Surviving - Rewritten

Chapter Five - Its Nice To Have A Friend

Cassandra Blake

Cassie sat down in a corner booth whilst Becky got the drinks. She still didn't understand Becky and was quite sure that she was either crazy or just didn't have a clue how horrible Lucinda Evans could be.

Cassie hoped that Becky would never find out. Becky was the kindest person that Cassie had ever known, after Cassie's mum that was.

"So, I got you the hot chocolate, and also some cake" Becky put a plate and cup down in front of Cassie.

"Where's your cake?" Cassie found herself asking, noticing that Becky only had what looked to be a cup of coffee.

"Um, I'm not hungry" Becky replied, looking away.

Cassie shrugged, not seeing anything wrong. "Okay"

"So, how long have you lived here?" Becky asked, changing the subject rather quickly.

"My whole life"

"Yikes, have you always known Lucinda?" Becky asked with distaste.

"Yeah"

"You poor thing. So, is anyone nice at Willow High?"

"Not really"

"Damn, so Stefan was right"

"Who?" Cassie asked in confusion.

"Oh. Just some guy who lives near me, he goes to that other high school. He's walked a bit of the way with me to school the last couple of days" Becky said with a blush.

Cassie grinned "do you like him?"

"Well, I mean yeah, I guess. He's way out of my league though. He's tall and beautiful"

"You're beautiful too though"

Becky laughed "you don't need to lie to me Cassie. Anyway though, what are your family like? Any siblings?"

Cassie frowned, noticing Becky's change of subject this time. "I'm not lying Becky. But no, no siblings. It's just me and my dad"

"Ah fair enough. I have an older sister, Ellie. I just live with her and my dad though. What's your dad like?"

Cassie froze slightly. What should she say to describe him? 'Oh, he's an alcoholic who hates me and likes to take his anger at the world out on me because I deserve it?' Maybe not. "He's okay I guess" Cassie replied, digging her fingernails into her arm; just thinking of him made her anxious.

"What's your favourite film?" Becky asked.

"I don't really watch much TV" Cassie responded, 'I'm not allowed' she thought to herself.

"Oh okay. Favourite food?"

Cassie frowned, looking down at her plate to see it was empty, as was her drink. "I don't really have one. I've got to go, thank you for this it's nice to have a friend. Sorry I'm not very interesting. My dad will get annoyed if I'm not home by five though. I'll see you tomorrow, thank you" Cassie rambled, getting up and grabbing her things.

"Oh, um okay. Cassie listen I don't want to force you. If you don't want to be friends you can say so" Becky told her, looking upset.

"Oh no of course I want to be friends. You're lovely, it's just that I don't want Lucinda to hurt you. Sorry if I've been rude today, I'm just not used to someone being nice to me. I really have to go through; my dad won't be happy if I'm not home soon"

Becky smiled again. "Okay, well I'll see you tomorrow then"

"Yeah, see you tomorrow" Cassie smiled.

-

"Please stop!" Cassie pleaded later that night.

Liam, Cassie's dad was drunk again, and he was not happy. "It's all your fault" he slurred, pushing her over.

Cassie winced as she landed on her side. Her ribs were sore from endless beatings that they never got a chance to recover from.

"You're useless!" He shouted, kicking her in the ribs, again.

Cassi winced again but held back her tears. "Please stop" she begged.

It was no use. "You were meant to be home earlier! You have not even made my dinner yet. Why did she have to have you? You're pathetic" he roared, continuing to kick her.

"I'm sorry"

Liam laughed maliciously. "You should be. You are a waste of space. Now do me a favour and fuck off to your room!"

Cassie sighed in relief, stumbling slightly as she tried to make her way to the stairs. She walked up slowly, feeling weak and dizzy.

When she finally made it into her room she collapsed onto bed, glad for the cake earlier for she definitely wouldn't be able to steal any food from the kitchen now.