Co-dependency

Cassie's troubled relationship with Alex Rivers can be traced back to her childhood, or at least that is the implication intended by this author. Her mother being a helpless alcoholic put Cassie in the position of being a caregiver, and she repeats this behavior with Alex Rivers, thinking that she can help him and heal him if she just loves him enough. Cassie is also in the position of caregiver with Connor, due to Connor's terrible life at home.

Cassie allows Alex to brutally hit and kick her, and waits until he is finished; she then soothes him and comforts him, telling him it is not his fault. She understands his childhood pain and thinks that if she can give him enough time, space, and love, he will heal from his low self-esteem and will stop being abusive. Children of alcoholics so often feel helpless to fix or...