[Counselor's Office] The Stars Have Aligned

Nia couldn't remember ever getting so many compliments from by someone. Usually when people commented on her looks it was because of how sickly she was. Even in her improved state, she still looked like an under cared for child.

She gave a small sympathetic smile. She could understand how glowing eyes might have been annoying at times. Although, she had never been to the movies before...

She was about to say something when the door to the counselor's office opened. Out walked a small old man; he would be about the height of Aedan if he didn't hunch over slightly. He had on a pair of big round glasses, a soft blue button down shirt, and gray slacks. His face lit up with a smile at the sight of the two engaged with each other.

"Well, looks like you two have gotten a head start on our appointment today!" He said as he pushed open the door further, "Come on in!"

Nia was a bit confused by this. She glanced at Aedan, her face questioning if he knew anything of what the man's words meant. Maybe it had something to do with her changed appointment time that she couldn't remember.

Alvis, the counselor, was more than pleased by what he saw. He had decided after his last visit with Aedan that the boy might have done better in a group therapy situation than single sessions. He had thought that Nia, who had been seeing him for almost a year now and made some good progress, would be a good fit. They could at least connect over negative reactions to abilities if nothing else. And that, was probably one of the easier areas to cover for Aedan. Dead family and torture were much heavier topics.

The three entered the office, Nia following behind Aedan and then Alvis who closed the door behind them. The man motioned for them to sit wherever they pleased and Nia took her usual spot on the couch across from the chair where Alvis sat. There was room next to Nia for Aedan or he could choose from about five other spots that were scattered about the room.

The man smiled at the two once they were seated. His gaze met Aedan's first, "Now, I talked with Nia during her last session about having a joint session with a new student but I forgot to mention it to you.." He scratched the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed by this. Truthfully, he was embarrassed because he was lying to Aedan. He hadn't forgot he had just purposefully not said anything. He was concerned that they boy would turn his nose up at the idea since he seemed to dislike therapy so much as is.

"I hope that this is alright with you?" He would respect if Aedan did not want to try out group therapy, even if it was a very small session. He had noticed that Aedan was not wearing his sunglasses. Whatever connection the two young teens in front of him had started to form it was very, very good.

Nia couldn't remember being told about the group session... But then again she couldn't remember any of last weeks session or most of this morning. But from what Alvis said, she had agreed to it and she trusted him. He was always very kind.

Nia nodded to Aedan, "Yeah. It's fine." After all, she really liked her new friend.

Alvis nodded to both of them, "Yes, let's get started then." He grabbed his notebook and opened up to the page where he had taken notes prior to the session. It was basically just a list of questions he wanted to ask.

"Well, first I was wondering if either of you would be willing to share a bit about yourselves. Nia here has been on the island for over a year now and we have been seeing each other for just about a year. Aedan and I have just begun sessions and he is quite new to the island. You both are free to share as much or as little as you want but I would like Nia to go first, if that is alright with you." His gaze turned to the small girl in the blue dress.

Nia was a bit caught of guard when he asked her to start. She wasn't very good at talking about herself because, well, she didn't really know much about herself. But she would give it her best.

"Oh, uh, yeah. It's okay with me." She wasn't really sure if she should look at Aedan but she felt a bit shy so she kept her gaze on Alvis who already knew everything she was going to say.

"Well, I'm uh, Nia. I mean...you already knew that but yeah. Um... I'm going to be starting high school this year. And I'm kind scared about that. Uh...I guess..well..." Her voice trailed off, suddenly unsure of what else to say about herself.

Alvis smiled at Nia reassuringly, "That's fine Nia. Thank you very much for sharing." He knew how shy the girl was and those few sentences were a very good start. He turned his gaze to Aedan, "Are you okay to share?"

Aedan really was amazing. Nia couldn't do anything and he could make things and play music. It was really cool.

One word in particular caught her attention though and Nia's body shifted so she was facing Aedan more, "What..what do you mean you 'recently remembered'?" Her words were cautions and the fear crept back into her voice.

Alvis was a bit surprised by the sudden turn of the conversation and the tear that feel from Aedan. There was a boxes of tissues scattered throughout the room, should anyone need them.

He was about to say something when Nia spoke up. "It's okay. I understand." She reached out her hand, placing it tentatively on the boy's shaking hand. "I can't remember anything."