Running Through Rivers

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven - Cassidy's POV

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I was starting to wish Austin hadn't filled in the blanks.

I mean, of course I knew that Mum....topped herself. I wasn't that naïve. But, I didn't know that Austin had seen her crying.

Why didn't he stop her? The little voice in my head spoke up.

I tried to ignore it. No, it wasn't his fault. Mum was depressed. He couldn't have done anything.

He could have stayed with her, it argued.

He was only 13, he didn't know better, I reasoned.

Aunt Frankie was right, he could have saved her, if he'd wanted to.

"No!"

Several heads turned in my direction. I blushed, and looked down at my coffee, which was now stone cold.

"I'm sorry, Cass."

I shook my head. "You seem to be saying that a lot lately," I muttered. I looked up at Austin as he sighed. "I don't blame you though."

He looked at me, hope clear on his face. "You...you don't?"

"It wasn't your fault, Austin. It was most likely Dad's fault for not being there for her, or for verbally abusing her, or both. Aunt Frankie is wrong; she doesn't know the full story. Neither do you. The only one who does is Mum."

Austin reached across the table and squeezed my hand softly. "Thanks, Cass."

I shrugged. "Thanks for telling me."

He nodded, and we both sat there, staring at our cups for a few minutes, until Austin broke the silence.

"We still need a place to go."

I sighed. This is what a tramp must feel like.

We had no family to turn to. No house. No jobs. Nothing.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I sighed again as I fished it out of my jeans. That's another thing I won't be able to afford soon.

I read the message that was flashing on my screen.

Hey babe, havent seen u 4 a while. Come over? x
- Alex

I smiled. At least he hadn't forgotten me. I quickly replied, Sure. C U soon xo

I got up, grabbing my bag off the floor and nudging Austin on the shoulder. He glanced up from his phone and gave me a confused look.

"Where are you going?"

"I've found us a place to stay."

Austin scoffed, "And where's that then? Narnia?"

I pretended to scowl, "No, you ass. Now, come on, he's expecting us."

Austin stood up and slung his bag over his shoulder. "We're going to Alex's, aren't we," he sighed, pushing the door open and walking out onto the busy street.

"Maaaybe." I smiled sweetly and walked along beside him.

He groaned. "Well, living with an idiot is better then living in the gutter, I suppose."

"Shut up," I protested, "He's not an idiot."

"Of course, because all sane people walk into glass doors."

"It wasn't his fault."

"Cass, he did it three times. To the same door."

I gave up defending Alex as Austin's laughter became infectious.