Even The Weak Can Be Wicked (PLAYBOOK #2)

CHAPTER 4: Weird Science

JESSICA

Tuesday.

I started therapy.

After being cleared for cheating allegations when the semester began, I took my advisor's advice to see someone and since my school has a mental health department that offers free counselling—I started therapy.

I go 3times a week, sometimes more and it has helped me face my demons. I even got the courage to visit Felix at Brown to apologize and finally make things right.

But it has also helped me find myself again.

I'm not as scared to drink or go out as I was last year and I am slowly starting to take appearance and grooming seriously again. I am not fully back to Jessica Beer because I am still battling with a lot but it is not as bad as it was before and living alone contributed to that.

There is nowhere to run when you're stuck in a modern version of an American colonial house with two floors. Granted I only sleep here but Dr Henry's house is very interesting.

The first week I moved in, I found it hard to sleep due to the lack of personal touches but now they bring me comfort. It's honestly too big for one man and his dog but it's nothing like a bachelor's home.

It has a big kitchen which is no surprise since the good doctor falls in the first type of cook category and a big yard probably because of Holly but it makes me feel safe.

The simple grey and white interior and minimalistic dark furniture make it easier to breath and reevaluate after a long day. And I have had a lot of long days these past 2months.

It oddly feels like home which is why I haven't allowed myself to be attached hence my adaptation to the minimalistic lifestyle of carrying my life in a small carryon bag. It's exhausting doing so much laundry and wearing so many basics but I am taking every day as it comes.

I might not own a kitchen but everything is no longer on fire and I am slowly learning that I don't have to be perfect or have perfect things to warrant loving and choosing myself.

I am still stressed and working myself to the bone to pay for school and I can't help but feel a little sad when I look at the odds and see them stacked against me but I know one day, it will all be worth it.

Dr Henry: Come downstairs.

I find the text when I wake up from my nap in my closet after class. I know what you're thinking but it's a carpeted walk in closet with a fluffy long stool in the middle that is perfect for napping.

"You summoned," I rub sleep off my eyes to focus.

I usually sleep till sundown after a day full of classes but I was uneasy today knowing he'd be home when I returned, so the nap did no good as the sun is still up.

"Yes, I think it's time we talked and established some boundaries." Dr Henry gestures at the dining room chair and I take the one opposite to him.

The more space between us, the better.

"Of course sir." Holly passes between my legs to acknowledge me before going to sit next to him.

Traitor. 

ALEKSANDER

"I must be transparent," I fiddle with the iPad pen. "I am concerned you don't really live here or watch my house."

I checked while she was out and everything is exactly how I left it. Nothing is out of place or even used, not even the toilet paper.

"Excuse me?" Jessica places her conjoined hands on the table and I stare at the clear coat on her trimmed and short nails. "I don't think I understand."