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Chapter 49: Cassidy
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STay Chapter 50: Cassidy
##Chapter 50: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveWith my heart lodged somewhere in my throat, I finally catch up with Cole outside the building. He's already made it down the cement stairs to the pathway that snakes through campus. Even though I yell his name, begging him to stop, he ignores me. It's like I'm not even there. When I'm close enough, my fingers wrap around his arm, biting into his flesh.I've never seen him this angry. The Cole I know is always calm and in control of his feelings. But that's not the case right now.What I hate most is the hurt that flashed in his whiskey-colored eyes. I don't want to lose him over a fledgling friendship with Luke."Cole," I plead, "please stop and talk to me."In that moment, it feels like he's slipping through my fingers like sand. Allowing Luke to touch me was wrong."It's not what it looked like."Those six words have him grinding to a halt before wheeling around to face me. The movement happens so quickly that I slam into his ches
STay Chapter 51: Cassidy
##Chapter 51: CassidyBook Two: Don't Leave"Dr. Thompson is ready to see you, Cassidy."I smile at Wendy before passing by the reception desk.After my life imploded last December, my parents decided it would be best for everyone involved if I lived with my grandparents. They didn't want my bad influence to rub off on my younger sisters, Lexie and Miranda. I'd been so depressed and riddled with anxiety, that my grandmother suggested I work with a local therapist. Then, after I moved to campus in August, I found Dr. Thompson.I drop down in my usual spot on the couch as she settles onto the chair parked across from me. Even though we've only been working together for a few months, I feel really close to her. She's a great psychologist and it's doubtful I would have made such a smooth transition to Western without her support."Cassidy," she says warmly, "you're looking well. It's been more than a week since I last saw you. Tell me how everything is going.""It's going well." Wi
STay Chapter 52: Cassidy
##Chapter 52: CassidyBook Two: Don't Leave"You know that what you're wearing is the antithesis of sexy, right?"I glance at the blue scrubs and fake stethoscope dangling from around my neck before arching a brow at Brooklyn. Her assessment of my Halloween costume isn't off target."I wasn't going for sexy." Unlike a certain someone who shall remain nameless, I'm not trolling for a little hookup action tonight.Brooklyn, who happens to be a champ at multitasking, adds the finishing touches to her smokey eye before huffing, "Mission accomplished, Nurse Ratched. No one will mistake you for sexy."My brows snap together. "That's Dr. Jameson, to you."Her only reaction is to roll her eyes. After two and a half months of rooming together, I'm more than used to Brooklyn's attitude. In fact, I'd go so far as to say I'm barely affected by it.My roomie's costume, on the other hand, is sex personified. She's poured her curvy body into a tight, black bodysuit before adding a pair of midn
STay Chapter 53: Cassidy
##Chapter 53: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveBefore I can nod in agreement, she's dragging me away from Cole and toward a long stretch of the hall. I let Cole know what's going on as I'm towed behind her. It takes effort to shove our way through all the zombies, ghosts, and sexy devils packing the hallway. The line for the bathroom is ten deep, and it takes at least fifteen minutes before we're able to lock ourselves in the small space.As Brooklyn uses the toilet first, I turn toward the mirror to assess the damage. Like I assumed, it's bad. My face is all red and sweaty from dancing. I look like I've just run a marathon. I'm glad I decided to wear scrubs and nothing heavier. Even though it's the end of October and there's a chill in the air, it's hot as Hades in here. All the people crammed inside the house don't help matters, either.After Brooklyn finishes up, we change places. She checks herself out in the rectangular mirror hanging over the sink. Unlike me, she's not al
STay Chapter 54: Cassidy
##Chapter 54: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveWhat I know about Jackie and Cole is that they were best friends growing up before deciding to deepen their relationship. They dated in high school and were still together when they both left for college last fall. Sometime during the course of their freshman year, they broke up.From the little Cole and Sammy have mentioned, I have my suspicions as to what might have happened.Needing confirmation, I ask, "If you'd loved him so much, why did you cheat?"If my blunt question surprises her, it doesn't show in her expression. Her gaze shifts to the surrounding darkness as a cold wind whips through the trees. I tighten my arms around myself as the leafless branches above us shake.Just when I begin to wonder if she'll give me an answer, she draws in a breath before steadily forcing it out again until she looks like she's deflating before my eyes. Whatever thoughts are swirling around in her head must weigh heavily, because her entire body s
STay Chapter 55: Cassidy
##Chapter 55: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveThe last thing I want to do is head back inside the party, with all its noise, music, and press of bodies, but I have to find Cole. I need to reassure myself that he's still mine. Jackie might have returned, but she's part of his past.I have no idea how long I stood outside, talking with Jackie. I also don't know how long it took to get the anxiety attempting to claw at me under control again. When I'd walked away from Cole, I told him I was going to the bathroom and then never returned. As I head inside, I pull my phone from the pocket of my blue scrubs. My heart rate settles as I realize I've missed two calls and three texts from him.I hit redial and press the phone to my ear. After four rings, it goes straight to voicemail. Given the noise level, that's not a total surprise. I shoot him a quick message to let him know I'm looking for him, and set my ringer on vibrate so I don't miss another call or text.It takes time to push my
STay Chapter 56: Cole
##Chapter 56: ColeBook Two: Don't LeaveExactly how long does it take for two girls to use the bathroom?It's been at least twenty minutes since Cassidy and Brooklyn took off. During that time, at least a hundred more people have piled their way through the front door of the house. This party was already jam-packed when we arrived.I'm torn between staying here where she left me or heading toward the bathroom to see if they're caught up in a line. I contemplate my options for a couple of seconds before heading down the hallway. Long blonde hair catches the corner of my eye and my head swivels in that direction before landing on Brooklyn.Relief rushes through me. She's standing with a tall, buff dude. I recognize him from around campus, but have no idea who he is. It takes a moment to realize that Cassidy isn't with them."Brooklyn," I shout.It's no surprise that she doesn't hear me with the blaring music and insane amount of people. I continue to shove my way toward her befo
STay Chapter 57: Luke
##Chapter 57: LukeBook One: Don't Leave"What if they get back together?" she asks. "Cole and I haven't been together for that long. And they have this long history. They didn't just go out, they were friends. Best friends." She worries the napkin between her fingers.I don't think she realizes that she's shredding the paper into tiny pieces."We're talking childhood friends," she adds as if I haven't grasped the gravity of the situation.Instead of taking her back to the dorms, we're sitting at a diner located a few streets over from campus. Cassidy just described how she was ambushed by Cole Mathews' ex-girlfriend. The very same one who now attends Western. Apparently, they were an item for two years before she screwed around on him and got knocked up.What a mess.Unfortunately, Cassidy is caught smack in the middle of all this crazy drama. I'm well aware that she loves him. Hell, she's been more than upfront about her feelings with me. Obviously, this new development is
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