The rest of the weekend flew by, especially after going to the bar with Kai on Saturday night.
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My Sunday consisted of laying in bed, watching Netflix on my MacBook, and DoorDashing McDonald's.
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I didn't leave my apartment once that day.
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Luckily, my class didn't start until noon the next day, which I was thanking my past self for.
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I had specifically chosen afternoon classes for Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence.
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The best part is that I'm out of class by two.
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On Wednesday it's three since my other class meets at one instead of twelve.
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It's probably my most lenient semester so far, and it's my last one so that's an even bigger plus.
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Today was the typical first day, discussing a syllabus that every professor normally slacks on throughout the semester, going over the course outline, and then I was out.
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The only assignment I had to do was submit my honor pledge for the online part of the class and set up my lockdown browser for future exams.
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Then I was free to do whatever I wanted, so I decided to go to the gym.
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To grow my ass of course.
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I focused on hip thrusts, step-ups, the leg press, and a few other exercises that gave me a good burn.
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At that point, I felt productive enough to make dinner afterward.
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I'm not that experienced with cooking though, so I just made that viral TikTok pasta.
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I had gotten the ingredients for it on Saturday but never made it since Kai dragged me out to the bar that night.
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But since it was Monday night and classes had started, we both mutually decided to stay in.
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Kai had a full day of classes so she was much more exhausted than me, which is why I invited her over for dinner.
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The pasta I made also turned out so fucking good.
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I had to put it away until Kai arrived so I wouldn't eat the whole thing.
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The first objective on Kai's list was wine, unsurprisingly, but I was far from in the mood to drink.
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I just didn't want to feel like shit tomorrow.
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I also had a really productive day today and I'm trying to stay true to that.
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"It's never fun drinking without you," Kai frowned dramatically, taking a brief sip of her wine as I focused on eating my pasta.
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I have a really good appetite after my workout from earlier.
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"You'll be fine," I said with an amused smile, taking a brief sip of my water.
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Kai rolled her eyes, "Don't tell me you're turning into buzzkillington?" she said, picking her fork back up for a bite of pasta.
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"I don't have to drink every single night, Kai," I pointed out, my tone defensive due to her accusation.
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She basically just called me lame... or said I'm turning into someone who is.
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"Damn, I'm not saying you have to," Kai said, chewing her food as she set her fork down with a clatter.
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"You just asked me if I'm turning into buzzkillington," I pointed out, setting my fork down as I turned my attention to her.
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"Because you are—a little wine with dinner never hurts anyone," Kai argued with a shrug.
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I rolled my eyes, "And that's your opinion, but I don't want to drink and feel like shit tomorrow," I said, my tone tight with her.
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Kai lazily raised her brows, "One glass does that to you?" she asked in disapproval, her dark eyes holding mine.
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"Yeah because I'm a normal fucking person," I shot back, my ears burning from her judgment, "I'm not an alcoholic like you."
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My harsh words rang through the air even after I uttered them aloud, making Kai's face visibly drop.
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It made my face drop too, not meaning to insult her to that degree.
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"Says the one who randomly drinks tequila in the fucking morning," Kai scoffed, standing from the barstool, "You sound just like your mom right now."
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My lips parted, but no words came out, feeling a shockwave run through me.
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I don't know how we got here—we never argue.
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"I'm leaving," Kai determined, causing me to immediately stand from my chair.
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"No, wait, Kai," I quickly said, not wanting this to turn into a big deal.
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I love being her friend, she's the only person who truly gets me.
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"No, if I wanted to get called an alcoholic, I would just call my dad," Kai mumbled, but even I could see the tears in her eyes.
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"I'm sorry okay? I didn't mean it," I quickly whispered, gently grabbing her hand.
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Kai tugged away at first.
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Until she halted her steps with a deep sigh, wiping her tears away with her other hand.
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"I'm sorry too," she whispered, turning to face me with teary eyes, "I wasn't trying to make you drink—I was just saying it isn't fun without you."
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I quickly nodded, "I know-I know," I assured her, my tone rushed as I wrapped my arms around her for a hug, "Just don't leave okay?" Kai sniffled as she wiped more of her tears away, "I'm not," she said, burying her face in my chest and hugging me tighter.
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I let out a deep sigh of relief at her words, relaxing into our shared hug.
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It was silent between us for a moment as we stood wrapped in each other's arms.
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Kai pulled away first, leaning into me and briefly kissing my cheek.
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Until she suddenly halted by my lips.
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I wasn't really in the mood to do anything sexual but I also wanted to give her what she wanted, especially after our previous argument.
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It'll also help her stay.
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I gently grabbed Kai's hips, leaning into her and initiating a kiss that she immediately reciprocated.
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It was our usual rushed and detached kiss, trailing my hands down her body and tugging at the waistband of her jeans.
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Kai reached down to unbutton them for me as I guided her back on the couch, straddling her as she struggled to pull her jeans down.
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But I didn't need them down too far to access where she wanted me.
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"Yes," Kai breathed out in a deep exhale, "River."
I watched her underneath me, zoning out as I rubbed her clit, sliding two fingers past her folds and angling them where I knew was her spot.
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Kai gripped the couch underneath her in response, arching up into me.
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Her moans and whimpers echoed around me as I remained silent, continuing to fuck her until she finally came undone.
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She physically relaxed underneath me with a deep exhale, relaxing around my fingers buried inside of her.
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I carefully slid out of her and stood from her lap before she could offer to do me, heading over to the sink and washing my hands.
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"Did you want any more pasta?" I asked her, drying my hands as she stood from the couch, buttoning her jeans up.
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"Oh yeah, it's so good," she said, walking over to the kitchen island and sitting back down.
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I smiled, "See, I told you it's addictive," I pointed out, walking over to sit back down beside her.
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"It is—we should have this every week," Kai determined as she picked up her fork.
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My smile widened at the idea, feeling the lightness between us quickly fall back into place.
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We didn't discuss our previous argument or even the fact that I just fucked her on my couch.
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We were back to our usual dynamic-or back in Kai and River world as Kai would say.
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She stayed over that night, watching Netflix with me before we both decided to get ready for bed.
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Kai left duplicates of her stuff over here so she never had issues staying the night.
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We wore the same size too so she could always borrow my clothes.
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Since she had class early the next morning, I offered her my closet in exchange for being quiet as fuck and letting me sleep.
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Luckily, I didn't wake up until eleven the next morning so Kai had successfully gotten ready and left without waking me.
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Today's agenda only consisted of therapy, but I still decided to clean up my apartment.
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After making my bed, I suddenly sprung into this weird cleaning mode.
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I even organized my closet and threw out anything old in my fridge.
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After that, I went out to get a smoothie from a couple blocks away, getting some steps in for the day.
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I sipped my smoothie as I walked home, checking on school once I got back to ensure nothing else was assigned.
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There wasn't anything new to do, so I got to chill for another half hour before it was time to get ready for therapy.
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I decided I wanted to look extra cute today, so I put effort into my outfit.
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It was simple—a strapless white corset with lace lining at the top and distressed light jeans with a frayed low waistband that exposed my lower stomach.
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I picked out a white bolero to cover more of my arms since it was much colder now that it was the evening.
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Before getting dressed, I showered and did a full wash day for my hair.
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I still had two hours until my appointment so I had time to brush out my curls properly and diffuse them so they were dried and set.
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After that, I did light makeup, gelling down my brows, applying light concealer, and topping it off with blush and highlight.
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The last thing I had to do was my usual lip combo consisting of a brown lip liner and pink gloss.
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I pulled on my outfit after, tying the corset to emphasize my waist and cleavage.
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I paired the outfit with closed-toe Dior kitten heels, which matched my white top.
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Last was perfume, spraying on Valentino and Burberry.
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Excitement buzzed through me as I exited my apartment to head down to my car.
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I actually felt excited for therapy, just not for the therapy aspect.
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Just the therapist herself.
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Hopefully, my outfit today will prove as a distraction since it's more mature in my terms.
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I normally wear short skirts or cropped tops so this is the best it'll get.
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On the way over to the familiar skyscraper building, I found myself open to the idea of therapy twice a week.
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It's a full hour of purposely pushing Dr. Luccino's limits and costing my mother more money in the end.
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This can be a win-win.
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"Hi, Sienna," I greeted the familiar receptionist with my usual smile, "I'm here for my appointment with Dr. Luccino" I told her.
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Sienna smiled at me, "Of course, I'll let her know you're here," she said, suddenly motioning to my hair, "Your curls are so pretty."
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I felt my smile grow, along with my confidence, "Thank you," I said as she nodded a few times in response.
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I sighed contently as I turned around, anticipating the moment Dr. Luccino would emerge from the familiar hallway.
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I didn't necessarily feel like sitting down to wait so I stood for a moment—Immediately glancing over when I noticed her presence.
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"Dr. Kincaid," I said, a smile growing on my lips as the familiar woman walked into the lobby with a large white Birkin on her arm.
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Her dark hair was slicked up into a high bun, wearing navy dress pants and a white blouse.
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Given her keys in her hand, she seemed to be leaving.
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"River," Dr. Kincaid addressed me as her dark eyes met mine, "How are you?" she asked, stopping in front of me with a small smile.
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"I'm good," I said, glancing down to her outfit, "We're kind of matching," I joked with her, noticing we both wore white today.
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"Great minds think alike," Dr. Kincaid determined, her smile growing.
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I smiled back at her—
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"River" I heard her familiar voice cut into our conversation, my gaze shifting past Dr. Kincaid.
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Dr. Luccino stood at the threshold of the hallway, her hands calmly clasped in front of her and her brown eyes on me.
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She wore a silk button-up with a thin silk scarf that matched the dress shirt, wrapped loosely around her neck.
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To match her black top, she wore dark dress pants and matching stilettos that emphasized her tall height.
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Her shiny dark hair was down, cascading down past her chest as her bangs framed her sharp face covered in minimal makeup.
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Dr. Luccino tilted her head slightly, snapping me from my thoughts and making me realize how badly I had zoned out.
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Fuck.
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"Let's head to my office," Dr. Luccino spoke again when I remained awkwardly silent.
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I mean, I just checked her out in the middle of the fucking lobby, what else am I supposed to say?
"Have a good night," I told Dr. Kincaid, who nodded curtly in response.
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"You too," Dr. Kincaid said as I walked past her toward Dr. Luccino.
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Dr. Luccino didn't spare Dr. Kincaid a glance.
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Instead, she watched as I walked past her, heading down the hallway.
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"Enjoy your night," Dr. Luccino briefly told Dr. Kincaid, following me toward her office as her heels clicked precisely with each step.
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My steps were quieter compared to hers, even in short heels.
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Her office smelled just as it did on Friday, the fresh jasmine invading my senses as I walked toward the black couch.
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Until I paused, my steps halting when I noticed what was waiting on the side table for me.
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A lollipop.
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It had a black ribbon tied neatly around it in a precise bow, making me wonder if she had taken the time out of her day to do something so small for me.
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Or her patients.
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Yes, her patients.
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The younger ones get these too.
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"Thanks, doc," I said, picking up the lollipop as I sat on the couch facing her.
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"You earned it," Dr. Luccino determined, sitting in her usual chair across from me as she smoothly crossed her long leg over the other.
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I nodded almost slowly, trying not to be affected by such simple words from her.
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I subtly cleared my throat, "Well, not to brag or anything, but I made my bed every day since then — and I deep cleaned my apartment today," I told her, glancing down when I noticed her lips twitch up slightly.
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It was another smile.
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Yes, it was small, but it's still bigger than any of the others I witnessed.
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"Look at you being consistent," she said, her tone holding a level of praise as she silently clasped her hands together in her lap.
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"Mhm, I even skipped on wine last night," I told her, my lips spreading into an unconscious smile at the sight of hers, "Kai was a little thrown off but it's all good now."
Dr. Luccino's faint smile faded at my words.
Almost wiped off her face before I could blink.
"Thrown off," she emphasized the words I used, wanting more of an elaboration.
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"Yeah, she said I was becoming buzzkillington and then I called her an alcoholic, but we apologized and made up so everything is okay now," I explained briefly, not wanting to make something so small into a big deal.
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I also decided to leave out the unnecessary detail of me fucking Kai after.
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"Buzz... killington," she tested the word out, which sounded so abnormal coming from her lips, "It's disappointing that she wasn't more supportive of your choice, River."
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I shrugged, "It was really just a miscommunication— she just hates drinking alone," I tried my best to tell her, hoping she understood what I was trying to explain, "I honestly shouldn't have lashed out and called her an alcoholic."
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Dr. Luccino remained silent for a moment, rolling her lips into a pursed line.
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For once she looked almost in thought, thinking of her next words carefully.
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"I'm sure you've heard that misery likes company?" Dr. Luccino asked me, her brown eyes trailing my face.
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I furrowed my brows, "Yes, but that's not Kai. She just wanted me to be on her level," I pointed out, feeling almost defensive over my best friend.
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"And what is her level?" Dr. Luccino asked me, her calm tone contrasting mine, "Do you both drink often?" I thought for a moment about my next words.
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A long moment, given I'm sitting in front of a therapist.
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"Usually the weekends are when we go crazy-like letting loose and having fun, you know," I said, earning a nod of acknowledgment from Dr. Luccino, "But during the week we don't always drink. We might have wine or a cocktail with dinner."
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Dr. Luccino hummed, the sound vibrating softly in her chest, "Do you think you could go a week without drinking?" she asked me, her eyes trailing my face.
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I didn't hesitate to nod, "Yeah, I'm not like addicted or anything," I quickly determined.
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"So right now, if we decided together that you wouldn't drink until next week. You could agree on that, River?" Dr. Luccino asked me, her words careful and almost calculated.
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Suddenly, this conversation felt real.
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Like she was genuinely going to ask me not to drink until next week.
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"I don't want to though," I suddenly said, holding her precise stare, "But I can stop if I did want to."
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"So prove it."
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Her words held a challenge beneath them, keeping her brown eyes locked only on me.
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"You're doing that on purpose," I pointed out, knowing she was trying to challenge my ego, "I don't have to prove anything."
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Dr. Luccino nodded once, "Correct," she said in agreement, naturally confusing me, "But proving it would earn you something better than a lollipop, River."
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My interest sparked, feeling a smile grow on my lips at her words.
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"What exactly will I earn?" I asked, now opening the lollipop in my hand as the wrapper crinkled.
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It was strawberry-flavored.
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"I'm confident you'll find out," Dr. Luccino said, unsurprisingly withholding the details from me, "You can do anything you put your mind to, River."
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The air around me stilled at her serious words, sliding the lollipop past my lips as I tried to ignore the warmth brimming underneath my face.
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I glanced down, noticing Dr. Luccino visibly clasp her hands tighter together.
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My stare diverted up when she rolled her shoulders back, her brown eyes locked on mine as I sucked down harder on the sweet lollipop.
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That's when I processed the brief silence between us, and how tense it suddenly felt.
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"A week," Dr. Luccino suddenly said, her soft voice lowered between us.
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I remained quiet in thought, trying to decide if I wanted to do this.
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I mean, I knew I could.
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And even if I did drink, she wouldn't necessarily know.
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"Sure," I murmured nonchalantly, "A week," I added in agreement, slipping the lollipop out of my mouth.
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Dr. Luccino's stare diverted over to the pink lollipop glistening with my saliva, her eyes briefly zoning in on it before she glanced back over to me.
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"A week it is then," she determined, her brown eyes holding mine, "I'll test you after to ensure you follow through."
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I shrugged, "Sounds good to me," I said, knowing a breathalyzer wouldn't hold up if I did decide to drink over the weekend.
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All traces would definitely be gone by the time I'm back in this office with her.
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"You'll come in for an EtG test on Monday," Dr. Luccino told me, her stare trailing my face as I tried my best not to look too taken aback, but fuck was it hard, "For reference, it detects alcohol up to four days after drinking."
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"Sounds even better," I mumbled, trying not to sound standoffish.
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There's no way I can drink this weekend and get away with lying about it.
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Fuck her honestly.
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I don't even have to prove this point.
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Ugh, but I want to.
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I fucking want to—what is wrong with me?
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I just want to know what it'll earn me.
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This shit better be fucking good.
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"Let's shift to the topic of your mother," Dr. Luccino suddenly said, her soft voice calm and lowered, "What does she do that triggers you?" I lazily raised my brows, already coming up with a list of things in my head.
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It was enough to distract me from this stupid one-week alcohol cleanse that I agreed to.
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I'm sure I can go a week without alcohol.
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Right?
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I mean, it can't be that hard.
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I just won't go out this weekend, simple.
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Besides, I can't back out now, especially with this possible reward.
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Kai might throw a fit though, but she'll be okay.p
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