Ashley pulled up to the apartment complex. Andros sat in the passenger seat while Zhane sat in the back. "Cassie's number is 103. Up the stairs and to the right."
Andros nodded and got out of the car. As he walked farther, Zhane leaned his head in, "Why did Cassie leave?"
"You'll find out. Just listen very carefully." Ashley answered. She leaned her head against her arm.
Andros walked up the stairs and found Cassie's apartment number. The door was slightly opened. He could hear someone inside moving about. Andros knocked on the ajar door and waited.
Cassie opened the door fully. Upon seeing Andros she slammed the door shut on his face. Andros hadn't expected that exact greeting, but he didn't back down. He knocked on the door again.
"Go away Andros." Cassie called.
"Not until you tell me why you left." Andros replied.
"That's non of your concern." Cassie answered.
"I suppose being your friend isn't reason enough?"
"No it isn't." Cassie stated.
Andros leaned against the door and thought for a moment, "Is it still about Kendrix?"
The door burst opened, Cassie stood in the doorway. "Not entirely."
"Then what is?" Andros asked.
"You!" Andros was stunned. "That stunt you pulled against Striker Pink. Taking the blast for me. Andros, are you trying to make feel worse? I nearly thought you'd died right there!" Cassie's eyes were on the verge of tears.
"I was trying top protect you! Did you think I wanted you to get hurt anymore? Why do you think I came to help you there? I couldn't stay out of it and hope Striker didn't kill you!" Andros replied.
"Is that a lack of faith in me?"
"No. I couldn't stand losing you again!" Andros blurted out without thinking.
Cassie was shocked. "Is that so? You couldn't stand the thought of losing me again? And what's that?" she couldn't believe she was asking for the answer.
Andros hesitated for a moment. "You know why." Without thinking again, he leaned forwards and kissed Cassie.
Cassie's immediate thought was to pull back, but her body wouldn't respond to her command. When Andros pulled back, Cassie stayed still for a moment.
"Cassie-" Cassie pulled back and slammed the door to her apartment. Andros leaned on the doorframe. He could hear Cassie crying. Andros turned from the door and walked down the stairs.
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"Here he comes." Zhane said.
Ashley looked up and saw Andros. She really did tell him. She watched Andros get into the car without saying a word.
"She's not coming back, is she?" Ashley asked.
Andros could only shake his head. Ashley started her car and pulled away from the apartments. The entire drive back, no one said a word. Andros thought about what Cassie had told him earlier. But he couldn't believe it.
Back onboard the Astro Megaship, Andros wandered aimlessly around. His shift didn't start for a few more hours, but he could do anything without thinking about Cassie. So he wondered around, hoping something would come up to draw his attention.
"Andros!" Andros turned around to see Ashley behind him.
"What is it Ashley?" Andros asked.
Ashley stared at the ground, "Andros, when Cassie and I left…I had a feeling she wouldn't come back."
"Then why did you let her go?"
"I did it because I knew why she was leaving." Ashley answered. "I knew you were the reason when I saw her face as she looked at you. I knew she'd leave and I couldn't do anything to stop her even if I tried."
Andros couldn't believe what he was hearing, "So you knew, then why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I couldn't stand the thought of doing that to you again. Even if it wasn't about us." Ashley answered.
"Is everyone against me now?" Andros asked.
"No. I'm not against you , Andros. I was against Cassie's decision to leave and her reason for leaving. I could what she asked me. But I can do this for her." Ashley held an envelope in her hands. "It's from Cassie."
Andros hesitantly took the envelope from Ashley. Ashley walked away, leaving Andros alone to read it.
Andros
By now you know I've given up being a Ranger for the time being. I asked Ashley to give this to you, because I don't have the guts to give this to you myself. Andros, I'm leaving because of you. Not exactly because of you, but ore like; I'm leaving for you.
I'm leaving because I don't want to put you in danger again. I realize that it was your decision to help me, and I'm glad you did. But if anything happened to you because of me…I couldn't forgive myself.
I care about you Andros. More than anyone would suspect. And knowing that you were injured severally because of me, it makes me feel so much more guilt.
Even if I stay, I know I'll end up hurting you someday. And I can't do that. So, even if I have to leave, I'll do it to protect you. I can only imagine how much this is hurting you right now. Here I am trying to protect you, and I'm doing more damage than good.
Some friend I am. Just do me a favor, and don't blame yourself for this. This has absolutely nothing to do with your decisions on this matter.
Goodbye Andros,
Cassie Chan
Andros finished the letter and slid against the wall. He couldn't believe she was leaving because of him. 'I care about you.' Those words seemed to hit Andros deeply. Andros clenched his hand into a fist and hit the wall.
He let his fist slide down the wall, leaving a small blood trail down the wall. Andros examined his hand. He walked down the corridor and headed for teh Medical Bay.
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TBC
