0 the note

The knock startled her out of her daze.  She sat up in the chair and looked at the screen in front of her.  The video had stopped.  When, she couldn't say.   Apparently she had zoned out.  It seemed like she had been doing that a lot these past couple of days.  The culprit starred back at her on the monitor.  She felt a small tug in her chest, just as the knock sounded again.  "Come in," she called.

The door opened slowly.  Mark shuffled back and forth in the doorway.  While he was an unusually hyper person, the movement reminded Jaycie more of someone who was nervous.  He stood there quietly in the open doorway; his gaze on the floor in front of his feet.  "Is something wrong, Mark?"

"Umm,"  he said as he lifted his head from the floor to meet her eyes.  "I'm not sure."

Jaycie couldn't help but smile.  It seemed strange how often she had found herself smiling lately.  Her eyes darted back to the screen for a split second before refocusing on the antsy intern standing at her door.  "Well, why don't you tell me what's on your mind and we can figure it out together."

"I know you said things were finished.  And I figured that meant that things hadn't gone well again and that you  wouldn't be continuing the sessions anymore.  I got the impression that you were going to move on the next person, but he was really insistent.  He said you two had agreed to give it one more go.  He was very insistent."  The spewed from his lips at such a rate that it took Jaycie some time to process his words.  She felt the tug at her chest again and bit her bottom lip in response.  It was crazy how much a single person could have such an effect on her.  It had been so long since someone had managed to get under her skin like this.

When Jaycie didn't respond right away, he took a breath and continued.  "I can call him and cancel if you want."  His eyes again became glued to the floor.  "I knew I should of checked with you first," he mumbled under his breath.

Jaycie had to say his name twice to get his attention again.  "It's okay.  Don't worry about it.  I'll give it one more go."  Mark seemed to still at her words.  "When is the next appointment?"

"Monday at 10."  His gaze shifted from the monitor to her.  "Are you sure you don't want me to cancel?  I don't want to mess up your research."

A small laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head.  "No, it is all good.  The more input I get the better.  I would hate to have wasted two sessions, if I can salvage them."

"Okay."  Mark nodded and started to back out of the room before stopping.  "Oh, I almost forgot.  He asked me to give this to you."  He held out a small piece of paper toward her.

After she took the paper, Mark turned and walked out of the room.  Jaycie sat there starring at the note in her hand.  She couldn't seem to place the feeling that was gnawing at her.  Finally, she shook off the unidentifiable feeling and opened the note.

Don't blame Mark.  I was very persuasive.  Anyway, I wish I could explain this need for me to get to know you more before we share such an intimate connection.  But I promise, ready or not, Monday is the day.  I was hoping, though, I might have at least one more opportunity to just talk.  Maybe you could give me that and an opportunity to apologize for being such a pain.  Coffee at Maurice's Cafe?  Tomorrow 5 o'clock?  I'll be there.  Hopefully, I'll see you.


After reading the note through a third time for good measure.  She folded it up and put it in her pocket before turning back to the monitor and continuing her transcription.