~Chapter 8~

" Goodday Miss Heath. It's good to see you again." Belinda chatted happily. I nodded my head, humming in response.

Another week, another visit to the therapist. Hence another conversation with Belinda.

" You came just in time. Feel free to go in" She gestured to Mr. Andrew's office that I was already accustomed to.

" Here we go again " I muttered to myself, turning the door handle. Mr. Andrew's head snapped up in my direction, upon hearing someone walk in. Exchanging pleasantries, I settled in the seat facing him at the other side of the office desk.

" So Annie, how did the job hunting task go?"

" Not much of a big deal. It was easier than normal, I guess that's because I just had to apply for the positions behind my screen, not having to submit my resumé in person" I answered truthfully, there wasn't much work required for my job hunt.

" Have you gotten any response yet?"

" Yeah. I have a face-to-face interview scheduled for next week. " My mind wandered to the Email I got yesterday. I was surprised to have received an email from R&C. Or rather, to have received one talking about an interview. That was the one I didn't have any hope in. I was more or less expecting one of the usual ' We are sorry to inform you but ...' situations.

" That's a good thing. We are making progress. Good job Annie.If I may ask, why did you choose not to get a job before ?"

I gulped, pay no attention to the headache crawling its way to my head.

Here goes nothing.

" I haven't interacted with people for a long time. My former husband Alex, didn't like me going out. I still spoke to Jojo over the phone, she didn't have time to come visit me. I quit my job a year into my marriage when Alex started to talk about me becoming a housewife. I resisted at first but later got tired and just did as he pleased. His refusal to let me work, increased to him restricting my interaction with other people. I stopped attending parties, dinners with friends and neighbors, and barbecues and conferences. You know, all the things you'll do with your friends and family? Somehow, he managed to stop me from going out altogether. Not a restaurant to have lunch, not to the mall or even a salon. If he found out, hell would be let loose. He'll beat me up and lock me in my room. I got used to shopping online, avoiding people in general. My anxiety kicks in when I'm around people. I developed a tendency to be happier when I'm alone. An office environment will trigger my anxiety problems." Exhaling deeply, I brought my eyes to meet his gaze. For a second, a split second his face softened. Showing a hint of emotion for a second. That was quickly replaced with his furrowing brows.

" Your husband hit you?"

Nodding my head in affirmation, I shut my eyes tight waiting for a judgemental reaction.

" Is that why you filed for a divorce?"

" I didn't file for a divorce, he did. He sent his lawyers to make me sign the divorce papers. He was supposed to be on a business trip, I got the papers instead of his arrival."

" You let him get away with abusing you? Why? You could have reported a case of domestic violence and have justice for yourself."

This wasn't the first time someone will be saying those words. As a matter of fact, anyone who has ever heard my side of the story asked the same thing. Why did I never file for a divorce? I didn't take him to court? Too bad I never gave any of them a response.. I would if I knew. So I responded the way I always did to everyone else, I shrugged.

" You need to understand Annie, I'm not judging you. Not one bit. I'm just curious as to why you didn't react."

" I was exhausted physically and emotionally, numb if you must say" I vividly remembered the incidences.

" Hmmmmm. I have a quick question though"

" You have a lot of quick questions" I mumbled incoherently. His laughter surprised me and I unconsciously twisted my frown upside down.

" It's my job now, isn't it? I have to figure what the problem is before help you to solve it. Of course, I can't do it alone. Consider this a partnership, we have a common goal which is making sure you get better. You can help by opening up to me and I'll help you by trying to fix things m'kay?" He spoke up, still smiling.

" Sure, what's the quick question this time?"

I asked jokingly.

" Do you recognize your divorce as the reason for your situation or your marriage?"

" Ummm, my divorce"

" Why do you say so?

" Everything went south after the divorce. I was perfectly fine"

" No, you weren't, at least not from everything you've told me. Your divorce was only the peak of everything. It's time you understand that your marriage was only you enduring, you're not accepting that you were also hurting then"

" I was fine, I wanted to get married to Alex because I loved him. No matter how many times he hurt me, he apologized. He loved me too, and not having him broke me." After saying the words aloud, I couldn't tell if I allowed my subconscious to speak or if I was in my right frame of mind.

As usual, he scribbled away. This time I was certain, he would diagnose me as a disillusional confused lady. If that was a thing..... Or if he actually diagnoses his patients.

" There, that's what your task this week is going to be. You have to relive your memories with your husband. Write out everything he did to you that you didn't like or found offensive. I can't help you when you don't realize the cause of your problem in the first place. Goodluck Annie. I guess that brings us to the end of our session, seeing as I don't have any other quick questions to ask."

I nodded my head, making my way to the door with his task still in my head.

" And Annie, ace that interview" That's exactly what I intended on doing.

Hey, at least I didn't want to jump out of the window this time. I waved my goodbyes at Belinda before heading out.