Haunted By The Past

CHAPTER 5: THE NEW CLIENT

CHAPTER 5:

THE NEW CLIENT

Later that day, Bella grabbed a file from the cabinet. She flicked through the prepared case folder and turned to a lined blank page. She started writing notes for her next client when her phone rang. “Thanks, Mari. I’ll be right there.” She finished up her notes then walked into the waiting area where her next client stood, green eyes smiling regardless of her sagging posture. “Hi, Sonia. Come on through.” The middle-aged woman struggled to walk even with her cane as she followed Bella into her office.

Bella enjoyed working with Sonia. She was a fighter, and optimistic in spite of her challenges.

They took their respective seats while Bella held on to her note pad with pen in hand. “So how’s your week been, Sonia?”

“Oh, you know, can’t complain. John’s been a great support with the girls, and I’m lucky to have the support of my boss at work…”

“I sense a but in there somewhere,” said Bella.

Sonia smiled. “Even my parents are great in spite of their age, and the girls help out with jobs at home. I only wish I didn’t have this damn rheumatoid arthritis. It’s a damn curse. I struggle to get out of bed every morning and can’t even wash my hair at times. It’s embarrassing when my daughter has to wash it because of the pain.”

Bella reflected back her pain and frustration until Sonia’s mood lifted. “Have you tried the mindfulness meditation exercise and pacing activities we discussed last week?”

“A little, but it’s been busy this past week.”

“Hmm. Let’s create an activity schedule, which works even for busy people.” Bella smiled and the woman’s posture lifted.

In the last few minutes of the session, Sonia said, “I’m sure you know what I mean about my family always being there for me. I mean, it’s not only support, but definitely the right kind of support. That’s all I can ask for. I’m lucky to have had an amazing childhood with my family. I’m grateful for that.”

Bella ignored the hollowness in her stomach. She ignored the headache and the blurred vision threatening to swallow her whole as she held firm to her client’s words. Why couldn’t her own parents be like that? Loving and supportive?

After the session, Sonia was a new woman with a spring in her step as Bella showed her to the door. Mari interrupted her. “Oh, you have a message from this man enquiring about counselling.” She handed Bella the note with her scrawled handwriting.

“Thanks. I’ll call him back.”

Mari drew her eyebrows together. “Is everything okay? You look sad.”

Bella nodded. “I’m fine. Just tired, that’s all.”

Mari gave her a reassuring smile as she sealed an envelope and placed it in her in-tray. “All these problems. It must get to you sometimes.”

Bella shrugged. “I love the work, and helping people has its own rewards.”

“Well, that’s good, I suppose.”

Bella made her way back to her office and dialled the number of the caller. A flutter rose in her chest. She always got a little nervous speaking to new people. “Hello, is this Jackson?”

“Yes, who’s this?”

“This is Bella Carismo, the psychologist. You called my office earlier today to enquire about my services.”

“Yes, I need counselling. Can you help me?”

“Can you tell me about your issue?” She waited at least ten seconds before getting a response.

“I don’t know. Just anger, I guess.”

Bella swallowed. She could hear the tension in his voice. “Can you tell me more about that?” Again, a moment of silence pervaded her. “Jackson?”

“Sorry, aahm. I guess I get a bit aggressive, more verbal, aah...not so physical or anything like that.” He didn’t sound very convincing to Bella. He went on, “I’ve tried others but they’re too busy right now. You sound pleasant. Can you please make time for me?”

The sound of desperation in his voice made her curious. She was glad to have a new client as she needed the money and business. With each new client, she could make a lot of gains developing her business through word of mouth, which was her best advertising. Yet she sensed there was more to this client. Only time would tell. Her imagination sometimes tended to work overtime. “Okay, Jackson.” Bella gripped the phone, the weight of it pressing into her hand. “I can make time for you. Is next Wednesday at one p.m. suitable?”

“Of course. I’m pretty flexible with work. Thank you.”

She hung up after giving him the address details and stared at the phone for a couple of minutes. She smiled to herself for having secured a new client. It could only get better. Within minutes, she picked up her desk phone. “Mari, can you open up my calendar and add Jackson’s appointment for me.”

“Of course. What’s the date and time?”Bella was grateful to have Mari arrange her schedule on her online calendar. It gave her the time for more productive work. She was a godsend.