She pressed the up-button of the elevator heading for the 2nd floor. The elevator opened just as her mother turned from having signed the visitor's log. They both entered the elevator having resigned themselves toward fulfilling this court order requirement.
Upon entering the room they were asked to take a seat, when David commented to Gabby, “you seem to be in a chipper mood today.” Instead of choosing either of the two visitor's chairs, 15-year old Gabby sat in the chair positioned in front of the therapist's computer.
Her oval elongated face was lit with delight and expectation. As a distraction to divert David's attention away from her and upon her mother, Gabby took charge. Her eyes caught attention of two puzzle board games of geometric shapes suitable for kindergarteners. With the swiftness and agility of a monkey she removed the games designed to test memory and recognition skills, held them in both hands, then turned to her mother saying, “Mommy, do you remember these?” Her mother immediately implored she return the games to the shelf and to give David her undivided attention. Yet, Gabby insisted, “Let's play.” Confused by the unexpected distraction, her mother gave her a quizzical glance.
David soothing, soft voice pointed out he would prefer to talk. Still insisting of wanting to play with the puzzle, Gabby challenged the therapist. Wanting to get the session over with in order to go have dinner at Applebee's, the mother displayed restrained impatience. With tight lips she demanded her daughter put the puzzle boards away.
With an innocent facial expression, batting her long eyelashes of her full brown eyes Gabby pouted her lips. She was persistent in trying her mother's last nerve. Finally after a last effort the mother's sense of reasoning pointed out Gabby's behavior as being inappropriate and disrespectful. Gabby conceded and rested the puzzle board games upon the rectangular table just next to her. She then gave David her undivided attention.
Having granting David his wish, words of congeniality were exchanged. Eventually, the therapist's attention was diverted towards the mother. At the slightest opportunity, Gabby quickly withdrew from the session by turning her attention towards the puzzle board games. She's commenced playing. Weighing 130lbs, her posture was slumped forward. Her shoulder length straightened hair fallen hid her face. Her stooped back was completely turned, facing the mother and therapist. The mother instantly knew Gabby's ears were perked listening intently as her mother was being bombarded with questions from David.
It had become obvious to the mother that Gabby got what she wanted, to play, literally and metaphorically, passing the time leaving her mother at the mercy of the therapist.
