Discoveries

-Chapter 28: The Bigger Picture-

-Cassie-

Where am I gonna go? The question echoed in my mind as I paced back and forth in the park, trying to find some solace. Zeke and Kris had left, giving up on their search for me. I found my way back to the play structure, sitting at the end of the slide and curling up into a ball, feeling utterly defeated.

"Rough night, huh, Cas?" a familiar female voice spoke up, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"You have no fucking idea," I replied, my voice filled with exhaustion. I turned to see Jessica sitting next to me, surprised that she knew my name. Instinctively, I tried to create some distance between us.

"Relax, it's just me," Jessie reassured me. "What's got you so jumpy?"

"I don't wanna talk about it," I responded, my voice strained. "It's just been a rough night."

"Sorry," Jessie said, sensing my unwillingness to share. I was relieved she didn't push for more answers. Why did she even want to know? It wasn't her business. It wasn't anyone's business but mine. The anger began to replace the fear that had consumed me.

"Did Zeke or Kris send you to talk to me?" I hissed, tears streaming down my face. "If they did, tell them to fuck off!"

Jessica, or rather Jessie, seemed taken aback by my sudden outburst. I regretted my words immediately.

"I haven't spoken to them in a while," she said sadly, looking away.

"I-I'm so sorry, Jessica," I stammered, mortified by my outburst. "I had no idea."

She pulled me into a hug, and though I hesitated, I eventually accepted it.

"It's okay. Everything will be okay," Jessie said, but it sounded like she was reassuring herself more than me.

"H-how will it be okay?" I stammered, more tears escaping. "I-I was kicked out of my own home. Literally."

In that moment, I lost control of my words. I hadn't meant to reveal that.

"W-what?" Jessie gasped in surprise.

"Yep," I said, standing up and turning away from her. "School's starting soon, Jess. You should get going."

"What? Cas, no—" she started to protest.

"I said go!" I snapped, my anger misguided and lashing out.

"Sorry," Jessie said, defeated, before walking away. I didn't mean to be so harsh.

All I wanted was to disappear.

------

-Jessie-

I stood in front of the school, scanning the crowd of students for two specific individuals. I spotted them at the back and took a deep breath before making my way toward them. Zeke's face transformed from a scowl to surprise, then suspicion when he saw me.

"I need to tell you two something," I said quickly, avoiding Zeke's gaze.

"What is it?" Kris asked, her expression changing to concern.

"I think Cassie is in trouble," I stated, my words carefully chosen.

Zeke's surprise turned to suspicion. "What makes you say that?" he questioned, as if he had been caught doing something wrong.

"I was taking a walk in the park last night, and I saw her sitting on a bench. She looked roughed up," I explained, adding a touch of worry to my voice.

Zeke looked taken aback, and Kris gave me a sympathetic look, gesturing for me to follow them. My heart skipped a beat at the invitation, but I didn't go along.

Kris told Zeke to go ahead and walked over to me. "Can we hang out at lunch then? I  miss hanging out with you."

"What about Zeke?" I asked cautiously. "I thought you didn't like leaving him alone."

Kris shifted uncomfortably. "I don't, but sometimes he goes to look for Cassie and, I guess, hangs out with her wherever she is."

"She sits at the back of the school," I revealed, as the bell rang, signaling the start of classes.

"We can hang out at lunch today," I suggested, a genuine smile forming on my face.

Just then, the bell rang, interrupting our conversation.

"We should probably get going," Kris said, bringing me back to reality.

"Let's," I agreed, and we headed toward the school together.