Page 76 of Becoming

“Because it’s true. Rebecca hasn’t had much of that in her life. Of course, she has friends who care very much about her, but they all have their own baggage to worry about. You just seem… unjaded.”

“You mean naïve.” Okay, that came out a little harsher than Cass intended.

“No, absolutely not. I don’t think you’re naïve. Simply unaffected by the world around you.” That was the best way Willamena knew how to put it.

“Look, I grew up with a good family, a roof over my head, love, and support. I didn’t have to go through the shit Rebecca went through. And, while she told me to never apologize for that, maybe people do think it makes me naïve. Thing is, I do know how awful people can be. I’ve been through the name-calling, the taunts. A little pushing and shoving because I’m too tatted up, too androgynous, not androgynous enough. Too feminine, too masculine, too muscular.” She shook her head.

“How do you deal with that?”

Cass thought about her answer for a moment and shrugged. “As an artist, I think I see things differently. I see people as art. You know, you have all of these different media. Pencil, paint, charcoal, chalk, clay, photography. You even have different genres of art. And, while I appreciate all types of art, I don’t enjoy them all. I don’t like abstract, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s still art. So, I respect it.

“I guess what I’m getting at is, opinions—like mine on abstract—are all subjective. There will always be people who don’t like the way I look or act, or who I love. But if I spent my entire life trying to please everyone, all I’d be doing is hurting myself. It’d be like me trying to paint a picture that every single one of the 7 billion plus people on this planet would like, I’d be miserable. Dying, eventually, having been unsuccessful.”

A slow smile formed on Dr. Willamena Woodrow’s face. “You, Cassidy Giles, are a remarkable woman.”

“Cass,” Cass muttered bashfully. She twirled the top of her milk bottle on the table. Quite the removal from the insightfulness just before. “And I just say things as I see them.”

“Which is part of your charm. Have you ever thought of being a psychiatrist?”

Chocolate milk nearly shot out of Cass’s nose when she snorted. “Um, that wouldn’t be a good idea. I’m a little too blunt and I don’t think the patients would appreciate me calling them crazy.”

Willamena laughed. “Yes, we tend to frown on that.” She took a sip of her tepid coffee. “In all seriousness, I want to thank you for all you’ve done for Rebecca. I feel content leaving her in your care.”

“Thanks.” Cass frowned. “Wait, what?”

The doctor smiled. “In mere months, you have managed to accomplish the one thing I’ve tried to do for years. Rid Rebecca of her guilt. I believe she’s ready to move on from therapy.”

“Whoa! But she still needs you!”

“I’ll still be her aunt, dear. However, you must’ve known she was avoiding our conversations. Because I’m her aunt, I don’t want her to dread talking to me. If that means I stop being her therapist, so be it.”

“What if she needs more than I’m qualified to give her.”

Willamena witnessed the mixture of fear and determination on Cass’s face. “Oh, my sweet girl. Rebecca needs someone to love her. To treat her with respect and impartiality. You already do that. I’m not going anywhere. I’m merely stepping up my role as an aunt. Which brings me to; what are your intentions with my niece?”

“I, uh, well…” Cass was saved by her girlfriend’s extremely good timing.

“What on earth possesses anyone to get up this early?”

Aunt Wills gave her watch an overexaggerated look. “Dear, it’s nine o’clock.”

“Exactly. Not even double digits.” Rebecca sleepily gave her aunt a peck on top of the head. “And you,” she began, giving Cass a kiss on the lips. “You’ve usually finished your shower and have joined me in bed again by now.”

“Um, well…” Cass was beyond flustered. First, there was the “intentions” question. Now her girl is talking about being in bed together. In front of her aunt!

“Aunt Wills?” Rebecca never took her eyes off Cassidy. “My girlfriend is broken. What have you done?”

“Absolutely nothing! I simply asked what her intentions with you were.”

Rebecca rolled her eyes and pulled Cassidy up from her chair. Her hands wandered down to touch Cassidy’s abs. “Go take your shower, baby. I’ll keep my aunt occupied.”

Stay calm. You’re not alone. Stay calm. Cass chanted the words over and over in her head as Rebecca’s fingertips trailed over her muscles. She was right. Right about this time, they would be making love. Or, Cass would be receiving a very intense session with Mistress. Stay calm. You’re not alone. She cleared her throat. “’Kay. Love you.”

“Love you, too.” Rebecca swatted Cassidy’s ass as she passed her. Of course, she knew exactly what she was doing. It would make for a fun time later on when they were alone.

“Minx.”

Rebecca laughed softly. “Guilty.” She grabbed herself a cup and poured coffee into it, holding up the pot in askance. When Aunt Wills nodded, Rebecca gave her a refill. “What were you two talking about?”

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