The Wednesday Group Read Online Free PDF Page A

once again to agree.
    â€œWe haven’t finished the process, so I’m afraid I can’t promise anyone a spot at this point,” Kathryn says. “But I’m pleased to hear that you are committed. That’s extremely important.” She smiles.
    â€œKathryn is very new to this, and wisely cautious. I think you’ll find her a good group leader.”
    â€œI can sense that from some of her questions. I look forward to beginning.” Gail stands, shakes O’Reilly’s hand, and leaves. Kathryn feels dismissed.
    â€œI’d like to talk for a few moments about your need to contradict me,” O’Reilly states.
    â€œI don’t think I contradicted you. I was only telling Gail we haven’t finished the process.”
    â€œThis was our last interview, and I feel adamant that Gail should be a member of the group.”
    Kathryn collects her thoughts. “It could be because I’m relatively new to this that I’m just not convinced at the moment that Gail would be a good fit.”
    â€œShe has experience. Just think what sort of knowledge, from a legal perspective, she could bring.”
    â€œI don’t know that we’ll need legal advice.”
    â€œWith some of the situations that these women are in, of course you will. We’ve already interviewed candidates whose partners have had trouble with the law.”
    â€œBut would it be fair to put Gail in a position to be a legal advisor?”
    â€œNo, of course you wouldn’t do something like that. I’m merely saying she has a lot of wisdom, and I think you might find her a good balance to some of the other members.”
    Kathryn nods. “I understand, but … well … in all honesty, I found something about her a little arrogant. Perhaps it’s a way to avoid her pain, but I think it may deter others from opening up.”
    â€œShe is knowledgeable and committed. That is different from arrogant. And I believe it will be one of your challenges to get all these women to reveal their pain. That is a part of the process.”
    Kathryn closes her journal. “I will go through all my notes and e-mail you the seven people I think would be best suited for the group.”
    â€œCasting a group is much more difficult than reading one’s notes and coming up with names. We’ve been interviewing for six weeks—it’s hardly wise to rush the next step. And you will not have seven. I was thinking four would be good for you, considering you don’t have much experience with groups. And Gail will be one of them. She has age and insight.”
    And power, Kathryn thinks. “Is choosing the members my decision or yours?” She looks directly into O’Reilly’s eyes.
    â€œI am your supervisor. So it is up to both of us.”
    â€œIn the spirit of collaboration, then, I think four is too few.”
    O’Reilly glances at her watch. “I have an appointment with the dean of graduate studies,” she says.
    â€œI’d like to call the women next week.”
    O’Reilly grabs her bag and coat. “You can have five members at the most, and one of them must be Gail.”
    â€œI think this warrants more discussion.” Kathryn tucks her notebook into her briefcase and stands.
    O’Reilly is at the door. “No. Five will be good, and except for Gail, you decide who to include.”
    As Kathryn makes her way down the hall, she notes that Gail was the only one who didn’t cry. Outside, the cold air feels refreshing, liberating. She hikes to the subway, debating silently with O’Reilly. By the time she gets on the train, her thoughts have shifted to the women, to their broken lives. It will be difficult to choose. She will need to research best practices for smaller groups. Earlier today she had a different group in mind, but now as she begins to visualize where the women will sit and the questions she’ll ask, she feels