her.

“Are you alright? You sounded sober on the phone.” She walked to me while I sighed and gently plopped myself on the bed.

“I don’t know where to start from, Elle. I suddenly want to know about myself. My memories, my childhood. I try to remember yet. I get more confused.”

“I’m glad you want to know. The last 25 years of your life have been a mystery. You always shushed me whenever I brought up this topic. What happened? Did you have another nightmare?”

“No... It’s Chase.” my heart beat faster at the thought.

“Whose Chase?”

“The guy Xavier brought. He’s just a stranger yet. He feels like family. Like someone I’ve known for years. He told me he knows all of me. And I should stop pretending to be who I am not.” I cast my gaze at her, hoping she would have an interpretation as a therapist.

“What does that mean?”

“I do not know who he is exactly and why do I feel so weak suddenly?”

“Don’t overthink it, Ally. I’d introduce you to Doctor Groff.” Elle sighed.

“Who is this Doctor Groff? Can I trust him?”

“Yes, he’s now retired. Doctor Groff was my senior and supervisor. I’m sure he will help you fight through this.” Elle reassured her hand held mine tightly. I rose and threw my arms around Elle while she tightened the grip.

“I’m so glad to have you in my life. Then I let go.

“You’re welcome, dear. So... Why haven’t I met this Chase guy?”

“Because there’s no point meeting with him.”

“There you go again.” She rolled her eyes at me. “Anyway, I wouldn’t mind if I can meet him. Who knows?..”

“You are impossible.” I hissed, letting out a dramatic laugh.

“Whatever... As long as he’s good looking.” Elle chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears.

‘Ring Ring Ring!!!’

Her phone interrupted, and she reached for her black purse. Elle looked at the screen and plunked it.

“What’s it? Won’t you pick up the call?” I queried.

‘Ring Ring Ring!!!’

Sandra gently tapped on the door and I gave replied her to “come in.”

She served Elle a glass of water while we continued our discussion. Sandra bowed and left while Elle placed the cup in her mouth to drink.

‘Ring! Ring!! Ring!!!’

Her mobile phone beeped again. Elle just hissed, ignoring it.

“Whose that and why aren’t you picking up?”

She grappled her phone and showed me who was calling.

‘Ryan Darling.’

“Oh,” I smiled, trying to connect the dots.

“It’s the tenth time he’s called this morning. He says he wants to come back.”

“That’s nice. Isn’t that what you want?” I faked a smoke at her.

“Not literally. I mean, Ryan needs to learn his lesson. I plan to forgive him, but first, we would have to come to an agreement.”

“What agreement?”

“That he gets a job, at least.” An exasperated sigh escaped from her before her small lips pressed together. My eyebrows narrowed at hers and she gave me a cat look.

I knew that look. It means she needed something. Her lips pouted while she blinked her eyes.

“Spill!” My dark eyes fixed on hers.

“What I asked you about? Have you forgotten?” Elle quaked.

“What? The job?” I narrowed my eyes at her and she replied me with sincerity.

“Yes, the job. My kids and I depend on you now. My family.”

Elle could have a talent at tempting me. She knows how much I love that word, family. How annoying.

“Why don’t you go on a date? Have you even tried dating other men?” I raised.

“I don’t want to. I told you I still love Ryan. I didn’t sign the divorce papers because of that.” She shrugged.

“Okay, fine. You’re helping me, after all. I’d think about it.”

“Excellent!"Elle's voice rose in pitch equivalent to her excitement. "Let me dial Doctor Groff ‘s contact to ask if he could help with your fears.”

She cut off her ringing phone and clicked on a contact. The electronic beeping gave a robotic sound.

“Hello.”

“Hi Doctor Groff, it’s been a while.”

“Yes.”

“Actually, I called to ask if you’re still in California?”

“Yes, I am. I’m at home as I speak. Hope no problem?”

“A very close friend of mine is going through hard time. I think she might need your help in considering therapy — to restore her relationship, recover from the pain of her trauma, and adjust her new life phase. I know meeting with you is the first hurdle to cross.”

“Okay, that would be nice. I have guests for Mondays so, I’ll send you my address and a form she would have to fill and send to me before tomorrow.”

“Okay. This means a lot, doctor Groff. I’m truly grateful.”

“The pleasure is mine.” He replied before ending the call.

“So, you heard him, right?”

“Yes... I’m glad he won't be busy.“

“So prepare for tomorrow.” Elle pressed. “We would have to go together, just in case.”

“Awn... You’ve done a lot for me. How would I ever repay you?” a blush escaped my lips while I gave her a side hug.

“There’s no need for that. Come on, Ally! We’re more like sisters. And about Ryan, I would get a job for him. Definitely.”

"Thanks so much for even considering." a smile brightened her face while she placed her phone back into the black purse.

After hours of chatting with Arielle, she left to pick up Tiffany and Trinity at school. Immediately she drove out, Simon drove Chase in. I didn’t wait till they came down. I can't believe I am avoiding a stranger in my own house. How weird? I just walked back inside, knowing I would get proper therapy with Doctor Groff. Hopefully, he helps me remember my past and I’m able to get back my old memories.

Although, I felt like confronting Chase about what he said earlier in the morning, but there was no need. He might find it as an opportunity to get close to me and I don’t want that.