LOVER

Chapter 2: Night Walks

                                                                "Appreciate and interact, that's the secret."

ELAINE POV 

"Dad, can I have these?" He just nodded and continued to watch his favorite movie while eating popcorn. Today is my therapist day and it’s 9pm in the evening, the perfect time for me to linger around the busy street of my town.

My phobia is getting worse that leads me to be socially unstable. In addition, I get this anxiety that sometimes makes me feel depressed. I'm taking some online tutoring and online college school so that I can still cope up with my studies. Amidst this condition, I still have a dream that I want to achieve.

"Doc?" I knocked at his door thrice and entered his office. He greeted me and offered me donut. He's been my therapist for almost 13 years, since I'm 5 years old. He also told me that my grandmother also suffered with this issue but it's not Philophobia but DSED or Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder. It is an attachment disorder in children under 18, it makes people difficult to form deep meaningful connections with others. It is typically a result of childhood trauma or neglect.

I didn't get to know my grandma because she died when I was young and my father doesn't have any idea about it. Well, I didn't get mad with my grandmother she didn't wish to have that phobia and also my mother didn't hope for me to have her illness. If this is God’s will, I know I could surpass it. God gives the biggest battle to His strongest soldiers.

"How are you Elaine?" He asked me while reading some documents and seated into his chair and taking a sip of his Starbucks shake.

"I guess, I'm fine." He looked at me and put his documents then sipped for the last time.

"Have you met someone?" He predicted correctly. He is also not a therapist but he's a psychologist and a psychiatrist so I have no chance of telling lies in front of his face.

I just nodded as an affirmative response and he held his chin like a Gizmo and pointed me with a little hint of mocking.

"Is he a boy?" I looked at him and smiled awkwardly, then he chuckled.

"You're beautiful, Elaine and you knew the consequences. Your phobia is not just an ordinary phobia it can also lead you to death." Is he being serious? How can I fall in love with just a person whom I’ve just met? I'm not even interested about him. I just admire his face.

"I'm not into him and I'm not that stupid to die just for him." He breathes heavily and releases a psychotic smile. I mean, bright smile of him that he uses when he wants to give me an assignment.

"Okay, why so defensive?" he chuckled and I just gave her a sharp stare.

"For your task, to know if you have improved with your condition, go back to the homeless and talk to them. Then give them food." I grabbed my bag and revealed to him my motif.

"Doc, that's my plan by the way and even if you didn't give me this task I'll do it." He looked at me with disbelief.

"So you're meeting them every day?" I nodded.

"So how do you feel?" He stood up and grabbed a box of donut in the corner. He really loves those sweets.

"Pleasured?" He commanded me to come to him and handed me the donut.

"Add this yummy snack they'll love it," he giggles.

"If they’re a little stupid." He glared at me and ordered me to step out.

"Now do your task. Okay?" That's my cue and I bid goodbye to him.

I headed to the streets of the city and looked for homeless, then I decided to go to their usual spot at the side of the bridge. I don't consider them homeless either. I consider them wanderer because homeless is so sickening, for the government is not doing something for them to have a decent shelter. They treat them like bacteria in the city and trying to get rid of them. If I were in the government and have the capacity, I'll give them what they need. Funny of me when I can't even decide what to eat for lunch and dinner.

"Miss!!!" A young boy approached me and gave me hug and also his sister who winked at me. They were abandoned as they said at the young age of 4 by their worthless parents and now they are 18 and 19 years old. They are still young for me. Like me... Young... Wild ... And not free.

"It’s good to meet you again, Ms. Elaine!" They are not literally homeless now because they have a very tiny house at the bridge. I handed them the little foods and they call they're friends. I just sat and smiled at them

"Ms. Elaine, Roward is now studying!" He pointed at her brother who is busy giving foods to their friends.

Roward is half American you can tell it by his face and also Elena, his sister. They're good-looking and I appreciate that they didn't take that as an advantage to live like they are above other race.

"It's good to see you." I just nodded and smiled at her.

"How about you?" I asked and she just smiled.

"I have a work at the convenience store. I also learned some basic math, I think that might help. Thanks for it!" I forgot I also help them with some little education.

This is what I'm talking about.  Every evening, I go for some night walks and visit them. Well, there are times that I didn't because I'm tired. Sometimes, I don't why. Maybe laziness?

After eating, they thank me and decided to sleep. Before I leave, Roward and Elena approached me.

"Thank you for your help, Ms. Elaine. We really appreciate and love it." I immediately turn back and I feel running out of breath

What! Why now!!!

"Are you okay, Miss?" Elena patted my back and I feel so sweaty and I need to breathe. Damn! My heart beats so fast. s**t!!

I need to leave the vicinity but I can't move... Darn this phobia! Why does I feel love when I keep casual to them? Is this a sign that another form of love is now prohibited to me? Why this one?

I run and give them a thumbs up so that they won't feel embarrassed for not responding to their gratitude.

I can't breathe!

Help.....

Before I close my eyes, I've seen someone rushing towards me. My visions became blurry and there I saw his face...

"White"

©2020