Dark's Descent

by Basil Bacorn

  “Help?” Cassie asked. “Nah,” Sky said, holding Charlie, “You two look fine down there, anyways, it's Will's turn.”

  Cassie was so happy inside. She was enjoying being stuck to Will, as did he like being stuck to her.

  “Truth or dare, Skyler?” Will mused. “Of course I'll take a dare!” she teased. Will dared her to pants herself as revenge for leaving them on the floor. Skyler shrugged and dropped her pajama bottoms for a split second, before rolling back into Charlie's lap.

  Charlie was scared. This was getting crazy. Pretty soon someone would dare someone else to run naked through the hotel! It was already 1:30 in the morning!

  Just then, Will's shirt ripped, freeing Cassie and exposing his abs. Cassie stood and smiled, helping Will up as well. She took her phone and Will to the window, where she took a selfie with him. Seeing the time, Cassie gave Will a kiss on the cheek. “You better sneak back and get some rest.” Cassie whispered. Will agreed, he was tired. “On one condition,” Will ordered, “send me that selfie!” Cassie obeyed and pushed the boys out the door, keeping their shirts.

  Once they were gone, Cassie turned and said, “How fun was that!?”

  In the hallway, Will laughed. They had visited with their friends and lost both of their shirts. Charlie wanted to get back inside. He enjoyed the fun, until Will and Cassie shared a shirt. Would anyone notice if Will mysteriously disappeared? Eh, probably.

  They got to their room and snuck back in. “It looks like you two had some fun.” Andrew accused. Henry snored. Will nodded, “True.” He jumped in bed with Charlie and covered up. That was the wildest thing he's ever done! And he got no consequences!

  Will's arm fell on Charlie after he nodded off. Was he made of concrete?! Charlie tried shaking it off to no avail, so he just concentrated on falling to sleep. Soon he did, only to be woken up two hours later by the alarm.

  Heading Home

  The next morning, everyone packed their stuff before reporting to the complimentary breakfast.

  “Pancakes!” Cassie squealed rushing to fill her plate. She grew out of a lot of things, but pancakes weren't one of them. Cassie poured syrup over the stack. She then took those adorable balls of butter that certain places have, and rolled a few on top. Giddy with happiness, she sat down. Will brought her some milk to go with her food. Cassie never noticed how much of a gentleman he was until they started dating.

  Though Will hadn't told him yet, he was pretty sure that his guardian was catching on, not that Will cared. He was Prince of the Great Realm of Everlanon, and he didn't care what a puny knight thought!

  Will gave Cassie a kiss on the cheek and sat down. Cassie took a selfie with her big stack of pancakes. The royal couple ate in peace until Charlie sat down. As soon as he sat down, the royal table was opened to commoners, and therefore lost its significance.

  Will loved Cassie. He hadn't said it yet, since they just started dating, but he dreamed of taking her back to Everlanon with him to be his queen.

  Cassie finished eating and took Will up to the eighth floor so they could get their stuff. Up there, Will couldn't wait any longer. He looked around and blurted out, “I love you!”

  Cassie stared at him. He was so hot, and so nice, and Cassie loved him too. She pulled him close and touched his soft lips with hers, pushing him up against the wall. She smelled his ocean breeze cologne and imagined they were on the beach with the sun slowly setting behind them. Was this usual? Did kids always kiss this much? Cassie didn't know, but more importantly, she didn't care.

  Will held her close, and they accidentally bumped noses, as he ran his fingers throughout Cassie's soft, blonde hair. Were they moving too fast? No, love has no speed limit. Whether fast or slow, love is love, and this was it.

  As Cassie slowly pulled away, she opened her eyes, seeing Will's handsome face up close. That was the most passionate kiss she's ever had, and she wanted more. Cassie was going to marry him; she just knew it.

  Charlie talked to Sky on their way up in the elevator. “Do you think it's going to last?” Charlie blurted. “What?” Sky asked nervously. “Do you think Cassie's and Will's relationship is going to last?” he stammered, “I mean, they're moving kind of fast.”

  Sky looked into Charlie's worried eyes. “Perhaps if there is the connection between them that I saw with their first kiss,” Sky confessed, “They could make it work.”

  The elevator stopped on floor seven and an elderly lady held the door open. “Is this thing going down?” she asked. Charlie shook his head, “No, we're going up.” The lady frowned. “Of course you are growing up, everyone does!” she said, still holding the door, “I want to know if this elevator is going down or not!” Charlie looked at Sky. They were going to be here a while.

  Cassie looked around. No one still. She took a breath and felt the warm touch of Will's lips once more. Side to side, they flowed like two birds dancing. Cassie soon found herself leaning on the elevator doors. She took another breath.

  “Oh, so you're going up?” the lady repeated. Sky nodded and screamed, “Yes!” The lady backed up and smiled as the doors closed. “What's next?” Charlie sighed as they reached floor eight.

  Cassie heard the elevator ding, but it was too late. The doors open and in they fell, practically on Charlie and Sky. Sky laughed and said “To answer your question, yes I think it's going to last!”

  Neither Cassie nor Will knew what they were talking about. Will stood up first and held out his hand to Cassie. She grabbed on and Will lifted her up off the floor. She smiled to her friends as they got off the elevator. “Come on, Sky!” Cassie beckoned, “Let's get our luggage! We'll meet you two downstairs.” Will shot Cassie a smile and said, “Can't wait to see you!”

  “So...” Sky put in while picking up her suitcase, “You and Will have fun?” The two laughed. “He said he loved me,” Cassie began, “and I just couldn't stop myself. And that was before the break.” Sky dropped the bag, “There was a break?!” Cassie admitted, “It was brief before I went in again, and I'm pretty sure I love him too, and I want to be with him forever.” Sky ran in place with glee, as if she was an excited fan girl meeting her favorite celebrity for the first time. “I'm so happy for you!” she squealed.

  Charlie eyed Will. There was something about him that he didn't like. Never noticing it before, Charlie just couldn't put his finger on it!

  The two went down to the lobby, where their baggage was loaded for the trip home. Finally, Cassie and Sky came out, and followed suit. The two couples got on the bus in the very back. “Are you all excited to go home?” Sky inquired. They all nodded. Everyone had their own reasons for wanting to go home. For example, Cassie was plotting how she was going to break the news to her parents about her boyfriend, leaving out the kissing, of course.

  Stella couldn't wait to get back to her Magic Mirror, and have her Daddy get her a new Magic Mirror Mini. She had so many questions. Ever since the Philadelphia incident, Stella has been subconsciously questioning herself. She didn't realize that the doubts she has are from her own questions.

  The busses pulled out of the hotel parking lot. They would be heading straight back to the school with a maximum of two stops.

  Cassie looked down at her hand, with her fingers interlocked with Will's. She was as happy as could be!

  On the way home, Cassie and Will talked about everything and anything. They talked about their favorite colors, their favorite books, and their favorite foods. They laughed and smiled, they made jokes and stories. By the time the busses returned to EJMS, they were both fast asleep. Cassie laid peacefully on Will's shoulder, as Will rested his head on Cassie's and had his arm around her.

  Announcements

  Cassie ran inside the door and hopped on the couch. With Stella around, Cassie didn't think she was going to make it home in one piece. Neither of Cassie's parents were home yet, which wasn't unusual, but Cassie thought they would have been waiting for her given what happened. Nevertheless, Cassie helped herself to an after-school
snack. By the time Susan was home, Cassie was finishing her cookies.

  “Cassie!” Susan exclaimed, running to give her daughter a big hug, “I'm so happy you're safe!” “Squeezing too hard,” Cassie groaned, and her mom released the death grip, “At least I can't say I've never been to Philly now!” Susan laughed, rushing to make dinner. They were having Chicken and Homemade Dumplings and it was already five. Five o'clock was when they usually ate, but her husband was running late too, so it was alright.

  At 6:56, Officer James Smith waltzed through the door. Since he became the chief, James often got home late. “I'm home!” he announced. When he saw his daughter, he was so happy. He had thought that he might never see her again. He did exactly what Susan did, and this time, Cassie almost passed out.

  “Dinner's ready!” Susan called, putting Cassie's plate on the table. The two scrambled to get to their seats. With Cassie gone, her parents had some alone time, but really missed Cassie at dinner.

  Dinner was like their family meeting. It was where they announced anything big going on in their lives, and talked about their days. Susan thought it was a necessity to a strong family bond. That night, Cassie had a lot to talk about.

  When they were all eating their dinner, Susan asked, “So other than the obvious, how was your trip?” Cassie beamed. “It was great!” she asserted, “In fact, I have an announcement!” “Before the announcements,” James cut in, “How did you get lost, anyways?”

  Cassie cringed. What would her parents say if she told them that a student tricked them? Should she tell them? “Just a mean rich girl who doesn't like me,” she shrugged, “Mrs. Spencer knows.”

  Cassie's parents looked at each other. They had to tell her sooner or later, and there was no delaying announcement time now. Susan spoke up.

  “We have two announcements ourselves.” Susan began, “We can take turns, you go first.”

  Cassie looked confused. They barely had one announcement, let alone two! What could have happened while she was gone?

  Without a filter, Cassie blurted out, “I have a boyfriend!” James stood up and yelled, “What!?” Susan told her husband to sit. “I had my first boyfriend in fifth grade,” Susan reminded him, “You should know, it was you!”

  James and Susan had been together since they were ten. It was your classic love story. They told it to anyone who asked how long they've been a couple.

  “What's his name?” Susan questioned, “Do we know him?” Cassie answered their questions with a huge smile on her face. She was so in love, but she didn't tell them that.

  “Have you had your first kiss yet?” her mom quizzed. Cassie went silent. Yes, she had her first kiss! That's how the relationship started! She didn't want to tell them that she made-out with him, on three occasions!

  James knew that look, he invented that look! “YOU KISSED HIM?!” he demanded to know. Like any other dad, he was overprotective of his daughter, not that it was a bad thing.

  “I'm sure it was innocent, right honey?” Susan was the kind of optimistic who believed in the best of everything. Cassie nodded quickly. “Didn't you have an announcement?” Cassie changed the subject.

  “Oh, yes,” Susan answered, “I got a job. As your new principal!” Cassie gaped, “How did that happen?”

  Susan explained how Mrs. Spencer hired her, since she was already the head of the board and there was an opening.

  “Anything else I should know?” Cassie badgered. Her parents nodded as smiles lit up their faces. “Cassie,” they began, having rehearsed this moment for a while, “You are going to be a big sister!”

  Cassie looked at her mom. She's pregnant! She was Cassie's new pregnant Principal Mom! Cassie got dizzy. She was going to lose it. She left for three days, and she misses everything! She excused herself from the table and wobbled to her room. She couldn't handle it! She was going to be a big sister! She walked as the room swirled around her, becoming a dark mass. Then everything went black.

  Cassie opened her eyes on a bed. She was soaking wet. Just after she passed out, Susan flipped. She knew they should've told her differently! She jumped up from her seat and grabbed the pitcher of water from the refrigerator and poured it on her, like they did in the TV shows. “What was that for!” James had said, “That'll just make her cold!” Susan was calm in every aspect, except for emergencies. James picked up the soggy girl and took her to her bed. Cassie was always different with news. When her dad got promoted, she first cried, and then did a somersault because he wouldn't be in as much danger.

  Cassie yelled, “You're PREGNANT!!!” The Smiths ran in. “You don't need to know all the details,” Susan stuttered, “but yes, I am pregnant.” Cassie asked if it was a brother or a sister. She didn't really care, either way she was probably going to do their hair and make-up.

  “We don't know, we just found out ourselves.” Susan explained, “We'll find that out later.” Cassie gasped. She had to tell Charlie! And Will and Skyler too! She reached for her phone and texted everyone she knew. She was so excited! Cassie loved babies and kids, and now she was going to have one of her very own! Not really hers, but same difference. She grabbed a cookie, crying tears of joy and gave it to her mom. Susan didn't notice the small tear that sparkled as she put the cookie in her mouth.

  Cassie couldn't wait to take selfies with the baby. She was kind of addicted to them. She took selfies with her friends, her family, her food. When she went places, she always came back with at least one selfie. Considering she only had her phone for some months, three memory cards full of selfies was a lot. Charlie didn't even have that many selfies!

  The next few hours were filled with texts and calls from her friends. They all were excited that there was going to be a new baby to talk about! The only one with younger siblings was Sky, whose brother was already eight.

  That was when she told Charlie her mom was the principal. The only thing he said was 'cool'.

  Stella got an announcement of her own. Due to the high demand for Miracle Hair in a country called Athea Guana, Stella's father was moving his company headquarters there. He was also looking to move his family there as well. Stella didn't want to move. If she moved, all of her work for Charlie would be for nothing!

  Mayor Sanders was going to stay in NYC to finish his term, and then join his family in a year. He was a very rich man, who could afford some extra pounds. He rode a personal transporter everywhere he went. The mayor was known for his ability to waste money on things he didn't need. After all, he always wore the finest clothing, and thanks to his personal stylist, put other mayors to shame.

  The mayor tried to coax his daughter to go along with the movement. Seeing no other choice, he told her where they would be living. “Stella dear,” he bellowed, “Athea Guana is a monarchy, who would love to have us there. They gave us our very own castle, and have agreed to name you Duchess Stella Sanders!” Stella perked up. “I would be a Duchess?” She questioned, “Of what, exactly?”

  Mayor Sanders smiled, “You would be the Duchess of the whole Athea Guana country! Less than the Royal Family, but you would be able to rule over the common folk, and receive a weekly allowance from the Treasury!”

  Finally, someone recognized her talent for being better than everyone else! “I accept!” she squealed, “Have the staff start packing my stuff!”

  The old man laughed. He knew that would do the trick.

  Stella ran to her mirror.

  Stupid mirror that doesn't lose,

  Tell everyone in school the news.

  Blow up their phones with my rejoice,

  And make my love regret his choice!

  Stella had gotten good at making rhymes quickly. She watched as the mirror sent thousands of messages that read:

  'Students of Ezekiel Jacobs Middle School, your favorite girl in school is moving to a beautiful country by the sea where she will rule as the Duchess. She may or may not miss you! And she definitely won't miss Lassie Smith!'

  Charlie grabbed his phone as it rang with mess
ages. He saw one from a number he didn't recognize. After reading it he was hysterical with joy! He ran down the stairs and out the door. Down the street he flew, screaming “SHE'S LEAVING!!!” for the world to hear. However, his excitement didn't last long before he realized he wasn't wearing any pants.

  Cassie showed her mom the message. “Now do you know who sent me to Philadelphia?” Cassie hinted. “Lassie?” Susan grimaced, “She calls you a dog?” Cassie shrugged, “Don't fret, apparently she's royalty now. At least she'll leave me alone.”

  Sky lived a few blocks away from Charlie, so she snapped a picture as he ran by screaming in his underpants. “Cassie has to see this!” Skyler thought aloud, sending Cassie the photo.

  “Do you think Charlie's excited?” Cassie read. She saw her friend running down the street pants-less. Only Charlie would forget to put on pants before going for a happy run.

  Summer Camp

  Cassie enjoyed the rest of her sixth grade year, overjoyed that Stella was gone. She graduated with straight A's, of course. On the last day of school, there was presentation.

  “What are you planning to do this summer?” the man asked. Cassie had no idea, her summers were usually uneventful. “How about a week long, Coed Summer Camp!” he suggested. Cassie thought that was a cool idea, and for once in her life, didn't zone out.