-Chapter 28: The Bigger Picture-

-Cassie-

"Where am I gonna go?" That was the only thing that's in my head as I pace around the park.

I made sure Zeke and Kris were gone before I made my way back to the play structure.

I sat on the end of the slide and curled up into a ball.

"Rough night huh Cas?" A familiar female voice asked.

"You have no fucking idea," I replied, too tired to care who I was talking to.

I then realized this person knew my name. Surprised, I turn to look and see Jessica sitting next to her.

"J-Jess?" I stutter as I instinctively try to make some distance between us.

"Relax, it's just me," Jessie said. "What's making you so jumpy?"

"I don't wanna talk about it," I reply. "It's just a rough night."

"Sorry," Jessie said.

I was relieved when she didn't pry for any more answers. I wonder why she wanted to know, anyway. It wasn't any of her business. It wasn't anyone's business but mine. Plus, Zeke or Kris would probably tell everyone, anyway. The feelings of fear I felt are soon replaced with feelings of anger.

"Did Zeke or Kris tell you to talk to me?" I hiss, tears fell as I speak. "If so, then tell them to fuck off!"

Jessica-I mean Jessie seemed to be taken aback by my sudden outburst. I don't blame her.

"I haven't spoken to them in a while." She said sadly.

She looks away.

"I-I am so sorry, Jessica," I say, mortified. "I had no idea."

She pulled me into a hug in which I reluctantly accepted.

"It's ok. Everything will be ok." Jessie said.

It sounded like she was speaking to herself more than me.

"H-how will it b-be ok?" I stutter. More tears begin to fall. "I-I was k-kicked out of m-my own h-home. Literally."

In that moment, I completely lost control of my words. I didn't mean to say anything.

"W-what?" Jessie gasped in surprise.

"Yep." I say as I stood and turned away from her. "School starts soon, Jess, you should get going."

"What? Cas no-," She began to say.

"I said go!" I snap.

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

I just want to die.

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-Jessie-

I stand at the front of the school. I scout the crowd of students for two in particular. I spot them at the back of the crowd. I take a deep breath before walking to them. I see Zeke's face turn into a scowl at the sight of me.

"I need to tell you two something," I say quickly averting Zeke's gaze.

"What is it?" Kris asked.

"I think Cassie is in trouble," I say.

Immediately after, Zeke's expression turns from a scowling one to one of surprise then to one of suspicion.

"What makes you say that?" Kris asked as if she was just caught doing something wrong.

"I was taking a walk at the park last night and I saw her sitting on a bench and she looked roughed up," I say.

A little white lie never hurt anyone.

"Where? We didn't see you." Zeke asked.

They were there? Oh shit!

"Y-yes," I respond. "She said something about getting kicked out of her home."

"What else did she say?" Zeke questioned.

"Nothing else I swear," I answer.

"Right," Zeke said with a weird tone. "Thanks for letting us know."

Nothing more was said. Zeke went back to looking at his phone and Kris gave me a look of sympathy and gestured for me to follow them. Thought my heart fluttered at the request, I didn't bother.

Kris tells Zeke to go on ahead and walks over to me.

"Can we hang out at lunch then?" She asks. "I miss hanging out with you."

"What about Zeke?" I ask with caution. "I thought you didn't like leaving him alone."

Kris shuffles in place.

"I don't but he sometimes goes to look for Cassie and I guess hangs with her." Kris replied. "Wherever she is."

"She sits at the back of the school." I say as the bell rings.

"We should probably get going." Kris said stopping my train of thought.

"Lets." I agree.