I was pleased when Maya walked into my office looking bright and cheerful. As soon as she sat down, she asked me, “How was your Thanksgiving, Ms. Martínez?”
I could tell that Maya was eager to talk to me. “Oh, it was nice,” I answered, trying my best to sound positive. “Frank and I went out to eat with some friends. It was the first time we’ve eaten at a restaurant on Thanksgiving. How was your Thanksgiving?”
“It was cool,” Maya exclaimed, crossing her legs. “I went to my dad’s, and you were so right about everything, Ms. Martínez. My dad and I talked a lot and he told me he’s sorry for ignoring me.”
“I bet that made you feel very happy.”
“Yeah, it did. And he even said I shouldn’t blame my mom for the divorce, that it was something that was just meant to happen. I still don’t understand why it had to happen to my parents, but at least I know now that it was my dad’s decision, too.”
“I’m so glad you were able to talk to your dad about the divorce, Maya.”
“Yeah, me too. And I even met some of my dad’s new friends. I think he even has a girlfriend. Her name’s Michelle.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah, we went to eat at her apartment on Thanksgiving Day. She’s sort of nice.”
And what about you and your mom? How are the two of you getting along?”
Maya uncrossed her legs and leaned back against the couch. “Pretty good. My mom’s been really nice lately. We’ve been talking more. And you were right again, Ms. Martínez. It’s not good to keep secrets. The other night I told my mom about the time when Shane and Charley forced themselves into the house. I thought she was going to have a major cow, but she was really nice about it.”
It was obvious that Maya had done a lot of growing up in the past few months. “I think your mom’s a very special person, too, Maya,” I said, feeling pleased for Sonia as well as for myself. “And how are things going at school?”
“A lot better, Ms. Martínez. I did what you told me to do. I stood up to Shane the other day and told him that I didn’t want to go with him anymore.”
“That’s terrific, Maya,” I said, pleased that Maya was finally regaining her self-esteem and making her own decisions.
“And Shane hasn’t bothered me since that day. Oh, sometimes he and Charley yell bad words at me when I walk by with Johnny, but I try to ignore them. I know Shane’s jealous ‘cause I’m hanging out with my old friends again.”
“I think you’re probably right about that, Maya. And some guys can be very persistent, but he’ll get the message sooner or later.”
“Yeah, that’s what my mom said, too.”
“Well, I’m very happy for you, Maya. It sounds like many good things are happening to you.”
“Yeah, they sure are, Ms. Martínez. Everything is so much better now.” Maya’s face broke into a big grin, revealing those perfect white teeth that Juanita was always admiring.
“And you watch, Maya, things will keep getting better and better,” I reassured her.
“And this weekend, Johnny and I are going to the mall, and then she has permission to sleep over at my house.”
“That sounds like fun. Juanita has been a very good friend to you, hasn’t she?”
“Yeah, I don’t know what I would have done without, her.”
“And I bet she doesn’t know what she’d do without you,” I said, glancing at my watch. “Now it looks like we’re out of time, Maya. Shall we schedule another appointment?”
“Well, I was wondering if maybe I could wait until after Christmas, since it’s almost vacation time and things are going so well … ”
“I think that’s a great idea. With Christmas right around the corner, we’re all going to be very busy.” I reached over and quickly flipped my desk calendar all the way past the end of December into the new year. “Why don’t we see each other a week or two after Christmas? Does that sound all right to you?”
“That’s cool,” Maya answered, getting up from the couch.
“But remember, Maya, if you need to see me before then, just give me a call.”
Maya nodded.
As I walked her out the door, Maya turned to me and said, “You know what, Ms. Martínez? I think you’re pretty cool for a shrink!”