Missing Footsteps

Our Secret

Warning: Mentions of death, foul language and graphic images
September 9

When Cassandra got back to school, classes had already ended.
I have to hurry so that I can set up that study date with Kai. Gosh, I forgot to ask him what sport he does.
Cassandra decided that it was best to go to the main office in order to come in contact with the sport's director in order to find out what sport Kai takes part in.
After talking to the office's secretary, Cassandra went on to knock on the sport director's door.
"Come in." He said.
"Hello Mr. Crowley, I hope you're doing well. Is there any way that I can find out what sport Mr. Dupont does?" Cassandra asked.
"Yes, but why?" Mr. Crowley asked.
"I have to meet with him right now but I don't know what sport's field he is in right now." Cassandra answered.
Mr. Crowley shrugged and looked through the list of students on his work laptop. "Dupont...Dupont. Ahh Dupont the soon professional soccer-player" he answered.
"Oh! Professional" Cassandra said in shock.
"You clearly do not know him enough Ms. Dos Santos, leaving me in doubt on whether I should have even given you this information." He said.
"I will fairly make use of the information" Cassandra smiled and rushed to the soccer field, to come across Kai and his incredible skills with the ball at his feet as he dribbled past his opponents, pulled a rainbow flick and wrapped his foot over the other to score.
Woooowwww he's good!
After scoring Kai walked back to the middle of the pitch, took a glance to the side of the pitch spotted Cassandra and greeted her with a smile, causing her to return another.
Cassandra waited for the game to end and went up to Kai.
"You were amazing. Like wow, you're extremely smart and also extremely athletic like what!" Cassandra chimed.
"You're too kind." Kai smiled.
"Your sportswear too, all Nike" Cassandra said as she looked at his Nike boots, pants and shirt.
Kai simply replied with his familiar shy smile.
"I'm sorry for being late, I got caught up with somethings. Can we now set up our study date?" Cassandra asked.
"It's okay, I kept myself busy. And yes, I was waiting for you to ask. Is it okay if we get some snacks and go study at the botanical garden after sports?" Kai asked. "I've heard that it is quiet and peaceful there." He added.
Cassandra's breath hitched, "I don't know..." she wavered.
"It's okay if you don't want to..." Kai was interrupted by Cassandra.
"No! No, I do. I'm just not sure if I'll be available after sports tomorrow so I'll tell you something later today, is that okay?" Cassandra asked.
"Yes that's fine." Kai smiled as he attempted to comfort her.
"I'm really sorry" Cassandra said, looking then with eyes that began to sadden. 
"No don't be" Kai said and placed his hands on Cassandra's shoulders. "It's okay, we'll have a lot of time to do it." Kai said with a smile.
"Thank you I..." Cassandra was interrupted by Calvin's phone call.
"Sorry I need to answer this" Cassandra said to Kai. "Hey Calvin" Cassandra said.
"Hey, where are you?" Calvin asked.
"I'm at the football field." Cassandra answered.
"Oh okay, I'm close by. See you now." Calvin said.
"I'll have to go now. Thank you for being so understanding. Can I give you a hug?" Cassandra asked.
"Yes please!" Kai smiled and exclaimed, held Cassandra in a bear hug as his arms wrapped around her back. And her short dark curly hair laid on his chest that was currently clothed by his shirt, the large height difference becoming very apparent.
"Hey Cas!" Calvin shouted as he walked up to Cassandra and Kai sharing a hug.
"Hey, sorry that I didn't see your texts, was busy" Cassandra said after letting go of Kai.
"That's alright." Calvin quietly said as he walked up to the two, where he stood close to them.
"I'm Kai" Kai said as he extended his arm.
"Calvin" Calvin replied and shook Kai's arm.
"So, can we go?" Calvin asked.
"Yeah" Cassandra said to Calvin. "We'll keep in touch" Cassandra told Kai, causing him to reply with a wink.

As Cassandra and Calvin walked to the front of the school, the secret conversation began.
"What was that about?" Calvin asked.
"Well, I'm gonna have a study date with him" Cassandra answered.
"Why?" Calvin asked again.
"Because he needs help with English." Cassandra half answered.
Calvin looked at Cassandra, expecting her to spit more out. "And he's also going to help me with math" Cassandra finally added.
"I'm here though." Calvin said.
"I know and I appreciate that because you've always been there for me, but maybe just a little bit of a change is not so bad." Cassandra heightened her pitch and forcefully shrugged.
Calvin rolled his eyes, "Okay whatever helps you sleep at night" he said. "But I won't act like that doesn't make me feel rejected" Calvin said.
"I'm sorry that I made you feel that way, I'll make up for it." Cassandra attempted to cheer him up.
"Okay, I'll hold you to that" Calvin said. "So, where were you?" Calvin asked.
"You know where I was" Cassandra barely answered.
"Well...what did they ask?" Calvin asked.
"The typical questions, alibi, friendships etcetera." Cassandra answered.
"Did you give them the phone?" Calvin asked.
"Calvin, the phone does not exist." Cassandra said.
"Why are you so set on keeping the phone a secret?" Calvin asked.
"Because I don't want to look like a murderer." Cassandra grew irritated.
"But you're obviously not and they'll see that through your records, reputation and your solid alibi." Calvin said.
"Calvin just let it go." Cassandra said.
"Cassandra just give it to me then, and I'll give it in. It's just not right to have that, it's not yours and it belongs to someone that used to be a part of what is now a grieving family." Calvin said.
"Calvin no! I should have never told you anything more about this." Cassandra said as she began to walk away from Calvin, and to the parking lot where her silver Mercedes Coupe waited.
"Cassandra wait." Calvin rushed to keep up with her.
"What!?" Cassandra asked.
"I apologize. I did not mean to pressure you, I just want the right decision to be made." Calvin said.
"I understand but you need to let me handle this." She said as she grabbed her key.
"Okay." Calvin said, still unsettled.
"Please, let this remain our secret?" Cassandra asked.
"Yeah...yeah sure. You can trust me as you always have." Calvin nodded.
"Okay." Cassandra said and gave Calvin a bear hug, "Love you." She said.
"Love you too." Calvin replied, later watching Cassandra drive away from Windsor High.