by Basil Bacorn
The firemen tried to stop the fire from spreading to other buildings by spraying them down. By now, everyone had been evacuated safely from the area except for Cassie, Will, and the two teachers.
Mrs. Spencer and Susan showed up as they continued to fight the fire. It looked as if the fire was going to burn the school to the ground. The main doorway collapsed trapping the adults inside, it was unlikely that they were even still alive.
“What happens tomorrow mom?” Cassie asked, trying not to think of the fire. Susan shushed her daughter. They stood in silence as the school burned.
Inside the inferno, the closet blazed. It glowed brightly and with a big flash, it blew up Alice's room with another loud boom.
Another boom, and the entire south section blew up. Cassie winced in pain as she imagined that she was still in the room. Boom. The sound replayed in her head. Boom.
When the sun rose the next day, the school was replaced with a pile of rubble and ash. The smoke still rolled from the ruins, as the school board met in the high school to address the issue.
“Okay then,” Susan announced to the board, “Mrs. Spencer suggested that we use the high school until we rebuild the middle school. All in favor, say 'I'.” The board all said 'I' and it was official. The middle schoolers were now to be shoved in Gilbert Hoffman High School.
When Cassie heard the news, she was crying. Neither Mr. Braddock's nor Alice's bodies were found, and they were assumed dead. Where would Will go? His father died, and he had no relatives to take him. Cassie was really worried that he would be put in the foster system and they would have to break up.
When Cassie told her mom the dilemma, Susan thought for a while. Her daughter would be depressed!
A few days later, Will had been allowed to stay with the Smiths until the court decided his fate. There was an unnamed woman who insisted on adopting him, who the court was doing background checks on. Cassie was hopeful. The lady lived in NYC, and if she did adopt Will, he would still be in her school!
The woman was cleared, and it was time for Will to meet his new mother. They set up a time where Will could meet her with Cassie for support.
At 5:15, the Smiths received a knock on their door. Cassie looked at Will, it was his new parents! They opened the door, and we're shocked. It was Mrs. Spencer! She came in and explained how Susan gave the idea so Will wouldn't be ripped from his own life. Mrs. Spencer was ecstatic! She always wanted to be a mother, but it didn't work out. Now she had a shot.
Cassie was so happy, that she gave Mrs. Spencer a big hug! She knew now that her and Will would surely be together forever!
Twins!
It was February and the babies were due anytime. Yes, babies. When Susan had gone for her first ultrasound, it was revealed that she was having twins! She was expecting a boy, and a girl. Ever since, James and Susan were frantically rushing around, getting ready for the babies.
Cassie had thrown a baby shower in January, and invited a ton of people. If she was going to have twin siblings, she had to be ready!
It was now February 22, 2012, and Cassie just turned 12 years old last August. Susan woke up around eleven. Her water broke.
She shook her husband awake and whispered, “It's time.” James shot out of bed and got Cassie up with a loud “Babies are coming!” He acted as if this was his first time!
Susan walked out to their living room and called Charlie's grandma. Betty had agreed to drive Susan to the hospital when the time came, because they didn't own their own car.
Betty hung up the phone and called to Charlie. “Cassie's mom is ready! Coming?” she shouted. Charlie came running down the stairs and was in the minivan before his grandma made it to the door. She got in the driver's seat and drove to Cassie's.
James was still running around when Betty arrived, and Susan got in the front. James jumped in the middle seats while wrestling the babies' carriers, and Cassie joined Charlie in the far back. “Don't you think my dad is panicking.” Cassie whispered. “Nah.” Charlie answered, looking at his shoeless feet. Cassie giggled.
Betty pulled out and left for the hospital. She soon arrived at the emergency room and James flew in, leaving his wife in the dust. Susan followed him in with Betty, Cassie, and Charlie.
At 11:59, on February 22, Vander Lewis Smith was born, and on 12:01 the next day, Vanessa Monica Smith was born.
Cassie entered the hospital room, and Susan said, “Congratulations, you are officially a big sister. Wanna hold them?” Cassie nodded and took first Vander, and then Vanessa. She was too scared to hold them at the same time.
Eighth Grade In High School
Cassie was now in eighth grade. The rest of seventh grade was boring, and they never did finish the new middle school in time for eighth grade. Will was living happily with his new family, and his father’s death didn't seem to affect him that much, which surprised Cassie.
Alice was found guilty of torching the school, but they took no legal action due to her being deceased. Instead, the new mayor, who was way better than Sanders, gave the school the funds needed to build a better building.
The High School had 3 floors, so the rooms were compressed, and the middle schoolers were shoved on floor one, and the high schoolers moved to floors two and three.
With almost three thousand students in one building, it was very inconvenient. People hated Mad Alice for burning down the school, as half of the middle schoolers didn't have desks.
Cassie and Will were in Miss Hartenburg's math class, doing Algebra until they cried. Not literally, but that's how Cassie felt. The new middle school wasn't due to be finished until next year, so this would be her last year of suffering, but she was still cranky. The only good thing was that Will and her got to spend tons of time together. They sat together in Algebra, mainly because they shared a desk. Thanks to Cassie's Aunt Linda, she had some say to where she sat. Will and Cassie would hold hands under the desk while they worked, and Miss Hartenburg never suspected a thing!
Meanwhile, Chyler still was a thing, although Charlie stared to give up. No matter how hard he tried, he just didn't like Sky in that way. He liked Cassie! After everything she's been through, he wished he could be there for her. Hold her when she cried, make her laugh when she was sad, and most importantly, calm her down when she was angry. Charlie noticed a long time ago that when Cassie got mad, very few people could calm her, and he was one. He felt as if somewhere, she liked him, but he knew it wasn't true, especially now that she was with Will.
One day, Miss Hartenburg saw Will and Cassie holding hands. Being herself, she decided to tease her niece a bit. “Hello Cassie,” she said in a sing-song voice, “Got a boyfriend I see?” Cassie hadn't told her aunt about Will yet, so the accusation made her blush.
“Blush much?” she teased as she turned to Will, “May I just say, sir, you sure do know how to pick ‘em!” Cassie was as red as a raspberry. The class laughed. Aunt Linda pinched Cassie's cheek. Cassie simply put her head down. She secretly liked being teased by her aunt. Miss Hartenburg ended with a big “AWW!” and everyone went hysterical.
Will laughed as Cassie slowly slid down in her seat. She had such a great sense of humor! He was so glad that Mrs. Spencer adopted him, so he didn't have to break up with his true love! What he wasn't a fan of was trying to remember to write Will Spencer on all of his work in place of Will Braddock. Soon, it will be Prince William Henry Oscar Albert Eindhoven Rindenton, officially making his initials W.H.O.A.E.R. as in he made everyone go 'whoa', hence 'whoa-er'. That always made Will laugh.
Remembering Cassie, he grabbed her head and pretended to pull her back up, and she played along.
Miss Hartenburg put her head in her hands. Kids these days!
Charlie sat in history, missing Mr. Braddock. He was way better than the new guy. Or should he say old guy, he had to be 100 years old! Since when did they decide history should teach history!
Charlie started thinking about Sky, hoping he could save Chyler. It was like everyone wanted the
m to be together, but it just didn't click with him! She was adorable and all, and she was nice too, but he didn't want to be with her. He was told by his grandfather, 'If you ever find yourself questioning your love, think of this: if you look into your future, ten, twenty years, who can you not imagine life without? That is who you truly love.' Charlie did what he said. He looked into his future. Him and Sky were married, but Cassie was there too. He tried to imagine life without Skyler, and it was easy. Then he envisioned life married to Cassie, and he was happy. They lived together with their family, but he was just happy to call her his wife. Charlie remembered what his grandpa said and tried to imagine life without Cassie. He tried, and tried, and tried, and then someone tapped on his shoulder. “Mr. Myers,” the history teacher said, “If you have to go, sign out and go to the restroom.”
The bell rang and it was time for Cassie and Will to go to lunch. They had the same lunch as Sky and Charlie, since lunches were arranged by grade. Will and Cassie went through the line and went to their regular table. Charlie sat down next and then Sky. No one talked, yet.
'Break up with Skyler'. Charlie repeated the thought in his head over and over again. He really hated acting that they had a connection, when any chance of that was long gone! 'Break up with Skyler' he thought again.
Sky hadn't told Charlie yet, but she was in love. She was completely head over heels, in love. Sky wanted to tell him, but she was scared that she would scare him off. They've been dating since 6th grade. Will and Cassie had hit it off fast! Chyler wasn't like that, unfortunately. It took time, and Sky was now certain. She loved Charlie, not just for his looks, but his warm personality that couldn't hurt anyone's feelings if he wanted to.
Cassie noticed Charlie acting strange. He hadn't touched his lunch yet, and was moving his head from side to side, like he was arguing with himself. Charlie was weird, but it was a different weird today.
Will smiled. Cassie was studying Charlie's strange actions and he absolutely loved her doing it. The curiosity burning in her eyes, wracking her brain, as beautiful as ever!
Charlie shoved a meatball in his mouth and chewed feverishly. He must end Chyler! But how? How could he break up with her without hurting her?
Sky imagined walking down the aisle to Charlie. She knew it was Chyler forever now! If Charlie had ended a while ago, she'd been sad, but would have gotten over it quickly. On the other hand, though, if he ended it now, she would be crushed! She'd hear her heart snap in two as her love ripped Chyler in half! She doesn't know whether she'd be depressed, or fly into a rage, but either way, she most definitely would have her feelings hurt. Even if he did it gently!
Perhaps if Charlie broke up with her gently, she'd take it okay, and understand that it wasn't meant to be.
Will noticed the complete opposite moods of Chyler, and decided to end the silence. “Isn't Cassie beautiful!” he blurted. Not exactly the best way, but it worked.
Of course Cassie is beautiful! Charlie loved every detail of her! She was by far the most beautiful girl he's ever seen. “She's pretty, right Sky?” Charlie answered nonchalantly.
Yes, absolutely! Sky was not afraid to admit it, because it was a cold hard fact. Cassie was very beautiful. “Yeah,” Sky nodded, “You're very pretty.”
Will! Why did he start this compliment fest? Cassie began to blush for the second time today. “Thanks!” she mumbled, “You're too nice.”
Do it now! Break up with Skyler right now! Charlie opened his mouth and shoved another meatball in. Checking his watch, he found that not even five minutes had past.
Charlie texted Will under the table. It read 'I can't date Sky anymore, I don't like her like that, Chyler has to end! Help me!'
Will's phone buzzed and he looked at the text. What! If Chyler split, who knows what would happen! Dozens of girls still crushed on Charlie, and if he became available, they would have drama galore! Plus, what would Sky do. Will looked at Charlie who showed him a pleading puppy dog face. Will texted him back. 'If you really have to, just tell her how you feel, and that you hope you can stay friends. Will sent the text and braced for impact.
Charlie read the text, and shoved his last meatball in his mouth. Chew, chew, chew. He was a nervous eater. He swallowed the meatball and started to talk.
“Sky,” Charlie stammered, “You're a great friend.”
Cassie gaped. Will held her hand. Sky shot up, and her chair fell backwards.
“Are you breaking up with me?” she squeaked, “You're breaking up with ME!” Sky glared at Charlie, burning a hole in his soul. Sky ripped off her glasses and threw them to the ground. “You're breaking up CHYLER!” she screamed, catching everyone's attention, “How dare you! You walking toothpick!”
'That was hurtful' Charlie thought.
“Sky?” Cassie piped, “Calm down?” Sky glared at her. “You're telling me to calm down?” she yelled, “At least I never killed someone!”
Everyone in the cafeteria started whispering amongst themselves. No one knew about Camp Silver Shadow
Cassie fumed and without thinking she screamed, “That was supposed to be a SECRET!” Oops. Cassie looked around at all of the scared faces. Did she just admit to murder? By then, a teacher had called Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Spencer.
“Skyler!” Cassie steamed, “Leave right now, you just lost yourself a friend.” Sky gave her an evil look. Cassie shot back with an eviler look.
While this was happening, Charlie was cuddled in a ball. He was always afraid of Sky and Cassie arguing, since they had such big tempers. It was probably his biggest fear.
Mrs. Spencer was at a sprint. When she heard Cassie was involved, she knew it might be bad. Cassie was a good student. She was a good person all together, but her temper could be very dangerous.
Sky stood strong. There was no way she was going to let Cassie scare her. Will was trying to calm her down, but she didn't notice.
“Sky!” Will whispered, “Run!” No one knew what Cassie was capable of, nor did they wish to find out. She did kill a man after all.
Sky looked directly at Will and said two words. “Shut up.” Cassie jumped on the table and screamed, “Leave him alone!” Sky backed up and said, “Murderer.”
Cassie leapt from the table and punched Sky in the face. Will ran over to stop her, until he saw her face.
“Charlie!” Will whispered, “You are the only one who I know can calm Cassie down. Please stop her before-” Charlie got up and walked over to Cassie, very slowly. By now, everyone had scattered to the walls.
“Cassie?” Charlie called, “Please stop.” Cassie whipped her head around and saw Charlie's big, bright blue eyes, big and watery. Charlie continued, “Please.” A small tear rolled down Charlie's cheek and Cassie looked around at everyone. They were all scared to death. She had freaked them all out.
“I'm so, so sorry!” Cassie cried, turning the other way and darting towards the exit.
Mrs. Spencer was almost to the cafeteria, when she shot by, almost running into her mom. Susan looked at Mrs. Spencer and they ran after her.
Charlie and Will ran after her as well, leaving Sky alone in the center of attention. Once the door shut, everyone looked at Sky, already bruising from Cassie's punch to the eye. “What are you looking at?!” she squawked, “Don't act like I'm the bad guy! You saw what she did! You heard about the murder!” Everyone stared at her. “She killed a man named Sid Saxton! She just punched me in the eye!” Sky yelled, “She's messed up! Anger issues! You don't know who she'll go at next! It could be any of you!”
“Charlie calms her down,” Miley announced, “Who calms you down?”
“What is wrong with you!” Sky screamed, “I'm the nicest girl in school! She's some freak who can't be trusted! She's a MONSTER!!!”
Dr. Harrison was on duty. “That's enough, Sky!” she ordered, finally having enough confidence to speak up. Sky hollered in exasperation and stormed out of the cafeteria.
Cassie ran out of the school. She didn't want to be judged anymore. She d
idn't want to hurt anyone else.
Mrs. Spencer and Susan followed her outside. Why did they have to wear heels?
“Do you know where she might be going?” Mrs. Spencer asked Susan. She knew. Charlie knew. Will knew. “Dock 6.” Susan answered, “It's her special spot.” Mrs. Spencer nodded and headed to her car. Will and Charlie followed.
“Get in!” the superintendent ordered. She knew it was against the rules, but she didn't care. If Charlie and Will could help with a potentially life threatening situation, she'd take them out of school any day!
They pulled in front of Harrison's Boatyard and got out. There stood Cassie, on Dock 6. “Stay away!” Cassie cried, “I'm not ready to be around people!” Cassie knew that was a lie. She wanted Charlie, but she was afraid Will would get the wrong idea if she asked for him. She loved Will, but Charlie was special. She didn't know why, but she wanted him with her.
“I'm going in,” Charlie said, not waiting for an answer. He walked over and stood on the edge of the dock. Cassie didn't yell, so he continued. He knelt next to her and whispered, “Thank you.” “For what!” Cassie wailed.
“Thank you for saving us, thank you for caring,” Charlie continued quietly, “Thank you for being you.” Cassie looked up and smiled, tears running down her face. She stood up and followed Charlie to the vehicle. Will smiled at her. Cassie jumped at him with a big, tight, hug. “I love you.” she whispered.
