"Okay, we're out of time. We'll have to finish this tomorrow." Nathan said as he softly cut in while Serena was talking about her childhood. Serena nodded and stood. "Oh, one more thing." He mentioned quickly.
"We like to have our patience invite a close family member here for a few days. We'll monator how you interact with each other in group sessions as well as private sessions with me." He looked at her sincerly as she sighed.
"I guess I could ask my sister. Don't get your hopes up though because there is a good chance she won't be coming."
Nathan nodded. "I know, but if she does then this is a good chance for you two to resolve your problems." Serena sighed and then stood. "Ok, I'll let ya know tomorrow."
It happened yet again. By now Annabel was used to it. Jeff would insist that she cook a nice dinner and have it ready for him when he arrived home. She'd spend all day preparing it and then she'd find herself eating alone.
"Sorry hunny I have a lot of work to take care of" or "Some of the guys are going out to celebrate because we won the case" were the main excuses he would use but she knew where he was. She knew deep down inside but would never dare admit it to herself. She had a good life. A nice roof over her head. No need to mess things up with wild accusations. She wasn't sure she was happy though. No family, no friends. She didn't even have a job she enjoyed.
When she and Jeff got married he thought it would be a good idea for Annabel to stay home and not have a job. Being a well repsected lawyer, he couldn't have a wife that didn't seem committed to the marriage. Besides, he made enough to take care of them both. It made no sense to Annabel but she obyed him anyway.
After awhile Jeff got sick of hearing her complain about being home all day so he got her a small resceptionist job at the law firm he was at. She didn't work everyday, but she got enough hours to keep her occupied. Still she found herself bored out of her mind.
She wan't one to watch much television. A few "Friends" episodes here and there, a little of the news, and she would try to catch Opera if she was home for it, but that was about it. Annabel wasn't really into music either. She was more of a reader. Give her a good book, nice lighting and a comfortable chair and she could read for hours.
Annabel sighed as she stood to place her dishes in the dishwasher. Just as she was about to place the remaining food in the oven to keep warm for Jeff, the phone rang. She sighed. Probably Jeff calling to tell her he was too drunk to drive and needed her to pick him up. "Hello?"
"Annabel? It's Serena."
Annabel let out a sigh of relief. She didn't feel like dealing with Jeff's drunkeness. Now, though, she had to deal with one of her sisters problems. "Everything alright?" She asked.
"Yeah. Sorry about when I called late that night last week. I just had a panick attack." Serena told her. Silence came from the other end. "I'm fine now." Thanks for caring. She thought sarcastically. "Finally starting to feel comfortable."
"What is it that you want Serena?" Annabel asked sternly. Sernea frowned and then sighed. Why was it that this woman she called her sister had no remorse or feeling for her?
"There is a thing they have here where they want everyone to invite a family member for a few days to come. You'll just have to go to my private and group sessions with me. They'll see how we communicate and try to fix our relationship. You can also go to one of the lectors if you want."
"And you expect me to just drop everything and fly to Arizona for a few days. I have a life Serena."
Serena rolled her eyes. Yeah, what a life. You'll probably sitting home and eating alone again. "Well you can work it around your schedule. It just has to be before I leave here in 20 days."
Annabel sighed and sat down in one of the chairs at the kitchen table. "I'll have to think about this and see if I can. I'll let you know in a few days."
"Okay, thats fine. Well I have to go because they're going to close the cafeiteria soon and I haven't eaten yet. Bye." And with that she hung up. Annabell staired at the phone in her hand. Besides Jeff, Serena was the only family she had left. How bab could it be? She think of it more as a vaction. Annabell nodded and smiled. A much needed vacation
Lyrics from "All I Want" by 702
