September 14th, Friday - Casey Silpetti
Friday passes pretty quickly. The teachers have pretty much realized that not much is going to happen in class – other than Ms. Beaupre who busts out a pop quiz – and let the students do whatever as long as they don’t get out of hand. Casey spends most of her class time reading the manuals for her new gear on her computer. She also makes sure to print out more of the generic model and location releases that she uses and puts them in a folder in her camera bag.
Everyone is talking about the dance tonight, and the game Wednesday. School spirits are high, and everyone gets caught up in the wave. Harmony has permission to miss her classes in order to finish setting up for the dance, and is absent at lunch too. But she promised to drive back to school to pick Casey and Cadence up so they could get ready together at Harmony’s.
Aiden and Jake are supposed to pick them up at Harmony’s in the limo around 6. Everyone is leaving at least an hour early from school, so they should have plenty of time to get ready. The plan is to pick them up first, and then head over to the Carlin-Kane’s to pick up Bianca and Veronica. Secret Service want to check out the limo and all, so they’re planning on taking some pictures in the house while that goes on, and then everyone head over to Lover’s Walk, where the dance will be held.
Just as promised, Harmony swings into the parking lot just as Casey gets out there. She climbs in, and before she even shuts the door Harmony pulls off to head around back to Cadence’s apartment. They pull up next to her mom’s mustang, and Harmony hits the horn.
The door opens and Cadence steps out, her dress in a bag across her arm and a small bag over her shoulder. Her mother steps out a moment after, and quietly talks to her. Cadence listens, shakes her head, and turns to walk over towards the car. Her mother just stands in the door, coolly watching Harmony and Casey as Cadence gets in and they pull off, Harmony jauntily waving bye at Ms. Connor as they go.
It doesn’t take them long to make it to Harmony’s house, which she has totally prepared for the event. She takes to things like a general giving an army marching orders. “Ok, towels are in the bathrooms, along with robes. Connor, you can use the downstairs one, Case, use ours. I’ll use my parent’s. Now hurry up girls, and remember: tonight, we take no prisoners!”
Casey laughs at Harmony’s over-the-top drama, and heads to their shared bathroom to get cleaned up. They all meet up in the shared bathroom, which is the largest, to go over each other’s makeup and hair.
Cadence picked out a simple black, ankle-length Empire dress with a black velvet bow around the waist. A simple silver chain and bangle are the only jewelry she wears, and strappy black flats complete her outfit. She keeps her makeup simple and understated, and smiles more than Casey has seen since she met the girl. She seems a fair bit nervous as well, but hides it well.
They all come downstairs to the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ of Harmony’s dad and step-monster, Casey leaving her camera behind for once. A honk outside announces the arrival of the limo, and Harmony’s dad opens the door for the guys. Jake and Ryan walk in, both dressed to the nines. Aiden sprung for a full tux, Jake a top notch formal suit.
Aiden hands Casey some flowers, and sweeps her into his arms to kiss her. He smells good: the woody, oriental fragrance of Obsession for Men that he likes so much. Casey pushes him away playfully, “Stop! Stop, or you’ll be wearing my makeup. It took way too long to put this on for you to mess it up this early.” She grins up at him, and he waggles his eyebrows at her. He whispers into her ear, “Case, you’re so beautiful I might just have to ravage you before we even get there.” She play hits him, but blushes at the same time.
“Alright, alright! We’re behind schedule. Everyone into the limo pronto, we have to pick up the Kane’s. Let’s go Dennison, you can ravage her later!” Harmony starts pushing everyone out the door, smiling the whole way and handing the flowers to her step-mom to put in water.
Everyone piles into a stretch limo even bigger than Mr. Mors’. Everyone is laughing and joking the entire way up to the Carlin-Kane’s house, enjoying themselves immensely. Even Cadence joins in with the spirited fun. By the time they pull up to the house, it’s already been one of the best nights Casey can remember.
The driver opens the door, and they file out and head for the door. Casey notices the mayor’s bodyguard standing off to the side - the first one, not the vampire. The Secret Service are also there, and they start going over the limo as Fetch welcomes them and opens the door for them.
Jake has never been here before, and looks around in awe at the luxurious decor. Bianca walks in wearing a slinky greenish dress that must have cost a fortune. It’s slit up the side almost all the way up to her hip. She cut her hair short, and is wearing a choker and bracelet that are absolutely beautiful. She’s obviously going all out to impress tonight, and is pulling it off quite well. Casey wonders who she’s dressed up for, as far as she remembers Bianca hasn’t been seen dating anyone since last school year.
Aiden and Jake both do a comical double-take, and Bianca laughs when she notices their reaction. She walks over and Harmony walks up and hugs her, and they start joking about the looks of the two guys. They’re so wrapped up talking; they don’t notice Veronica walk into the room. But Casey is standing off to the side next to Cadence, and hears the soft gasp that marks her entrance.
Both of them turn to the younger girl, who walks in demurely. She’s wearing a silk, cobalt blue cheongsam that’s fitted to her exquisitely. It has a subtle pattern of silver stars that run up the dress, and the slit in the side shows the pale expanse of her leg. Her hair is pulled back into a bun, exposing the delicate lines of her neck and cheek. A hint of makeup and simple diamond stud earrings complete her.
Cadence takes a step forward, and says quietly “Wow tiger, you look gorgeous!”
Veronica smiles - blushing slightly - and brushes a strand of hair back over her ear. “Thank you, so do you!”
Everyone else finally notices she walked in, and Aiden wolf-whistles over at her, Harmony calling out “Daaaamnnn mini-Kane, lookin’ good!”
The room echoes with soft chuckles, but the mirth is interrupted by two guys walking into the room. Casey immediately recognizes both of them as fellow students at Blake Holsey.
Chris Ward walks up to Bianca and puts his arm around her waist, smiling and shaking hands with everyone. Casey knows him well, better than most in fact (random roll to see if she knows him: 00). She had a class with him last year that required them to hang out and do a lot of projects, and they found a set of common threads that led to a good friendship. Chris doesn’t have the best of a home life either, even though it wasn’t as bad as Casey’s. But they bonded over their problems, and Chris entrusted her with his deepest secret, something he had never shared with anyone else. He is gay, and if his parents found out they would disown him in a second.
He obviously didn’t expect to see Casey here, and when he gets to her he smiles and hugs her, but his eyes are begging that she not ask questions. “Hey Case, how’ve you been? Survived the first few weeks back at school, I see.”
“I did. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks though. It’s great to see you! We definitely need to catch up.” Casey conveys with her eyes that she won’t say anything.
He steps back and puts his arm around Bianca again, who just leans back against him. But her body language is forced, and her eyes keep looking out the window.
The second guy Casey also knows (random roll: 20) well too, he was a mathlete last year. Tom Spungen is a Jr. this year. A quiet, intense boy, who is always high on the grade curve. A little arrogant and distant perhaps, but Casey’s never had any problems with him before. He stands next to a beaming Veronica, and shakes everyone’s hand quietly as she introduces him as her date. His carefully tailored suit is cut in a mandarin style, and matches Veronica’s dress.
Casey looks over at Cadence and sees a flicker of something cross her eyes, but she hides it quickly and puts on a beatific smile as she shakes his hand. Casey puts her hand comfortingly on Cadence’s shoulder as Bianca invites everyone into the main room so that they can take pictures on the stairs.
Aiden hugs Casey from behind as everyone starts to file out. “I was going to tell you about Tom, but wanted it to be a surprise. I remembered Faust saying something about getting her a boyfriend, and I knew he had a thing for her. Well, when I talked to Bianca about the limo and all I mentioned him, and it seems Veronica had mentioned his name before. I figured since you want to keep her safe and make her happy, it’d be a nice surprise for you.”
Casey turns around in his arms as everyone disappears into the other room. “Thanks. She looks really happy tonight…” She drops her voice to a whisper, “But now Cadence doesn’t. I think she really likes Roni…like really likes her. Oh, and I almost forgot, you have to dance with Cadence a few times tonight. See if you can get the other guys to ask her too.” Aiden starts to say something but they’re being called to the other room, so he grabs her hand and leads her in there instead. Once in the room, he glances over at Cadence a few times.
Plenty of pictures are taken, a smiling Sandy getting in on taking some of them himself. A few group shots, each of the couples by themselves, and a few shots of all the guys together and all the girls together. Cadence tries to wave off taking any pictures by herself, but she finally relents and lets them be taken.
Fetch walks in and announces that the limo is cleared, and everyone floods out to get in. Fetch holds the door open for everyone, and gets in the front with the driver. A black SUV with four police officers in tactical gear pull in behind them, and the mayor’s man drives a black BMW in front of them.
They join up with a procession of other limos and cars all headed the same way, and the joking and talking continues in the cab the entire way out to the distant Lover’s Walk. Eventually they pull up, and everyone piles out and heads inside.
The place is as beautiful as Casey remembers it. A large plantation home later changed into a restaurant and social hall, the very walls echo with history. The very cream of the crop eats here, their daughters debut here, and when grown marry here.
Harmony and the social team did a number. The decorations are tasteful, the location gorgeous. A polite doorman in a tuxedo checks their coats and tickets, and directs them to the line to enter. Walking into the dim hall, they all step off to the side to let the music wash over them and let their eyes adapt. Casey grabs Harmony’s arm and pulls her over. “This looks great Harm! You guys did an awesome job!” Harmony actually blushes a little, and in an uncharacteristically quiet voice thanks Casey, giving her a big hug before grabbing Jake’s arm and commandeering their little group again, finding them a table they all fit at for dinner. Everyone sits down, leaving the empty chair between Chris and Tom, Casey and Veronica flanking Cadence. The fun atmosphere from the limo ride slowly creeps back in and it doesn’t take long before they’re all laughing and chatting up a storm, various people getting up to visit with other friends as they come into the room, but always returning to their table.
Eventually the majority of tables are filled with extremely well-dressed high-schoolers, chatting and laughing as drinks and salads are served.
The main course is their choice of vegetarian lasagna, beef wellington, or chicken cordon bleu. As the main course is served, ballots are passed out for Kick-Off King and Queen. May gets on stage and makes an announcement, welcoming everyone to the Kick-Off Formal and saying she hopes everyone is already having a good time. She tells everyone to write down their votes for King and Queen and place their ballots in the small basket near the center of each table. They’ll be picked up when dessert is served. Everyone at their table talks about who they want to vote for. They all decide to vote for Harmony and Jake and fill out their ballots before eating their main dishes.
Casey finishes and excuses herself to go to the restroom. Harmony and Bianca come with her. They each use the bathroom, then touch up their make-up; Harmony and Bianca reapplying almost everything; Casey dotting her nose and forehead with a little powder and swiping on some fresh lipstick and gloss. She obviously finishes first and asks Bianca, “So how did you and Chris hook up? He’s a great guy, but I didn’t really think he was your type. I mean, you just never went out with guys like him before I didn’t think…” Casey trails off.
Bianca looks over at Casey with a shrewd look, like she knows what Casey is hinting at. She looks over at Harmony, and then back to Casey, leaning in conspiratorially. “You’re right; we’re not each other’s type. But we’re not who each other is going to end up with tonight, either. If anyone is looking for me, text me.” She winks at the two of them, smiling like a cat who caught the canary. “Ta girls!”
They all head back out to the table to find that dessert has been served. There are a variety of cheesecake slices on the table in front of various people, and in various states of being eaten. “I got you the white chocolate raspberry Case,” Aiden says as she sits down. “But if you don’t like that kind we can swap, mine is Oreo.”
Casey takes a bite of her slice, “Mmmmm…this is perfect. Want a taste?”
Aiden gets that lecherous look in his eyes again, “Yup.” Casey gets a forkful and holds it out to him. He takes the fork and feeds the bite to Casey. She looks confused until he leans forward to kiss her. She blushes and starts to turn away, but he holds her chin until his lips touch hers, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. “You’re right…mmmmmm.” Casey blushes beet red as she turns back to the table. Everyone chats some more, finishing their dessert.
As the noise level in the room rises, May takes the stage again. “I hope everyone enjoyed their dinner. It’s almost time to start the dance, but first I’ll be announcing the Kick-Off King, who will then crown the Queen. They will start with a spotlight dance, and then everyone may join in. Thank you to everyone on the committee who helped put this night together, it truly is a night to remember. And now, the Kick-Off King…” She opens an envelope and reads off the name…
“Aiden Dennison!”
Everyone at the table turns to look at Aiden, who has a singularly disgusted look on his face. He looks at Casey, his eyes offering an apology even as Jake is slapping his back in congratulations.
He stands and walks up to the stage almost as though he’s walking up to a firing line. May places a crown on his head and hands him the envelope with the Queen’s name in it along with the Queen’s crown, and pushes him towards the microphone. He leans over, “Errr… thanks… everyone who voted for me… I guess.”
May motions at him to open the envelope, and he starts to. “And the Kick-Off Queen is…” his face goes white, then a little green. Very low, he says, “May Weathers.”
May’s minions cheer loudly, May herself trying to look astonished and surprised as she steps in front of Aiden, waiting for him to put her crown on her head. Harmony sputters something not-so-under-her-breath that would give her dad a heart attack if he heard it. Casey feels her face get warm, and feels the twist of anger and pain in her stomach.
May pulls Aiden out onto the dance floor even as he looks plaintativly out into the crowd, but with the spotlight on them there’s no way he’d be able to see Casey. Flashes light up the room as pictures are taken, and the music starts to play.
Cadence puts her hand over Casey’s, and leans over to her. “I can kick her ass…”
Casey just twitches her head ‘no,’ not really wanting to trust her voice yet.
Eventually other couples make their way onto the dance floor. Harmony gives Casey a look, and Casey nods. Harmony and Jake walk out there, and Veronica and Tom follow. Bianca and Chris haven’t been seen for a while, and it’s just Casey and Cadence sitting in silence. Casey is a bit shell shocked, and Cadence goes to the restroom and to get them both some punch. She comes back and sets down the two glasses. Casey thanks her and takes a sip, her hand shaking a little as she sets the glass back down. One of the freshman soccer players that came stag comes up and asks Cadence to dance. She looks at Casey, not really wanting to leave her but Casey says, “Go ahead, Cade. Have fun.” Cadence pats Casey’s shoulder before heading onto the dance floor as a new song starts.
May planned her revenge well. While Aiden tries his best to avoid her and spend time with Casey, there’s always some photo opportunity or event or something that May uses to call Aiden over. While they’re together, Aiden can’t stop apologizing or threatening May enough, but Casey finally tells him to ignore her so that they can enjoy the time they do have together.
Aiden makes it back to the table and Casey half-heartedly smiles up at him. He sets his crown on the table and pulls her to her feet, and up against his body. He chucks her under the chin, “Hey, no more sad, shy Casey. I want my fun, exciting girlfriend back. Dance with me.” Casey shakes her head and tries to sit back down, but Aiden won’t let her. He steps out into the small aisle. “We don’t even have to go on the dance floor, see…” He holds her close and they dance slower than the music calls for…until May comes up and interrupts them.
“Aiden, we have to get our royal pictures taken.” She pulls him away from Casey as she ‘accidentally’ steps on Casey’s foot with her heel. “Oops, sorry,” she says without an ounce of remorse. She grabs his crown off the table and tows him over to the picture background that’s set up in one corner. Aiden looks back over his shoulder at Casey as she limps back to her chair.
Casey sits until her foot stops throbbing and then limps to the bathroom to check it out in better light, noting that May’s heel didn’t break the skin, but she has a large bruise on the top of her foot, and it’s a little swollen. Veronica comes in, grinning like the Cheshire Cat and looking like she’s having the time of her life. Casey slides her foot beneath her dress, but not before Roni sees the edge of the bruise, her smile disappearing instantly. “Casey, what happened?”
“Nothing.” Casey stands up, keeping her foot hidden, and proud that she didn’t wince.
Roni steps closer to her. “Casey, let me see your foot.”
“It’s nothing,” Casey says again, taking a step toward the door as Roni stays between her and it, the stubborn look on her face making Casey realize she’s not walking out of there without showing her. Harmony and Cadence both walk in laughing and stop when they see the standoff.
Cadence almost imperceptibly steps in front of Roni, “Hey tiger, what’s going on?” Harmony gives Casey a questioning look.
Casey answers, “Nothing,” at the same time Veronica says, “Something’s wrong with Casey’s foot. She was just going to show me.” Casey looks down, taking another step toward the door.
Harmony stops her with a hand on her shoulder, “Case…” Casey doesn’t look up, just stares at the floor as she lifts her skirt a little to show them her foot.
Harmony leans down, “Case is that…is that a heel mark?” Casey nods and lets her skirt drop back down.
Cadence says softly, “I really can kick her ass…” Harmony adds, “I’ll help!” Veronica just looks shocked, “Why would anyone do that?”
Harmony answers for Casey, “Cuz May’s a bitch! Come on.” Harmony and Cadence start to storm out of the bathroom.
“Wait!” Casey almost shouts. “I’m fine, really. Don’t ruin the dance. Harm, you worked too hard on this. Just…just let it drop. Please.” Her eyes beg them to let it drop. “She’s not worth it.” They all finally agree and walk back out to the table with Casey. They get back into the festive atmosphere, although not as fully as before, one of the girls sitting with Casey whenever Aiden isn’t around. It takes all of the girls to keep Aiden from going after May once he sees the bruise.
Harmony offers the two of them her flask, and after the umpteenth photo call, Aiden takes her up on it. Casey tries a sip and coughs from the harshness of the alcohol, handing the flask back to Harmony and sticking with straight punch for the rest of the night.
Aiden is out on the dance floor with Cadence, when Casey decides to go get refills for her and Harm. Bianca is still missing, and Veronica is enjoying cutting the rug with Tom. Casey makes her way over to the punch bowl and starts to fill the glasses. When she turns away, she accidentally bumps into someone.
She sways, trying not to spill her glasses. A hand flies out and catches hers, steadying both her and the glass. “Sorry! I didn’t get any on you, did I?” she asks as she sets the glasses down to check her dress for spills.
The other girl isn’t a student that Casey’s ever seen, but she looks vaguely familiar. The girl is about her own age and only a little taller than her, thanks mostly to her high heels. Long dirty blond hair falls around her pale face and her eyes are an intense light blue fading into grey. Her cupid bow lips curl into a startled smile. “No, I’m fine Casey.”
The girl’s eyes widen in shock, and she licks her lips nervously. Casey looks at her, confused. She doesn’t ever remember meeting this girl, and now she’s acting awful funny, almost as if she didn’t mean to say her name.
“I’m sorry, have we met before?” Casey asks, trying to remember if she’s seen her, why she seems familiar.
“Ahhh… I’m Shelly. I kinda know Harmony?” She trills off, making it more of a question then a statement.
Her face finally snaps into place. This girl was at the Power Plant the night of her birthday. She was the one buying Harmony alcohol, and dancing with her and the rest of the group.
“Hey, you were—“ but she’s interrupted by the other girl.
“Oops, I think my date is looking for me. Tell Harmony I said hi!” She slips off quickly into the crowd, disappearing into it before Casey can even call after her.
Aiden steps up to her, and takes one of the glasses from her hand. “Whew, finally got away. Hey, everything ok?” He takes her arm and they start to walk back towards their table. “I think you’re right about Cadence. Liking Roni, I mean. I would’ve never guessed. It’s kinda hot though, ya know?” He smiles at the look Casey gives him. “Well, it is. At least Roni looks like she’s having fun with Tom though.”
They get back to the table, and Casey hands Harmony her glass. Casey pulls Harmony over to her, so that they can talk somewhat privately. “Harm, do you know some girl named Shelly?”
Harmony gives her a curious look. “Not that I can think of…”
“She was at the Power Plant on my birthday?”
A weird look crosses Harmony’s face, like her eyes have gone out of focus a little. “Oh yeah, Shelly! She’s pretty cool. She was buying drinks that night.”
“Yeah, her. How do you know her? I’ve never seen her around.”
“I just know her. I mean, I don’t remember from where. But she’s pretty cool. Friendly girl.” Something seems ‘off’ to Casey about the way Harmony is answering. She pulls away, letting Harmony turn back to Jake, while she thinks.
There was something a little ‘off’ about Shelly as well. Her hand was cool to the touch, and her skin was so pale, practically milk white. ‘Was she a vampire? Or am I just over thinking things?’
“Earth to Casey?” Aiden smiles and leans in to kiss her. “Where are you at there kiddo?”
“Sorry, just thinking,” Casey smiles back at Aiden. “Are you having fun tonight?”
“Yes, whenever I’m not around May. How’s your foot? Good enough to dance?” He doesn’t wait for an answer, just pulls her up and starts for the dance floor. May sidles up, drapes herself over Aiden’s free arm and starts to say something. Aiden pushes her off. “May…enough already! We’ve taken a million pictures, there’s nothing left for us to do as King and Queen. I’m dancing with my girlfriend now.” He takes Casey out onto the dance floor as one song ends and a slow song begins. He envelops her in his arms as she leans her cheek against his chest, closing her eyes as they dance. The next song is faster and most of their group, even Cadence at Roni’s urging, joins them on the dance floor. The next few songs are fast, and they all stay on the dance floor, until Casey’s foot starts throbbing again and she has to go sit down.
She, Aiden and Cadence leave the dance floor, and Casey catches a glimpse of Shelly on the dance floor. She points her out to Aiden and Cadence and asks if either of them knows her.
Aiden glances over at her. “Nope, can’t say I know her. I don’t think she’s a student at Holsey, I’ve never seen her there. Maybe someone’s date.” He shrugs and looks back at Casey.
Cadence looks over at her intently, picking up something from Casey’s body language or tone. “No, I’ve never seen her either. Is she someone we should know about? I can go talk to her.”
“No, no, that’s ok. I was just trying to think if I had seen her somewhere, she seemed familiar.” She gives Cadence a slight shake of her head, letting her know not to worry about it right now.
As they sit down at their table, Bianca finally appears, walking up through the crowd. She’s absolutely glowing, and Harmony sticks her hand up for a high-five as she sits down. She returns the high-five, blushing a little now, though it’s hard to tell under her rosy glow.
Veronica and Tom pick that moment to come back to the table, and Veronica shoots her sister a puzzled look. “What was the high-five for, did I miss something?”
Bianca shoots Harmony a look, and that’s all it takes. They both start giggling, and it’s not long before it turns into full on laughing. Bianca waves her hand at her sister, trying to catch her breath. “Nothing Roni, nothing at all.”
Veronica shrugs, and turns to Casey. “How’s your foot feeling?”
Harmony snorts. “It’d feel better if it was up May’s—“ She cuts herself off when she see’s Casey’s look. She grins, “I was just saying.”
“It’s ok Roni, just a little sore.”
Veronica reaches down and takes Casey’s leg in her hand. “Let me see it.”
Casey stiffens, taken by surprise, trying to pull it back. “No really, it’s ok. I’ll be fine!”
But the younger girl doesn’t listen, and soon has Casey’s foot in her lap, the shoe off, and is rubbing her foot tenderly. Casey tries to argue, but it doesn’t last long, she really must have a magic touch, because pretty soon it feels really good.
Casey looks over at Aiden with a ‘What can you do?’ look, and can see him grinning. He waggles his eyebrows, obviously wanting to say something, but he’s politely holding it in.
He does nod over towards the door, where Chance – dressed in a full on Zoot Suit, huge feather in his hat and everything – is holding court with several ladies. “Chance is heading over to his place to start the after party up. I was thinking we could get a few more dances in, then maybe head out that way.”
“It’s a plan, Dennison!” Harmony exclaims. Casey looks over at her, her friend has a rosy red glow herself, and is obviously feeling no pain. She stands and pulls Jake to his feet. “Let’s go boy, we need a little more dancing in the vertical before we finish the night!” She sweeps him out onto the floor, leaving the table to a wide variety of reactions to her words.
Veronica lets Casey’s foot go, and she puts her shoe back on. Her foot really does feel better, it’s still bruised but it looks like the swelling is almost totally gone. “Thanks Roni, it feels better already.” Aiden stands and holds his hand out to Casey, helping her out of her seat. She can hear Roni and Cadence arguing behind her, and turns to see Roni pulling Cadence out of her seat and onto the dance floor.
They walk out onto the floor, and Aiden starts doing a really bad robot, trying to get Casey to laugh. When Harmony sees them on the dance floor, she makes a subtle hand motion towards the DJ, who changes the song in mid tune to a slow song. Harmony smiles at Casey and turns to look at Cadence and Veronica.
The two are standing there looking around at everyone else, but then Roni just shrugs and wraps her hands around Cadence’s waist, forcing her to dance with her. They dance together, talking and smiling and laughing, and while Roni might be too naive to know that Cadence is now on Cloud 9, it’s easy for Casey to tell.
Aiden spins her around, whispering in her ear, “You realize you’re grinning like crazy, right?” She nods, and turns to look over at Harmony. Harmony gives her an air high-five, and they both turn back to their dates. “So, it’s been a good night, right? I won’t accept any less.”
She looks up at Aiden and feels herself smiling crazily. “It’s been great. Really great.”
He kisses her deeply, and she feels the flush burn straight down her body. “Well, it’s not over yet. I know we have to put in an appearance over at Chance’s, but maybe we can leave a little bit early? Think about it.”
The song finally ends, and the couples reluctantly part. Harmony drags Jake over. “Ok Dennison. We have to get over to Mors’ little get together, because I have some really depraved plans for my date, and I’m starting to get itchy!”
Cadence and Roni walk up right about then, and Roni exclaims, “Harmony!” Cadence just stands there giggling, her face rosy.
“Whoo, let’s go people! Let’s collect our strays and hit the limo!”
They head back to their table to grab their purses and the rest of their party. Bianca is sitting at the table talking with Tom, with Fetch loitering nearby. It’s the first time tonight Casey’s seen him around. Harmony leans over Bianca. “Heya Binks, where’s Chris?”
“He met a friend, made some other plans. We ready to go?”
Everyone heads out to the limo, and the ride to Chance’s is even more festive than before. Cadence ‘liberates’ Harmony’s flask, which somehow got refilled at the dance. Harmony cannot really keep her hands off of Jake, but she manages to keep things pretty much PG-13 until they get to Chance’s.
Chance’s party on the other hand, is edging towards the R rating. There isn’t any alcohol noticeably floating around, but given the amount of skin showing, there has to be some somewhere. The music is thumping, and Harmony pulls Jake in and they disappear into the crowd. Aiden just gives Casey a look, and they head in to try and have some fun.
Roni and Tom follow a little slower, and so does Cadence, looking around distastefully. Fetch follows Bianca in, looking around. He says something into Bianca’s ear, and she shakes her head. The mayor’s bodyguards have swapped out again, it’s now the one that Cadence said was a vampire. He remained downstairs, not coming up.
Chance wanders over. “My bro, I’m glad you made it here!” He slaps Aiden on the shoulder and passes him a beer. “Casey, you look good tonight. I hope Aiden is treating you right.” He says it without once leering at her, or undressing her with his eyes. “Have fun, me casa es su casa.” He wanders off to talk to a somewhat dressed girl.
Aiden notices Casey’s look, and shrugs. “I told you I threatened him. Maybe he’ll settle down.” They head out to a dark corner to watch the others dancing. Aiden finds a table that he sits on, and pulls Casey into his lap. He wraps his arms around her, and nuzzles her neck.
“Hey now, you settle down. I’m not Harm, I don’t do the public thing.”
Aiden grins against her neck, kissing it softly. “Could be fun…”
She play hits him. “Be good!”
“Oh, I plan on being real good later.”
She sighs loudly, trying to get her point across. “Oh goodness. Take a look.”
Harmony is practicing her latest dirty dancing routine with Jake. Casey shakes her head in fake shame. Aiden pulls out his phone and starts taking some video, causing Casey to play fight with him over it.
They sit and have fun for a while, but eventually the heat and the lateness of the hour gets Casey yawning. Cadence, Roni and Tom walk up to them. Roni’s makeup has run a little, like she might have cried or something. Cadence is standing behind them, looking absolutely livid even though she’s trying to hide it. She also keeps glancing back over her shoulder. Casey stands up, putting her hand on Roni’s shoulder.
“Hey guys, do ya’ll want to stay. Cause I think I’m ready to go,” Roni says.
“What’s the matter, Roni?” Casey asks, and Aiden stands up.
“Hey, did somebody say or do something to you, Veronica?” Aiden looks around, and Casey can hear he’s gone into protective mode.
“No, I just really want to go. Can we, please?”
Cadence glances over her shoulder and gives Casey a look that says she’ll explain later.
“Sure honey, let’s go. Aiden, will you go find Bianca? I’ll go get Harm and Jake. Cadence, why don’t you and Tom take Veronica down to the limo, we’ll be right there.”
Casey manages to let Harm know something’s up and they’re all leaving, and they meet up with Aiden and Bianca at the elevator. It’s a quiet ride back in the limo. Harmony and Jake spend it making out. Aiden holds Casey, who’s watching Tom hesitantly trying to comfort Roni. Cadence is glaring out of the window, but her eyes keep sliding over to Tom and Roni, and twinge with pain each time. Bianca is softly talking to her sister, trying to find out what’s wrong.
They get to the Carlin-Kane’s and Cadence gets out of the limo and pulls Bianca out, and they talk quietly. Roni smiles a watery smile at Casey, Aiden, Harmony and Jake. “It was a great night guys, thanks so much for everything.” She leans over to give them each a hug, hugs Tom, and gets out. She talks quietly with Cadence and gives her a long hug too. Cadence gets back in, and everyone else waves bye to Bianca, Roni and Fetch as they walk away.
They drop Tom off next, and finally Casey asks Cadence, “What happened?”
Cadence just shakes her head angrily. “Not yet.”
They pull up at Harmony’s, and Harm gives Aiden a quick hug, then pulls Jake out of the limo and inside. Cadence gets out and waits for Casey by the front door.
Aiden leans over and kisses Casey deeply, his hand sliding up her thigh. “Come home with me. Go find out what happened, and come with me.”
Casey sighs. “I can’t, Aiden. It’s too late already, and I have to be back over to Mr. Mors’ tomorrow. And I have to find out what happened. But I promise you, we’ll do something tomorrow night, after I’m done over there. We’ll do something special, ok?”
He looks deep in her eyes, and then kisses her again, letting it linger. “Ok. But tomorrow night, you promised. I had a great night tonight, Casey, and it was all because of you. I hope you know that.” He picks up his crown from the seat and puts it on her head. “For you.”
She feels hot tears threaten her eyes. “I did too. Good night, Aiden.” She kisses him.
“Good night sweetheart.” Aiden closes the door, and they drive off.
Casey walks up to Cadence, who still looks ready to take on the world. “What happened, Cade?”
“Chance. That no good mother was trying to take advantage of V. Had her up on a balcony away from everyone, and wouldn’t let her go. Had her scared to death. I broke his nose, and if it wouldn’t have been for V asking me to leave, I’d have done worse.”
She finally looks over at Casey. “I know Aiden is a friend of his, I didn’t want to involve him.”
“Where was Tom? Why would Chance do that?” Casey asks, trying to wrap her mind around it, taking the crown off and fiddling with it. “I just don’t understand…I mean I know he’s kind of an arrogant ass, but I never thought he’d try something like this…”
“Tom was sidetracked by some other guy who pulled him away to talk to him about something. I saw him later looking for V, and that’s when I got in, helped him find her. I’ve heard he’s pulled stunts like this before, and then browbeat the girls into not saying anything – the ones that aren’t star-struck of him anyway. I had a girl or two warn me about him, at least.”
Casey gives her a big hug. The other girl is stiff as a board, still livid with rage. “Hey, you wanna spend the night? The bed’s huge, you can crash with me. I’m sure I can find an extra tshirt and shorts for you to wear.”
She gives Casey a surprised look. “You wouldn’t mind? I really don’t want to be alone right now, even though walking home might cool me off.”
“No, not at all. Besides, Harmony’s with Jake, so it’ll give me someone to talk to. Come on in.” She leads Cadence into the house, setting the alarm behind her.
They make their way up to Casey’s room, both trying to stifle giggles at the sounds coming from Harmony’s room. Casey goes through the dresser and grabs a shirt and shorts that Harmony left in here for her, and throws them to Cadence. “Thanks.”
Cadence goes into the bathroom, and Casey walks over and places Aiden’s crown on the dresser. She sits on the bed and pulls off her shoes, sighing as she rubs them. She can hear Cadence talking in the bathroom, probably to her mom.
Since she’s taking her time, Casey steps into the closet and changes out of the dress, leaving it to hang from the back of the door.
Cadence finally steps out, her face scrubbed pink and her hair pulled back into a poof-tail. Her eyes and nose are red, and Casey gives her some room to decompress, silently going into the bathroom to clean up and get ready herself.
When she steps out, she sees Cadence sitting on the bed with her knees drawn up to her chest, and her arms wrapped around her legs. “Sorry Case, I didn’t mean to be short with you earlier. It’s just… it’s been a long night.”
“It’s no problem, and totally understandable considering the circumstances. Everything ok? Wanna talk about anything?”
“Nah, it won’t do any good. But I’m fine. Just thinking if I were home, I’d be in the tub either crying my eyes out or…” She blushes, and then nods at all the boxes and bags laid out against the wall. “What’s all that?”
“Just some new equipment I got, for a new job. Hey, if you don’t mind, I kinda wanted to talk about some things.”
Cadence stretches as she nods, and asks “What’s up?” When she stretches, her shirt pulls up, and Casey can see the pale, puckered scar where she was shot.
Casey sits on the bed across from her. “That girl Shelly. There was something odd about her. You said that bodyguard was a vampire. How can you tell?”
“You think that Shelly might be one too?” Casey nods back at her. “Hmm, well, there are a few ways. Photographs – not digital, but film – won’t come out. Sometimes they don’t show up in mirrors. They’re generally cool to the touch. Of course they don’t like the sun much, that’s a given. They don’t like gold, either.”
“Gold? I thought it would be silver?”
“Nah. Silver doesn’t really bother them. They won’t heal from it as long as it’s in contact with them, but other than that nothing. But gold burns them like fire. It’s the sun metal. In fact, it works even better if you left it out in the sun the day before.”
“What else can they do?”
“They’re faster than us, stronger. They can make themselves hard to see. They can influence people, they give off pheromones. Of course some don’t, they prefer to scare people before they attack them. Most are bad news, but there are a few that try to hold on to the humanity they once had. Older ones are more powerful, also more likely to be batshit insane compared to normal.”
“Wow, that’s a whole bunch of reassurance.”
“Sorry, but they’re scary. Lots more things like that out there. Werewolves, demons, ghosts, ghouls, fae. Fangfaces are pretty high up the ‘Oh-Shit’ meter, but they aren’t the only things on there.”
“So, would a vampire be able to make someone say something, without them realizing they’re saying it? Like this Shelly girl, she said she knows Harm, but I don’t really think she does. But I do remember seeing her at the Power Plant on my birthday buying Harmony drinks. I asked Harm about her and she didn’t recognize the name, but when I mentioned the club her eyes…like kinda glazed over and said she knew her. But she doesn’t know where they met or anything. Plus this girl said my name, then got really nervous like I wasn’t supposed to know she knew me. It was weird.”
“Yeah, they could do that. Only the real old ones are strong enough to do the mind-control bit, but even the younger ones are… persuasive. They give off pheromones, make them seem real attractive. If they want to get you into bed, they will. They can suggest things; make you think they’re your friend or something. If that’s what happened to Harm, it’ll wear off unless it’s reinforced. You might want to keep your eye out for that Shelly, not let her get close to Harm again if you’re worried about it.”
They’re quiet for a while, Casey mentally chewing over everything Cadence just told her. Cadence finally gets up and under the covers, sticking far to her side of the bed. Casey climbs into her side, and reaches up for the light, then hesitates. Maybe it’s better to leave it on, considering the subject matter under discussion.
She lies back, and glances over at Cadence’s back. “How… how do you know about all of this? If you don’t mind me asking?”
Cadence is quiet for a long time, before she starts speaking softly. “I was born into this world. I’ve been on the run, almost as long as I can remember. If it wasn’t for my mom, I wouldn’t be here right now. I’ve met the good things in the shadows, and I’ve met the bad things. I don’t know what all might be after me, so they’ve made sure to teach me as much about anything they can, just to try and keep me alive.
“I haven’t had friends… not in a long, long time. Last time I told someone about me, she betrayed me, and I had to run again.” Her voice is rough, and Casey can see her shuddering slightly.
“I’m hoping that now that I’m here, that I can stay here. That I won’t need to run anymore. But that’s why I can’t tell you too much, I don’t want to run anymore… I’m so tired of running.”
Casey scoots over and leans up on her arm, looking down at the other girl. She can see the tears streaming down her face as she sobs in complete silence. Casey bites her lip, not quite sure how to comfort Cadence. She also wants to tell her about the trouble she thinks Roni is in and ask for her help, but decides against it for tonight, there’s been too much drama already. She finally just puts her hand on Cadence’s arm. “Get some sleep Cade. It’s been a long, crazy day and it seems like you got the raw end of the stick for some reason…” Casey’s face crinkles up, realizing that’s not really the right saying, “…or something like that. I have to pick up some gear at school in the morning for this job, so I’ll give you a ride in. Just wake me up when you’re ready to go, if I’m not up already.” Casey lies down on her side of the bed. After a minute, she softly says, “I hope you don’t have to run again, Cade, but if you do, I’m glad I met you.”
