Disclaimers: Don't own, can't afford. Love 'em lots though!!
Minor Spoiler for Heroes, Pt. 2, though
The intro music swells…
18:45 hrs.
Cassie sat on Sam's bed, watching her get ready for her evening.
"So, are you excited for your date with Jack?" Cassie said, holding out Sam's earring for her to take.
"It's not a date, Cassie. It's just two colleagues, ok, friends," this at Cassie's wry expression, "going out to a movie together. Perfectly harmless." Sam carefully inserted the earring into her ear lobe.
Cassie shook her head. "You are so in denial, Sam. If it is so harmless, why did you go out shopping for something new to wear? And wearing your favorite earrings and perfume?"
Sam tried to justify her late afternoon shopping spree. "I needed to get something new. I'd have done it for Pete, too."
"Yeah, right," Cassie said, still shaking her head. "But, Pete is your boyfriend. Not Jack."
"Don't you have some friends who are waiting for you? I thought you were all fired up to leave earlier."
Cassie smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "That was before I knew you had a date with Jack – I mean, friendship evening." She laughed and scooted off the bed. "You guys are a great entertainment value. Two geniuses without a clue between them for the price of one."
"Ok, that's enough. Now, shoo before I make you come with us!" Sam turned from the mirror.
Cassie held up her hands in mock protest as she backed away towards the bedroom door. "Oh, please, anything but that! I'm too innocent to be your chaperone!"
Sam laughed. "I see the Colonel's sarcasm has rubbed off on you." She turned back to the mirror and looked at herself critically. "How do I look?"
"Beautiful, as always." Cassie walked over to Sam and gave her a hug. Sam put her arms around Cassie and they stood there for a minute before Cassie spoke again.
"Sam, I want to thank you for being here for me. Mom said that I can be a pain in the mitka sometimes," her eyes saddened at the memory, "but I just want you to know that I appreciate everything that you've done for me."
Sam took Cassie's hand and sat down with her on the bed.
"Cassie, you don't have to thank me. I love you and we're family. That is what family does – we take care of each other. Your mom would have done the same had the situations been reversed." Sam sighed. "Besides, I like having you here. You'll be going off to college soon and…"
"You'll still be here for me though. I love you too." Cassie gave her another hug and stood up. "Ok, I'm outta here. I'll see you tomorrow – you have Marie's number if you need me?"
"Yes, I have it – and you have mine. I shouldn't be out too late so call me if you need anything." Sam stood up and walked back to the mirror as Cassie left the room.
The doorbell rang.
"Hey! Answer that before you leave?" Sam called out. She checked her watch – 18:57 – "Right on time."
TBC – am I evil or what???