When I wrote Happy Little Family a lot of comments said how much they liked the character of Michael, the therapist. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't find the inspiration for another story that I could involve Michael until now that is.
I will admit the story is a little far-fetched, but I hope it is entertaining.
This story revolves around the Grey Rock method where a narcissist or abuser is only given one word or short answers to starve them of the emotional reaction they crave from their victim. I've given it a little twist though.
I have created a series for these stories. Hopefully, Literotica will approve that soon.
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Assessment
Michael observed the three people in front of him. Valerie, who looked like she was about forty, with concern creased on her face. He assumed she was the mother. The nervous-looking man, Kyle, looked slightly older than Valerie but didn't appear to have any relation to the other two. Finally, the surly boy, Jack, who, according to the information in front of him, was fifteen.
Michael's heart sank, another blended family gone wrong. What secrets is he going to have to expose this time?
Michael put on his smile which he always put on for the assessment session when he met his clients for the first time,
"Welcome," he said warmly. "What brings you to me? What requires you to need therapy?"
Valerie gave Jack a worried sideways look, "It is Jack. Ever since Kyle has moved in with us, no, ever since he has met Kyle, he has been difficult."
"Difficult?" Michael looked quizzically at Jack. "In what way? Is he disruptive? Is he abusive? Is he violent?"
Valerie shook her head, "None of those things. On the face of it, he does everything we ask of him. He tidies his room, does his chores, and clears the table after meals. As far as that is concerned, we have no complaints."
"So, what is the issue?" Michael asked looking confused.
"Well, it is the way he communicates with Kyle. With me, I have no problems. He talks to me, as he has always done although he still holds a little anger towards me for divorcing his dad."
Michael shot a glance at Kyle, who met Michael's eyes, then looking slightly alarmed, he looked away.
"Here we go again,"
he thought. "So, how does he communicate with Kyle," Michael asked Valerie.
"It is just that his answer to every question is a one-word answer or as short as possible. Kyle will ask him how was school, and Jack will reply with good. Kyle will ask him if he wants to do something together with him, and Jack will reply with no thank you. Kyle will ask Jack if he needs help with his homework, and Jack will reply no. Kyle will ask-"
"Yes, I think I understand," Michael said interrupting. He gave Jack, who refused to meet his gaze, a slow look,
"Clever boy,"
he thought.
Michael sat there tapping his notepad in thought thinking of how to proceed. It was time to confirm his suspicions.
"First things first, tell me about your family situation?" Michael asked.
"Well, Jack's father and I are divorced," Valerie reiterated.
"How did Jack take that?"
"Not very well," Valerie replied with disappointment.
"Okay," Michael said making notes for the first time. "When did your relationship with Kyle begin?"
"A few months after the divorce which was just over a year ago," the way she shifted uncomfortably in her seat told Michael she was being less than truthful.
"When did Jack first meet Kyle and when did Kyle move in with you?"
"Jack first met Kyle and his daughter, Tilly, about four or five months into our relationship and they moved in with us about three months ago," Michael was struggling to believe Valerie's time frame. He looked at Kyle again. He was suspiciously quiet like he had been told to not say a word.
"You and Kyle aren't yet married, correct?"
"No, we are not," Valerie admitted.
"Kyle and Tilly moved into your family home?"
"That is correct."
"How is your relationship with Tilly?"
"Oh, Tilly is a beautiful girl. We have a wonderful relationship."
"How old is Tilly?"
"She is eight years old," Valerie replied. Michael looked at Kyle again,
"I'm asking questions about your daughter, and you haven't answered a single one,"
Michael thought disdainfully.
"What is your relationship with Tilly's mother, Kyle?"
"They are divorced," Valerie answered quickly for Kyle.
"
Good grief,"
Michael thought. "Was it an amicable divorce?"
"Yes, it was," Valerie answered for Kyle again. "They just grew apart."
"So, it is just Jack who is the problem?"
"Yes, he just hasn't bought into our family unit."
"Does he have a good relationship with his father?"
"Yes, despite our differences, Dave is a very good father to Jack. I just wish Jack would realise he can have a good father and stepfather."
"Okay, I think our time is up," Michael smiled. "I think the best course of action is for me to talk to Jack alone then with both you and Jack together, Valerie. I think there is still some residual tension from your divorce from your ex-husband that you and Jack need to resolve, Valerie. I think we can let Kyle stay home with his daughter and save you the bother of finding someone to look after her. Shall we say same time and day next week?"
"How will we resolve Jack's and Kyle's relationship if Kyle isn't here?" Valerie asked looking confused.
"Let us resolve yours and Jack's issues before we cross that bridge," Michael replied with a reassuring smile.
Jack
"Hello, Jack," Michael said to the fifteen-year-old. "How are you?"
"I'm good," was the flat reply.
Michael smiled, "What year are you in school? Year 10 or Year 11?"