Cassie

Written with the help of Cougar!

Rating: PG.

Disclaimer: no one besides Cassie and her family belong to me, no infringement intended.

AN: My apologies for any grammatical mistakes and colourful spelling errors. Oh, and I really don't know much about horses so thanks to Sah for the help on that, and sorry if anything is incorrect.

Thanks to: Cougar! Who got me started writing this story again and who helped me write it! Thanks so much! And also to those who reviewed!

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Cassie heard loud music and laughter as their wagon turned the corner towards the Younger farm. She set her shoulders and smoothed out her dress, she scanned the crowd and finally saw him. He looked up and Cassie turned to her father.

Mr. Weston pulled Jack's reins and he slowed to a stop, "ya'll get out here, I'm gonna take this around back and have a talk with Jeff."

Betty jumped off the end of the wagon and Cassie climbed off, careful not to catch the hem of her dress under her boot heel. She felt someone place their hand on her waist and she spun around.

"Bob!" She cried out.

Bob grinned, "well don't you look prettier than a--" Cole stepped behind his brother and clamped a hand on his shoulder. He turned to say something when he saw Cassie. His mouth turned up into a grin and Cassie felt a heat flushing up her neck. She grabbed Bob's hand.

"Let's dance," she said pulling him into the crowd.

Cassie laughed and Bob spun her around, he grabbed her hand and they danced around the floor again. The song finally finished and Bob grinned, Cassie walked off the dance floor trying to catch her breath.

She made her way over to the refreshment table and poured herself a glass of lemonade. She took a long drink and leaned back against the table.

She heard applause and knew that Jesse and Zee must have arrived. Jesse and Zee made their way through the crowd.

"Cassie!" Jesse cried out, and she grinned, her wrapped her in a tight hug.

"You okay?" She asked.

"Never better," Jesse replied and Cassie looked at Zee.

"You took good care of him?"

"Thanks Cass," he said before pulling away.

"I'm only glad I could help."

"Well you did help," Cole replied.

Cassie finished her glass and set it down on the table.

"Hey Cassie--" Cole began, Cassie turned and grabbed Jesse's arm.

"Jesse, let's dance!"

He didn't have much chance to protest as she dragged him onto the dance floor.

Cassie hadn't even acknowledged his presence. She knew it was childish and immature but the way he glared at Jesse made it all worth it.

"What's going on?" Jesse asked.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Cassie lied. Jesse turned and saw Cole dancing with Zee and then it dawned on him.

"Oh, I see what this is about."

Cassie cocked her head, "do you?"

Jesse smirked, "yeah I do." He spun her quickly, making his way over to where Cole and Zee were dancing.

"What are you doing Jesse James?" Cassie demanded, Jesse ignored her and made his way over to his cousin and Zerelda.

Cole looked up and saw Jesse.

"Mind if I cut in?" They asked in unison. They both switched partners respectively and Cole rested his left hand on Cassie's lower back.

"Make sure you hands stays where it belongs this time," Cassie said and Cole rolled his eyes, she stepped away but Cole grabbed her hand.

"All right I'm sorry."

Cassie looked at his face to make sure he was serious, he was holding up his free hand.

"I'm sorry." He smiled, "you look real nice."

Cassie's face flushed, "thank you."

"Should we show them how its done?"

Cassie nodded, "definitely."

"I can't dance anymore."

"Why not?"

Cassie opened her mouth to say something when she heard the sound of horses. She turned to Cole just as the barn at the edge of the property exploded.

"Shit!" Cole exclaimed, pushing Cassie behind him. "Wait here!" He shouted, he ran off, pushing through the crowd.

Cassie heard panic ripple through the crowd.

"Cassie!"

Cassie turned and Becca flung herself into Cassie's arms. "Where's Pa?" Cassie turned, hugging Becca's shaking body tightly.

"Cassandra! Rebecca!" Mr. Weston pushed through the crowd, "you girls all right?" Cassie nodded and heard Cole yell. Becca let out a stifled sob and Mr. Weston took her gently in his arms, "it's all right." He wrapped his other arm around Cassie's shoulders.

Jeff Younger pushed past, "get on home Charles!" He shouted at Cassie's father, "it's those damn Pinkerton's, son's of bitches."

Cassie's eyes widened, her Pa turned to her.

"Stay with your sister, I'll hitch the wagon."

Becca sniffled, but wiped her eyes and stood beside her sister, Cassie took Becca's hand and held tight. Mr. Weston disappeared into the throng and Zee ran up to them.

"Are you okay?" She asked, Cassie nodded.

"Where's Meg?"

"Cassie! Zee!" Meg cried out, running over to them. She was holding a bucket, and water sloshed onto her dress.

"Cassandra!" Mr. Weston shouted.

"I've got to go," Cassie said, she grabbed Zee's arm, "come by tomorrow."

"I will," Zee nodded and Cassie ran to the wagon.

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