About seven o'clock, Cassandra woke up. Rachel was still asleep, pretty close to Cassandra, but curled up. It made getting out of bed easy for her, so she did and walked into the bathroom. While showering Cassandra thought about how well the last evening went, even though she wanted to talk to her mother about it.
Before that though, she had to get more information out of Rachel. Thinking about all events of last night, she realized, that she and Daria hadn't settled their argument yet and that she has to tell her, that her attitude was not okay. Their parents wouldn't do it and someone had to. Her thoughts went further to the end of last night, how tired Rachel was and then, that she wasn't that tired at all.
It made her smile. Cassandra got out of the shower after about twenty minutes and put a tank top and panties on. She sneaked into the bedroom and just stood there a moment to watch Rachel asleep. So innocent, nothing like last night.
"You've been staring at me for a whole minute now." Rachel didn't move and didn't even had her eyes open when she spoke, that's why Cassandra flinched.
"I didn't want to wake you. When did you wake up?"
"34 minutes ago." Rachel opened her eyes and saw Cassandra's confused look. "You left 34 minutes ago."
"And you stopped the time?" Rachel kept quiet as an answer. "Creepy." With a smirk on her lips and a little head shaking, Cassandra walked to the door. When she turned, she intended to ask Rachel if she wanted breakfast or coffee, but said nothing. Rachel was bent over the bed, picking something up or doing whatever. The only thing Cassandra paid attention to, was that Rachel wore the same she fell asleep with, nothing. She really enjoyed the view.
"Enjoy the view?" Mind reader skills?
"Sure." Rachel didn't make a move to get up or cover herself up.
"Didn't you want to go somewhere?"
"I like it where I am."
"I'm sure you do." Whatever Rachel was doing, she was finished. She sat up and quickly covered herself.
"Aww. Why'd you do that?"
"I didn't want to distract you further."
"I wasn't distracted."
"I'm sure you were about to make coffee."
"Whatever." With the realization that Rachel probably won't put the blanket aside at the moment, Cassandra walked out of the bedroom with her head shaking, but a smile on her face. She walked into the kitchen and made coffee, a minute later Rachel came.
"Why'd you get up so early?"
"Don't know, just woke up." Cassandra handed Rachel a cup, which was thankfully taken, Rachel smelled it first before she took her first sip. "And it's not that early."
"It's Sunday."
"I know."
"Seven a.m. on a Sunday is too early to get up."
"Go back to bed then."
"I might."
"So, I don't need to make breakfast?" They both sat down on the kitchen table, drinking their coffee. Rachel was considering whether she wanted to eat breakfast or go back to bed and eat breakfast later. "Usually I just eat an apple."
"Well, maybe you could eat your apple now and we could have real breakfast a little later?"
"You just want more sleep and breakfast." Rachel didn´t answer, but the small smile that slowly grew bigger was enough answer.
"Alright, we can have breakfast later." Cassandra took the last sip of her coffee, stood up and took hers and Rachel's mugs.
"Hey!"
"Oh come on. You want to go back to sleep, so why drink coffee?" She put both mugs in the sink. Rachel stood up and walked into the living room, heading for the bedroom. Just as she reached the door, Cassandra realized she had a question, before Rachel went to sleep.
"What is an appropriate time to get up at a Sunday?" Rachel turns around and shrugged with her shoulders.
"When I wake up because I slept enough, not because I get cold because my girlfriend left." With that Rachel turned around again and opened the bedroom door.
"Hey, no. Seriously, give me a time." Cassandra needed to know.
"I don't know. Maybe two hours?"
"Okay."
You approve of how long I sleep?"
"That's not what I meant." Either Rachel was too tired to argue or she knew she wouldn't win, because she just walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind her. Cassandra looked at her phone, one massage from Isabelle, nothing important, she just wanted to know how the dinner went, to check the time. Still, too early in the morning.
Then she walked upstairs to practice, since she and Rachel got together she'd neglected her training far too much. So, she turned the music on and stretched before she started. After about an hour she sat on the couch with a bottle of water and an apple. When she'd drunk half of the water at once she grabbed her phone and called her mother.
"Good morning darling." Aglaia sounded happy which made Cassandra already annoyed.
"Morning mom." She took a bite of her apple.
"Someone doesn't sound so happy."
"Yeah, well, what am I supposed to say."
"You could tell me how you feel."
"I didn't call for- never-mind. How are you?" Cassandra realized she should've though it through, how she got her mother to tell her about the conversation with Rachel.
"I'm happy you called and I'm happy you could make it last night."
"Yeah, me too."
"And I really do like Rachel." There. She waited for her mother to continue and Cassandra took another bite of the apple, she'd already eaten half of it by now. Her mother didn't continue though.
"That's it?"
"What do you mean?"
"You don't have anything else to say?"
"I figured that's why you called. I'm pretty sure you did not call just to say hello." Cassandra was almost angry by now, but she took a deep breath before she continued. Her mother knew why she called.
"You're right, I didn't just call for that, but you make it sound like I don't care at all."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I'm sure you care about my well being, but that's not why you called and I thought you just want ... well, I'm sure you don't want my approval, but my opinion."
"Yeah, I didn't call for your 'approval', because that wouldn't change anything."
"I know. So it's a good thing then, that I do like her. Now, why did you call?" That was a good question, Cassandra didn't remember right now, talking to her mother always had that effect on her. That's why it took Cassandra a few seconds to gather her thoughts, before she answered.
"I wanna know what you talked about." And before her mother could ask and probably make her more annoyed than she already was, she clarified. "Last night, you and Rachel."
"Didn't you talk to her?"
"I did, but I also asked you."
"I'm sure she told you we had a nice conversation. We talked about her school, or your school I should say and about our family."
"Why?"
"She was worried."
"Why? Did she tell you that she was?" Because Rachel didn't tell Cassandra and that made her feel shot out.
"Oh no, don't worry she didn't mention it. You know, I just sense those kind of things."
"And what was she worried about?"
"Well, either about your age difference or the fact that she's your student and that we wouldn't accept or tolerate it."
"Which is it now?" Cassandra knew her mother was holding back and this whole conversation made her angry. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to ask her mother after all.
"I really can't tell for sure."
"But you have a pretty damn good idea, don't you?"
"I have my thoughts."
"Tell me." It took a lot of Cassandra's willpower to stay calm.
"I don't think I should."
"I think you should."
"You know Cassandra, I don't like the idea of you dating your student, but I can accept it, the same for the age difference, if that's what you're worried about."
"No I'm not and it's a good thing then, that we're not 'dating'."
"Maybe I should have chosen my words differently."
"No need mother, I understood you perfectly."
"No, I don't think you do, but I know you and I cannot correct my statement." Aglaia paused for a moment. "I think Rachel was worried that we didn't like the idea of you dating your student and that we'd be worried about you and I told her that we like her. I mean everybody does, even Bacchus, which means something."
"Okay."
"So-"
"Anything else you talked about?"
"Not much and probably nothing I need to share."
"Probably?"
"Nothing significant. I tried to make her comfortable, I'm sorry if it did not work out the way I intended or, if I offended Rachel in any way. I didn't mean to."
"Okay. I don't think you did, Rachel does seem to like you."
"She's an astonishing young woman and I'm happy that I had the pleasure of meeting her." There was nothing Cassandra wanted to say to that. "Cassandra, I love you, you're my daughter and I just want you to be happy. If Rachel does make you happy, I hope it will last."
"It will." They were quiet for a moment. Cassandra admitting to want a relationship to last, was something neither of them had heard yet, which startled Aglaia in a good way. She did mean what she told her daughter.
"I gotta go mom, I've to wake Rachel and I've to make breakfast." As soon as she said it, Cassandra bit her tongue. This kind of statement will get a reaction from her mother.
"Very well, let's talk soon okay?"
"Sure. Bye mom." Or no reaction at all, which really surprised Cassandra, she was glad that her mother didn´t comment on it.
"Good bye daring, talk to you soon." Cassandra hung up and sat a moment in quiet, drinking the rest of her water. She checked the time and realized, she didn't know what time it was when Rachel went back to bed and when she was supposed to wake her. So, she got up and walked downstairs in the kitchen.
Cassandra decided to make breakfast, and think about the phone call with her mother, and wake Rachel afterwards. There weren't many things she could do though, because Rachel doesn't eat scrambled eggs and bacon or pancakes or waffles. Well, maybe she does, but Cassandra was not going to do any of this with soy-milk. She cut a few vegetables and an apple and a peach in pieces instead and arranged them nicely on a plate.
"Aww, that's so sweet."
"What the hell?!" Cassandra almost let the plate fall, but managed to get a good grip on it and turned around. Rachel was standing in the door frame.
"Girl, don't do that again. Ever."
"I thought you know I'm here."
"I didn't." She put Rachel's down and her own too, as healthy as it might be she was not going to eat vegetables and fruits for breakfast, that's why she made herself bacon, scrambled eggs and toast.
"I know that now." Rachel was smiling slightly, obviously she just got out of bed, because she was rubbing her eyes and her hair was messed up.
"How'd you sleep?"
"Very well, thank you." She gave Cassandra a quick kiss and sat down.
"For letting you sleep or breakfast?"
"Both."
"You're welcome." They ate almost in complete silence, Cassandra had made coffee though and when she handed Rachel a cup she thanked her. Cassandra had finished her breakfast and Rachel was almost done, which Cassandra found weird, that Rachel took longer for just some fruits and vegetables. She was just watching Rachel now and drinking her coffee.
"What have you been up to?"
"Hm?"
"What did you do while I slept?"
"Practice. And I made you breakfast, or at least I tried."
"What do you mean? I'm eating it and I saw you making it."
"I don't really know what you eat, I mean you don't just eat that, do you?" She pointed a Rachel's plate.
"That, is actually really healthy." She held the last piece of apple up and ate it.
"I know, it's just... I don't know, I mean I know what you don't eat, but I could never make dinner for you or anything." Cassandra stood up, mostly because she felt herself blushing and she didn't want Rachel to see it and also to put the plates and mugs into the sink.
"I could give you a book. Or you could look it up on the Internet." Cassandra was holding the counter top, not facing Rachel. "I didn't know you want to make dinner."
"Not today, I meant in general."
"I see, well, we can figure something out, I could help you or we could make dinner together sometimes."
"Sure." Cassandra seemed distracted, which confused Rachel and so she walked over to her. Rachel put her hand on Cassandra's and leaned a little forward so she could see Cassandra's face.
"What's up?" This caught Cassandra's attention, she took Rachel's hand in her own and turned a little around.
"What do you mean?"
"You just seemed so, I don't know. Never mind, I'm just still sleepy I guess."
"Okay...so, last night was...interesting."
"Do you mean dinner or after dinner?" Rachel smirked.
"I wouldn't say interesting to our 'after dinner activities', but that was very good."
"Yes, it was." Rachel slowly moved her arms around Cassandra's waist and kissed her. Cassandra tried to deepen it, but Rachel backed away, with a sly smirk on her face, which made Cassandra grown in frustration. "But that's not what matters now."
"Why would we talk about it?" Cassandra raised her eyebrows suggestively and wrapped her arms around Rachel, but Rachel pulled away.
"Don't play games, something's bothering you about dinner. What is it?"
"I don't know." She wasn't sure what it was, she had a few thoughts though, but didn't want to tell Rachel. "I thought it went well."
"Wow, that sounded convincing." Cassandra was a little confused by Rachel's attitude and also, because Rachel left her embrace and slowly made her way out of the kitchen.
"Okay, you're right, something's bothering me, but I haven't figured it out yet." Rachel just gave her a look that said 'liar', but didn't push Cassandra to tell her.
"Are you going to tell me if you have?"
"Maybe."
"Is that all I can get?" She was leaning against the door frame and Cassandra was still leaning against the sink, with her arms crossed.
"For now."
"Okay, then you can't have anymore of-" Rachel pointed her body up and down, in a somehow sexy way that Cassandra actually turned on, with a very seductive look. "-this."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"Thank god I had 'this' last night then." Cassandra pointed Rachel's body up and down and just had to smile. Rachel new attitude was definitely interesting, but Cassandra wondered why it changed.
"Yeah, but how long can you resist?"
"I guess we'll see." Rachel smiled and left the kitchen. Cassandra wasn't sure where she was going, but a few minutes later she heard the shower running and she decided to go back upstairs. When she left Cassandra in the kitchen she walked into the bathroom to take a shower before she could try to talk to Cassandra again.
Something was bothering Cassandra, that much Rachel knew for sure, now she just needed to figure out what it was. She couldn't remember doing anything that would make Cassandra upset and she hoped Cassandra's family didn't make her upset. She got into the shower and turned the water on and showered while thinking.
Showering always helped her thinking. Last night went much better than Rachel had thought. Six July's and herself, she was a little afraid of that, even though she knew four of them prior to last night. Cassandra's brother Bacchus was a nice guy as far as Rachel had gotten to know him, a lot like his father, she would like to get to know him better, but he was a little intimidating.
Aglaia was different, her whole presence was intimidating, Cassandra absolutely got that from her mother, in some weird way, just her presence made you want her to like you. Maybe that was it. Maybe Aglaia didn't like Rachel, despite what she told her and told Cassandra the truth and that was what Cassandra was upset about. Rachel got out of the shower, even more confused than before, and dried herself up. Somehow she needed to find out, whatever it was. Because by now she wasn't so sure anymore what was going on. She put on black leggings and a red tank top; she was sure Cassandra was practicing again and needed the practice too. After all she missed a whole week! So, when she was fully dressed, she quickly dried her hair and tied it back. She could already hear the music from upstairs and quickly walked them up, but stopped a few steps before she reached the upper level to watch. Cassandra was an amazing dancer.
"I wasn't sure if you'd come." Rachel felt caught, though she didn't really do anything, and quickly took the last few steps.
"Well, I've some catching up to do."
"Okay." Cassandra just stopped, in the middle of her dance and walked over to the stereo. Rachel wasn't sure if she changed the song or if she stopped the music completely. It was just quiet for now.
Then Cassandra walked into the middle of the room and held one hand out. Rachel hesitated for a moment, Cassandra seemed agitated, but then she could just be worked up from practicing, so Rachel walked over to her and took her hand. Perfect timing. The music started as soon as Rachel took Cassandra's hand. It was the tango. After a few moves, Rachel knew how to tango despite what Cassandra thinks, it was clear that Cassandra wasn't just worked up.
"I...need you to tell me." Rachel wasn't sure how to approach the matter, but it was obvious that they needed to talk. At least Rachel thought so.
"Well, you certainly missed a few lessons, but I'm sure we can manage to bring you to the same level as the others."
"I can tango, you were just mean when you told me otherwise." They kept dancing until the song ended a few moments later and Rachel thought they were done, but when Cassandra didn't let to of her, she realized that the song was on replay. So, they kept dancing.
"Maybe I was, but you still need some more practice."
"Did I do something wrong?" She could've meant the dance, or last nights dinner.
"That's hard to explain, your steps are all correct, but you need to feel the music." Obviously Cassandra was trying to ignore what Rachel was trying to talk about, but they both knew what Rachel really meant.
"Did one of your siblings say anything?" Cassandra didn't answer, there was no way she could change the meaning of that question, but her expression changed to confused for a second, so it wasn't one of her siblings.
"Your father?"
"Oh he said a lot if things, and so did my siblings. Something in particular we're talking about?" It wasn't supposed to sound so snappy, but Cassandra couldn't take it back. They were still dancing, but it got more intense by the minute that past, the tension in the room got thicker and thicker.
"Did they say something about last night?" Before Cassandra could twist that question as well, Rachel added more. "About me or you that would make you upset?"
"Oh, yes they did, but I'm not upset because of something they said."
"Then why?"
"You're kind of annoying."
"I won't let you push me away, others tried it and it didn't work and it won't work this time."
"What did you and my mother talk about?" Rachel opened her mouth to answer. "No, let me rephrase that. What did my mother tell you."
"What do you mean?"
"She told you something, something that matters. Either it was about you or me or us."
"She told me that she likes me, but she didn't tell me anything about you I didn't already know or something bad, if that's what you mean." Suddenly they stopped and Cassandra held Rachel really close, if these weren't having this kind of conversation it would hot and they probably would make out any second. It was still hot, it was just unlikely that they'd kiss now.
Cassandra's look said that she knew Rachel was holding back something and it also made her feel guilty.
"Okay, yes. She did say something about us, but I don't know how you can be upset about it!"
"You didn't tell me, so it can't be good."
"You don't even know what she said, maybe I don't want to tell you everything. I certainly don't have to."
"I just... she...argh. You know what? You're right, you don't have to tell me anything, just keep in mind, she's like me, just worse."
"You mean you're like her."
"You think I can be mean? Manipulative? Twisted? My whole family's like that and you don't know them well enough to know when they actually mean what they say."
"I think she meant what she said." Rachel liked Cassandra's family so far and she didn't understand what Cassandra meant, hopefully she won't experience them like Cassandra is describing them.
"You're not going to tell me." They stopped dancing when Cassandra realized that, which confused Rachel for a moment, so Cassandra had to help her to stand steady.
"No, you don't need to know. Whatever she said wouldn't change anything, I make my decisions. And I can make up my mind all by myself, despite my height, I'm a big girl."
"I like your new attitude."
"I think it's your influence."
"I'll take that as a compliment." Rachel shook her head, but she couldn't hide her smile. Cassandra let go of her.
"Are those my clothes?"
"What?" The change of topic was confusing and Rachel looked at the mirror to see what Cassandra meant.
"No, they're not."
"I didn't know you had clothes like that."
"Meaning?" She raised her eyebrow and had put a face on that said 'there-is-no-right-answer', so Cassandra raised her hands in mock surrender.
"Nothing." Rachel crossed her arms and gave Cassandra a stern look, so she just continued with something else. "I don't think you should practice."
"What? Why not?"
"I don't think your doctor meant dancing tango when he told you to rest your foot."
"It doesn't even hurt."
"Yet."
"If it hurts I'll stop."
"It's too late when it already hurts." Rachel just rolled her eyes.
"Let me try again. You don't need to practice."
"Yes I do." Rachel raised her voice a little, that Cassandra was telling her what and what not to do was very annoying.
"Not the tango."
"I missed the whole week, because I was practicing tango-"
"A week ago you still needed it." Rachel took a deep breath, before she continued, to calm herself, this whole conversation was taking a toll on her.
"And since I didn't do anything this week I still need to practice."
"And when your teacher tells you, you don't need anymore practice, at least for this dance you can believe her."
"And how come you think I can dance tango now?"
"Well, you knew how to dance the tango a week ago, you knew every step, you just didn't have the passion and now you do." This was enough for Rachel to answer with a snappy remark.
"I-" Her phone rang and interrupted her.
"You should take that, it could be important." This only earned Cassandra a really angry look from Rachel, but Cassandra didn't mind, Rachel was somehow sexy when she was mad. Rachel walked towards the stairs.
"When I want to practice, I will do so, if you won't let me do it here, I can use the studio in school." With that Rachel answered her phone and walked downstairs.
Cassandra had to roll her eyes and shake her head, this girl was just unbelievable sometimes, she turned the stereo off before she followed Rachel downstairs.