At First Sight

12. No More Distance

The first few days I ignored the calls I got from both Lily and Nate. I had so many missed calls from them my voicemail said it was full for the first time. Uncle Jeff tried to get me to come down for dinner or talk but I couldn't. It was best if I distance myself from everyone. Why should they put their lives on hold for me? I'm no one, and they are going to be something someday soon. So, being the coward, I am I had my assignments sent to me and did everything at home. My heart is broken because they are not just my best friends, they are a part of me. What is wrong with me? I hear a knock on my door and hear the light footsteps and it could only be Aunt Claire.

"Sweetie, may I come in?" I nod my head because I do not have the energy for anything else. I feel the bed dip and a hand rubbing my back. "You need to eat dear... this is not healthy. Besides both Lily and Nate have come by every single day and I had to turn them away." That makes me start crying again. Why couldn't they just do what I ask? I'm not worth all of this. "Oh honey, did you three have a fight?" I shake my head and hiccup as I feel her lay down next to me and I scoot closer to her. I feel her arms engulf me and I cry even harder. "Whatever it is you three will work it out. Y'all remind me of myself with your uncle and your parents." I hear her chuckle as she runs her fingers through my hair. "Your mother was my best friend and the four of us were inseparable. Don't let whatever this is keep you apart for long. Because one day you will not have it at all." I know she is right, but I feel guilty for pulling them down with me. Lily could have a boyfriend and Nate could finally find someone who will not feel threatened by our friendship. My aunt kisses my head and I feel her get up. "Just think about what I said." With that I was alone again with my thoughts raging a war inside my head.

The next few weeks I just kept to myself and did most of my work from home. I was so far ahead I could actually graduate early if I wanted to. I still ignored everyone, and only came out of my room to eat and that was it. Although it hurt so bad still, my chest felt a little bit lighter. The ache never went away it just dulled a little bit and it was getting easier to breathe again. Well, that was until my uncle told me it was high time to stop sulking and get my butt back into a normal routine. So here I am almost a month later and I finally step back into school. As I am walking along the halls, I hear whispers but even though I cannot see their faces I hold my head up high. Just a little more than a month left, and I will be done with school.

"About fucking time, you show your face!" I freeze on the spot, because I can hear the anger in her voice. "Cassie Logan! You will stop this nonsense and talk to me!" I hear her voice falter towards the end and my hand instinctively reaches out for her. As soon as my hand touches her face, I feel the tears run down her cheeks and I gasp. "I miss my best friend." She pulls me into a hug, and I feel my own eyes water. "I'm doing what's best for everyone Lil. You will thank me when you can finally have a life."

"Bullshit Cass! We have been best friends for the longest time, and don't even get me started on Nate. He's a fucking wreck too." My chest tightens at the thought of hurting them and maybe distancing myself was the most selfish thing to do. "I'm sorry Lil."

"Damn right you are, because this shit ends now." She pulls away from me and I hear her rummage through her stuff. "Yeah, I got her." Who is she talking to? "C-Cass." Oh my god Nate he sounds nothing like I know. "Oh, thank God you are okay. I'm sorry, I'm so fucking sorry." I put my hand up to my mouth to stop the sobs from escaping my lips again. "We miss you."

"I miss you guys too." the sob escapes my lips and then Lily's arms are around me again. I hear breathing and it sounds like someone is out of breath, that's when I feel another pair of arms around me. "Don't ever do that again Cass."

"Nate!" What is he doing here? He picks me up and my arms encircle around his neck as he holds me tight. "Don't ever put that kind of distance between us again." I bury my head in the crook of his neck and breathe. It feels like the first time I have felt whole again. "What are you doing here Nate? What about school?" I feel him put me down but does not let go of me. "Family emergency, doing all my courses online. I have not left since break." I gasp and cannot believe this, so I put my hand to his face and feel the smirk that is on it.

"Why?" I ask in a whisper.

"I told you Cass, you mean a lot to me. So, does Lily and if she pulled this shit, I would do the same thing."

"No, you wouldn't" I can hear the smugness in her voice.

"Well, I guess you wouldn't know until you pull this shit."

"Oh, I definitely know dumb ass." Lily laughs, I could only guess she either flipped him off or made a face. My guess is both. I will not deny it because I have missed this.

"No more distance." I can hear the seriousness in Nate's tone.

"Yeah, what he said. No more distance babes, I have missed the hell out of you."

"I missed you both so much. I promise no more distance."

I feel them hug me again and I was a fool to think that I can just take them out of my life. They are way too important to me. It seems like I am important to them as well, which is fine by me.