Chase and Madelyn: A love story

Chapter 43

Madelyn's POV:

It had been a couple days since Chase's first therapy appointment and I couldn't really sense how he was doing. It was obvious that he was trying to pretend for me but he was still sleeping in a lot and wasn't doing a good job taking care of himself. Even though it had only been a few weeks since Chase started to feel anxious and depressed, he clearly lost some weight.

I received extremely exciting news that morning. When I opened my email, I learned that I had been invited to New York Fashion Week. It was very last minute though, it started in 2 days. I smiled at my phone while reading the email. Although I was technically considered a celebrity, it still felt weird that people knew my name or wanted to invite me to events and other things. It was 11 AM and Chase was sleeping, but I was so excited and I had to gush about the news to someone. 

I quietly tiptoed over to Chase who was passed out and sprawled all over the bed. I sat down next to him and moved his crazy bedhead hair off of his forehead.

"Babe." I whispered as I poked his cheek.

"Baby, wake up." I repeated. He didn't budge.

"Hey. Chase." I said louder while pushing his shoulder.

Chase suddenly shot up into a sitting position.

"What happened? What's wrong?!" He asked frantically.

Surprised by his panic-stricken voice and face, I assured him that I was ok.

"Shh, calm down. It's ok." I said quietly while placing my palm on his cheek.

"Mads, what's the matter?" Chase asked, assuming something bad had happened.

"It's good news..." I said.

"What is it?" He asked while reaching over to grab a shirt that was on the floor and putting it on.

"I got invited to New York Fashion Week!" I exclaimed excitedly.

"Really? That's so exciting!" Chase replied.

"It's in two days." I said.

"Oh...it's so soon." He responded.

"I know, they didn't give me much of a heads up, but we're gonna have so much fun!" I said eagerly.

"We? I'm going with you?" He asked confusedly.

"Yeah, I just assumed you would come with me..." I said as my smile slowly faded. "Do you not want to go?" I asked.

"No it's not that, I just want you to have fun without me being like this." He said referring to his recent depressive state.

"Chase, I want you to come. We'd have so much fun, and it might be nice for you to get away for a couple days. Plus, I don't know how I feel about leaving you alone right now..." I replied.

Chase didn't say anything.

"Are you ok with that?" I asked. "Oh shit, don't you have another therapy appointment soon? I don't want you to miss that." I said.

He nodded. 

"Yeah, but it's ok, I'll make it a Zoom call appointment or something. I'll be there with you if you want me to be." He said.

"Really? You'd do that?" I asked. I really wanted him to come, but I didn't want him to jeopardize his mental health or therapy in order to do so.

"Anything for you Maddie." Chase replied with a chuckled.