The Soul of Me (Part 8) (standard:romance, 3999 words) [8/11] show all parts
Author: Maya	Added: May 17 2001	Views/Reads: 2652/1958	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Heidi can't avoid Aaron any longer.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

lately. 

“Fine.” 

“Do you mind if I sit here?” 

“No.  I was done anyway.”  I got up and walked away taking my tray and
my book with me. 

After deposing of my tray, I passed by the table as I made my way toward
the door.  Aaron was no longer sitting at the table. 

When I walked into our English class, Aaron was already seated.  He
didn’t look up when I walked in.  He just stared straight ahead..  I 
didn’t really expect a reaction anyway.   I just took my seat and 
waited for the class to begin. 

As soon as the bell rang, Ms. Percy said, “As I mentioned yesterday, we
will be spending today working on our book reports.  If you have 
finished the book you chose, which most of you I’m sure have not, you 
can work on writing your report.  If you  have not finished reading, 
that is your assignment for today.”  This was the first day I had been 
in class since we started the reports on Monday.  I didn’t know we 
would just be reading, but luckily I had my book with me.  “I want 
complete silence.  If you need to ask me something, you may come up to 
my desk.”  Ms. Percy walked around her desk and sat down. 

The only sound you could hear in the room was the sound of pages
turning, pens scribbling, and the occasional yawn. 

I was thrilled.  I got to do what I liked best for almost an entire
hour.  I dove into my book soaking up every word.  Time flew quickly 
and before I even knew what was happening, the bell rang ending the 
class. 

“Okay, that’s it.  Homework for tonight...Read.  Remember you’ve only
got about two weeks to get those reports done.  I’ll see you tomorrow.” 
Ms. Percy dismissed us. 

Aaron was out the door and on to his next class before I even had a
chance to gather my things. 

After my last two classes of the day, Geometry and Accounting, I went
back to my locker hoping I would run into Jody. 

She was there as usual. 

“Hey.  How was your mom – daughter morning?” 

“It was fine.  We went shopping.  I got a couple of new outfits.  Then
we went to see my regular doctor.  Everything’s fine.”  I stuffed my 
things into my locker taking only my book with me.  I didn’t have much 
homework.  Nothing I couldn’t finish before class tomorrow.  “I’ve got 
to go see Dr. Lane now.  I’m really not looking forward to it.  My 
appointment is at 4, so I can’t stick around long.  I mainly stopped by 
to see if you got the note that someone left in our locker.” 

“I sure did.”  She had this almost embarrassed grin on her face.  It was
not like her. 

“Well, aren’t you going to tell me who it’s from?” 

“It’s from Clark.” Sigh. 

“I figured.  I’m happy for you.  You seem to really like him.” 

“I do.  I really do.”  She got this look on her face like she just
remembered something.  “Did you talk to Aaron about the prom?” 

“You know, I didn’t really have the chance.”  Okay, technically, I had a
great chance to talk to him at lunch, but Jody didn’t necessarily need 
to know that. 

“Well, do it soon.  I’d like to make plans, and I’d like it to be with
the four of us.” 

“I will.”  I still had no intention of bringing it up with Aaron.  I
thought next time I saw Jody I’d just tell her I talked to him and that 
it was definitely a misunderstanding.  “I’ve got to go or I’m going to 
miss the bus down town.” 

“Okay, I’ll talk to you later.  I’m going to go watch basketball
practice again.”  She said with a wink. 

“You’re going to go watch Clark.” 

“That, too.”  She laughed and waved as she left.  “Bye.” 

“Bye.”  I was happy for her.  It looked like she found a good one. 

As I started walking out to the bus stop, I saw Aaron approaching me.  I
thought maybe he’d just keep going. No such luck.  He was obviously 
going to intercept me. 

“Do you think we can talk?”  Again, no hello. 

“I can’t right now.  I have to catch a bus.” 

“How long do you think you can avoid me?” 

“I’m not avoiding you.”  But I was.  He and I both knew that I was. 

“Why did you leave as soon as I got to your table at lunch?” 

“I was done eating.” 

“Oh, come on.”  He was a little exasperated.  “You knew I wanted to talk
to you.  Why else would I have asked if I could sit down?” 

“Maybe so you could eat your lunch.”  I was being a little sarcastic,
and I hoped he noticed.  “I really do have to catch a bus.  Besides, 
don’t you have practice?  You’re going to be late.” 

“I’ll take my chances.  We need to talk.”  He grasped my arm and started
to lead me to a bench. 

“I really do have to go.”  I shook myself free of his hand. 

“I’ve been trying to talk to you for the last two days.  You meet me at
the library, but you have an appointment.  I see you after school and 
you have to run home.  I call you on the phone and you practically hang 
up on me.  I ask to sit with you at lunch and you run away.  What’s the 
deal?” 

“What do you need to talk to me about that is so important?  I already
told you not to hurry on finishing the book.  I’m sure we’ll have time 
to finish the report in a week.  Until we both finish reading the book, 
there’s not much to discuss.”  I said matter of factly. 

“Do you really think that damn report is why I wanted to talk to you?” 

I ignored him, got up, and started for the bus stop again.  “I have to
go.” 

Halfway to the bus stop I saw the bus arrive.  ‘Great.’  I thought.  I
started to run.  “Wait!”  I cried.  The bus left almost at the same 
instant that I arrived at the bus stop.  “It figures.  This is just how 
my luck runs.”  I said out loud. 

Now I was definitely going to be late for my appointment.  I tried to
decide what to do.  I thought the best thing was to call Dr. Lane and 
let her know I was going to be late.  Then I guess I better start 
hoofing it. 

I turned back to the school deciding I would use the phone in the office
to call Dr. Lane.  Just then Aaron pulled up in his car. 

“Do you need a ride?” 

“I can walk.” 

“Come on, get in.  It was my fault you missed the bus.” 

“The coach is going to be ticked if you miss practice.” 

“That’s my problem.  I’ll deal with it.  Get in.”  He said again. 

I thought for a moment.  I guess accepting a ride from Aaron wouldn’t
kill me. I got in. 

“Good.  Now where did you need to go.” 

I didn’t want him to know I was going to see a psychologist.  “Can you
just drop me off at the post office?”  The post office was only a block 
or two away from Dr. Lane’s office. 

“Sure.  Why are you in such a hurry to get to the post office?”  He said
as he pulled onto the road. 

“I’m not.  I’m just meeting someone there.” 

“Really, who?” 

“Are you always this nosey.  I can walk you know.” 

“Touchy.”  He kept his eyes on the road.  “Sorry.” 

We sat there in silence for most of the ride.  As we were nearing the
post office he started, “About last night...” 

Here we go. 

“What about last night?” 

“I didn’t get my turn to tell you what I thought about you.” 

“Aaron...” 

“No, not this time.  I’ve got you where I can finally talk to you.  I’m
not letting you get out of this car until I finish.” 

“You can’t keep me here.” 

“You’re right.  I can’t and I won’t, but I hope you’ll listen to me for
a minute.” 

I didn’t say anything, so he took that as approval to continue. 

“You said I had the face of an angel.” 

“I know what I said.”  I snapped. 

“Let me finish.”  He had pulled into the parking lot of the post office,
and parked his car.  He turned toward me.  “I don’t know if that’s 
true, but it was the nicest thing I’ve ever heard.”  I must have looked 
at him like I didn’t believe him.  “It’s true.  People have told me 
that they thought I was cute before.  Lots of girls, but no-one ever 
said it the way you did.” 

“I’m sorry.  I should have just kept my mouth shut.  You don’t need me
to tell you what you can see in a mirror.  I don’t want you to feel 
obligated to say something nice to me.  It’s okay.” 

“Would you just stop.”  He said suddenly.  “Don’t ruin this.” 

I sat there sullenly. 

“Thank you.”  He continued.  “After you hung up on me...” 

“I didn’t hang up on you.” 

“Whatever.”  He went on.  “After you abruptly ended our call last 
night, I thought a lot about you – about what you said, not only on the 
phone, but also about what you said yesterday after school.  You wanted 
to know why I started talking to you now.   Why now?  You said there 
had to be a reason.” 

“Aaron,”  I said in a more amicable manner.  “I really do need to be
going.  Can we talk about this tonight.  I’ll call you, okay.” 

He looked at me.  There was a softness in his eyes.   He sighed.  “Do
you promise you’ll call?  If you don’t I’ll call you.  Okay?” 

“Okay.”  I got out of the car, closed the door, and he backed out of the
parking lot and drove away. 

I hurried the rest of the way to Dr. Lane’s office which was on the
second floor of an old office building.  I was going to be at least 15 
minutes late. 

When I opened the door to her office I was greeted by a tall elderly,
matronly looking woman.  She reminded me of a cheerful grandmother.  
She smiled and said, “You must be Heidi.” 

I couldn’t help but return the smile.  “Yes.  I’m here for my 4 o’clock
appointment.  I’m a little late.” 

“That works out fine.  Dr. Lane is running a bit late herself.  Why
don’t you take a seat.  I’ll let her know you are here.” 

“Thanks.”  I said as I made myself comfortable.  The waiting area was
sparsely furnished.  There was a couch and two chairs.  All of the 
furniture was quite comfortable.  I was just starting to relax when Dr. 
Lane came out of her office to greet me.  Once again, she was dressed 
impeccably. 

The good thing about meeting up with Aaron after school was that it had
kept my mind off the reason why I was here.  As soon as I saw Dr. Lane 
I started feeling nervous all over again. 

“Heidi.”  I stood up and took the hand that was offered to me.  “I’m
glad to see you.”  I just smiled and nodded.  “Lets go into my office.” 


I followed Dr. Lane into an attractive and comfortable feeling room. 
There were plants scattered here and there.  There where beautiful 
paintings of landscapes and still life hanging on the ivory colored 
walls.  Dr. Lane’s large mahogany desk was situated at one end of the 
room.  The other end of the room looked like someone’s living room.  
Two couches faced each other with a coffee table in between.  At each 
end of the coffee table sat two matching chairs.  It looked quite 
inviting. 

“Have a seat.”  Dr. Lane gestured to the ‘living room’ area of her
office.  “I’ll just get my notebook.”  She started toward her desk. 

I looked at the couches and then at the chairs.  Couch or chair?  At
first I couldn’t decide.  Then I thought how stereotypical it would be 
to lie down in a shrink’s office, so I chose a chair. 

Dr. Lane joined me and sat near me at the end of one of the couches. 
She made no comment about my choice in seating. 

“So.  How are you?”  She asked. 

“Fine.” 

“Fine?” 

“Well, I haven’t felt suicidal, if that’s what you mean.” 

“What have you felt?” 

The dam burst.  I proceeded to tell her about how my parents had treated
me like they were afraid anything they said could set me off.  About 
how I had talked to them, asking them to treat me like they always had. 
 I talked some about growing up with the teasing and the stares.  I 
told her about Kyle and his constant tormenting.  I was able to really 
open up with her.  She guided me with certain questions, but really 
allowed me to be in charge. 

Instead of feeling uncomfortable and resentful, I was feeling relief.  I
was able to tell someone how badly I was hurting.  It was so cathartic. 


“I spoke to Dr. Randall earlier today.”  Dr. Lane said as we neared the
end of our session.  “He’ll get me those tests as soon as he can, but 
we discussed a drug treatment program for you.  He and I both agree 
that there is no reason why we shouldn’t go ahead with it.” 

She got up and went back to her desk.  Sitting down, she reached for a
pen and a pad of paper, scribbled for a few minutes, then she came back 
over to me holding out a slip of paper. 

“This is a prescription for paroxetine, or Paxil.  You’ll take it just
once a day, preferably in the morning.  It’ll take a few weeks for any 
response, but I’m sure in conjunction with your therapy it will 
significantly help you overcome your depression.”  I took the 
prescription from her. 

“Thanks.  I feel better already.” 

“Good, I’m glad.”  She turned serious once again.  “Don’t forget what I
said, yesterday.  You may feel good now, but this won’t go away 
overnight.  I’d like to see you again next Thursday.  Same time.  
Okay?” 

“Okay.” 

“Good.  Do you have any questions or concerns?” 

“No, I don’t think so.” 

“If you think of something, write it down and we’ll discuss it at your
next session.  If it’s urgent, you can call me anytime.” 

“Thanks.”  I said as I stood up. 

“Anytime.  It’s what I do.”  She grinned.  “You’re a good person, Heidi.
 I think most people know that.  You’ve just got to work on believing 
it yourself.” 

Talk.  Trust.  Believe.  I think I was starting to understand. 

Dr. Lane walked out to the waiting area with me.  Before I left, she put
her hand on my shoulder and gave me a reassuring squeeze.  I knew then 
that I was going to be okay.  Right then, I was sure of it.  Right 
then... 

I stood on the sidewalk outside Dr. Lane’s office.  ‘Great.’  I thought.
 I figured out how I was getting to my appointment after school.  I 
just didn’t plan a way home.  I really didn’t want to take a bus home. 

I decided I would see if I could still catch my mom at work.  There was
a payphone across the street.  As I headed to the corner to cross, I 
heard a horn.  Naturally, I looked around.  My dad was parked just down 
the street. 

I turned and waved.  He waved back.  At least I wouldn’t have to take a
bus. 

“Hey, sweetie.  How’d it go?”  My dad said as I jumped into his truck. 

“Fine.  I’m sure glad you stopped by.  I thought I was going to have to
wait for mom or take a bus.” 

“I thought you might need a ride.”  We headed home.  “What did Dr.
Randall say this morning.” 

“He pretty much said I was healthy, except that I could loose a little
weight.  He’s having some tests run.” 

“What about Dr. Lane.  What did she have to say?” 

“Well, we talked about me.  Actually, I talked about me.  She listened. 
It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.” 

“Good.  Good.”  He seemed to be fishing for something.  “Anything else?”


“I’d rather not discuss everything we talked about.  That’s the nice
part.  I get to vent, but still keep my privacy.” 

“Okay, I won’t pry anymore.  I just want you to know you can tell me or
Mom anything.  Okay?” 

“Okay.”  I remembered the prescription.  “She did give me a prescription
for Paxil.  Do you think we can stop by the drug store before we go 
home?” 

“You got it.  How about we pick up some Chinese food for dinner tonight
while were out and about.” 

“Sounds good.  Mom won’t have to cook tonight.” 

We did our errands and still managed to get home before my mom – just
before.  I had just set the table when she pulled into the driveway. 

“Wow, what a treat.”  Mom said when she saw the take away containers. 
“I don’t have to cook today.”  She went over and gave my dad a hello 
kiss.  My dad gave her a hello grope. 

“Daaaaaad.”  I moaned.  We all giggled. 

It was an easy relaxed meal.  We talked like we always did.  My parents
didn’t try to pressure me into telling them about my session with Dr. 
Lane.  They just talked about their days and general topics of 
conversation.  It was a very pleasant evening. 

As we were cleaning up (we  have a very clean kitchen) the phone rang. 

“Hello.”  My dad answered.  “Yes she is.  May I tell her whose calling.”
(pause)  “Hold just a moment.” 

“It’s for you, Heidi.  Someone named Aaron.” 

“Thanks, dad.”  I took the phone from him.  “Hello.” 

“Hi, Heidi.  It’s Aaron.” 

“Hi.  I was going to call you, you know.  I hadn’t forgotten.” 

“I know.  I just wanted to make sure.” 

“How’d you get this number?  I only gave you my phone number.” 

“I called Clark.  Clark called Jody and Jody called me and gave my your
number.” 

“You talked to Jody?”  I was afraid she said something to him about the
prom. 

“No.  I was out when she called.  She just left your number.”  Whew! 

“You could have just left a message on my machine.” 

“I did that once.  You never called back.” 

“Sorry about that.”  Oh, yeah.  I’d forgotten that call.  “Do you mind
if I go up to my room and call you back?”  It was easier to talk in 
private. 

“You promise you’ll call me right back.”  Jeez, he was relentless. 

“I promise.  Just give me about 10 minutes, okay?” 

“Okay.  Ten minutes.  Don’t make me come over there.”  He joked. 

“Ha!.  You don’t know where I live.”  I retorted. 

“Don’t be so sure.  Besides, I have connections.” 

“I’ll call you right back.  Bye.” 

“Bye.” 

I finished up what I was doing, made my excuses to my parents, and went
to my room. 

I had recorded Kyle’s number in my address book on the computer Monday
afternoon.  I looked it up and nervously dialed the number. 

“Hello?”  Someone answered.  It must have been a younger brother. 

“May I speak to Aaron, please.” 

“Hold on.”  I heard him put the phone down and yell, “Aaron.  Your
girlfriend’s on the phone.” 

Girlfriend?  I didn’t know he had a girlfriend. 

*************** 

That's it for now.  A couple more parts and it'll be done. I'm not
beneath pleading for comments, so what did you think.  Comments are 
welcome.  And please vote.  Thanks for reading!


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