Beneath the Surface

Chapter Ten

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As Cassie walked into the principal's office, her heart pounded, and she forced herself to keep a calm expression. Principal Andrews sat at her desk, her hands folded and her eyes sharp behind her thin glasses.

"Cassie, please have a seat," she said, gesturing to the chair opposite her.

Cassie nodded and sat down, clasping her hands in her lap. The room was neat, orderly, the walls lined with certificates and school awards that made the space feel official and slightly intimidating.

"Cassie," Principal Andrews began, leaning forward, "we were concerned when you missed so many days of school. Your friends said you hadn't spoken to them, and that had us all worried."

Cassie felt her throat tighten, her mind racing for an excuse, a way to simplify what she had been through without explaining everything. She took a deep breath. "I... there were some bad people after me," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it's okay now. I'm safe."

Principal Andrews' face softened, and she sighed. "Cassie, I'm glad you're safe, truly. But something like this doesn't just go away because the danger has passed. I think you should speak to the school therapist, Ms. Harding. She's very good, and she's helped a lot of students through difficult times."

Cassie felt a flash of resistance rise up in her. She didn't need to talk to anyone else; she had already done her best to forget everything and move on. But she nodded politely, knowing it was best not to argue.

A few minutes later, she found herself outside Ms. Harding's office. She took a deep breath, steeling herself before she knocked.

"Come in," a warm, gentle voice called.

Cassie opened the door and stepped inside. Ms. Harding looked up from her desk, her smile kind and open. She had soft brown hair that fell to her shoulders, and her eyes were a warm hazel that immediately put Cassie at ease.

"Cassie, it's nice to meet you," Ms. Harding said, standing up and gesturing to a comfortable-looking chair by the window. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

Cassie sat down, her shoulders tense. She didn't want to talk, didn't want to open up to a stranger. But Ms. Harding's presence was disarmingly calm, her kindness almost too much. She didn't press Cassie with questions or try to probe her mind right away. Instead, she sat in silence, letting Cassie set the pace.

After a few quiet moments, Ms. Harding spoke gently, "I know it's not easy coming here, Cassie. And I want you to know that you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. There's no pressure."

Cassie shifted in her seat, her fingers nervously twisting together. "It's just... things have been hard. And I thought it would be easier if I just... didn't think about it."

Ms. Harding nodded, understanding. "Sometimes that's what we feel we need to do to get by. But sometimes, having someone to share the weight with can make it a little lighter."

Cassie felt her defenses start to waver. The therapist's gentle words and patient gaze were unlike anything she'd expected. She found herself wanting to talk, if only to feel less alone.

"I... I didn't mean to disappear," Cassie admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "It was just... there were people, bad people, and they made me feel like I was in danger. And I just... needed to get away."

Ms. Harding listened carefully, nodding without judgment. "That sounds incredibly difficult, Cassie. It's natural to want to protect yourself. And it's okay to take the time you need to feel safe."

Cassie felt a lump forming in her throat, the emotions she had tried to bury now bubbling up. "Sometimes I think I can just forget about it," she confessed, her voice trembling. "But other times, it feels like it's just... there. Like it's waiting to come back."

Ms. Harding reached across the small table, placing a hand on Cassie's. "Cassie, healing is a journey, and it doesn't happen all at once. But I'll be here to help you, however you need."

For the first time, Cassie felt a sense of relief she hadn't known she was longing for. She managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling a strange warmth in her chest. It was the first time in a long time that she felt like maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to carry everything alone.