Continued...
______________________________________________________________
Scene: The Parking Lot of Dr. Michaels' Office.
Rick
slowly turns his key and the roaring engine comes to a stop. Kayla
still feels a vibration, but realizes it's coming from her trembling knees. She remembers the last time she spoke with Dr. Michaels...The impromptu meeting came last year when she nearly had a breakdown due to excessive problems with anxiety. Although she seemed to win the battle shortly thereafter, it was only a matter of time before other issue arose.
"I really appreciate you doing this, Kay. After our last conversation, I didn't think you would agree to come. It means a lot to me."
"Well, whatever is best for our marriage." Kayla concurs, although it took her a restless night to think it over.
"We're right on time." Rick glances at his watch and smiles as he exits the car.
Kayla quickly falls behind as she remembers how difficult it was to divulge all her problems to a stranger. Now she would be forced to share her deepest thoughts in front of Rick- something she wasn't sure she had the strength to do.
The two enter the office and Rick informs the receptionist that they are present for their appointment. Moments later they are ushered through the doors into a long narrow hallway. Kayla takes one last deep breath before they enter the office. Dr. Michaels greets them with a warm smile and motions for them to have a seat on the leather sofa.
Rick grabs Kayla's right hand and puts it on his knee where he holds it tightly. "Thank you so much for meeting with us, Dr. Michaels."
"It's all my pleasure, Rick. Please do call me Star though. Let's not be so formal in here. I want everyone to be comfortable." She smiles, realizing it must be nerve-wracking for them both.
"Absolutely." Rick responds.
"Kayla, it's good to see you again. How have you been?"
Kayla nods her head and takes a moment before she responds. "I've been well. The anxiety issues have really subsided since you put me on the Lexapro last spring."
"I'm glad to hear that. I really am."
"Thank you."
"Now I do understand there are other things you would like to discuss today"
"Yes, Star. We've been having some problems in our marriage and we thought it would be great for us to get some of the things we've had trouble with out. Another opinion can never hurt either," Rick says.
"You thought it would be great," Kayla quickly corrects.
"Rick closes his mouth and looks at Star without another word. The tension already seems to mount once again.
"What reservations do you have about today's session, Kayla?" Star turns her direction to Kay.
Kayla clears her throat and replies. "I just see this turning into a slaughter fest and I don't what that. I just don't want to hash things out which will only make matters worse."
"I don't think that's going to happen." Rick cuts in.
"In all due respect, Dr. Michaels, you can't be completely impartial. You're going to have to side with one of us- and I'm sure it will be Rick."
"And why are you so sure about that?" Star asks.
"Because I know he's about to bring up Liz Bryant- and I've never had a fighting chance when it comes to her."
______________________________________________________________
Scene: The Bordeaux Chateau. Northern Heights District.
Valerie
Valerie produces a smile and her strides grow longer as she quickly walks up to Terrence's
home. It's a beautiful French-style Chateau that has to boast nearly ten thousand feet. It's the first time that she's been invited to a man's home in some time- although she has no knowledge that it truly belongs to Terrence's mother, Felicia
.
She knocks on the door confidently, reminding herself that she comes from money as well. Although some of her actions would show otherwise, she tries not to be intimidated by the large home.
"Hi Terrence," Valerie greets him with a hug.
"Why hello there! Don't you look beautiful?"
"Thanks. You look great as well. It's good to see you again." Butterflies seem to emerge once again in Valerie's stomach.
"Please come in." Terrence ushers her inside as she looks around with amazement. A beautiful chandelier and breathtaking skylights are seen above.
"This place is beautiful," Val says. "I cannot believe you live here...I mean, it's just so big. You really live here all alone?"
"Yes. For now...until I raise a family, you know." Terrence flashes a quick smile and shows her through the living room and into the backyard. A beautiful waterfall can be heard in the far back, as well as a large fountain that appears near the barbecue area.
"I bet you've had your share of parties here, eh? I mean, wow" Valerie trails off as she looks around.
"I certainly have- but we won't go into details. Those were in my crazier days." Terrence laughs.
"Very well then. Perhaps I'll get it out of you one day." Valerie winks.
"I'm sure you will"
"So what's on the agenda for tonight? You said you were cooking?"
"I am indeed." Terrence confirms. "You said you enjoy seafood, right?"
"I definitely do. How can you live this close to the water and not?" Valerie smiles back.
"You have an good point there."
Terrence smiles back before jumping at the sound of the door. His mother, Felicia, is supposed to be in New York and he gave the staff the night off. He can't begin to fathom who could be walking through the front door.
His jaw nearly drops when he sees his mother entering the door through the back window. His mind soon begins to work in overtime to figure a way out of a very awkward situation. He soon ushers Valerie to the side of the house so he can show her the floral arrangements that would be sure to hold her attention for awhile. However, his plan quickly fails when Felicia spots them in the backyard and quickly walks in their direction. He knows very well how his mother treats the women he dates and is dreading the moments to come.
"Val, this is my" Terrence begins to introduce the two but is quickly interrupted.
"What in the hell is she doing here?" Felicia demands to know as she throws up her hands with anger.
Valerie looks back at Felicia with complete shock. Unbeknownst to Terrence, this is not the first time the two women have met.
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Scenes 1-2 | Scenes 3-4 | Scenes 5-6 | Scenes 7-8
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