Cassie takes another pant from the mountain of clean clothes next to her on the sofa, folding, like she did with the other five piece of clothing before.
She discovered that tasks like that, domestic ones and that doesn't involve much thinking soothes her. It's not complicated and her nervous mind can work without problems.
She brings the next blue cardigan to her face, smelling the nice perfume of her mom's laundry detergent. That, combined with the lavender fragrance her mom leaves on the living room, makes her feel at home, a feeling she has been missing at some time now.
She hears footsteps behind, and soon Marisol appears with two mugs on her hands. She places one in front of Cassie, while nursing the other, and Cassie thanks her, the aroma of hot chocolate invading her senses.
"You know you don't have to do that, Cassie. You're here visiting me, as guest. You're not here to help" Marisol starts, taking a seat on the opposite couch and nodding her head to the pile of now folded clothes Cassie did. The older woman was just starting the chore when her daughter showed up at the door.
"I know, Ma. But I like helping" Cassie sips on her hot drink "Besides, doing things like that reminds me of when we lived together. And while I'm happy living on my own, I miss that time. Especially your hot chocolate"
It is true. Cassie loves the way things are going for her now. She can finally pay her bills, her diabetes is not causing her any problems, she's doing amazing with the band and she has a dog waiting for her at home. And a husband in jail.
But she still misses the days when she was little, living with her mom, just enjoying the simplicity of their lives.
It was a good life, the life her mother provided for her. And for that, Cassie is forever grateful for her mom.
"How are things going with your record deal? Are they treating you nice? Did you have a lawyer have a good look on it?"
Cassie rolls her eyes. "Yes and yes, Ma. Toby, our drummer has a cousin who is a lawyer, so we asked nicely and he gave us some advise on how to go through it"
"That's good, you can never be too cautious around these things" Marisol nods approving. It may seem an exaggeration to other people, but Cassie gets where her mom is coming from, after watching her struggle, for years, to become a legal citizen in the US.
"I know, that's why we asked. Don't worry, mom, I've got everything under control. You just need to put on a nice outfit and come to our shows so you can have a little fun" she winks at her mom from the opposite couch.
"Speaking about that, thought I wouldn't see you today, don't you have a concert tonight? You certainly look fancy"
"No, that is next week" Cassie comments, a little bothered by the observation. "And I look normal"
Her white dress is new but not fancy, and certainly not something she would wear for a show.
Marisol shakes her head. "No, no, you look different today" she eyes her daughter, who is trying to hide behind the white mug "Do you have a date today?"
"Mom" Cassie exclaims.
"What? I'm just asking" she shrugs not seeing the harm on it "We used to talk about these kind of things all the time. You were never shy to talk to me about your dates"
"I don't have a date" she states. She's going to stop by Pendleton later to visit Luke, but it's not a date so she's not lying.
"Yes, you do" her mother insists and Cassie has to take a big breathe in. "Who is it? Tell me about him"
"Mom"
"Wait" her mother pauses "What about that nice guy that came to my house when I got robbed? He was very kind, offering to pay for a new TV. Very good looking too. And you never really explained to me what he was doing alone at your house in the middle of the night"
That makes Cassie stops breathing for a few seconds. Her mother still doesn't know that her daughter is a married woman now. That was the reason she decided to stop by today, Cassie was finally telling her mother the whole truth. It took her long enough but she was scared, of her mother's reaction, of what she would think of her. But it was time.
"Mom –" Cassie starts but Marisol keeps going.
"What was his name again? Duke? Luke?" She rumbles "I don't remember exactly but he sounded like a good guy. You should see how things go with him. I liked him" Good thing you like him mom, Cassie thinks, because he's your son in law.
"It's Luke. Luke Morrow. And Ma, we have to talk" she grips her mug tightly, trying not to show her nerves.
Her tone makes Marisol stop. "What? You're in problem, right? I knew it, you still wear the same expression on your face from when you were little and got in to trouble"
Cassie frowns, trying to change whatever her mom was seeing on her face. "No, I don't"
"Yes, you do. You are wearing it right now" Marisol sighs "What is it? Is the diabetes again? Or money? Oh no, please don't tell me you're pregnant from that boy Luke" she pleads and Cassie is sure she's about to throw up.
"God, no" she snaps "No one is pregnant, okay? And my diabetes is in check and I think that for the first time in my life, I don't own anyone money" she takes a moment to breath "But what I have to say, is related to Luke... Mom, Luke and I got married"
Like that, the truth is out.
Marisol seems shocked, just like she should. She leans forward to put her mug on the coffee table, and leans back against the cushions staring at her daughter.
"You got married?" She whispers and Cassie nods "I saw how you two behaved that night around each other so I knew there was something there, but marriage, Cassie? And you didn't even invite me? My only daughter gets married and I didn't get to see it?"
It breaks Cassie's heart to hear the broken tone on her mother's voice. "Mom, this is not what you're thinking, okay? Please, let me explain"
Marisol nods, giving her permission to go on.
"We met last year" she starts, reminiscing, "I was working, and a bunch of Marines walked in to the bar. Frankie and Luke were with them. And, you remember I was short on insulin and with no money to actually buy it, so I remembered that one of the guys from the night I met Luke proposed marriage to Nora, saying she could get free health insurance from it"
Her mother shakes her head. "I'm not liking where this is going, Cassie"
"Well, it gets worse" she tries to joke but her mom doesn't buy it. She clears her throat, resuming to the story telling. "Anyway, I looked it up, and found out that married guys would get extra money for housing and things like that, and spouses could get health insurance.
So first, I went to Frankie because it would be a beneficial agreement to both of us and then we could get a divorce with no hard feelings after a year. But he said no, and Luke, even though he was a jerk to me at first, heard us talking and offered to take Frankie's place. So we had a deal, I would get free health care for a year, while he was overseas, him the extra money which we would split between us, and when he got back, we would get a divorce"
Marisol stays quiet for a moment, clearly absorbing everything. "But you said you're married, so what happened? You gave up the idea of getting a divorce?"
"It was not quite what happened" Cassie muses "He got injured in Iraq, almost died. And I contacted his family, which didn't know about out agreement too. But it turns out, his dad was a police officer, and Luke was sure his father was going to turn us in if he ever found out about our little scheming"
"Turn you in?"
"Yeah, lying to the government about the reasons behind our marriage is an actual felony and we could get arrested"
"Oh my God, Cassie" her mother exclaims, "What have you got yourself in to?"
"We had things under control, mom. Besides, I was sure Luke's father was not going to turn his own son in. So, all we had to do was pretend we were in love. He moved in to my place and we started living like newly weds"
"This is why he picked up the phone that night" Marisol realizes and Cassie nods. "And that guy? The one who showed up at my doorstep with blood on his clothes, threatening to turn you in? He was not some drug addict like you said, he was telling the truth, right?"
"Yes. And everything was going fine until someone reported us. And by someone, I mean that guy. And Luke took the fall, said to the judge it was all his idea, when in fact it was mine, said he coerced me and I didn't know about his plans. He got arrested while I got to walk freely out of this situation. He was sentenced six months. And he has four left"
"Cassie..."
"And you were right, I kind of have a date later. I'm going to visit him at Pendleton. I usually go see him once a week"
Her mother tilts her head, watching her, and Cassie is certain Marisol can read her feelings right now.
"You love that boy, don't you?" her mother asks and Cassie nods, lowering her head. "That is why you're still married?"
"I realized I loved him, and he told me he loved me back. Besides, we took care of each other and we had a nice friendship going on too. I guess... that's marriage for me" she shrugs "But to be honest, we didn't talk about what we are going to do about it yet, if we are going to stay married or start things again, like a normal couple would do" she says insecure but her mother laughs.
"Oh, mi amor, you're going to stay together, I don't see that boy willing to let you go anytime soon. I saw the way he looked at you that night"
They stay quiet for a few minutes, and Cassie feels lighter, now that she doesn't have to lie to her mom anymore.
"Why you didn't tell me this before, Cassie?" Marisol breaks the silence.
She shrugs, finishing her hot chocolate. "I was scared of your reaction. I knew you wouldn't approve"
"You're right, I don't approve"
"I knew it, but I was desperate, Mom. Not because of the money but I could actually die without the insulin. I didn't know what to do anymore. And Luke was there, so I made a decision, probably a poor one but I had to do something"
Marisol stands up, moving to sit next to her, grabbing her free hand. "I won't judge you, Cassie. God knows what I did to survive and protect you while I was still trying to become a legal citizen here. Sometimes we do what we have to do. But I just wish you went to me before you got in to this mess, maybe we could work something out"
She squeezes her mother's hands back. "Let's be realistic, mom, living with a health problem like diabetes, in this country, is not cheap, meaning is not for people like you and me. There was no way out, besides living with a growing debt. Marrying Luke was my saving grace. Besides, the extra money allowed me to work at my music and now I'm finally living my dream. All because of him"
"He sounds like a good guy" Marisol muses.
Cassie chuckles. "I mean, he was a idiot at first and it kind of grew on me. But yes, he is a good guy"
"When did you say he was coming out again?"
"Four months. Why?"
"I want to meet him"
"You already met him"
"Not as my son in law" her mother states like it's an obvious thing and Cassie rolls her eyes "You ask him what his favorite dish is and let him know I invited him for lunch. Or dinner, whatever works best for him"
"Ma –"
"Do as I say, Cassie" Marisol orders, patting her hand before moving to the kitchen. "Now, stop folding clothes and come here, I sensed you were going to pay me a visit today and made a chocolate cake. We are going to eat it and you are going to tell me everything about your married life"
Cassie groans, not really in the mood to answer her mother's questions or to refuse the cake, aware that she had enough sugar for today.
"Hey mom, did I ever mentioned that I have a dog now?"
She spends another hour with Marisol before leaving to Pendleton. There, she does what's expected of her without really paying attention to what was happening around her, already used to the process.
She passes them her ID, telling them she's here to visit her husband and goes through the same path she does once a week.
Already seated on the uncomfortable chair, five minutes later a guard appears with Luke.
He's not limping anymore and his hair is longer. He cracks a smile when he sees her, wearing the white dress, similar to the one she wore on their wedding.
She sends him a smile back and they reach for the telephone at the same time. "Hey, stranger" she greets and he laughs softly.
"Hi, Cass" he greets back "You look nice today, that dress is certainly bringing me memories" he nods to her outfit and she chuckles.
"You know, with everything that happened I kind of lost track of days. And last week, after our last visit, I realized we missed our first anniversary. So I thought the dress was nice touch"
"Wow" he frowns "One year already... who would've thought we would go this far?"
"Not me, that's for sure" she scoffs "I know we had a deal, but I was certain I was going to dump your ass sooner than expected"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence" he says wry "But to be honest, I used to think the same thing. I thought I wouldn't be able to bear your talks of socialism and I would gladly ask my dad money if it meant I would get away from you"
"Now, I know you were lying. I'm pretty sure my voice is better than your dad's and I'm a much better choice of company than he is" she says smug, raising her brows.
He nods, curling his lips. "No argument there"
She hums agreeing. "Look at us, we started this marriage with a total of zero confidence in each other" she muses.
"Oh no, I was completely confident in your ability to drive me crazy, Cass. And I'm sure you were too" she chuckles "You know, Frankie was pretty confident we were going to make it" he mentions and her laughter dies.
"What? You never said anything"
Luke leans on the metal table in front of him, using his free hand to support his head. "I don't talk about him because it's still painful but he did. We used to go on patrols together, and when we were alone, he would tease me endlessly about it. Telling me it would be a good story to tell to our kids one day. That he wanted to be part of our real wedding after we got back here, and these kind of things" his annoyed tone makes her laugh, teary-eyed "He was an ass when he wanted, but he was a good friend"
"He was the best" she agrees, remembering their common friend "And I had no idea he was cheering for us"
"He was not on my team at the beginning" he muses, tilting his head in a way that reminded her of Peaches.
"Why? You were a jerk to him too?" She teases.
"Oh no, that was a privilege I was saving just for you" she rolls her eyes at him "You remember the night we met, right? The first, I don't know, five minutes after I saw you for the first time and we didn't hate each other yet? Well, I found you attractive and I considered going after you and Frankie told me to not even think about it, saying you were off limits"
"You were going after me before or after that racist friend of yours made that misogynist comment?"
"I was going to make my move before Armando had opened his mouth, but when he did, I knew I had to work faster or else I would lose my chance"
"And you thought I was hot?" She questions, failing in hiding her smug smile.
"Really? That is all you got from what I've said?"
"Basically, yes. So let's go back to those first five minutes" she moves her free hand excitedly and he holds his grimace "You thought I was hot and then what? What were you going to do?"
Luke huffs, taking his time to think. "I don't know, I had nothing planned. I was going to Iraq two weeks later, remember?"
"Oh, come on, we both know you always think too much on everything. I bet fifty bucks you counted how many steps you would walk from that door to your chair before coming here, King of self control" she leans forward, aware that her movement gives him a good view of her cleavage "What were you going to do, commando?"
His eyes goes to where she wants them to and she stops herself from rolling her eyes, her suspicious confirmed of how predictable he was.
"Well" he starts, his eyes going back to hers "I was not going to promise you anything but I would be nice, maybe throw a joke or two about my idiot friends, trying to make you laugh. Then I would wait for your shift to end, take you to a walk at the beach, where we were probably going to make out"
She raises her brows, feigning surprise. "I admire your confidence, thinking you were going to get in to my pants on your first day" she counts ironically, analyzing his face.
"I was only thinking about kissing, but if your mind is going there..." he implies and she huffs, making him laugh.
"Only in your dreams, commando" she replies and he continues to laugh, not mentioning how accurate she was. Life in prison was not easy.
"Maybe" he shrugs "But I know you were interested in me, too, am I right?"
"Maybe" she mimics him and he grins "But then you had to open your mouth and the whole thing was gone, like it never even existed in the first place"
"Liar" he states, pointing his finger at her and she doesn't argue with him. "So, any news? Something I should know?"
She knows what's he's hitting at, she didn't mentioned any new songs since her first visit to him, last month. But she's not ready to talk about it yet.
"No, things are the same as they were last week, sorry to disappoint" she fakes a pout "But we are still going on tour with Florence and The Machine next week so it's going to be awhile before we meet again"
That clears the smile off his face. "You know, I'm happy they liked you on the Hollywood Bowl and decided to ask you guys to go on tour with them. I get this is something incredible for you but I won't lie, it will be hard not to see you for a whole month" he admits and she gets it. She's torn about it too.
And she thought about saying no. Her band mates would hate her but spending 30 days without seeing him now sounded like the worst nightmare she could ever have.
It was kind of Iraq all over again, except this time, they were not allowed to have phone calls or write emails to each other. It was going to be a whole month without news from each other.
And she confessed those fears to him when they got the proposition, admitting that saying no was a possibility. And he shut her up right away, saying he was never going to forgive himself for making her lose an opportunity like that.
So the tour was happening. And a week from that, she's still divided if it was a curse or a blessing.
"I know, I don't like the idea either. But I will be annoying Jake everyday to hear from you. Peaches is going to stay with him anyway, and maybe we could talk to each other through him" she offers and he huffs.
"I don't think that is a good idea but we can try" he concedes "Can't wait to hear about your first tour"
She narrows her eyes. "It's not exactly mine but –"
"Shut up" he interrupts her "It's yours and it won't be long before other people realize it too"
She looks down, embarrassed with his confidence in her.
"So, I visited my mom earlier" she mentions trying to change subject.
"That's nice, how is she?"
"She's good" Cassie pauses "And she wants to meet you"
His eyes widens with her last sentence. "Wait, what? Why?"
"I decided to tell her everything. About our plan and how it backfired. It was time she knew the truth" she explains.
"I agree with you. Did you tell her every single thing?" he asks and Cassie knows what he means.
"I decided to leave the Johnno part out. I figured that could wait for the next conversation"
"Thanks" he appreciates her choice. He rubs his eyes, groaning. "God, now I'm nervous"
Cassie chuckles, liking watching him squirm. "Why? It can't be worse than war. Besides, you've met her already"
"I know, but she had no idea who I was" he groans again. "She does know I'm in jail, right?"
She nods. "She does, and your heroic act melted her heart. She wants to know your favorite dish because you're invited to dinner, as soon as possible"
"Good thing that won't be for a while" he says relieved "That gives me time to think what I should do"
"You should wear your uniform" she suggests.
He frowns. "You think so?"
"You're lucky my mom loves a guy in an uniform"
"Do you think it's a family thing?" he provokes.
She grins. "Don't know. Never saw a hot guy in a military uniform"
"That's your second lie today, Salazar" he counts and she winks at him, making him chuckle. She hears the noise of a door opening, revealing the same guard that brought Luke in.
"God, I hate that guy" she groans watching the man.
"I'm pretty sure he hates you too, considering all the faces you make when you see him" Luke mentions, nodding to the guard.
"I'm sorry but I can't help it. Everytime he shows up, it means our time is over" she whines.
"He's just doing his job. It's not his fault"
"I know" she concedes "But I still hate him"
"We only have a few minutes left, Cass. Leave the poor guy alone" he pleads and she sighs.
"I'm sorry, you're right"
"Oh my, did I just hear Cassie Salazar admitting she's wrong? No, better, that I'm right? Are you feeling alright, babe? Maybe your glucose levels are not what they supposed to be right now?" he mocks and she rolls her eyes.
"Very funny. I recommend you mark this day on your calendar because this will never happen again, did you hear me?"
"Yes, sir, I did" he salutes with his free hand. "But maybe you should go to a doctor, just to make sure you're good"
"Luke" she says annoyed and he laughs.
From her side vision she can see the guard coming over to Luke, and she can't stop her heart from beating faster.
"It appears our time is running out" Luke starts, watching over his shoulder "Good luck on your tour, Cass. I know you're going to crush it. And be careful out there, okay?"
"Thank you. You too. I'll try to stop by before my trip to see you again one more time" she promises, taking her time to memorize his face, like she does on every visit, when they are saying their goodbyes. It sounds absurd, but she's scared she's going to forget his face, so she tries to absorb every little detail of him.
"Don't make promises we both know you can't keep, Cass" he teases. He eyes the guard now on his side, swallowing hard while gripping the phone. "I love you"
"I love you too" she replies softly.
He puts the telephone back on the receiver, standing up but stops mid track, picking it up again.
"Hey, Cass" he calls "Happy anniversary, wife" That makes her smile wider.
"Happy anniversary, husband"
"Are you still going to wait for me?" he asks hopeful, and Cassie remembers her first visit to him, repeating the same answer she gave him the first time.
"You bet it, commando"