Cas: Heroes at Heart

by Maryann Jordan

  He could not deny that she did know Zander. In the last two years since that day she had popped over to see if he would play before discovering he was a teenager with seven teenage brothers, she had become a constant figure at Miss Ethel’s house.

  She treated each of his brothers like her own, receiving their affection in return. Miss Ethel easily slid into the role of female mentor, something Bianca craved. She had even sat at Miss Ethel’s feet and learned how to knit. She may have been younger than the rest of them, but she joined their lively discussions of literature, often challenging them to think in ways they had not.

  Cas was never quite sure of his place in her world. From the moment she stated that she saw him as the huntsman instead of the prince, he felt the need to take on that role. He had met her dad numerous times but often felt that Mr. Winters was distracted, glad that his daughter had a safe place to hang out while he was at work. Her dad lavished love on Bianca but did not seem really invested in what she was doing.

  Looking down at the carved wooden disc in his hand, he knew she was right. Zander would appreciate the effort and the results.

  She sat with her legs bent, arms wrapped around her shins and her chin propped on top of her knobby knees. “It’s not quite the same without him, is it?”

  Shaking his head, he said, “No. I can tell the others miss him, and Miss Ethel is sad but says it was time for him to go out on his own.”

  “That’s the way of life, though, isn’t it? We live, we grow older, and we die. And if we’re lucky, along the way we find love and friendship.”

  His gaze jumped to hers, blue eyes pinned to his. She was only in eighth grade but so unlike any of the girls he knew. Miss Ethel always said Bianca had an old soul. He was never quite sure what she meant by that, but right now, staring into Bianca’s eyes after what she had just said, he understood. It was as though she had lived a thousand lifetimes in her thirteen years.

  He thought back to when he shared more of his story of how he came to live with Miss Ethel. It was odd that Bianca, so inquisitive, would have let him tell the story when he was ready. It was after the initial tale he told her at the cemetery. It was on the anniversary of his parents’ death, and she had found him sitting under the trees. As though she could tell his heart was heavy, she said nothing but sat with him. He once thought that loss recognized loss, and in that moment, he knew it was true.

  He had shared everything he could remember about his parents, and it had felt so good to unburden his memories to her. And just like when he shared his poems, she leaned her head against his shoulder.

  Now, the air hung heavy between them, and his gaze dropped to her mouth. She had been experimenting with a little makeup, and today her lips were slicked with gloss that was lightly tinged red, giving them a ruby glow.

  He jerked his gaze away, knowing it was ridiculous to stare at her mouth. She was too young, and he refused to let his thoughts travel down the path that his teenage body always seemed to want to go. It was ridiculous that now that he was in high school he still had not met another girl that he cared for more than Bianca.

  His thoughts were interrupted as a car drove slowly past, the sound of multiple giggles emanating from the open windows. It was not the first time a group of teenage girls had driven down to the end of the cul-de-sac where Miss Ethel lived, hoping to find some of the boys outside. While he did not think he was anything special to look at, he knew the girls were crazy for his brothers, especially Rafe and Jaxon, who enjoyed the attention.

  “Hey, Cas!” several of the girls shouted as they spotted him in the yard.

  He remained seated but threw his hand up in a slight wave, lifting his chin in silent acknowledgment.

  “Oh, sorry, we didn’t see you had someone with you. It’s too bad you have to babysit today!” The sound of renewed giggles followed the insult, and he jumped to his feet. He sent them on their way with a glare, watching as the car turned the corner and drove out of sight.

  Light fingertips touched his back, and he twisted his head, seeing Bianca standing behind him, staring up into his face. “I’m sorry, Bianca. Ignore them. They’re just stupid girls.”

  She shrugged as she dropped her gaze, “I know. It only hurts if I let their arrows land on me.” Her lips curved into a slow smile and she lifted her head to stare at him again, “You’ve always been my shield. When you’re around, their arrows bounce off.”

  Her words caused his breath to leave in a rush at the idea that he had been her shield, even if it was only with words. Needing to move past the tangle of emotions that had begun to creep in when she was around, he rolled his eyes and said, “You want to stay for dinner?”

  “When have I not wanted to stay for dinner?” She laughed, then glanced across the street at her house. “Dad will be out with Lucille, as usual.”

  Together they packed up his carvings and knives and walked toward the house.

  A few days later, Bianca sat in her usual place on the floor of Miss Ethel’s living room while the boys were all lounging around, doing their homework. Occasionally, one of them would work in their room or at the dining room table if they needed extra quiet or space, but often they stayed in the living room.

  Cas, Zeke, and Asher were in tenth grade, all three having Mr. Paulson for sophomore literature. They were in different classes but had the same assignment, this time studying fairy tales.

  Bianca did not have any homework to do, so she sat cross-legged, knitting. As was her habit, she often glanced up toward Cas, loving to watch him concentrate. If she were honest, she loved watching him do anything. She knew he considered her a friend, and for that she was glad. But to her young heart, she considered him to be so much more.

  “This is crazy stuff,” Cas huffed, looking up from his book.

  Miss Ethel peered at him from over the rim of her glasses, her needles never ceasing in their movements. “Which fairy tale did you decide to write about in your paper?”

  It was not lost on Bianca that he glanced her way before answering.

  “Snow White.”

  Jayden laughed and looked down where she was sitting. “Bianca, do you remember when you thought we were the seven dwarfs?”

  She smiled and nodded, although she felt the heat of a blush creep over her cheeks. Turning her attention back to Cas, she asked, “What crazy stuff are you reading?”

  “Because of the Grimm brothers and the Disney movie, everybody is super familiar with the story of Snow White,” he began. “What I didn’t know is that there are some inspirations that are based in real life.”

  Bianca glanced down, her lips now curving gently. “Margaretha von Waldeck?”

  “What?” Jaxon and Jayden exclaimed in unison.

  She looked up and saw the surprise on the other boys’ faces, interest in Miss Ethel’s eyes, and a slight smile from Cas as he nodded.

  “I should’ve known you would know this,” he laughed.

  Shrugging, she said, “My mom and I would read stories, and when I got older, I would dig a little to find out where some of the stories came from.” She giggled, “I know, I know. I’m weird!” As her mirth slowed, she kept her eyes on Cas. “Please, go on. Tell us what you’re learning.”

  “Well, in the 1500s, Margaretha was a German countess who was forced to move to another country by her stepmother. But while she was there, she fell in love with a prince who would later become the King of Spain. Her father and stepmother disapproved of the relationship because it was politically inconvenient. Then she mysteriously died, apparently having been poisoned. Some historical accounts say that it was the prince’s father, the King of Spain, who opposed the match and had her murdered.”

  “History is not always kind, nor easy to learn,” Miss Ethel said. “I’ve always found it interesting that children’s stories often came from these rather harsh tales.”

  Continuing, Cas said, “One study has come up with over fifty Snow White variances. In the first Grimm brothers’ version, it was the b
iological mother that abandoned her. They say that it was probably later changed to a stepmother so that children would not be so frightened of the story. There’s also an Albanian tale, and Malaysian, Indian, Armenian, and Russian versions. There’s even a Roman legend that’s similar, but it’s pretty rough.”

  “And the moral of the story of Snow White?” Miss Ethel asked.

  “Don’t talk to strangers!” Zeke exclaimed, drawing nods from the others.

  “Unless you can handle yourself,” Jaxon quipped, striking a pose, showing off his biceps and earning a pillow tossed at him from Asher.

  “Classically, I’d say it’s that real beauty comes from within,” Cas replied. “The evil queen was completely concerned with outward beauty but had a black soul.”

  “And it’s good to have friends,” Bianca piped up from her place on the floor, her smile wide. Her gaze moved across the brothers sitting around the room before landing on Cas. “I didn’t move into a neighborhood with dwarfs, but I definitely gained friends!”

  The others went back to their studying, Miss Ethel went back to her knitting, but Bianca held Cas’ gaze for a long time, a warm understanding seeming to flow between them. She finally turned and leaned her back against the sofa and continued her knitting, feeling his leg pressed against her shoulder. And she smiled.

  5

  Ten Months Later

  Cas stood to the side, watching Bianca tearfully hug Rafe and Cael. The next two of Miss Ethel’s boys were ready to board the bus that would take them to boot camp. Joining Zander in the desire to enlist in the military after high school, they were making their rounds of goodbyes.

  Their brothers had stepped up first, then Bianca rushed in, her arms encircling Rafe, accepting his embrace and kiss on the top of her head before she turned to Cael. Still petite at fourteen years old, she barely came to their chests.

  Cas watched as she stepped back, wiped her cheeks, then hurried to his side where he wrapped his arm around her.

  His brothers had saved Miss Ethel for last, and Cas watched as she offered a watery smile to her boys.

  “I’m proud of you,” she said. “Not because of the service you’re getting ready to provide, but for who you are as men.” She leaned in, and they bent to place their ears near her as she whispered.

  Cas watched as they both grinned, their fingers tightening slightly as they hugged her thin frame to their tall, muscular bodies.

  “I’ll remember,” both said in unison.

  She reached up and gently patted their cheeks, reminding them of her love before stepping back and joining the younger boys and Bianca. Soon the bus rolled out of the station, and Miss Ethel handed the keys to the van over to Jayden, giving him permission to drive them home. When it looked like Jaxon was about to protest, she lifted her eyebrow and said, “When you are a little lighter on the accelerator, then you can drive me.”

  Jaxon grinned, well known for his aw-shucks expression that never worked on Miss Ethel but always made Cas laugh. Bianca caught his look and giggled as well.

  Once home, Miss Ethel settled in her wingback chair in the living room and picked up her knitting needles. Bianca sat cross-legged on the floor, her back against Cas’ legs, her own knitting basket next to her, and the two women’s needles clicked, the sound comforting.

  “Miss Ethel,” Bianca began. “I know it was private, but can I ask what you whispered to Rafe and Cael before they left?”

  The edge of Miss Ethel’s lips quirked upward, “You know, I have often shared my love of literature with the boys and firmly believe in the power of the written word. I simply shared with them a quote from a very great author.”

  Cas stared at her, aware that Jaxon, Jayden, Asher, Zeke, and Bianca were perfectly still, waiting to hear what words of wisdom she had passed on to Cael and Rafe.

  Looking up from her knitting, she sent her loving gaze about the room, moving over all of them before saying, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who will decide where to go. “

  Bianca threw her head back and laughed. Her black hair cascaded in a silken sheet down her back, and her blue eyes sparkled as she turned and looked toward Cas before giving her attention back to Miss Ethel. “You quoted Dr. Seuss to them?”

  The others joined in laughter as Miss Ethel smiled indulgently. “I’ve also taught my boys to not be literary snobs. We can find great words to live by in all sorts of places.”

  Bianca leaned against Cas’ legs as her needles continued to click. Sitting in the living room, surrounded by four of his brothers, happy that three of his brothers were off doing what they wanted to do, the woman that had become his mother, and the girl that was his best friend, he knew that life could not get any better.

  One Year Later

  Bianca came back from Miss Ethel’s house, a smile on her face and a plate of brownies in her hand. Lucille did not cook often and certainly never made sweets. “The last thing my figure needs is calories!” Lucille would say before spearing Bianca with a pointed look and clucking, “But then, with unfortunate looks like yours, the extra sweets can’t hurt.”

  Sighing, she wished for the millionth time that her dad had not married Lucille. They had only been married for a few months, but it had not taken long for Bianca to see that Lucille had no desire to be a mother to her… at least not a kind mother.

  Setting the plate of brownies on the kitchen counter, she wondered if she should hide them from Lucille for fear that her stepmother would throw them out. Hearing voices coming from the living room, she slipped off her shoes by the door — another rule of Lucille’s — and padded toward the front of the house.

  “Lionel, I’m working on Henry.”

  She halted, hearing the name of Lucille’s much younger brother who lived in California. She grimaced at the memory of meeting him at the wedding. She had first thought him handsome, but the more time she had spent around him, her description had morphed into smarmy. Lucille had fawned over Lionel, and Bianca had watched as the young man sucked up to her dad. He had also tried to cozy up to her, but she hated the way his gaze moved over her body, resting on her breasts when no one else was around. Ugh!

  “I hate living in this southern suburbian hell,” Lucille continued, her phone pressed to her ear. “With the money Henry makes and what he has in the bank, we should be in a gated community… or at least in a large house with a pool. Yes… yes… I know…”

  Bianca slid back toward the kitchen, not wanting Lucille to know that she had come in. She could not help but grin. Lucille was going to be disappointed. She knew her dad would not make her move while she was in high school. And now that she was in ninth grade, they would stay where they were. She thought of Cas and the years they had together before he graduated. Sitting in the kitchen, she took the plate of brownies and bit into one, loving the chewy, chocolatey goodness.

  “Oh, you’re home already.” Lucille walked into the room. “I thought you’d be over at Old Ethel’s house.”

  Jaw tight, Bianca hated the way Lucille called Miss Ethel the rude name of Old Ethel. “I was but came back to bring the brownies Miss Ethel made for us.”

  “Whatever,” Lucille said, dismissively waving her hand about. She looked at the plate and lifted her nose into the air. “You might as well pig-out on them. Your dad and I are going to dinner.”

  Rolling her eyes, she mumbled, “What else is new?” A sarcastic smile slid over her face as she looked up at her stepmother. “It’s strange that you go out to eat all the time. My mom used to cook the most wonderful meals all the time. Much healthier, you know.”

  A long red fingernail tapped on the counter next to her. Lucille leaned down and held Bianca’s gaze, a sneer on her mouth. “Don’t get too comfortable here, my little princess. Your days of ruling your dad are soon going to be over, and I’ll be the reigning one.”

  Before she had a chance
to respond, Bianca’s dad walked into the house. “Lucille, Bianca! How nice to see my two girls together.”

  Lucille narrowed her eyes at Bianca before turning and, with a huge smile on her face, cried out, “Henry! You’re home early. And I’ve got to change for dinner. After all, I can’t have you be seen with me not looking my best.”

  “Oh, my dear,” he assured, “You’re always beautiful.”

  As Lucille wandered down the hall, he bent to kiss the top of Bianca’s head. “Hey, Princess. You ready to go out?”

  Shaking her head, she lied, “I ate with Miss Ethel, so I’ll stay home and do my homework.”

  “Well, okay, sweetheart, if you’re sure.” He gave her shoulders a squeeze, ruffled her hair, and wandered down the hall after Lucille.

  Her eyes followed his retreat and she sighed loud and long. Closing her eyes, she cringed at the thought of three more years under the same roof as Lucille. Maybe when all of Miss Ethel’s boys have graduated she’ll let me live with her!

  One Year Later

  Cas stood underneath the copse of trees in the front corner of the yard, staring at the moving van across the street. In one week, he, along with the last two of Miss Ethel’s full-time boys, Zeke and Asher, would be boarding the bus that would take them to their respective boot camps. He already had it firmly set in his mind how the goodbyes would go.

  Miss Ethel would hug all three of them and, with tears in her eyes, whisper words of wisdom. Bianca would hug Zeke and Asher, telling them how much she was going to miss them. Then she would move into his arms, where he would finally tell her how much she meant to him. He would kiss her but not on the top of her head. After tilting her face up to his, he would take her lips in their first kiss. And then he would promise that he would come home to her.

  He had imagined that scene so many times in the past weeks that it was as real to him as if it had already happened. But instead, she had come to their house yesterday, her eyes red and swollen with tears.