ꜱᴋᴇᴛᴄʜᴇꜱ

Chapter 24

Song: Heads Above Water--Avril Lavigne

"Darling!" I snap my head towards the sound of my mum's voice, I lower my head. The bed dips under her weight. "Look at me," she pleads.

Reluctantly and slowly, my gaze flickers between my dad and my mum but finally look at her,  excepting her to speak but she doesn't.

"What were you thinking Cassie?" my dad's deep voice booms. It cut me just like it did when Zane had said it.

"Vanessa and Zane called to tell us you are booked for rehab. I thought you got over the whole self harm thing-" she finally said.

"I thought I did but I didn't. I couldn't control it. All I needed was to calm myself, to let the pains go and the problem is that I've lost everything." 

"No you haven't darling. Where is Zane?" She looks around but when she sees nothing she turns back to look at me.

"He's gone. He left. He was angry and I caused it-" I say breaking down. I feel my dad's hand on my shoulder.

"It's okay C. I'll all be fine," he says softly but I can't stop crying. 

Finally I stop, "When am I leaving?"

My mum sighs, "Vanessa said she booked you into one in Beverly Hills and you are scheduled for tomorrow."

"And when I am going to be discharged?"

"We've signed that so whenever you are ready C," my dad retorted, his hands still on my shoulder. I nod.

"I'm ready but not without seeing Zane first."

~Zane's POV~

"What is going Zane? I've been asking but I think that punching bag is more important,"

"None of your business Darren." I say angrily.

"I think it's something to do with Cassie and he doesn't want to-"

"Just shut up James and please don't mention her name. For now,"

My knuckles are bruised but I don't care because all I need is to release this pent up anger.

How could she do that and why did I ever mention Ciara's name. Sometimes I don't know who to be mad at, myself or her.

This is confusing.

Darren and James try leaving when the entrance flies open, revealing Cassie. She holding her luggage in one hand and right now, James and Darren are shocked. 

I move away from the punching bag, adjusting the bandages on my hand. 

"Cassie where are you going to?" James and Darren say in unison.

"Travelling to my granddad's home. He complained he's lonely for the holiday,"

They nod their heads. One gullible lie and they are wearing smiles on their faces, and afterwards, they claim to be smart. I need to hear her out.

"James, Darren please excuse us." They wave her and walk out through the exit.

"What do you want Cassie?"

"I-I came to say goodbye. I packed my things out of your house and left the spare key under the mat. And I also came to apologise for all the hurt I've caused you, and I hope we can move forward from where we are,"

"We will but I need you to get better."

"And don't forget to call please." She walks forward and hand me a card.

'The Rehabilitation Center of Beverly Hills' 

"I'll call you. Don't worry C. You are in safe hands." She smiles and without a word, leaves the gym.

I never wanted you to go back to any rehab center but you need to get over this. We all need you to get over this.

I open the door to the house but no one is in. Zara mustn't have been back from music class. I touch the counter but it's cold. I purse my lips and walk up the stairs to my room. 

I switch on the light and find a small box sitting on my reading desk. I walk towards it, holding the box up. It has a note attached to it. Pull out the note and smile at her writing. Always beautiful.

It's 22nd but here's your Christmas present. Zara's in your drawer. Don't open till 26th, probably I'll call. Your C...

Maybe I was angry before but I did everything for your good. You needed to see that I'm not happy you have to go through any of this. Your love...you're all I want. And maybe a punching bag and bruises helped a lot too.

Please note that time period used here was 2016. Thank you...