A Quick Stop.

Cassie caught sight first of the woman beckoning at them from inside the fashion store.

After her, Savannah looked back and to her amazement, she noticed someone familiar. No, she was sure. The lady walked up to them as they were about to enter Cassie's car after calling on them. She was dressed in a short red gown. A petite woman that wore heavy make-up and extremely red lipstick. She wasn't as tall as Savannah, or Cassie, but her elegance and presence were dominant.

"How are you doing, Savannah?" the woman asked, her voice smooth as silk.

Savannah, still holding the door to the front seat of Cassie's car, replied, "I'm doing nice, thank you for asking."

"I see. Good to know. I take it you're here for a new set of clothes, right? Or did you happen to come window shopping?" She asked, teasing Savannah a bit.

"Uh, no. I actually bought clothes. The Gathering is coming up soon. I best be ready and prepared. Besides Olivia suggested I come home earlier than normal today.

"I see."

Cassie was still looking puzzled. She knew the woman had called her name, but she didn't know who she was. This strange petite woman, almost as if she read Cassie's thoughts, asked for Cassie's attention as she called her and scampered to the point of the car where Cassie stood, observing the fashion store she and Savannah had just left.

"Do you know who I am?" the woman asked, her eyes locking onto Cassie's.

Cassie stuttered, looking over at Savannah for help. But before Savannah could say anything, the woman cut in, apologizing for the confusion. "I apologize for the trouble. I am Camille. Camille Rose. And you must be Cassie." She extended her hand for a shake.

Cassie hesitated for a moment before reaching out to shake her hand. "Yes, that's me. Do I know you from somewhere?"

Camille chuckled lightly. "No, we haven't met before. But I have heard a lot about you. Most Shadebloods are dying to meet you. You will be attending The Gathering, Yes?"

Cassie nodded. "Of course. I will be there."

"Excellent," Camille said. "I take it that you are familiar with the rules, are you?"

Cassie looked at her blankly. "Rules?"

Camille's smile faltered slightly. "Oh dear, you really should have familiarized yourself with the guidelines before attending. There are things you can and cannot do. It's best if you ask Savannah about them beforehand."

Cassie looked over at Savannah, who had been observing the exchange with interest. "Do you know what she's talking about?"

Savannah nodded. "Yes, I do. The Gathering has some strict rules about behavior and conduct. No worries, I'll fill you in on the details later."

Camille nodded in approval. "Very good. I hope to see you both there. It's going to be quite the event."

And with that, Camille bid farewell to Cassie and headed over to Savannah, giving her a quick peck on the lips before disappearing back into the fashion store.

Savannah was taken aback by the sudden display of affection, and she turned to Cassie with a bewildered expression. "Did you see that?"

Cassie nodded slowly. "I did. Do you know her?"

Savannah shook her head. "No, not really. We've met a few times at events, but that's about it."

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "And she just kissed you like that?"

Savannah shrugged. "I guess she's just a very affectionate person."

Cassie didn't look convinced, but she let the matter drop. "Well, we should probably get going. I need to drop you off at your place."

As they got into the car and started driving, Savannah couldn't help but feel uneasy. There was something about Camille that she couldn't quite put her finger on, something that made her feel slightly uncomfortable.

Cassie, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease. "So, what are the rules? I never heard about The Gathering having rules. Also, from whence do you know that woman? Camille was it.?"

"From my family, it's a long story, I'll tell you on the way home. let's just go." Savannah said with a sigh as she entered the front seat of Cassie's black car. The engine purred to life, and they set off down the road.

Cassie shot a curious glance at Savannah, but didn't press the issue. She knew Savannah well enough to know that when she wanted to talk about something, she would.

As they drove, Savannah pulled out her phone and airpods, intending to tune out the world and lose herself in music. But Cassie had other plans.

"You promised Savvy. You promised to tell. I didn't, you did." Cassie asked, her voice dripping with mischief.

Savannah groaned. She had been hoping to avoid this conversation until they got back to her apartment, but it seemed that wasn't going to be an option.

"The Gathering," Cassie prompted.

"I know the event you're talking about. I'll tell you about it when we get home I promise"

"Why not now? What are we doing now?

Savannah hesitated. She wasn't sure if she wanted to tell Cassie everything. The Gathering was a special event, and the rules were strict. But Cassie was her best friend, and she trusted her implicitly.

"Okay, fine," Savannah said, giving in. "The rules are pretty strict and much, but to mention a few. You have to wear an eye mask on the main day, and it has to be red. Only the Evershade Siblings are allowed to wear black masks. Anyone who doesn't adhere to the rules will be chased out of the event pretty fast. You are given hand gloves at the entrance of the building. No one is exceptional. Everyone must wear a hand glove. So many more like this but till we arrive my apartment."

Cassie's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that's strict. See that wasn't so hard was it? Do you always have This event occasionally?"

Savannah nodded. "Yeah, but it's worth it. The Gathering is one of the few times a year that I get to see my family." After this, her voice became quieter as she said, looking out the window of the car "My annoying, fucking family".

Cassie smiled. "I get it. So, what's the plan for tonight?"

Savannah grinned. "I was thinking we could order some takeout and watch a movie. Maybe something silly and light-hearted? Hell, a movie from your workplace. How's that sound? Izzy would need it as well."

Cassie nodded eagerly. "Sounds perfect. What kind of food are we talking about here?"

Savannah shrugged. "Anything you want, as long as it's not sushi."

Cassie laughed. "Got it. Let's stop by my apartment first, though. I want to pick up my stuff. You said we're heading out rather early tomorrow right? I'd like to carry my stuff over to your apartment. It'd be faster. If it works for you "

Savannah nodded. "Sure, that works."

As they drove, the car was filled with the sounds of their laughter and chatter. The atmosphere was light and carefree, and it was clear that these two young women had a bond that was unbreakable.

The car was a comfortable space, with plush leather seats and the smell of fresh fabric from the clothes they had just bought filling the air. The sun was high in the sky at this point, casting a warm golden glow over everything it could touch.

The two friends had finally arrived at Cassie's Apartment, their hunger evident in their pangs. Cassie drove her car into the parking lot, neatly tucking it into a spot. Savannah, unable to contain her eagerness, hopped out of the front seat, drinking in the freshness of the air.

"God, it feels good to be out of that car," she exclaimed, whilst stretching her arms and legs, and her stomach rumbling loudly. "So, what's for lunch, Cassie?"

Cassie turned to her with a grin, "Instant noodles!"

Savannah's smile drooped a little, but she knew better than to complain. "Well, I guess I'll take it anyway. I'm starving."

Together, they made their way into the building and towards the elevator, pressing the button for the fourth floor. As they waited, an awkward silence descended upon them, both of them avoiding eye contact as they gazed around the small compartment.

Finally, the elevator tone chimed, signaling their arrival. They grinned at each other, Cassie taking the lead down the hallway that appeared as the doors opened.

They passed three doors, and upon reaching the fourth, Cassie came to a halt, Savannah halting behind her.

With a flourish, Cassie reached into her baggy jeans pocket, searching for her keys. Finally finding them, she slipped the key into the lock and opened the apartment door, turning to Savannah with a dramatic wave of her hand.

"Welcome to my humble abode!"

Savannah rolled her eyes, but the corners of her mouth turned up in amusement. "You know I've been here a million times, right?"

Cassie laughed, "Yeah, I know. But it never gets old. Does it?"

Savannah, ignoring Cassie's statement of rhetoric, stepped inside, taking in the surroundings of the apartment. So neat an apartment. It was mostly decorated in shades of blue, from the walls to the couch and even the cups. Cassie's obsession with the color never failed to amuse Savannah.

"Seriously, Cassie. What's with the blue? Like, I have never been able to wrap my head around it. Did you have a traumatic experience with any other color as a kid or something?"

Cassie grinned, "You know me too well. Actually, it's because blue is a calming color. I find it really soothing. Besides, It's the color of the sky and sea. What's there not to like about blue?"

Savannah shrugged, "Well, I guess I can't argue with that logic."

The TV in the living room was massive, taking up most of the wall it was mounted on. Savannah could only imagine how expensive it must have been.

"Damn, Cassie. You really splurged on the TV, huh?"

Cassie nodded, "Yeah, but it was worth it. You should see the movies on this thing, it's like you're right in the action. Courtesy of your brother." She said, smiling towards Savannah.

Savannah, not in the mood for that, walked over to the couch, sinking into its plush cushions. "Okay, okay. I see why you went all out. This couch is pretty damn comfy too I've gotta admit."

Cassie grinned, "Glad you think so. Now, let's go make those noodles before I pass out from hunger."

Savannah followed Cassie into the kitchen, taking in the elegant setting of the dining table. It was set with expensive cutlery, and the napkins were neatly folded in intricate shapes.

"Whoa, Cassie. Here's really changed since the last time I was here. You're trying to impress me, aren't you?" Savannah quipped.

Cassie rolled her eyes, "I just like nice things, okay? Besides, what other time is best to show you if not now?"

Savannah laughed, "I know, I know. I'm just teasing you."

As they ate their instant noodles, the conversation flowed easily between them. They talked about their work, their families, and even shared embarrassing stories from their past. A valuable moment it was. Savannah made sure she cherished every part of it.