Strange Desires

The New Beginning

Chapter 9

"John?"

He was still lost in his thoughts. I placed my hand on his shoulders and went at it again.

"John?"

" Oh, yes. Cassie. You were saying anything?"

"I am worried about you John. It will be fine. Everything is gonna be fine. Please take care of yourself."

John looked at me with emotions in his eyes that I couldn't understand. His eyes were all black now. I wanted him to share his feelings with me. John was always there when ever I faced any difficulties. It was now my time to make him feel better.

" John, please. Don't look me like that. Please tell me that's bothering you. Did Henry say anything to you. Tell me."

" No Belles. Its just.. things happening lately will have a huge impact in our lives. They can never go back to what they used to be. I am worried about everything. About you."

I smiled softly. "John, why are you worried about everything. Have a little faith. And you don't need to be worried about me."

We were interrupted by my father, clearing his throat. John looked behind. They both shared unblinked, intense looks. He asked John to come with him. And they both went somewhere out of my sight. I wonder what was going on. It seemed like they all were hiding something for me. Something may be too dangerous for me to know now. But now, I had grown curious. This meant that things couldn't stayed uncovered for long. And everyone knew that now.

John's P.O.V

He took me to the backyard. He had concern in his eyes. But I could see he was searching for the right words to say to me.

"Are you alright, John?"

"Yes, I am." I let out a deep sigh.

"Son, I know its hard for you. Its hard for me too and, Rose also. I want to tell you that I will always try my best to fulfill my responsibilities. To take care of you children. I certainly cannot fill her void, but I hope everything will be fine soon." He patted me on the back.

" Cassie is curious." My words again filled him with concern." I don't think it will be long until she finds the truth about herself".

"John, I want you to keep her away from this, as best as you can. I know truth can never be remained hidden, but least we can do is to hide it until she is strong enough to endure it. After all, she is our responsibility."

"Your are right. I'll try my best. You don't need to worry." I replied.

" Her college will be over soon. I have decided to send her California for higher studies. I feel it necessary now. Knowing Henry will also be here, I feel he would create fuss."

Saying this, he hugged me and then went away. I felt good for a little while. But I could not stop thinking about the storm that was yet to come. If only I could figure out how it would happen for Cassie, I would have saved her. But nature is somethings too cruel to let save our dear ones from getting hurt. As for me, I couldn't tell when was I going to be healed. I never did try to set an exact time limit. I firmly believed that Faith, not time, determined when the cure will be effected. Time heals many wounds but this loss becomes the defining sadness of your life. I was now feared to lose anything dear to me. But at the same time, I also wanted to get a little distant from them, thinking I would become less careful for them. But I guess, it never worked for me.

I sometimes feel that my heart will explode and my eyes will bulge wide with fear. My body wants to either run fast for the safety of the them or to the crate of weaponry for myself but instead I remain where I am. Life does teach us to be calm

Days passed. Cassie graduated her college with high grades. David told her about his decision for her higher studies. She was gone in two weeks after. I was glad to see her happy. Things seemed to clam down. Time had begun to dissolve into itself, as shapeless as the rain. I too got admission in a medical University in Paris. I learnt new experiences, made friends, got a degree. Every now and then I would visit my hometown, Reims and meet David, Henry ,Kevin, Rose. I often went to Mrs. Wades. I missed Amelia but time did heal my wounds. I missed Cassie a lot. We used to talk on phones. But had not met for a long time.

In all these years, I thought that spending all my childhood with Cassie and liking her, caring for her was only a teenage secret crush. But I soon realized that it wasn't a childhood liking at all. It was more than that. I started developed true feelings for her. Never did I cared for any girl that much. I really did miss her and wanted to be with her.

With my twenties ending, I grew more mature and sensible. Got a sight how to think reasonably. I wouldn't worry much about future now. I now knew everything that happens has good in it, only we, sometimes don't have the insight to see that. I was now establishing my career. Bought my very own house and started job at the hospital. I had become a well known psychiatrist. Life was going good. I used to thank God for everything he had gifted me with. I had never been this thankful.