The rest of the weekend flew by, especially after going to the bar with Kai on Saturday night.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazWNydkBwQ
My Sunday consisted of laying in bed, watching Netflix on my MacBook, and DoorDashing McDonald's.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW16fyNTPz3
I didn't leave my apartment once that day.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr2kej8MJW
Luckily, my class didn't start until noon the next day, which I was thanking my past self for.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSa2oaU2th
I had specifically chosen afternoon classes for Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWYRyI9GEW
The best part is that I'm out of class by two.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTn1Ev6Y3l
On Wednesday it's three since my other class meets at one instead of twelve.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6TEFIypCd
It's probably my most lenient semester so far, and it's my last one so that's an even bigger plus.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5Z92pYc6f
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7RS4ejzVd
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGrOnGGZwh
Then I was free to do whatever I wanted, so I decided to go to the gym.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfxMsw0Xtl
To grow my ass of course.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLWMxemB1g
I focused on hip thrusts, step-ups, the leg press, and a few other exercises that gave me a good burn.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWGvVSCJaS
At that point, I felt productive enough to make dinner afterward.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtztF1DALRl
I'm not that experienced with cooking though, so I just made that viral TikTok pasta.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGGE9ae58G
I had gotten the ingredients for it on Saturday but never made it since Kai dragged me out to the bar that night.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk0Q3O4jkE
But since it was Monday night and classes had started, we both mutually decided to stay in.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQs1tNWRlT
Kai had a full day of classes so she was much more exhausted than me, which is why I invited her over for dinner.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd6vvUJnVr
The pasta I made also turned out so fucking good.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSOaWWqpMA
I had to put it away until Kai arrived so I wouldn't eat the whole thing.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXgfAcxvjQ
The first objective on Kai's list was wine, unsurprisingly, but I was far from in the mood to drink.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f5upXxltu
I just didn't want to feel like shit tomorrow.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRlH2EBV3x
I also had a really productive day today and I'm trying to stay true to that.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KrO1I7c9D
"It's never fun drinking without you," Kai frowned dramatically, taking a brief sip of her wine as I focused on eating my pasta.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLrSCHnQrW
I have a really good appetite after my workout from earlier.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xRlNKln47
"You'll be fine," I said with an amused smile, taking a brief sip of my water.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvl4ekproM
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rIhjgoTFr
"I don't have to drink every single night, Kai," I pointed out, my tone defensive due to her accusation.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe4gvrXgHi
She basically just called me lame... or said I'm turning into someone who is.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cCljCcJHI
"Damn, I'm not saying you have to," Kai said, chewing her food as she set her fork down with a clatter.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh3V1CnI6R
"You just asked me if I'm turning into buzzkillington," I pointed out, setting my fork down as I turned my attention to her.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71pnT4ABMj
"Because you are—a little wine with dinner never hurts anyone," Kai argued with a shrug.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cEgmGRJM3
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYzTRbdfvv
Kai lazily raised her brows, "One glass does that to you?" she asked in disapproval, her dark eyes holding mine.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fkHckCL0D
"Yeah because I'm a normal fucking person," I shot back, my ears burning from her judgment, "I'm not an alcoholic like you."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CfLI6mxEY
My harsh words rang through the air even after I uttered them aloud, making Kai's face visibly drop.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKygAKKsQbq
It made my face drop too, not meaning to insult her to that degree.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta0pOqLifs
"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."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCThS0Gkl4
My lips parted, but no words came out, feeling a shockwave run through me.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJe7NuZDP4
I don't know how we got here—we never argue.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTGHVXbByR
"I'm leaving," Kai determined, causing me to immediately stand from my chair.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeV0VcW2TH
"No, wait, Kai," I quickly said, not wanting this to turn into a big deal.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzyCze4iGF
I love being her friend, she's the only person who truly gets me.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuEeHhkjpl
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i5MBvivVo
"I'm sorry okay? I didn't mean it," I quickly whispered, gently grabbing her hand.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcegYkw8LHh
Kai tugged away at first.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMP6Xh9xR8
Until she halted her steps with a deep sigh, wiping her tears away with her other hand.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaDQNLl8jS
"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."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoODNvLOmy9
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9IHHn2aZk
I let out a deep sigh of relief at her words, relaxing into our shared hug.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPumt0HK2i2
It was silent between us for a moment as we stood wrapped in each other's arms.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39chmV9MzU
Kai pulled away first, leaning into me and briefly kissing my cheek.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7WrQOKNir
Until she suddenly halted by my lips.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxdNTVgK1I
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5J0GX4FXj
It'll also help her stay.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmZEBpTOgP
I gently grabbed Kai's hips, leaning into her and initiating a kiss that she immediately reciprocated.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAcmNnmxdl
It was our usual rushed and detached kiss, trailing my hands down her body and tugging at the waistband of her jeans.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsilvioB0Qa
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEAFsqFpue
But I didn't need them down too far to access where she wanted me.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUIFG8brUO
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1z9MXGxtI
Kai gripped the couch underneath her in response, arching up into me.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGc5oKfcX8
Her moans and whimpers echoed around me as I remained silent, continuing to fuck her until she finally came undone.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKvA9MxLjV
She physically relaxed underneath me with a deep exhale, relaxing around my fingers buried inside of her.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHD6D0SHj1
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvGWGvsDeu
"Did you want any more pasta?" I asked her, drying my hands as she stood from the couch, buttoning her jeans up.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW2muvUYAj
"Oh yeah, it's so good," she said, walking over to the kitchen island and sitting back down.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFLue44nMK
I smiled, "See, I told you it's addictive," I pointed out, walking over to sit back down beside her.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i653PtUbf
"It is—we should have this every week," Kai determined as she picked up her fork.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6ZgYG3lzG
My smile widened at the idea, feeling the lightness between us quickly fall back into place.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqXE2WYTNH
We didn't discuss our previous argument or even the fact that I just fucked her on my couch.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq0iqvA98l
We were back to our usual dynamic-or back in Kai and River world as Kai would say.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40pIlsuEpn
She stayed over that night, watching Netflix with me before we both decided to get ready for bed.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKfDesSQ9q
Kai left duplicates of her stuff over here so she never had issues staying the night.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1aRkckwU0
We wore the same size too so she could always borrow my clothes.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8vp6oeoQu
Since she had class early the next morning, I offered her my closet in exchange for being quiet as fuck and letting me sleep.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7umECFdzS
Luckily, I didn't wake up until eleven the next morning so Kai had successfully gotten ready and left without waking me.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6T3V1fChw
Today's agenda only consisted of therapy, but I still decided to clean up my apartment.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKs72KLCwo
After making my bed, I suddenly sprung into this weird cleaning mode.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJFzy6Sojw
I even organized my closet and threw out anything old in my fridge.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF1mQFwxxG
After that, I went out to get a smoothie from a couple blocks away, getting some steps in for the day.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfpSvML2nl
I sipped my smoothie as I walked home, checking on school once I got back to ensure nothing else was assigned.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKvhaBX7q8
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GCHqnaQXn
I decided I wanted to look extra cute today, so I put effort into my outfit.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZOslAgG67
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zebWcgyWs
I picked out a white bolero to cover more of my arms since it was much colder now that it was the evening.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXS718p9UZ
Before getting dressed, I showered and did a full wash day for my hair.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RsGvNi25i
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83vkcxyOkP
After that, I did light makeup, gelling down my brows, applying light concealer, and topping it off with blush and highlight.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pCzz9pS21
The last thing I had to do was my usual lip combo consisting of a brown lip liner and pink gloss.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReAc0mlgFc
I pulled on my outfit after, tying the corset to emphasize my waist and cleavage.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoAA5WTaXZ
I paired the outfit with closed-toe Dior kitten heels, which matched my white top.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsekt86vU9
Last was perfume, spraying on Valentino and Burberry.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3csKjKZauV
Excitement buzzed through me as I exited my apartment to head down to my car.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhIX3nGjzk
I actually felt excited for therapy, just not for the therapy aspect.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJurqlSuLr
Just the therapist herself.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnW8HjEKVC
Hopefully, my outfit today will prove as a distraction since it's more mature in my terms.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTwgJSktPB
I normally wear short skirts or cropped tops so this is the best it'll get.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgbgoXDXL5
On the way over to the familiar skyscraper building, I found myself open to the idea of therapy twice a week.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEloBQQxwC
It's a full hour of purposely pushing Dr. Luccino's limits and costing my mother more money in the end.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOBzoVu5Ft
This can be a win-win.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNsZlHvMA7
"Hi, Sienna," I greeted the familiar receptionist with my usual smile, "I'm here for my appointment with Dr. Luccino" I told her.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhkIf1zxnC
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."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHTZ6CyWOH
I felt my smile grow, along with my confidence, "Thank you," I said as she nodded a few times in response.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZmxJnN1Fs
I sighed contently as I turned around, anticipating the moment Dr. Luccino would emerge from the familiar hallway.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RdpWfYU4h
I didn't necessarily feel like sitting down to wait so I stood for a moment—Immediately glancing over when I noticed her presence.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9QTuBqyPp
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLdC8AMQG5
Her dark hair was slicked up into a high bun, wearing navy dress pants and a white blouse.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSedd6W8oei
Given her keys in her hand, she seemed to be leaving.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn5lRueLsY
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVXT1jonBl
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKLw9uPwLC
"Great minds think alike," Dr. Kincaid determined, her smile growing.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo24ZkUXW6j
I smiled back at her—
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRgk2KQQ2m
"River" I heard her familiar voice cut into our conversation, my gaze shifting past Dr. Kincaid.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX3XGxvwpu
Dr. Luccino stood at the threshold of the hallway, her hands calmly clasped in front of her and her brown eyes on me.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktjwwZmTuF
She wore a silk button-up with a thin silk scarf that matched the dress shirt, wrapped loosely around her neck.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihX7ogMKOj
To match her black top, she wore dark dress pants and matching stilettos that emphasized her tall height.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nA9DIpcnf
Her shiny dark hair was down, cascading down past her chest as her bangs framed her sharp face covered in minimal makeup.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGRAhTv2rj
Dr. Luccino tilted her head slightly, snapping me from my thoughts and making me realize how badly I had zoned out.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErT1PrHdif
Fuck.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC1ZNgAt9Q
"Let's head to my office," Dr. Luccino spoke again when I remained awkwardly silent.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqJ7OxrkOp
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuoSmYO6Qr
"You too," Dr. Kincaid said as I walked past her toward Dr. Luccino.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsXGWdwYEi
Dr. Luccino didn't spare Dr. Kincaid a glance.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q8ht0Ecjc
Instead, she watched as I walked past her, heading down the hallway.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0S9rEIfAw
"Enjoy your night," Dr. Luccino briefly told Dr. Kincaid, following me toward her office as her heels clicked precisely with each step.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo7YuqbCvQ
My steps were quieter compared to hers, even in short heels.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oQyGmYq81
Her office smelled just as it did on Friday, the fresh jasmine invading my senses as I walked toward the black couch.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMMq3yhius
Until I paused, my steps halting when I noticed what was waiting on the side table for me.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o2dtQPiak
A lollipop.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtlyDGZCWM
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGijltR97lB
Or her patients.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM1eGHcB73
Yes, her patients.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7rPqmfcro
The younger ones get these too.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hiPjwupkq
"Thanks, doc," I said, picking up the lollipop as I sat on the couch facing her.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ890gWdcNYb
"You earned it," Dr. Luccino determined, sitting in her usual chair across from me as she smoothly crossed her long leg over the other.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tDVPUXJGt
I nodded almost slowly, trying not to be affected by such simple words from her.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Bre2H5nnO
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1YR1mEGPs
It was another smile.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DXFVdEir9
Yes, it was small, but it's still bigger than any of the others I witnessed.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IweU202oW
"Look at you being consistent," she said, her tone holding a level of praise as she silently clasped her hands together in her lap.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXMUZ9NGfc
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMcerN4Pz9
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTcrKGqmYc
I also decided to leave out the unnecessary detail of me fucking Kai after.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEztI03Zil8
"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."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwltZaNhR2
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."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQXWvGI1bx
Dr. Luccino remained silent for a moment, rolling her lips into a pursed line.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDgy5g3JNL
For once she looked almost in thought, thinking of her next words carefully.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS0ILtuKwD
"I'm sure you've heard that misery likes company?" Dr. Luccino asked me, her brown eyes trailing my face.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS91ysoQn8
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFrZkuRg5Q
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLtau8ks7Z
A long moment, given I'm sitting in front of a therapist.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwqeNFdlKt
"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."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQw3RUCoKZ
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Zqc4rWNZ6
I didn't hesitate to nod, "Yeah, I'm not like addicted or anything," I quickly determined.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1SJEoGd4i
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUNbP6tf10
Suddenly, this conversation felt real.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwggdghM1ov
Like she was genuinely going to ask me not to drink until next week.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOorzLD5X5
"I don't want to though," I suddenly said, holding her precise stare, "But I can stop if I did want to."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTRBW3U4zc
"So prove it."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEj2rtDmYr
Her words held a challenge beneath them, keeping her brown eyes locked only on me.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1usrcrRTA
"You're doing that on purpose," I pointed out, knowing she was trying to challenge my ego, "I don't have to prove anything."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYpZ0ubO9v
Dr. Luccino nodded once, "Correct," she said in agreement, naturally confusing me, "But proving it would earn you something better than a lollipop, River."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pGT8UgsM7
My interest sparked, feeling a smile grow on my lips at her words.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06mlYOWvtV
"What exactly will I earn?" I asked, now opening the lollipop in my hand as the wrapper crinkled.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAuSWdMcl2
It was strawberry-flavored.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXqU23rnj1
"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."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShBqAWGEHw
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMusPcuk8N
I glanced down, noticing Dr. Luccino visibly clasp her hands tighter together.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGirSh7sVe
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzS6n2avZD
That's when I processed the brief silence between us, and how tense it suddenly felt.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG2Zzume50
"A week," Dr. Luccino suddenly said, her soft voice lowered between us.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4jGW8AdJu
I remained quiet in thought, trying to decide if I wanted to do this.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPC2L8AChz
I mean, I knew I could.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYQQP0fpUS
And even if I did drink, she wouldn't necessarily know.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYeJUcDeQ5
"Sure," I murmured nonchalantly, "A week," I added in agreement, slipping the lollipop out of my mouth.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmNVdmw6d2
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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAjCqulJZS
"A week it is then," she determined, her brown eyes holding mine, "I'll test you after to ensure you follow through."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotKath9QON
I shrugged, "Sounds good to me," I said, knowing a breathalyzer wouldn't hold up if I did decide to drink over the weekend.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zV8bF44mh
All traces would definitely be gone by the time I'm back in this office with her.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAR6oimx8v
"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."
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRie7RrkbK7
"Sounds even better," I mumbled, trying not to sound standoffish.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W1k35U4rh
There's no way I can drink this weekend and get away with lying about it.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElXFPnxkiL
Fuck her honestly.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKSUjfLtU6
I don't even have to prove this point.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWPyyZVdut
Ugh, but I want to.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo8qSQ2kO3
I fucking want to—what is wrong with me?
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFhQV3emFW
I just want to know what it'll earn me.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHMvphiu9c
This shit better be fucking good.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpD0gbUwRG3
"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.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMF5leIvUO
It was enough to distract me from this stupid one-week alcohol cleanse that I agreed to.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Uu4ABuXHJ
I'm sure I can go a week without alcohol.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuyUT0ucz2
Right?
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJAJGlkwY6
I mean, it can't be that hard.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU1wQyJsar
I just won't go out this weekend, simple.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUnJ728yet
Besides, I can't back out now, especially with this possible reward.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspktLksJkH
Kai might throw a fit though, but she'll be okay.p
ns216.73.216.224da2
然後按「加至主畫面」