Heartstopper: The Life Afterwards

Charlie's POV

I hated the fact I had to leave this morning for work. Thankfully, Nick has to go to work as well so he's not there all by himself.
When i arrived to work this morning, the place was empty as usual. Even thought we are the only counsellors building in the town, we aren't packed. We try to space out our appointments during the week to also allow us to recuperate. Being a mental health support can be challenging, both mentally and physically.
I spend the whole day updating patients files. On Monday, I officially begin my full time position. I'm so excited. The thought of all the young people I'm going to help really does put a smile on my face.
As I'm updating files, I'm thinking about Nick. Today he has a busy day at the school. He needs to be ready for Monday. I can't believe it you know. He's a teacher. An actual teacher. I'm so proud of him. I know this is something he's wanted since he was at uni.
After a couple of hours, Geoffrey walks in.
"Charlie! Exciting news. I've booked you in for your first official patient next Tuesday!"
My eyes light up. This is incredible. My first official patient.
"Thank you Geoffrey. What's their name? Their story?"
"His name is Alex. He's fourteen and just recently come out at gay. Let's just say that his parents haven't been the most accepting about it and it's effected his mental health so the school have sent over his files"
"Okie dokie, email me the files and I'll get right to it! Thank you Geoffrey!"
He leaves the room. I sit their thinking about the fact I have my first official patient. Someone I can help properly. Someone who I'll build a trusting connection with like Geoffrey did with me. I can't wait to tell Nick. This is exciting!

I spend the rest of the day doing my usual: updating files and also something new, learning the background of this kid called Alex. From what I can see, he has had it pretty rough. Both his parents divorced and live on separate sides of town. Experienced major abuse as a kid and bullying. Now he's come out as gay and his parents haven't taken it well. That's so much for a 14 year old to cope with. I hope I can help him.

"Hey Char! Such a great day today. Can't wait for you to come home. I've missed my daily dose of Charlie xx"

"I'll see if I can leave early. I've missed you more xx"

Thank fully Geoffrey let's me go home early since I've done everything that needs to be done. Saturday we don't usually have patients, unless it's an emergency case. I grab my things and head out the door. On my way to my car I stop. I look across the street and see Ollie. He's by himself. My parents never let Ollie out in town on a Saturday. Especially on his own. He looks okay, but... he also doesn't. I shout to him and he sees me, he checks both sides to see if there's any on going traffic and then walks towards me, it's then I realise that he's crying. I run to him and give him a hug. He's shivering. I crouch into my knees so I'm nearly around his height and ask him what's wrong. He looks to me, tears jerking from his eyes and eventually he manages to speak.
"Mum...got really angry...dad tried to calm her down...she got worse and...said...she'll file for a divorce...and...I heard...she saw me looking from the kitchen door...and I ran..."
I can't bare to hear any more. I escort Ollie into my car and text Nick to say that Ollie is spending some time at ours and it's urgent.

"Nicky, seen Ollie in town and he's not good at all. I'll explain when I get home. He's spending some time at ours x"

"Oh no! Okay!. I'll set the sofa so he can crash on it. I'll put the kettle on. See you soon x"

Thankfully he replied immediately and i ignite the engine and head home.