Her coworkers were very worried for Cassie, noticing her weight loss and demeanor change drastically. Even if they were worried they would never approach her or at least try to help. But there was a guy who was willing to speak up. His name was Alex Luptone. He's tall and slender, his curly dark hair covering most of his face. His very white features contrast greatly with his tanned skin. His lanky, tall figure throws people off as the stereotypical "asian person" is short and stocky, while he towered over most. His voice is soft and gentle, and his words are always nice and concise. He has known Cassie for 3 years, being considered one of her closest friends. Their friendship is one of the most stable things in their lives. Both living very different lives just relating to the same struggles they both faced growing up in broken homes. Alex has shown vulnerability to Cassie, a sign of endearment.
Alex knew something was up. They used to almost always hang out together after work, either catching up on the newest episode of their favorite shared show, or just catching up on life in general. Alex cherished those moments, the care he felt for her stronger than any feeling he could show. Who wouldn't want to care for Cassie. She was a tiny wasian chick with dyed blonde hair, and her clothes screamed "art chick". Her personality was loveable and laidback, always being the one to help those in need. Her closest friends know she's the person to go to for anything. But now it's only a shell of the person she used to be. Everything about her had changed and it showed.
Alex trailed behind Cassie as she walked fast after closing the shop. Alex caught up to her as he grabbed at her hand. Cassie's hazed stare looked back at him, the bags under her eyes puffy from the absent sleep and the constant crying she had been doing for the past nights. Alex's concerned expression stung Cassie, knowing that she has been affecting him. She wanted to say something, she wanted to tell him "I'm sorry." but the words couldn't get out of her mouth. But she didn't have to say anything, Alex knew she was struggling. He just wanted to be there for her.
"You look like you need a hug." he joked as he tried to lighten the mood. Cassie let out a small exhale, letting herself relax as she let a tiny smile curl upon her lips.
"Oh really? I don't know, I think I'm TOTALLY fine." she joked back as she loosened up. All she needed was someone to ask her if she was okay. She just needed someone to be there for her and here Alex is filling that role. The night crept up upon them as Cassie stood there watching the smile appear on Alex's face.
"Do you want to come over tonight? I have a lot to talk about." her tone was light but the depth of the sentence entailing something big had happened.
Alex nodded his head as he got beside Cassie, his tone seeming more gentle than usual. Cassie didn't mind being around him, for he was one of the only people she could stand even when she's been having a shitty week. He was the only man she could trust, even if there was a minuscule amount there still was trust.
They arrived at Cassie's apartment complex, the building broad but aged. The smell of the old brick and wood washed over them as they stepped in, the stairs creaking as they stepped on them. They got up to the second floor, Cassie flinging the door open to reveal an unkept, messy apartment. The floor littered with trash and unwashed clothes. The smell of the unwashed dishes and old food penetrating Alex's nose. The sight of this, for as long as they've known each other, has never been this bad. Sure, Cassie has had her depressive episodes and has had a depression room before. But the wine bottles littered around her bed, along with the smoked joints in the ashtray, it was the most unlivable circumstances. Alex rolled up his sleeves and started to clean up the empty bottles on the floor.
"Wait! You don't have to clean up, Alex. I can do it myself! I don't want you to worry about this, okay?"
"Cassie. You know you won't until you get out of this rut, let me at least help clean up the trash." he stated as he continued to pick up the empty bottles.
"B-but.." she was cut off as Alex looked at her. The look saying "Hey maybe you need to listen to me and not feel bad." And she did just that, grabbing a pair of gloves and a trash bag from under the sink. She took the empty bottles out of his hands and put them into the trash bag. Handing him the trash bag as she went to the kitchen. 'It's time to get out of this.. Thing, Cassie'. She nodded to herself as she picked up the dishes from the overflowing, gross sink. She took her time with it, knowing that she won't have the motivation to do it after Alex leaves. She was actually willing to get herself back together, even if it'll take a little more time than desired. She wanted to get out of her rut, and Alex.. he was helping her do just that.
After the apartment was fairly cleaned up they sat in the living room. Alex sat on the couch and Cassie sat on one of the pillows close to the floor. Being face to face with him made her nervous. The anxieties riled up in her head. The fears of being judged or hurt again plagued her thoughts. As she sat there in silence Alex broke the silence.
"Has everything been okay, Cassie?" His tone was comforting but the concern still nestled deep inside.
The silence then arose once again, Cassie sitting there in a haze as she picked at her fingers. Her fingers then ripping off a piece of skin causing her to wince as she saw the blood start to gush out. It brought her back. She had to get it off her chest to someone, she needed someone..
"Honestly, not really."
Her voice was shaky as if she were standing up in front of thousands of people to deliver a speech. She began to continue.
"Josh and I, we broke up a few days ago, and I guess I just haven't been taking it too well."
Alex was shocked. They've been together through EVERYTHING, and yet now they broke up? 'It must be a super big thing than..' He thought to himself as he wanted to ask why, but knowing Cassie she was probably shaking in her boots right now because she was actually talking to someone about what has been bothering her.
"Is there a.. Reason?" he questioned as Cassie then became quiet once again.
"Yeah.. There's a reason. Uh.." she paused.
"If you don't want to-"
"No, I think I trust you enough, Alex. I'm just trying to think of a way to make this NOT depressing- Oh! Okay, so do you remember the story I told you about my first boyfriend back in high school and how he.. Took advantage of me? Well, uh.. Josh was drunk last Thursday and.."
She softened her voice, the feeling of regret and disgust starting to form inside of her. 'Cassie. You idiot. You think you can trust him? Do you think you can trust anyone? No. These people constantly hurt you and all you do is let it happen. Shut up, Cassie.' Her insecurities and doubt bashing her for expressing how she felt. Her eyes started welling up with tears, the rush of anxiety and hurt trying its hardest to escape.
