Chapter 6

“Cassie, get up! You’re gonna be late!”

I shot up at the sound of my mom’s voice and looked at the clock.

7:53 am

Dammit, it seems like nothing is going right lately.

I jump up and throw on the first thing I see, a pair of faded blue jeans and a band tee. I usually try not to dress like this at school, but I don’t have much choice right now, I guess.

I have interests that I would just rather keep to myself. I have a reputation to uphold as best as I can. I have to make him proud.

I run down the stairs and put my vans on as quickly as I can without face planting.

“Bye mom! I’ll see you later!”

“Oh, bye hunny! I won’t be back until super late. I have some stuff to take care of and it may take a while. I’ll fix you something you can warm up for dinner.” She told me.

“Okay that’s fine. Love you.” I said, and I ran to my car.

I pulled up to school 10 minutes late. Irritated, I jogged to class.

Class was boring as usual. We just reviewed some stuff we learned for our test coming up soon. Thankfully, lunch rolled around quickly.

“Hey Cass!” Michelle came jogging towards me, skipping every other step.

“Hey Michi. Is Charlotte at the table already?” I asked, trying to look over her shoulder.

“Yeah, she’s waiting for us. Uh, and Chris is there too. He said something about wanting to hang with you. I don’t know, but he insisted when I told him I don’t think you’re up for that.” She said, rolling her eyes.

I side stepped her and looked, and as true as she said, Chris was sitting right there smirking at me.

I sighed. Of course he wanted to “hang out.”

I walked over to the table and looked at him, not making an effort to say hi to anyone else first.

“Chris, what do you want? Why are you with my friends?”

“I just wanted to hang with you Cassandra. Is that a bad thing?” He asked, giving me puppy dog eyes.

It would’ve been cute, if it were anyone but him.

Wait, what?

“Yeah, no. I don’t wanna hang. Now if you would be kind enough to leave so I can enjoy my lunch.” I said, putting on a sickly sweet smile.

He was really pushing my buttons more and more.

“Aww, but I REALLY wanna hang Princess. Won’t you give me the honor?” He smirked.

At the nickname Princess, Charlotte and Michelle looked at me questioningly. I did not wanna explain this to them. They would go nuts if the knew what was really going on. They already have other things to worry about.

“Princess? Since when were you two this close?” Charlotte was the first to speak up.

“We are NOT close. Chris was actually just leaving, right?” I looked at him.

“Hmm. Alright, I get when I’m not wanted. I’ll see you Cassandra.” He stood up to leave.

“Oh, and one thing. Don’t be late for our date Saturday at The Pier, 7 pm, okay? Wouldn’t wanna break a guy’s heart.” He said as he walked away.

I just stared after him in shock. Who does he think he is? A date? What the hell?

“What was THAT about? You and Chris are dating now?” Michelle asked. God, this is why I didn’t want him around. I knew he would say something to make things harder for me.

“No we most definitely are NOT dating. He’s just being an ass.” I said. Great, now they’re about to ask me a million questions. How am I gonna explain that?

“Are you sure? What’s going on Cass?” Char piped in, concern written on her face.

“It’s nothing, I swear. Don’t worry, I would tell you guys if I was even REMOTELY interested in a guy. I swear.”

“Mmm…alright Cass. But you know you can talk to us about anything, okay? We’re always here for you. You know that, right?” Michelle said.

“Of course, I know.” I said, giving them a smile.

Guilt slowly crept its way into my heart, but I had to ignore it. They would worry too much if they knew the situation I was in.

They don’t deserve problems from me.

**************************

“Hey Cass! Wait up.”

I turn around at the mention of my name and see one of the few people who don’t completely ruin my day.

“Hey Will. What’s up?”

“So I was looking up some stuff I haven’t done before and saw that there’s a carnival opening soon. Would you like to do that?” He asked.

Oh gosh this is sounding more like a date.

“Yeah that should be fun. Is anyone else coming?” I asked, hoping he’d say no.

“Well I’m not really close enough with anyone else to invite them. Do you have any friends that would want to come? The more the merrier I say.” He chuckled.

I sheepishly laugh and then think. Charlotte and Michelle would definitely be down to come, but then Will and I wouldn’t get any time alone to get to know each other. But on the other hand, wouldn’t it be kind of awkward for only the two of us to go?

“Yeah I know a couple people. Does Saturday work for you?” I ask. I hope this doesn’t backfire on me.

“Yeah Saturday is perfect. I can’t wait Cassie.” He says, smiling that adorable grin he has.

Yeah I’m a mess. Sue me.

“Okay see you Saturday then!” I say turning to walk away, when I feel a slight tug on my hand.

“Oh uh, sorry. I just wanted to ask for your number. I never really got it and it’d be hard to meet up if we don’t have a way to talk to each other haha.” He said as he yanked his hand back in embarrassment.

“I didn’t even realize. Yeah, you’re right. My bad haha.”

After we exchange numbers I look up and give him a small smile.

“Well I’ll be seeing you Cass. Get home safe.” He says with a small smile back.

“Yeah, you too Will.” I wave and go to my car.

I get in and just sit for a second, relaying the conversation we just had.

I cant believe we’re going to the carnival together!

I’m so excited! And just as I’m finally starting to relax a bit, my mood is instantly ruined by the person who seems to have the worst timing ever.

He knocks on my window and I hesitantly roll it down. What could he possibly want right now?

“Hello Cassandra. What’re you doing just sitting here? It’s kinda weird. You alright?” He says. Since when does he care about my wellbeing?

“I’m fine Chris. What do you want?” I just wanna get this over with so I can go home on a good note for once.

“Jeez, no need to be snappy. Anyways, I wanted to see if you wanted to go to the carnival on Saturday? My treat.”

I stared at him for a moment, completely shocked by what he just said.

Did he just ask me out?

“Um, what?” I finally spit out.

Nice one Cass. Nice.

“It’s just a simple question. No need to get all worked up. But I get it, I mean what girl WOULDN’T wanna go with me.” He said with a cocky grin plastered on his face.

“Yeah that’s a definite no. I would never do ANYTHING with you, got it? I’ve gotta go so if you could please back away from my car, that would be nice.” I said, annoyed.

“Aww don’t be so mean Princess. You don’t have to take it up the a-“

“Ah nope, I don’t wanna hear anything else from you. Goodbye Chris.” I say as I pull out of the school. I could hear Chris’ bellowing laughter as I’m leaving and it fuels my annoyance even more.

How could someone be SO IRRITATING?