The Misfits
Chapter 24 - Cassidy

Cassidy

The week flew by for Cassidy, spending the time at school studying for finals and the time at home with Jaden, Wanda, and Alex, not to mention the looming prom that Saturday.

Beryl still glared at Cass a lot but didn’t actually confront her.

Cass was surprised to see Myra spend time with Jaden, who taught her how to apply make-up.

She reigned in her jealousy seeing that because Myra hadn’t asked her. Myra hadn’t expressed any interest in make-up before, but Cass would have shown her.

Cass watched and realized that it wasn’t just normal make-up she was showing Myra. Jaden used a combination of foundation and concealer to hide the scale look on Myra’s neck and shoulders. She also put it on Myra’s wrists and showed her she could use it on her elbows, knees, and ankles as well, as long as she wasn’t doing anything too physical.

The make-up was supposed to not rub off on clothes, or sweat off, but Jaden told her not to reply on that being the case.

Robbie had told Cass that he had a line on the video of Beryl and the guy was supposed to email it to him.

“And let me guess, you’ll critique it for me?” Cass asked.

He held up his hands. “Whoa. That hadn’t crossed my mind. If it will make you feel better, I promise to forward it to you as soon as I get it, and then delete it. No looking.”

Thursday night Cass was sitting in her room alone, studying, when her computer chimed, alerting her that she had an email.

Her phone rang at the same time. She picked up her phone and saw it was Robbie.

“Hey, what’s up?” she asked, answering the phone.

“I just sent you an email. Or rather, forwarded you one. It’s the one you were expecting, so check your email to make you got it, and I’ll delete it on my end.”

She opened her email, and then clicked on the email from Robbie. It had a video attached. She clicked to open the video and it began to play, so she paused it, and said, “Got it. Now delete it. Or no date for you Saturday. You’ll have to attend the prom solo and lose your girlfriend.”

“Why do you care if I watch it? It’s not like you care about Beryl.”

“Okay, perv. That’s kinda the whole point. You watch porn. You’re a guy, I get that. I don’t have a problem with that. As long as it isn’t someone we know. To be honest, I don’t really want to watch this, but if I have to use it against her, I need to know what’s on it. So please, just delete it.”

She heard a sound, and then Robbie said, “Deleted. And I didn’t watch it. Happy?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Now you got my imagination going. Want to have phone sex?”

“Goodnight Robbie. See you in the morning,” she said, hanging up.

Cass closed her door and sat back down, starting the video. She could tell it was taken on a cellphone and it panned to a few guys she recognized from the football team standing around.

It appeared that some of them were drunk and egging on one of the guys there. The camera tilted down as he unzipped his pants and spread the legs of someone lying in bed.

Cass could tell whoever it was, was wearing a cheerleader’s outfit. The girl didn’t move as the boy had sex with her while two other boys held her legs.

It appeared they weren’t holding them because she was fighting. In fact, it appeared she didn’t move at all.

The boy finished and the cheering began again as another boy took the place of the first one. Whoever was recording it seemed to get bored watching the guy currently having sex, so he panned down, showing the skirt that was pulled up, as well as the top and bra that had been pushed up.

It also showed Beryl’s slack face.

Cass realized that the reason why they were manhandling her was because she was unconscious.

Some of the spectators were rough, pawing, and pulling on her breasts, and Cass noted, that it looked painful, yet Beryl didn’t even move. She wasn’t just drunk. If she was drunk or passed out, the pain should have at least registered.

Cass guessed she had been roofied, as five guys took turns using her. She noted that not one of them had used a condom.

Cass really hoped that Beryl was on birth control and managed not to get any STDs from the douche bags who did that to her.

By the end of the video, Cass was physically ill, and was tempted to have Jaden drive her to town to kill some of those football players, but she calmed herself when someone knocked on her door.

She quickly closed the video when Myra entered.

Cass got up and hugged Myra tightly, confusing the girl. She felt like crying but held back.

Myra, always affectionate with her, hugged her back, not complaining about the length of the hug.

When Cass finally took a deep breath and let Myra go, Myra asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing to worry your pretty little head over,” Cass told her. “What’s up?”

“I wanted to see if you would pain my nails for tomorrow,” Myra said.

“Of course,” Cass said, glad Myra asked her since Jaden had been showing her so much. Cass let her pick the color she wanted, and she picked a darker pink that went with the flowers on her dress.

Myra sat on the bed, putting her feet on Cass’s lap while she did Myra’s toenails. When those were done, they let them dry, and Cass did her fingernails.

She noted how long her fingers were, and how pretty her hands were. Although Myra was small, Cass saw she was growing up. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

In the last well, she’s also lost some of her tomboyishness, and not only acted, but dressed and took care of herself like a girl. While it was only indirectly because of Alex, Cass’s affections for him grew.

Myra’s anxiety grew as the prom got closer, and Alex took the edge off, but with it only a day and a half away, and Alex not going, Myra wanted to sleep with Cass.

“Of course, sweet pea. You get set, I need to go talk to Jaden really quick.”

Myra went to change while Cass went to find Jaden.

She found Wanda in the hot tub, who told her Jaden was probably down on the dock. Cass went out and found Jaden standing at the end of the dock.

’It’s peaceful out here,” Jaden said as Cass walked up.

“It is,” Cass agreed.

“How do you feel about having neighbors?” Jaden asked her.

“That house isn’t fit to live in.”

“That’s not an issue. I’m almost eighteen and will get part of my inheritance and was considering buying the property and building a house on it. For me and maybe Wanda and Alex. She they have someplace to stay. Their parents are nice, and good to them, but can’t afford them, to be honest. My dad won’t do anything for their parents since they borrow money and squander it. I’ve been sending money to Wanda so she can take care of the two of them, so it would just be easier to move them here and take care of them. Being close to you would help as well. They like you. We like you. So, if you don’t have an objection, I’ll start talking to people.”

Cass shook her head. “I would be happy. My mom would probably like the kids around, and of course Myra would love you forever probably. But only if you’re sure. Remember the downside.”

After her talk with Wanda, Cassidy talked to Jaden and told her everything as well. Because of her and Wanda’s abilities, the close proximity to Cass and Gemma might put them on the radar of the Facility as well, should they ever return.

Cass didn’t really want to put any more people in danger than necessary.

“I’m not about to forget what they did to you guys. I know a security guy that we can have install some protection all around both houses and out to the street. I’ll pay for it.”

Cass shrugged. “If you and they really want to live in the swamp, then sure. I’m all for it.”

“Good. I thought that’s how you’d feel. But I detect that you came to find me for a different reason. What’s bothering you?”

Cassidy didn’t really want to spread this any more than it already was but wanted Jaden to know just in case. She told Jaden what she had seen and that the rumors were wrong. The truth was much, much worse, and that Beryl could very well not even be aware of what truly happened to her. And if not, there was proof that what these football players did was not only wrong, but it was also criminal.

Jaden was just as upset.

Beryl acted like a Queen Bitch, but maybe it was simply transference. She was putting her pain onto others.

Cass told Jaden she was going to try to confront Beryl at school the following day, but she wasn’t sure how the other girl would take it.

Jaden agreed that she should at least try, and she would stay close in case she was needed. Cass thanked her, gave her a hug, and went back inside, stopping to give Wanda a hug, which caught the girl by surprise.

When Wanda looked at her questioningly, Cass said, “Something happened that made me realize that a hug and friendship are important, and if you don’t tell the others, they might not know it when they needed a friend. So, you’re my friend, and if you ever need me, I’ll be here for you.”

Wanda thanked her, said she felt the same, and was still kind of confused when Cass left.

Cass went back to her room and was horrified to see Myra sitting in front of her computer. The video box was still on there, but had ended, and Myra hadn’t closed it.

Pushing her door shut, she said, “Myra!” sharply.

Myra looked at her, tears still streaking her pale face. “Cass? Is she dead? Did they…”

“No,” Cass said, moving quickly to her, pulling her in. “No sweety. She isn’t dead. But I think she was drugged. And I intend to find out and see that those boys are punished.”

“Why would they do that?”

“Some people are just not good. Those boys will claim they were drunk, on drugs, or the others forced them to, but really, they are just evil people who like hurting people. And you never should have seen that.”

“I wasn’t snooping. I went to see if Lyle sent any more emails, and saw a video from Robbie. I never imagined he’d send you something like that.”

Cass rubbed her head. “He wouldn’t, but I asked him to. If he didn’t lie to me, he hasn’t even seen it. I didn’t know what it was until I watched it. It’s a girl from our school, so I don’t want you to say anything to anyone. Not Gemma, not Alex, not mom. And I don’t want you going through my email anymore. As much for your sake as mine. I’ll send you anything you might need to know. If I can’t, then you can come and look while I’m here.

“Now you know why I was like I was earlier. And as much as it pains me that you saw that, now that you have, never forget that if you aren’t careful, that could be you one day. Promise me you’ll never get yourself into a situation like that.”

Myra hugged her and said, “I promise. And if you need help taking care of those guys, I’ll help. They should know what it feels like to get abused like that.”

Myra said it with such venom that Cass knew the girl would kill them if asked to.

“That hopefully won’t be necessary but thank you. And I’m sure the girl would thank you if she knew. I want you to try to forget this. I doubt I ever will, so asking you to is probably not going to happen but try.”

“I’ll try.”

“Okay. Get into bed. I’m going to make a call really quick, Cass told her.

Myra had already changed and said goodnight to Alex, so she got into Cass’s bed.

Cass called Robbie and asked him again if he had watched the video. He sounded a bit hurt that she would ask, but considering what was on the video, she could tell he hadn’t, or he would have been affected as well.

She asked him if the person who sent the vide was one of several guys she listed, and he told her no. Then she asked if he had happened to be at the party in question.

Thankfully he wasn’t.

He wanted to know why she was asking all of these questions, and she told him that he would find out soon enough, but for now, don’t worry about it, and don’t tell anyone that he had it even.

Although she was being cryptic, he agreed to all of that, and he said he would see her in the morning.

She hung up and got into bed with Myra, who practically crawled on top of her.

Cass knew she couldn’t shield the girl from all the bad in the world, but she wished that Myra had never seen that video.

She put her arms around the girl and told her she loved her, and told her that bad dreams weren’t allowed tonight, for either of them.

Myra agreed, and they both fell asleep and had fitful dreams, although neither had nightmares thankfully.

----------

The next morning Cass got ready for school, leaving Myra sleeping in her bed. Going downstairs, she found Gemma, Jaden, Wanda, and Alex in the kitchen getting breakfast ready.

“Where’s Myra? She’s usually up by now,” Wanda asked.

“Still sleeping. She had a rough night,” she replied, giving Jaden a look.

Jaden could see in her eyes that she did as well.

Cass grabbed a bagel and went to Alex. “Myra might like it if you woke her up. She’s in my room,” Cass whispered.

Alex grinned and headed off to the spiral staircase. They had been there long enough for Alex to be familiar with most of the house except for Cass’s mom’s room, her work room and Gemma’s room.

If one wasn’t aware, one might not be able to guess that Alex was blind.

“Come on, or we’ll be late,” Cass said to Gemma.

“I’ll drive you,” Jaden said. “It’s not like I’m not going there too.”

“I want to catch the bus today. I want to make sure of a few things.”

“And then there’s Robbie,” Gemma said. “I’ll go with Jaden; I want to eat.”

“Okay. See you at school,” Cass said, heading for the front door.

Alex and Myra came down the stairs together. Cass grabbed them both in a hug, kissing Myra on the top of her head. “Be good today, bug. I’ll see you when I get home.”

She went out the front door and was met by Harley, ball in mouth. Taking the ball, she tossed it up the road for Harley to chase after.

They played fetch up to the road, then Cass squatted and rubbed and scratched the dog, talking to him. Soon we’re going to go see Lyle, Maggie, and little Issy. I know you’ll be glad to see them, won’t you boy?”

Harley barked in agreement

The bus came and Cass said, “Time for home,” and threw the ball one last time before getting on the bus.

Beryl was up front as usual, surrounded by her cheer-losers, or Cass might have sat down next to her. Instead, she went to the back and sat next to Robbie.

“So, you going to tell me what that was all about last night?” Robbie asked once the bus started up.

“I told you last night, you’ll find out. But for right now, you know all you need to know. Focus on the prom.” She smiled and took his hand.

The ride to school was uneventful and Cass and Robbie parted ways to go to their lockers. Cass saw Jaden before class, and she asked Cass when she was going to try to talk to Beryl.

“In between classes is too short, so I think I’ll try to find her at lunch,” Cass told her.

When the bell for lunch rang, Cass hurried out of class, going straight to Beryl’s locker.

The girl hobbled to the locker and told the other cheer-losers she’d meet them in the cafeteria. Cass followed her to the restroom, waiting to go in for a few seconds, giving the other girl time.

She walked in, looking around.

Beryl was in a stall and one other girl was finishing up at a sink. That girl walked out, and Cass quickly made sure no one else was there and went to the door. There was a keyed lock that could be locked if the school needed it, but students couldn’t, but none of them could do what Cass could.

She opened her mind, sending out tendrils of power into the key slot, pushing pins until the lock clicked closed.

She then went to the sinks and waited for Beryl.

There was a flush and Beryl came out of the stall and looked up, stopping abruptly when she saw Cassidy.

“What the hell do you want?” Beryl spat. “Haven’t you done enough?”

“Retract the claws, I’m here to talk,” Cass said.

“We have nothing to talk about.”

“I beg to differ. I’ve heard the rumors about a certain party you went to,” Cass said.

The bathroom had poor lighting, but Cass swore the girl turned green.

“And about certain acts that happened at said party.”

“What, are you here to blackmail me? It’s a rumor. No one will believe you. At least no one who matters,” Beryl said.

“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong. I have proof. Someone was unkind enough to record the whole thing.”

“What?!” Beryl said, clutching her stomach. “You wouldn’t.”

“No Beryl, I wouldn’t. How much do you remember about that night?” Cass asked.

“Why do you care?”

Cass walked to Beryl and using her hands and her ability, she picked Beryl up, squawking, and set her down on a sink. “Because I do. I want you to watch something. And you should be sitting down.”

Cass got out her phone, which she had sent the video to. Beryl tried to get off the sink, but Cass put a hand on the girl’s thigh and pressed, using enough strength to cover the push she put on the girls’ leg with her power. She wasn’t going anywhere.

Cass started the video and put it in front of Beryl’s face. The girl squirmed for a few seconds, then stopped as the cheering and chanting began. Her eyes widened in horror as recognition set in, as she watched herself get raped over and over.

By the end, she was sobbing and keening.

Cass put the phone in her pocket and pulled the girl into her, holding her tightly as the sobbing continued. Beryl clutched Cass, weeping into her shirt, and Cass let her.

Several long minutes went by as Beryl cried, Cass silently crying with her.

Beryl finally seemed to gain some control over herself, and looked up at Cass, who still had tears on her cheeks.

“What are you going to do?” she asked Cassidy.

“I wanted you to know the truth. From the looks of it, you had no idea what really happened. What I want to do is castrate those guys and use their own junk to do that to them, since killing them is too good. But honestly, I want you to be okay, and the first step is going to the police and tell them what happened, so they lock these guys up.”

“No, no one will believe me; you don’t even like me, why help me?”

“Beryl, the video proves you weren’t an active participant. You were more than drunk or passed out.”

“I had one drink, and I don’t remember finishing it.

“You were most likely drugged. I believe you, because I’ve seen the video, and I will stand by you through it all. So will Jaden. They will claim you were okay with it, but even being passed out, you couldn’t give consent, so it’s rape. Don’t let them get away with this.”

Beryl sniffed.

Cass asked, “I know you don’t want to talk about it, but after, did you get tested for anything?”

“I – I had to see my doctor,” Beryl said nodding. “I had two STDs.”

“Is there any way to prove they came from those boys?”

“I don’t know. I had just had a checkup the week before and didn’t have anything.”

“The boys might have been treated around the same time. But they could say they got it from you.”

Beryl shook her head. “I know you won’t believe me, but I hadn’t had sex before… before that.”

Cass hugged her again. “I believe you. And I have to ask, have you taken a pregnancy test? Just in case.”

Beryl shook her head and weakly laughed. “My mom forced me on the pill early. I guess it was a good thing.”

“So, you were a virgin, and had just had a physical. Maybe the police can get medical records to match the guys and see if one of them had it first. Who gave you the drink?”

Beryl told her who had given her the drink. Cass had to ask, not for the police, but for her own knowledge. Maybe they could lead her to the one who gave it to him.

“I’m not sure I should go to the police,” Beryl said. “Everyone will find out what happened. I’ll be the one put on trial.”

“But if you don’t, they get away with it. What happens to the next girl it happens to? Or the next. If there’s one, there might already be more. Your friends will stick by you, and if they don’t, then they aren’t your friends. You’ll have allies you don’t even know about, and people who will have your back no matter what.

“And the boys won’t get away with it. I promise that,” Cassidy said.

Taking a deep breath, wiping away the tears, Beryl said, “Can it wait until after prom? It would ruin prom for all of us.”

“I don’t think another day or so will hurt, but if you chicken out, I go to the police myself. It will get out and even if you try to deny it, the video doesn’t lie. You’ll get put through it all anyway and will look bad for denying it.”

Cass pulled up her drooping head to look her in the eyes. “I’m not doing this to be mean. We’ve had our differences, and right now, all of that is in the past. I’m doing this for you, and for everyone else who might have had it happen to them, plus the ones who would have it happen to them if you don’t speak up. But I might not be there for them. I’m here for you.”

She took Beryl’s hand, giving it a squeeze.

“I misjudged you,” Beryl said.

Cass laughed. “No, you didn’t. I can be a bitch, and I’m not always nice. I’m sorry for hurting you,” Cass said, rubbing the ace bandage on the girl’s knee.

“I deserved it,” Beryl said.

“You did,” Cass replied, and they both laughed. “But I’m still sorry. I’d like to be friends,” Cass said.

I’d like that. But real friends. Not the ones who nod and stop fighting.”

“Deal,” Cass said, pulling a paper towel and wetting it.

She wiped Beryl’s cheeks and cleaned the make-up from under the girl’s eyes.

Cass lifted Beryl up and set her carefully down so she wouldn’t hurt her knee.

“I don’t know who might have seen the video, but even if people taunt you, don’t let it get to you. You didn’t do anything wrong. You trusted the wrong person, but they hurt you, and we’ll make sure they hurt as well. You stay strong, and if you need, or what to talk, I’ll be there for you.”

She had Beryl give her her number, and Cass put it in her phone, calling it so Beryl had her number.

Beryl hugged her again, thanking her for being so nice, and she hobbled to the door, pulling it.

The door didn’t open, and she said, “We’re locked in somehow.”

Cass quickly unlocked the door, saying, “It sticks, try it again.”

Beryl pulled and Cass pushed just enough, then let go, making it seem like the door stuck. Beryl left and Cass cleaned her own face before leaving, getting to the table to join Jaden and Gemma right before the bell rang.

Gemma looked at Cass but didn’t ask where she had been before she left for class.

Jaden asked how it went and Cass told her. Lunch ended and they went to class.

Cass met Robbie and Gemma for the bus ride home. Robbie didn’t ask any questions and Cass got on last so neither saw Beryl give her a little wave as she passed by.

The girl sitting next to her did, and got an elbow and a, “Shut up,” when she asked why she waved at Cassidy.

Cass sat down next to Robbie, giving him a hug and kiss. “Thanks for being one of the good ones,” she said to him.

“Huh?”

“Nothing,” she said, kissing him again.

They talked about the prom the following night and arrangements.

Jessie would drive Robbie to prom, and Jaden would drive him home, or possibly he’d just spend the night at her house. There was no issue with anyone spending the night according to Cass’s mom.

Jaden, Wanda, and Alex had been there most of the week as it was.

The plan was to meet up in the parking lot and go in as a group.

The bus let Gemma and Cass off at their stop and once they crossed the street, Harley met them as usual.

Cass threw the ball and talked to Gemma while they walked.

She hadn’t been able to talk to Gemma much the last week. Cass told her about Jaden and Wanda’s abilities, and Jaden’s plans to buy the property next door and build a new house there for her and the kids.

She also told Gemma about Beryl.

Gemma stopped when she heard. She didn’t really like Beryl, but she certainly didn’t dislike her that much. Wrong was wrong.

When she finished, Cass said, “Well?” since Gemma hadn’t said much.

Gemma looked her in the eyes and said, “If you need me, I’ll be there.”

Cass knew that, like Myra, Gemma had a rather black and white outlook on some things, and without really saying it, Gemma had just told her that she was willing to extract justice herself if need be.

These were bad people that Myra and Gemma thought the world would be a better place without.

While Cassidy didn’t disagree, she wasn’t sure taking things into her own hands was necessarily the right thing to do. They were already on the run sort of, and they didn’t need to turn vigilante and have police, or worse, looking for them as well.

She threw the ball for Harley again, wiped her hand, then took Gemma’s. “Thank you. I’m hoping this will be delt with by the police. If not, then we’ll consider other options. Until then, we’ll wait and see.”

They continued walking, Cass throwing the ball for Harley.

“So, how are things with Frankie?” Cass asked.

“Good.”

“I’m glad. She’s nice. And you two seem to like each other. As last from what I heard last weekend,” Cass said with a grin.

Gemma looked at her, blushing. “You must have been watching a sports match of some sort and your team was winning. I heard yes being said over and over. Did you win?” Cass asked with a raised eyebrow.

Gemma scowled. “Snoop.”

Cass threw the ball, then linked arms with Gemma. “Nope. I passed by your door. You were… very vocal. I’m glad you are happy. Also, I’m glad it was me and not Myra. You’d never hear the end of it or be asked a thousand questions.”

Gemma groaned.

“Have fun. I’m not judging. Just remember that if Myra happens to overhear, and you know she does snoop, that she has no filter. Your love life is your own business, until she finds out. Then it’s public information. And endless questioning. I can see it now: What’s it feel like? What do you use? What goes where? Is it better than a boy? And so on.”

Gemma groaned again, knowing Cass was right. She’d have to talk to Frankie and warn her.

“Well, I’ve had an eventful day. Too eventful. I’m heading straight to the hot tub to relax,” Cass said as they got to the house.

Cass changed into a bikini since she didn’t care if Jaden saw her scar, and Wanda already had, and headed to the hot tub.

Cass got in, giving Jaden a good look at the long scar that marred her hip, before sitting.

She didn’t think Jaden was going to comment, when she said, “You know, it’s not that bad. You’ve got a great body and that scar doesn’t take away from it. And that’s the guy in me talking. A guy would be a fool to ignore that yummy body and perfect boobs, for a scar like that.”

Cass had to laugh. That was the first really male thing Jaden had ever said to her.

“In fact, seeing you in that bikini is kind of turning me on a bit.”

Cass laughed again and took Jaden’s hand. “Thank you. After today, I needed that.”

Jaden smiled. “It’s true. Although I’m not hitting on you. You need to take a good look in the mirror and stop being so critical of the little flaws. Look at the bigger picture. Then you’ll see why I said that. And why Robbie’s in love with you.”

“Robbie’s not in love with me,” Cass said.

“Truly and hopelessly,” Jaden said. “And since you think I’m lying to you,” Jaden said pulling her hand under the water.

Cass’s eyebrows furrowed, then realized what Jaden had done. She pulled her hand back as Jaden laughed now.

“That’ll teach you to question what I say, won’t it?”

Cass said nothing, blushing.

“Some things are biological truths, my sweet Cassidy, and cannot be denied. That you’re not only pretty, but also sexy is one of them. Don’t deny yourself enjoyment of life by thinking otherwise. Me? I’m a little too feminine to be a good-looking man, and a little too masculine to be a good-looking woman. But neither will stop me from loving myself and trying. I have to accept the hand I was delt.

“Look at Myra. She’s been delt a very odd hand, but that didn’t stop her. She found the perfect person to overlook her flaws, and will one day love her for what’s inside, not outside. I know how kind Alex is and know he’s not doing it to get into her pants. They like each other because inside they are so similar. The outside stuff doesn’t matter to either of them. So, if you and Robbie are that true match, you won’t care about that scar, and neither will he. He’s already rubbed your cheek in affection, and not regret. If he feels regret, it’s because you feel so negative about it. Ask him if your scar bothers him. I’ll bet you $100 he tells you in one way or another he doesn’t care or finds it sexy.”

Before Cass could respond, Wanda ventured outside and headed to them.

“Hey,” Cass said.

“Hello,” Wanda replied. “Myra showed me the email today from Lyle. I was able to show her a few tricks I knew, and I think she made a little more headway in pinning down a location. Or at least closer than before. It’s still pretty vague and seems to be in a pretty remote place. Google Earth shows it as a building in the middle of a field in South Carolina. But the building can’t be your Facility. It’s like the size of a barn. And not a big one at that.”

“Thanks,” Cass said.

“I talked to Wanda and Alex today,” Jaden said. “And both liked the idea of living next door. So I talked to your mom. She said it would be good for all of us. So, then I talked to my dad and explained what I had in mind. He wasn’t thrilled by the location exactly, but when I told him about the neighbors and he looked at the price, he bought the land for me as a graduation present. I’ll use my money to build the house, but technically, the land is mine.

“So, meet your new neighbors.”

“Yay,” Cass said. “I told Gemma everything today too. So, you know about her, and she knows about you now. She thinks it’s a good idea too.”

They spent a little more time talking before Cass went upstairs to shower and change, before starting to study before dinner.

Myra came up to get her for dinner, sitting in her lap, putting her arms around Cass’s neck.

“How did it go today?” she asked.

Cass told her, giving her the short version. “We’ll see how it plays out over the next few days and weeks. But you try to focus on you. I don’t want you worrying or having nightmares. You saw the video and I can’t take that back, no matter how much I wish I could. I know the internet has all kinds of sick things that are just as bad or worse, but you’re too young to see that kind of thing.”

“But, not too young to have it happen to me,” Myra countered.

Cass had nothing to say to that. She was one hundred percent correct.

She hugged Myra. “I know I’m not your mom, or sister even, and I can’t protect you from the world or the bad things in it. But don’t hate me because I try.”

“Cass, I don’t hate you at all. I know you can’t protect me from all the bad, but I love you for trying. You cared about me when no one else did. You’re more family to me than my real family.”

Cass kissed her, then stood up, picking up Myra as she stood. She set the girl down and said, “Let’s go before they start to riot. And tonight, I’ve got a surprise for you.”

Myra knew better than to ask, so they went to dinner.

Before bed, Myra came to Cass’s room. “So?”

“So, what?” Cass replied, hiding her grin.

“Cass…” Myra said, stomping her foot.

“Fine. You sleeping here, or in your room tonight?”

“My room,” Myra said, looking down some.

“Hmm, if I find out Alex is visiting you at night, I am forcing you two to get married and you’ll be taking a pregnancy test.”

“Not funny Cass,” Myra said.

“Do I look like I’m joking? We don’t need a clutch of little alligators here.”

Myra pouted. “I don’t lay eggs. Now stop it. Nothing is going to happen, and if it does, I’ll tell you before.”

“And if it just happens?”

“It won’t. I don’t have any protection and I’m not getting knocked up at fourteen,” Myra insisted.

Cass rummaged in her desk for a second and tossed Myra a condom. “I’m not giving you permission, but would rather you be protected if it does happen. And if it does, you’ll tell me after. No details please. Just so I get mom to get you setup with protection. I’m actually surprised she hasn’t already. I was on the pill at your age, even though I still haven’t had sex.”

Myra looked down again. “Um, since Alex has been here, she’s made me an appointment for next week.”

Cass laughed. “The joys of growing up. Then you can see that we both see the possibility of it happening, even if you don’t. Hormones get the best of you and things happen you didn’t intend. Anyway, I wanted you to know that Jaden bought the property next door and will be building a house there. For her and possibly Wanda and Alex. At a minimum, a place for them to stay while they are here.”

“So, that’s what Alex wouldn’t tell me,” she said.

“I asked them not to tell you. I wanted to surprise you. So, surprise.”

Myra came over and hugged Cass, kissing her before leaving.

Cass studied a little while longer before calling it a night.

----------

The next morning was a typical Saturday morning where everyone slept in, getting up in time for Gwynne’s brunch before starting to gear up for the prom. Showers were starting around two.

Cass arranged Myra’s hair in an intricate updo with curls of hair hanging on each side of her face. Cass went to take her own shower as Jaden helped Myra apply her make-up, while she sat in her room in her bra, panties, and garter belt.

Since Jaden bought it for her, Cass wasn’t really bothered that Myra sat there in front of her.

Alex sat in her room, listening to them chatter, almost forgetting he was blind and sending him out of the room.

She took her own shower, also wearing the new underwear Jaden had bought. Braiding her hair in a mass of braids and hanging hair that would have made the dragon queen from Game of Thrones proud.

She put on a little make-up but was going to wait until she put on her dress to finish it.

Scantily clad, she went to check on Myra. She had on her dress and was mostly ready to go, save for last minute make-up.

Jaden had done a wonderful job all around, from dress to make-up. It almost made Cass cry.

Myra was still tiny but looked so grown up.

She went back and grabbed her phone, taking tons of pictures.

Jaden left to get ready, and Alex asked Cass to describe Myra to him. She did her best to give him as much detail as she could, telling him how much she wished he could see how beautiful she was.

He smiled and said, “So do I. No matter how good my imagination is, I don’t think it would ever reflect her true beauty.”

Cass hugged and kissed him, cursing a bit as he had made her cry, probably messing up her make-up.

“I might just make you two marry for no reason at all,” she said to him, watching the surprise on his face. “Your sister just might agree with me.”

“Cass, stop it,” Myra said.

“What?” Cass asked innocently. “It’s a good thing I approve of him, right?”

“Go get ready,” Myra said. “You cried. And call your dragons, you might need them.”

Cass smiled at her and made them stand together for a picture before she left. She went back to her room where Jaden had just come out of her bathroom wearing a nice bra and boy shorts.

“Sit down,” Cass said. “Since you’re going in girl clothes, you need your hair looking girly too.”

Since Jaden’s hair hung to her shoulders, it was too short to do anything intricate with, but too long for simple chic.

Cassidy went for modern glam, using bobby pins that were hidden, and jeweled to sculpt her hair into something runway worthy.

“Good thing I get bored and watch those fashion shows, isn’t it?” Cass teased.

Jaden got up and put her dress on while Cass did the same.

“Wow,” Cass said seeing what Jaden had picked out.

“Don’t be too impressed. It was designed for me. My dad insisted. He got me both this and a tux, both designed to hide what I didn’t want to show, depending on the clothes.”

It was a red sequined dress, that had a neckline that showed off her cleavage, and a low back that showed two-thirds of her back. The dress went down to mid-calf and was slit to the knee. It wasn’t really slinky tight, so it flowed with her body, accenting what it should, hiding what it needed to.

Cass’s dress fit perfectly, as if it too had been made for her.

Jaden went to Myra’s bedroom to finish her make-up and Cass did hers in her room.

Gemma used the upstairs bathroom to get ready in and they all migrated down as time drew closer.

Frankie arrived and Cass took pictures of everyone together. Frankie looked stunning in her dress. It was a long black sequined dress that fit her snugly, showing off her lithe, fit body. The dress went to her ankles but was slit to her muscled thigh.

They left and Jaden, Cassidy, and Myra got in Jaden’s VW bus and followed.

Jessie, Mike, and Robbie were all waiting when the girls got there. Robbie had bought corsages for Cassidy, Myra, and Jaden putting them on their wrists.

Gemma and Frankie joined them, and they all took pictures of everyone to share. After the pictures, they went inside.

It was darker inside with lights setup and a band playing. Music was playing and they all went to the dance floor. Cass wasn’t that good at dancing, but Robbie pulled her up to the dance floor and she let him.

Myra danced with Jaden and anyone who wanted to. She wasn’t quite graceful but made up for it with enthusiasm.

After several songs, they took a break and Cass and Robbie went to get drinks. The group watched them walk away.

At the drink table, they saw Beryl and her group approach Cass. The group stopped a way back and Beryl came up to Cass alone.

Robbie took several drinks and excused himself, going back to join the group. Frankie, Robbie, Jessie, and Mike weren’t in on what had happened to Beryl, and Jessie wasn’t on the video, thanks possibly in part to his preferences.

Gemma said, “I think I’ve seen this movie. One of Stephen King’s stories. If blood gets dumped on Cassidy, run. It won’t be pretty.”

Only those who knew Cass’s powers knew the Carrie reference.

Beryl walked up to Cass. “You look stunning.”

“So do you. It seems you’re getting around better too. I’m sorry about that,” Cass said to her.

“My knee is still wrapped. The dress is just long enough to hide it. But it’s getting better. It was just a strain. Anyways, I just want to tell you… I told my parents what happened. They are mad, but only that I waited so long to say something. I told them a friend convinced me to speak up and not be afraid, even though I’ll be embarrassed to no end. I didn’t do anything wrong, and I’ll get over the humiliation. If I didn’t say anything, I probably would have ended up doing something bad to myself.

“My parents said to thank you for them, since I wouldn’t tell them who you were. That way you wouldn’t have to be involved.”

“Beryl, I’ll be as involved as you want me to be. We all will. As long as it stops, and they pay for what they did.”

“Okay. Thank you. I never did tell you I was sorry for being such as bitch.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Cass said, giving her a hug.

“We’re going to the police station tomorrow. Send me a copy of the video, will you please?”

“Sure. And you can tell the police I’ll tell them as much as I know. I’m on your side.”

“Thank you again,” Beryl said before going back to her own group.

Cass picked up several drinks and walked back to where her friends were waiting.

“What was that about?” Robbie asked.

“She thanked me and told me that she’s going to keep an appointment downtown tomorrow. So come tomorrow, a few people will be held accountable for their actions.”

Those who knew what happened understood, and those who didn’t look confused.

“It will all come out. Tonight isn’t the night. I’ll tell everyone tomorrow if they really can’t wait until it’s public. Now, let’s enjoy.”

They went back to the dance floor to dance. An hour later, Cass spotted the guy who had given Beryl the spiked drink hand another girl a drink and began walking her to the door.

Cass said, “I’ll be right back,” to Robbie. “Potty,” she added when he looked like he was going to follow.

She took off after the two, catching up as the boy was putting the now nearly unconscious girl into his passenger seat.

He went around to the drivers’ side and Cass stopped him. “David, right?”

“Huh? Who are you? It doesn’t matter. I have to go. My date is, uh, not feeling well.”

He opened his car door and Cass slammed it on him when he tried to get in.

She had her hands against it but used her power to push it enough to hurt.

“What the hell, psycho! Let me go,” he said.

“Tell you what. I’m going to push until you pop like a grape if you don’t tell me where you get the date rape drugs. Tell me and I’ll let you go.”

“You’re crazy,” he said, and she pushed harder.

He groaned.

“Spill.”

“Not a chance.”

She pushed harder and heard a snap and David screamed, but only for a second before she cut off his air supply.

There were several bones caught in the door and she didn’t know what broke.

He was turning blue, so she let him breathe.

He was so busy gasping for air, he forgot about the pain.

“So, where do I find the source?” she asked again.

“They’ll kill me,” he panted.

“Don’t you realize that I’ll kill you? Which is more pressing? Them later, or me now? One more chance before I break more bones.”

He hesitated, so Cass pushed harder and something else popped. David cried out, but it wasn’t too loud, so Cass let him.

“I have over 200 more options to break, so we can go all night as far as I’m concerned.”

The guy started babbling, but it was of the ‘please don’t hurt me’ variety.

Cass was losing patience. She grabbed the pinky on the hand that was outside the car door and yanked sideways.

The bone snapped, leaving the finger at and unnatural angle.

He howled in pain, and she cut off his air supply again. Darth Vader would be proud.

She let up and said, “The other three are next. All at once. Then your thumb. If you don’t spill, it’ll be your wrist after. If still nothing, I’ll move up your forearm, then your elbow, your upper arm, then your shoulder. After that, your neck and I’ll get answers elsewhere. Just to show you I’m serious and can do what I’m telling you, I’ll give you a demonstration.”

She held her left hand out, like she was going to lace her fingers through his right that was inside the car door.

His eyes widened as he felt the pressure of phantom fingers in-between his.

She pushed back, bending the fingers of his hand back steadily.

He tried moving his wrist to take some of the pressure off, but she stopped him. Not wanting to prolong it, she bent all four fingers back until they snapped, stopping him from screaming, but letting him breathe through his nose.

David was panting, trying hard not to pass out, not knowing what she would do if that happened.

Crying and whining, he finally gave her an address where she could find the person who sold him the drugs.

Letting up on the door, he collapsed to the ground with five broken fingers and most likely, two broken ribs.

Cass opened the car door and stood over him. She compressed the air around her fist, making it solid, and punched him over and over in the head until he lost consciousness.

Searching him, she found and took his phone, called 9-1-1 and reported two people in a car who were unconscious. Possible drug overdose. Then gave the location and described the car before hanging up.

She took the phone to see if it had more evidence on it. It could always be found if there was. Cass made sure the girl was breathing and alive, and then went back inside like nothing had happened.

She put the address into a note when she got back inside, then went back to the group.

“What took you so long?” Robbie asked.

“Long line.”

Myra took her hand and hauled her off. “What’s wrong?” Cass asked her.

“What did you do?”

“What do you mean?”

“I can… smell it on you. Sweat. I don’t know, adrenaline. Fear. Anger. Something. Not quite like that day in the sewer, but close. Are they here?”

Cass hugged her. “No, sweet pea. I found the guy who drugged Beryl. I made him tell me where he got the drugs from. That’s all. Everything is fine, and not only did I break a few bones, but he drugged another girl and will hopefully go to jail for it.

“So right now, everything is good. Relax and have a good time. I’m sorry I worried you. I didn’t know about your ability to… smell like that. Should I ask what else you can tell?”

“If you’re referring to Gemma, yes. That’s obvious, maybe even without it,” she said, grinning.

“Has the questioning started yet? She’s gonna love that,” Cass told her.

“Not yet, but I’ll think of stuff.”

“I bet you will. Now let’s go back before Robbie freaks.”

They rejoined the group and Robbie asked, “What was that about?”

“Girl stuff,” Cass said, shrugging it off.

Music played and they all danced until time for the prom announcements. The King was announced first, and it was no surprise when Jessie’s name was called.

He thanked everyone and said they were going to kick the rival team’s butt, and everyone cheered.

Next up was Queen.

Gemma, standing next to Jaden, said, “This is where Cass gets elected Queen and gets blood dumped on her and people start screaming and dying.”

Jaden put her hand on Gemma’s arm. “Cass wouldn’t take her anger out on innocent people.

They didn’t have to worry because Beryl was announced as Queen. She made her way to the mic, standing beside Jessie.

“I want to thank everyone for voting for me. These last few months have been hard for me, and I want to apologize to those people who have suffered because of it. You know who you are. I also want you to know that starting tomorrow, I have vowed to make a change and I will be a different person. I’m sure that people will judge me, and some will see me in a different light, but those who are my true friends will be by my side no matter what, so I want to thank those people right now.

“For all of us, especially myself, the road ahead will be hard, but with strength and good friends to support us, we will make it. I know we will.

“I want to wish the football team good luck, because they will need it.”

There were mixed cheers and boos for Beryl’s speech. The crowd wasn’t aware that they lost one player tonight and would lose another five in the coming days.

That over, the dance resumed, and all the kids had fun.

The ambulance and police cars in the parking lot went mostly unnoticed.

David went to the hospital for his broken bones and possible drugs as he went ranting about the girl who did this to him without actually touching him.

This was via the lock-up wing of course.

The girl was treated in the ER for a high dose of date rape drug, which David would later be charged with, once the toxicology report came in.

The festivities wrapped up and Gemma left with Frankie first, then Jessie and Mike.

Myra wanted to stay until the end and the others had no objection. The music stopped and people were slowly leaving, so Cass decided to call it a night.

Cass walked hand-in-hand with Robbie, followed closely by Myra and Jaden.

Jaden unlocked the doors and Robbie kissed Cass before getting in the back. Myra hugged Cass, thanking her for making the night happen. She had a great time, even if Alex wasn’t there.

Cass reminded her that if Alex was here, they would be able to attend his together. If she behaved, maybe even if he wasn’t here, she could go with him.

This got Myra excited as she hadn’t thought about that.

She got into the passenger seat, leaving Cass with Robbie.

Cass got in the back, closing the door, and rested on Robbie, putting her hand on his chest. “That was fun,” she said.

“Yeah. Even more so that I got to go with you,” he said, resting his head on hers.

Jaden started back to Cass’s house. They drove though the city and the land overtook the city. They were about fifteen minutes from home when bright lights appeared on their right.

Cass looked out the window, using her hand to block the glare when the world seemed to tumble, and everything went dark.

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