3. Therapy

TUESDAY EVENING: 6:52 FELLOWSHIP HALL OF THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH OF DOVER

=================

"Hi, Craig Landis," said Craig introducing himself. "I'm here for the seven pm group session."

"Yes, sign this form and then go right in and take a seat, Mr. Landis," the receptionist instructed, checking him off.

He felt so embarrassed as he signed off on the documents and walked in.

He nervously took a seat with the large group in a half circle as the therapist came in and sat facing them.

"Good evening every one and welcome to our group," said the therapist. "I'm Dr. Elliot."

"Good evening, doctor," most of the attendees replied.

"So we'll go around the room and I'd like everyone to state just their first name and what they're here for. Everything in this session is voluntary, so feel no pressure and don't be ashamed. We're all here to support each other. Let's start all the way on the left."

Craig sat trying to figure out what he was going to say, as alcoholics, drug addicts, and smokers each began telling their short stories about themselves.

Finally it was Craig's turn.

"Hi, I'm Craig and I'm here because my little brother is a piece of sh-" No, he knew he couldn't say that.

There was an awkward pause as he cleared his mind and took a deep breath before introducing himself to the group.

"Hi, I'm Cr--," Craig began, but just as he did, a woman stormed in, interrupting the group.

She moved to the only empty seat, making a loud noise as she tried to slide the chair back so she could move in front of it and sit down.

Everyone stopped and stared as this gorgeous blonde, young twenty-something female took the seat next to Craig and tried to get herself situated. She wore tight black jeans with the knees ripped out, spikey, black velvet ankle boots with silver chains wrapping around the back connecting the ankle on either side, and a satin red tunic showing off an amazing, busty figure, plenty of cleavage, and a hint of midriff.

She lifted off her large sun glasses, revealing mesmerizing brown eyes, and a perfectly made up complexion with thick lashes and naturally plump, shiny glossed lips. Both wrists were filled with silver bracelets, small hoop earrings and three other sparkly piercings peeked out from her pin straight side parted hair, and a thin silver anklet reflected light from between the top of her boot and the bottom of her jeans.

Her earrings swung back and forth and her bracelets jingled as she got comfortable.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," the girl apologized to the group, dropping her purse to the floor between her chair and Craig's. "My daughter's sitter didn't show and I had to leave her with a friend at the last minute. What a disaster. I'm so sorry. I'm Carissa."

"It's okay Carissa," said Dr. Elliot. "We're all here to support each other. So I'll recap. Just tell everyone why you're here and we'll all get to know you better."

"Ok, cool," said Carissa, crossing her long, slender legs. "Well hi again, I'm Carissa. I'm a mother of an eleven year old girl that I had when I was only fourteen. It's taken me years to finally come to therapy, as it's been tough being a single mom, but I'm finally ready to make changes in my life. It's been a long time and I'm so embarrassed."

She paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm a sex addict. I've battled it for years, however, I've managed to keep it under control for a couple months now, but I'm afraid I'm about to start again. I'm here to get help, so that I can have a healthy normal life, and normal sex life. Hopefully you can help me so I can enjoy regular, vanilla sex again, and not just crave dark perversions 24/7."

Craig found he couldn't take his eyes off this stunning beauty, nor did he want to. At that moment he knew he'd do anything to get to know her better.

"That's wonderful, getting that out, Carissa. I can see how difficult that must have been on you," said Dr, Elliot taking notes. "Of course we can help you with that. Next. Wait we skipped you, sir."

"Oh me," said Craig, jarring himself from the trance he was in. "Well, I'm Craig and I'm uh, I'm kind of new to this. I don't have a lot to say and I'm kind of shy. I'm twenty-two and I've raised Taylor by myself since our parents passed away four years ago. Basically I'm a guardian, and quickly went from big brother to single parent. As for my addiction. Umm. Umm. I ahhh . . ."

He pointed in Carissa's direction and quickly finished his introduction, "I've got what she has."

"I highly doubt that," Carissa mumbled under her breath, which no one else but Craig heard.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of, Craig," said Dr. Elliot softly. "We're all here to help you, and that's a lot of pressure raising a sibling at your age. We commend you. Next please."

Craig felt so weird sitting there now, while everyone else spilled their guts. He knew all these other people had real issues they were trying to get help and support for and here he was, such a fraud.

For the next forty-five minutes he kept quiet and just sat listening to the conversations.

"I think someone's letting you know they're here," said Carissa, leaning over towards Craig, as the meeting was wrapping up.

He looked up, seeing Taylor in the doorway, currently waving in his direction.

"Oh, yeah," Craig quietly replied, gesturing for Taylor to go sit in the waiting area. "That's my Taylor. The kid's trouble."

"I bet not. Taylor looks adorable," said Carissa smiling as Dr. Elliot finished.

"Really? You can tell through all that dirt, uniform, and pads, looking all sweaty after practice," Craig asked, forcing himself to look into Carissa's eyes and not stare at her breasts. "Adorable wasn't one of the words I was thinking."

"Oh please," said Carissa flicking her wrist. "But, that must be a lot of work brushing out all that sweaty hair once that helmet comes off. I bet you go through a lot of conditioner."

"We do and I'm always yelling at Taylor to do something with that raggy mop," said Craig as they stood up. "But what can you do. It's the 'in thing' I guess."

"Yeah, but you can't let it get too long when they're this young, or it's such a disaster to work with. Plus, they're no help," said Carissa.

"Taylor looks about the same age as my Kaylee. She's eleven."

"Oh, Taylor's eleven, and a half, well almost twelve, but acts about five," Teased Craig and they shared a laugh as they began to head out of the meeting room, together.

"Oh stop! I'm sure with a role model like you, Taylor seems very mature and well mannered," said Carissa stopping and looking him straight in the face. "I admire you coming out with all your issues here in therapy. Obviously, I know how hard it is, and these things are so tough to talk about and even tougher to deal with. I really have had no one to share with, so I'm so glad we met."

"Me too," said Craig, barely able to make eye contact. "I kind of barely knew I had all this sexual stuff bottled up and maybe with the right support it can all come out."

"Hey, how about we plan a play date? I'm not sure if this therapy thing is for me, but at least that would allow us to spend time together and maybe our kids can be friends," said Carissa, nervously twisting her hair as she spoke. "I'm sorry, stop me if I'm being too pushy. This was so tough coming here tonight."

"You kidding? That would be awesome," Replied Craig, his heart pounding. "I would love that. I mean I'm sure Taylor would too."

"Finally having someone to talk to that understands will be awesome," said Carissa, feeling relieved. She hugged Craig tightly and he instantly felt himself becoming aroused. "Let me plan something just for the girls, as my daughter isn't great at making friends, but that's my fault. My daughter's not really the sports type, but maybe your daughter could show her some things and pique her interest."

"My daughter?" Craig asked. "You mean Taylor, right?"

"Sorry, not your daughter. I almost forgot, as you seem so natural at this. I mean I want Kaylee to become more girly, more feminine. She's active and tomboyish, but doesn't play any organized sports. I understand you're doing your best to raise Taylor, but she could use a female influence in her life. I know it won't be easy, but hopefully your Taylor will take to it better than my Kaylee," Carissa explainined, touching his bicep. "Maybe your sister will take to it better than Kaylee has and will rub off on her. You cool with that?"

"Um, Carissa I, uh," Craig started to explain.

"Don't worry," Carissa stopped him from speaking. "I'm really good with girl activities. You don't have to do anything. You just show up and I'll handle the rest. I know it has to be so hard for a guy your age."

"Carissa, I just," Craig tried to speak again.

"I'm sorry," Carissa, interrupting again as she moved toward the door. "If you're not cool with it, I understand. I know we just met and with our addictions, I get it. I can be a little aggressive at times. I'm sorry. It's just that I'm getting emotional after listening to this session and my daughter and I, well, we just don't have many friends. If you don't think we should do this, given our issues, I'll understand. I mean, maybe it's best we don't get to close."

"Stop, It's okay," Craig replied, grasping her arm.

He knew he didn't want to miss the opportunity to hang out with her, whatever the reason. "A play date sounds wonderful. Text me your number. It'll be great."

"I'm so happy, and Kaylee will be too. Come on, walk me to my car."

"Um, sure," said Craig, looking down at her perfect, long, beautifully manicured nails as she pulled out her phone.

"I'm so excited," said Carissa, before kissing his cheek and looking over at Taylor sitting on a bench in full football gear, helmet in hand. "Oh shit, I have to run get Kaylee. What's your number?"

Craig gave her his cell number which she entered into her phone, her nails click-clacking across the glass.

"I'll text you. See you tomorrow, Craig. Bye Taylor." Carissa gave a dainty wave and quickly ran off as Craig stood there shaking, finding it hard to believe that tomorrow, he'd be going out with one of the hottest girls he ever laid eyes on.

"Who was that?" asked Taylor as Craig approached.

"I'm not sure yet, but we'll be seeing her again, soon, and hopefully, a lot," said Craig looking at the text that just came through.

"I guess you'll be thanking me for hooking you up with this session then?" asked Taylor.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that," said Craig. "It is all of your doing."

"Yeah, and don't you forget it."

"You're right, I was against it, didn't want to come, and said no, but you insisted. You're the reason I'm here and I wouldn't have met Carissa without you, so . . . Get in the car and don't forget you owe me."

They headed home, stopping to pick up pizza on the way.

When they got in the house they turned on the television while they ate their pizza. Taylor then went to shower and Craig headed to his room.

Craig received a few more messages from Carissa over the evening, to include a photo of her that he absolutely couldn't quit staring at, and just before he turned out the lamp on the night stand, his phone dinged again.

>> How does Friday sound?

The kids get out of school

early, so maybe we could

have dinner and then a

night out with them?

>Yeah, perfect

>> Kaylee can't wait, shes

so excited to make a new

friend. Me too ☺️

Craig quickly sent a message to Taylor.

> We gotta talk tomorrow