Dr Thelma Gomez had a way with children.

As she didn't possess the in-born nurturing gift women were often said to have, the tactic she possessed that was alluring and irresistible to children was very unique.

She wasn't the kind of woman that would walk into a room and get surrounded by screaming kids who were all excited to see her smiling face, neither was did she go out of her way to make children like her.

The subtle charm that made it impossible for any child to resist her was her nonchalance.

As children are often used to getting love and admiration from adults, meeting a woman as aloof as Dr Thelma was enough to drive any kid crazy.

Over the years, she'd mastered the act it maintaining a face completely devoid of emotion. Several society magazines had speculated that she had surgically enhanced her abilities to remain stern through botox. Her exes claimed she was the reincarnation of one of the princes of hell so feelings and emotions weren't thing she could comprehend.

The truth was that Dr Thelma had grown up in a family that gave too many fucks about appearance and being the perfect family. It had been so suffocating trying to fit into such a socially demanding family where every emotion or behaviour was scrutinised to the last detail.

To remedy that, Dr Thelma decided to give zero fucks because she literarily had no more fucks to give. She always claimed she had used up her fair share of laughter, anger and tears as a child and that she had nothing else to give.

For this reason, she didn't bat an eye during her next session with Christian when he suddenly burst into tears after shutting the door to her office.

Earlier that morning, she'd heard there was a new development in the investigation and that the two bullies who had allegedly murdered his twin sister could possibly walk off with nothing but a slap to their wrists.

The media had gone of their way to show their outrage. The detective who was primary on the case was called several names from incompetent to foolish and those were the least censored insults.

As expected the family of the deceased was infuriated by this development and were doing everything they could to ensure the trial ruled in their favour so they could get justice for their dead child. More pressure was being put on Christian as it was said his testimony could make or break the case.

With all of these in mind, it was completely understandable for Christian to be distraught at their next session.

An ordinary adult would have rushed to his aid to ask him why he was so sad. Some might have even gone as far as giving him a tissue and calmly rubbing his back till he stopped crying.

Even though she knew all of this, Dr Thelma's first instinct wasn't to run to his aid. She remained seated as she watched him cry with blank, emotionless eyes.

Christian was not used to that kind of nonchalant reaction from adults. If he had started crying in front of the detectives or even his mother, they would have started shuffling about nervously. His mother would have even started crying with him.

He kept looking at Dr Thelma through his tears to see if she'd come to his aid. He didn't understand why she wasn't behaving like the other adults he knew.

After crying for a few minutes, he stopped and stared at her. Her eyes were not warm or understanding like he'd been expecting.

He'd expected concern, pity or even care but Dr Thelma's eyes were cold and blank.

She looked an ice queen.

A beautiful ice queen.

Slowly, the boy walked closer to her. He was more intrigued than he had ever been in his entire life. Intrigued and slightly annoyed by her nonchalance.

"Did you bring my picture?" Dr Thelma asked calmly like he hadn't been crying a few seconds ago.

The boy blinked in shock and shook his head slowly.

"That's unfortunate. I was looking forward to it. I hope you'll remember to bring it next time." Dr Thelma said.

Christian started mumbling an apology which she waved aside. She passed him a paper and a pencil so they could begin.

"You mentioned you had a dog in our last session. I'd like you to sketch an image of your dog." Dr Thelma said.

Christian looked at the paper and back at her. He slowly took it and started drawing. Several times, he had to pause to dry his eyes and nose with the tissues on her desk.

He was more relaxed when his hands were busy. After he'd been sketching for a few minutes, Dr Thelma finally spoke.

"The last time we spoke, you told me about some of your favorite books. I started reading 'Imprisoned by Secrets' and I must say, it's a very fascinating story." Dr Thelma said.

"I've read it five times." Christian said.

"So many? Why? What about the book do you like so much?" Dr Thelma asked.

"I love the characters and how it portrays an average family life. You of all people should know that." Christian lowered his eyes before she could read his expression.

"I'm still on the tenth chapter but I must say that my favorite character is Beatrice Rivera." Dr Thelma said still wondering what he meant by 'you of all people'.

"She was a fascinating woman. I'm not sure I have a favorite character." Christian said.

"You mentioned family. What about yours? Are they anything like Beatrice's?" Dr Thelma asked.

"Not quite. For starters, my father isn't half as rich as Hector Rivera and my mother is very different from Leila Rivera." He said.

"How is your mother different from Leila?" Dr Thelma asked.

"My mother's quiet. She's a bit like me. She never talks back. She always tells me to do whatever my father likes. Also, she doesn't work." Christian said.

"What about your father?" Dr Thelma asked.

Christian hesitated and continued sketching.

"I hate him. He's always mean to my mother and he treats me like dirt. I can't help it if I'm not as brave as he thinks I should be." He said calmly.

"How brave does he think you should be?" She asked.

"He says I act like a sissy and that I should have been a girl while...while she should have been a boy." He said slowly. He seemed tense again.

"I'm assuming you mean your sister." Dr Thelma said.

He didn't reply. He just nodded.

"I usually prefer when people answer me verbally, Christian."

"Yes. He liked her. Caitlin, I mean. She was like him. I'm not sure he'll approve of me coming here to see you." He glanced at her.

"Do you like coming here?" Dr Thelma said.

"I'm not sure." He said.

"Do you think it's necessary?" Dr Thelma asked.

"Everyone thinks it is. It's supposed to help with the trauma." Christian said.

"I'm not asking what everyone thinks. I'm asking what you think." Dr Thelma said.

"I don't know. I haven't decided yet. What do you think about masks and disguises?" He asked.

"In what sense?" Dr Thelma replied.

"Isn't it strange how easy it is to portray different versions of yourself to different people?" Christian asked.

"Not quite. It's very common."

"Fascinating. I wonder what version of me you're seeing. What version would you like to see?" He looked at her.

"The real version. I'd like to know the real Christian." Dr Thelma said.

"Perhaps one day you will." He gave her another secret smile.

"Would you like to tell me more about your father?" Dr Thelma asked.

"If you'd like to hear it. I can't imagine why you'd want to know about him. You'll probably hate his guts if you ever meet and vice versa." Christian said.

"Why is that?" Dr Thelma asked.

"You're everything he believes a woman shouldn't be. He'd be intimidated by your intellect, demeanor and confidence. In his opinion, women should be docile and their only job is to cater to the needs of their husbands. You threaten everything he's ever believed." Christian said.

"What about you? Do you also believe that?" Dr Thelma asked.

"No. I find you fascinating. I can't imagine why anyone would want you to be anything other than what you are." Christian sniffed.

"Did your sister fit into the mould your father's created for women?"

"Not really. He didn't seem to mind though. I guess it's because he thought I was a worthless piece of shit. He's taking her death really hard." Christian said.

"In what way?"

"He hardly ever comes home. He's forever in a mood. I think he blames me for her death. Apparently I should have done a better job at protecting my sister. Isn't that odd? Do I look like I can defend myself?" Christian asked stretching his arms to reveal his fragile physique.

Dr Thelma studied him. The beginning of an idea began to come to her but she brushed it off deciding it wasn't possible.

"Would you say you're handling the changes in your family easily?" Dr Thelma asked.

"Change is inevitable, though painful sometimes. No one really wants to talk about it. Dad is never home and mom's a mess. I don't know Doc. Do you think I'm handling it well?" Christian asked.

"I think you're under a lot of physical strain. Surely, it can't be easy." Dr Thelma said.

"Dad said men should be able to handle it all. He said I'm weak." Christian said.

"What do you think?" Dr Thelma asked.

"I haven't decided. I'm sorry I didn't bring your picture." Christian said.

"Why didn't you bring it? You didn't draw it?" Dr Thelma asked.

"I did. I just wasn't sure you'd like it." He said.

"Again, I'd ask, why should it matter if I like it or not?"

"Again, I'll respond, I respect and value your opinion." Christian said.

By the end of their session together, her phone's reminder buzzed.

"Is my session over? It feels like time seems to fly by when we're together." Christian said.

"It does? Most people wouldn't like the idea of pouring out their hearts to a therapist." Dr Thelma said.

"That's because they haven't met you. You're a safe space." Christian said.

"I'm glad you feel that way. I'll walk you out. I need to ho on my lunch break. Can I have my picture?" Dr Thelma stretched her hand.

"I'll give it to you before we part ways. I don't want you to look at it until I'm far away." Christian said.

"Alright." Dr Thelma said.

Though he was still a bit subdued, he seemed more relaxed than he'd initially been when he'd walked into her office.

As they approached the reception, Dr Thelma became alarmed. She saw her receptionist trying to reason with a man who was doing his best to barge into her office.

"If you'd like to take a seat, you can wait, sir. Unfortunately, I can't let you interrupt a session. Dr Thelma will join you as soon as she can." Her receptionist said.

"Don't use that tone with me! I'm here to see my son! I won't be made to wait like a lap dog." The man replied angrily.

"I'm sorry, sir. Like I've explained, we cannot interrupt a session..."

"That won't be necessary, Hilda. Our session is over." Dr Thelma said.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance, Doctor." Hilda said.

"That's fine. You can go to your post. I'll handle this.' Dr Thelma said turning to look at the furious man.

His lips were curled in a superior snarl as he studied her. His eyes registered disgust.

"Good day. Who are you and how may I help you?" Dr Thelma said.

She felt Christian sink back like he wanted to hide in her shadow so the man wouldn't see him. Dr Thelma didn't need a soothsayer to tell her who the man was.

It was Christian's father.

#MenteMelan🖤💀