An Unwitting Client (Canus & Chandler) @Frankel

[troylus]

Dear Doctor Reiss,
I am referring my youngest son, Canus Estuarian to you for urgent assistance. He is seventeen in years, but far more immature than one might expect for his age. Canus has always been a challenging child, giving my dear wife difficulty even before he was born. Not that he could help causing so many problems in her pregnancy, I suppose, but it certainly should have served as a warning of the tempest that was to come with him.

I should mention that my wife and I have two other children, Artus, who is now twenty, and Erinyes, who is just ten months older than Canus. One could not have more wonderful children than the two of them; always making their mother and I proud.

Canus, on the other hand is always making trouble, and that is where you come in. My wife and I both have positions of high standing in the Capitol and we live in constant anxiety that our youngest will bring us shame and damage our hard won positions in society. Mud has a way of sticking, and while he hasn’t done anything that we are aware of that is truly outrageous, we both feel that it is best to take preventative measures.

Please assess him and find out what the problem is. We will pay you well if you can diagnose and treat the disorder with discretion and expediency. I am told by reputable sources your services are far more professional than your advertisements indicate, and look forward to seeing my son transformed forthwith. I will expect a full written report on his condition within a fortnight, and monthly progress reports after that.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Patricius Estuarian, Esquire
Permanent Under-Secretary of State

    Canus waited impatiently in the elegantly furnished waiting area. He was still at a loss as to what he was doing at a doctor’s office; he was in perfect health and not due for a check up that he was aware of. Also, he didn’t know this Dr Reiss at all and couldn’t imagine why he should be seeing a new doctor, rather than the ones that regularly treated his family. The name was vaguely familiar though, but he couldn’t place it.

    The door opened and the doctor appeared, and instantly Canus recognised him, smiling broadly in greeting. “You’re the guy from those commercials, ‘You better talk to Chandler!’ right?” Canus thought the doctor was really cute, for an older person, and anyone famous, even if just from a commercial, was pretty cool in his estimations. He played the commercial over in his head, as best as he could remember it. Without waiting for a reply his young face darkened with suspicion. “But that means you’re a shrink. And I don’t need a shrink.” He looked shifty, like he wanted to make a run for it but propriety stopped him.

    “Why have my parents sent me to a psychiatrist, of all people?” Canus thought to himself. “Maybe I should go.” He paused, still not speaking, but feeling torn. “If I leave now he’ll think I’m a freak, like one of those people who is scared all the time and barely leave their own houses or meet people. And I have nothing to be ashamed of. Right?”

    Canus decided he’d better figure out why he was here and make sure that the doctor knew what a great and mentally stable person he was. He forced himself to smile and extended his hand to the handsome doctor. “I’m Canus Estuarian, Dr Reiss. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

C H A N D L E R

Revising the letter once more, I’d be unable to cherish the ten minute delay between my next meeting. Having so many faces to meet, I have to regularly remind myself who people are. Many of these capitolites have fluttered their frustrations around, due to me calling them by the wrong name. However on one occasion I did call somebody by their enemy’s name, due to the fact that I had spoken to them earlier on in the day. There are just far too many people in the Capitol with ‘problems’, most of them being out-right ridiculous or made up.

Just like my next patient.

Another one of the ever so familiar ‘my youngest is causing trouble but my eldest two are such sweeties.’ If parents were clever enough to divide their attention equally between their children, then I wouldn’t have such matters on my desk. Or even better, just not bother having children at all. I am surprised most of these citizens find themselves fit enough to even rear a child. Most of the time they’re indulging themselves in ridiculous things, spraying their bodies with ‘extravagant’ chemicals. Far too many Capitol children are like my next case. Spoilt, causing havoc. They’ve no excuse for rebelling; they have everything forced down their throats with a silver spoon. The only children that should rebel are those living in the lower Districts; for they have a much valid reason. I would much prefer treating them instead of the brats that live here. But I must stay put, after all they all hand me bags of money. I must not complain.

Finishing off the cup of coffee that is beginning to turn cold on my desk, I’d neck it down like a lukewarm shot. Shuffling the notes on my next patient, I’d drag myself from my chair, preparing to come face to face with the brute. I’ve been given a very demanding letter on the child from his parents and from what I have learnt from very little words, I can tell this is going to be a very awkward patient. One that is probably going to refuse my work. It will be one of the cliché his parents sent him here, expecting it to be a normal doctor. Then he will see me and know that I am what they call a ‘shrink’, I have never liked that name for a psychiatrist. I’d rather be called Doctor Who Listens To Your Ridiculous Garbage Who Then Offers Prescribed Medicines Which Don’t Help.

Stepping out of the office, my eyes would reach the lad in the waiting room, my predications being correct by my first encounter. Quickly, I’d be reminded of the ridiculous commercials I was unwillingly forced to create. I’d begin to’ look forwards’ to another meeting where the patient rattles on about how they loved the editing of the advert and forget that they’re here to get fixed. ”Yes that is me.” Blank words would fall from my blank expressionless face, as I’d try to escort the lad into my office.

”Pleased to meet you too, do sit down on the sofa.” Moving my hand to the brown leather sofa that sits beside my desk, I’d usher the lad into the office, preparing myself for an hour of drawl.

[troylus]

    Canus sat down on the brown leather sofa, unconsciously smoothing his jacket to avoid it getting wrinkles. He cast his eyes about the room letting them rest on Chandler. Canus had to think of a way of appearing normal, and it had to be fast. This man didn’t look like he would be easy to trick or read. When he’d spoken to Canus in the waiting room his face was utterly blank and devoid of emotion, and if he kept that up it would be very hard for Canus to know if he was successfully presenting himself.

    This was going to be harder than winning most people over, Canus realised. Just based on this doctor’s qualities alone. That was probably why his parents had sent him to this particular professional; although why they'd referred him to a psychiatrist at all was still a mystery. “What in the world have they told him about me already?” he wondered, feeling his palms sweat with nerves. Outwardly he forced his face to appear relaxed and calm, a slight smile at the edge of his lips.

    It really didn’t help that the doctor was distractingly good looking. Canus had found that if he flirted with people the less good looking ones really enjoyed the attention and flattery and he could get away with just about anything. This guy, he doubted that would work much. “Also, it’s his job to read people all day, Canus. Play it smart. Be honest and yourself,” he schooled himself silently.

    Canus smothered his nerves and gestured towards the door, forcing his voice to be smooth and eloquent, “Apologies for my flustered greeting out there. I didn’t mean to be rude, especially calling you a 'shrink'. Psychiatry is a noble and important profession. You must have saved a lot of lives and spared a lot of people a great deal of pain and suffering?”

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

C H A N D L E R

Closing the door behind us both, I’d try to prepare my brain for what could possibly be the dullest hour. Thankfully, I can my fair share of entertainment with a few of my clients. Many of them conjure up ridiculously obvious made up stories that are rather fun to listen too. I do not understand why they waste money on these meetings, when it is obvious that there is plainly nothing wrong with them. Since I aired those commercials on the television, I’ve been getting all the idiots knocking at my office door. None of them really worthy enough for my professional skills. I still await a famous citizen, someone that will help direct real patients with real problems to my door. If somebody well-known owns up to their own problems, everyone will be spitting out their worries like a new fashion trend. Although I am sure to get a few fakes ones, with clever made up symptoms.

Glancing over to my patient, I’d make a visual report on the boy. From what I can tell from his appearance, he is any typical lad of his age in the Capitol; the visual from his parent’s letter being spot on.

Sitting down on the desk, I’d gather all the necessary papers and get everything organised on my desk quickly before the meeting begun. Like any new fresh meeting, I’d have to power out all the usual questions, regardless of what the patient’s problem is. Hopefully this lad will oblige with the questions and everything will run as smoothly as possible. I have seven more meetings after this. Seven more hours of listening to utter nonsense. Probably only a quarter of those seven will actually have real problems, they are the ones that I want to help; that I need to help. Hopefully, this boy will actually have some sort of disorder lodged into his brain. It will at least make my day more exciting.

”Yes I have.” Brushing away the boy’s un-necessary questions, I’d pull out a pen from the drawer. Quickly noting down his name to the top of the page, I’d begin the routine questions. ”You do not have to be here if you don’t want too, are you sure you want to commence with the next hour?” Having to ask such questions, I do not want to be accused of forcing people into this, especially brutes like him. If I have asked such questions, I at least have evidence that I did not force them into the hour. ”If so, do you have an incline on why you’re here today?” At least if I ask such a question, I can get the entertainment of watching him conjure up a fantasy syndrome.

[troylus]

    Canus bristled visibly with irritation as Chandler brushed off his question about helping people. His father had an infuriating habit of brushing off almost everything Canus said, as if he didn’t warrant a proper answer, and it really got to him. The doctor almost instantly seemed far less attractive, and more like a parent figure than a desirable stranger. He managed to keep smiling but even someone with less skill than a psychiatrist would be able to tell he was faking it.
    Canus considered Chandler’s first question carefully. “Is he actually giving me an option to not do this, or is he just ticking boxes?” he thought to himself.
    Aloud he said, “I appreciate you giving me the option, but I assume my parents have requested that you see me, and I assume in turn that they have provided you with a list of concerns they want addressed?” Canus sat back against the leather sofa, brushing his manicured fingernails over the well oiled surface. “If I go home and tell them I refused your services, however, then I will have to face the consequences.” Canus paused, running over what he’d just said, hoping he didn’t sound like his parents beat him or anything. They never did, of course, and Canus sometimes naively wished they’d care enough, be emotionally invested enough, to hit him. Not that he had any experience of that and how terrible it could be. “I’d like to know what they’ve told you, and what they want out of this, before I’m able to decide if I should continue after today.”
    Canus considered the second question and answered it straight after the first. “As to why I am here, I’d need to know what you were told about me to be sure, but I imagine it’s because my parents dislike me. It could be a belated response to my coming out as bisexual, but I’d like to think even my parents wouldn’t be that small minded. Regardless, I am sure I’m wasting your valuable time, doctor. Do you agree?” His lips twitched slightly as he braced himself for the answer.

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

C H A N D L E R

Stabbing the plain piece of paper with the pen, I’d take notes from the letter I received and implement them into the report. Even with such vague words, I can tell exactly why this kid was sent for my services. None of these so called problems are his own fault, it’s his parents. It’s all the same with most of my young patients. I am basically there to fix where their parents went wrong, which is the exact same with Canus.

Swirling the newly brewed mug of coffee that my secretary had poured earlier, I’d take in all the answers that the lad gave me.

Asking me why he was sent here, a sigh would roll from my mouth. Typical, his parents haven’t told him a word of why he is here. Moving the letter to my view, I’d read out the odd important note. ” I believe your father sent me a letter.” I’d say, taking a sip of the coffee before continuing. ”Supposedly you’re always making trouble. Although, you haven’t done anything that is… outrageous.” Trying to old back a laugh at the words in the letter, I’d hide it again by drowning it with coffee. ”Basically, they say you’re a troublemaker and I am here to find out why.”

Moving the letter away from view, before I cease up into laughter, I’d take the pen again. The boys words about him coming out as bisexual, send another sigh from my mouth. I do not understand why nobody can come to terms with sexuality. There are enough well known homosexual citizens, for example most of the victors. ”Well I am not the one to electrocute people for being gay although from the letter, I doubt that is the reason. Society has grown to somewhat…accept homosexuals and what not; so I would not worry about that.”

Shifting through the typical questions in my head, I’d try to pin another one that I could ask. I need to carry on with routine before I start asking the personal questions. However it seems with the letter, I have all the information I need. ”What do you do to entertain yourself, any hobbies? Are you still in schooling?”

[troylus]

    Canus tensed at Chandler's first sigh, expecting a scolding and another brush off of his question.  When the doctor started to read parts of the letter off his desk, Canus was surprised.  Maybe this guy is on the level after all? Maybe he'll actually help me, rather than just keep my parent's secrets, he thought to himself.  He twitched uncontrollably with misery as his father's words came to him from Chandler's lips.  Nothing outrageous? Exactly! I haven't DONE anything, Father dearest. He had to bite the inside of his mouth to stop himself from crying when he heard his father's request to find out what was wrong with him, and why he made so much trouble.  What did I ever do to you to make you hate me so much, Father?

    Canus'  finely shaped eyebrow arched high on his forehead when discussing his sexuality.  He'd dated Matteus at first simply to get his parent's attention. he didn't think he was into guys, but thought it would drive them crazy to find out about it. Thankfully, it turned out he found men quite attractive, as it became heated between him and Matt.  He preferred girls just a little bit, but really it was people he was attracted to, regardless of gender.  He trembled with pleasure slightly at the recollection of how different it felt laying next to Matt's strong, masculine form, compared to the soft delicacies of the girls he'd been with. He dug his fingernails into his palm to force himself to focus on the here and now.  Having fantasies while being interviewed by a psychiatrist seemed like playing with fire.

    Canus attempted to crane his neck to look at the letter that Chandler was reading from, but he couldn't make out any more of what it said. 

    Entertain myself? Don't say anything shocking, Canus.  Think of something normal.

    "I'm a singer and a musician.  I'm still in school, but I have an interview lined up with Magus Argyris, to have an internship with them part-time while I finish up with school.  You know him? He runs that company that make recaps of the Games.  The meeting is to show him some of my work, and hopefully he'll let me compose some cool stuff for the vids.  It's not the Games itself, of course, that's my long term goal, but this is a pretty huge step in the right direction, I figure."

    Canus swallowed and decided to take a risk.  "Are you able to help me, with my Father?" His voice cracked slightly as he showed underneath his visage of spoiled Capitolite brat, there was a sad and lonely teenager, really needing a supportive adult in his life. "Convince him I'm not that bad? Because if he continues to hate me like this, treat me like I'm broken and wrong, when I haven't even done anything...I just don't know how much of that I can stand without doing something really stupid that'll get me disinherited or worse."

    

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

C H A N D L E R

Taking another sip of the coffee, I’d glance at the blank report on the desk, which lies amongst the bustle of papers. Really, there is nothing important that I am supposed to write about the boy, there is obviously nothing wrong with him. This is just another one of those common worrying parent scenarios but I must write something. I must please this boy’s parents so that I can obtain the money for the waste of an hour that I have had to spend conversing with him. Stabbing a sentence of nonsense on the report, I’d begin it the typical way. I know when his parents have this sheet in hand, hopes will be high by the first sentence but I will soon stab a knife into their hopes with the next lines.

Glancing at the boy, I can tell he is in a daydreaming state, which is common for a human being. However I’d note down day dreamer on the note section of the report, just to add to the amusement for the parents to read. Really, there are no lies that I can conjure up for this boy and I am not the one to prescribe medicines to anyone. I do care about the welfare of people and know a lot of psychiatrists that hand out tablets like they’re sweets. I know the consequences that follow a misdiagnosis as well as an over-dose and I don’t want to bestow that burden upon myself.

Following the boy’s words about him applying for a job, it is obvious that he has his own life set out for himself. He is one of the anomalies in my services, somebody that actually has liable ambitions, an actual worthy career. Nothing like the ridiculous modelling jobs, party-throwing as well as obtaining signatures of well-known Capitiolites which a lot of clients have told me they wish to do as a career.

There is nothing I can do in my services to help the boy but instead assure his parents there is obviously nothing wrong with him. A well-written report will do just the job and hopefully, I will never see this lad in my office ever again. It seems like his parents are the ones who are in need of my skills, not him. ”I can tell you now, there is nothing wrong with you. You’re a typical teenage boy and it seems you have your life sorted out just fine. I will write a convincing report for your parents and hopefully, that will deter them from sending you here again.”

[troylus]

Canus frowned subtly, wondering if this was more brushing off like his father did.  It didn't seem like it though, to him.  This guy seemed to really want to help reassure him and get his parents to stop being hysterical.  Canus wasn't sure how he felt about that; being 'normal' didn't sound very exciting, or useful for getting attention.  But that wasn't the doctor's job, and he knew it.  He had achieved what he wanted and convinced the doctor that he wasn't crazy, and that was what 'normal' meant.  The doctor didn't seem to mean 'boring' when he said 'normal'.

He breathed a sigh of relief and gave the doctor a really genuine smile, making his whole young face light up.  "Thank you, Dr Reiss.  You're a good man, you know that?" He glanced at the desk and the letter from his father.  "I hope my Father doesn't give you any more demanding letters." 

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

C H A N D L E R

Beginning to jab the point of the pen into the paper, I’d decide to get the report written up now, due to there being at least another thirty minutes left of this appointment. At least if I get it written now, this family will not bother me again from this day. Taking a sip of the coffee that sits beside the report, I’d commence with the writing. Filling in all the usual information, such as the lad’s name, the hour of the report; I’d squabble in all the additional data. Moving the pen to the large note section, I’d commence with the witty response for his parents to read.

For one whole hour, I conversed with Canus, discussing possible problems flagged from your letter. Despite losing him for a few moments in a daydreaming state (which I can assure you is typical for anyone of his age, especially during such meetings), there was nothing else that worried me about your son. It seems he is a clever well-behaved, misunderstood boy, who has his life planned out for himself. He informed me of an ambitious career with a well-known citizen it the Capitol, which I believe to be a brilliant career route. (He can discuss this further with you, if he wishes too.)

Canus is not at all any troubled delinquent; it seems he just has over-worrying parents. In future, I’d suggest you, yourself Mr Patricius Estuarian come to my office as it seems you have a spout of paranoia (with reference to your words in the letter.)

I diagnose Canus with OverProtectiveParents Syndrome, which needs no medication or further meetings.

Signing my name at the bottom of the report, a smile would flash on my face as I imagine his parents reading it. Handing Canus the report, I’d be ready to bid farewell to the lad, hoping it will not be a see you later.

”Hand that your parents, and you should be off the hook.” Rising from the desk, I’d head over to the door, opening for the lad. Ushering my hand to the exit, I’d signal him to leave. ”The hour is up. Nice too meet you Canus and I hope your parents get off your back. Farewell.”

[troylus]

Canus read the letter quickly, beaming more and more broadly with every sentence.  "I might have some of this tattooed on my body, if that's alright with you?" He grinned cheekily at the doctor, clearly joking, even though some people in the Capitol might have been serious about such a claim.  he nearly choked at the description of his father as paranoid, with glee and anxiety mixed together, "He is going to flip out when he reads this." 

He stepped to the door about to leave but paused, turning to face Chandler.  "I meant what I said before, Dr Reiss.  Your job, and your willingness to help people," he held up the letter as an example of the help, "really matters.  Not many people can say that.  That what they do makes any difference at all.  Let alone changes lives, even saves them! I really appreciate your help, I want you to know that.  Maybe one day you'll turn on the radio and hear me singing a song about you." He winked provocatively, "You should frown less too.  You're really cute when you smile."  With that he stepped out of the door and headed off, tucking his letter safely in his jacket pocket.  There was a new confidence and spring in his step that hadn't been there for years.  

[meerclar]

Less than a day later, Canus found himself back in the doctor’s waiting room, forcing himself to sit up straight in a chair while his sister spoke with the receptionist. He felt like curling into a ball, but that wouldn’t be the done thing. “No, we don’t have an appointment, but my brother is a returning patient, and this is an emergency. We can wait until he’s the doctor is finished with his current patient, and then you can slot us in. I know that doctors leave a little spare time in their schedules for emergency sessions.”

When the door opened Erin didn’t bother to wait for the receptionist to speak to Chandler. As soon as the last patient had walked out of the room she strode up to the doctor. “Doctor Chandler. I’m Erinyes Estuarian. Canus Estuarian is my brother, you saw him yesterday? I’m afraid there’s a problem with your diagnosis and treatment and he needs to see you for an emergency session right now.” She paused long enough to smile at the doctor thinking to herself that it was typical of Canus to manage to get a doctor who was stunningly good looking. She might have to sign up for some sessions herself. “I’m sure you understand, but some things just can’t wait, for the good of your patient. He really isn’t in a good way. I’ll come in to make sure this all gets sorted out. He doesn’t mind, he wants me to be here. I know all about his problems.”

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

C H A N D L E R

I enjoy having patients with real problems, just like the one who is sat in my office right now. A woman in her late twenties rarely sleeps as she suffers from night terrors brought on from post-traumatic stress. Events from her teenage years caused the syndrome and she came to me to help wipe away the problems from her mind. For a year I have treated her and with each session, she has improved day by day. She is the type of patient I look forwards to meeting, the type of patient that I chose to work in this field of work for. ”We’ll try a week without the medication just to wean it off you but it’s looking promising!” Organising the papers for the woman, I’d tell her to leave. Watching as she left the office, I’d look forwards to the half an hour I have for lunch, half an hour to myself before I have another patient step into my office.

Before the door could be closed, a young female stormed through the room, standing in front of my desk. As she threw many demand words at me, I couldn’t comprehend what she was saying at first before I pieced all the words together. Canus Estuarian , the boy who I had treated yesterday, the boy I had sent home without proper treatment. He was just like the majority of my patients, he had nothing wrong with him and now his sister demands that I see him again. Glancing at the clock and back to the girl a sigh would roll from my mouth. There could be something actually wrong with him and I can’t give the girl the benefit of the doubt. After all, their parents paid a great lump sum for the one meeting with the boy. ”He has fifteen minutes to speak to me, tell him to come in here now.” Rubbing my forehead with the palm of my hand, I wouldn’t look forwards to the next moment whatsoever.

[meerclar]

Erinyes didn't give anyone the chance to shut her out of the room. She stood in the doorway and beckoned to Canus from there. She planned to stay in the room and make sure that this doctor didn't give her brother the brush off again.
For all that Erinyes had been teasing Canus that their parents might send him away, the idea that it might actually happen really worried her.

Her parents treated her far better than they treated him. She was given pretty much everything she ever wanted and could do no wrong in their eyes, but they certainly never spent time with her. The only member of her family that she really spent time with or felt close to was Canus. If he was taken away, she would be entirely alone.
She smiled at the doctor again, feeling triumphant as Canus came through the door. She settled herself onto the leather sofa, patting the seat beside her invitingly, "Come, Canus. Sit here by me and we'll sort all this out."

As far as she was concerned, now that she was in here, nothing would get her out until she thought they'd been heard.

[troylus]

Canus gave Chandler an apologetic little smile as he sat down miserably next to his sister. “Sorry about this, Dr Reiss. It’s just I showed Erin the report you’d-”

Erinyes interrupted her brother with a light pat on his leg. “You don’t need to be sorry, Canus. He’s your doctor. Of COURSE he wants to help you.”

Canus waited politely until Erin had finished before resuming his sentence, enjoying the warmth of her hand, and pressing his own over it for added security. “I showed Erin the report you wrote and she quite rightly pointed out that if my parents receive a copy of that from you, my whole life will be over.” He raised both his eyebrows and gave the doctor a serious nod to show he didn’t mean that lightly.

Erin took over for her brother, wanting to get the matter resolved efficiently and disliking the sound of begging in her brother’s voice. The Estuarian’s didn’t beg. It was funny when Canus had done it at home when only she was there, but out in public it was just too awful. "I don't want to be rude, Dr Reiss, but I'm assuming my brother did tell you what our parents are like? You can't think that they're going to take it very well if they send him to you and he comes straight back home with a letter saying it's all their fault."

"You haven't sent the report yet, have you?" there was an edge of desperation in Canus’ voice that suggested signs and symptoms of panic disorder.



(ooc note: this and the following several posts were written blurbing with all 3 writers, and then divided up into separate posts, to make the flow of dialogue easier in this scene. Also, sorry for the HUGE photo, only one I could find of this kid looking even slightly anxious.)