Disclaimer: Check part one. . .

First Step
Part seven: Birthday
By: stargazer_1017

A Week Later

Cassie opened the cupboard above her and peered inside. Can't believe how much I've been cooking lately. I should look up my old Home Ec teacher and rub it in her face.

All in all, things hadn't been bad. Everyday since the day Astronema had entered her house, Cassie had gone to her mother's house to check on her--she never realy appeared in the house everyday, but the days she did see her mother have been better. Even better than when I was actually living at home.

Cassie didn't get it. Sure, she and her mom haven't been best friends since she returned, but it was almost, at least in Cassie's eyes, like her mother was pushing away the argument that tore them apart. Maybe one day we'll--

"Cassie? What are you doing here?" she heard her mother ask from behind her. Cassie turned around and smiled.

"Just thought I'd stay here and see if you needed help with anything," Cassie replied. And to make sure Astronema never gets within an inch of you--and to also get away from the ship, she silently added. She and Andros hadn't spoken all too much since the time Astronema attacked her. In fact, she remembered barely even seeing him. Even Ashley wasn't sure where he was.

Evelyn Chan smiled back. "I'm glad to see you've been around more often," she replied, taking a seat at the table. "I feel like you've been here more now than when you were actually living here."

Cassie tensed slightly at the comment, but decided to just let it pass. Then her mother said something that surprised her completely. "I'm sorry, that was totally uncalled for."

"Huh?" Cassie blurted. Her hand flew to her mouth when she realized she said it outloud. She slowly around and faced her mother. "I mean, what did you say?"

Her mother nodded. "You heard me correctly, Cassie. You know, the last few days you've visted me have meant so much to me. I just love knowing that you're here for me to see, instead of me wondering what's going on with you."

"Okay," Cassie said, moving away from the pot on the stove, "this is getting weird. A week ago, we were still at each other's throats. Now you've gotten past all that?" She took a seat across her mother.

"Cassie, I want to tell you something." Evelyn took a deep breath. "That night, I never meant to hit you, honestly. I did what I always did--I let my temper get the best of me. Last night, I realized something--today's your birthday."

She remembered. . .and I can't believe I forgot! "Mom. . ."

"I realized I missed two of your birthdays since you left, and Cassie--" Cassie watched as her mother's eyes filled up with tears, "--I don't want to miss any more of your birthdays. I know you won't believe me, but I love you. Really, I do. . ."

Cassie felt her own eyes well up with tears. "I know," she whispered. "I know you do, Mom." She leaned forward to hug her mother as her mother leaned towards her.

"I never wanted you to leave. . .and I guess, by forcing my own ideals on you, I only pushed you away," Evelyn replied, pulling away and wiping the tears from her eyes. She gave a laugh. "I should've known better. My mom was the same way when I was a teenager."

"Really?" Cassie asked. She smiled slightly, trying to lighten the mood.

Evelyn nodded. "I swore I'd never turn out like her--and look at me, I turned out worse."

"Mom--"

"Cassie," Evelyn said, reaching across to Cassie's hand. "The only reason I wanted you to get a good education and not concentrate on your music was because. . .I didn't want to you turn out the way I did. I loved music as much as your father did. . .and I lost my chance at a record deal when I was a teenager. It--devastated me so much, and I never wanted you to have to go through that kind of pain and torture. Never."

"But it's my choice to make, Mom. If I wanted to do it, then I should. I want. . .I want the chance to see where I could've gone--on my own. And if it just leads to heartbreak. . .then so be it."

Her mother stared at her. "Cassie. . .you grew up too quickly," her mother said softly. "I only wanted to protect you."

"I know you did, but it's been a struggle for both of us. I just want that chance to be my own person."

"Like your father wanted. . ." Evelyn replied quietly. She shook her head. "The time I realize this, your father's already gone."

Cassie smiled. "At least now he doesn't have to worry about us, right?" Cassie asked softly.

Evelyn smiled. "I hope so." She leaned forward. "Cassie, promise me. . .promise me that you'll stay. I don't want to lose you again."

Cassie was shocked by her mother's request. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, her communicator rang out. Evelyn frowned. "What was that?" she asked.

"Uh, my alarm--on my watch," Cassie replied. Damnit, at the most opportune times, she thought sarcastically. "I have to go." She got up and then said, "I'll be back--I promise. And, uh, watch what I'm cooking, okay?" When her mother nodded, Cassie took off and ran to the living room. "What's going on?" she asked on her communicator quietly.

"Cass, we need you on the Megaship right away," T.J. responded back. Sounds serious. Cassie was slightly surprised at not hearing Andros' voice, but pushed the thought away.

"I'm on my way."

***

When Cassie got aboard the ship, it was totally quiet. Too quiet. Cassie tensed as she walked toward the Bridge. "What's going--"

"SURPRISE!"

Cassie jumped back, startled. "What the. . ." She looked around the room. Ashley, T.J., Carlos, and Andros stood in a line in front of her--even Alpha had a cardboard birthday hat on. The robot clapped happily as the doors swished closed behind Cassie. "I--" Cassie stopped as she put her hands up and covered her mouth. "I never knew you guys even knew when my birthday was!"

Ashley was the first to approach her friend. "Silly, you told me last year, remember?" she said, grinning and giving her a hug. "And, I've got a really great present for you." She walked over to her seat and carried a huge box.

"Whoa, Ash--what'd you do, buy me the mall?" Cassie joked, grinning. She took the present from her friend as T.J. moved to give her a hug. After putting Ashley's present down and giving T.J. a hug, Cassie asked, "You got me something too, Teej?"

"Of course," T.J. replied. "Well, actually more of a 'Genie' present," he replied as Carlos also moved forward to give Cassie a hug.

"Genie present?"

"Both T.J. and I," Carlos said as he pulled away, "will give you three wishes. Not three from me and three from Teej, but three in total."

Cassie shrugged. "I kinda like the first option better," she joked.

Carlos grinned back at her. "Nah, we do try to have a life as well you know," he joked back.

"Ah, I like that one," Cassie said, giving him a friendly slap on the shoulder. She raised her eyebrows. "But it sounds interesting--anything? Like if I wanted my feet rubbed after a hard day of kicking butt. . ."

T.J. crinkled his nose. "I guess so," he replied, slightly hesitant. Everyone laughed and Cassie reached forward and gave him a slap on the arm as well.

"If ever the time comes, I'll make sure my feet are clean first then," Cassie said, rolling her eyes. When T.J. and Carlos backed away, Cassie looked at Andros, who was looking at her shyly.

Cassie raised her eyebrows in surprise as Andros approached her. Her breath caught in her throat as Andros was right in front of her. "Happy birthday, Cassie," Andros said, giving her a hug. Cassie hugged Andros back, almost debating whether to let go of him or not. The hug ended before Cassie was ready and Andros said softly, "I don't--have money or anything, so I couldn't buy you something."

Cassie smiled. "It's okay Andros, you didn't have to get me anything." Damnit, I should be angry. . .but I can't. . .

Andros smiled. "There is something I want to show you, though."

"What is it?"

"It's a surprise," Andros whispered, almost child-like. Cassie couldn't help but grin at his demeanor. She laughed, and then noticed something. She turned and saw Ashley watching the two of them. Cassie's smile faded.

"Actually, I--" Cassie started but Ashley rushed over and nudged Cassie on the shoulder.

"Go on, Cassie. It's going to be fun," Ashley said, giving Cassie an encouraging smile. "It's your birthday!" Cassie could see Ashley was trying to be encouraging, but she felt her spirit break at the slight pain in her friend's eyes.

"Ash--"

"Cassie, if you don't go through with it, I'm personally going to pick you up and drag you behind Andros."

Cassie was speechless--for a moment. She gave her friend a hug and whispered, "Thanks, Ashley." Ashley nodded and smiled as she pulled away.

Then Cassie turned back to Andros and smiled. "Where'd you want to go?" she asked.

Andros reached for Cassie's hand, but never said a word. He led Cassie away from the Bridge. "Home," he replied softly.

To be continued. . .