Lynsey thought she was put on the spot when Josie cornered her at lunch. The old Chinese place was now open for dine-in and Josie invited her.
"What's going on with you and Casey?" She wanted to know, but she hadn't asked about Charles.
"Nothing much." Honestly, there was nothing to tell. Casey was quieter than ever. She did her best to keep the peace. He didn't want to socialize. He didn't even talk to his parents lately. Casey was depressed, but he'd get mad if she brought it up.
"And the guy from the library, is he bothering you?" Josic wanted to know. Lynsey shook her head, no.
It had been tricky on the Saturday mornings when she could go, but he'd taught her to drive. Honestly, he was so calm and considerate. Even Erro liked him. He slept through most of the drives in his car seat. Sometimes, they'd try a new place to eat or shop. It was actually delightful, but she knew Josie didn't want to hear this.
"He's only a friend," Lynsey nodded. "A good friend." But even when she said it, she was filled with emotions. Her nose was wet and so were her eyes.
She remembered the horrible one-sided conversation she'd had with Casey. She was harsh perhaps, but she'd said it. "I'm depressed because you're depressed." Of course, he said nothing. He wouldn't even look at her.
Was it so wrong to be happy with someone else? When she knew it would never be anything more than a Saturday morning drive. And Charles always thought the best of her. True, she wasn't comfortable with it at first. But now she was grateful that he made her feel she was capable. She'd never really felt that before.
Her so-called mother who had mothered so many in her mission work in other countries always reminded Lynsey of being a child of an alcoholic. Lynsey was labeled with fetal alcohol syndrome. It was like being sentenced to a life of total ignorance. Every time, she failed a class or couldn't quite concentrate on her studies..she was reminded of her roots.
Yet her brother Jory was perfect. He'd been adopted by wealthy people. Maybe, she'd envied him all this time, but as of late he'd have nothing to do with her. Still, she insisted to her friend Josie everything was fine.
I need good days - now is crazy
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting post.
ReplyDeleteRegards.
Charles sounds like a good guy
ReplyDeleteHello!! Nice chapter.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!!
I think we all need good days
ReplyDeletePoor Casey, depression is hard.
ReplyDeleteBeing depressed in not good and hard to deal with.
ReplyDeleteOh :( I want hug Casey
ReplyDeleteAnd Linsey *-* Poor, I want hug her very very strong
Thanks for this chapter!
Kisses ♥
Depression is not good ... it's hard to get rid of it.
ReplyDeleteDepression is a really big problem all around the world. His mom and dad never help to Casey. Only his close friends help to Casey! Such as: talking, spending time with him.
ReplyDeleteBueno, Casey tiene todo mi amor y mi apoyo. Es un personaje muy bueno y se merece todo lo bueno ♥
ReplyDeleteHello, Ellie!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting text. Depression is not good. Poor Casey!
Kisses and good days.
Pobre Cassey me da mucha penita. Te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteHard to share things sometimes...
ReplyDeleteThis feeling is not good, and the worst thing is that it can't be avoided.
ReplyDeletexo
https://www.dearlytay.com.br/
It can be really hard.
ReplyDeleteWe often wonder if we can tell our best friend...everything. Sometimes, they don't really know how to respond even if they think they are helpful. Depression runs deep in many of us. Some know how to be used to it more than other. Perhaps, its not that good of thing..to be that way. Although, I think how one is raised is how many cope with this problem. Some of us live with those who are severely depressed. Some feel trapped. Some wonder when the next blow will be.
ReplyDeleteHmm. This Lynsey-Charles thing is shaping up to be more of a rom com (okay, dark indie rom com) than a mystery. Now the question isn't so much Will Lynsey be abducted? as it is Will Lynsey leave Casey for Charles? In answer to Lynsey's own question, it's no crime to be happy. Who wouldn't want to go out on fun dates with someone who appreciates her instead of dealing with a depressed partner? But . . . as we all know, infatuation eventually melts into real life. Which is to say that Charles most definitely has issues too. The real challenge of relationships is to stick with the person you picked (as long as they're not abusing you or cheating on you or whatever), help them through those dark days, and fall in love all over again. But that's enough of my commentary. Excellent installment as always. You not only entertain, but make us think.
ReplyDeleteThat's awful about your vaccinated coworker getting COVID. I hate hearing about these breakthrough cases and don't blame you one bit for wishing that she stays home. Keep safe out there -- and in there (the library).