She kissed her son on the cheek. “Did you give Laura a hard time?” She winked at her cousin, who typed away on her laptop.
“No, I was a good boy.” He pointed to the flat screen tv hanging on the wall. “Daddy bought me a video game.”
“He did. Did you thank him?”
Jahlin nodded. He embraced Finia’s legs again, then continued playing Mario Kart with CJ.
“Finia, can we talk?” Miki asked.
Hugging herself, Finia said, “Sure.”
“Who wants ice cream?” Laura asked.
“I do!” the two young boys screamed in unison.
They left for Dairy Queen.
Finia sat beside Miki on the couch, bracing herself for what he had to say. It wouldn’t be so bad if he wanted to discuss Jahlin, to set schedules for visitations or holidays. But nope. He always wanted to open the floodgates of how she was wronging him. He needed to understand they weren’t a couple anymore.
Miki rubbed his forehead as though he had a headache. “I’ve been going to therapy for the past eight months.”
Her ears perked up. How did he keep it a secret for so long? Or was it a sick ploy to win her back? An act of manipulation? It’s not like Miki couldn’t lie well. “Really? I’m proud of you. It takes a strong person to admit they need help, then take the steps toward getting it.”
“Thank you. That means a lot coming from you.” His eyes beamed with hope, then vulnerability sank in. “I’ve brought you up a lot. You know I feel that you’re the one who got away…my therapist would like to talk to you.”
“Me?”
“Yes, only for a couple of sessions with me. She feels it’d be a great way to get everything off our chests.”
“When?”
“At six.”
“I’d need a babysitter for Jahlin. You know Laura leaves at four.”
“Already covered.” Miki smiled. “My mom will watch him.”
“Okay then, I’ll go.”
Maybe this would provide closure. Wishful thinking on her part.
Chapter Eight
Some people were scared when their boss called them into the office. But, Finia didn’t even break a sweat. She and Mr. Brown had bonded since day one—both sharing their passions for Native American literature and art.
Mr. Brown was casually leaning on his desk. A younger version of him, with piercing brown eyes and long hair pulled back into a ponytail, stared at Finia. Her fingers twirled around her turquoise necklace as she approached them.
Grinning from ear to ear, her boss said, “I’ve been waiting a long time for this. Finia, this is my nephew Patrick.”
She and Patrick shook hands. He said, “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
They chatted like they were lifelong friends. There was something about Patrick that made Finia trust him. Maybe because she really trusted Mr. Brown?
Mr. Brown patted his nephew on the back. “I keep telling her she has to visit The Bronx.”
A glint of shyness in his eyes, Patrick said, “I can show you my favorite childhood spot.”
Blushing, Finia placed a strand of hair behind her ear. “That sounds lovely, but I doubt I’ll ever see New York City.”
Mr. Brown winked. “Never say never. Can you keep a secret?”
“Absolutely.”
“Loretta’s Chocolates is expanding. In a few months, I’ll be promoting some of you to oversee the new branches in Miami, Washington DC, and New York City.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
She could see herself as a Carrie Bradshaw walking along Central Park or the fifth financial district, heading to work. Remembering Jahlin, her dreams shattered. He’d be starting kindergarten in the fall. She already enrolled him in her old elementary school.
Washington DC would be the best option for her. It’d be a longer commute than Frederick, but that’s what the Metro was for. She was sure her mom or Miki’s mom wouldn’t mind watching Jahlin after four until she could get back home.
* * * *
As Finia drove along the interstate, her hair blew in her face. She blasted music with her windows down, enjoying the spring weather. Her phone rang. She let it go to voicemail. She took the law seriously—besides she was scared of being pulled over by the police. Too many horror stories.
Reaching her driveway, she parked her car and settled into her seat. She listened to the voicemail left by the bank. Eyes narrowed, she listened to it again. She frowned. How could the bank reject her loan? There wasn’t enough in her savings to buy a new car, used or not.
Finia plopped on her couch, scratching her head. Laura scooted close and wrapped her arms around Finia’s shoulders. “What’s wrong, Cuz?”
“I didn’t get the car loan.”
“What?”
“I didn’t get the car loan. What am I supposed to do now?”
“Henry and I can help.”
Finia shook her head. “Absolutely not. I’ll think of something.”
“Your parents.”
“No. They helped enough by giving me the house.”
“Rob works for a used car dealership.”
“I’m not asking Miki or his friends for help.”
Laura frowned. “What happened to you guys? You used to be so happy.”
“We just didn’t work out.” Finia had never mentioned how much pain he put her through. She was too embarrassed to tell her family the real reasons behind their break-up. She couldn’t handle their judgments. “I didn’t get to tell you what he wanted that day.”
“What did he want?”
“He asked me to join him in therapy, and I said yes.”
Squeezing Finia’s shoulders and leaning her head to rest near Finia’s cheek, Laura said, “That’s great. He’s still in love with you, and I think you still love him. If you’re not going to give another guy a chance, then give Miki a second shot.”
Finia sighed. “Why do you like him so much?”
“Because he’s a decent guy, who’s not a deadbeat dad. Promise me that you’ll open up in therapy. Maybe you can work things out. Maybe even becoming Mrs. Reeves.”
Smirking, Finia playfully shoved Laura away. “Whatever.”
Tomorrow at Mrs. Knight’s office, she couldn’t promise anything, but she’d try to keep an open mind.
Chapter Nine
Finia waved when she made eye contact with Miki up the hallway of the therapist’s waiting room. He was leaning against the wall. He had asked if they could ride together, but she declined the offer. No reason to get his hopes up.
He straightened his posture and smoothed out his hair, giving a nervous grin. “I’m happy you made it.”
“Well, I told you I would come, so of course, I’m here.”
He cleared his throat. “Of course, I didn’t mean to imply that you would go back on your word.”
“There’s no need to explain.” She folded her arms across her chest, having her back to the other patients in the waiting room. She didn’t stand in front of Miki; instead she stood sort of beside him, but sort of on her own near the corner.
Finia stared at the wall.
“You won’t even look at me.”
“Don’t start, Miki.”
He reached for her hand and caressed it. “Or what?”
Through gritted teeth, she said, “Stop testing me.” She shook her hand away and wiggled her foot, uneasy about this therapy session.
He smiled and grabbed her hand again. Finia faced the crowd and scanned her eyes around the huge room to see if anyone was paying attention to Miki’s aggressiveness, then she glared at him. He had a teasing expression in his eyes as he smirked. “You’re going to forgive me someday. Why are you fighting the inevitable? I know you love me; otherwise you wouldn’t be here,” he said.
Her cheeks flushed an angry red. “Do you want me to walk out of here?”
“That would be another sign that you love me. You tend to run away, so it wouldn’t be a shocker.”
“I ha
te you.”
“There’s a thin line between love and hate.” With his free hand, he placed a strand of hair behind her ear, leaning closer towards her. “God, you smell good.”
Before Finia could reply, the female therapist opened her office door and ushered them in. Caught off guard, Finia stuttered when greeting the middle-aged, slender doctor with large green eyes. Miki hid his grin behind his hand.
“Hello, I’m Mrs. Knight. Thank you for coming, Finia. Can I call you Finia, or do you prefer Ms. Washington?”
“Finia is fine. Should I call you Mrs. Knight or…”
“Well, Miki calls me that, so you can too.”
Finia nodded.
Mrs. Knight sat in the chair near her desk. Miki sat down on the couch first, giving Finia a chance to sit on the other side of the cushions. Of course, Miki took it upon himself to scoot as close as possible to her. Had he ever heard of respecting people’s personal spaces?
Finia slid her hands down her thighs, trying to stop shaking. Her right foot constantly tapped the carpet. Was Miki nervous too? Who knew what kind of things he revealed to Mrs. Knight? Did he tell the truth about their situation? Or was he an occupant in Denyville where things weren’t quite right in that little head of his? For all Finia knew, the therapist may have the wrong impression, thinking this was couples counseling.
“As you probably know, I’ve heard a lot about you through Miki. I wanted to meet you in person in order to hear from your own words the situation you’re in. To see if you and Miki are on different pages. If so, I’d like to see if I can get you on the same page. I feel that this would help Miki deal with losing you.” Mrs. Knight picked up her pen and held her yellow notebook in her hand. “Will that be okay with you, Finia?”
“Yes.”
“Great. Then let’s get started.” Mrs. Knight smiled. “Finia, how did you meet Miki?”
What did bringing up memory lane have to do with anything? Wouldn’t this keep his hopes up? Hopefully, she knew what she was doing. “I was a senior at Shepherd University. Me and my friends went on a joyride. My car broke down in front of Miki’s house, and he came out to help us. Sparks flew from there. He paid me all the attention like I was the only one there.”
The therapist raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
She paused before admitting, “Well, he was cute.”
Finia kept steady eye contact with the woman across from her. She was wary that Miki was probably grinning from ear to ear. Maybe she should only keep with the facts and not add anything extra?
Mrs. Knight looked away to write in her notebook. Finia pondered what she could possibly be jotting down. Did the therapist think she led him on? Did she think she was still in love with Miki?
“So, you can say it was something like love at first sight?”
“Love?” Finia wrapped her arms around herself. “No, more like lust or intrigue.”
Miki said, “Finia doesn’t believe in fairytales or happy endings.”
She glanced over at him. “I thought I was supposed to explain myself in my own words.”
“You’re right. Miki shouldn’t have talked out of turn. Sorry about that. You can feel safe in this space. Nothing we discuss will leave this room.” Mrs. Knight cleared her throat. “May I ask? Is it true? Do you not believe in fairytales?”
“I did as a little girl, but then I grew up. There are no princesses or princes to save the day. Only life.”
“Your parents got a divorce, correct?”
“Yeah, when I was six.” Finia frowned, feeling misunderstood. “But, that was a good thing. They stopped fighting and are friends now. Their divorce didn’t mess me up or anything.”
“So, you know that Miki’s parents got a divorce when he was really young, as well?”
“Yes, he told me.”
“It’s interesting that you both experienced the same thing but came out of it with different perspectives. You don’t believe in fairytales; you’re very realistic. Whereas, Miki very much believes in fairytales and happy endings. He’s a dreamer. Would you agree?”
“Sure.” Finia started to feel like she should have studied for a final exam or something.
“Your differences could be blocking your communication.” Mrs. Knight tugged at her right ear. “So, what does your son, Jahlin, think of your situation?”
“What do you mean?” Finia asked.
“Does he think you’re divorced? Does he understand you aren’t together?”
Miki raised his hand, so Mrs. Knight nodded at him that it was okay for him to answer. Finia anticipated what he had to say.
“The night I asked her to join me in therapy, Jahlin asked if we were divorced. Finia had let me stay a little while, so I could tuck him in and read him a bedtime story. He asked why he has to stay in two places and asked why we didn’t live together.” Miki sniffed on the verge of tears. “It hurt my heart.”
“Then we explained that we both love him very much. That that will never change whether we live under one roof or not. He seemed to understand,” Finia added.
With a poker face, Mrs. Knight wrote in her notebook.
“I told him that I did something to hurt his mommy, so he asked if I said sorry would that fix our family.” A weak smile formed on Miki’s lips. Finia couldn’t help but wonder if he was trying to manipulate the situation. “We have a great boy. He’s really smart,” he said.
“Finia, would it help things if Miki apologized to you?”
She fidgeted in her seat. Did he pay his therapist to try and get them back together? Finia thought he really wanted help. How naïve of her. If it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck, then it’s a fucking asshole. “It may help my anger towards him, but no. I’ll never be with him again. He betrayed my trust. Violated me. I can’t forget something like that.”
Miki asked, “Do you love our son?”
“Of course, I do.”
“Then I didn’t do anything wrong. I surely didn’t violate you—I’m not a rapist. You love Jahlin just like I knew you would, so what’s the real problem here?”
“You violated me, Miki! You messed with my birth control. You poked holes in the condoms. You took my right to choose! Don’t underplay that. How dare you? If I would’ve known, I surely wouldn’t have given myself to you. My heart nor my body.” Finia stood up, her body trembling. She never backed down from his intense stare. “This is ridiculous. I don’t know why I agreed to come here. You’ll never accept responsibility.”
“You’re here because you love me.”
Mrs. Knight stood from her chair and walked towards Finia. She placed her hand on Finia’s shoulder. “Please don’t leave. We’re making progress. I’m sorry that Miki talked out of turn. You don’t have to answer him—just me. Please sit down, Finia.” She looked at Miki. “And, Miki, I told you that you have to stay calm. No interrupting. Finia doesn’t have to be here, but she came because she wants to help you. Stop pushing her away.”
Finia looked out the window. He had gotten a reaction out of her, probably exactly what he wanted. She fed right into the palm of his hands. Therapy wouldn’t help. It’d only drive them farther apart.
Miki stood and grabbed her hand. “I’m sorry, Finia.”
Shaking her hand out of his grip, she said, “Don’t touch me.”
Mrs. Knight said, “Miki, please sit down.” Ignoring the therapist’s request, he continued to stand by Finia, only inches away. She could smell his cologne.
“Miki.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”
“Wait, Finia. Please don’t go,” the therapist pleaded. She gestured for Miki to sit down. This time he listened. Then, she gestured for Finia to sit in the chair.
Hesitating, she stared at Mrs. Knight.
“Please, Finia, take my seat. I’ll sit by Miki. I promise no more outbursts. I swear this is a professional office. Please sit. If Miki interrupts you in any way or makes you feel uncomfortable, we will end the session.”
Chapter
Ten
Finia sat down just like he knew she would.
Miki’s heart felt like it would rip out of his chest how hard it was beating. He placed his fingertips on his wrists to feel the actual pumping going through his veins. Was Finia’s heart racing just as fast? She looked so beautiful when she was upset. Usually she never raised her voice, usually she retorted with passive-aggressive sarcasm, but this time, she had yelled at him. She was so upset that he got her to tremble and threaten to leave. He was proud of himself; he could get a reaction out of her. That meant she still had feelings for him even if she tried to deny it. She could lie to him and everyone else, but she couldn’t lie to herself.
The night Miki asked Finia to join him in therapy gave him quite a shock when she had agreed to come. He thought he would have to beg, but she had said yes right away.
The plan was simple. He wanted to woo her back, wanted his therapist to convince her to give him a second chance for the sake of Jahlin. For the sake of her repressed feelings for him.
Since Miki’s family was Finia and Jahlin, he deserved to be under the same roof as them. He wanted his happy ending.
Mrs. Knight, the professional she was, lectured them both. Miki listened intently in case Finia wanted to talk about their session later, in case he got quizzed during his next session. “I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, but you two are making good progress. You both are talking, instead of shutting down, but Miki, I need you to respect when Finia is talking. I’m in control where our discussions lead. You’ve been sitting on my couch long enough to know that. Please, both of you, take deep breaths and count slowly to ten. I need you both to relax, so we can continue.”
Studying Finia, he took deep breaths and counted to ten in his head. He watched her breasts move up and down in rhythm to her deep breathing. She avoided his direction, looking down at the floor. She still looked visibly upset, thin lipped and cheeks flushed red.
Mrs. Knight jingled her bracelets around her wrists. They sounded like chimes. “Finia, are you okay? Do you feel better now?”
Finia nodded. “Yes, I’m fine now.”
Twisted Obsession Page 3
