Chapter 3

We went our separate ways as soon as the dress was purchased. Alice assured me that she would explain everything to Tanya and Kate and that I should go straight home to pack. Of course, I also had to explain to my parents why I was packing. Great.

I snuck through my bedroom window like I did every night and started throwing clothes in my suitcase at an inhuman speed. My parents' heartbeats were just five steps away, in the livingroom, and I considered leaving before they could realize I was here. But no, that would be wrong. I didn't know quite how dangerous this trip was, but I felt my parents deserved a proper good-bye, just in case.

After zipping up my bag, I crept back out the window and over to the front door; after all, it would probably scare them a little bit if I just walked in from my bedroom as if I had been there all day, instead of with Alice.

The door swung open easily and my parents got up from the couch to meet me.

"How was your shopping trip, honey?" my mom asked.

"It was fine," I said, shrugging.

"Where's Alice?"

"She went to Tanya's. Said it was some sort of emergency." I walked in casually, pretending not to hear her intake of breath.

"Is everything okay?" As if on cue, my cell phone rang. I sighed in relief; I had no idea how to continue this conversation.

"Hello?" I said into the speaker.

"Cassy? It's Tanya. We have a plan. In about two seconds, say 'oh no, that's terrible!'"

"Oh no, that's terrible!" I cried, turning towards the wall so my parents couldn't see my confused expression.

"Good. Now say 'well, I'd have to ask them first.'"

"Well, I'd have to ask them first," I replied nervously, glancing at my mom and dad meaningfully.

"Okay, I can do the rest. Give the phone to your mom; she's more likely to say yes."

"Um, she wants to talk to you," I mumbled, handing her the phone. What on Earth was Tanya doing?

"Yes?" Mom asked hesitantly.

"Oh, Mrs. Llewellyn!" I heard Tanya cry. It was such a pathetically sad voice that even I felt the need to help her.

"Sweetie, what's wrong?" she asked worriedly.

"It's my uncle," she whimpered. "He's become terribly ill. The doctors are afraid he won't make it to the end of the week."

"Oh, that is horrible!" I turned to hide my smile; it wasn't exactly appropriate with the story my mom was hearing, but she was using Jack's situation from freshman year.

"Kate and I want to go to Italy and spend what time we have left with him, but we would really appreciate it if Cassy came too. We could really use the comfort." My mother paused, looking at me uncertainly. I opened my eyes wide and gave her my best pleading look. It worked even better now that I had inhuman charm.

"Well, I guess it couldn't hurt," she acquiesced.

"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Llewellyn! We're leaving at 9:00 tonight. Sorry it's such short notice, but something like this doesn't give us warning." I heard her sniffle.

"That's fine, sweetie," Mom sighed. "We'll see you then." She hung up the phone and looked at me sternly. I hoped my face looked innocent and calm.

"I hope you know to be careful," she warned.

"I know," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Nothing risky."

"Of course not."

"Don't talk to strangers."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

"Wear sunscreen."

"Only if I'm outside." I doubted the sun would harm me much, though.

"Use your seatbelt."

"Really mom? I'm not a kid anymore." She smiled and gave me a hug.

"Just one more thing, then," she cooed, combing her fingers through my hair. I raised an eyebrow. "Don't fall for any Italian boys while you're gone. It'll break Jack's heart." I laughed.

"Don't worry, mom. Jack and I are inseparable."