The Point of No Return {sequel to The Arbitrary life of Avery Blake [teacher]}

The Point of No Return {sequel to The Arbitrary life of Avery Blake [teacher]}19

‘I didn’t think there was allowed to be any visitors.’ I stated in confusion.

‘There’s not, but I’m not just an ordinary visitor; I’m your counsellor.’

I remained silent, closing my eyes and putting my head in my hands. ‘Right.’ I muttered.

‘Are you okay, Avery, sweetheart?’ she asked kindly.

‘Yup,’ I whispered. ‘Well, as good as I can be, considering.’

‘Right, of course, of course. Do you want to talk about it?’ she asked.

‘No.’ I said flatly as that was the last thing I wanted to do.

‘Understandable.’

There was silence.

‘What did you want, Naomi?’ I asked, but in no way did it sound rude.

‘There are just a few things I need to discuss with you.’ Naomi said before waiting for my response. I gave her a nod before she continued. ‘Avery, I don’t think I can be your counsellor anymore. I think I love you too much like a daughter and respect you too much as a person to be your counsellor. I wouldn’t bring his up if I wasn’t sure but because of my feelings towards you, I won’t be able to give you the correct advice and guidance and help you in the way you need without being bias and prejudice towards you and my judgments.’ She concluded.

My eyes began to water at her words. ‘N-Naomi…please.’ I pleaded.

She remained silent as contemplation was present on her features. ‘Avery, you need all the help you can get. And I can’t let myself be in your way, I can’t let anything be in your way if it means it will affect your recovery.’

‘I need you Naomi.’ I begged as I grabbed her hand in desperation.

‘I know, but aren’t there any better counsellors for you out there?’

‘No, please don’t leave me!’

She remained silent as our eyes were locked. Naomi’s eyes, too, were tearing up.

‘I’ll think about it.’ She finally concluded as she reached out and hugged me before letting go.

‘What else did you want to talk to me about?’ I finally asked after a long silence.

‘Oh, Avery, you don’t hate me or anything because I kept that information from you? You know, Kimberly being your sister?’ she hesitantly asked, looking down as though she was ashamed.

‘Naomi, I could never hate you. You’ve been there for me throughout everything. You said you love me like a daughter; well, I love you like a mother. That’s why I could never find a better counsellor.’

‘Oh, thank you!’ she with an eager smile.

‘Anything else?’ I asked.

‘Being your, uh, counsellor, I need to inform you about the speculation and news about your relations with Kimberly as well as you getting lost. There’s been a lot about you on the news. And plus before with Corbin, you also grabbed a lot of media attention. Now there are numerous accounts about you. So when you get back out there, don’t be surprised. If you leave it alone and ignore it, it should go away in a few days or-weeks.’

‘Oh…’ I said as she had caught me off guard. ‘What about reporters? What do I say to them?’

‘We won’t let them come anywhere near you, but if they do. Try not to tell them anything.’

‘Will do.’ I said softly.

‘Okay, Avery, I’ll let you go now. I’ll talk to you as soon as I can. Let your mind rest.’ She hugged me before leaving.