Attacked

ATTACKED

Cassandra left for her camp. She reached her destination after a few stops for lunch, snacks and car fuel. It was somewhere in the mountains. A secret headquarter that her father formed two years ago, after he bought the land with his brother, Nicholas Von Damian. It was a beautiful sunny morning. People should be having breakfast now.
‘IN YOUR LINES!’ the commander shouted. The people there started to line up. Cassandra could see them from afar. Some of them were straightening their uniforms while others were stuffing their feet into their boots. Cassandra parked her car at the side. There was two lines of army on each side, leading to their main headquarter. Cassandra stopped and saluted the fellow army at the entrance of the lines. They saluted their hands up high to greet their honored sergeant. The commander was first in line. Cassandra started walking. She could hear some of them whispering and talking. The commander came to Cassandra’s side.
‘These are their profiles. All of them are between eighteen to twenty five,’ the commander then handed the files to Cassandra. She flipped through it.
‘Anything else I need to know?’ Cassandra asked.
‘Umm… let’s see… Ah, yes. There shall be a private ride for you. Don’t know where to but then it shall arrive in two more days. Your father arranged it. Sergeant Nicholas V. D. is here too. He’ll be helping you with the new volunteers. Twenty five of them all. Good luck.’ They reached the office’s entrance. The commander saluted and went back to his duty. Cassandra went inside.
‘Rise.’ The president said. Everybody stood up once. Cassandra nodded once and they all sat together again.
‘Hah! A girl training us? Us men?’ One of the volunteers said.
‘Are you sure we’re in the right place?’ The other one said.
‘Do you think we’re actually taking cooking lessons?’
The three of them laughed so loudly that there was silence in the meeting room.
‘Uncle, if you don’t mind, can I start the shooting training first?’
‘Up to you little one,’
‘I’m turning sixteen.’ Cassandra said.
‘Okay then.’
Cassandra left the room while the others continued with their discussion. Cassandra stepped outside the office. She walked straight to the three that was talking and laughing so loudly. The commander tried to catch up.
‘Is there any problem ma’am?’ Cassandra ignored the question.
‘You three over there, come with me,’ she ordered.
‘Let’s see what you’ve got.’ She added.
She walked to the shooting training range. After a few meters, they reached the place. It was not surprising that the other twenty three members followed behind them. ‘Give them the m-16.’
The commander obeyed. He took out three rifles and showed the students how to reload it.
Cassandra stood in front of a gigantic thick white wall.
‘Can you please make space between the three of you?’
The three of them did as told. One of them nearly fell for imbalance.
‘How old are you three anyway?’
‘Nineteen.’ They answered.
‘Mark, place them in their positions. Take the one a bit further.’ She pointed to the one on the left.
‘Yes ma’am.’
The three of them were placed in their positions. Everybody silently watched, including the board members that were in the office.
‘Now, listen carefully. I am your target. Who could hit me, I shall leave this place. If you three don’t, then you three shall be the next target for my shooting training.’ Cassandra explained.
‘Piece of cake,’ one of them answered. Cassandra smirked.
‘Stay in your positions… ready… steady…’ the commander said. The range was filled with silence. The only thing that was heard was when the three students uploaded their rifle.
‘Shoot!’ the commander shouted. The first from the right shot first, followed by the other two next to him. It was very loud. Some of the audience was closing their ears. Two hours has passed quickly.
Cassandra did her best to dodge the bullets that was coming her way.
‘One minute left!’ Mark shouted.
‘Geez, why doesn’t it hit her?’ One of them complained.
There were loads of bullet holes in the wall. Mark was feeling a bit high suddenly. Too high that he didn’t notice he was walking towards the shooting range.
‘Mark!’ Cassandra shouted. He suddenly realized that he was in the middle of the shooting range.
Cassandra ran towards Mark while the three students started filling their rifle with the last row of bullets. The first one was done. He took his position and aimed. Cassandra pushed Mark outside the shooting range. At the same time, a bullet hit her calf. She fell to the ground.
‘Sandra!’ Nicholas shouted.
‘Hah! I told you so. Give some high five guys.’ The student said. Cassandra slowly stood up in pain. Sergeant Nicholas helped her up. She saluted. Everybody stood up straight and saluted her.
‘I’m sorry ma’am.’ Mark said when Cassandra passed by him.
‘What happened to you before Mark?’
‘I don’t know ma’am,’ He answered.
‘Were you high?’
Sergeant Nicholas stared at Mark. Mark looked down innocently.
‘Maybe I had a couple of cups with the students earlier.’ Mark said.
‘Don’t worry, as long as my students are fine. It doesn’t hurt anyway.’ She said.
‘I shall have to speak with you later Mr. Emerson.’ Sergeant Nicholas said to Mark.
She started walking back towards the sick bay in the main headquarter.
‘Can’t believe a newbie actually hit you,’ Nicholas said.
‘That is just coincidence,’ Cassandra simply answered.
‘Hold up!’ The leader of the three shouted.
Cassandra turned around.
‘We’ll take what you said back earlier before we started. That is if you can hit us in less than thirty seconds. And let’s see if you are actually better at shooting than you are at cooking.’
‘Don’t…’ before Sergeant Nicholas could finish his sentence, Cassandra put her hand over his mouth.
‘Deal – for the sake of my dignity,’ Cassandra said. Cassandra beckoned Mark. He came and took her to the shooting range.
‘My weapon?’ she asked.
‘The one we used.’ The leader answered.
Mark handed in the rifle. She took her place. The three students were already in front of the wall.
She aimed.
‘Ready… Steady… Shoot!’ Mark shouted.
Cassandra took a look at the three students. She thought hard for a while.
‘Wait, before I start shooting, which one of you here is a left-handed?’
The one on the right of the leader raised his hand.
‘Thanks.’
Cassandra aimed once more and started shooting. All her first three bullets hit them in their left arm except for the one that was left-handed. It hit him in his right arm. They were on their knees and groaning in pain.
‘Two point two three seconds.’ Mark shouted. Cassandra smiled.
Sergeant Nicholas went to the three students. He squatted in front of them.
‘I was about to tell you guys ‘Don’t under estimate my niece’. She has been in this field for four years. Her father gave her the ‘Sergeant’. And for your information, her father started training her in shooting since she was in fifth grade. She was shot for not being so selfish of herself just now. That’s the only reason why you…’
Nicholas pointed to the leader. ‘Can shoot her,’
‘Now you three bring them to their tents and bandage their arm.’ Sergeant Nicholas ordered the other volunteers.
‘Yes sir!’ the three of them quickly moved and then brought the three students back to their tent.
Sergeant Nicholas watched them as they rushed away. He turned his head back to his niece. He then walked towards Cassandra and Mark.
‘Mark, you go and make sure the other places are done before we start the other practices.’ Sergeant Nicholas ordered.
‘Yes sir.’ Mark saluted his chief-in-charge and went to check immediately.
‘Can you walk?’ Nicholas asked.
‘Yeah,’ Cassandra slowly got up. ‘Well, maybe I need a little hand here.’
Nicholas helped her out and brought her back to the office.
‘Huh – it’s so funny.’
‘What’s so funny?’ Nicholas asked.
‘Dad had actually arranged a ride for me to his grave.’
‘You mean his grave?’
‘Yeah, I had just received the telegraph this morning. Funny thing about that was that it was supposed to reach my father in the last two years. And it actually came to me.’
The both of them reached halfway to the sick bay.
‘Did you hear what I just said?’ Cassandra asked.
‘Of course I did. Do you need me to accompany you there?’
‘No. I don’t think so.’ Cassandra simply said. She suddenly wasn’t talking for a moment. Nicholas stopped and looked at her. Her eyes were a shade of blood red. She was unconscious. He reached for something in his pocket and slowly placed his niece down on the ground. Nicholas took out a syringe with a liquid filling it and gave an injection to Cassandra. She immediately passed out.
‘Communicating, eh? Looks like you two are keeping a lot from me and your father. Both of you are going to face your destiny this year. Neither I nor Christopher can stop both of you now. We’ll just have to see if she is going to appear too,’ Nicholas said as he placed Cassandra on the bed in the sick bay.
‘Just rest my dear,’ Nicholas exited the sick bay.
Mark immediately came. He stopped in front of Nicholas and saluted him.
‘Sir, the camp is ready.’
‘Okay then. Thanks for the report. Let’s go,’ Nicholas immediately walked to the next event. Mark stared at the sickbay. Nicholas turned around. He shook his head and smiled.
‘Do you mind showing me the way, Mark?’ Nicholas asked.
Mark turned to his sergeant.
‘Sir yes Sir!’ He immediately obeyed the sergeant’s order.
‘By the way, don’t worry. She’s fine.’ Nicholas said.
‘I’m really sorry Sir.’ Mark said.
‘You are lucky that she’s your chief. If it was me, you will be suspended for a month for rehab.’
‘Yes Sir. I’m really lucky indeed.’ Mark said.



It was a beautiful morning. The only thing you could hear at that time was the birds chirping. The troupe of army was doing their daily morning exercise. Cassandra went to the side to look at the rising sun.
‘Two days has passed so quickly,’ Cassandra said.
‘Time flies by,’ Mark said.
‘You’re done?’
‘Yeah,’
Cassandra inhaled the fresh morning air surrounding her. She sighed.
‘What’s the matter?’ Mark asked.
‘Do you mind taking over my duty tomorrow. I think I need a day off.’ Cassandra said.
‘Negative.’
Cassandra turned around.
‘Please Sir. I need to take the day off.’
‘On what reasons?’ Nicholas asked. Cassandra stared at her uncle.
‘Okay then. Only if you carry out a night shift tonight,’
‘No problem Sir,’ Cassandra answered and headed to the volunteers’ campsite.
‘Commander!’ Cassandra called out. Mark immediately came to her side.
‘Call them to the shooting range.’
‘Yes Ma’am.’
Cassandra watched as her ex-student went to the centre and called out the volunteers.
‘He is well trained isn’t he?’ Nicholas who just popped out of nowhere asked.
‘Don’t you have any other work to do?’ Cassandra asked.
‘Okay. Good luck.’ Nicholas went to the other side of the campsite, where the board members are.
‘Ma’am, they are in line.’
‘Okay. Thanks Mark. You may go first and make sure the range is empty.’
‘Yes Ma’am.’ Mark jogged off to the shooting range.
‘Now two by two, Patrick shall lead you there. You can do that right?’
‘Ma’am yes Ma’am.’
‘Now go.’
Patrick followed as ordered. Cassandra could still hear them shouting ‘left’ and ‘right’ even though they have already ready reached halfway.
‘Hello? Is anybody there?’ Cassandra suddenly heard.
‘Hello? Who’s there?’ Cassandra turned to the woods and then to the campsite. There was no one in sight.
Suddenly, Cassandra remembered something at the moment after she was shot. She was with Sergeant Nicholas walking towards the sickbay until she suddenly lost the control of her body. There was also a boy screaming in pain in her head. As if he felt the pain that Cassandra was feeling because of the bullet in her calf.
‘Are… Are you inside my head? Am I going schizophrenic?’ she spoke to the voice.
‘Maybe... I don’t even know for myself. One thing I know is that you’re inside my head. And I’m surely schizophrenic! Are you going to tell me to kill my mom? Or my brother? Or is it my dad?’ The voice answered.
‘Wait, maybe I’m the one that’s going schizophrenic. And you’re the one that’s planning to ask me to kill anybody. I am going to see the doctor straight after camp, and you, yes you evil voice inside my head, is going to be gone!’ Cassandra said.
‘It’s you who is going to be gone.’ the voice said.
‘Get out of my head!’ Cassandra shouted.
‘Ma’am? Are you okay?’
Cassandra snapped out of her conversation. She turned around.
‘Oh. Patrick. Yes, I’m fine.’
‘Then come on. Let’s go.’ Patrick said.
‘I’ll be right behind you.’
Patrick jogged off to the shooting range. Cassandra followed him. Slowly walking and feeling very annoyed but yet still curious about the voice inside her head.





‘Um.. Patrick, it’s my day off today. So why don’t you just practice with Emerson today?’
Patrick saluted her. ‘Yes ma’am,’
Cassandra watched Patrick jog away to the practice range, catching up with the others. Cassandra walked back to the cabin, where her room is. She entered her room and took a bath. She slipped on a black long pants and a black t-shirt on. She then wore a black long coat with black buttons over it. She tied a bun behind her head and put on her black sunglasses. She slipped two knives in each sock that she was wearing and slipped on her black long boots with heels. They were an inch tall. She then slipped two 9mm in each of her long coat’s pocket for safety. She got out of her room and locked it behind her.
She signed an attendance book outside at the front desk and wrote ‘Visiting the dead. Be back before tomorrow.’ She got out of the cabin and found a car waiting for her. She got into the car and headed for the address her father gave her.

She finally reached the graveyard. It was a very long ride there. It was already 4 o’clock. Cassandra got out of the car and told the driver that she could get herself back once she’s done. She took her hand bag and the car left. Cassandra then looked for where he was. The day was starting to get darker. There was a man at the entrance. He was tall, untidy, holding a shovel in his hands, well, to make it short, he looks like someone who would know much about the graveyard. Cassandra slowly approached the man.
‘Umm… Excuse me, can you help me?’ Cassandra asked.
‘Depends. What’s the favor I can do for you miss?’ the man asked.
‘Do you mind telling me where Sven Schnider’s grave is?’
‘Oh. That young kid. It’s such a pity he died at that age. I heard he was only… what? Fifteen?’
‘Seventeen,’ Cassandra said.
‘Oh well, he got the best place here. It’s under that tree. It’s exactly in the centre of the graveyard.’
‘Thanks.’ Cassandra took a step.
‘Wait, miss. This is the first time someone’s ever visited him. May I know who you are?’
Cassandra paused. She thought for a moment. ‘Just a friend,’
‘Okay then. I’m sorry for your lost.’
‘Thanks.’ Cassandra headed to the grave. She stood and stared at the tombstone. ‘RIP Sven Schnider’. She took out a white rose that was perfectly opened and held in her hands.
‘Well. I don’t know what to say. Well here’s one thing. I didn’t even got a chance to know you. Had never seen your face or even you before,’ Cassandra paused. ‘I’m sorry I came after two years.’ The sun was almost setting. ‘Well, I have to go. It’s getting dark,’ Cassandra placed the white rose in front of the tombstone.

She stood up and stared at the tombstone again. Her eyes widened when she found out that a pair of bright golden eyes was staring at her from the bushes up ahead. She started moving backwards. A shiver ran down her spine. It was getting darker by the moment. Suddenly, a pair of hands was on her shoulders. She gulped. She turned around. She stood still and speechless to find the golden eyes staring into her eyes face to face. There was a hard knock on her head and she fainted. She was then dragged to the middle of a forest nearby. She woke up to see a creature sucking blood from her wrist. Cassandra immediately pulled her hand back. She took out a gun and pointed it at the creature. The creature wiped its mouth clean. Cassandra shot the creature. The bullet hit its hand. The creature groaned in pain. It immediately ran through the bushes. Cassandra suddenly felt very dizzy. Her sight was starting to be blurred. She fainted. Blood covered the grass around her

Two Years

TWO YEARS

‘Are you sure you want to do this?’

‘I don’t know what else to do. I mean, she was basically dying... and...’

‘And what? You just did not have the heart to leave her there? Remember – ’

‘Mr. Grey, I think you should go. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.’

The both of them stood up and shook hands.

‘But remember kid. Especially what – ’

‘Don’t have to remind me sir. I would certainly appreciate that. And I’m sure about what I’m doing.’

‘Before I go, just make sure you sign those papers that I gave you. Once you’re done, leave it on my desk. I’ll bring it straight to my superior to go through. And I promise you the case will be solved in no time.’ Mr. Grey said.

‘Thanks sir. Have a safe trip.’

The lawyer got into his car and drove out the house gate. The house was a two storey and had a spacious lawn that was beautifully decorated.

The teenager went to the kitchen to wash his mug. He took a cup from the cabinet and made a cup of hot chocolate. He placed it on a small tray and brought it upstairs. He slowly opened the door to the room opposite to his.

‘Oh. Good afternoon. I didn’t know you were awake.’ The teenager said. He placed the hot chocolate on the small table beside the bed. There was a girl on the bed. She looked pale. She hugged her legs and placed her head on her knees. The teenager stood up and headed for the door. ‘Wait,’ the girl said. The girl stared at the teenager. He had raven dark hair and sky blue charming eyes. And a sweet smile.

‘Yes. Is there anything else you need?’

‘Why did you bring me here?’ the girl asked. The boy straightened his position.

‘Well, you looked like you needed help.’

‘Where am I?’

‘My place,’

‘Wouldn’t your parents be mad? I mean, bringing a girl into the house,’

‘They’re not here. It’s just me and my servant here.’

‘Oh. Okay.’

‘Is there anything else?’

‘Since I’m in new clothing, do you happen to take the – ’

‘The guns and knives? It’s just in the on the desk beside the bed. Your clothes are behind the door.’

‘Okay. Thanks. Umm... The name is – ’

‘Cassandra,’

‘How’d you – ’

‘It’s on your necklace. Well, dog tag.’

‘Oh. Right. Just Cas,’

‘Okay then. I’ll be in the opposite room if you need me.’

‘Thanks again.’

The teenager shut the door behind him. He went into his room.

He sat on his bed and let out a sigh. He got up and circled the bed. He then went into the bathroom and washed his face. He blinked a couple of times and lightly slapped his face.

He sighed again.

‘Oh my gosh,’ he said. He exited the toilet and threw himself onto the bed.

‘I can’t believe I just did that!’ he said to himself. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

He sat up and stood. He went to the door and opened it.

‘Oh, Cas. I forgot to tell you that I’m going out tonight to the city. Would you like to come?’

Cassandra blinked.

‘Umm... okay,’

‘There are some clothes in the wardrobe if you would like to borrow. It used to belong to my cousin. She won’t mind. Kay. See you at 7.’ The teenager shut the door.

‘Right...’ Cassandra thought to herself. Cassandra went back into her room and took a shower. She slipped on black long pants and a striped short sleeved shirt. It was black red. She let her hair down and put a barrette on her head. And of course, it was red too. Blood red to be exact. She took out a jacket from her bag and slipped it on. It was red inside and black outside. It was also a hooded. She slipped on her black sneakers that were knee high. She neatly tied the red shoe laces to the top. She grabbed her phone and placed it in her right pants pocket. She stared at her guns and knives.

Should I or shouldn’t I? Cassandra asked herself. She bit her lip. ‘Don’t.’ A voice said. Well, maybe you’re right this time. Cassandra said. ‘Thank you. Kay got to go.’ The voice said again. Cassandra still couldn’t figure out whom, why and how she communicates with. The answers remain hidden. It has been going on for years now. Cassandra eventually got use to it. It was already 6. 30 p.m.

Cassandra decided to leave the room and take a stroll around the house. She exited the room and headed for the main door. She exited the house and went to check out the lawn. She looked at the flower beds on the side and smiled. She inhaled the fresh air around her. It was cold. It was the most beautiful scenery she had ever seen. The green around her was just beautiful. Colours of the flowers made it even more calming and great. She continued her journey to the back of the house. There was a huge swimming pool. Wow. She thought. She walked beside the swimming pool. After she reached the other end, she bent down and touched the water. She pulled her hand back. Freezing cold! She then rubbed her palms together. She stood up and hugged herself. She exhaled and fog came out from her mouth. It was quite. She liked the peace there is here. She smiled to herself. Although there were loads of questions running in her head, she still didn’t mind. The view, the air and the peace was the only thing that distracted her. Cassandra started listing the differences between this house and what her house was like. Both of the houses were great, she thought. The teenager was done. He checked in Cassandra’s room. It was empty. He was starting to get worried. He went to the kitchen, to the living room and searched the whole house. ‘Master.’ He heard. The teenager went to the living room and found his servant standing by the sliding door.

‘Yes Martin?’

‘Are you looking for the girl?’

‘Yes. Have you seen her?’

‘She’s by the pool sir.’

‘Thanks Martin.’

The teenager dashed out the door. He finally reached his backyard, where the pool is and found Cassandra smiling to herself.

‘Hey,’

Cassandra startled and lost her balance. She was falling forward. Two arms safely wrapped her and pulled her back. She felt secured. It was warm. Her heart raced. The teenager’s heart did too. The teenager closed his eyes and admired the sweet and fresh smell of Cassandra’s hair. He opened his eyes. The two of them stayed in the position.

‘Umm...’ Cassandra suddenly said. The teenager let go.

‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to.’ The teenager said. Cassandra turned around with her head faced down.

‘Yeah, me too,’ Cassandra said. Silence filled the air. Cassandra’s heart slowly returned to the normal beat.

Suddenly, there was a sound coming from the bushes. The both of them turned their heads towards the bushes. A white greyish wolf appeared through the bushes. Cassandra rotated her whole body facing to where the wolf is. She slowly approached the wolf. The wolf did the same. Cassandra bent down once the wolf was close enough to her. She reached out her hand and held her palm facing to the wolf.

‘Cas, I think – ’the teenager paused. The wolf raised its right paw and placed it on Cassandra’s. She took a closer look at the collar. There was a silver puzzle piece hanging on it. It said Damien. She was puzzled for a moment. Couldn’t be Damien. He was gone for a long time. It’s impossible for him to survive.

The teenager approached Cassandra.

‘Is he yours?’ Cassandra asked.

‘He came to my house that one day. He was terribly thin. So since that time I took him as my own.’ The teenager explained. He placed his hands into his jacket’s pocket.

‘Oh. He’s cute.’ Cassandra said.

‘You can keep it if you want to. He has never looked this happy anyway. Especially when a stranger came.’ The teenager said.

‘Really? Nah, I don’t want to bring up old memories.’ Cassandra said.

‘Are you ready? Can we leave now?’

‘Yeah, sure,’

The teenager led the way and Cassandra followed behind. Cassandra waited at the front porch while waiting for the teenager to get his car. A BMW 5 series stopped at the front porch. Cassandra hesitated for a moment. The teenager got out of the car and walked towards Cassandra.

‘Shall we?’ he held out a hand. Cassandra stared at the hand. The teenager pulled his hand back.

‘Is there a problem?’

‘I think it’s not a great idea for me to go out with someone I completely don’t even know.’

‘You’ll eventually do. I promise.’

Cassandra sighed. ‘Okay,’

The two of them entered the car and left the house.

‘So, where do I start?’ the teenager asked.

‘All I need to know is your name,’ Cassandra said.

‘Alex,’ the teenager replied.

‘Alex?’

‘Alexandre. My great grandparents were French.’

‘Oh. Okay.’ Cassandra stared at him. He looked much better than he did the time she woke up. This time, his blue eyes were as if they were glowing.

‘It’s not good to stare, Cas,’

Cassandra snapped out of it.

‘Sorry. Didn’t mean to. My mind was in someplace else.’

Alex smirked. Songs from the radio filled the car. The both of them kept everything to themselves the whole journey.

They finally reached the city Alex talked about. It was magnificent. Lights were everywhere. The people over there seemed to be calmed and relaxed. Alex parked his car in front of a restaurant. The both of them exited the car. They entered the restaurant and sat at the window.

‘Are you feeling any better?’ Alex asked.

‘Yeah. How’d you manage to replace the blood I’ve lost?’

A waiter came and gave them the menu. Alex nodded to the waiter. The waiter left the table. ‘Simple, I got you a doctor who identified your blood type and replaced them.’ Alex explained.

‘God the price here is high.’

‘Don’t worry. After all, it’ll be your first and last time here.’ Alex said.

Cassandra looked at Alex. Still having no clue about what he just said.

‘I mean don’t you want to go back tomorrow? I’m sure you wouldn’t want to stay with some person you barely know.’ He continued.

‘Yeah, you’re right. I still have work to do anyway.’ Cassandra said.

The waiter came again.

‘Order for me.’ Cassandra said. Alex nodded.

‘Umm.... We’ll have two spaghettis and a strawberry and an orange smoothy.’ Alex said.

‘Is that all sir?’

‘Yes, thank you.’

The waiter left the table and took the menus with him. Alex looked at Cassandra. Her face was blank. She was fiddling with her dog tag. Alex let her be.

The food arrived ten minutes later. Alex dug into his spaghetti gracefully. Cassandra took the fork in her right hand and fiddled with the spaghetti. She stopped and stared at the spaghetti.

‘Cas?’

‘Oh. Sorry. Where’s the restroom?’

‘Just right at the back over there.’ Alex pointed.

‘Thanks. Excuse me.’ Cassandra got up and headed for the restroom.

Alex’s phone rang. He flipped opened his phone.

‘Hello? Yes Mr. Grey.’

Alex put in another fork of spaghetti into his mouth. He chewed.

‘Sorry. I’m busy right now. I thought we promised to meet in two weeks.’

Alex placed his fork down.

‘Yeah. So I’ll still see you in two weeks.’ Alex hung up and placed the phone to his left.

Cassandra came back. Looking much more ‘alive’ than she did.

‘Sorry. I was sleepy.’ She sat down and enjoyed the meal together.

They shared jokes about what happened in school, they chatted and they enjoyed each other’s conversations.

‘So, how was it?’ Alex asked.

‘The strawberry smoothy was great.’ Cassandra replied.

‘So, umm.... do you have any siblings?’

‘Yeah. A twin. He’s with my parents.’

‘Oh. So what’s his name?’

‘Adrian. The only difference between us was that he has green eyes and wears glasses.’ Alex said.

‘I think we should better get going. It’s getting late.’

‘Yeah. Let’s go.’

The both of them got up and entered the car. Alex inserted a disc into the CD player.

Cassandra fell asleep after five minutes. Alex smiled. His right hand reached out and gently moved the hair blocking Cassandra’s face.

‘Never knew that I could actually meet ‘the’ Cassandra Von Damian. And actually have dinner with her. The one and only who made me this way.’ Alex gently stroked Cassandra’s hair. ‘The military’s daughter.’

Alex pulled back his hand and placed it on the steering wheel. ‘And my revenge for you is still flaming as always. Especially for what you’ve done to my family.’

Alex finally reached his house. He parked his car in the front porch and left the keys in the ignition. He got out of the driver’s seat and opened the door on Cassandra’s side. He carried her carefully in his arms. Martin was waiting by the opened door. Alex climbed up the steps.

‘Put the car back in, please,’ Alex said before entering the house.

Martin nodded. He stepped down and got into the car. Alex closed the door behind him. He went upstairs and opened the door to Cassandra’s room. Alex then gently placed Cassandra on the bed. He took off her shoes and covered her with a blanket. He sat by her.

‘And the unexpected thing is that I never knew that I don’t have even the heart to harm you. After all those horrible things you’ve done to me.’ Alex placed her hand in his. He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. ‘Goodnight, Cas.’

Alex exited the room and closed the door slowly behind him. He sighed and entered his room. He shut the door and opened his shoes. He changed into his long plaid pants and slipped into a t-shirt. He turned on the lamp on the table beside his bed and turned off the main light. He threw himself onto the bed and covered himself with his blanket. He opened the drawer chest and took out a dog tag that was similar to Cassandra’s. Except it was written Alexandre on it. He closed the drawer chest and laid on his back. He stared at the dog tag. ‘I think I might just start to develop a quiet crush on you,’ Alex grasped the tag in his hands. ‘What is it called again? Forget it. It wouldn’t last anyway.’ Alex turned off the lamp on his table and went to sleep.

Alex straightened his back and yawned. The sun shone through his bedroom windows. He tidied up his bed and went o shower. He slipped into his pants and collared t-shirt. He slipped on his socks and then his sneakers. He got out of his room and went downstairs. The smell of fresh pancakes filled the air. Alex could hear the sounds of people giggling and chatting from the kitchen. He entered the kitchen.

‘Good morning everyone.’ Alex greeted.

‘Oh, sir. Pardon me,’ Martin took his plate and got off his chair.

‘No. It’s okay. Come and join us Martin.’

‘No thanks sir. I think I would like the fresh air today.’

‘Okay then. Remember to feed Damien.’

‘Yes sir,’ Martin replied.

Martin exited the kitchen and went to the living room’s balcony.

‘Wow, you did this?’ Alex sat down at the counter.

‘Had nothing to do. Anyway, it shall be your first and last pancake.’ Cassandra simply said. She placed a couple of pancakes on a plate and served it to Alex. She then poured maple syrup over it.

‘Aren’t you eating?’ Alex asked.

‘Oh, I already had my share. Go ahead.’ Cassandra went to the sink and washed the dishes.

‘Leave it there, Cas. I’ll get to it sooner or later.’

‘Don’t worry. Eat up your pancake will you?’

‘Okay.’ Alex dug into the fluffy and sweet smelling pancake.

‘Umm... I’ve decided to leave at eight in the morning.’

Alex suddenly choked on his pancake. Cassandra immediately got him a glass of water. He drank the water.

‘Are you okay?’ Cassandra asked.

Alex coughed a little and rubbed his chest. He nodded.

‘But it’s already five past eight.’ Alex said.

‘Had to wait for you to wake up. I promised to say goodbye, didn’t I?’ Cassandra took Alex’s dishes and his glass to wash. Alex’s face turned blank.

‘Kay. I’m done with the dishes. I’ll get my bags.’ Cassandra took off the apron she was wearing and headed upstairs. Alex snapped out from his thoughts and went to get his car. He parked it out front. Cassandra got out the front door.

‘You don’t have to send me.’ Cassandra said.

‘But you don’t know where here is.’

‘You’ve got a point,’ Cassandra hopped into the car.

‘Before we start our journey, do you mind putting this on?’ Alex handed over the piece of cloth.

‘A blindfold?’

Alex nodded. Although feeling a little bit awkward, Cassandra didn’t ask why. She just did as told.

Through the whole journey they were listening to John Mayer.

‘Okay, we are here. You can open your blindfold now.’ Alex said.

Cassandra slowly untied the blindfold and blinked a few times to get her eye sight right.

Alex opened his door and got out. He went to Cassandra’s side and opened the door for her.

‘The graveyard?’ Cassandra asked.

‘I’m sorry. This is the only place I can send you to.’

‘No. No. Don’t get me wrong. It’s just the right place.’

Cassandra stepped out of the car. Alex shut the door.

‘I see the blindfold point.’ Cassandra said.

‘Well, I hope you just move on. Take good care of yourself.’

‘I get it.’ Cassandra said.

‘Thanks.’ Alex went to his door. Cassandra caught his hand. ‘Wait. I would like you to have this.’ Cassandra let go of his hand. She took off her dog tag and placed it in his hands.

‘Close your eyes.’ Alex said. Cassandra did as told. Alex pulled her left hand and placed something in it. He gently closed the cold fingers. He held Cassandra’s hand in his. ‘Don’t look at it until I’m out of your sight.’ Alex slowly released Cassandra’s left hand. Cassandra nodded. She slowly opened her eyes. Their eyes met. Cassandra’s a glowing black and Alex’s a charming sky blue. Cassandra dropped her gaze. Alex sighed. ‘I really got to go,’ Alex said.

‘Yeah,’ Cassandra agreed. Alex held out a hand and Cassandra shook it. ‘Nice to meet you,’ Cassandra said. Alex smiled and nodded. Alex got to the driver’s seat and left the area. Cassandra watched as the car slowly disappeared from her sight. She slowly opened her left hand grasp. It was another dog tag. Except it has Alexandre written on it. Cassandra sat on the bench outside the graveyard and took out her phone. She dialled Sergeant Nicholas’s number.

‘Hi girl! Haven’t heard from you the whole 24 hours. Are you okay?’

‘Yeah. I’m fine. I called because I need a ride back. Can you ask Emerson to come and fetch me?’

‘I can go and fetch you if you want. Where are you anyway?’

‘I’m waiting at the graveyard. No, it’s okay. Ask Emerson to fetch me. You just stay with the probates.’

‘Okay then, see you later. Bye!’ Sergeant Nicholas Anderson hung up the phone.

‘Bye,’ Cassandra said.

‘This is wrong. I can’t do this. I broke my promise to Ian.’ Alex said.

His phone suddenly rang.

‘Hello?’

‘Hi! It’s been a long time. How’s the promise you made me? Have you succeeded it?’

‘Funny. I had just mentioned your name and you called. Well, uh – ’

‘Don’t give me that tone Alex.’

‘Actually, I was there.’

‘And?’

‘I’ll make it up to you Ian. In any way you’d like me to,’ Alex said.

‘You do know there’s only one way to do such thing .What happened to our brilliant plan? Get rid of her in a week or I’ll assign an assassin to do the work. This continues every week. If it reaches two months, I myself am going to do it with my own hands. Get it?’

‘Why are you in a rush? Give me a month would you?’

‘Do you want me to remind you every single detail of what she’s done to us? Such a person shouldn’t exist on this planet Alex. A month. Fine. Deal.’

‘Deal.’ Alex hung up the phone. Alex sighed.

‘How am I going to do it in a month?’ Alex asked himself.