Chapter 1: Rescue
After falling out with his best friend, Tony, at Cumberland Basin, Sid was sitting in Rocatillo's Café, feeling lonely. After a few minutes, he decided to call Cassie, who he had glimpsed at least twice during the evening.
He got her voicemail.
"Hi, this is Cass." said Cassie's sweet smiley voice, "Don't bother leaving a message because I'm not listening."
"I know you're there, Cassie." said Sid, sounding quite down, "I mean, I think I know you're there. - I mean, I want you to be there. I'm at Rocatillo's. I want to speak to you - and I think you want to speak to me."
Sid terminated the call and waited, not sure if Cassie would respond. After about half an hour, he sensed a presence near him. He looked up at the ceiling mirror and was delighted to see Cassie next to him.
"You know it's, like, two in the morning, don't you?" said Cassie as she sat next to him.
"You're the one that's been following me round all night." said Sid.
"You've got a black eye growing," said Cassie, "Did you know that?"
"Tony punched me." said Sid.
"Wow! Really?" Said Cassie, "That's excellent."
"Is it?" asked Sid.
"We did a course on it at the centre - separation anxiety." said Cassie, "He's worried he's losing you."
"Well, I just did leave him." said Sid, "I mean, literally. And then I - I wanted to see you."
Sid looked pleadingly into Cassie's beautiful brown eyes.
"Do you want to kiss me, Sid?" said Cassie. Then, after a pause, she said, "OK. So this is where you lean in.
Sid and Cassie tentatively and gently kissed each others' lips. Then they both intensified the passion in the kiss.
"Cool." said Sid.
"Yeah." said Cassie, breathlessly.
"I'm sorry," said Sid, "I'm usually better than that - It's."
"No, it was lovely." said Cassie.
"No, my rhythm was out and my teeth," said Sid, "They kept getting in the way. Could I try again?"
"Only if you don't ask." said Cassie, smiling.
At this point, Sid's mobile rang. He let it ring several times before looking at the display.
"Who is it?" asked Cassie.
"Um, kind of weirdly, Michelle." replied Sid
"Answer it." said Cassie.
Sid accepted the call.
"Sid?" said Michelle, "I'm worried about Tony."
"Tony?" said Sid, "Don't worry about him."
"I just spoke to him." said Michelle, "He sounded strange, in a real mess."
"Michelle," said Sid, "Can I ring you back?"
"He's at some Ston Eaton sports place." Said Michelle
"Where?" asked Sid.
"Ston Eaton." said Michelle, "Something weird's going on."
"Listen," said Sid in attempt to stop Michelle, "I'm in the middle of something rather important here."
"You know, the sports club?" continued Michelle, undeterred, "The place Josh and his mates hang out. - Please, Sid. - Just check he's OK?"
Something in Michelle's voice told him that this was serious. Tony really was in deep trouble.
"Josh?" asked Sid.
"Yeah." said Michelle."
"OK." said Sid, "I'm leaving now."
Sid ended the call, but did not want to leave Cassie like this.
"Look, Cass," said Sid, "Tony's in real trouble. Despite what happened earlier this evening, he's still my best friend. He's at the Ston Eaton sports club. I've got to go and find him."
"What about us?" said Cassie, sounding disappointed.
"Well," said Sid, "I know this is an interruption, but I've had a thought. They do say that two pairs of eyes are better than one, so I'd really love it if you came with me to help find Tony. – Please, Cass."
Cassie sensed that Sid was torn between his intense love for her and loyalty to his best friend.
"OK!" said Cassie, "I suppose you do the driving while I look for Tony."
"That's the general idea." said Sid, "Would you do that? As I've said, I'd really love it if you did."
"Alright," said Cassie, "I'll help you. I'll help you because I'm really beginning to like you a lot. I think you feel the same way about me, but you're too shy to tell me."
"You've got it, Cass." said Sid, "I – I think I do love you."
"Wow!" exclaimed Cassie, "Thank you. I always thought you had deep feelings for me. Anyway, let's go."
The couple got up from the table, embraced and kissed again with even more passion, before leaving the Café. They walked hand-in-hand to Sid's car and started their search. Sid drove to Ston Eaton. They reached the track round the playing field. As Sid turned left onto the track round the field, Cassie spotted something.
"Sid, Stop." said Cassie, "What's that over there?"
Sid stopped the car, then turned it, so that the headlights illuminated what Cassie had seen. The sight astonished both Sid and Cassie. Tony was walking across the field, barefoot and clad only in his boxers, carrying the scantily clad and unconscious Effy. Sid drove slowly across the field towards Tony.
"Tony? What's happened?" asked Sid, as he got out of the car, "What the fuck's happened to her?"
"It's all my fault." said Tony, "OK."
"It's OK." said Sid, "Let's just get her to a hospital, OK?"
Cassie got out of the front seat and helped manoeuvre Tony and the unconscious Effy into the back seats. She also offered tony her jacket as he was almost naked. Once they were in the car, Sid drove them to the hospital. Once they were there, Sid parked the car while Cassie helped Tony get Effy into the A & E department.
"Tony, what happened?" asked Cassie, gently, once Effy had been put on a trolley and checked in to Resus.
"It's all my fault." said tony again, "I tried to get even with Josh after he dated Michelle."
Unusually for him, Tony sounded quite dejected. At this point, Sid joined them, having parked the car. He sat down next to Cassie as she tried to find out what had happened to Tony.
"What did you do?" asked Cassie.
"I put some naughty pictures of Abi on his phone." continued Tony, "I sent them to all his contacts, including Michelle. He somehow found out I'd done it. He abducted Effy, drugged her and got me to go to that Ston Eaton place. He stripped me and threatened to make me rape Effy if I didn't apologise."
Tony was in tears at this point.
"Look, Tony," said Cassie, "I think you brought this on yourself. Yes, I do feel sorry for you because I'm that kind of person, but I do think you deserved what happened to you. But why did you do it?"
"Wow!" exclaimed Tony, "This is a new Cassie. You're right, of course, but I didn't expect that from you. I suppose I did it to try to blacken Josh's name in Michelle's eyes."
"And your attempt at manipulation backfired." said Cassie "Anyway, we'd better get you checked in to A & E. Those bruises on your tummy look quite nasty. You might have some damage inside."
"I'd better call your mum & dad as well." said Sid, "They'll be wondering where you two are. It is after three in the morning. Oh, and I'll get them to bring in some clothes."
"OK!" said a reluctant Tony, "Take me to A & E reception. My tummy does hurt."
While Cassie took Tony to A & E reception, Sid contacted Sam Stonem and put him in the picture. While they were waiting, Tony told Cassie more of how Josh and his gang had abducted Effy and then took him to the Ston Eaton Sports Club. He also explained how he came to be walking nearly naked across the playing field. At about half past three, both Sam and Anthea arrived. Sid and Cassie stayed with them at Effy's bedside until Tony returned, draped in a blanket and carrying Cassie's jacket.
"Thank you." said Cassie, accepting the jacket and putting it on, "How are you?"
"Just about OK" said Tony, "You were right to get me checked out. They looked at the bruises and decided to scan me for internal injuries, just in case, but it seems I got off lightly. Thank you, Cassie. There's more to you than I expected."
"Thanks!" said Cassie as she went over to rejoin Sam and Anthea at Effy's bedside.
"That's good." said Sid, "Wouldn't want you to suddenly die on us, Tone. Anyway, we'd better get going and leave you four as a family."
"It looks as if you've got back with Cassie." said Tony, "I wish you luck. She's getting more confident, and I'm sure you have something to do with that. Don't let her down again."
"I'll try not to." said Sid, "I think I love her. Don't try to break us up again."
"As if I would!" said Tony, "What's happened tonight has taught me a lesson. Anyway, I'd better get back to Effy's bedside and face the music. Dad doesn't look very pleased."
Tony returned to Effy's bedside where Cassie had been chatting with Anthea. Sid accompanied him.
"Hello, Sid," said Anthea, "I guess you're Cassie's boyfriend."
"I'd like to think so." said Sid.
"She seems such a lovely girl, Sid." said Anthea, "She'll be so good for you. You just need to get to know her properly and you'll get your reward. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck and thank you so much for bringing our children in."
"Yeh, thanks." said Sam Stonem, "It's good there are some kind teenagers in this town."
"Don't be so grudging." said Anthea, "At least our two children are alive."
Sam grunted.
Sid and Cassie said goodbye to Tony and his parents and made their way to the car. On the way there, Sid commented about Cassie's handling of the situation.
"You were good in there." said Sid, "You got on well with Anthea. What were you talking about?"
"I just told her what Tony had told me about what happened at Ston Eaton." said Cassie, "She should believe me about what he told me."
"Thanks, Cass!" said Sid, "I think you might have got Tony out of a lot of trouble. She'll believe you rather than what Tony tells her. Anyway, what would you like to do now?"
"Let's go to Brandon Hill and watch the dawn." suggested Cassie.
"That's perfect!" said Sid, "It's a mild night."
Sid drove to one of the roads between Brandon Hill and Park Street and parked. The couple walked into Brandon Hill Park, holding hands. Sid selected a bench. They sat and once again embraced each other with many kisses.
"You know, Cass," said Sid, "I've always wanted to sit here with you."
"Why?" asked Cassie.
"It's the best place in Bristol to sit with you, hold you and tell you just how wonderful you are, Cass." said Sid, "Please believe me. I do really love you."
"Sid, I do believe you," said Cassie, "But why did you give me the impression that you preferred Michelle?"
"I guess you're talking about the choir concert." said Sid, "I'm really so sorry about that. Tony put me in an impossible position, and you were the one who got hurt. I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for what I did on those two days. I betrayed you. What you did that day has really shaken me. I could have lost you without you knowing how I felt about you. I loved you then and really regret being too shy to tell you. I felt terrible. If you had died I don't know what I would have done."
Sid was practically in tears after this confession.
"Don't take it so hard, Sid." said Cassie, "I forgive you. I know what happened."
"You do?" asked Sid, surprised.
"Yes." said Cassie, "When I woke up on the Saturday, Jal was at my bedside. She told me all about Tony's scheme to 'lose' Michelle for a while and spend an evening with Abigail. You were only there to 'pick up the pieces', so please forgive yourself. As I said I forgive you. I love you as well."
"Thank you, Cass." said Sid, "I'll try to forgive myself."
"Perhaps this will help." said Cassie.
She leant across, embraced Sid and kissed him intensely and passionately. The couple stayed in a close embrace, kissing and caressing each other for some minutes.
"That was nice." said Sid, "Let's do that again."
Once again, Sid and Cassie enjoyed each others' physical and emotional presence for a few more minutes. As they were expressing their deep feelings for each other, the eastern sky was brightening. Dawn was breaking. The couple stayed on the bench, frequently expressing their feelings for each other, and watched the sunrise.
"It's beautiful isn't it." said Cassie, "The sun coming up to herald a new day. The day I know at last that I'm loved by someone very special."
"That's so romantic, Cassie. Thank you." said Sid, "You're special as well. I know this sounds cheesy, but this could be the dawn of the rest of our lives together"
"Oh! Wow, Sid!" exclaimed a beaming Cassie, her face lit up by her smile and the rising sun, "you're so sweet. I Love you so much."
"And you're so beautiful, sweet Cass." said Sid, "I feel deeply happy when I see you. You always make me want to sing."
"Wow! Sid!" exclaimed Cassie, "Has being up all night affected your mind. I'm not even pretty."
"Cass!" said Sid, "Don't put yourself down. You're the loveliest girl I've ever seen. I love you and I don't want to lose you ever again."
"That might be a problem." said Cassie.
"What do you mean?" asked Sid.
"My folks don't think I'm happy here." said Cassie, "They want to take me to Elgin in Scotland. Until last night, I was looking forward to it. Now I'm dreading it. I'm sorry to have to break this to you when we're so happy."
Cassie looked rather sad as she said this. A tear ran down her cheek. Sid put his arm across her shoulders to try to console her.
"Oh sweet Cassie," said Sid, feeling deflated, "Can you stop them? Now I know my feelings for you, I don't want you to leave. I know that sounds a bit selfish, but I'll miss you so much if you go."
"I don't think I can stop them, Sid," said Cassie, "But I think we can."
"What!?" queried Sid, not quite understanding what Cassie had just said.
"Instead of just me trying to persuade my mum and dad to let me stay here," said Cassie, "Let's go and see them together and convince them that we're a couple. That might work."
"That sounds good." said Sid, "When should we do it?"
"As soon as possible, I think." said Cassie, "Although they don't get up till late on a Saturday."
"I know what we'll do." said Sid, "If it's alright with you, we can go to my place first. In any case I've got to return the car to where it was before Tony 'borrowed' it by six o'clock. Then we could freshen up and get some sleep. I think we both need some. How do you feel about that?"
"You seem to have everything worked out." said Cassie, "It's only five now. Let's stay here a bit longer."
The couple stayed seated on the bench until the sun was fully up, leaving the park at about half past five. Sid drove back to his home at Bishopston with Cassie, feeling contented. The couple entered the house and crept quietly upstairs. Sid knocked on his father's bedroom door to let him know he was home.
The couple went up to Sid's bedroom and started to make preparations for sleep.
"What about your dad?" asked Cassie, "Won't he mind me being here?"
"He's OK about that kind of thing, nowadays." whispered Sid, "I think he'll be quite pleased that I've brought you home. Anyway, he'll go back to sleep now. Would you like to use the shower first, or shall I?"
"I've got a rather naughty suggestion." said Cassie, quietly, "Let's share it."
"Do you really mean that?" asked a somewhat surprised Sid.
"Of course!" said Cassie, "I know we're both tired, but I think you'll enjoy it."
"Thanks, Cass," said Sid, "you're wonderful."
"I've got another naughty suggestion." said Cassie, "Let's undress each other."
"What!" said Sid, astonished, "Are you serious?"
"Of course!" said Cassie, as she embraced Sid, then relieved him of his shirt. He loosened the waistband of her trousers and pushed them down, revealing her slender legs.
Sid and Cassie finished stripping each other to their intimate underwear before going to the bathroom. Sid gasped as he removed Cassie's t-shirt.
"Wow! Oh my sweet loving God!" exclaimed Sid, "You – you're totally lovely."
"Am I?" queried Cassie, "Are you seeing right?"
"Of course!" said Sid, "What does it take to convince you that you're beautiful."
"I don't know." said Cassie.
Before going down the stairs, they embraced and kissed, caressing each others' newly exposed bodies. Once they had entered the bathroom, Cassie suddenly seemed to be somewhat self-conscious about removing her bra and panties.
"Do you still want to share, Cass?" said Sid, "I can go back to the bedroom and wait if you like."
"No, don't do that." said Cassie, "I'm just a little shy about showing all of my body. You might not like it."
"Oh Cassie," said Sid, "I'm sure there's nothing about you that's less than beautiful. Would you let me take them off."
"I suppose so." said Cassie, "You could do it while holding me."
Sid and Cassie embraced, caressing each others' bodies. Sid unclipped Cassie's bra. While they were in a close embrace, Sid inserted his hands into Cassie's knickers and caressed her bum. He then pushed them down to her thighs, exposing her smooth fanny. She did catch her breath when he did this. However, she did let them fall and stepped out of them. Sid took advantage of their embrace to caress Cassie's back from her shoulders to her thighs without the interruption of clothes.
"That wasn't so bad." said Sid "Are you OK? Incidentally, you feel as good as you look."
"Yes, I'm OK." said Cassie, "Thank you for getting me past that one."
As they disengaged, Sid removed her bra, putting it on top of a cabinet. He stepped out of his boxers, then stood back and looked at the now completely naked Cassie. He smiled.
"I'm looking at the most beautiful sight I've ever seen." said Sid, "Everything about you is gorgeous. Your tits are perfect. Look at yourself in the mirror."
"I don't want to look at myself." said Cassie, "I'm ugly naked."
"What!?" exclaimed Sid, "No you're not. You're beautiful."
He eventually persuaded Cassie to look at herself in the full length mirror and pointed out why he believed she was beautiful.
"You are absolutely beautiful, sweet Cassie." said Sid, "Your body is flawless from your golden hair right down to your perfect little feet."
"You're just saying that." said Cassie, "I still don't think I look good without clothes."
"Don't underestimate yourself." said Sid, "Look at your reflection. You're perfect. Also you are a really wonderful person."
Sid kissed Cassie's left shoulder, while caressing her sides, from her ribcage to her thighs. He smiled.
"You're just beginning to convince me." said Cassie, smiling.
"That's good." said Sid.
"Do you realise something, Sid?" said Cassie.
"What's that?" asked Sid.
"You're the very first boy to see me completely naked." said Cassie.
"Naah! – What!?" exclaimed Sid, "Surely not. I know you've been fucked by other boys. You must have been naked then."
"No, I wasn't." said Cassie," It usually happened in some dark corner or in a toilet. I was nearly fully dressed. They just pulled my knickers down and went for it. It wasn't very nice."
"You didn't enjoy it much, then." said Sid, as he started the shower and adjusted the temperature.
"No, I didn't." said Cassie, "But you're different from other boys."
"In what way?" asked Sid.
"You're taking your time." said Cassie, "You seem to care about me. You've tried to get to know me. I appreciate that.
"That's because I actually love you." said Sid, "Anyway, the shower's ready. Let's go in."
Sid and Cassie spent the next few minutes enjoying each others' bodies under the warm cascading water. As they dried each other, they enjoyed even more skin to skin activity. Once they were dry, they returned to Sid's bedroom. By this time, they had both been awake for over twenty two hours. Surprisingly, after her previous comments, Cassie remained naked. Sid also slept without clothes. The couple climbed into Sid's bed and sleep overcame them almost immediately. They slept peacefully in each others' loving arms for about five hours.