We woke up as usual in this peculiar world. Walking down the steps, I was attracted by the scent of hot coffee and revealed Zoe bent over her device at the kitchen table. Alessandro was at the stove carefully flipping pancakes. The comfortable atmosphere of the room made me ignore that we were running from members of the Phoenix Organization that wanted us dead from exposing their leaders.
Zoe hailed me with a morning greeting while ignoring the screen before her. Just in time for breakfast of champions await you.
I returned a slow hello as I rushed to the coffee maker. In a moment of self-service, I saw Zoe’s anxiety on her shoulders and her fingers moving swiftly across the keys.
“Everything okay?” I inquired with a small knot in my stomach.
For an instant Alessandro paused for his keys. After turning from the stove with anxiety and looking at me, she also looked at Alessandro.
Zoe stated clearly,” she said. I’ve watched different platforms for discussions regarding us and our project. An interesting detail came to my notice that I think you need to see.
She shifted the laptop in my direction. The screen displayed a news article, the headline making my blood run cold:
“A FORMER STUDENT OF A CERTAIN HIGHSCHOOL CHASE ANDREWS FACES TRIAL ON ETHICAL VIOLATION CHARGES AND FRAUD.”
The mug fell from my unresponsive hands and broke on the ground while spilling hot coffee over everything around it. I ignored the scene around me while my focus was on the screen with the recognizable image smiling back at me.
Chase.
“Brianne!” It sounded distant when Alessandro spoke. His hands rested on my shoulders as he softly guided me toward the broken cup and the spill of coffee. “Are you okay? Did you burn yourself?”
My head moved side to side without my voice coming out. As I stared at him intently, he looked at the laptop and I recognized his recognition quickly.
Quietly saying “Brianne,” he folded me into his arms.
I hovered there firm in his embrace, filled with a mix of feelings raging inside. Peace that Chase is undergoing the punishments for his actions. Fury that it lasted for so long. Concern about revelations arising in the court proceedings. An intense longing filled my spirit for the dream of a bond and the person who I had come to trust.
I wanted some oxygen and stepped back to leave Alessandro and walk to the back door.
The refreshing morning wind returned me to my clarity and took me by surprise. I drew in large, rapid breaths, attempting to ease the increasing fear inside. I went to the swing positioned by the property’s limit.
I have no idea how long I remained filled with memories and emotions. The whisper of the swing when someone came to sit next to me distracted me from my mental wandering. I knew it was Alessandro before even glancing at him.
Presenting you a mug of tea, he said it gently. “Chamomile. Thought it might help.”
I thanked Alessandro for the mug and held it with my hands. “Thank you,” I murmured.
We absentmindedly swung together for a spell as the movement helped to relax my nervousness. In the end, I managed to speak once more.
I must be joyful, but instead, it feels empty. He is at last going through the courts because of his irresponsible behavior. But I just feel… hollow.”
The faint curve of his lips said everything while he positioned himself near me. “It’s fine to feel a mix of feelings about this matter. Your past with Chase cannot be easily split into positive or negative aspects.”
I glanced at him quickly and felt the profound wisdom seen in his gaze. “In what way do you consistently choose to say what’s necessary?”
A faint expression of sadness drifted across his lips. “Practice, I guess. Consider the therapy I talked about with you previously. I learned a significant amount about managing intricate feelings from them.
I confirmed my answer by drinking a sip of tea. The comfort traveled through me, easing my distressing feelings.
Would you consider talking about this? Alessandro asked gently. “Talk about Chase and your state of mind?”
For months, I held back my feelings; they were close to bursting. Staring at Alessandro brought forth the courage to embrace the vulnerability that clouds my thoughts.
As soon as I encountered Chase for the first time, I observed that he was extraordinary and incredibly energetic about everything.
He brought attention to me in a way that I had not known before. It felt like what I suggested held weight and that I meant something to him.
Silently absorbed, Alessandro reached over and caressed my hand while offering encouragement.
I spoke about our plans to impact the world as a team as we all fled from The Raven and then The Architect and how he supported Lucy whenever she was being bullied in school. All looked like a significant and honorable mission.
I took a moment to pick up my cup of tea to calm myself. I failed to notice the indications at the start. I relied on him late into the night but could not see whatever he was up to. I know there were times when he would avoid answering my questions about particular parts of things I found fishy. I thought he was engaged and that he would disclose everything later on.
When did you realize false impressions could arise? Alessandro asked softly.
I looked away and thought back to earlier times. “It was gradual. Small contradictions appeared in his answers. Results didn’t match. And then, finally the night, everything ended. I believe that in the back of my mind I realized something was amiss long before I made the confession. I just… I didn’t want to believe it.”
He acknowledged that point was clear. Often, individuals who matter to us appear to us in ways we desire.
I confirmed it and a sensation built within my throat. I approached him with the truth when he responded with a laugh. Claimed I was insane and pointed out that the pressure from running had affected me. Alessandro found him highly persuasive. I thought I was slipping into an irrational state for a time.
With his hand around mine like a shield, Alessandro gave me a comforting touch that warmed my heart.
Once everything was revealed, by the Architect. “By then, it was too late. Proceedings had started before I even realized what was happening.
I assume you saw how that turned out in the end.
For a moment, we remained quiet while our past connected us with our thoughts.
“What really bothers you the most?” I released a murmur of sadness finally, despite the hidden wetness in my voice. Somehow, a piece of me continues to worry about him. Isn’t that ridiculous? Despite what he has done and what he has caused us to endure, I still think about how he handles the situation.
Alessandro strongly asserted that what I was feeling was totally rational. “It’s human. You loved him, Brianne. Even if the person changes and differs from their earlier persona, the feelings persist.
His statements released something within me. I let the tears fall as intense raw cries emerged from somewhere deep down. He enveloped me in a comforting hug and allowed me to cry softly against him as I disintegrated.
He softly said it was fine while he touched my back with comfort. “Let it out. I’ve got you.”
I can’t remember how long we remained that way with Alessandro comforting me while I cried. Finally, my tears faded away, and I experienced an odd mixture of exhaustion and relief.
I said I was sorry as I rose to tidy up my tears. “I got your shirt all wet.”
Alessandro smiled and took hold of my hair behind my ear. “Don’t apologize. Friends are meant to support each other.
The softness of his hand and the glow in his gaze awakened feelings I was hesitant to label.
“Thank you,” I said softly. For your presence and for your kind support. For not judging me.”
He answered with a voice that matched the quietness of his words.
For some time, we did not move and observed the rising sun. I was drained while also feeling an odd sort of calmness.
Bringing up our past with Chase reopened feelings I had long buried that needed my attention for closure.
“What happens now?” I questioned him to break the quiet that had filled our space.
For a moment Alessandro reflected. We approach it each day in focus. The proceedings will happen naturally. You can decide to observe just the moments you feel like without any part if you do not want it. Boosting your recovery and calmness should be priorities.
I accepted his guidance with thanks. Should I decide to see them every moment? When I think I need to be informed?
He responded by saying he would remain with me effortlessly.” “We’ll face it together.”
The deep authenticity of his voice and his loyal looks gave me a warmth that was independent of the morning rays.
I said it together as I smiled.
As we walked back home, a transformation took place in my core. Learning about Chase’s trial triggered old pain while providing me with a moment to face my former struggles and truly begin to recover.
Alessandro was by my side and lifted me up without any judgment or stress. No matter what the trial uncovers or what challenges come next, I felt confident I could tackle them on my own.
In the kitchen, we observed Zoe arranging the bits of my mug while evident worry marred her features.
As soon as she spotted us, she expressed her sorrow. It is unfortunate that I did not announce the news more kindly.
I gave her a comforting look with a shake of my head. And… I’m glad I know. It’s healthier to face it now rather than surprise it later.
Zoe acknowledged me and I could see her relief on her face. “How are you feeling now?”
I thought about the question due to the comforting presence of Alessandro nearby. “Honestly? A little raw, a little shaky. But also… lighter, I guess. I’ve at last begun to allow myself to part ways with something I have kept close for too long.
She answered quietly. We understand we can support you whenever you need us. Whatever you need.”
I gave a sign of appreciation for those two people who served as my safety net in this unfamiliar landscape. “I know. Thank you, both of you.”
In the end, I started to consider what the future might hold as we ate our food and Alessandro made fresh pancakes. This trial will be sure to uncover deeper emotions and memories. For the first time, I sensed the strength to confront them.
I was starting to trust that I would not only endure this challenging time but also emerge better. The future lay ahead was not known and filled with risks and struggles. I recognized a hope spark within me when I saw my friends.
Whatever follows will be resolved together by all of us. We could create positive change out of this chaotic situation. By leveraging our distinct experiences and abilities, we should craft positive change and shield others from similar hardships.
It wasn’t going to be easy. Experiences will persist rapidly. Looking at Alessandro over breakfast made my heart smile. The look in his eyes gave me the courage to give it a shot. Desiring to tackle my past while understanding it and making progress alongside my trusted peers.
The unknown future became slightly more positive in my mind.