Disclaimer: Check part one. . .

First Step
Part two: Yesterday's News
By: stargazer_1017

"You think you'll do better? You know nothing about being an adult, Cassandra."

Cassie shut her eyes and gripped the picture in her hand tightly. No matter how hard I try. . .you're always still nagging at me. . .no matter how far away I am. . .

"Cassie?"

Cassie looked towards her door. "Ashley. . .I didn't even hear the door open," she said, breaking out of her thoughts. She sighed as she placed the picture on a small table next to her bed. "Did you need anything?"

Ashley smiled. "No, I was just wondering if you wanted to go down to Earth and go shopping or something. I mean, since Andros is giving out free time to everyone on the ship." She walked in and took a seat on the bed next to Cassie. "You all right?"

"I'm fine," Cassie replied softly. "I was just thinking."

"A little shopping always helps clear the thoughts," Ashley replied. She gently pulled Cassie up. "Come on."

***

"I want the ultimate revenge," Astronema growled. She put down the mirror and looked at Ecliptor. "Do you see what she's done to my face? And I let her get away too. . ."

"What did you have in mind, my princess?" Ecliptor asked. "Shall I send a monster down to Earth?"

Astronema groaned. "Monsters. . .we send 'em all down, and they get their butts kicked back to us." She shook her head and got up from her chair. "I need something else. . .something that'll rip her insides out. Break her from the inside and out." She grabbed her staff and started pacing around. "Anyone we know she loves on Earth? Boyfriend she might've left behind?"

"Not anyone our sources know, my princess. . ."

"No one?" Astronema echoed. "Well, dig harder! Send your sources to Earth. . .there's bound to be someone there she left behind. Anyone."

***

Cassie grinned from ear to ear. "I can't believe I bought that!"

Ashley laughed as the two came out from a shoe store. "Yeah, well, I bet you gave that salesman a heart attack when you were sending him back and forth to find the right size."

Cassie dug into her bag and pulled out a box. "But these are really high shoes! I don't think I'll be able to use it." She handed it to Ashley. "You keep it." When Ashley gave her a surprised look, Cassie said, "You brought me out into the real world and cheered me up. The least I can do is give you shoes."

Ashley grinned and took the box. "Thanks, Cassie." Cassie smiled in response. As the two walked on, Ashley asked, "So. . .have you noticed how Andros was acting weird lately?"

"Weird?"

"Not in a bad way. . .I mean, he's been pretty easy with us lately. That lunch in the park yesterday? I know we haven't known him long enough, but it's different to see him this way."

"I kinda like him this way," Cassie replied.

Ashley hesitated before asking, "What's going on with you and Andros, anyway?"

Cassie almost stopped in her tracks. "Uh, what do you mean, Ash? There's nothing going on with Andros and I. We're just friends." She turned to Ashley. "Besides, weren't you the one that liked Andros?"

Ashley looked down. "I do. . ." she said softly. She looked back up at Cassie. "But lately, I don't think he returns my feelings."

Cassie felt her heart go out to her friend. Now I feel guilty. . .for even thinking that maybe Andros and I. . .Cassie forced the thought away and put a smile on her face. "You're just imagining things, Ash--of course Andros likes you."

"Really? I mean ever since he came back, we haven't really talked like we used to."

"Well, he's told me that being in the other dimension changed his aspect on life. He's just trying to sort out what on the other side, and what's really here." Trying new things. . ." Just try and talk to him. He'll come around." Cassie swallowed and paused before asking, "Do you--do you love him?"

Ashley shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, I really like him, but I don't know if I'm in love with him or anything." She glanced at Cassie. "Why. . .do you--"

"No!" Cassie added quickly. She shook her head and forced another smile on her face. "I don't love. . .I mean, I do want to get to know Andros better, but I don't think he would even. . ."

Something flashed in Ashley's eyes--something Cassie didn't recognize. Before she could even register an association, the look went away and Ashley smiled. "So. . .is everything all right now?" she asked, changing the subject.

Cassie's smile faded. "I guess I'm all right. It's just I remembered something that still rattles me, even to this day."

"Did it have anything to do with that lady you met in the park yesterday?"

Cassie looked at her friend. I guess it didn't get by everyone like I thought it did. Cassie sighed. "That was my mother's best friend, Rina Sherridan. I guess her mentioning my mother kinda made me think about my past--again."

"You and your mother weren't on good terms, huh? What happened?"

Cassie turned to Ashley. "I don't really want to talk about it right now," Cassie replied softly, but firmly.

Ashley nodded. "I understand," she replied, holding up her hands.

"It's in my past, and I'm keeping it that way," Cassie continued. She grinned. "Come on! We've got one more floor of shops to hit!"