At First Sight

7. Set Backs

'Reaching out, give me a lifeline
I don't know if I can carry this on my own
Living lost can last a lifetime
I don't know if I can carry this on my own'

By Bad Wolves-Lifeline

Well, everything started to go more smoothly at school after the first day. Hunter stopped bothering me and I have only heard a few comments thrown at me from Victoria. I do occasionally hear a few comments here and there, but nothing I can't ignore.

The best thing that came out of this is I gained a new friend. From what I've heard is that Nate is really popular. As of my social status has declined, which is fine by me. Because you know who your friends at the end of the day are truly, when you have to go through hell.

Lily, Nate and I hang out a lot and it helps me to feel somewhat normal again. I protested when they wanted to go to the movies. But to my surprise Nate and Lily chipped in to rent out the whole theater room for just us. Let me tell you it was the funniest thing ever. I don't think I laughed so hard in my life. They would tell me what the characters were like, and their commentary was just as comical.

Now is the day that I am most dreading. I have put it off for too long. Uncle Jeff has a buyer for the house. So that means I have to go through the stuff there.

"I'll come over after my appointment, I promise Cass."

"It's fine Lily."

"Besides Cass has got me...right Cass?" Nate slings his arm over my shoulders. I try not to blush, because over the past couple of months I have developed a crush on Nate. But I bury it deep within because I don't want to ruin our friendship. Besides whom would want me now.

"Yeah, Nate volunteered to help."

"Okay but I will be over as soon as possible."

"I know Lil." She gives me a hug and then she is gone.

"Shall we?" Nate asks as we make our way out of school. "Yes, let's get this over with." He stops me and grabs my shoulders. "If it's too much you let me know." I nod my head because I can't speak right this moment. If I do, I might break down. "You said there is a moving van going to be there."

"Yes, why?"

"Well, I brought my bike so we will have to go on that."

"Nate, do you expect me to ride on the handlebars or something?" He lets out a deep throaty laugh. "I meant my motorcycle silly."

"Oh!"

I feel my cheeks flush from embarrassment. I fold up my cane and put it in my backpack as Nate straps a helmet on my head.

"You'll have to hold on tight. When you feel me leaning to the left or right, you do the same."

"Okay"

He helps me on the bike, and I cling onto him. "You can lean closer to me Cass." Oh boy, this is going to be torture. I do as he says. "I won't bite Cass you're going to have to hold on tighter." Is he trying to kill me? But I do as he says, and I can feel every vibration from him as he laughs.

I start feeling things I have never felt before. What in God's green earth is this boy doing to me? I need to nip whatever this is in the bud right now. I almost yelp as he takes off. My arms tighten around him, but I feel the wind in my hair, and it feels refreshing. After a bit I start to laugh because although I cannot see I can feel and hear everything around me. It is amazing to experience this. Unfortunately, the ride is too short. When Nate helps me off the bike, I can't help the big smile on my face.

"That was awesome Nate." I feel him grab my hand and I touch his face. I can feel the big smile on his face. "Thank you, Nate."

"You're welcome." He pulls me into a hug. "Anything to see that smile on your face." I lay my head on his shoulder, trying my hardest not to blush. But then I remember what we came here to do. I take a deep breath and let go of him.

"Let's get this over with."

He helps me to the door and my hands are shaking with the keys in my hands. I feel Nate's hand on mine as he takes the keys from me.

"Let me help." I nod my head as I hear him open the door. I almost stumble as we walk in, and I'm hit with nostalgia. It feels like home, but it's not home anymore. "You okay Cass?"

"No, but I will be eventually."

Nate guides me through my house, even though I know it like the back of my hand. First stop is my parents' room.

"Is there anything you want from in here?"

"Mom's jewelry and her perfume."

"On it."

I feel my way around the room and walk to the closet. When I open it up, I am engulfed in their scent. I grab the first thing from both sides and fall down to the ground inhaling their scent. It almost feels like they are here. Tears start falling down my face, as I rock back and forth, clinging onto their clothes.

"Cass, where are you?"

I choke out a sob, as I bury my face in their clothes.

"Oh, Cass." Nate is there in a moment and pulls me into his lap. I cling onto him tightly.

"I miss them so much. It's my fault they're gone."

"Don't say that Cass."

I pull back from him, but he doesn't let me go. "It's true, you know what I thought right before the accident. I was angry at my parents for making me go to the stupid business dinner. I resented that they wanted me to learn the business at a young age, and not considering what I truly wanted. If I didn't say I needed to go to Lily's, then they could still be alive."

"You don't know that Cass. It could have happened a different way or could have been worse."

"Worse?" I laugh hysterically. "What could have been worse? Oh wait, me going blind, or becoming a freak? I should have died with them."

He pulls me back into his embrace. "It would be a damn shame if you were gone Cass." He pulls back and kisses my forehead before he leans his head against mine. "Besides you would have never met me, and you couldn't miss that opportunity."

I just bust up laughing and Nate joins in. I hug him tightly.

"Thanks Nate."

"We all have setbacks Cass. You will always have me and Lily to bring you out of them. But don't ever wish you were dead. The world wouldn't be the same without you in it." At that moment I decide to move before I feel more things I can't explain.

"So shall we go to your room. I am dying to see all the embarrassing things you have in there." I shove his shoulder and almost trip, but his strong arms catch me. "You got to stop falling for me Cass." He chuckles.

You have no idea.

"Shut up!" I move passed him as I feel my way around, and I can still hear his laughter.

One thing I know is right, I may have setbacks, but at least I have good friends to help me along the way.