𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵 » bryce harper [✓]

the pact | four.

"Oh, stop with the platitudes already!" And with that she hung up. I set my phone down on the counter, glad that was finally over. Now I could focus on Cassandra, and what I was going to say to her.

I stood up to throw my trash away when a knock sounded at the door. "Coming!" I called, jogging over and looking in the peephole. Speak of the Devil. 

I hurriedly undid the latch and swung the door open. "Cass? Hey, I wasn't expecting you."

"Hey, Bryce." She tried to smile, but it faltered. It was then that I noticed her sullen expression and the tears in her eyes. "I hate to ask, but I really need a favor. Something came up with my parents back home, and I really need some money as soon as I can—"

"Cass, slow down. Slow down, baby." I took her by the hand and gently pulled her inside, shutting the door behind us. I was worried. I took off her coat and tossed it on a chair before walking over to the couch and sitting beside her. I didn't let go of her hand. "Start from the beginning, hon. What's going on with your folks?"

Cass' bottom lip trembled, and then she started to cry.  I rubbed my thumb over her knuckles, patiently waiting for her to get it all out, my concern beginning to build up. "Mom's breast cancer is back, Bryce. I'm devastated."

"What?" I felt my eyes widen in surprise. Mrs. Davis had been battling the disease for at least a year, though you'd never know it. "I thought it was in remission."

"It was," She sniffled, dabbing at her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater. "But Dad just called and said that it's back. And it doesn't look good. He recently got laid off, and they can't afford to pay the new medical costs."

"Oh, man. Cass, I am so sorry. Really." I pulled her into me and kissed her forehead. "What's the next step?"

Cass sighed. "I need to get the first flight out to Pittsburgh. And then we'll try and see if we can come up with the money. I would ask, but—"

"Are you crazy?" I pulled away from the embrace, staring at her in disbelief. "You guys are family. I'll pay whatever the amount is. Just have your dad send over the billing information."

"Really?" Her eyes shone with hope. "You'd do that?"

"Why wouldn't I?" My hand found hers, and I intertwined our fingers. "Cassandra Elise Davis. You know I love you, right? You are my best friend. I'd do anything for you, especially something like this. It isn't even a question."

With an appreciative smile, Cass leaned over and pecked my cheek. "I don't deserve someone as wonderful as you, Bryce Harper."

I wanted to say so much more, but I couldn't. Not with this turn of events. How I felt...it would have to wait. Again. "When are you leaving out?"

"Tomorrow, probably. I need to pack and get everything together, but I needed to see you first." She sighed, pursing her lips together. "I hate that I'm going to miss most of the Wild Card series."

"That's what TVs are for." I smiled gently, and then an idea hit me. "Hey, you want me to come with you?"

"What? Bryce, you can't just disappear on the team. They need you."

"I'll just tell Dusty I need a few personal days. Come on, Cass, I'll miss game one, maybe two. I want to be there for you and your parents. Plus, it's been a while since I've seen them." I looked at her earnestly, hoping she'd agree. "Do you need me to resort to the puppy eyes? Because I will."

Cass laughed, and it was one that I was grateful to see. "No need. If you really want to."

"I do." I squeezed her hand once before letting go. "Unless it's humanly impossible, I'm always going to be here for you. I promise."

She leaned on my shoulder, and I rested my cheek against her head. "I love you, guy."

"I love you more, baby."

If only she knew how much.

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AHHH this chapter was came so easily to me, and I hope you guys liked it!

Unfortunately, Bryce's confession will have to wait at least a couple of days...sigh. What are your thoughts on this chapter? Lemme know.

Omg, we're so close to 1k reads, whaaat?! Y'all are crazy, and I appreciate it.