Susan read over this, and noted the use of the word 'sleeper's as unfamiliar and something to get more information about, then nodded over the rest. More than enough reason to be at least depressed. "All right. Before we get started, Susan, I should tell you: nothing you say here leaves these walls. Unless it involves child abuse, threats of violence or suicide, or past crimes, I will not be reporting it. Just so we're clear."

"You say you felt friendless, and as if 'the entire universe were playing some sort of horrible joke at my expense.' Why don't we start there?"

"Your new roommate? Who's a telepath." Susan cocked her head. "Your mother was a telepath. Why is there a conflict here?"

She'd ask about how Susan was trying to fit in later; immediate concerns, first.

Nodding, Susan wrote all this down, and then sighed softly. "How old were you? How long ago was this?"

Twenty years? Susan blinked at the girl in front of her, checked the paper, then rubbed her forehead. "Susan? How old are you, really?"

"And... I take it, that PsiCorps is rather pervasive at home. And that this Bester has been a threatening presence in your life."

"And now your newest roommate belongs to this organization. Oh, lord." Susan shook her head. "Do you want to request a new roommate? I'd certainly back you up, at least in terms of the stress it puts you under. Or do you want to find some way to cope with this?"

"Susan, what are you afraid your roommate is going to find out? And what is it you think the consequences will be? I don't have the authority to change your room immediately, but I can at least speak to the administration. But if this is a larger issue, then you need to figure out the worst case scenario now."

"Worse how?" Susan leaned forward, biting her lower lip. "You mentioned a buzzing. Is your ability growing here? Is that what you're worried about?"

"First of all? You can not be taken out of school by authorities from your own reality, I don't think, without your consent. That's what we're here for," Susan said firmly. "

Second. Do you wish to 'come out', as it were, to Lyta? Or do you want to conceal your gift? I don't know for certain if there's a way, but perhaps we could find someone willing to help you with that-- in a way that would not involve the drugs your mother took."

"It's not trivial. It's a new part of you. You're not the only one here with unusual gifts, that you don't know how to use," Susan said gently. "I don't think we can un-make you a telepath. But maybe we can get you ready for the eventual outcomes, good and bad. Would you like help with that?"

Susan nodded in relief. "All right then. That I *can* help with. Just remember, the offer to re-locate is open, should you feel you are in danger, or are just uncomfortable. All right?"

She took down a copy of the same book she'd given to Pip the day before. "Beginning Meditation. I don't know a great deal about telepaths, but I would assume that centering and grounding, discerning where you are, and where other people begin, would be a starting point. If you could keep a dream journal as well, we might be able to tell what your subconscious is doing. Do you think you could commit to at least four weeks of therapy? I don't think this will go away sooner, but we won't know if it's working until we've had some time."

"That's what I'm here for, Susan." Susan smiled. "I couldn't do anything less. We'll talk about the time displacement, and your family, and your de-aging, next week. I want to make sure there aren't other ways for you to cope. But until then, why don't we say four o'clock, on Thursday? You can call if you need to re-schedule."

"Certainly. How about twelve o'clock? Will that be all right?" Susan got up, and opened the door. "Do you have any other questions? Anything else you want to ask me?"

"You're very welcome, Susan. Have a good week. Call if you need anything immediate."

Susan laughed. "Considering its my name as well? Certainly. Ivanova. I'll see you on Wednesday."