he was already out on the road. This crowd was entirely Monte Vista locals, and Devon was nervous about outing herself as a Keaton student.
She looked down and realized she was wearing a sweatshirt with KEATON blazed across the front in huge letters. Too late for that.
The surfers gave Bodhi pats on the back or quick nods before getting back in the water. Bodhi flashed Devon a slight smile, which she took as a sign that it was okay to join their group. Raven was focused on Shaved Head, who had a hand clamped around his rib cage and his eyes squinted in pain. As she stepped closer Devon could hear Raven talking in a small, sweet voice.
“It’s going to be okay, baby. I’ll take care of you.” Raven said to Shaved Head.
She kissed him on the lips and wrapped her arms around him. He wrapped a hand around her waist and pulled her closer, nuzzling her neck.
Time stood still on the hot beach as Devon watched them. So, she thought, that’s what an official couple looks like. Almost like Hutch and Isla had once looked, but even more tender and intimate. Maybe Devon was wrong about everything. Maybe Hutch wasn’t Raven’s type.
* “Egan’s Skilled Helper Model: Second stage: Help the subject identify what they want. Which options are open to the helpee?”—Peer Counseling Pilot Program Training Guide by Henry Robins, MFT
† “The Peer Counselor should help the subject shift away from socializing after the first few minutes of the session to focus on the subject’s emotional needs. A subject that continues to socialize is avoiding the real issues.” —Peer Counseling Pilot Program Training Guide by Henry Robins, MFT
‡ “Using terms like ‘we’ and ‘our’, help the subject tackle issues that may be daunting to address alone.” —Peer Counseling Pilot Program Training Guide by Henry Robins, MFT
CHAPTER 9
Name: Devon Mackintosh
Session Date: Sept. 24
Session #2
Mr. Robins was already writing notes in his notebook when Devon sat down.
“Devon, right on time. Have a seat,” he nodded in the direction of the chair across from his desk. Devon sat down and pulled out her own notebook. Her Mont Blanc pen wasn’t in the pocket she left it in. Damn, Cleo strikes again! This game was getting old. Devon reminded herself to get her pen back during Cleo’s next session. “So? How’s it going this week?” He scrunched his nose, pushing his glasses further up.
“Good, I think. I mean, I guess it’s normal counseling stuff, two steps forward, one step back.” She smiled politely and sat up straighter. The more committed and serious she could seem the less he would question her, was the hope.
“Glad to hear it. But, I’ve got to admit, I have some concerns with the work we’re doing.” He folded his hands and leaned on his desk. Uh-oh. “It’s Matt Dolgens. Apparently he’s been skipping a lot of classes the last week or so. I’m thinking I should take over working with him. He might be a little more than you’re ready for.”
Devon arranged a smile on her face, but it felt plastic and crooked. “That’s an interesting idea.” If Matt suddenly had to stop seeing Devon and start seeing an actual faculty member, she’d come off like the enemy he’d been trying to make her out to be. “But, isn’t missing a few classes here and there somewhat expected given what he’s been going through? Hutch was his best friend.”
“We’ve been told that Matt has been seen talking with Bodhi Elliot in Monte Vista lately. I’m not sure if you know him, but Bodhi is an alum with a troubled past. The concern is that if Matt gets in with the wrong element, his behavior could take a turn for the worse. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how vulnerable he is right now.”
Images of Matt and Bodhi—smoking a joint behind the pharmacy, fighting on the beach—flashed through Devon’s mind. Exactly which one of them was the wrong element was difficult to discern. She kept her head down, studying her fingernails. Next question. Next question.
“I take it from your silence you know something about this,” Mr. Robins said, leaning back in chair. Devon wanted to tell him to lose the smug grin; he didn’t know a fraction of what he thought he did.
“I’ve met Raven, Bodhi’s sister. As far as I can tell, she’s a smart girl and excited to be at Keaton. I’ve never met Bodhi, so I can’t really say much about him.”