They knew it was coming. They watched as all of their collective lies built up and seemed to choke Cassie. It suffocated her. Her friends saw how hard it all was for her. But they didn't know what to do about it. How could they help her? How could they lessen the guilt of their sweetest friend? No one had the answer for that.
Of course, Cassie had an answer, just, no one had asked her.
One day, Cassie was notably different. There was a stealthy glimmer in her eye and her smiles were just a little wider, a little freer.
"Something's up with Cassie." Marco pointed out to Jake, Rachel, Tobias, and Ax.
"I noticed that too." Jake said looking puzzled. "But, she doesn't seem upset. She seems happier, so I don't think we have to worry." Rachel shook her head. It appeared that she knew Cassie the best.
"No. I think she's going to tell her parents." She whispered disbelievingly.
About what? Tobias asked apprehensively. He already knew what the answer was going to be.
"The war. The Yeerks. The Animorphs." Everyone stared at her.
"What?!" Marco nearly shouted. "She can't do that!" He looked scared. But Jake hushed him, a thoughtful look on his face.
"We know how much this war's been hurting her, maybe we should let her. She can't stand lying, especially to her parents."
If you think it's a good idea. Tobias agreed.
"I wouldn't say 'good' but definitely necessary." Jake responded. Rachel nodded; she just wanted Cassie to feel better. Ax shrugged, a human gesture he'd picked up from them. Marco stared at them all.
"Are you guys crazy? Not only would telling them be a risk for us but it would be putting them in danger too! What if they're controllers? What if they decide that Cassie can't come fight with us anymore? What if they're scared stiff and tell someone like a cop or—even the school? Mr. Chapman could find out." After that little speech, Jake looked doubtful.
"I agree, it is pretty risky, but I think we'll just have to trust them. We can prove to them we aren't crazy by morphing, and they'll understand how dangerous our secret is, so I don't think they'll tell anyone." Marco seemed like he still disagreed, but he realized that Jake wasn't about to back down.
That night, Cassie approached her parents.
"Mom? Dad? I need to tell you about something."