From Ashes (From Ashes #1)(22)
“Yeah, about that.” I huffed and ran a hand through my hair, grabbing a good chunk in my fist. “I was kinda hoping your answer would be different. I know what’s happening between us isn’t normal. Well, not between us, I guess . . . she doesn’t feel the same way for me.”
“Ah. I see. So why don’t you tell me what’s happening for you.”
I looked at my dad for a minute, and I suddenly couldn’t hold it back anymore. I’d told Tyler I loved her, but I hadn’t talked to anyone about the depth of my feelings. “It’s like I’m being pulled to her. Like something in her calls to me. I know that sounds dumb, but that’s the only way to describe it. The first night I met her, I felt her before I even saw her. It’s like I had to look up at her, and when I did . . . I swear to God the world stopped moving. When she shook my hand, it felt like—not a spark, but like a jolt of electricity went through me. All I can think about is her, and I could have sworn she felt it too. But when she found out my feelings, she got pissed. Wouldn’t talk to me for a week. I’ve tried, Dad, you have no idea how damn hard I’ve tried to get over her. But I know I’m supposed to be with her, I know I’m going to marry her. I knew it the moment she hopped out of Ty’s Jeep.”
“Ty Bradley? Your cousin Tyler?”
“Yep.”
“So you met her through him?”
I laughed hard. “You could say that.”
“You’re gonna have to help your old man out here, I don’t get what I’m missing. You having problems with him?”
“Do you remember me telling you Ty was bringing his friend Cassi from California to live with us?”
“Yeah . . .” He drew out the word.
“Well Tyler’s girlfriend, Cassi, my new roommate, is the same girl who consumes my every thought.”
“Shit.”
“Yep.” I let my head fall back against the tree and rubbed my chest where the ache that never went away intensified from just thinking about her. “God, Dad, am I crazy? This isn’t normal, right? This can’t be healthy. She doesn’t even want me.”
“And you’re sure about that?”
“Yeah. She made herself pretty clear. What makes it harder is that even though she’s his girlfriend, and she doesn’t want me, I can’t stop being near her. I hate just being her friend, but I would rather be her friend than not have her at all. I thought this summer would be good for me, to get her out of my head; instead I just feel like I’m dying the longer I’m away from her.”
Dad was quiet again for a moment. “Well, I haven’t ever experienced this, uh—pull you’re talking about. But I don’t think you’re crazy. The only advice I have for you is don’t give up. If you’re sure you want her, then you gotta fight for her.”
“But she’s with Tyler. If it was anyone else I wouldn’t have a problem with it. But Ty?”
“That does make your situation a little difficult. Have you talked to Tyler about her?”
“Oh yeah, at first he was pissed that I wouldn’t stop looking at her, then one night he finally said he’d step back and let us be together. That next morning was when she yelled at me, told me she didn’t want to see me. And it’s hard, because even though I’m positive she’s not in love with Tyler, and honestly I don’t think they’re even actually together, she can’t leave him. Same way he can’t leave her.”
“I’m just going to assume you’re about to explain that. ’Cause that little statement is confusing as hell.”
“Well, since you’ll probably never meet her, I guess it’s safe to tell you about her childhood. Her dad died when she was real young, on her birthday actually. It really screwed her mom up; she turned into an alcoholic and married some guy. From the day he died, Cassidy had to raise herself; her mom stopped feeding her, washing her clothes, even talking to her. And she was only six. Then after her stepdad moved in, they started beating her. Up until the day Tyler packed her shit up and moved her to Texas.”
“You got some beatings yourself, son.”
“No, Dad, not like getting spanked by Mom when I was little. They didn’t just take off their belts and hit her with that or a wooden spoon when she was in trouble. They could’ve killed her. Tyler told me about some of the times, and I saw pictures from after a few of the tamer times and it’s enough to make you sick. Uncle Jim would have to stitch her up sometimes, others she’d be so messed up she wouldn’t be able to walk. Her bruises when she moved in were like nothing I’ve ever seen. Her entire back and sides were black, blue, green, and yellow. They’re obviously all gone now though, but Ty said she’s really careful about what she wears around people because of the scars she has from some of the bad beatings.”
“How people can do that to their own kid is beyond me. People like that need to be arrested, or shot. I’m sure we can find some ditches.” He smiled under his massive mustache.
“I swear I wanted to drive there and have a conversation with them and my shotgun. It about killed me; she’s the sweetest person you’ve ever met. And she wouldn’t let Tyler turn them in. Her mom’s a heartless bitch, and yet Cassidy still would never do anything against her.”