afraid of the dark

Cassie had settled in to life in Ireland really well. Christmas had been lovely, getting to know everybody from her mother’s side of the family, and then New Year had been one big party and her cousins had dragged her out to the local pub. She’d had such a nice time, feeling happy and free for the first time in a while, and it felt like she’d had just the right amount of alcohol. Right on the bells, she was grabbed by a cute guy and got a New Year’s kiss. Not what she’d been expecting but it was nice enough and made her laugh. She didn’t get his name or his number because then her cousins were dragging her away again, and she lost sight of him.

It was about a week into the New Year and Cassie had already found a really promising job prospect. There was a teaching position at the local high school going and she’d just had a pretty great interview. She was feeling really good about it and she text her dad and Thomas afterwards. She text Jason’s number too but she didn’t expect a reply - though she was certain it was him who had called her months ago. But she shoved those thoughts to the back of her mind as she moved into a small coffee shop, ordered and then took out a book and sat down.

She was another chapter in when the voice rang out in front of her, asking if they could join her.

Cassie lifted her gaze away from the pages of the book she was engrossed in, blinking as she was looking back into the eyes of that guy from New Year. Her cheeks immediately reddened and she couldn’t help but smile at him. “Uh, hey..” He smiled back as she gestured for him to sit in the empty seat opposite her and closed her book. He led the conversation, told her he was happy he’d found her again, asked for her number, asked how her year had been so far.. and Cassie opened up, she talked and she smiled and she laughed and it felt pretty natural. It was nice. 

When it was time for them to leave the coffee shop, they realised they’d gotten so engrossed in their conversation that they hadn’t even bothered to properly introduce themselves yet. Cassie found it hilarious and once they were standing outside, ready to say goodbye for now, he held out his hand and gave her his name. She shook his hand in return, smiling, and already couldn’t wait until they spoke again.

Paisley: Hey

Paisley: It's good and you?

Cassie: Yeah... not bad. I'm in Ireland. It's beautiful.

Thomas: Hey! That is really good to hear. :)

Thomas: Things are well it's Baberton.

Cassie: I miss you already! :P

Cassie: Hey! Made it safe and sound :)

Cassie: Hey..

Cassie had always known that coming back here was a mistake. She shouldn’t have accepted the job at the school and told herself that she could settle back down here in hte first place. She was still reeling from everything with Jason and Sasha going the way it had -- she’d never be able to understand him again but she did miss him. She was over her dad and Paisley. She just didn’t care what they did anymore, not that she was going to stay up to date on it either.

She made her plans with her mother’s extended family in Ireland, booked her flight, quit her job and sent goodbye messages to everyone who would even notice when she didn’t come back. Then she packed her stuff, arranging with Chris to get the rest of her things shipped over once she was settled - and she made her way to the airport to catch her flight.

Harold nodded, knowing that he would do whatever he had to, to make it up with her.  Especially if she was leaving.  Even if it meant he had to end things with Paisley.  He wanted Cassie to know that she came first in his life.  He laughed at her calling him old man, moving to open the door to the coffee shop for her. “Alright, alright.”

Harold nodded softly, looking over at her. “Not everyone is meant to stay in one place forever.” He agreed. He smiled at her comment about wanting them to be okay before she left. “Nothing would make me happier.” He admitted. “I know I haven’t always been the father you deserve.”

Harold sighed, dropping it for now.  “Do you have plans for the holidays?”