nick and charlie: love is the strongest force

chapter twenty

Tw: b*n h*pe

Nick sat in the familiar, softly lit room of Geoff’s office, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. The gentle ticking of a clock on the wall filled the silence as Geoff settled into his chair across from him, a comforting presence as always.

Geoff gave Nick a reassuring smile. "Good to see you again, Nick. How have things been since our last session?"

Nick took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "It's been... complicated. There's this new guy at school, Ben. He just transferred in, and he’s been hanging around me and Charlie a lot."

Geoff nodded, his expression attentive. "And how does that make you feel?"

"Uncomfortable," Nick admitted. "At first, I thought he just wanted to make friends, but he’s been texting Charlie non-stop, and it's getting really weird. I don't like how it feels."

Geoff leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with concern. "Can you tell me more about what makes you uncomfortable? Is it his behaviour towards you, towards Charlie, or something else?"

Nick hesitated, trying to find the right words. "It’s mostly how he’s been with Charlie. He’s really persistent, almost obsessive. He keeps texting Charlie, even when we're together, and it feels like he’s trying to come between us."

"That sounds very distressing," Geoff said gently. "Have you talked to Charlie about how you feel?"

Nick nodded. "Yeah, we did. Charlie gets it, and he even told Ben to back off a bit. But Ben didn’t take it well. He made it seem like we were overreacting, like we’re the ones with the problem."

Geoff sighed, a thoughtful look on his face. "It's important to trust your instincts, Nick. If Ben's behaviour is making you feel uncomfortable, that’s valid. Setting boundaries is crucial, even if others don’t understand or respect them."

"But what if he keeps pushing?" Nick asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to cause more trouble, but I don't feel safe around him."

Geoff leaned back, considering his words carefully. "It’s important to assert your boundaries clearly and firmly. You’ve already taken the right step by talking to Charlie and addressing the issue with Ben. If he continues to push those boundaries, you might need to take further action."

Nick's eyes widened. "What kind of action?"

"Talk to someone in authority at school, like a teacher or a counsellor," Geoff suggested. "Explain the situation to them, and they can help mediate and ensure your safety. You don’t have to handle this alone."

Nick nodded slowly, the weight of Geoff’s advice settling over him. "Okay. I guess I can try that. It’s just... it’s hard to keep going through all this. First Tyler, and now Ben. It feels like I can't catch a break."

Geoff’s expression softened. "I understand, Nick. You’ve been through a lot, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed. But remember, you have support. Charlie, your mum, and even the school staff – they’re all there to help you. And I’m here too, whenever you need to talk."

Nick took a deep breath, feeling a little lighter. "Thanks, Geoff. It helps to know I’m not alone."

"You’re never alone, Nick," Geoff said gently. "And it's okay to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you strong."

They sat in silence for a moment, the room filled with a sense of calm and understanding. Nick felt a glimmer of hope, a reminder that he could face whatever came next with the support of those who cared about him.

As the session drew to a close, Geoff leaned forward one last time. "Remember, Nick, you have the right to feel safe and respected. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help whenever you need it."