Chapter 11- Left Broken

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In the very first minutes of the ride, everything was silent and still... moreover, extremely awkward.
I glanced at Chase who looked, I have to say, admirable. His chocolate brown hair still stood up in front. He wore jeans and a polo over a white shirt. His eyes shimmering on the nightfall. He looked stunning.
"Okay... hello again, Lou!", he greeted, giving me a sweet smile. "Hey, Chase...", I replied, chuckling. "You look... great!", he said as I felt my face burn up. "So do you...", I said in return as he smiled again.
The drive took ten minutes of conversing about casual events and all that until we arrived.
His place was splendid. A fireplace giving out a warm sensation was waiting inside. The front yard was neat and vibrant and a brown-painted fence made a perfect margin around the house.
I stepped out of the car and took a deep breath, looking at the whole, magnificent view.
"This place is wonderful!", I shouted, just loud enough for Chase to hear. "Well, thanks, I've been working on my place for a long period of time... all my effort has come to a massive result.", he said, and as I noticed, he felt quite content with himself. "Okay... let's get in, then.", said Chase as I walked up to the front door. He unlatched it with a key and broadly pushed it open.
I stepped in at a slow pace. I once again, took a deep breath as he finally closed the door.
"So... the pasta must be ready.", Chase said, reaching for the stove. "You cook?", I ask, astonished. "Yes! My mum used to teach me.", he says, beaming at me. "What do you mean used?", I inquire as he sighs in response. "My mom died of cancer two months ago.", he straightly says as hush followed. "I- I Didn't mean to put her up as the topic and I'm sorry...", I apologize, hardly glancing at him. "That's fine..", he softly replies, placing the pasta on the table.
"Anyways, I thought I could use some friends while Helen isn't here.", he said, sitting down by the table.
"Who is Helen?", I ask, sitting across him as he places pasta on my platter.
"Helen... my-" "Your girlfriend, right?", I directly say, making sure not to unsettle him. He gulped and he started stuffing pasta in his mouth. I started to eat afterwards.
When the meal ended, Chase asked if we could watch a movie when suddenly, the phone rang. He didn't pick it up but that someone left a message.
'Chase, it's Helen. I was wondering if you were okay. You haven't been calling and-'
Chase made a move to answer.
'Hey, Helen... uhh... I was pretty busy with school and I couldn't call'
I kept quiet as Helen replied.
'You know, I couldn't handle it. This long distance relationship between us. It's breaking us. We seem like strangers already. I couldn't go on anymore. This is putting us away from each other. I- I cannot continue this relationship if we are far apart a-and-'
'What do you mean, love? We can do this. I- I- can handle this. I can- look, I really love y-you, Helen.. I promise we can do this-'
'No,Chase...If I stop your studies, I'll be leaving you unsuccesfull... it's not about me, Chase and I don't think it can happen anymore... thanks for everything, Chase. I- I love you... *sniff* goodbye for- forever'
Chase was down on his knees, his face screwed up as tears ran down his cheeks. I approached him and squatted by him, slowly placing my hand on his back.
"I don't know what to say, Chase but I know that she's broke and I know that you held all your tears back just for her and so did she but she just can't do that for all you have done, for all your patience and love for her Now if you're both heartbroken, I know you can move on, Chase I bet you're a strong guy who can sort your life all out...", I softly explain as he sniffs and sobs.
"I'm sorry...", I say. "Thanks, Lou...", he sobs. "Would you mind if I get you some water?", I ask in a faint voice as he looks up at me. "I don't mind...", he leaned against the wall, wiping his face with the corner of his sleeves.
I came back with the glass of water in hand, giving it to him as he speedily drank it all.
He must be really depressed, I thought.
"My father and mum is gone. My girlfriend dumped me and I tried. I really tried.. but I'm being such a puss-" "That's the point. You tried and if you continue that, everything will be okay. And you're not that p word, okay?", I say and I wasn't even definite about what I just said.
I felt really sorry for him right now. No one has the right to treat someone like that. Helen is fragile. She can't hold on.
If it was me, I'll probably try like what he did.
Wait, what am I thinking? Of course Chase wouldn't want to be with me. I'm a total freak.
Anyways, what I meant to say was I wouldn't do that If I was her and I feel strong pity for him. No one deserves to be left broken so I can be his best friend.

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