12(2)

As the laughter from the sitcom on TV filled the room, the easy comfort of the moment allowed the conversation to shift, growing quieter and more reflective. Chas, her eyes fixed on the screen but her mind clearly elsewhere, let out a soft sigh. Nick, noticing the change in her mood, turned his head slightly, his gaze shifting from the TV to her.

“You okay?” he asked, his tone gentle, not wanting to interrupt her thoughts but also concerned.

Chas glanced at him, a small, bittersweet smile on her lips. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, though there was a subtle hesitation in her voice. “Just thinking, you know? Sometimes life feels like it’s moving so fast.”

Nick leaned forward slightly, setting his notebook aside and fully focusing on her. “I get that,” he said quietly, his eyes thoughtful. “It’s easy to get caught up in everything that’s happening, especially when so much is changing all at once.”

Chas nodded, looking down at her hands in her lap. “I guess it’s just… I’m in this weird in-between space. Like, I’m finally doing something for myself, but at the same time, I’m still figuring out who I want to be, what I want to do, what I want to feel.” She paused, letting the words settle in the air between them. “And then there’s everything with you—living here, being with you in this… odd but somehow comforting way.”

Nick stayed silent for a moment, letting her words hang in the air, his expression calm and understanding. He had always been the type to listen, to give people the space they needed to speak their truth. Finally, he broke the silence, his voice low and reassuring.

“Life is always a little bit of a mess, especially when you’re trying to figure out who you are,” he said, his gaze never leaving hers. “But it’s okay to take your time with it. You’re not in any rush. And as for us… well, I think you’re doing just fine. And I’m glad to be here for whatever you need.”

Chas met his gaze, a small wave of relief washing over her. His words weren’t a grand declaration, but the sincerity in them was enough to quiet the swirling doubts in her mind.

“Thanks, Nick,” she murmured softly. “I think I needed to hear that. It’s just… sometimes I feel like I’m not allowed to be unsure, you know? Like I should have it all figured out by now.”

Nick leaned back, the playful grin returning to his face as he nudged her lightly with his shoulder. “Hey, don’t put that kind of pressure on yourself. You’re young, you’ve got plenty of time to figure it out. And even if you don’t, that’s okay too.”

Chas chuckled, her mood lightening. “You really are like a big brother sometimes, you know that?”

Nick grinned, rolling his eyes dramatically. “Big brother energy, huh? I’ll take it, I guess.” His tone was teasing, but there was warmth in his voice, a comfort they both had come to rely on over the past couple of months.

Chas smiled, feeling a little lighter, the conversation having unraveled some of the tension she hadn’t even realized she was carrying. “I guess I just need to stop being so hard on myself.”

“Definitely,” Nick said with a nod. “We all do that sometimes. But remember, you don’t have to do everything alone.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke, content in the silence, the quiet hum of the sitcom filling the gaps between their thoughts. The weight of the conversation seemed to settle, and Chas felt a sense of calm wash over her.

“You’re right,” she finally whispered, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks for being here.”

Nick gave her a small, reassuring nod. “Always.”

As the evening drifted on, the soft flicker of the TV provided a quiet backdrop to the deeper conversation. Nick sat back, his legs stretched out on the couch, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. He had always admired Chas for her independence, her ability to navigate life with an air of confidence that masked the complexities beneath. But tonight, as the conversation deepened, he felt a pull to understand her better, to know more about the story that shaped the young woman sitting beside him.

“Chas,” Nick began, his voice gentle yet curious, “I know Carol told me a little about your past… about how your mom left you at the orphanage because of… financial struggles. But I’ve always wondered,” he paused, choosing his words carefully, “what was it really like for you? Growing up in the orphanage, being left behind… I know you’ve always been strong, but I imagine there’s more to the story.”

Chas shifted slightly on the couch, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her pastel skirt. She had always been good at hiding her vulnerability, at keeping a strong face, especially around people she cared about. But there was something in Nick’s tone—something soft, almost protective—that made her want to share, to let him in.

Taking a deep breath, she began, her voice quiet at first, as though testing the waters. “My parents… they were immigrants, you know?” she said slowly, her eyes unfocused as memories began to flood her mind. “My mom was Chinese-Filipina, and my dad was Spanish. They came to the city with dreams, with hopes of building a better life. But it wasn’t easy. They struggled… a lot. Financially, emotionally. They were never really ready for me. I wasn’t planned. I was… an accident.”

Nick listened intently, his expression softening as he processed her words. He knew Chas had been through a lot, but hearing her talk about her parents like this, in such an intimate way, made him see her in a new light.

Chas continued, her voice quieter now, almost distant. “From what I understood… my mom and dad they were never married, and they weren’t really on the same page. My mom was always… caught between wanting to give me a future and the reality of her own life. She had her own issues—financial problems, things with my dad—and she didn’t know how to raise me.”

Nick nodded, his gaze never leaving her as she spoke. He wanted to say something—something comforting, but he knew the best thing he could do was just listen.

Chas exhaled deeply, her hands now clasped tightly in her lap as she gathered her thoughts. “When I was three years old, my mom dropped me off at the orphanage. She didn’t want to, but she felt like she had no choice. I don’t remember much about that day, just… the feeling of being left behind. It was like, one moment, I had a mother, and the next, I didn’t. She couldn’t take care of me, and I guess she thought it would be better for me to be raised by someone else.”

A small silence fell between them, and Nick could see the weight of those memories in Chas’s eyes. He didn’t speak right away, letting her continue when she was ready. He could feel the emotional walls she had built up for years now starting to crack.

“I spent most of my childhood there… in that orphanage,” Chas said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. “I learned to take care of myself, to not rely on anyone. I had to. No one else was going to do it for me. But… I always wondered what it would’ve been like if I had parents who were ready for me. What it would’ve been like to have a family that wanted me.”

Nick’s heart ached as he listened, the pain in her voice almost tangible. He could only imagine how hard it must have been for her, to grow up without the support and love of her biological parents.

“I don’t want your pity,” Chas added quickly, her voice defensive as if sensing Nick’s concern. “I made it through. I’m fine. But that’s just how it was.”

Nick reached over, gently resting his hand on her arm, a simple gesture of comfort. “You don’t have to apologize for feeling that way, Chas,” he said softly. “You didn’t deserve that. No one should have to go through something like that, especially at such a young age.”

Chas looked at him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. “I know you probably see me as this independent, strong girl, but I’ve had to be. I didn’t have a choice. I had to make it on my own.”

Nick gave her a small smile, his thumb gently brushing her arm. “I see you for who you are, Chas. All of you. Strong, independent, but also… someone who’s been through a lot. I don’t expect you to have it all figured out, and I certainly don’t expect you to always be okay. I’m just glad I’m here, if you ever need to talk.”

For a moment, Chas stayed silent, absorbing his words. She hadn’t realized how much she needed to hear them, how much she needed someone to understand her in a way that wasn’t just about her strength.

As the deep talk flowed, Nick’s curiosity grew, and he gently prodded, “Chas, what about your biological mother? What happened to her? Where is she now?”

Chas took a moment to gather her thoughts. She hadn’t spoken about her mother in a long time, and there was a mixture of emotions tied to the memories. She let out a small sigh, her fingers tracing the edge of the couch cushion.

“My mom… she’s still here,” Chas began, her voice softening as she spoke. “She’s still around, but… I don’t know. It’s complicated. When I was little, after she dropped me off at the orphanage, she’d visit every once in a while. At first, it was every six months, sometimes more often. But as I grew older, the visits got more spaced out. Sometimes a year would pass between meetings, sometimes even two.”

Nick listened intently, his eyes fixed on her, knowing that this was difficult for Chas to talk about.

Chas continued, her voice thick with the weight of the memories. “Every time she came, I’d always ask her, beg her to take me with her. I would tell her I wanted to go home with her, to be with her. But she always had an excuse. She’d say she couldn’t—money problems, living situations, and how she had to go back and forth from the Philippines to London for work. She always promised she’d take me with her… but she never did.”

Nick’s heart ached for her, for the little girl who was left waiting for a mother who never came. But Chas’s voice remained steady as she spoke, though it was clear the memories still stung.

“It was hard, you know?” Chas added, her gaze distant as she looked down at her hands. “I kept waiting for her to keep her promise. I wanted to believe her, but… after a while, I just couldn’t anymore. When I was 16, she came by again, and I asked her, just like I always did. But this time, I told her I couldn’t wait any longer. I was done waiting for her to come back and take me. She never fulfilled her promises, and it hurt too much.”

Chas paused for a moment, letting out a deep breath before meeting Nick’s gaze. “It was a tough decision, but it was the right one. I had to let go of that hope, that dream. I had to stop expecting her to fix everything.”

Nick’s heart went out to her as she spoke, his fingers lightly brushing against hers in a comforting gesture. “I can’t imagine how painful that must’ve been for you,” he said softly. “To have someone promise you something and never follow through. But… you’re so strong, Chas. You didn’t need her to be okay. You built your own life, your own family.”

Chas smiled faintly, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “I didn’t feel lost, though. Not really. When I was at the orphanage, I had Carol and Robert—they were like real parents to me. And I had so many siblings who loved me, who made sure I didn’t feel alone. It wasn’t perfect, but it was… it was enough. I was never truly without a family, not really.”

Nick felt a wave of admiration for Chas. Despite everything she’d been through, despite the broken promises and the difficult past, she had built herself into the incredible person he saw before him. Strong, resilient, and full of love for those around her.

“You’ve always been surrounded by love, Chas,” Nick said softly, his voice filled with warmth. “Carol and Robert must’ve been amazing. And you’ve created your own family now, too.”

Chas nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah… I’ve learned that family doesn’t always come in the traditional sense. Sometimes, it’s the people who choose to love you, even when they don’t have to.”

Nick squeezed her hand gently. “And I’m lucky to be one of those people now.”

Chas looked at him, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions. “I’m lucky, too,” she whispered.

The quiet moment between them was filled with unspoken understanding, a connection that ran deeper than words. Chas realized, in that moment, that even though she’d been through so much, she had found a place for herself in this world—and that place, right now, was beside Nick.

Nick’s curiosity deepened, and after a brief silence, he gently asked, “What about your dad, Chas? You said your mom left you… what about your dad?”

Chas’s expression softened, but there was an unmistakable sadness in her eyes. She took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts before answering.

“After my parents separated, my dad never came to see me,” she said quietly, her voice tinged with an emotion that Nick could sense but she didn’t vocalize. “Not even once. I don’t even remember him. I was so young when they split, and he just… disappeared.”

Nick could see the hurt in her eyes, even though she had learned to carry on. Chas’s past had shaped her, but it hadn’t defined her.

“It was always just me and my mom,” Chas continued. “But when she left, I didn’t have anyone. Not until Carol and Robert took me in. Robert became more of a father to me than my own ever did. He was the one who showed me what it meant to have someone in your life who truly cared. I never felt like I was missing anything because he was there. Robert… he’s the father figure I never had.”

Nick listened carefully, his heart heavy with empathy. He couldn’t imagine how painful it must have been for Chas, to grow up without the presence of a father. But he also admired how she had found a sense of family and love with the people who had chosen to be there for her.

“You had Robert,” Nick said softly, offering a reassuring smile. “It sounds like he made a real difference in your life.”

Chas nodded, a faint but genuine smile crossing her face. “He did. He’s a good man. I don’t need to remember my biological father. Robert was all I needed.”

Nick’s heart swelled with respect for Chas, her strength and ability to embrace the people who had truly cared for her. He could see how much Carol and Robert had shaped the woman she was today.

“You’re a remarkable person, Chas,” Nick said, his voice filled with warmth. “And the way you’ve handled everything—it’s incredible. I’m proud of you.”

Chas met his gaze, her smile softening. “Thank you, Nick,” she whispered. “I’m… just grateful I had the chance to build my own family, even if it wasn’t the one I was born into.”

They shared a quiet moment, the weight of their conversation settling between them, but it was a moment of shared understanding and deep connection.

Nick took a deep breath, the words coming out slowly but with sincerity. He glanced at Chas, his expression more serious than she had ever seen.

“Chas,” he began, his voice soft but steady, “ever since you stepped into my house, everything seems brighter. I’m not sure if you realize it, but you’ve really changed things for me.”

Chas raised an eyebrow, unsure where he was going with this. Nick’s gaze dropped momentarily, as if gathering his thoughts, then he continued.

“Before you came, I was in a really dark space. You know, after the divorce, I was drinking a lot. Late at night, sometimes with friends, sometimes alone in the kitchen. I wasn’t really living, just going through the motions. I even used… drugs sometimes, just to numb the pain. It was easier, you know?”

Chas’s heart clenched at his words. She hadn’t known the full extent of his struggle, but hearing it from Nick himself made it feel so much more real.

Nick shifted in his seat, his gaze returning to her. “But since you’ve been here… it’s like something changed. I don’t drink like I used to, not nearly as often. It’s become rare, actually. And… I’ve been happier. Really happier, Chas.”

Chas was silent for a moment, absorbing what he had just shared. She could feel the weight of his vulnerability, the openness in his words that was so different from the Nick she had first met—guarded, quiet, sometimes even distant.

“I’m glad you feel that way,” Chas finally said, her voice soft, almost as if she were speaking to herself. “I never knew I made such a difference.”

Nick smiled, a small, almost shy smile that reached his eyes. “You do, Chas. You really do. You’ve made me want to live again, in a way I didn’t even realize I needed. I’ve stopped feeling so… lost.”

The words hung between them, neither of them needing to fill the silence. Chas felt a warm sense of affection for Nick, a mix of admiration and tenderness. She had always seen him as this steady, older figure, but hearing his words now, she realized just how much her presence had impacted him.

“I’m glad I’m here then,” Chas said softly, her smile warm. “I care about you, Nick. And I’m glad I could be a part of that.”

Nick’s smile widened, his eyes softening with the kind of gratitude that was hard to put into words. “You’re more than just a part of it, Chas. You’re… everything.”

For a brief moment, they just looked at each other, the depth of their connection silently acknowledged. It was in these quiet, vulnerable moments that they both knew something deeper was growing between them—a bond that wasn’t just about companionship, but about healing, trust, and finding solace in one another’s presence.

Chas’s curiosity lingered, and after a pause, she asked, “Nick, if you don’t mind me asking… why did you and Sheri get divorced after 8 years? I mean, I know it must be tough, but… I just want to understand.”

Nick leaned back on the couch, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. He had never really talked much about the details of his past with Chas, but something about their conversation tonight made him feel like he could share more. He let out a sigh before speaking.

“It’s a long story, Chas,” he began, his voice quieter than usual. “It really comes down to… different decisions in life. Sheri and I, we were both so passionate when we were younger, especially about music. We met through the band, shared the same dreams, the same passion for the art. It’s what made us fall in love in the first place.”

He paused, reflecting on the years that seemed both so close and so distant. “But as time went on, we changed. Sheri’s five years older than me, and I think that played a part. As we grew older, our perspectives on life, on what we wanted for the future… they didn’t line up anymore. We had a lot of misunderstandings, miscommunications. We tried to hold on to the way things used to be, but it just wasn’t working.”

Chas listened carefully, her eyes soft as she absorbed his words. She could hear the weight of what he was saying, the sadness in his voice despite how composed he seemed.

“It’s like,” Nick continued, “we were so connected when we started, but somewhere along the way, we lost sight of who we were as individuals. We were in the band together, living this dream, and it was amazing… but as things changed, we found ourselves growing apart. It’s not that we stopped loving each other—it’s just that we didn’t know how to grow together anymore. Our lives changed, and we couldn’t find a way to bring it back.”

There was a quiet understanding between them, and Chas could see how much this still affected him, even after everything that had happened.

“I guess,” Nick added, looking at Chas, “sometimes, love isn’t enough to keep things together, no matter how hard you try. We just weren’t meant to continue the way we had been.”

Chas felt a pang of empathy for Nick, knowing how painful it must have been to let go of something that had once been so meaningful. “I’m sorry, Nick,” she said softly, her hand gently resting on his. “It must have been really hard.”

He smiled faintly, appreciating her words. “Yeah, it was… but I’m learning to accept it. Sometimes, endings are just a part of life, you know?”

Chas nodded, her heart full of understanding. She knew that this chapter was something Nick had to work through, but she also knew that he was stronger than he gave himself credit for. She squeezed his hand, her voice quiet but sincere. “You’ve been through a lot, Nick. But I believe you’ll find peace with it all, eventually.”

Nick looked at her, his eyes softening with gratitude. “Thanks, Chas. That means a lot to me.”

The room fell silent for a moment as they both reflected on their pasts—two lives marked by love, loss, and the quiet acceptance of moving forward.

Nick took a deep breath, his gaze distant as he spoke again. “I guess, what really hit me hard after the divorce wasn’t just the end of the marriage… it was losing Izzy and Toby. They’re my kids, you know?” His voice softened, a hint of vulnerability creeping in as he continued. “After the divorce, they stayed with Sheri. And I… I felt so lost without them. It was like a part of me was missing.”

Chas could feel the weight of his words, and her heart went out to him. She didn’t have to ask to know how much his children meant to him.

“Every night, when they weren’t with me, I just… I felt empty,” Nick admitted, his voice thick with emotion. “That’s when I started drinking more. Just to numb the pain. I’d stay up late, sometimes by myself, sometimes with friends, just trying to distract myself. I even… got into drugs occasionally. Anything to stop thinking about them being away from me.” He paused, his hands gripping the edges of the couch. “I knew it was wrong, but at the time, I couldn’t see another way. I just wanted to escape how I felt.”

Chas listened intently, not interrupting, her heart aching for him. “I can’t even imagine how hard that must have been, Nick,” she said gently, her voice full of empathy. “It must have felt like you were losing so much, not just your marriage, but your connection with your kids too.”

Nick nodded, his eyes downcast as he thought about those difficult times. “Yeah. It was like everything was falling apart. I felt so helpless… like I wasn’t enough for them anymore. I still feel that sometimes.”

Chas reached over and placed her hand on his arm, offering silent support. “But you’re not that person anymore, Nick. You’ve come so far.”

Nick met her gaze, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah… I’ve been working on it. The drinking has become less and less. I’m trying to get back to who I was before all of this… for them, for me. But it’s a slow process. And there are days when I feel like I’m still stuck in that place.”

Chas squeezed his arm reassuringly. “I believe in you, Nick. You’ve come a long way already. You’re stronger than you know.”

Nick gave a soft chuckle, his smile warm but tired. “Thanks, Chas. You’ve really helped me without even realizing it.” He let out a sigh, the weight of the past slowly lifting as he talked about it. “Having you here… it’s been a light in all this darkness.”

Chas smiled, a bit shy but touched by his words. “I’m glad I can be here for you, Nick.”

Nick’s expression softened even more as he continued. “I’m still trying, Chas. Every weekend, I try to visit Izzy and Toby. Even though they’re with Sheri most of the time, I don’t want them to think I’ve given up on them. I’m not the perfect father, but I want them to know I’m always there for them.” His voice grew quieter, filled with a quiet determination. “I still support them, whenever I can. It’s not easy, especially since they’re getting older, but I do what I can to be present in their lives, even if it’s not as much as I wish.”

Chas could see the effort Nick was putting in, despite the challenges. “That’s really important, Nick. I think they’ll always appreciate having you there for them, even if it’s not all the time.”

Nick nodded, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee. “I hope so. It’s hard to balance everything, especially with everything that’s happened, but I’m not giving up on being there for them. They’re my kids. I’ll always fight for them, no matter what.”

His words were a mix of vulnerability and strength, and Chas could tell that this was something Nick held deeply in his heart. “I can see how much you love them,” she said quietly, her voice full of sincerity. “And I think they can see it too. You might not have everything figured out, but you’re trying—and that counts.”

Nick gave a small smile, though it was tinged with sadness. “Thanks, Chas. I’m trying to make up for lost time, but sometimes it feels like it’s never enough. I don’t want to be the father who only shows up when it’s convenient. I want to be the kind of father they can rely on, the one who doesn’t disappear when things get tough.”

Chas reached out, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “I think you’re already doing that, Nick. It’s never easy to change, but I can see how much you care. And I know Izzy and Toby will see it too, even if it takes time.”

Nick’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “I hope so. I really do.” He took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing a bit as he absorbed her words. “Thanks for listening, Chas. It means a lot to me.”

Chas smiled warmly, her heart full of empathy. “You don’t have to thank me, Nick. I’m always here if you need to talk.” She paused, her tone lightening slightly. “And hey, you’re already a good father. You’re doing your best—and that’s all anyone can ask for.”

Nick gave a soft chuckle, nodding gratefully. “I appreciate that. It’s been a long road, but I’m not giving up. Not on them, and not on myself.”

Nick leaned back on the couch, his brows furrowed slightly as he carefully approached the topic that had been on his mind for a while. “Chas, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask,” he started, his tone gentle. “I hope you don’t mind me bringing this up, but… there were a few nights when I heard you crying in your room. I didn’t want to intrude back then, but now… I feel like maybe I should have checked on you.”

Chas froze for a moment, her expression shifting to one of surprise before she looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her crop top. “Oh… you heard that?” she said softly, her voice tinged with embarrassment.Chas shifted slightly, hugging a cushion to her chest.

Nick could tell something was weighing on her mind, and after a moment of silence, he gently asked, “So… do you want to talk about it? I mean, the nights you’ve been crying. I don’t want to push, but I want to understand.”

Chas hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on the fabric of the cushion. “It’s just… a lot. I mean, everything. Moving in here, adjusting to this new life, balancing school, and, well… Martin.” She let out a shaky sigh. “I haven’t really talked about it much, but I think it’s time.”

Nick nodded, leaning forward to show he was fully listening. His steady presence gave her the courage to continue.

“Martin and I started dating back in freshman year, during the first semester. We met at this faculty event, and we just… clicked. He was charming, funny, and really made me feel special. By the second semester, he confessed, and I thought I’d hit the jackpot. We were a couple, and I gave everything to him—my love, my attention, everything.” She shook her head, a small, bitter smile forming. “I thought it was perfect.”

Nick’s brow furrowed slightly, already sensing the turn in her story.

“But then, by the third semester, something changed. His texts became less frequent, and he always seemed to have an excuse for why we couldn’t spend time together. I tried to brush it off at first, thinking maybe he was just busy, but then…” She paused, biting her lip. “He started pushing boundaries. Like, he’d ask me to make out in some quiet park or in his car. At first, I thought it was just his way of proving his love, but it became clearer that it wasn’t about love—it was about satisfying himself.”

Nick’s jaw tightened, his expression darkening with anger on her behalf.

“And then,” Chas continued, her voice breaking slightly, “in the fourth semester, I found out the truth. He’d been hanging out with random girls behind my back. I tried so hard to be loyal to him—balancing school, work, and everything else—while he was out there… betraying me.” Her voice faltered, but she pushed through. “The worst part was when Nina told me he even tried to hang out with her behind my back, like it was nothing. Of course, Nina being Nina, she shut him down and told me everything. That’s when it all fell apart.”

Nick shook his head, his voice firm. “Chas, that’s—”

“Wait,” she interrupted, holding up a hand. “There’s more. After everything, after I broke up with him, he had the audacity to ask if we could still be friends. And I, like an idiot, said yes. We’re still in the same friend group, and every time I see him with Ana, his new girlfriend, it feels like a punch to the gut. I keep telling myself I’m over it, but deep down… I don’t think I am. It’s stupid, I know.”

Nick’s expression softened, his anger giving way to concern. “It’s not stupid, Chas. It’s human. You gave your heart to him, and he broke it. That kind of pain doesn’t just go away overnight.”

Chas let out a bitter laugh, wiping at her eyes. “I just feel so… naive. I thought he was ‘the one,’ you know? I even let him push me into things I wasn’t comfortable with because I thought that’s what love was supposed to look like. Now, looking back, I feel so stupid for giving him so much.”

Nick reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Chas, you’re not stupid. You were in love, and you trusted him. That’s not something to be ashamed of. If anything, it shows how much you’re willing to give when you care about someone. He’s the one who didn’t deserve you.”

Chas looked down, her voice quieter now. “I just hate that I still care, even after everything he did. And it doesn’t help that I’m stuck seeing him all the time.”

Nick leaned closer, his voice gentle but firm. “You’ve been through a lot, Chas. It’s okay to feel conflicted, but you can’t let Martin’s actions define how you see yourself. He made his choices, and they have nothing to do with your worth. You’re stronger than you think, and you’ll move past this—when you’re ready.”

As Chas poured out her story, the weight of her words seemed to crack open something inside her. Tears streamed down her face, her voice trembling as she relived the heartbreak, the betrayal, and the lingering pain that still clung to her heart. She spoke faster and faster, the emotions pouring out like a flood she couldn’t stop.

Nick listened intently, his expression a mix of sadness and quiet anger—not at her, but at everything she’d been through. He hated that someone had hurt her like this, that someone had taken advantage of her kindness and love.

“I thought he loved me,” Chas choked out, her tears falling faster. “But he just used me, Nick. I gave him everything, and it wasn’t enough. I wasn’t enough.”

“Hey, hey,” Nick said softly, his voice low and steady, cutting through her sobs. He reached out instinctively, wrapping his arms around her. Before she even realized it, she was falling into his embrace, her face pressing against his chest.

Nick held her tight, his hand gently stroking her back in slow, soothing motions. “That’s not true, Chas. You were more than enough. You’re amazing, and he didn’t deserve you—not then, not now, not ever.”

Chas clung to him, the warmth of his embrace breaking down whatever walls she had left. She sobbed into his chest, her tears soaking into his shirt, but Nick didn’t care. He just held her, grounding her in the moment as she let everything out.

“I feel so stupid,” she whispered, her voice muffled against him.

“You’re not stupid,” Nick said firmly, his voice steady as a rock. “You’re human. You trusted him because you loved him, and there’s nothing stupid about that. If anything, it shows how big your heart is—and that’s something to be proud of, Chas.”

She sniffled, her fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt. “But I feel so broken.”

Nick tightened his arms around her, resting his chin lightly on top of her head. “You’re not broken,” he whispered. “You’re hurt, and that’s okay. But you’re not broken, Chas. You’re strong, even if you don’t feel like it right now. And you don’t have to go through this alone anymore.”

The sincerity in his voice wrapped around her like a blanket, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Chas let herself feel truly comforted. She didn’t need to act strong or hide her vulnerability.

Nick continued to hold her, letting her cry as long as she needed. His presence was steady and reassuring, like an anchor in the storm. “You’re going to get through this,” he said softly. “And I’ll be here, every step of the way.”

Chas pulled back slightly, her tear-streaked face looking up at him. Her eyes were puffy, her nose red, but to Nick, she looked as beautiful as ever. “Thank you, Nick,” she whispered, her voice hoarse but full of gratitude.

Nick gave her a small, warm smile. “Anytime, Chas. You’re not alone anymore.”

For the first time that night, a faint smile tugged at Chas’s lips. She rested her head back against his chest, letting out a shaky sigh. And as Nick continued to hold her, the sitcom still playing softly in the background, the two of them sat there in a moment of quiet understanding, the bond between them growing stronger than ever.

As Chas rested in Nick’s comforting embrace, her breathing began to steady, and the torrent of emotions that had overwhelmed her started to calm. Nick continued to hold her, his hand still stroking her back in slow, gentle motions. The warmth of his presence made her feel safe, like a weight had been lifted from her chest.

To lighten the mood and lift her spirits, Nick shifted slightly and brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face. His fingers lingered for a moment, gently tucking the curl behind her ear. A teasing smile played on his lips as he looked down at her.

“Your hair is so long,” he mused, his tone soft but playful. “You could probably lasso someone with it if you tried hard enough.”

Chas let out a small, surprised laugh, her teary eyes glinting with faint amusement. She sat up slightly, still close to him, and rolled her eyes. “You’re ridiculous, Nick.”

“Am I wrong, though?” he teased, grinning. He gave one of her curls a light tug. “It’s like a spring—pulls right back into shape. I don’t know how you manage this every day.”

“Hey!” Chas swatted his hand away, a ghost of a smile finally returning to her face. “It’s a lot of effort, okay? These curls are high-maintenance. I could teach you a thing or two about proper hair care.”

Nick raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Oh, yeah? You think I’d look good with a head full of curls?”

Chas laughed again, this time louder, the sound warming the room. “Absolutely. I’ll get some curl cream and a diffuser. You’ll be rocking a full head of bouncy ringlets in no time.”

They both laughed, the heaviness of their earlier conversation lifting just a little. Nick’s teasing had worked—Chas felt lighter, like she could finally breathe again.

“You’re impossible,” she said, shaking her head but smiling softly.

“Maybe,” Nick said with a wink. “But at least I got you to laugh.”

Chas looked at him, her smile lingering as she leaned her head back against his chest. “Thank you, Nick. For everything.”

Nick wrapped his arms around her again, pressing a light kiss to the top of her head. “Always, Chas. You don’t have to thank me.”

As Nick pressed a light kiss to the top of her head, Chas froze for a brief moment. The gesture was so gentle, so unexpectedly tender, that it caught her off guard. Her body stiffened slightly, unsure of how to react at first, but she didn’t pull away.

Instead, she stayed there in silence, her heart beating a little faster. The warmth of his affection lingered, spreading through her like a quiet comfort she hadn’t realized she needed. Her cheeks started to flush, turning a soft pink that she hoped Nick wouldn’t notice in the dim light of the living room.

Chas let herself relax again, leaning into the warmth of his embrace. She didn’t say anything, afraid that even a single word might shatter the delicate moment between them. Though her mind raced with questions and uncertainties, her heart quietly soaked in the unexpected intimacy, secretly enjoying the simple but meaningful gesture.

Nick, unaware of her blush, held her close, his hand gently resting against her back. He didn’t say anything either, content just to be there for her, offering her the solace he knew she deserved.

Chas closed her eyes for a moment, her lips curving into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. It was in that silence, wrapped in Nick’s arms, that she realized just how much his presence had started to mean to her.

In that moment, their bond growing even stronger and little sparks inside their hearts that they can't name it also grow stronger. Maybe someday, somehow they will figure these fellings out between two of them.

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