SWNOVELS Chapter Gwen Suggestion
Arleta Jessica McDowell POV
Me: "That was about it, Gwen. I am dizzy as hell and anxiety is already setting in, but I am trying to stay calm."
I told Gwen everything. Fortunately, she did not interrupt, so I was able to tell the story smoothly. I drank my strawberry milkshake with a sinking feeling. Was this the right time to see a psychiatrist after eight years of my normal condition? Gwen Toledo: "Why don't you report Arlan to your parents? What he did was a sexual harassment, especially since he kissed you without your consent."
What Gwen suggested was true, but could I afford to see that pervert again? He was definitely on the fence, especially when one of the engineering team spoke on the intercom; Arlan recognized me as his fiancée. Ah! How complicated my life was and I wish that could disappear from this earth!
Me: "I do not want to, Gwen. I would rather go back to my country, Gravatha, then see Arlan again. That man is very creepy, and if you think about it, he did not act like a normal man."
Yeah, I came to think of it. I felt like Arlan's aura was very different. He was like a mafia member, but at a high level. It would be better to avoid him than to be tormented in the future!
Gwen Toledo: "What do you mean, Letta? If you keep quiet after all the bad things that happened to you, then you're justifying what he did."
How could I tell Gwen that I did not want anything to do with Arlan? If I explained it later, it would be like revealing a family secret. Ordinary people like her did not need to know what I was worried about. Only a mobster could recognize another mobster, even if they were from a different group.
Me: "You definitely will not understand and it is very complicated to explain. I just do not want things to get complicated."
I heard the sound of breathing on the other side. Gwen must have been disappointed with my decision, but it was better than having to reveal the real reason which would definitely complicate our family.
Gwen Toledo: "I disagree with your decision, because a pervert like him deserves to be punished. If you really do not want to see Arlan... hm... you should set up an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist as soon as possible." Gwen's last sentence was exactly what I had been thinking. It was easier to talk about the problem with a medical professional rather than recount the chronology of events in the elevator with Arlan. That would just be making my anxiety worse!
Me: "I agree with your second idea, Gwen. I will find a reputable psychiatrist in Dumorz. You have to promise not to tell anyone about this problem, let alone Mom."
I knew for sure that Mom could do anything, literally anything, including killing people who abused her children, and Arlan was no exception. Hopefully, I could find a credible psychiatrist so that after therapy, I would not have to remember my two phobias and that damn man who kissed me on the lips.
Gwen Toledo "I promise, Letta. I am sure you will find the psychiatrist. When I get the information you need, I will let you know right away."
It was a good thing Gwen was willing to cooperate. I did not want Mom to step in and slaughter Arlan. That bastard had said with certainty that he and I would meet again, and that statement made me very uneasy. On the elevator, I did not see any sign of Mom's men, but Ben and I were usually escorted from afar by one of The Hidden Dragon's group members.
Me: "Thank you, Gwen. I will try to find information about a good psychiatrist."
I massaged the head area and tried to relax. Damn! Both phobias have appeared, and now I am so afraid of sleeping alone. It was impossible to ask Ben or Mom to accompany me when I sleep, right?
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Gwen Toledo: "Great. How are you? Are you still at the restaurant you said? Do you need to be picked up?"
I was silent for a few seconds. For some unknown reason, the bad feeling came back. My hunch... you did not to try to tell me that a maniacal man was still in the meeting room or perhaps around this office building. I had to leave quickly to avoid danger!
Me: "Hm... I might try to call Sammy. If he is busy, I will just take a taxi home."
The sooner I left this place, the safer it would be for me. I have suffered enough and I did not want to add another problem, let alone one caused by the same stranger. God, when did you let me live my life in peace? Gwen Toledo: "The sooner you call Sammy, the better for you. If he can't make it, you must tell me immediately. I will be glad to help."
I was grateful that Gwen was still sincere in helping me, and I hoped she would not tell Mom about all the bad things that happened to me. Gwen has always kept her mouth shut and been able to keep secrets, so I hoped this time she would keep the same attitude.
Me: "Okay. I am calling Sammy now. See you, Gwen."
I had to finish the food I had already bought, even though it was cold. Even if Sammy could pick me up, it would take time to get here unless he had already said he could not make it, so I had to take a taxi home as originally planned. Gwen Toledo: "See you, Letta. Call me if you need anything."
Me: "Sure, I will. Do not worry."
Gwen had ended the call. I started tapping my phone screen and searching for Sammy's name on one of the frequently used chat apps. After finding it, as soon as possible I typed a message for my annoying boyfriend and sent it to him. I put my phone down on the table and started eating the food that was still left on the plate. When there was little food left, I glanced at my phone and saw that its screen was lit up. A pop-up message appeared and I could clearly see what was written there: "I can pick you up, honey. Wait for me there."
***
I waited outside the lobby with an uneasy feeling. A few cars passed by, but the car Sammy usually drove had not shown up yet. How much longer do I have to wait here? My right hand carried a bag of double cheeseburgers and double French fries. I deliberately bought the extra food, just in case he was hungry, so there was no need to go to the drive-thru again.
Within about ten meters, a silver car finally appeared. The license plate was indeed Sammy's usual vehicle when I saw it. I smiled, feeling incredibly relieved, and walked over to the car.
When the car drew near, it turned out that the glass was opened from the inside, so Sammy's face could be seen clearly. "Honey, come on in!"
I nodded, opened the door, and got into the car. I put on my seat belt and put the food bag on my lap. The car was moving at a moderate speed, but why did the incident in the elevator still come to mind? No! It was not right. I was going crazy!
"What was wrong with you, Honey? Did something happen while you were in Dad's office?"
I automatically turned my head, and for some unknown reason, my heart beat faster. What was wrong with me? Is this the effect of two phobias that relapsed simultaneously a few hours ago? "Ah... I-"
***