Chapter 29

Steven was standing in the coach’s office and looking down at the floor. “What the hell is wrong with you Steven?”

Steven shook his head. “It was a mishap coach.”

The coach. “There is something wrong with you since the last day of practice. Your mind is somewhere else.”

Steven sighed. “It won’t happen again.”

The coach. “We could have lost the game if Sam didn’t score for the team.”

Steven nodded but refrained from saying anything because Steven never faced this tone of the coach in these three years. Steven always knows he is the heartthrob of Elite and girls would do anything to go on a date with him or to come into his dorm. But now he feels like Cassie has done some spell on him that he is unable to focus on his game and studies because Cassie is not returning his calls and messages.

The whole Elite congratulates him after winning the game but only the team members know the truth that Steven for the first time was not the reason for this win. Steven went straight to Cassie’s class after leaving the coach’s office but she was nowhere to be found.

Steven’s eyes landed on Peter, he knew Peter because Cassie told him about her competition with him. Steven raised his hand. “Peter.”

Peter looked at him and squinted because they never talked before. Steven smiled and walked over to him. “Hi, I was looking for Cassie.”

Peter ducked his head. “Oh, it’s been two days since she hasn’t come to any class.”

Steven asked. “Do you know why?”

Peter squared his shoulders. “No idea about it,” Peter raised his cell phone “But you can contact her rather looking for her.”

Steven ran his hand through his hair. “I have been calling and leaving messages but she is not returning any of them.”

Peter closed his book. “Oh, Do you think we should visit her home?”

Steven got suspicious if Peter was the third guy. “Do you know where her home is?”

Peter shook his head. “No, I thought you knew her place as I have seen her leaving with you.”

Steven’s suspicions faded away and Peter added. “Hey, we can ask her that glasses friend,” Peter snapped his fingers “Daniel yeah we can ask him about her.”

Steven nodded. “Yeah, you are right but I don’t have his number also no idea where to find him except the cafe.”

Peter looked at the time and stood up. “Alright buddy right now I gotta go for my class but you can take my number in case I bump into Daniel first.”

Steven also took out his phone from the back pocket. “Sure, we can exchange numbers.”

Cassie was notably gone for the next two days also, and neither Peter nor Steven got any details on where she had gone. Despite maintaining in touch, they were unable to contact her or learn anything about her sudden absence.

Adding to the mystery, Ryker and Daniel, were also absent from college. The unusual circumstances heightened Peter and Steven's concern. Unable to ignore their mounting concern, they decided to visit Cassie's house to check on her.

When they arrived at Cassie's house, the tension increased when they discovered the door was closed. Peter asked. “Do you know where Daniel and Ryker live?”

Steven shook his head and then Peter took a deep breath. “I think that's it we can’t do anything but wait for Cassie to contact us by herself.”

Steven looked at him and held out his hand. “In these two days, I found a friend in you, and thanks for being a good support.”

Peter shook hands with Steven. “Likewise I never thought I would say this to anyone but I think I can rely on you in tough times.”

Their shared concern for Cassie brought them closer, and they found comfort in their newfound friendship. Once again both parted ways and hope to get in touch with Cassie soon.

After two days when Daniel came to college, he told Rita about Cassie’s mom and also informed he wouldn’t be able to give her tuition for a few more days. Rita asked about Ryker to which Daniel said he didn’t know anything about him. Then she asked about the bandage on his hand he shook his head. “It’s nothing.” and then he left.

Daniel went to his place after two days and when Lilly saw the bandage on Daniel’s hand she sensed Daniel was the reason for Ryker’s wounded face. “Ryker is not telling me anything at least you tell me what happened between you two?”

Daniel sighed and told Lilly everything that Ryker had done to Cassie. Lilly was shocked to hear this and asked about Cassie. Daniel told Lilly about her mom and then after getting freshened up, he left for the hospital.

When Daniel reached the hospital, Cassie was sleeping in a chair in the waiting area and the nurse was calling if anyone was with patient Ruth so Daniel shushed the nurse and headed to Ruth.

Ruth was taken aback to see Daniel. “Where is Cassie?”

Daniel helped Ruth to sit up. “She hasn’t slept in two days and now I found her sleeping on a chair so didn’t want to wake her up.”

Ruth asked. “How is she?”

Daniel shook his head. “Terrible, she is worried about you like hell.”

Ruth sighed. “I know I must have been a burden for my daughter but I am happy you are with her.”

Daniel held her hand. “Ruth you are not a burden for anyone but yeah if take your health for granted then it would upset Cassie.”

Ruth smiled. “You also sound like Cassie.”

Daniel responded. “You need to take a rest and don’t worry about anything.”

Ruth asked. “Is Cassie going to college?”

Daniel shook his head. “But trust me I’ll manage to send her soon.”

Ruth looked worried. “I also need to talk to my boss.”

Daniel opened his mouth but shut it back because he sensed it was not his place to tell her that Cassie had written a resignation letter on her behalf yesterday.