Chapter 8

The next day came and Ava had to act like nothing ever happened. There were a couple of times in the past where she had to stop seeing a client due to them being unwilling or developing problems beyond her help so this was not the first time she did that. She could not care less about what social media will think about it and how many theories they will out forward. All she wanted ws to move on and never be involved with that couple ever again.

"You know you can take a day off. Yesterday was pretty upsetting." Emily said to her as she walked past the receptionist's desk.

"I have a client today so I cannot," she said. "I don't want to spend an entire day thinking about what happened. It's better if I continue on with life and not poison my thoughts."

"You're the boss."

Ava smiled at them and then headed to one of her session rooms. She chose them based on the type of clients she had and sometimes because of her mood. Today she had the middle-aged couple coming in. She was trying her best to try and get them back to where they were many years ago but she didn't really see any progress.

It was very uncommon for a couple to lose that so-called 'spark' and many separate because of it. But any couple does not need that spark to be together. They just need the understanding that they love each other and once it is solid enough they should be able to spend their lives together. That did not mean that Ava didn't understand where they were coming from she just wanted to present a new angle to them so that they didn't split up.

"Ms. Maddison it's not to say that I do not have love for Mason, it's just that there isn't much excitement in our relationship."

Hannah looked at her, her face very somber. She was more on the chubbier side and had these adorable round cheeks that Ava could not help but stare at, resisting the urge to pinch them. She had short blond hair that was tied back into a bun and she wore a green and blue floral dress. Her husband, Mason, on the other hand, had was more thin and tall. He had on a dark blue button-up and jeans. He wore rounded glasses on his high thin nose and his thinning hair was slicked back.

"Yes, I understand but what I'm trying to tell you is that a relationship does not need it. I cannot help you get back that spark. But I can help you strengthen your communication and understanding of love and the meaning of wanting to spend the rest of your lives together. Do you think that any couple has had the spark for their entire relationship and into old age? No, because after a while what's left is the unconditional love for each other and that keeps them together."

"I don't want this relationship to continue if it's this boring. We have nothing new to do or say to each other. We wake up and then go on with our lives." Mason said.

"Ok, then Mr. Anderson, tell me what kind of affection or interactions you have with your wife on the daily."

He shifted on the couch and glanced at his wife. "Well once I wake up we don't give each other morning kisses like we used to. I make breakfast for myself and she makes breakfast for herself. Then I go to work and come home at around seven, eat and then I shower and go to bed. Hannah comes home a little later than I do but we both eat together and then we go to bed at the same time too. What I'm trying to say is that it feels like I'm living with one of my siblings."

"Mason, don't say that." Hannah sighed and grasped his arm.

"I true. There's is absolutely nothing there. It's like we were never in love in the first place."

"Mason-"

"Ok, ok," Ava stepped in as the tone of voice changed. "Now I said that I cannot help rekindle that spark but what I can do is to recommend ways to try and bring joy and excitement back into your lives."

"You can?" Hannah looked at her with hopeful eyes. Her cheeks dimpled with a smile.

"I suggest that you take a vacation. Somewhere you've never been before. I recommend staying at a resort in Barbados or Greece or something. Invite the warm sunshiny mood into your vacation and have fun with that. Do things for each other and try to create those sweet moments. My talking to you isn't going to help much, if you really want to have more fun then I suggest doing that."

Mason and Hannah looked at each other. She smiled at him and he turned back to Ava.

"Are you sure that this could help?"

"Vacations are made to try and relax and fix you right? The right one can help to heal any problems that you can have and take your mind off of the hard things. Especially a couple's vacation. I'm not saying it will work one hundred percent but I'm saying that something should change or help. And if that does not work then I suggest changing your entire life. Because you may not the reason for your lack of passion but maybe the environment you live in. Going to the same job and eating the same meals. Sleeping in the same bed and whatnot. Change can really help you."

"But what about our jobs. I'm not sure they will give up vacation days." Hannah replied worried.

"Just tell them I said so. I'm sure they cannot deny the words of a professional. And if they insist on firing you then we can work from there."

"I'm not too sure about this idea. It seems like we're just relying on a chance."

"Well isn't that what life is. A chance. A chance to get this job, unknowing of whether you got it or not. Unknowing of whether or not your relationship will change."

"I think we should do it." Hannah nodded. "I want to save this marriage and I think a vacation will be good for us. Getting out of the constant loop that we live in wi probably be the best thing."

"Exactly Mrs. Anderson. So many people suffer because of the environment and not necessarily because of the people they are around. I would say to just move to the tropics and change your entire life but we should start small."

Mason gave her a look and but when he looked at his wife's face his expression seemed to soften. "I haven't seen you smile in so long."

Hannah froze and her face turned to one of sadness. "I- I just- didn't have much to smile for."

Ava's heart swelled at their little moment. She leaned back in her chair and watched them talk. Her mind drifted a moment to Casey and Klaire. She wished that their relationship could be like that. She also wondered if he broke up with her yet. Actually, if Casey broke up with Klaire then everyone would know. She would throw a tantrum and yet again have the internet laughing at her.

Klaire cringed slightly but quickly focused back on the couple in front of her.

"So... yes?" she gave them a hopeful look.

"Yeah, we'll try it your way," Mason said, squeezing Hannah's hand. There was a hint of a smile on his face. She hoped that he would finally find some excitement and appreciate their relationship alot more.

"Great great. I think you guys should come in one more time before you go on your vacation and then if you need any help then you are free to come again after."

The couple stood up and shook hands with Ava. She smiled and walked them out. She was glad this was the only normal session she had in a while and not having people run out or retaliate in unnecessary ways. She walked them to the doors of the parking lot and waved them off.

Ava felt successful and nodded to herself as she walked back in.

"Another win for the great Ava Maddison," May announced.

"Yeah, it's the first time I've seen that stickler not look like he hated the entire world."

"I told them to go on a vacation."

"You know sometimes the answer to problems is so obvious and yet so missed all the time," Emily commented. "I'm sure they could have gotten the answer on G****e instead of coming here. 'Ways to spice up a relationship?'"

"Maybe they did do that but still wanted professional help to be sure."

"Once they're happy then that's all that matters. So keep doing what you're doing and let's all forget about the bad things."

"It's Friday, why don't we go out for a drink later." Ava pitched.

The girls nodded eagerly.

"Amazing ideas. And I can bring my hubby." Emily bounced in excitement.

"Please don't. You two are gross." May groaned.

"You're just jealous."

"No. Just. No."