A Soulmate's Love

Chapter 33 - Change

Time Jump - 3 Months Later (May) - George's Perspective

It had been three months. Three months of falling more and more in love with her, the girl I was going to make my wife. I wanted to tell her I loved her, but my doubts as to if she felt the same kept on holding me back, and though I knew that she must love me too, the fear of her not saying it back wins.

As time passed, I found that her anxiety began climbing, despite her not uttering a word about it. I think a part of her knew I could tell through the link but she never brought it up, so I decided not to bring it up either, instead, being with her as much as possible. 

She had been spending almost all of her time in the library and I could tell that she wasn't getting much sleep due to the bags under her eyes that she covered up, but with the coming O.W.L.S. I understood. What worried me most, however, was that she had had many anxiety attacks and never spoke of them, and call me sensitive but I found it a little odd that she never cried, like ever. Althea had not cried since I had met her - Not when we finished reading and watching the movie 'The Notebook', or when she was in pain. She simply didn't cry. 

So, naturally, tonight as she laid in bed with me, I decided to ask her. "How come you don't cry, Althea Jane?" I didn't mean for it to come out as blunt as it did, and I awaited her reaction.

"What do you mean babe?" She shuffled around so that she was now facing me, glancing at my face before looking away.

"I've never seen you cry. We could be watching the saddest thing, or you could be in immense pain like when I burned your hand remember?" She nodded slowly, obviously confused as to where I was leading this. "But no tears have ever left those beautiful brown eyes of yours." 

She paused for a moment, obviously asking herself the same question. "I can't." She said simply as if it had no importance whatsoever. She shrugged her shoulders and had a casual air as if not being able to cry was a usual thing.

"When was the last time?" I asked, getting curious about her predicament.

"Hmm... I guess since I was 14?" This concerned me. I'm sure that's not a very healthy thing. 

"How so?"

I noticed her face falter and by her reminiscent expression, I could tell she knew exactly why. "I don't know, I guess I just haven't felt the need." Her tone of voice stayed even and yet I could tell this subject preoccupied her. 

"Hmm..." I hummed, pulling her closer to me, dropping the subject. I knew I was going to find out someday so I didn't press, though my thoughts were racing as to why. There must've been a traumatic experience or something that blocked that aspect off years ago, and it seemed as if it still bothered her. 

The next day we were in Transfiguration class when Mcgonagle spoke of the importance of acing your O.W.L.S., as well as Snape, Flitwick, Professor Sprout, and Trelawney. As the classes advanced, so did Althea's discomfort and I noticed her nervous tics begin to show - Constantly bouncing her leg, trembling hands, picking at her lip, and often falling deep into her thoughts. 

One day as we were in Potions which I knew to be the class that gave her the most stress, I tuned into her mind to try to understand what was going on as she kept her neutral expression despite her active tics, only to find out that she was on the verge of a panic attack. 

Just as I was about to hold her hand, she calmly stood up and excused herself, walking out of class in the most casual manner - In no rush whatsoever, not in distress, even I wouldn't have guessed what was happening.

I left moments later as to not draw suspicion and followed the echoing sounds of her footsteps on the hard floor or the castle halls, slowly speeding up the farther she came from the glass. As I turned the corner, I saw a stray curl turn right - She had gone into the abandoned bathroom.