The End Is Only the Beginning

23. Truths Within

"And that's ok."

"Caleb, you're not the shrink."

I shrugged. "That doesn't mean that I can't be a little understanding," I answered. "Just remember that I'll be out here the entire time, and if you need me I'll be waiting for you," I continued to speak softly, looking over to Aaron.

Aaron crossed his arms, sitting in silence.

He stared around the waiting room for a while, glancing at the other patients around us. I couldn't stop looking at him, and attempting to identify each tiny feature on his face while trying to understand how he was feeling right now; of course he wasn't making my task any easier.

"Will you come in with me?" Aaron turned to me suddenly.

"What?"

Aaron continued to look at me, as if he'd said something wrong, and I instantly regretted my immediate response. "Just for a short while. I really don't want to go in there alone. Please Caleb," he sounded desperate, and I felt guilty.

"Of course I will. I'll stay with you for as long as you need me to."

In that moment I let my hand rest on Aaron's lower thigh, giving it a comforting squeeze. He stared down at my hand for a second or two, and I thought that I'd overstepped. Instead he briefly brushed his fingers over mine before looking up at me. "Thank you."

"Aaron Knowles," a woman called, appearing in the doorway of 'Room 3'.

Aaron stood up, and I copied. The woman smiled at the both of us, probably confused as to who was the patient but hiding it easily. The three of us entered the room.

"I'm Jennifer," the therapist spoke, inviting us into her room. "How are you both?"

I nodded, and Aaron mumbled a quick 'good', offering nothing else.

Jennifer pulled up an extra chair, signalling for both of us to sit down. She followed suit. "So who's who?" the therapist asked, and the environment quickly felt a little more informal.

"Aaron," he put his hand up.

"And I'm Caleb, a friend," I added.

Aaron nodded. "He's ok to be here, right?"

"Of course he is, if that's what makes you feel comfortable," Jennifer answered, and Aaron nodded. He shifted his seat a little, moving it slightly closer to mine; he acted like it wasn't purposeful though.

"Good. Thanks."

Jennifer smiled. "Ok, so first thing we're going to discuss our aim for these sessions, and how they'll be carried out." I leant back into my seat, briefly glancing at Aaron to watch his expression.

"So, as you know, this is CBT therapy; cognitive behavioural therapy. We're going to talk about your thoughts, and the way things are processed..."

I was half listening to Jennifer, but mostly focused on Aaron. However, I was also glancing around the room. It looked very 'movie-like' - with bookshelves chock-full of psychiatrist's books and random indoor plants. Plus, Jennifer looked friendly. She was older than me and Aaron, but younger than my parents. Also, she wore a pant suit, a natural looking layer of makeup, and one of those unbelievably happy- and supportive- smiles.

"...So, is there anything you want to make sure we cover, other than the information you've been referred to me with?" Jennifer asked.

Aaron looked at me, and I knew that he wanted to say something. Again, I dropped a hand onto his leg, squeezing his thigh lightly. Jennifer glanced at my hand, but quickly looked back at Aaron.