Installment Fifty

You would think there is very little a psychiatrist has not heard before. But even Dr. Larry expressed surprise when I tried to tell him about the events of my week. His eyes had grown slightly wider as mine had grown wilder.

"So where would you place your mood today Joelly?"

"Enough already with the mood measurements!! How the hell do you think I feel?"

"Why don't you tell me. Calmly now."

"Hey, I don't suppose you have any medicinal marijuana, do you?"

It's been years since I was stoned, I told him, but maybe dope could get me through this crisis. If I'm going to lose my mind and my short term memory, I might as well have fun.

"Joelly, you need to be serious now. Tell me what happened after the dust settled. Have you had a chance to clear up the mystery of Sean's father?"

"Not yet."

No, not bloody yet. Martin had taken over that crazy morning, informing Gabe that Brian was our son, that he was living in Beijing because he ('father of the year' from the tone of his voice) had found him a teaching opportunity in China. And it would be a good idea if Gabe took his son and left.

Sean did move to go, but he took Deborah with him as well. They practically ran.

As he was leaving with the kids, Gabe did say that he would see me soon and we would talk. His first priority was the young couple, and most especially his son. Sean had insisted that Deborah be privy to whatever explanation he was going to offer for his disappearance. She agreed to go along with them. Anything, I suspect, to escape her crazy parents.

"So that left you with your almost-ex and his mother?"

"Correct." I was so emotionally exhausted.

"Well, how did that go?"

"I'm tired. Can we stop here?" I was definitely whining.

"Joelly, you have a lot going on. Did you sleep last night?"

"Can a person sleep with their eyes wide open?"

I had just laid there on top of my bedspread. Inert body, brain buzzing as it replayed all of it. Mostly, I pictured Gabe. Older, grayer, sadder. But a glint of the Irish joker when he asked about Brian. And did I imagine that he winked at me as he left?

"Do you need more sleeping tablets?"

"I'd rather a script for medicinal marijuana to help me sleep. I hear they bring in BC bud here which is top of the line stuff.”

"Are you going to be serious with me Joelly? We won't accomplish anything if you continue to be so flippant.”

Lighten up, doc. No, let's light up.

"All right," I said, trying to act my age when really I just wanted to be a reckless teenager again. "Here’s where things stand right now. I have a husband who wants me to stop our divorce proceedings; a daughter whose life is just beginning, albeit in a none-too-conventional way; a mother-in-law who has become my savior and financial support; and a man from my past popping up with a mystery to share."

"Oh, and I almost forgot. I also have a wedding to plan, location TBA."

Dr. Larry was looking me over. I wasn't sure what he would say next so frankly, I was surprised when he asked:

"Do you really think medicinal marijuana would be better than a sleeping pill?"

He was actually writing me a prescription.

OMG!!

Who knew it could be this easy? I love Canada!