#imaya

Dr. Waters: “I can see this is really taking a toll on you...”

Mason: “It is...I haven’t felt this in a long time. Pretty ironic that I opened up about my brother last session and now....” *shakes his head* “I feel horrible for what I did to Viv. Trying to make her feel alone and stuck like that to get her back was foul. I didn’t realize how messed up that was until my mother told me about those sleeping pills. The same way she felt, was the same way I did after my brother died.” *pauses in thought*  “I guess you helped me see that.”

Dr. Waters: “Sometimes, when we’re reminded of emotions and events that we’ve experienced, it makes us more in tune and empathetic towards others.”

Mason: “Man, in tune ain’t even it.” *sits back* “What makes everything worse is the situation with my son. I’ve reached out but he hasn’t returned my calls. A few days ago he went on a podcast and basically made it clear that he doesn’t want anything to do with me.”

Dr. Waters: “Did he actually say that?”

Mason: “No, but his answers implied it. That shit stung but I don’t have anyone to blame other than myself. The blogs picked up on it too and ran with their little stories. Comments had me pissed. Instead of realizing that I’m definitely the cause, people attacked him and Viv. Saying things like “he wouldn’t have a career or money without me” and “She’s a bitter baby momma making him choose sides.”

Dr. Waters: “Social media can be a cruel place.”

Mason: “The way people twist stuff is weird as hell. I’m pretty sure they see what’s being said. If both of them only knew how sorry I am for everything...” *sounding defeated*

Dr. Waters: “It’s never too late to give them that. Although it may not go exactly how you want, you can still express it to them. I usually have clients write a letter with everything they want to say and then reach out to whomever needs to receive it. In your case, I would suggest asking another family member to reach out on your behalf since you’ve already tried.”

Mason: “A letter??” *is skeptical* “There’s no way they’d believe I wrote it.”

Dr. Waters: “I guess that’s understandable since you have a PR team.” *notices him thinking* 

Mason: “I know what to do, but let me run it by you first. Have you ever heard of The Teal Table Talk?”

One Week Later.....

Under the guidance of his therapist, Mason decided to appear on the popular web series. He feels this is the best way to convey genuine remorse and stop the media from bashing everyone else but him. In this age of “cancel culture” he knows that putting it all out on the table, minus personal details, will leave him open to public scrutiny and lost business opportunities. He’s willing to take that risk if it means giving his family the apology and peace they deserve.

To Be Continued.....

Mason: “What in the hell??....” *walks toward the living room*

Corine: “And hello to you too son....” *raises her eyebrow* “Why don’t you have a seat?”

Mason: “Oookay...So what are y’all doing here? Where’s Micah?”

Melvin: “Your son is at his friends house.” 

Mason: “Friends house?”

Melvin: “I sent him there so we could talk. *turns his attention away* “Jocelyn baby, why don’t you go in the family room? I’ll be there after we’re done.”

Jocelyn: “Ok boo. Don’t forget what we discussed. Be nice.” *walks away* 

Corine: *sits down in her spot* “You know, I don’t even get why you brought her? You knew this was a family meeting.”

Melvin: *sighs* “She’s my wife Cori. She is family.”

Corine: “Humph, wife number what exactly?” *clearly still holding grudges*

Melvin: *shakes his head* “Let’s just focus on why we’re here.”

Corine: “Alright fine...” *looks at Mason* “Sweetheart, it’s been brought to our attention that...”

Melvin: “Sweetheart??” *cuts her off* “Will you stop babying that man!? Look, we’re here because it’s clear you’ve lost your mothafuckin mind!”

Mason: “Lost my mind with what?” 

Melvin: “Don’t play with me, Mase. You know what the hell I’m talkin about.”

Mason: “Who did you talk to?”

Melvin: “The one whose wedding you’re ruining.” *stares at him* “I called my grandson to see when we were meeting to get our suits tailored only to find out you got un-invited. When I asked him why, he told me the truth. So let me get this straight...After Vivian finally left your ass and made it clear that she was moving on, you decided to screw with her life? She didn’t want you so you were gonna make her??”

Mason: “Pop, it wasn’t like that.”

Melvin: “Then how the fuck was it??” *gets no response* “Exactly what I thought! You drove this woman to need therapy, Mason. Do you realize how fucked up that is??”

Corine: “...And I mean just seeing her eye like that...”

Melvin: “Eye??” *hops up* “You put your hands on her boy??”

Corine: “Jesus Mel, No! It was the last guy she was with...The former basketball player. I was told you introduced him to her?”

Mason: “Something like that but I had no clue he would be violent.” 

Melvin: “Who are you trying to convince, us or yourself? Nobody’s stupid! He was another ploy to get her back. With the shit you did, you’re lucky she didn’t drag your ass to court! This mess is crazy and she’s not the only one affected. Moses won’t admit it but I can tell that boy is hurt. He already lost his father and now when he needs you the most, you pulled this shit! If Miles was here he’d be disgusted! You failed his son and you failed the woman that raised him as her own.”

Corine: “Alright Mel, you made your point. Every time he does something wrong you bring up Miles. He can still fix it with Moses, just give them time. Since he’s going to therapy like Vivian asked, I’m sure he will see the effort. How’s that going by the way?”

Mason: *looks down* “I stopped going.”

Melvin: “You see?” *looks at Corine* “I told you his ass wouldn’t finish. It’s a damn shame.” *starts heading out* “You really ain’t shit, boy! Sure as fuck don’t deserve another chance!”

Corine: *sits next to him once Melvin leaves* “Your father means well he just doesn’t know how to express it with out getting under your skin. He wants you to do the right thing, that’s all.”

Mason: “I know...I’m used to it.” *still bothered*

Corine: “So back to therapy...Is there a reason why you stopped going?”

Mason: “Yeah. She kept asking about Miles. Her wanting me to describe how I felt after he died was the last straw.”

Corine: “Your brother’s death was hard for all of us but maybe talking about it will help you finally cope. He was your twin. There was a bond between you two that none of us could understand.” *his silence telling her he agrees* “Also, please stop being stubborn and take accountability for your actions. That means completing therapy. It’s all Moses wants. He really needs you going into this marriage. We all know how hard it can get. Even though you didn’t use your own advice, you’ve never steered Mo wrong. You owe it to Vivian too. You have no idea how messed up it was for you to meddle with her life. Speaking with Mo I found out something I’m sure you don’t know about.”

Mason: “What do you mean?”

Corine: “When you two split over Mitchell, she didn’t know how to cope. With no family or friends...Son she had no way to talk through her pain. She couldn’t sleep so she got prescription pills. She needed to feel numb so she drank. All of this occurred while you were more than happy parading around with Cay. One night she had been drinking and mistakenly took more pills. Moses found her barely breathing, Mason.”

Mason: “What!?....” *rubs his hand down his face*  

Corine: “Thankfully She was able to get it together after that scare and after this divorce but Mason...you have to see that your actions always have consequences, whether they are intentional or not. Ruining her relationship with Brandon after she’d been through hell was foul. Sending that horrible man to her was even worse. This is why Moses is so upset. She could have spiraled backwards! Do you see that now?”

Mason: “.....” *still in shock and disbelief*

The Next Day.......

Dr. Waters: “I’m glad you’re back, Mr. Muse. Now usually I don't see clients on Sundays but I was told it was urgent and that you needed to talk?…”

Mason: “I do….” *puts his head down* I’m starting to realize how bad I messed my family up.”

To Be Continued....

"How did I know I’d find you here?”  *laughing as she walks up*  “You always loved this mini closet.” 

*struggles to smile* “Sorry. I got distracted. Is the realtor looking for me?”

“Mmhmm, but what’s a few minutes right?” *sees that she looks bothered* “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Seeing this place empty just has me in my head. I really wanted to pass this home down, but being here brings up too many negative thoughts. Between Mike, your father, and messing up things with Brandon, there’s plenty of content.” *shakes her head* “Now I see why I moved.” 

“Look, we’re taken care of regardless, so please don’t let it get to you. Besides, you can easily look forward to passing down a new home once you purchase it. Now on a different note....I heard therapy is going good for you.”  

“Oh it is.” *smiles* “I’ve been able to get things off my chest that I’ve been holding on to for years. Aside from relationship drama, we’ve covered everything from my mother bailing to regrets about not being there for my grandmother when she passed. That feeling of a weight being lifted off your shoulders when you go is really true. I should’ve gone a long time ago.”

“Wow, that’s amazing. You have no idea how happy I am for you. Hopefully it has the same effect on Dad’s crazy ass. Did you know he was going too?”  

“Sure did.” *smirking* “I’m the one that sent him there. We went to mediation a while ago and instead of being vengeful I took the higher road. I didn’t want anymore reasons to have that man occupying my thoughts, so I let go. The only thing I wanted him to do was seek help. Since my therapist has a large office, our lawyers suggested he go to one there. Besides, I’m sick of the tension. Maybe this will be the first step in repairing he and Mo’s relationship. It would be a shame if he wasn’t at the wedding. I tried to get your brother to change his mind but he doesn’t want him there.”

“And here I am thinking he decided to go on his own...” *shakes her head* “I get what you’re saying though. As long as he sticks to going I’m sure Mo will ease up.”

*In The Background*

“Mrs. Muse!? Nica!?…..Just making sure you guys are okay!”

“And that’s our cue...You ready to go mom?”

“Oh yeah” *laughs* “I’ve been ready.”

Meanwhile...…

Dr. Waters: “So Mr. Muse, tell me a little bit about what brings you here and what you hope to achieve?”

Mason: “Look, to be honest, the only reason I’m here is in good faith for my son. Something went down between my ex wife and I and naturally he’s on her side. She’s seeing a therapist and thought I should do the same, so I agreed.”

Dr Waters: “Okay. So what exactly happened with your ex wife?”

Mason: “The usual. Nothing new.”

Dr. Waters: “Hmm...” *adjusts herself*

Mason: “What was that for?” *narrows his eyes*

Dr Waters: “Well Mr. Muse I’m only here to help but I can’t do that if you’re not completely honest. You claim there’s no reason for therapy? We both know that’s not true. Sabotaging and manipulating your ex wife’s relationships definitely count as a reason to be here. Finding out why, will help you let go. That’s the only way you and your family will be able to heal and move forward. Since you said she’s in therapy that means she has started the process. It’s your turn now.”

Mason: “How do you...?? Isn’t that some kind of violation? A Doctor patient privilege thing?” 

Dr. Waters: “No. We’re allowed to receive outside information, we just can’t discuss what goes on here. Besides, it was given before I took you on as a patient. If you’re not comfortable with this I can refer you somewhere else?”

Mason: “Even though it feels like a setup, I’m good.”

Dr. Waters: “Well look, It’s definitely not. So if it’s okay I’d like to revisit the situation with your ex-wife.”       

To Be Continued......