Doctor Steve Elton rifled through the files in his four-drawer filing cabinet. He stopped at the one marked Mr & Mrs Grant and took it out. He sat down in one of the three armchairs in the room and began reading. After a short while he pressed the intercom that was on a small table at the side of his chair.
'Can you send Mr Grant in now please Claire?'� he asked
'Yes Dr Elton.'�
Andy Grant walked into the office muttered a hello and sat down opposite Dr. Elton.
'Good morning Andy, hope you're ok'�
'Not too bad, thanks,'� Andy said nervously. 'So how de we go about this then? Do I just talk or do you ask me questions?'�
'This works however you want it too Andy. I look on this as an introduction to the sessions. I've already had a solo meeting with Jane and now it's your turn. The next meeting will be with both of you.'�
'I don't even know why I'm here to be honest with you. It was all Janes idea really. No offence, but I don't really believe in all this counselling stuff.'�
'Its doesn't have to be counselling. Just look on it as if you were sat in the pub with a friend telling him your woes. Would you like a coffee?'�
'No thanks, I'm fine.'�
They sat for a while in silence, Dr Elton watching Andy as he looked round the room, looking at everything but him.
After a short while Andy cleared his throat.
'Look I don't know what Janes been telling you but there's nothing wrong with our marriage. We're fine. Just an average family. 2.4 kids, 2 cars in the garage, decent jobs that pay enough to keep the wolves from the door and afford ourselves a few luxuries. Life's good.'�
'So why do you think Jane has asked you to do this then?'�
'How should I know? Women! What can we do but give in to their whims every now and then? I wont even pretend to know why.'�
'Do you think she might think something's wrong in your marriage?'�
Andy paused and looked at Dr. Elton with untrusting eyes.
'Why? Has she said that?'�
'Sorry Andy I can't divulge that. Patient confidentiality.'�
'Don't give me that. You're not a real doctor. You can tell me what my own wife has told you.'�
'Sorry I can't. Even if I wanted to it would be totally unethical and unprofessional. The only things I can discuss with you are things said in joint sessions.'�
'But we haven't had one of those yet, so how am I supposed to know what's wrong. It's not like she tells me anything.'�
'So you think she bottles things up then?'�
'Of course she does. She's a woman. They like keeping everything to themselves, having a little bit of power. Don't they?'�
'Well thank you for coming in Andy. It's been very helpful'�
'What, that's it? I haven't said anything.'�
'I only needed to see you briefly, and it's been very helpful. Now I have you down for a joint session next Tuesday afternoon, is that correct?'�
'I suppose so, Jane made all the arrangements, I told you I'm just here to keep her happy.'�
'Ok. I'll see you next Tuesday then.'�
Dr. Elton stood up and extended his hand. Andy looked at it like it was a hand grenade, and then timidly shook it.
'Yes. Yes thank you. See you then.'�

Want to comment on this Short Stories? Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Short Stories and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...