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.