Page 58 of A Pretty Fixation

A thought fills my head. If she weren’t here, hewould notice me. He would bemyfriend.

I never had someone like Caleb. He’s so kind. Sogood.

Dove. I wish to be her, and at the same time, wishshe wasn’t here.

I yelp as darkness suddenly swooshes in and immerseseverything. The hallway recedes along with the rooms.

“You little shit!” echoes around me. “You’re justlike your mother!” The voice is getting louder. I hear a child screaming.

I wince from the throbbing headache and tumble tomy knees.

The screams continue.

I cover my ears. Everything hurts.

“Jordyn! Open your eyes! Jordyn!”

“Ugh!” I spring forward, panting as I look around.

I’m back on the couch with Dr. Sharma crouched atmy side, concern veiling her features.

My cheeks feel wet. I wipe them with my palms.

Dr. Sharma straightens to stop the ticking. “Areyou all right? You were starting to go further.”

I swallow hard to speak. “I heard something. Justa little. But I’m fine.”

She sits in her armchair. “Did you find the answeryou were seeking?”

I sniffle and sit out on the couch. “I’m not sure.At first, I thought I was seeing myself at eleven. But the emotions… I was fullof jealousy. I just...I don’t know. I’ll have to try again.”

She sighs. It’s obvious she’s apprehensive. “It’syour decision. Take some time to consider it carefully. Don’t let anyoneinfluence you.”

I nod. “I won’t. This is for me.”And Caleb.

I’m a little shaken after the session with Dr.Sharma, so much that I call out of work. Sundays are optional, anyway.

Scarlett’s going to a college spot with Logan andhis friends. I text Caleb about it and tag along to unwind.

While Logan shoots pool with the guys, Scarlettand I hang at a high table.

“What’s up, JD? You seem troubled. Where’d you gotoday?”

I drink some of the soda before speaking. “Iwanted to know for sure. I went to see my therapist.”

Worry fills her green eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. A little overwhelmed, but it wasn’t thatbad. I unlocked a memory of Caleb and Dove, or me. I can’t say for sure. Butthe two kids I saw looked so close. They truly had a special bond.”

“You’re jealous,” she states accurately, alwaysgood at reading me.

My shoulders droop. “That’s what I felt when I sawthem. Maybe it’s the reason why I’m so thrilled now. Like I’m happy I finallyhave him.”

Her eyes expand. “Wait. Something’s differentabout you. Did you two kiss?”

I peer down at my drink, turning shy. “Yes.”

“Oh my god!” She slaps my arm. “Why are you beingso secretive? When did it happen?”

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