Set free what you love

Chapter 25

You can't remember your dreams, but the next morning you suddenly open your eyes. After two seconds, you quickly turn your head to the side.

There's Cassie. She's lying on her side, her head turned towards you, her hands folded under her chin, fast asleep. A smile on her face.

"My God..." you breathe, but get no answer. Maybe that's because you're the one answering prayers now.

You carefully swing yourself out of bed and the mere fact that you have to do this and not roll out of bed like a fool puts a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.

This warmth fuels your determination and after dressing quietly and carefully, another smile on your lips, you sneak out of the room.

It's still early in the morning, the sun is only just creeping over the horizon, but you're already rested and full of energy. And you need to use this energy for the angel in your bedroom.

"What do you want?" Tiredness is written all over Jackson's face, but he's not surprised that you're suddenly standing in his room unannounced.

"Wake up, get dressed and then follow me," you order simply. "And be quiet. Cassie's asleep." Your best buddy just scowls at you, but of course does as you say.

"Where... are we going?" You can understand the concern in his voice since you haven't said anything for twenty minutes. But it's probably also the fact that Jackson knows you heard the argument yesterday. And he knows how you feel about Cassie. And he knows that you've changed. "Finn..." At that moment, you turn into a deserted forest parking lot, the edges of the city miles away. You turn to face him.

"It's time to make a decision," you say. Jackson doesn't understand.

"I've already made up my mind," he says a little confused, not enough willpower left in his body to be angry with you. Just defiant like a petulant child. "I love Cassie and you're ruining everything."

"That's not what I mean," you say matter-of-factly. "But you're right. We both love Cassie. And I'm an asshole for doing this to your relationship."

"Yeah. Right. And besides..." You raise your hand and Jackson falls silent.

"But it's not us who have to decide. Jackson. You're my best friend. And no matter how much we're alike and different, we've always been there for each other somehow, even if we've argued sometimes."

"Yes. You're right. But Cassie..."

"It's Cassie who has to decide now," you say, matter-of-factly. "Get out and go to the trunk." Jackson follows your instructions. And opens it.

"Finn... what the..."

On the way back, you open the door to the apartment and listen. Not a sound. You quietly sneak into your room.

There's Cassie. She's lying on her back. Hands at her side. A smile on her face. Deep and sound asleep.

And you smile too as you approach her. But you don't sit down on the bed.

"Cassie?" you whisper. "Cassie?" You touch her gently on the arm. After the third attempt, she grumbles slightly, turns around and sleepily opens her eyes.

"Nmorning" she mumbles sleepily and yawns. Then she smiles at you and you fall in love with her even more. "What time is it?"

"That's not important," you explain gently, handing her a drink and a sandwich you've fetched from the kitchen. Cassie sits up, thanks you and takes a sip of orange juice.

"Hey you." She smiles at you again, in love. "I've been dreaming about you." Your heart beats faster. This girl is so perfect. "We had a great time and then..." Then she remembers the evening and her face darkens. "Thank you for letting me sleep here tonight," she mumbles, nibbling on her sandwich. "I'm sorry we..."

"That's okay," you say. Then you rise and Cassie sees you dressed and ready for the day. "I took care of the problem." Cassie blinks and looks at you questioningly. "I took Jackson to the woods and told him to go camping for a few days," you explain. "To clear his head. I let his work know."

"Okay..." At first she doesn't understand, then a thought occurs to her and she smiles happily. "Hey. How about we go into town together today? Like we used to. Have you eaten anything yet? We could have brunch and then..." But you shake your head.

"I'm disappearing for a few days too."

"What?" Your dream girl shakes her head in confusion. "Why would you? You haven't done anything wrong."

"Maybe." You don't know yourself. "But that's not the point. Me and the girls might go to the seaside... or something... Or Jessica might take us in. I don't know." You're a little surprised that you're the one having trouble finding housing. "Maybe I'll move in with the girls."

"Why?" Her voice is dry. You shrug your shoulders.

"I don't have to pay rent there," you smile. "And Paula and Miko..."

"That's not what I mean," Cassie tells you sternly. Your face briefly contorts into a pained grimace. You can see it clearly. She was relieved with Jackson. With you... "Why are you leaving too?"

"Cassie... I..." But it doesn't help. She's more important than you. "Cassie, the situation we're all in is fucked up, you know that too. And I'm to blame for it. Also for the fight with Jackson."

"Yeah... okay... but..." She's adorable.

"But. But I've decided that you'll only suffer because of it. And I don't want that. And neither does Jackson." Cassie reaches out to you, something you've always wanted. But you reject it. "Jackson and I will give you space. For as long and as much as you need." Your face softens while Cassie's goes puffy.

"Jackon and I... we... we both have feelings for you, you know that, right?"

"Yes," she mumbles as her eyes moisten.

"But if we don't work this out, you're going to get hurt." And with that truth, you turn away from her. You stop at the doorframe. "Take as much time as you want, then call one of us. Our friendship isn't as important as our relationship with you, Cassie. You decide." You activate your powers, focus on Cassie. "And you will decide. And you'll be happy with your decision for the rest of your life."

You want to say so much more. You want to tell her that you love her. You want to use your powers to make her choose you. You can do it. You can tell her to love you. But if you **** this girl to do something, then your powers are wasted. No. Cassie is too important.

You walk out of the room without looking at her.