Signs Of Love

“So, Aaron.” Dr. Hobenoff began, sitting across from me. “I heard that you’re having issues in school. Would you care to elaborate?”

“No.” I responded, sinking lower in the chair. The doctor wrote something down on his clipboard.

“Uh-huh. But, if it was nothing, then why are you here? And why did you shrink away when I asked the question?”

“I didn’t shrink away.” I replied, looking him straight in the eye. “I was just getting comfortable.”

“Uh-huh.” He scribbled down more notes. One thing the doctor was famous for was his “uh-huh” line.

“Look, it’s nothing, really. Can’t boys in high school get in trouble?”

“Why yes.” He chuckled. “Yes they can. But, for some reason, when it comes to you, that’s not quite the case.”

“And why is that?” I asked, giving him a look.

“I normally wouldn’t say something like this, but, because you haven’t shown any of these traits before, it can be assumed that you are having trouble. Now, tell me about it.” The doctor stood up and walked around behind my chair. “Please.”

“Well,” I said, scooting away from him. “I…I’ve been having anger issues.” This is why you want to tell the doctor the truth. Otherwise he becomes a real creeper, and it’s very scary. And it’s like he has some kind of magical powers, because he knew when you were lying.

“Oh yeah, what kind of issues?”

“Well, I have my ‘zen’ days, and then the rest I’m kind of seething with anger.” I shrugged, not telling him anything.

“Uh-huh.” He went to sit behind his desk again. “Well, I am going to request meetings every week. I want to put you in some anger management classes so that you can keep it under control. I’m also going to look for any mental disorders that fit the bill, so that we can go about
using the proper techniques to help heal you.”

“What? No! I’m not doing that!”

“Too bad Aaron, you have no choice. Now, let’s go out by your mother and explain to her.” The doctor stood up and walked out the door quickly, me following him slowly. He explained, and she put her hand over her mouth.

“But no worries Mrs. Johanson. We’ll get it under control in no time.” He assured her.

“Yes, thank you.” She replied, standing up and shaking his hand.

Then we both headed out to the car, where we stayed silent. When we got home, I took Charlie out for a walk. I didn’t want to hear what she said to my dad. And I didn’t want to hear what he had to say.

***

The rest of the weekend was uneventful. My parents were quiet, and I stayed out of their way. On Monday I finally learned the kids name!

“Raydio.” I repeated to Rachel.

“That’s great. I’m glad you stopped picking on him. It was heartbreaking to hear about it.” She told me, leaning against one of the bars of the jungle gym.

“Yeah. I’m sorry…”

“You should tell him that, not me.” Rachel adjusted her glasses. “Anyway, it’s good to go out. I was stuffed in the house all weekend studying.”

“Studying? For what?”

“You doofus, the math test. I just barely got an B.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m assuming you didn’t study?”

I didn’t…not really. The detention on Saturday and the visit to the therapist had wiped me out. “Uh, no.”

“So, what’d you get? An F-?” She joked.

I looked down at the ground, biting my lip.

“Oh man, did you really do that bad?”

“Actually…I got a 100%...”

“No way. You have to be joking.” I looked her straight in the eye. “Oh my God, you’re not! That’s great!” She smiled, happy for me.
“Yeah, it’s good…and you did great too. I’m pretty sure if it were some other class, this would be reversed.”

“You know?” She smirked. “I am too.”