Page 60 of Open Net

Mom squeezed my arm and I smiled at her. “Thank you.”

She nodded and turned to look back at the doctor.

“I think there’s something else that would benefit you.”

A vacation? A nanny? Could she prescribe those? “Okay.”

“There’s a group for new moms that are experiencing the same thing. They meet twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays.” She paused and I realized today was Thursday. Oh yay.

“So, a support group?” I couldn’t keep the doubt out of my voice.

“Yes, it’s been proven that women overcome this much quicker with a strong support system.”

I glanced at my mom then back at the doctor. “I have a support system.”

Mom patted my arm. “Yes, but these women are going through the same thing you are. They can empathize.”

I sighed and sank into the chair. Even though I was a grown woman, I didn’t think I had much of a choice in this decision. “Okay.”

“That’s great. I really think you’ll benefit from going.”

I forced a smiled and accepted the prescription and flyer about the group. I didn’t say anything until we were back in my car. I turned to my mom who was smiling back at me. “Please don’t make me go.” I felt like a teenager again.

She tilted her head. “Just give it one shot. If you hate it after tonight, I won’t mention it again.”

Ugh. Stupid logic and compromise. “Fine.”

She smiled and drove us home.

Jackson napped until it was time for me to leave for the group. He was fussy and nothing I could do was helping. Mom walked into his nursery and took him from me. Within ten seconds of bouncing exactly like I had been, his cries faded.

I closed my eyes and sighed.

“Babies can sense when you’re stressed,” Mom said.

I nodded. I knew that, but I didn’t enjoy being reminded of how awful I was at this.

“Go on to the meeting,” Mom said. “I’ve got things covered here.”

“Thanks.” I turned and headed down to my car. I sat in the driver's seat and basked in the silence, and freedom. I was tempted to just sit in the garage, but I knew I’d be found.

The group met in a conference room at the university hospital, so it only took me a few minutes to get there.

I followed the signs directing me to room eleven-eleven. The door was propped open and I peeked inside. The chairs were arranged in a circle and there were already a handful of women standing around chatting with one another.

“We won’t bite.”

I jumped and turned to see a woman, around my age, smirking like she was trying to hold in a laugh.

I stepped back from the door and nodded. “Sorry, I haven’t convinced myself to go in yet.”

She smiled, like she knew exactly how I felt. Her deep blue eyes felt familiar. Maybe it was the dark circles around them.

“I came twice before I actually walked in.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Really?”

She nodded, making her blonde bob dance around her cheeks. “I didn’t even get out of my car the first time, so you’ve already got me beat.”