Divine Fury

By Linda Rickard

A critical misjudgement converts Melbourne teenager Cassie Walkers uneventful existence into one engulfed in shame and scandal. All thanks to Alan Pavlich, a wolf in sheeps clothing.

Striking and beguiling, Billy, a new student, commences classes at St Michaels at a time when Cassie Walkers world is upheaved. An unconventional friendship soon forms between the two. Billy opens Cassies eyes to unearthly possibilities, as does the enigmatic tattoo that appears on her forearm. Comprised of black wings, the tattoo communicates with her, guiding Cassie towards her true destiny?to Nemesis?the goddess of Justice and Vengeance.

Earth is not what it seems, and karma can be a real bitch. There is no escape when Nemesis is at play.
Through a dose of some quirky divine intervention, Cassie reclaims her life, seizing each glorious day. That is, until she is forced to make the toughest life-altering decision ever!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Apr 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499000603

Linda Rickard

Linda Rickard is a health professional who likes to experiment in the kitchen. She’s also a coffee drinking acupuncturist and a mother of two. Despite being a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner and massage therapist, Rickard realised that she really wanted to be a writer of young adult fantasy and romance. Her motto is to ‘Make each day count.’

Book preview

Chapter one

B OTTICELLI WAS A true Renaissance genius, and Cassie Walker had always admired the girls featured in his artwork. With their soft wavy auburn locks, peachy complexions, and almond-shaped eyes, they appeared ethereal. To Cassie, they epitomised a vision of pure beauty.

Seated at her dressing table, Cassie looked in the mirror. Vast amounts of sunlight spilled in from a large east-facing window, causing her tangled mess of chestnut hair to glow like a magnificent nest.

Damn those T-zone areas.

Cassie frowned as her grey-blue eyes took in the high sheen of her skin. Hastily she reached for her pressed powder, despising her natural state, her thoughts travelling towards her older sister, Lucy, who was blessed with natural beauty. Not only was Lucy exquisitely gorgeous, she also possessed a high IQ. Despite all of these amazing qualities, inwardly Lucy wasn’t so pretty. Beneath her pleasing veneer, Lucy was unscrupulously harsh. She got her kicks from belittling Cassie, constantly picking on her younger sister’s insecurities. It was all one hysterically amusing game to Lucy, and over the years, the acid which spilled from her tongue had slowly corroded its way through Cassie’s self-esteem.

Although Lucy recently moved in with her boyfriend, Ben, she would still come and go from the Walker apartment as she pleased. Cassie heard a thud and clunk originating from the kitchen. She hoped her sister would leave the apartment without the need for an exchange of words. Lucy’s visits always put her on edge. Along with the stress of her impending mid-year exams, this brought Cassie’s emotions into a flurry. Warm tears began to spill.

Why does crying make me look even more troll-like? Ugh.

Staring at her reflection, she huffed, and wondered why she had worked herself into such a sullen state. She couldn’t wait until her exams were over so that she could bring some fun back into her life.

Build a bridge, Cass.

Picking up her exercise book, she sighed and reluctantly resumed her history studies.

Cassie peacefully dwelled on her grey mood until later that morning. Lucy marched into her bedroom unannounced.

‘Give me back my Bettina Liano jeans!’ Lucy’s delicate nostrils flared.

Cassie jumped, startled by the intrusion. ‘I don’t have your stupid jeans.’

‘Yes, you do, loser. Give them back to me.’ Lucy’s deep blue eyes scanned the room in search of her designer jeans.

‘You won’t find them because they are not here,’ Cassie stammered.

Paying her little heed, Lucy gazed upon the bedside table that contained a copy of Cassie’s favourite book, Myths and Legends. Cassie loved the intricate pictures that featured alongside the book’s classic tales. They were a source of inspiration. With little thought, Lucy sped towards it like a bird of prey and viciously scooped up the hardcover book. Lucy’s French tips arched menacingly over the glossy cover as she gripped at a cluster of pages. Cassie’s breath caught as the goddess Aphrodite peered at her from between Lucy’s fingers.

‘Give me back my jeans or I’ll rip your crappy book apart.’

‘Look, Lucy, I honestly don’t have your jeans. I haven’t even been out of the house to wear them,’ Cassie pleaded, desperation tainting her voice. She hoped Lucy would see reason. Uncertainty washed over Cassie.

She wouldn’t dare rip up my favourite book. No freakin’ way.

Lucy shrewdly assessed her response. Her shoulders slackened; she no doubt believed her younger sister.

Cassie’s insides tensed, noting Lucy’s hands had remained hooked around her book.

Lucy’s breath began to waver, and the unmistakably crisp sound of torn paper filled the room.

Head spinning, Cassie experienced a momentary blurring of her vision. Lucy’s mean streak seemed to know no limits. In a shrieking fit of rage, Cassie lunged forwards. Using the full force of her considerably smaller body, she pinned Lucy against the wall. Stunned, Lucy temporarily struggled as she regained her footing. With little effort, Lucy overpowered Cassie, who ended up on the floor in a crumpled, sobbing heap, Lucy’s bony knee firmly planted on her chest.

Cassie’s right hand embedded itself in Lucy’s lustrous dark-blond locks. Cassie’s clasp was strong, and she fought to hold on to Lucy’s thick and plentiful strands as they threatened to slip through her fingers. With animal-like ferocity, Cassie’s grasp was unfurled. She winced, crying out in pain, certain her index finger had been dislocated. Lucy had attained her freedom.

Pleased with her physical supremacy, Lucy pressed her knee harder against Cassie’s ribcage. Cassie struggled to breathe; her lungs had no room to expand. As Cassie frantically gasped, Lucy swiftly pulled herself away.

‘Don’t screw with me, Cassie. Don’t look at me. Don’t talk to me.’

Warm breath danced across Cassie’s flushed cheeks with each word Lucy spoke.

‘Your fat ass wouldn’t fit into my jeans. Besides, you wouldn’t do the label justice.’

Lucy stood up. Unable to respond to Lucy’s harsh words, Cassie remained fixated on her beloved book. Its torn pages lay sprawled across the floor beside her. The book had been one of the few remaining links she had to her father Peter, a gift he had carefully selected for her. Many cosy evenings had been spent with her dad, enjoying the stories of mythological heroines, gods, and battles. They had featured in her dreams, had ignited her imagination, and it had been her book’s detailed illustrations that had sparked Cassie’s interest in art. Stories of heroes such as Perseus and Hercules dwelled in her head. Heroes of today just didn’t compare. Sure, she’d go to the movies and see the latest Spider-Man or X-Men flick, but she wouldn’t go to the bookstores and buy the book. She preferred the classics.

Memories of cosying up with her father were priceless to Cassie. Precious. She had only been nine when Peter had died, his death yet another unfortunate fatality adding to the Christmas road toll statistics.

Since his death she had continued to enjoy reading about the downfall of Atlantis and Jason’s quest to find the Golden Fleece. Now aged seventeen, Cassie gazed at the vivid drawings because they offered her a chance to momentarily escape back to her childhood and to reflect on happier times in her life.

In Cassie’s mind, Lucy trumped her in every way. Unfortunately, Lucy also held this belief. Lucy had the boyfriends, the cool friends who adored her, the looks, and the brains. Perfection, Cassie thought sourly, not understanding Lucy’s need to bring her down all the time when her older sister had so much going for her.

Following Peter’s death, Elena had become significantly withdrawn, and the relationships within the Walker household had deteriorated, particularly between Cassie and Lucy. Lucy was Elena’s sweetheart, her darling. Lucy could do no wrong. By studying medicine, Lucy was following in Elena’s footsteps, much to her mother’s delight. Elena was elated by Lucy’s academic success.

Unless divine intervention presented itself, there was no way known that Cassie would ever achieve the grades required to become a doctor. Besides, she had no interest in being a doctor. Weren’t two in the family enough? Her sister and mother were free to dedicate themselves towards the population’s health and well-being. Art was Cassie’s area of interest.

Two years after Peter’s death, Elena had sold the family home, re-establishing the Walker family in a stylish inner-city apartment close to her work. With Peter’s passing, Elena no longer wanted a large family home with a big garden. She couldn’t bear for their home to go untended; it had cried alongside the Walker family over the loss of Peter’s love and nurturing.

The apartment’s close proximity to Elena’s work allowed their mother to respond more promptly to hospital call-ins. With Elena spending more time at work, Lucy’s aggressiveness towards Cassie had progressively increased.

Unaware of the time passing by, Cassie remained motionless, feeling like part of herself had been torn along with her book.

I’ll tape the pages back together . . . This really isn’t too big a deal . . .

Who was she kidding? Cassie remained on the floor with her eyes closed and listened to the sound of Lucy’s footsteps leaving the room. It would all come back to Lucy some day; Cassie was sure of it.

*     *     *

Cassie dropped her ballpoint pen and propped her head against the back of her wrist.

Gosh, algebra sucks. What’s the point of it?

Giving up on studying for her mid-year exams, Cassie reached for her phone and dialled Alexia’s number. Alexia was always up for some fun. Ever since their second year of high school, Alexia and Cassie had been inseparable. Neither of them had ever really applied themselves to their schoolwork; instead, they preferred the enjoyment of each other’s company. This attitude had remained unchanged to their last year of school. They were your typical carefree high school BFFs.

‘Hello?’ A heavily accented female voice sounded through the receiver. Cassie had expected Alexia’s mum Thea would answer the phone. Each time Thea’s Greek accent purred, it triggered a smile across Cassie’s lips.

‘Hi, Thea. It’s Cassie. How are you?’

‘Ah, Cassie, very good, darling. How are you?’ Alexia’s mum possessed a beautiful nature. She was the kindest, gentlest, and most selfless person. Cassie had spent lots of time at the Kallis family home. There she always felt welcome and loved. Her haven. The Kallis family, without fail, had always been there for Cassie, in particular Alexia and Thea. Many heartfelt conversations were had at their solid wooden kitchen table over a strong cup of black Turkish coffee and home-baked koulourakia biscuits.

‘I’m good, Thea. Just over studying at the moment,’ replied Cassie.

‘Alexia too, she stopped studying hours ago. You want to come visit? I’ve just made some biscuits,’ came Thea’s hopeful invite.

‘Yes, please! I was hoping Alexia would be home.’ Movement caught her eyes as a cute little sparrow perched on the windowsill. It held a piece of straw idly in its beak as it cocked its head, looking at her with interest.

‘No worries, my love. I’ll tell Alexia. Do you want to speak with her?’

‘No. It’s okay, Thea. Just tell her I’ll be there in ten minutes.’ Cassie jumped up excitedly. The bird seemed to wink at her before it fluttered off.

*     *     *

Two figures stood in front of the large red-brick Kallis home. A loose pebble became lodged in Cassie’s ankle-length boot as she approached.

‘Hi, Cass.’ Steve, Alexia’s younger brother, smiled, watching her fumble with her shoe. All arms and legs, his tall, slim body leant against the Kallis solid brick letter box. Steve was three years below Cassie at school, and had never hidden the fact that he had a major crush on her. He raked his fingers through his thick brown hair, well overdue for a cut, giving him the appearance of a playful pup.

Cassie’s shoulders slackened as she kicked away the extracted pebble. A grin materialised across her face as Steve stood up straight, proudly puffing out his chest. Steve was as thin as a rake, but Cassie had to give him credit for his vigour. Everyone knew she saw him as a younger brother, including Steve. She was very fond of the kid. Nonetheless, whenever his mischievous brown gaze fell her way, his boyish charm wasn’t too far behind. Sometimes, Cassie would take his bait, playing along, doing her best to provoke a girlish giggle. Steve had the most infectious laugh.

She waved at him. ‘Have you been working out, Steve? You’re looking pretty buff.’

Speaking of buff . . .

Cassie’s eyes trailed across to Steve’s friend standing by the other side of the mailbox. He was pretty hard not to notice.

Damn.

Her eyes trailed up his well-toned physique. Cassie’s breath caught as she came across a pair of vibrant green eyes. They sparkled. A hint of a smile materialised across his chiselled face. Her skin flushed. He was truly beautiful. Stunning. Possibly the most handsome guy she had ever seen. Her age, maybe a year or two older?

Who on earth are you?

She was eager to find out.

Steve cleared his throat. ‘I’m glad it’s starting to show.’ He slowly ran his hands down his chest. ‘Must be the protein shakes working.’

The stranger chuckled, appreciating Steve’s humour. Like a cat, his green eyes subtly captured the beam of sunlight dancing its way through the branches of the imposing oak tree that sat in the middle of the Kallis front yard. She found herself captivated by their brilliance; his green irises possessed a magnetic quality highlighted by his dark brown hair and porcelain complexion.

‘Oh. Cass, meet Billy.’ Steve broke her spell. ‘Billy, meet the future mother of my children.’

Cassie laughed, appreciating Steve’s comedic diversion. He really cracked people up. She sucked in a breath, attempting to calm her furiously beating heart.

‘Hi, Cass.’ Billy shook her hand.

Her world briefly spun when he spoke directly to her. ‘Nice to meet you, Billy,’ she said, appreciating the smoothness of his perfectly formed hands.

‘Billy’s just moved in across the road.’ Steve pointed towards the Cavanaugh mansion.

‘Moved in yesterday,’ Billy said with a husky undertone.

Cassie looked at the majestic home. She had always loved that place. The Cavanaughs were the closest thing to royalty in the area. Cassie was certain Mrs Cavanaugh was somehow related to Queen Elizabeth, maybe third cousins? Being well into their eighties, they had recently sold up their historical mansion, a neighbourhood landmark, to return to England. The word had spread that they wanted to spend their remaining years on home soil. Cassie had wondered who would end up purchasing the place. Billy must have come from some serious money, or perhaps even royalty?

Sir Billy.

He was casually dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a grey T-shirt, though; he didn’t look like a stereotypical rich kid. He looked more like a Greek demigod.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Alexia called out to her.

‘Sexy momma!’

Cassie spotted movement from a second-story window. The lace curtains in Alexia’s bedroom gently swayed. Cassie grinned. Alexia had no doubt been eagerly awaiting her arrival.

‘I better go,’ Cassie said. ‘Catch ya, Stavros. Nice meeting you, Billy.’

‘Stop calling me that!’ Steve reached for the back of her jacket and missed. He hated being called the name that was officially recorded on his birth certificate, much preferring the Westernised version.

Cassie grinned. ‘Sorry, bad habit.’

‘Yeah, right,’ he called after her.

Walking up the gravel driveway of the Kallis home, Cassie made her way to the rear entrance. Thea had told Cassie, years back, not to bother ringing the front doorbell, as she was family. Cassie smiled warmly at the thought.

Alexia’s cheeks were red from her dash down the stairs. In her arms lay Paris. Except for the occasional twitch of her fluffy grey tail, Paris lay pathetically limp. She was one pampered and spoilt kitty.

‘Hi there!’ beamed Alexia. ‘Long time no see, sweetie.’

Alexia never failed to provoke a smile.

‘Hi yourself.’ Cassie beamed back and patted Paris’s white cheek.

She responded by arching her furry grey neck further back. Making their way inside, the rich aroma of freshly made coffee filled Cassie’s senses. Oh, it smelled divine. She could always count on Thea to have a decent brew on offer.

‘I hate studying,’ Alexia complained as she placed Paris onto the entrance mat. Paris stretched out her dainty back legs and marched off. ‘I’ve decided that I need to find myself a rich husband. Either that or live here with the oldies to a ripe old age.’

‘I don’t think so, my love,’ chuckled Thea as she reached for a tea towel and playfully flicked it towards Alexia.

‘Well, I’ll do my best to go with option A then.’ Alexia’s brown eyes looked towards the heavens as she let out a melodramatic sigh.

Cassie rolled her eyes at her friend and grinned. Alexia had always breezed through life’s challenges quite easily. Cassie had little doubt that Alexia would struggle to attain her materialistic desires. Alexia was a charismatic person who attracted admirers: a natural charmer. She had the X factor—whatever that was. Cassie was unsure, but she wished she had it too. Alexia’s adorable dimpled cheeks were always stretched out in an endearing smile, and her dark brown eyes were naturally glossy and full of mirth. Once engaged in conversation, people wanted more of Alexia. Cassie had gained so much from their friendship. Alexia’s loyalty was unquestionable.

As Cassie sat down at the kitchen table, Thea hunched over and gave the top of Cassie’s head a big, heartfelt kiss. In doing so, Thea was entangled by her apron strings in Cassie’s wicker chair. Cassie helped set Thea free, though she barely noticed as she addressed both girls.

‘Just try your best, girls. After this, only one more semester of school left,’ Thea encouraged while clinking a plate of biscuits onto the table.

She winked knowingly as Cassie eyed the biscuits with their shiny glaze and sprinkling of sesame seeds. They looked delectable. They smelt great. Cassie picked one up and thought about what she wanted to do with her life as she took a comforting bite.

Elena had long ago given up pushing her academic aspirations onto Cassie. Report card after report card reflected a C average, despite Cassie’s efforts. Such grades would not do in Elena’s opinion; they weren’t sufficient for Cassie to pursue a meaningful university degree. This was a sore spot for Elena and, in turn, a sore spot for Cassie.

‘You’re right, Mum. I can’t wait till our mid-year break. Only two exams left, baby.’ Alexia smiled in relief at Cassie.

‘Yup. Gosh, I’m hanging for the weekend. We can celebrate in style,’ Cassie replied.

‘Stacey’s party is going to be a-ma-zing. There’ll be lots of super hot guys there… What to wear?’ Alexia mused.

Thea shook her head. Cassie’s insides lurched at the thought of openly talking about boys in front of her mum. The closest thing they had come to the subject involved Elena approaching her one evening in her room to discuss safe sex. Cassie cringed at the memory; Elena had been quite technical when explaining the ramifications of STDs and unplanned pregnancy.

Thea had always encouraged Alexia to be open with her without the fear of judgement. This openness put Thea’s mind at ease and strengthened the relationship they had.

The phone rang. As Thea went to answer it, the serious topic of outfits was raised.

‘Should I wear my skinny jeans or a mini?’ Alexia asked.

‘Go for the mini with your brown suede boots,’ Cassie suggested.

‘Yeah, I think I might. You should wear something short too. You’ve got killer legs, Cass.’

‘Um, maybe. I’ll have to see what I’ve got to choose from. My wardrobe’s been badly neglected this year.’

‘Cool. We’ll both wear minis!’ Alexia concluded, interpreting Cassie’s um as a yes. Cassie had rarely made a conclusive decision in her life and, at times, appreciated Alexia’s gentle nudges. Cassie tended to overthink things; she was an analyser. How much time had she wasted pondering over the most trivial of matters? Alexia made decisions quickly. She was spontaneous. Cassie wished she was sometimes more like her best friend.

‘Phone call.’ Thea came in, handing over the cordless. ‘It’s a boy,’ she teased.

Alexia’s eyes narrowed, barely containing her excitement.

Who could it be?

Cassie perused an imaginary list of Alexia’s most recent admirers. Thea walked off smiling.

‘Hello.’ Alexia looked in puzzlement at Cassie as she spoke. Her long lashes fluttered as there was a pause. ‘Oh hi, Nick… Yeah, Cass and I are going to Stacey’s party. How about yourself? You are? Ha ha, that’s so cool,’ she laughed flirtatiously. Alexia closed her eyes and grabbed Cassie’s arm whilst letting out a silent squeal.

Nick?

Cassie continued to listen with interest to this one-sided conversation.

‘We’d love a lift… Uh-huh…’ Alexia squeezed Cassie’s arm a little tighter as she followed through with a little more chit-chat. ‘Great, Nick. See you then.’

Click.

‘Oh-my-God. That was Nick Grima.’ Practically hyperventilating with excitement, Alexia arose from her chair. Her dark wavy hair swayed with her movement.

‘What?’ Cassie giggled, a ‘please explain’ lacing her tone.

Everyone knew who Nick Grima was. Nick had graduated from their school the previous year. He was the absolute ultimate in hotness. Cassie fondly recalled the fun she and Alexia had during their lunch breaks, admiring Nick as he gracefully kicked about the soccer ball. Adorned with sunglasses, they would discreetly ogle Nick’s speedy footwork. Sitting on the grassy embankment alongside the multipurpose oval, they watched Nick warm up and their anticipation would build. Eventually he would roll up the sleeves of his blue school shirt to display a set of golden, toned forearms and biceps. He was one smoking hot dude.

Still is, Cassie mused.

‘I bumped into Nick a few weeks ago when I helped Steve out with his club’s fundraiser. I can’t believe I didn’t mention that to you. I blame it on too much study,’ she said unconvincingly. ‘Anyways, Nick and I ended up selling raffle tickets together and enjoyed a few laughs. Nothing more to it.’ Alexia shrugged.

‘Ha, with you, Lexy, there’s always more to it. Well, you must have done something right to impress him.’ Cassie playfully high-fived her friend.

‘Thanks, sweetie. Nick tracked down my number by looking up Steve’s contact details.’

Cassie nodded, impressed by Nick’s resourcefulness. Alexia’s brother and Nick both played for the Blue Roos soccer club, in different divisions.

‘He asked if I minded! Can you believe that?’ Alexia fanned her face as she attempted to calm down. ‘I felt like telling him he should have called me sooner!’

They both giggled.

‘Nick and Alan are picking us up Sat. night. We are going to be the envy of every girl there.’

‘You mean you are going to be the envy of every girl there. I’m just the tag-along,’ Cassie corrected. ‘Look, I honestly don’t mind making my own way there.’

Alexia frowned. ‘No way! Do you really think I’d ditch you for a guy? We planned to go together and we are going to have a blast. Besides, I think you have a serious chance with Alan.’

‘Alan?’ Caught off guard, Cassie pondered this prospect.

Alan Pavlich wasn’t exactly Cassie’s type. He had short blonde wavy hair, small blue eyes and was quite fair. He exuded a Justin Timberlake kind of appeal, which many girls appreciated. Cassie was more into the tall, dark, and handsome type. Alan was definitely tall, and there were lots of ladies out there who encouraged his advances.

‘Alan’s a babe. Oh, and if you ended up with him, Viv would be de-vas-ta-ted.’

Vivienne Sheldon was in Cassie’s year level and they did not get along. Most of the girls at St Michael’s College were intimidated by Vivienne, except for her inner circle of friends. Alan recently broke it off with Vivienne after six months of dating, taking her V plates with him.

‘It would seriously be worth it just to piss Viv off,’ Cassie replied. ‘Do you think I’d be his type? After all, Viv and I are polar opposites.’

‘Of course you’re his type. You shit all over Viv in both personality and looks. Compared to you, she’s a troll.’

Cassie accepted Alexia’s response. Her friend always managed to make her feel great. Unlike Lucy, Cassie had only recently bloomed. Better late than never, she guessed. With the help of her beloved straightening iron and voluptuous figure, she couldn’t believe how differently boys were treating her. A virgin by choice, she still wasn’t overly experienced in the boy area and relied heavily upon Alexia’s guidance. Grabbing the tray of biscuits, the girls ran upstairs in delight, ready to ransack Alexia’s wardrobe.

Chapter two

C ASSIE WOKE TO rain pelting against her bedroom window. She lived for moments like this. There was nothing like lazing in her cosy and warm bed when the outside weather was lousy. Exams were done and dusted, and she was officially on holidays.

Hallelujah! That’s over with.

Looking up at the bland white ceiling, she stretched out her body and reluctantly got out of bed.

Yesterday’s English exam on Romeo and Juliet went surprisingly well. Chance had it Cassie had attempted a practice exam featuring the very same essay question. She couldn’t believe her luck.

Thank you, World Wide Web.

How people survived during the pre-Internet era, she had no idea.

Cassie had celebrated the previous evening with a Twilight marathon. She was definitely 100 per cent team Edward. Sure, Jacob was buff, but Edward had that intensity about him. She vaguely recalled the sun starting to rise as she fell asleep in front of the TV. At some stage, Elena must have helped her to bed.

Time for some well-overdue grooming, but first Cassie popped her head into her mother’s room. The curtains were drawn; Elena had worked the night before. Working irregular and long shifts, Elena sometimes took hours to fully unwind after work. The likelihood of her waking up before Cassie left was slim.

She crept slowly to her mother’s bed and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. Elena stirred, reaching for Cassie’s hand. Her thumb gently stroked over Cassie’s knuckles; her eyes remained closed. Cassie loved her mother and was grateful to be blessed with such a strong woman in her life. With Lucy out of the house, Elena and Cassie’s relationship had found room to re-form over the previous month.

Cassie was currently in a good place; she was content and comfortable. Not even Lucy’s visits could tarnish the happiness she felt. With Ben at her side, Lucy had been less annoying. She had even shown some interest in Cassie’s life, leaving Cassie on edge.

Elena’s stroking ceased. Her breaths deepened as she fell back to sleep. Cassie gently removed her hand from Elena’s warm grasp and like a mouse, crept out.

Six thirty had come along. After several wardrobe changes and much deliberation, Cassie went for a white miniskirt, her best jeans thrown to the side. Humming, she referred back to Alexia’s advice.

Maybe she’s right, a miniskirt is the way to go.

She wanted to pique Alan’s interest.

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, she assessed the end result.

Thank you, Mum, for these double Ds.

The uber-expensive underwire bra enhanced her shape as she turned side-on, making sure all the curves of her hourglass figure appeared to sit in the right places. Cassie abided by a self-imposed dress code, allowing the exposure of either cleavage or thigh. Both in the one showing were a no-no. Though she played it cool, she liked it when boys paid her attention. Not so long ago, they had barely noticed her. Not so long ago, boys wouldn’t even look at her twice. She had chosen wisely, electing to wear a long-sleeved, patterned top with a high neckline. Neutral colours suited her, especially when she’d made the effort to get a spray tan.

The mobile phone vibrated against the marble vanity. She retrieved the incoming text. Alexia was waiting downstairs to pick her up. Cassie popped her phone in her handbag and collected her bulky overnight bag on her way out. With Elena yet to wake, Cassie left her a brief message on the small whiteboard.

The elevator’s cheesy muzak and lack of fresh air did little to suppress Cassie’s surging adrenaline levels. She couldn’t wait until Stacey’s party. Through the foyer’s glass doors, she spotted Thea’s blue Volkswagen parked directly ahead. She could make out Alexia twisted around in the front seat, passionately yelling at her younger brother seated in the back. Steve wound down his window as she approached. He let out a shrill wolf whistle. Alexia abused him some more. Like cats and dogs, Alexia and Steve were always at it. Cassie waved as she mirrored her best friend’s smile, jumped in and they made the short trip to Alexia’s house.

*     *     *

The girls squealed with delight as the black 4WD made its way up the circular driveway. After a final once-over, they zoomed down the stairs. The doorbell rang. Alexia and Cassie frivolously jumped up and down. They were thankful the boys couldn’t see in. With a flick of her wavy hair, Alexia regained her composure and gracefully approached the door. Cassie fought to suppress a giggle, then gasped as the door opened. There Nick stood under the portico in a loose, untucked white cotton shirt and worn light-blue jeans, his sexy smile finishing off his casual masterpiece.

Boy, that guy can make any outfit look hot.

Her heart raced. Next to Nick was Alan. With his steel-blue eyes, he looked desirable in his own right in a cream V-neck, ribbed T-shirt, and designer jeans. Just about any girl would be proud to be seen out with these two hunks.

All swapped awkward hellos.

‘Alexia, you’re looking great.’ Nick and Alexia exchanged kisses on the cheek. ‘Hi, Cassie. Good to see you. You both know Al.’ Nick grabbed his friend playfully on the shoulder.

‘Can’t believe I haven’t seen you guys since last year,’ Cassie said, her face flushed from standing inches away from her high-school crush. ‘Love your top, Al.’

‘Thanks, loving your style too.’ He gestured appreciatively at her garb.

Cassie beamed at his observation. ‘Oh, this. Just a little something I