In the solitude of her room, Theresa found herself enveloped in a cocoon of apprehension as the day's official duties wound down. The very thought of crossing paths with Altair outside her sanctuary sent ripples of unease through her. Her mind, a tempest of conflicting emotions and thoughts, finally steered her towards the decision to seek Elise's counsel. With a mix of trepidation and resolve, she dialed Elise's number, the phone barely completing its second ring before Elise's voice, tinged with an anticipated understanding, greeted her.
"It's about time," Elise remarked, her tone laced with worry yet devoid of surprise.
"You knew already, didn't you?" Theresa ventured, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
Elise's response was firm, yet there was a gentleness to it. "I'm privy to most of it. But I'm seeking your perspective on your recent actions."
With a heavy sigh, Theresa unburdened herself. "It was a momentary lapse, driven by impulse. I failed to articulate my feelings to Altair adequately."
A soft chuckle escaped Elise. "And what led your heart to act so impulsively, to kiss Altair?"
"Alcohol," came Theresa's simple yet loaded confession.
Elise's tone took on a shade of admonishment. "And what possessed you to make such a move, especially under its influence? I had hoped you'd steer clear of such impulsivity."
"I'm sorry," Theresa whispered, her voice a blend of remorse and confusion.
"And now, what's to be done?" Theresa inquired, the urgency of rectification evident in her plea.
Elise's next words struck Theresa like a bolt from the blue. "You should know, Cassy has turned Altair away."
Disbelief colored Theresa's response. "But why? His confession... I thought it was a prelude to something deeper."
Elise's sigh conveyed a mix of frustration and resignation. "Your impromptu kiss left him bewildered, Theresa. It's likely added to his confusion."
"I thought his confession...would signify a new beginning for them." Theresa admitted, her voice tinged with disappointment.
"Seems it was not to be," Elise stated, a note of finality in her voice.
Concern for Altair's well-being momentarily overshadowed Theresa's personal turmoil. "How is he holding up?"
"Altair is stronger than he appears. Just ensure your comfort doesn't come across as taking advantage of the situation," Elise cautioned, her advice borne of wisdom and a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics at play.
Theresa's voice carried a blend of concern and curiosity as she sought further insight into Altair's current state. "And what's Altair up to now?"
"He's out with Allaine," Elise disclosed, her tone matter-of-fact.
This revelation seemed to amplify Theresa's distress. "You could've led with that!" she exclaimed, a mix of frustration and surprise in her voice.
Elise, ever the voice of reason, sought to temper Theresa's rising alarm. "Calm down, Theresa. I've already spoken with Altair. Besides, it's likely just a casual outing between him and Allaine."
Her words did little to ease Theresa's tumultuous thoughts as she sank deeper into her bed, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
Elise offered a final piece of advice before they concluded their conversation. "Give yourself some time to regroup. There's no need to hurry into clearing things up with Altair."
With these parting words, Theresa ended the call, her mind awash with thoughts on how best to navigate the complex web of relationships that surrounded her.
[Cassy's Room]
In the solitude of her room, surrounded by the chaos of her studies, Cassy sat despondently amidst piles of books and scattered papers, the turmoil within her mirrored by the disarray around her. The thought of confiding in Elise weighed heavily on her, given Elise's close ties with Altair. Nevertheless, driven by a need for guidance, she dialed Elise's number, her heart pounding as the phone rang.
Elise's voice, warm and concerned, greeted her. "Yes, sweetie?"
Unable to hold back her emotions, Cassy broke down. "I'm so sorry, big sister," she managed between sobs.
Elise's tone softened further, a mixture of sweetness and concern. "Why the tears? And what are you apologizing for?"
Cassy's voice was thick with emotion as she confessed, "I've hurt Altair, and it wasn't intentional."
Seeking clarity, Elise prompted, "What exactly happened, sweetheart?"
Cassy struggled to articulate her turmoil. "Altair... he shared his feelings with me, and I... I couldn't reciprocate. It caught me off guard, and I panicked."
Elise maintained her composure, her voice laced with a calm authority. "If things unfolded as you described, then Altair shares in the responsibility. I had explicitly cautioned him against developing feelings, given the potential complications."
Cassy, through her tears, attempted to clarify. "But, big sister, it's not as straightforward as you think. I—"
She hesitated, her confession hanging in the balance before tumbling out. "I have feelings for Altair too."
Elise, ever insightful, delved deeper. "Are you sure about what you're feeling? Is it possible you're mistaking a deep fondness or reliance on Altair for something more?"
Cassy's sobs grew more intense as she confronted her own heart. "I wish it were that simple," she lamented, her voice laden with heartache. "I wish I could dismiss my feelings as mere infatuation or dependency. But what I feel for Altair... it's genuine."
Elise, channeling a blend of empathy and practicality, probed further into Cassy's turmoil. "If your feelings for Altair are genuine, what truly led to your rejection? There must be deeper reasons beyond mere panic."
Cassy's voice, laden with vulnerability, revealed her inner fears. "I'm just... I'm filled with insecurities. I worry that being with Altair might complicate his life, or worse, derail my academic pursuits."
Elise, ever the voice of reason, acknowledged the potential challenges. "It's valid to worry about your studies. So, what's your next step?"
Cassy, finding a semblance of determination amidst her doubts, expressed her intention to clear the air. "I left Altair with too many questions, and I can see the pain it caused him. I need to make things right."
Elise's response was a balm to Cassy's troubled heart. "Altair understands the demands of your studies and the importance of focusing on your future. He's more understanding than you might realize."
Cassy, seeking further assurance, questioned, "But how can you be certain he truly understands?"
Elise, drawing from a well of shared history with Altair, offered her insight. "I've known Altair for years, and he's faced many situations where he had to accept that some things are beyond his control.
We've discussed this, and he's at peace with it. But, it's only natural for him to feel hurt by how things unfolded."
As Elise's words sank in, Cassy was once again overcome with emotion, her sobs a testament to the tangled web of feelings and responsibilities ensnaring her.
Overwhelmed and torn, Cassy expressed her uncertainty and despair to Elise, "I just don't know what to do anymore."
Elise's response, both firm and compassionate, aimed to guide Cassy towards clarity and resolution. "Cassy, it's important not to let the pain and confusion dictate your actions. Focus on your studies, excel in them. That's what Altair and I truly wish for you."
Cassy's concern was palpable, fearing her actions might have conveyed the wrong message to Altair. "But I don't want him to think I don't care about him," she admitted, the worry clear in her voice.
"Let that thought rest for now," Elise counseled, her advice pragmatic yet gentle. "The future is unwritten, and you need to deeply consider what you truly want. If you envision a future with Altair, think about all the implications and responsibilities that come with such a decision."
After a thoughtful pause, Elise added a layer of caution to her guidance. "I've seen Altair's heartache, and I can't stand to see it happen again. If you're serious about a future with him, your certainty is crucial."
Cassy, her conviction shining through her earlier doubts, affirmed her feelings. "I do love him, Elise. I truly do, and I want to be with him."
Elise acknowledged Cassy's feelings but urged patience and introspection. "I hear you, Cassy. But now is not the time for hasty decisions. I'll speak with Altair. Give both him and yourself some time to heal and reflect. Love isn't something to be rushed."
Cassy's voice trembled with a mixture of concern and vulnerability as she pondered a distressing possibility. "What if Altair decides to run away from all this again?"
Elise's reassurance was swift and unwavering. "Altair has grown a lot; he's not the type to make the same mistake twice. And even if he were to retreat, we'd find him, no matter where he hides."
Comforted by Elise's confidence, Cassy felt a sense of calm wash over her. "Thank you, big sister," she expressed, her voice regaining some of its usual steadiness.
Elise's laughter, light and playful, filled their conversation. "Oh, Cassy... It's clear how much you've fallen for him," she teased before offering a piece of wisdom. "You should know, Altair might seem unshakeable, but he's cautious at heart, almost like a wary cat. He needs time to find his footing again. The bond you share can be rebuilt, but it will require patience from both of you."
Cassy's next question was tinged with hope and uncertainty. "So, I should just wait? But how will I know when he's ready to open up again?"
Elise's response was gentle, yet realistic. "There's no definitive sign, Cassy. You'll just feel it, intuitively. For now, give him the space he needs to heal. Remember, you're both still young; there's no rush to define everything right away. Great things often take time to develop."
Cassy's anxiety surfaced once more. "But what if he moves on? What if his feelings change?"
Elise's chuckle carried a note of assurance. "Cassy, Altair isn't one to forget meaningful connections easily. Just be yourself, and let things progress naturally. He may stray, but he knows where his heart truly lies."
With a heavy sigh, Cassy felt a burden lift from her shoulders. "Thanks, Big Sister. I just really care about him."
Elise's parting words were soothing, filled with an understanding only a close confidant could offer. "I know, dear. With time, you'll find your way. For now, focus on your own journey. Life has a way of bringing things full circle when you least expect it."
The call ended on a note of hopeful reassurance, leaving Cassy to reflect on Elise's advice and the future that lay ahead for her and Altair.