Wednesday, November 26, 2002

A few restless yawns evaporated from beside me and then hung in the stuffy air, emphasizing the boredom that was Mrs. Hawk's eighth period Geometry class. And yet somehow, I still managed to jolt down every piece of information she gave us, no matter how unexciting, irritating, or all around useless. A low snore sounded through out the room and I reached over to poke Jasmine in the head with my perfectly sharpened number two pencil.

"Wake up!" I scolded her in a hushed whisper. "Do you want detention again?"

She shot me an angry glare before gradually rising, only to slump down in her seat. "I guess not"

I gave her a compassionate smile. "You can sleep when you get home".

"I want to sleep now"

"Then why didn't you just ditch?" I asked, brushing a strand of ebony from my thick lashes. It wasn't as if she was going to pass anyway, regardless of how much nagging she received from me and even her mother. Then with one look in her bright hazel eyes, I knew what had kept her from cutting class. She played nervously with one of her black and burgundy micro- braids and threw a slight grin at a boy in the back of the room. He caught her smile and returned it before raising a flawless hand to wave at us both. Then lowering his arm, he turned back to listen to Mrs. Hawk, his aqua eyes intense under wisps of stunning silver. I stared in utter bewilderment that she didn't melt then and there. It was a well- known fact that every girl at Crestwood High School had fallen head over heels for the notorious Jason Blain. And if they hadn't, they were most likely either homosexual or had yet to lay eyes on him. Though there weren't many who hadn't had the pleasure…

A sultry smile slipped over my face and I rose from the desk.

"Cassandra?" Mrs. Hawk called after me, but I wasn't listening. I took slow seductive steps as I neared him, my eyes on fire. I knew what I wanted. Pushing Stacey Williams, cheerleader and all around prep, out of my way, I climbed into his lap, straddling him so that he couldn't move his legs. My arms found their way around his perfect neck and I glanced down longing to kiss those perfect lips. His lazy smile mirrored my own and he leaned in to me.

"I was waiting for you", he breathed across my cheek. "What took you so long?"

I shrugged and sneered at the teacher's ineffective threats and shouts. "Too shy I guess" I pulled him closer. "But that's no longer a problem"

"Ms. Pierce!"

"No longer a problem", he repeated, pressing his lips against mine at last.

"MS. PIERCE!"

My eyes shot wide open from their dreamy state and looked up to find an angry Mrs. Hawk, her wrinkled features fuming. My throat tightened and I swallowed hard before sitting upright, my arms folded protectively over my chest as if to conceal my hidden daydream. I forced a grin to keep from grimacing and squeezed at the ball point pen, clutched in my fist. "Yes?" I asked, as if I'd been listening to her lecture the entire time. Apparently, she saw right through my façade.

"Ms. Pierce. Would you care to explain the Euclidean Theory?"

A gulp escaped my throat. I had studied the theory before in a few of my A. P honors classes, but I couldn't grasp the full concept now. Not with the entire class waiting for my response. Not with Jason staring at me the way he was now. Crimson red ignited through out my cheeks, remembering the day dream I had been immersed in only seconds ago. A sympathetic smile curved over his face and I felt my chest explode. That's when someone took me roughly by the shoulder and blinking twice, I whirled around to see concerned hazel eyes. Jasmine shot me a warning look and pointed to Mrs. Hawk who was still waiting, her arms crossed impatiently.

"Cas!" Jasmine scolded me. "She already gave me a detention while you were spaced out. Do you want us both to spend the afternoon here?"

"Not really", I mumbled, turning to Mrs. Hawk. "Sorry. I don't think I can".

She gave a heavy sigh and put a hand to her forehead. "Try".

I crossed my ankles like I always did when I was nervous and tapped the desk top anxiously with my index finger. "Er…" I glanced at the clock on the wall above the chalkboard, my eyes begging it for mercy. Just one minute away. I cursed. How was I going to stall for that much time? "Well, see um…"

Mrs. Hawk raised an eyebrow and tapped her foot in exasperation.

Suddenly a loud ringing noise echoed through the halls, but it wasn't the school bell.

"FIRE!" the class clown, Robert yelled in mock terror from the second row and made fire truck noises. Stacey and a few other girls groaned and rolled their eyes at him before grabbing their belongings and heading for the door. Jasmine jumped up from her seat and gave me an envious grin. "Lucky", she mouthed playfully before grabbing her books and Baby Phat purse. "Meet me at my locker and don't be late!" she laughed. "Like that's gonna happen".

I smiled but couldn't help but to feel offended at her joke. Why couldn't I be late? I wasn't always on time. Was I? I searched rapidly in my mind for some time when I'd arrived not quite on schedule and frowned when I couldn't find one. Whatever, I thought to myself before gathering my blue satchel bag from the ground and tossing it over my shoulder. I started towards the door and then stopped as cold, bony fingers slipped over my upper arm. I groaned. "Mrs. Hawk, I told you I didn't know the question. If you want, I'll have it for you tom-"

"That's not what I wanted to talk to you about"

I sensed the concern in her tone and immediately lowered my bag to the ground. The annoyance in my eyes gradually faded to reveal apprehension. "What's wrong?"

"Well first of all" As if to finish her sentence, she gestured out of the open door and towards the back of the hall, where Jason and a couple of his friends stood laughing. There, perched on the wall was a red lever and in white print, it read 'FIRE ALARM'. My jaws dropped, but not in astonishment that he would do such a thing. What I found so astounding was that he'd done it for me. Mrs. Hawk must have seen the appreciation in my expression because she scowled and shook her head at me. But I didn't care. I was too flustered.

"Boys", she called blandly and their expressions changed from happy to regretful. Realizing that they were no doubt in trouble, they all made a dash for the stairs.

"One more step and it's in school suspensions for all of you!"

They all froze at the much feared word suspension and sauntered about the hallway, sulking. I put a hand over my lips to keep from smiling at them and then groaned at what I was about to do. "Mrs. Hawk, it's my fault. I told them to-"

She laughed. "No you didn't"

"I". I stopped to give her a peculiar look. "How do you know?"

"Because", she explained. "I know you'd never do something like that"

I winced as if she'd just smacked me in the face. And there it went again. I was tired of being judged. Why did I always have to be the good girl? Why couldn't I do something bad for a change?

That's a good question, my inner voice spoke and I quickly brushed it away. "Fine. I lied. Sorry".

She nodded before taking a seat in a desk and patting the empty one beside her. I took it and stared at her expectantly.

"Cassandra". She took her hands in mine. "You're a very smart girl"

I nodded and put on a phony smile. I knew exactly where this was going. I could even trail along with her in my head. So I did.

There are many options open to you in life.

"There are many options open to you in life"

Some good. Some bad.

"Some good. Some bad"

And I trust you to make the right decision.

"And I know that you'll make the right choice"

Pretty damn close. I nodded in understanding and took her hands in mine. "Thanks, Mrs. Hawk. Is that all?"

She squeezed my hands and shook her head. "Cassandra, you're at the top of this class and your entire class in general. The world needs someone like you. You're smart, sweet and talented. Are you going to give that all away for some boy?"

"What?" I exclaimed. So that's what this was about?

"Don't be naïve. I know what's been keeping you occupied during class".

A small blush burned at my cheeks and she smiled.

"He's a nice boy" she admitted. "But try to stay focused?"

I nodded before reaching for my bag and climbing out of the seat. I was anxious to leave the room as soon as possible.

"Take care of yourself"

"You too" I returned, heading for the door. I wanted to tell her to stay out of my business. That it just wasn't appropriate to sit down with a student and discuss every one of their boy troubles. That wasn't what teachers were for. Didn't she have a life? But no. Cassandra wouldn't dare do anything like that.

"Have fun this weekend", she called as I entered the hallways.

"I'll try"

Oh, I'd have fun alright.

I'd have one hell of a good time.

Later that day, I headed over to the drama club area for the dress rehearsal of our fall play, 'Grease'. And unfortunately for us, the director, Mr. Web, wanted it to be absolutely perfect. I had heartfelt sympathy for the main cast. Including myself.

"SANDY!" he called my stage name, his eyes practically bulging out of his skull. "Where have you been? Dress rehearsal started last century!"

"It started already?" I demanded, my eyes wide.

"No" another, more calm voice responded. "Adam's just overreacting as usual".

Kelly stepped next to Mr. Web, ignoring the daggers he was glaring at her for addressing him by his first name. It wasn't as if she would be punished. Kelly didn't attend Crestwood. She didn't attend school at all. The only reason that she helped with our make- up and costumes was for the money that Mr. Web was paying her and for her knowledge of design, she could call him anything she wanted. I never understood why Kelly hadn't finished school. She could have been a cheerleader or head of the student council if she'd wanted. Yet she remained on the streets, seeking food and shelter anyway she could manage.

"Rehearsal starts in thirty minutes", Kelly stated plainly before grabbing me by the hand and dashing towards the green room. She immediately pushed me down in front of the make up mirror and took a container of foundation and a brush in hand. I squinted at the bright lights beaming down on me from the ceiling as she started to dot my face with the rouge so that she could blend it in.

She tossed her long blonde locks back and gazed at me through the mirror with vigilant blue eyes. "You have a beautiful face", she complimented with a grin just as she had a thousand times before. I only smiled back, reluctant to move as she was dotting the make up around my lips now. I was always her favorite to dress and design for. According to her, I was the perfect model.

"So why were you late anyway?" she asked, blending the foundation now. "Guy trouble?"

I laughed. Why did everyone want to invade my personal life today? But I felt more comfortable telling Kelly. She wouldn't judge me like Mrs. Hawk or tell me what to do with my life. I relaxed my lips so that she could apply the light reddish lipstick. "Something like that", I uttered.

She laughed, a mischievous sound. "Getting busy in the hallways?"

I smiled and shook my head slightly.

"Yeah", Kelly sighed. "You're right. Lockers are more my speed"

I eyed her in disbelief before letting a small giggle escape my throat. "Kelly, I'm a virgin", I admitted.

She gave me a strange look and I thought for a minute that she was going to tease me. Instead she sat the lipstick down on the counter and reached for a blonde wig, her expression as calm as it had ever been. "I know someone who could change that"

"What?" I exclaimed, wondering if she'd just said what I thought she said. She shot a sly smirk my way. Her eyes glinted and I thought I saw something yellow there. Blinking, I checked again finding nothing but cerulean blue. She took a powder cloth, blew at it and patted it all over my face.

"I said", she started. "I know someone who'd love to meet you"

"Who?" I asked suspiciously. I didn't hang out with Kelly on a regular basis, but I had seen enough to know that her friends were either druggies, jail birds, or already on death row. Kelly's expression grew dark and I wondered if she knew what I was thinking.

No. That was impossible.

Wasn't it?

"You don't know him", she finally replied with a mysterious smile. "He likes to hide in the shadows".

I laughed in amusement. "Is this supposed to scare me?"

"Why? Are you afraid?"

I shook my head. "I'm way too old for horror stories". I stood and unclasped the veil that she'd spread around my neck. "Is this guy of yours supposed to be a vampire or something?"

She gave a high- pitched cackle that sent chills down my spine. "Something like that".

I just shrugged and pulled my hair from my face. "So where's my wig and costumes?"

"Downstairs", she said plainly. "In the boy's locker room"

I gave her a you- have- to- be- kidding me look. Apparently she wasn't.

"I was messing around down there earlier and forgot it"

I rolled my eyes, having a pretty good idea of what 'messing around' meant. "Well, go get it! Rehearsal starts in twenty minutes!"

She shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't. I have business else where"

"But-"

"It's either you go get it or skip rehearsal. Whichever you prefer. I just hate to think of what Adam'll do without his precious Sandy".

I scowled in anger, something exploding inside of me. "To hell with it".

"Hm?" she cocked an eyebrow. Did I dare repeat it?

I did. "To hell with it. To hell with this play. To hell with Adam. To hell with you". She could only stare at me in amusement and satisfied with what I had said, I stood up straight, tossed my hair back, and strutted out despite Mr. Web's tortured pleas for me to stay…

I wish.

No. I did exactly what Cassandra would do in this case. I sat there, bit my lip, and sucked it up, as I didn't seem to have any other choice. "Fine". Praying that the football team had left, I started unwillingly towards the door.

"Oh, and Cassandra?"

"Yes?" I asked through gritted teeth.

"You going to Planet Bang Friday night?"

I nodded in truth. "I'll be there with Jasmine"

"I'll meet you there"

My eyebrows furrowed. Kelly had never asked me to meet her anywhere unless it was under professional circumstances. "Okay. See you there"

"Then maybe I can introduce you to the vampire"

I gave her a half smile before strolling out of the room. "Sure".

Despite the warm steam that clung to the air, my legs still trembled as I walked into the boy's locker room. Rows of tan lockers with benches in the center scanned the sky blue walls. Jerseys, shorts, and even a few footballs lay forgotten upon the floors. I stepped over a few of them, my eyes warily searching for a sign of my costume. Fortunately, the guys had left practice early, giving me time to search. Kicking various articles of clothing out of my way, I advanced further and further into the locker room, clouds of steam constantly growing thicker. Eventually, I hit the back wall and cursed. Where could she have left them? Had she done this on purpose as a joke? I glanced back around and suddenly the room seemed much larger than it had been when I entered. Swallowing hard, I headed back towards the door. I could get one of the male actors or stage technicians to find the costume for me. They knew the place better than I did anyway… On my way to the exit, I took a glimpse of my self in the mirror and my eyes widened in terror. The steam's affect on the make- up was hideous. Different colors had blended and ran down my face giving me the appearance of some arcane beast rather than a young high school girl.

"Dammit", I cursed at the clown behind the glass before scrubbing incessantly at my cheeks. I winced when this only made it worse. A thoughtful look crossed my now deformed face. What was the shortest route to the girl's washroom without being humiliated beyond reason? I groaned and stepped forward when something rustled behind me. Biting my lower lip, I turned around to face the room once again. That's when I saw it. There in the heat induced fog moved something tall and shadowy. I gasped and backed away, my eyes dead set on the creature.

"Who… what-"

Suddenly, it reached out and grabbed my arm, its slick skin, wet and slippery. And before I could stifle it, a shrill scream ripped from my throat.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH- mph!" Another hand clamped down over my mouth and then pulled me forward to face my attacker. I struggled relentlessly to free myself, when I looked up to find concerned aqua eyes.

"Jason". I spoke the name in one big gasp. My eyes traveled from his silver tresses that were now matted to his forehead and down his body. My heart lurched when I realized he wasn't wearing anything besides a towel. I abruptly pulled away, hoping the steam was thick enough to hide the blush in my face. "What are you doing down here?"

He laughed. "I think the question is, what are you doing down here? It's the boy's locker room".

"I know", I smiled. "I lost something".

He raised an eyebrow in confusion. "You lost something in the boy's locker room?"

I nodded, unwilling to go further into detail.

He held up a bag of clothes. "Could this be it?"

I noticed the now damp blonde wig sticking out of its side and a wide grin spread over my face. "That's it!"

He handed it to me. "I thought so. I found it by my locker. What? Were you shooting a sports documentary or something?"

"No, I-" Suddenly a thought crossed my mind and rage scorched through my veins like fire. "Were you in here with Kelly?"

"Who?" he asked.

"Never mind…"

His eyes grew worried. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. You just scared me. That's all"

"Sorry", he apologized, his eyes so soft, I could have melted. "You scared me too." He lifted a finger to point at my face. "Is that a mask?"

A sick feeling rushed over me and I snapped around to the mirror, praying to find nothing but smooth, clear skin. Was that too much to ask for?

Obviously.

I instantly covered my face and darted towards the exit, no longer worried about who saw me. I had just endured the epitome of humiliation. There was nothing left to be embarrassed about.

"Cassandra, wait!" he called as I neared the door.

"Yeah?" I asked, my back facing him. I felt his fingers slip around my wrist, pulling me backwards.

"You can use the sink in here"

I hesitated and he laughed.

"It's okay. I saw your face already, remember? You don't have anything to hide"

I shrugged and let him lead me to the bathroom where I turned on the warm water and lathered soap from a near by bottle in my palms. He handed me a towel to scrub my face with and after a while I had washed off everything. Almost.

Now dressed in a blue T and jeans, he gestured to my forehead and gave me a slight grin. Looking back to the mirror, I saw a few grey marks there and ran the towel over them until they had vanished.

"There", I gave the mirror a bright smile and let the towel fall into the sink. "Much better". I felt eyes piercing into mine and I gradually turned about to see Jason staring at me. He seemed flustered when I caught him and glanced down. I leaned against the sink and shuffled my feet nervously.

"I'm sorry", he apologized, breaking the silence. "I was just watching you smile".

My heart stopped. Jason. The Jason. Was watching me smile? "Why?" I laughed.

He joined in before walking up to me so that we were only inches apart. My breathing grew heavy and I wondered what he would do next. He took my chin and lifted it to face him. "You have a beautiful smile. Hasn't anyone ever told you?"

I bit my lip in a coy expression. "I guess I've heard it a few times"

He held my gaze. "Do you wear contacts?"

"No". I shook my head. "My eyes are one hundred percent natural violet".

He laughed softly and ran his fingers through my hair. "I love your eyes", he whispered in my ear.

"Thank you", I managed to respond, hoping that he didn't notice the slight tremor building in my hand. Then a thought crossed my mind. "Oh, I never got to thank you for helping me today"

"It's alright", he grinned, apparently pleased that I remembered.

"I'm sorry if you got caught"

"Don't be". He ran a hand tenderly across my cheek. "I'm glad I did it. I mean, she wasn't being fair to you at all".

I nodded. "True"

"But don't get me wrong. It's not like I do that sort of thing all the time. It's just, sometimes you get tired of being the nice guy, you know?"

An amethyst flame ignited in my eyes. "I know exactly what you mean". Just when I thought he couldn't get anymore perfect… Then, trying not to seem desperate, I reached for my costume bag and started towards the door. We walked side by side until we reached the exit.

"Cassandra?"

"Hm?"

"Are you doing anything for Thanksgiving?"

I groaned inwardly. Any other day would have been perfect but I wasn't willing to abandon my family.

"Yeah", I admitted desolately. "Our family gets together every Thanksgiving for dinner"

"Oh", he muttered.

"Why?" I asked. "Don't you do anything for Thanksgiving?"

"Nah". He scratched at his white- blonde bangs and shrugged like most guys did when discussing a sensitive subject. "Not since my mom died. My dad just sits around all day and stares into space when the holidays come around. I guess he really misses her. We all do".

My eyes flooded with sympathy and before I could stop myself, I walked over and threw my arms around his neck. "I'm sorry".

"It's okay". He breathed into my hair. It obviously wasn't. I frowned as there was nothing I could do when an idea suddenly popped into my head. A wide smile broadened over my face and he seemed confused.

"What are you so happy about?"

I took his hand in mine, no longer trembling. "Why don't you spend Thanksgiving over my house? You can invite your father too"

"I don't know…"

"It's no problem", I prompted him. "I'm making dinner".

A smile finally cracked across his lips. "Can you cook?"

I tilted my head. "Would I be making dinner if I couldn't?"

He laughed and wrapped an arm around my waist. "Well, I guess we'll see, won't we?"

I joined in the laughter as we started towards the drama studio. Mr. Web's exasperated cries reverberated from the area, but they didn't bother me. Nothing could. My life was going perfect and Jason Blain was spending Thanksgiving at my house. What could possibly go wrong?

Hola! I made up Cassandra's eye color! Couldn't find it O.o

REVIEW CORNER-

Everto Angelus- Your fic didn't suck. You just never finished it lol I'll try to do a decent Cassandra fic but I aint promising nothing

AngelofDarkness1566- Glad you like it so far.

Elephantsrocmysox- Yeah she was a good girl. Do you remember in Stantons book when he thought that? I wouldn't make this stuff up lol If he hadn't given clues to her background I would hate her too lol