The Matchmaker

The stench of disgust clouded the room.

Chad Riggs and Paisley Fairbanks could not stand each other, despite never having been acquainted before. There only knowledge of the other has been information passed down by fellow student to fellow student to fellow student and so on, until all truth erupted in a can of lies. But they were wrong; and I was determined to change that.

Chad Riggs, an outstanding athlete and producer of one of the finest defensive end seasons ever for State University's football team; and that was only slightly better from last year. A guaranteed first round pick in the upcoming draft and has all the notoriety that entails. It didn't help he also belonged to the most popular fraternity on campus, Zeta Alpha Lambda. His fellow female classmates have done him zero favors, constantly throwing themselves at him in hopes of being pronounced Mrs. Riggs. But he has two secrets. First, Chad Riggs doesn't trust any of those girls. He knows its only money they are after. He humors them only because his fellow fraternity boys live vicariously through him but he is smart enough to never be alone with them. Second, He is afraid. He knows a football player's career has a short lifespan. From injuries to just not being good enough, the averages aren't great. Though he is confident in his abilities, he wants to be prepared. He has also read all the stories of athletes going bankrupt; from trusting the wrong people, family and so called friends taking their share, to hiring the wrong agent; there are many murky waters to navigate. His worries are set in stone.

Paisley Fairbanks, a star for State University in her own right, at least from a faculty perspective. A mathematical genius and here on a scholarship for such. She has also delved into competition, leading State University to a third place finish at the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition but strong enough individually to place second. She was shunned by sororities her freshman year as not fitting in well due to her shyness, which was a result of being teased in High School. But Paisley Fairbanks has a secret. She has never been to a party; not a pool party or a graduation party or even a friends birthday party. The sting of never been invited combined with sorority rejection grew a deep rooted jealousy of the so called "in" crowd. Her preconceived notions are set in stone.

I'm the jackhammer to break down those stone walls.

"Counselor Higgins, why does SHE have to be here," Chad's head tilted briefly at Paisley.

"Funny, Paisley rolled her eyes and turned her body slightly toward the wall, "I was just about to say the same thing about you."

Somedays, I wonder why I bother?

I sat down at my oak desk and tapped my ring, which had a small digital screen with the flame of a flickering candle on it. Too easy. Both students did exactly as they were preconditioned and immediately sat straight and faced me, all the while staring at the flame which I purposefully left at their attention. All it takes is three sessions and I win. Two are done individually, and the third, well, that depends on the issue; but as a licensed psychiatrist, I firmly believe that any issue is more easily overcome when done with the helping hand of another... And I won't be in their lives for more than four years. They need someone else. Someone reliable.

It's not that I search out students and I am not playing games. I genuinely want to help the students who seek my advice. In this case, Chad is worried about females and financials and Paisley wants to have a social life, who also happens to be majoring in computational mathematics, mathematical physics, as well as accounting "just for fun." They are perfect for each other without even knowing it. Both sought my professional opinion and now, I am giving it to them.

"All right, Chad, Paisley, that was a great session.," I collected my files on both students and made for my small office, which was just the large closet that I had turned into an office. "If you two need anymore advice, you know where to find me."

I quickly shut the door and turned on the monitor to the camera that was hidden in the bookshelf behind my desk. I sat down in nervous anticipation.

"That was weird, right?" Chad broke the ice as he scrapped together his two notebooks. "Having both of us in here at the same time, I mean."

Paisley let out flirtatious laugh, which surprised even her. "Yeah. I sure wasn't expecting it." She stood, picking up her backpack as she did.

"But it was nice," Chad barely looked at Paisley. It had been a while since he had to ask anyone out and he was nervous.

Paisley paused. "Yeah, it was," she smirked.

Chad stood up, relieved at her expression. "So, would you maybe want to keep it going? Perhaps lunch? Oh, and there's this party Saturday night."

"Are you asking me on a date," Paisley asked incredulously. "On two of them?"

"Well... yeah," Chad shrugged with a smile. "I guess I am."

Paisley put her hand to her heart, "I'd be honored."

"Well, all right," Chad held out his arm and after a brief moment, Paisley hooked hers into it. "Where would you like to go?"

"How about we keep it simple and go to Archie's Diner."

"Archie's Diner it is."

"Oh," Paisley gazed at Chad as they left my patients room, "Did I hear you wanted advice on financials? I can help that."

I couldn't help the pure elation I felt. I sighed as I relaxed in my chair, reveling in my favorite part of this job. Just knowing that those kids are going to be fine in life and happy with each other made it all worth it. Looking at the clock, it was time to go to the cafeteria and have my daily chat with Cooper Rutledge.

Cooper wasn't one of my students, but I felt for the lad. He's actually a senior in High School who takes classes here twice a week. Smart kid, and a whiz in science, eloquent as any adult, as well as a hopeless romantic at heart, when he does land a woman, she will be very happy, but his self esteem with kids his own age was nonexistent. Over weight, picked on, zero friends; it wasn't hard to see why he was a fraction away from falling into a depression. I found him about a month ago, crying on a bench near the quad and now I make it a point to see him the both days he's here during his lunch break. Once he understood I wasn't there to torment him, he opened up easily with no hint of shyness.

I locked up my office, spending a few moments time fiddling with the latch. Not that the lock or the mechanism were broken, I was trying to get a better look at the student who has recently became my shadow. She was someone who appeared to be popular; confidence in her walk, dressed in the latest fashions to emphasize her curves, her styled brunette hair, manicured nails, and make up done to perfection. But why had she been following me the past couple days? Every day from lunch until I got into my car at four o'clock, she was present. Perhaps she needs help and doesn't know how to ask?

Today the cafeteria was serving cardboard, I mean pizza, and something that they called meatloaf but more resembled what would come out of the rear end of a horse. Being that it was my day with Cooper, I had to make a decision. I should really start bringing my lunch on these days.

"What's up, Cooper?"

I sat down next to him, placing my bottled water in front of me. He didn't look well.

Cooper was picking at the meatloaf, "Not much, Sir."

"Call me Emmett. You're not my student, and besides, I'd like to think we are friends now." I took a bite of my apple. "So what happened to get you so down." Cooper hesitated. "C'mon man, it'll help if you share." I tapped my ring on the table.

It worked instantly. He fell into a relaxed state. Not that I have given Cooper a suggestion, but I have preconditioned several people who I deem to have a high chance of occurrence. The practical side of myself.

Cooper sighed, "These guys at school..."

"Neil and his crew again?"

"Yeah," Cooper slightly nodded.

"Go on."

"Well, they made up this song, Cooper's a fat ass, he's just a fat mass... and Neil got a couple band members to play music with it as his group did this whole boy band routine." Cooper slammed his plastic spork down, breaking it. "And now that's all I hear. Everybody's singing it; walking down the hall, when I enter class, at my locker..." Cooper seemed to deflate, "It's all I am."

"Hey, no it's not!" I was defiant in my words and it surprised Cooper enough to stare at me. I then continued more calmly, "Cooper, you are doing everything the right way. You are setting your future to be the best it could possibly be. I mean look at you, you're already taking college courses. In a few years, you'll have a great job, and you'll be on the top of the world; all the while you will know that they peaked in High School."

Cooper gave a faint smile before it fell back to destitution, "Yeah, but right now sucks."

"Yes it does, if you let it." I put my hand to his shoulder and he looked at me. "Remember this; no one, and I mean no one, can take your dignity without your permission."

"But... how?"

I chuckled, "That's easy. You take pride in yourself. Sit up straight, walk with your head held high, and don't give a shit about stupid idiots. You are Cooper fucking Rutledge and damn it, there is nothing wrong with that."

Cooper gave me a legitimate smile, "Thanks, Si..." I tilted my head as I held up my index finger. "Emmett."

"You're welcome."

I stood to leave and caught my stalker sitting at a table across the cafeteria having a heated debate with another student. I didn't like that the guy was standing close to her seated form - a sign that he was trying to be intimidating. Perhaps if a faculty member walked by it would lessen the tension?

"I said we were though, Aiden." My stalker smacked away Aiden's incoming hand, which was heading for her shoulder.

Aiden stood back, a fire in his eyes, as a cocky sneer curled his lips, "Stupid slut! That's right, I'm dumping you! You were a lousy lay anyway!" He shouted in the crowded cafeteria before storming off.

Well, there goes our next governor. Someone says one thing quietly, and he turns it around loudly to make himself look better. What an asshole. But my stalker was on the verge of tears, clutching a napkin as her head fell in her hands.

"Are you going to be all right?" I asked as I sat on the other side of the circular table.

"Yeah," She sniffled. "Aiden is just an asshole."

My sentiments exactly.

She continued, "I was a piece of meat to him. He never treated me well, never did anything for me, bought me anything, took me anywhere, nothing like I did for him, whenever, wherever... And it wasn't just him; every boyfriend I've ever had I... Oh, God, I really am a slut."

"Not even close," I intervened. "All you did was express your love in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. You girls always have a negative connotation attached to you because you have sex, but if us guys do it, we're looked up to. Society is hypocritical. Be who you are. Don't ever put yourself down for that."

"Thanks for saying that," She blew her nose. "Is it really so much to ask to find a guy who won't lie or cheat, who will support me, and every once in a while surprise me with something? Anything?"

"There are plenty of guys out there. You'll find one worthy of you."

She giggled as she blew her nose again. "I appreciate that. I.." She paused as she finally looked up and saw to whom she was speaking. "It's you."

"It's me," I smiled before tapping my ring on the table... Just in case.

It caught her attention "That's an interesting ring."

"It's a tranquility ring. I find it very relaxing to stare into it. Just watching the flame flicker," I soothed. I let the effect sink in before I continued, pulling her out of her trance. "So, what's your name? What year are you in?"

"What?" She shook her head, "Oh, my name's Brooklyn McCray. I'm a senior journalism major. I interned at the Hilldale Gazette and they liked me so much, they're going to hire me when I graduate. My work will be on the back page between two car ads and below a crossword, puzzle, but it's a foot in the door."

"Impressive." I folded my hands, "And is that imbecile the reason you've been following me?"

"Oh," Brooklyn cringed. "You saw me?"

I smiled.

"Well," Brooklyn sighed, "I'm actually doing a piece for the school paper."

"Oh," I nodded in surprise. "What's the subject matter?"

"You."

"Me?" Huh? What? Why? Huh??? "And what about me could possibly entertain the student body?"

"It's more of a hard news story versus a fluff piece," Brooklyn stared right at me. "I have a friend who started dating someone who she had never met after meeting him in your office. And today, I see Chad Riggs, the guy who wouldn't date anyone, come out of your office with Paisley Fairbanks on his arm. Doesn't that strike you as coincidental?"

"Allow me to ask you a question." I leaned forward, "Is your friend happy?"

"Yes, she is. But does that mean you admit you did something?"

I have done my job correctly. "I admit that I allow students to help fellow students solve their problems because some times, it means more to have someone their own age help guide them. If two students become romantically involved due to their participation, then that is on them. Also," I tapped my ring on the table, "If your friend is happy, it doesn't matter."

Even though Brooklyn is not preconditioned, I should be able to instill enough suggestion to call off her investigation of me; and it should only take a few moments.

"Have a great rest of your day, Brooklyn," I smiled as I stood. "And congratulations on getting rid of that loser."

"What, oh, all right," Brooklyn shook her head. "Thanks, Counselor Higgins."

*

Frustration is a powerful motivator. Decisions are clouded. A person acts irrationally.

I was already running late. My wife accidentally set fire to our stove because she accidentally left an oven mitt on the heat source. After dealing with that debacle, on my way to work, I hit a pothole and blew out my tire. As I was trying to take care of that issue, my phone fell out of my pocket and crashed onto the four way tire iron. The impact not only cracked the screen, it wouldn't even register my finger swipes to unlock it. Did I mention it was pouring down rain?

I was frustrated.

So frustrated that I acted irrationally with a clouded decision with the motivation to just sweep my newest dilemma of the day under the rug without passion or prejudice; an act of overwhelmed desperation. I'm sorry, Brooklyn.

"Hello Counselor Higgins, are you free?"

I was in the middle of fiddling with the lock on my door. Apparently, when I pretended to have issues with it, I chipped part of the key off inside the mechanism. Just the proverbial cherry on top of this glorious day. "Good morning, Brooklyn." The key finally took hold and my door at last opened. "Come on in." I plopped into my chair with a sigh, "What can I do for you?"

Perhaps the most important instrument a counselor or psychiatrist has at there disposal is listening. Listen to every detail because you never know which one syllable is intrinsic to unlocking the problem. That is my charm. I am excellent at listening. Except today.

I didn't pay attention to Brooklyn. I didn't see her sit down. I didn't notice her leaf through the notebook she brought. I didn't consider her clicking the top of her pen. I didn't even contemplate the start of our conversation that I had no interest in having. I only became cognizant when she uttered the words...

"Can I interview you for the paper?"

My head jerked to face Brooklyn. My heart skipped a beat. My eyes widened in deep fear. I had to put a stop to this; and not one of my little sessions. After yesterday, this is something far beyond what I normally did. Not only do I need to get rid of the idea of an article on me in the school paper, and with her joining a nationally syndicated newspaper after graduation, it would be profound; I also needed to get this girl another hobby to keep her occupied until graduation. It was going to be an all day event.

I tapped my ring on my desk. Once Brooklyn went under, I immediately put a do not disturb sign on my door and locked it just in case. Despite this being a University, fifty percent of the students can't be bothered reading a sign on the door.

I sat back down and went to work.

Now, I had no intention of being cruel. I put thought in what I wanted to accomplish. I knew she had a deadline she had to meet so as I erased the idea and then re-erased the idea of interviewing me, I gave her a few suggestions that could be news worthy, though, I must admit, not as good as a counselor hooking up a girl with a future professional football player.

The second part of the equation was tough, but one name did spring to mind. Cooper Rutledge. Once again, I was not intending to be cruel. I knew a four year age gap at this point in life would be difficult. Brooklyn was on the verge of integrating into society as an adult journalist while Cooper was on the cusp of starting his collegiate career in the field of Biology. I never considered looks or fashion sense before, but the difference here was like night and day. These two will be facing hardships at least until their respective graduations in three months.

In the end, the truth outweighed all the negatives for both parties. Brooklyn would finally have a man who wouldn't treat her like an object. She would be treated as she always wanted to be treated, and then even more. She would be loved, cared for, and supported in all her endeavors. Cooper would also be able to converse with her on an educated level fitting of a journalism major who took plenty of English classes. She would know what a man should be.

As for Cooper, landing a woman like Brooklyn would do wonders for his confidence. He would finally understand he has value, that his way of handling life is the correct way for him. They really are perfect for each other, even if they don't know it.

I didn't like meddling in the lives of students that hadn't asked for my help. Life is about making choices and learning from them. But I simply could not have an article written about me and what I do. Not just for my sake, but what about all the lives I have helped? What about all the relationships I have connected? Even if one couple questions why they are together, it could be disastrous for those students. So, for the first time, I added a caveat to my session. I gave Brooklyn an out. In three months, when she graduates, I gave her the ability to break up with Cooper. She can voluntarily be free of my coercion. I also seeded one final thought: to meet me the day after graduation. Even if she didn't know what for, I was going to apologize.

It was a grueling day, but I finally felt like there was nothing else to accomplish, "All right, Brooklyn, I'll see you for lunch tomorrow."

Brooklyn shook her head, "Yes, Counselor Higgins. Thank you for the ideas and I'll see you tomorrow." She stood as she picked up her pen and notebooks. "Wow, that was a long session. I'm going to hit up The Roasted Bean and head home. I've got to get my questions in order."

"Good luck," I stood up and collected my belongings as well. Even a slice of cardboard or a pile of horse manure sounded good right now.

*

"Hey, Cooper," I sat a couple seats further away this time as to make room for our guest.

"Hey, Emmett, How are..." Cooper's voice trailed off as he saw Brooklyn.

"Cooper, there is someone I'd like you to meet. This is Brooklyn McCray, lead writer for the University's newspaper and future reporter for the Hilldale Gazette. Brooklyn McCray, this is Cooper Rutledge, the biology whiz kid attending State University twice a week."