Chapter 3 - Alexander

It's really fun to annoy Cassandra. She gets irritated quickly and it's cute to see her nose scrunched up when she's annoyed. I usually poke fun of her when I'm bored.

Well, I guess I'm just bored. I was supposed to meet some friends tonight to attend a party. Just enjoy the night with drinks and girls. Yeah, that would be very amazing. And I know Amanda will be there. I've been seeing her for a few days now. I know she would definitely enjoy a night of fun with me. It would have been a very interesting night but instead, I'm stuck in this boring family dinner.

I know they're trying to maintain this tradition for decades. But come on my sister hasn't been attending this dinner for months now so why can't I do the same? Well technically she is in Italy but still, I have my life too.

For sure we'll only talk about business and the stock market. I can't even bring any of my "girl" friends because they might get the wrong idea. Women usually assume that if you bring them to a family dinner, you're really to be serious with them or worst they'll think you're going to marry them. Well, I'm not ready for that kind of commitment yet. I'm still 22 and I quite enjoy my bachelorhood. Besides, I'm busy with all those gruesome training in our company. I'll be taking over the company in a few years and I need to be focused.

Speaking of focus, I think there's something different with Cassy tonight and I can't pinpoint what it is.

Hmmm...Oh God, hopefully, it's not another prank. I'm still not over from that last prank she did on me. That woman is a psycho. Never be fooled by her sweet and innocent look. The last time I fell for it I got two broken fingers. Huh...I got chills thinking about it. I already feel pity for his future boyfriend if ever she'll have one.

"Uhmm...Hi Alexander. May I speak with you after dinner? Privately please?" There's definitely something wrong. She has that sweet innocent look again.

"Why?" I always make sure my guard is up with this woman.

"Oh, I just have a favor to ask. Let's talk about it after dinner okay?" She's cooking something. Ugh, I can't even say no to her. If I refuse her for sure I'll get an earful from my mother the whole night.

"Let's go Alexander the food is waiting." She links her arm on mine and drags me towards their dining area.

While walking I kept on thinking if there's anything I've missed. A while ago she was giving me those dirty looks but now, she's all googly eyes. And she's calling me by my first name, not the girly name she likes to taunt me.

I placed her on her chair opposite mine. As I sit down I look up and saw her smiling sweetly at me. I gave her a strange look but she just keeps on smiling. I'm getting uncomfortable and scared of her actions. Somethings definitely going to happen.

Looking at her cautiously, I know something's up with this chit. I just need to know what that something is. Physically she looks kind of different, in a good way actually. Her dress is a little revealing showing too much of her shoulder and chest though I can't see any cleavage. Baby boobs. Hehe...But her legs are actually quite nice to look at. Wait. Hold up. Alexander, this is Cassandra we're talking about there's nothing nice with this woman. And you have to focus, make sure you know what her plan is before this dinner ends.

We just finished our dinner and we're all back in the drawing-room for drinks. Unfortunately, I'm still in the dark with her plan and I'm starting to get worried. I noticed she's been trying to look at me discretely, tried but obviously, it didn't work because I still notice.

Ahah...I can just escape and go home early. Should I tell my parents that I have an important work that I left in the office? My Dad is a workaholic so he would agree immediately.

I look at my father and was about to tell him my excuse when Henry stands and informs us that he and Dad will be in his office for a private talk. "Lauren honey, we'll just be in the office for a while."

Now, this is my chance to get away. "Do you want me to join Henry?" I was desperately praying that they would say yes.

"No Alexander, it's fine this will be quick." My Dad just ruined my best escape.

Sitting back, I caught a glimpse of Cassandra staring at me. Why is she looking like that now? She looks nervous and distracted. Shit, please no more prank Cassy. My mind is already begging her.

Both of us are getting uncomfortable and our mothers are too busy to notice the tension between us. I don't even know why I'm nervous.

"Alexander" A small voice reached my ears. Why is she whispering? I turned to Cassy and gave her a bewildered look.

"Hi," she said while giving me a shy smile.

Hmm...weird... I just look at her blankly.

"So, uhm can we speak in private?" Still whispering. Now she's fidgeting with her hair. She looks sick now.

Hmm...probably it's not a prank. Maybe she actually wants to ask a favor or help maybe.

"Would you like to step outside? You look like you need fresh air, Cassy."

"That would be nice. Sure, let's go?" Huh, weird she didn't even react when I called her Cassy.

"Mom, I'll accompany Cassandra outside. I think she needs to have a walk in the garden."

"Why? What's wrong dear? Are you okay?" My mom looks really concerned. So, I'm not the only one who noticed that she looks sick.

"I'm okay. I just feel stuffy here." She said while looking at my mom.

"Are you sure honey? If you want, we can call it a night so you can rest early." Her mom's suggestion is actually good.

NO!!! I mean its fine thank you. I just need to move around the garden. I'll be better in a few minutes." Huh, I wonder why she doesn't look like herself tonight.

"Okay dear, but if you're not getting any better you can go directly to your room to rest okay."

"Uhm yes, mom."

Before we went to the garden area, I brought some drinks, scotch for me, and coke for her. We were walking for a few minutes in the garden now but no one is still talking. Well, I'm just waiting for her to initiate the conversation since she's the one who requested to talk to me. Besides I like the silence of the place, it feels too peaceful to disturb. And even though we're not talking it doesn't feel uncomfortable. Probably because I'm used to Cassy following me around when we were young.

I remember when I had a huge fight with my dad, I was 18 at that time. We didn't agree on what course I would take in college. He wanted me to study Business while I wanted to be an Architect. Since I'm a very hard-headed person I didn't concede and my father is as stubborn as a bull too so we didn't talk for days and because I don't like the atmosphere at home, I ask Henry if I could stay here for a bit. He really is a great guy and told me to stay however long I want. So, I stayed here for almost a month and those times Cassy would follow me everywhere. One time I brought a friend over and we were making out in this exact garden. We were so into each other that I didn't see Cassy standing in front of us with her hands on her waist. She looked at us like we were sinners that need to be thrown to hell. When she noticed me staring at her she ran inside the house and started shouting that I'm molesting a girl in the garden. God, she was so innocent. That was the last time I brought a girl over. I didn't want to risk being caught by a 13-year-old girl again.

Looking at her now I notice that she's no longer that little girl who kept on following me around. She's all grown up now. Under the moonlight her face looks like an angel, she's practically glowing. She has the look of innocence but when you look closely, she has that mischievous aura. Why I didn't see that before is beyond me. Cassandra is gorgeous and I know she will be more stunning when she reaches adulthood.